Books matching: relentless storytelling
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- #1
Save:'Angel of the Abyss' by Ed Kurtz is a suspenseful thriller that intertwines two timelines, one set in the present day and the other in 1926 during the scandalous era of silent cinema. The story follows Graham Woodard as he is tasked with restoring a lost silent film, 'Angel of the Abyss,' which leads to uncovering sinister secrets and a series of murders related to the film and its starlet, Grace Baron. The narrative alternates between different perspectives, keeping the pacing lively with plenty of action and red herrings along the way. Kurtz's writing style seamlessly blends the two timelines, creating a gripping and engaging reading experience that delves into the mysteries surrounding the film and its characters.
'Angel of the Abyss' offers readers a thrilling neo-noir experience with great pacing, vivid descriptions, and a captivating plot that keeps them engaged throughout the story. The novel explores the dark side of Hollywood in the 1920s, adding a historical backdrop to the suspenseful murder mystery. Kurtz masterfully weaves together the various plot threads, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue, danger, and unexpected twists. The book's relentless storytelling keeps the reader hooked, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction and suspense thrillers.
- #2
Save:'Last Exit to Brooklyn' by Hubert Selby Jr. is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of life in the projects of Brooklyn in the 1950s. The book delves into the sordid side of American culture, depicting poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual perversion, painting a stark contrast to the wholesome image often associated with that era. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the novel explores the lives of vile low-life criminals, hookers, drag queens, dealers, and addicts, offering a relentless journey into America's underbelly post-WWII. Selby's writing style is described as raw, crude, and dark, capturing the gritty reality of urban life with searing detail and unfiltered honesty.
The characters in 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' are portrayed as deeply flawed and often despicable, engaging in acts of violence, abuse, and degradation. Selby's narrative weaves together these individual stories, showcasing the struggles and dreams of people living on the margins of society in Brooklyn. The book presents a stream of consciousness account of urban life, with each character's experiences adding layers to the overall depiction of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite the grim subject matter, the novel is praised for its powerful storytelling and the unapologetic way in which Selby captures the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a... 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M.R. James is a classic Christmas ghost story that follows Professor Parkins, a young man on a golfing holiday, who discovers a mysterious whistle in some ruins. Upon blowing the whistle, he unleashes a horrifying event that leads to a chilling encounter with a dark shape. The story is written in a traditional ghost story manner, with a dark and foreboding atmosphere that builds up suspense throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds slowly and inexorably, keeping readers gripped until the end.
The writing style of M.R. James in this book is praised for its attention to detail, which brings the characters to life and creates a contemporary feel despite being published in 1904. The beginning and middle of the story are highlighted for their outstanding job in building suspense, while the ending is noted as leaving a bit to be desired by some readers, feeling somewhat stunted. Overall, the book is considered a gripping and relentless old-fashioned ghost story that relies on suspense rather than violence or gore to evoke a sense of eeriness.
"I suppose you will be getting away pretty soon, now Full term is over, Professor," said a person not in the story to the Professor of Ontography, soon after they had sat down next to each other at a ...- #4
Save:In a post-apocalyptic setting, the book follows desperate men and women trying to survive in a hellish America ravaged by drugs, tribalism, and poverty, reminiscent of today's society. The narrative delves into a not-too-distant future dystopian nightmare, where the country has plunged into an economic holocaust, with cities and towns overrun by psychotic militias, gangs, religious fanatics, and drug cartels, all vying for dominance and power. The protagonist, 18-year-old Van Dorn, embarks on a journey to find a girl named Sheldon, navigating through a wasteland of violence and chaos while trying to maintain his sense of morality and sanity.
The writing style is described as relentlessly dark but with small acts of love and kindness shining through the despair. The narrative switches between staccato sentences and hard-bitten prose poetry, creating a vivid, slow-motion journey through horrific and depraved imagery. The book is noted for its aggressive and unrelenting storytelling, akin to Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," but set in the wilds of Indiana, populated by country hill folk who have gone native.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Donnybrook ) - #5
Save:'Gun Machine' by Warren Ellis is a gripping crime thriller that starts off as a police procedural but quickly evolves into a unique and captivating story. The plot kicks off with a bang as Detective John Tallow witnesses a shocking murder that leads him to a Manhattan apartment filled with guns connected to unsolved NYC murders. The writing style of Warren Ellis has been praised for its dark humor, sharp dialogue, and intricate character development. The book delves into the complexities of the characters, the intriguing plot twists, and the underlying themes of storytelling and information speed.
A 911 call is the pain signal that takes a relative age to travel from the dinosaur’s tail to its brain. The lumbering thunder lizard of the NYPD informational mesh doesn’t even see the swift, highly ... - #6
Save:'Afraid' by Jack Kilborn is a gripping horror novel that delves into the realm of government conspiracy and state-sponsored terrorism. The storyline follows the terrifying events that unfold after an elite military unit, known as Red ops team, crash lands in Safe Haven, Wisconsin. These perverted killers, modified through neurosurgery, bring gore and terror to the residents of Safe Haven, creating a relentless and brutal narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. is well-written, with a fast-paced plot that intensifies the fear and suspense as the story progresses, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.
The characters in 'Afraid' are well-developed and likeable, with several surprising twists in the plot that keep readers engaged and interested throughout the book. Despite some minor errors in spelling and grammar, the overall balance between gore and storytelling is well-maintained, providing a nice blend that appeals to horror enthusiasts. The author's writing style is described as intense and terrifying, with a focus on realism and plausibility that adds to the chilling atmosphere of the narrative.
The hunter’s moon, a shade of orange so dark it appeared to be filled with blood, hung fat and low over the mirror surface of Big Lake McDonald. Sal Morton took in a lungful of crisp Wisconsin air, sh... - #7
Save:'Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam' by Pope Brock is a gripping narrative that delves into the life of John R. Brinkley, a notorious confidence man who deceived men with promises of cures for male problems using quack theories involving goat testicles. The book portrays Brinkley's rise to fame and fortune through his fraudulent medical practices, his impact on politics and entertainment, and the relentless pursuit of him by Morris Fishbein, the editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Through a captivating storytelling style, Brock exposes the dark world of medical quackery in the early 20th century, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and shedding light on the influence of marketing and celebrity in shaping public perception.
Brinkley's audacious schemes, the battle between him and Fishbein, and the historical context of the era are vividly depicted in 'Charlatan', offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of deception, credulity, and the consequences of unchecked charlatanism. With a blend of intrigue, humor, and historical insights, Pope Brock crafts a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the parallels between past and present in the realms of medicine, media, and human nature.
- #8
Save:The book delves into the life and legend of Mithridates VI, presenting a detailed account of his rise to power, his conflicts with Rome, and his complex character. It explores Mithridates' fascination with poisons and his strategic military tactics, highlighting his relentless resistance against the Roman Republic. The narrative style is described as engaging and fast-paced, drawing readers into the intrigues of Hellenistic kingdoms and court dynamics of ancient times. The author combines historical research with imaginative storytelling to bring Mithridates and his era to life, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of this formidable historical figure.
- #9
Save:Bringing Out the Dead by Joe Connelly is a novel that delves into the chaotic and emotionally draining world of a paramedic in New York City. The book captures the gritty reality of working as an EMT in the rough neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, portraying the challenges faced by the protagonist, Frank, as he navigates through the madness of the city and the constant exposure to death. Through a mix of dark humor and vivid storytelling, the author provides a raw and unflinching look into the life of first responders, highlighting the camaraderie, trauma, and struggles they endure on a daily basis.
The narrative of the book is described as relentless and unputdownable, taking readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as they follow Frank's journey through the night shift in NYC. Connelly's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke a sense of realism and authenticity, drawing readers into the chaotic world of ambulance crews and showcasing the deep emotional impact of working in such a high-stress environment.
I parked the ambulance in front of Hell’s Kitchen walk-up number 414 and Larry and I pulled the equipment from the back. It was midnight in April, and the full moon lit the street like a saint’s festi... - #10
Save:Firefight, the second book in 'The Reckoners' series by Brandon Sanderson, follows the adventures of David Charleston and the Reckoners as they set their sights on Babylon Restored, formerly Manhattan, to take on the High Epic Regalia and her gang of thugs. The story explores David's quest for answers regarding the Epics and their powers, while delving into the larger plan unfolding in the city. The book is praised for its fast-paced, comic book-like storytelling, filled with action, humor, and intriguing dialogues, set against the backdrop of a transformed New York City submerged in water and illuminated by graffiti and magic fruits.
I shook out of my reverie. I’d been staring at Calamity again, but nearly thirteen years had passed since Calamity’s rise. I wasn’t a kid at home with my father any longer; I wasn’t even an orphan wor...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Reckoners )
