Books matching: progression fiction
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- #1
Young Nicole Ashford led an idyllic life in Surrey with her wealthy parents and her twin brother until a boating accident one summer took them from her. Made the ward of an uncaring and barely related aunt and uncle who only want her fortune, and learning of their plans to marry her off to their ne'er do well son, at 13 Nicole dons the disguise of a young boy and runs away to sea as the cabin boy for an American privateer, Captain Saber. For 5 years, she sails with him as a boy, Saber paying her little attention. Then, when she is 18, Saber observes her swimming naked on a tropical beach and decides he wants her for his mistress. He bides his time and when Nicole and a seaman who is really a British spy decide to destroy English codebooks Saber has captured, they are caught. Using the life of the English seaman as a bargaining chip, Saber forces Nicole to become his mistress, until the American on a mission to spy for his new country decides to sail home, resuming his identity as Christopher Saxon, grandson of a baron. And so begins a complex, worthy tale of adventure, rich history both England's and America's and a love that could not be denied.
Set in England during the years 1808-1814, this is one of those rare and wonderful love stories that sweeps you away to another time and place where you are caught up in the lives of people whose actions will affect not only their own and others' lives but America and England during the War of 1812. Deception and treachery born years ago lead to revenge and then to heartache. Busbee uses real characters, such as the pirate Jean Lafitte, to bring realism to her story as she seamlessly weaves history into a compelling tale. It's what I call a dense historical one where the writing is so complex and so tight you're getting double the story you'd expect in the 538 pages.
It was one of those warm, lazy days in August that occasionally caressed the gentle hills and valleys of Surrey, near the small village of Beddington's Corner. The sunlight was streaming into Nicole A... - #2
'Iron Prince' by Bryce O'Connor follows the protagonist, Reidon Ward, as he navigates a world where users strive to become the strongest. The story combines elements of progression fiction and action-packed dueling style combat within a unique sci-fi setting. Readers are drawn into Reidon's journey towards his ultimate destination, witnessing his drive and determination to achieve his goal despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way. is praised for its captivating plot, solid writing, and well-developed characters, making it a compelling read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
“The Simulated Combat Tournaments developed by the Intersystem Collective Military are arguably mankind’s greatest form of entertainment. Complex engagement training at the core of their design, since... 'The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton' by Jane Smiley follows the protagonist, Lidie, through her journey in the Kansas Territory and Missouri during the Border War period. Lidie's experiences as a free stater amidst the conflicts of slavery and violence in the antebellum American era are vividly portrayed. The narrative provides a glimpse into the historical context of Bleeding Kansas, with a focus on the challenges faced by early settlers and the turmoil leading up to the Civil War. The story is rich in historical research, offering readers a relatable and compelling account of Lidie's trials and tribulations in a dangerous and tumultuous time.
I HAVE MADE UP my mind to begin my account upon the first occasion when I truly knew where things stood with me, that is, that afternoon of the day my father, Arthur Harkness, was taken to the Quincy ...- #4
The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.
A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so... - #5
"The Third Wife" by Lisa Jewell follows the story of Adrian Wolfe, a man who has been married three times and has multiple children from his different marriages. The plot revolves around the mysterious death of Adrian's third wife, Maya, and the revelations that surface after her tragic accident. As Adrian delves into his past relationships and family dynamics, he uncovers unsettling truths about his own actions and the impact they have had on his loved ones. The narrative explores themes of family life, complicated relationships, self-deception, and the consequences of past decisions, all while maintaining a sense of suspense and mystery throughout the storyline.
They might have been fireworks, the splashes, bursts, storms of colour that exploded in front of her eyes. They might have been the Northern Lights, her own personal aurora borealis. But they weren’t,... - #6
Set in 1950s Paris, 'The Dud Avocado' follows the adventures of Sally Jay Gorce, a high-spirited American woman who embarks on a two-year escapade funded by her rich uncle. Sally Jay navigates the vibrant Parisian scene, from nightclubs to art shows, encountering debauched aristocrats, artists, and love interests along the way. Elaine Dundy's smart and humorous writing style captures Sally Jay's escapades with wit and perception, making her a funny and independent heroine of the 1950s. The novel presents a mix of decadence, humor, and self-discovery as Sally Jay's carefree lifestyle leads her to confront the realities of her future.
IT WAS A hot, peaceful, optimistic sort of day in September. It was around eleven in the morning, I remember, and I was drifting down the Boulevard St. Michel, thoughts rising in my head like little p... - #7
Faithful by Alice Hoffman is a poignant tale following Shelby Richmond, a young woman haunted by survivor guilt after a tragic car accident that leaves her best friend in a coma. The story delves into Shelby's journey of self-forgiveness, healing, and redemption as she navigates through grief, guilt, and recovery. Through the symbolism of love for animals, friends, and family, the book explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit. Hoffman's writing style captures the emotional rollercoaster of Shelby's life, drawing readers into a world of complex characters and heartfelt storytelling.
The one person who has never been included in the anniversary events, not the safe driving assembly at the school, or the candlelighting ceremony on the corner of Main Street and Route 110, or the pra... - #8
Satellite Love by Genki Ferguson is a beautifully written novel that delves into the Japanese culture, exploring themes of love, loneliness, faith, and human connections. The story follows Anna, a young Japanese woman who finds solace in her connection with the Low Earth Orbit satellite, believing it communicates with her. As she navigates the challenges of caring for her grandfather with dementia, the novel weaves together elements of Japanese gods, prayer, and introspection, offering a unique and imaginative narrative. The writing style is poetic and introspective, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.
It’s true. You see medical diagrams of the body sometimes, the ones where we’re stuffed full with kidneys, gallbladders, lungs, and it’s easy to get the impression that there’s no space left inside. B... - #9
The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat is a surreal and dark novella that follows the descent into madness of an unnamed protagonist who may be mentally ill or under the influence of opium. The story revolves around his obsession with a mysterious woman, his hallucinations, and his struggle to distinguish between reality and dreams. The writing style is described as mind-bendingly surreal, intensely beautiful, and filled with symbolism that blurs the lines between myth and horror.
It is impossible to convey a just idea of the agony which this disease can inflict. In general, people are apt to relegate such inconceivable sufferings to the category of the incredible. Any mention ... - #10
In "Railsea" by China Mieville, readers are taken on a thrilling adventure in a futuristic world where trains traverse a vast railsea, hunting giant land-dwelling creatures akin to whales. The story follows Sham, a young doctor's apprentice, as he becomes entangled with a captain on a quest to hunt a legendary yellow mole. The narrative is a blend of "Moby Dick" and "Water World," filled with tension, suspense, and unique world-building details that keep readers hooked. Mieville's writing style is described as fast-paced, fun, bursting with ideas, and linguistically idiosyncratic, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
Here. Weeks out, back when it was colder. The last several days spent fruitlessly pootling through rock passes & in the blue shadows of ice cliffs, late afternoon under a flinty sky. The boy, not yet ...