Books matching: religious zealotry
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- #1
Soulswift by Megan Bannen is a dark fantasy novel that explores themes of blind faith, betrayal, and forbidden love. The story follows Gelya, a vessel who can channel the word of the One True God through song, and Tavik, who believes in a mother goddess and seeks to free her. As their beliefs clash, Gelya and Tavik are forced to work together to set Elath, the Great Demon, free, leading to a series of adventures and struggles. The book delves into the complexities of religious beliefs, cultural differences, and the consequences of blind allegiance.
The writing style in Soulswift is praised for its aching beauty, humor, and depth. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, particularly Gelya and Tavik, and the progression of their relationship as they navigate through a world filled with suffering, romance, and betrayal. The book is noted for its intriguing worldbuilding, exploring the clash between Christianity and Earth Mother worship, and for its riveting action-packed plot that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
"Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful" by Arwen Elys Dayton is a collection of short stories that explore the possibilities and consequences of genetic engineering. Through the eyes of six different characters living in different periods of scientific discovery, the book chronicles the advancements in genetic modifications over time, painting a cautionary tale about the implications it has on society and humanity. The common thread in all the stories is the character Tad Tadd, a religious zealot turned politician whose views on genetic modifications evolve as the years pass, reflecting the changing societal attitudes towards modifications.
The writing style of the book is described as haunting, compelling, and akin to something off a Black Mirror episode. The author, Arwen Elys Dayton, does an amazing job of world-building, creating scenes that are vivid and immersive, allowing readers to visualize and experience what the characters are going through. is noted for its unique storytelling approach of presenting each story as a separate narrative set in different time periods, ultimately weaving them together to paint a dark and thought-provoking picture of a future dominated by genetic modifications.
- #3
'The Men in the Jungle' by Norman Spinrad is a dark and intense science fiction novel set in a future where humankind is dispersed throughout the galaxy amidst war, cannibalism, slavery, and prostitution. The story follows a protagonist who narrowly escapes Earth and ends up on a planet run by religious zealots, leading to a botched revolution and the start of a civil war. Spinrad weaves together a gripping narrative with realistic characters, exploring themes of power relations, revolution, indoctrination, and social commentary in a thought-provoking manner.
- #4
The Acolyte by Nick Cutter is a dystopian noir novel set in an alternate reality where the state and the church are intertwined. The story follows Jonah Murtag, an Acolyte with the New Bethlehem Police Force, who investigates faith crimes in a theocratic society where religious fundamentalism, abuse of power, and the manipulation of masses are prevalent themes. The narrative delves into the impact of religion on society, exploring the ease with which faith can lead to ruthless evil. Despite the intense mixture of sci-fi, dystopian future, and religion, the book presents a thought-provoking and thunderously violent story that challenges societal norms.
Nick Cutter's writing style in The Acolyte is described as quick and to the point, yet descriptive and over the top, reminiscent of old detective novels. The book is praised for its relevance and speculation, drawing parallels to current events like terrorist attacks and political elections. Cutter's ability to create a speculative idea and give it life, while maintaining a gritty and violent narrative, is highlighted as one of the strengths of the novel.
West end of the city now, down along the river: storage barns and flophouses with whitened angles, everyplace looking like a black cardboard cutout. Wind scored the rusted docks and filled my head wit... - #5
Old Mortality by Walter Scott is a historical novel set in Scotland during the religious wars of 1679 against the last Stuart kings. The book follows the story of Henry Morton, who gets involved in the Covenanters' uprising for the re-establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland. The novel intricately weaves together fictional and real characters in a realistic historical context, showcasing the struggles, conflicts, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals on both sides of the rebellion. The narrative not only delves into the historical events but also explores themes of extremism, moderation, loyalty, and the impact of religious fervor on society.
The author, Walter Scott, skillfully balances the viewpoints of different characters, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the moral complexities presented in the novel. Through engaging storytelling and well-described battle scenes, Scott brings to life a period of religious and political turmoil in Scotland, highlighting the clash between ideologies and the personal sacrifices made during times of rebellion and change.
Ahora bien, dijo el Cura: traedme, senor huésped, aquesos libros, que los quiero ver. Que me place, respondió el; y entrando en su aposento, sacó dél una maletilla vieja cerrada con una cadenilla, y a... - #6
'Godshot' by Chelsea Bieker is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of the residents of a California farming town called Peaches, who are under the influence of a charismatic cult leader, Pastor Vern. The story follows Lacey, a 14-year-old girl abandoned by her mother and left to navigate the harsh realities of life in a community plagued by drought and manipulation. As Lacey grapples with her faith, family, and the dark secrets of the cult, the narrative unfolds with themes of abuse, resilience, and the search for salvation. Bieker's writing style vividly portrays the stark landscape and the emotional turmoil of the characters, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of love, faith, and the human spirit.
In 'Godshot', Chelsea Bieker intricately weaves a narrative that captures the reader's attention with its raw portrayal of maternal relationships, religious fanaticism, and the quest for identity. The book's slow burn pacing gradually builds tension, leading to a captivating exploration of the characters' struggles and decisions. Bieker's ability to create multi-dimensional characters, such as the conflicted Lacey and the enigmatic Pastor Vern, adds depth to the story, making it a poignant reflection on the power dynamics within a community in crisis. Through themes of hope, despair, and the search for meaning, 'Godshot' offers a compelling narrative that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.
I waited for the click of the door, the jangle of keys, the sound of our broke-down Rabbit sputtering and fading down the road. I put on one of my mother’s dresses, floaty and white, one that made her... - #7
In "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison, the story is set in the 1680s around the slave trade, focusing on the lives of marginalized people, primarily women, each narrating their perspective. The novel delves into themes of slavery, indentured servitude, abandonment, and the struggles of individuals in the early American colonies. Through multiple characters and varying points of view, Morrison skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of ownership, love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in colonial America.
Morrison's writing style in "A Mercy" is described as poetic, lyrical, and rich with historical details. The novel features a stream of consciousness narrative, with multiple voices sharing their stories, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. Despite the initial challenges in following the different voices and narratives, readers find the prose to be captivating, thought-provoking, and deeply moving as it delves into the themes of slavery, motherhood, identity, and the human experience.
You probably don't know anything at all about what your back looks like whatever the sky holds: sunlight, moonrise. I rest there. My hand, my eyes, my mouth. The first time I see it you are shaping fi... - #8
"The Long Tomorrow" by Leigh Brackett is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where society has regressed to a pre-technological state to avoid the horrors of nuclear war. The story follows two young boys who embark on a journey to find the mythical city of Bartorstown, where forbidden technologies are rumored to still exist. The book explores themes of fear, knowledge, and the struggle between science and religion in a society shaped by the aftermath of a devastating global conflict. Brackett's writing style, reflective of the 1950s, presents a thought-provoking narrative that delves into human nature and societal values in a changed world.
No city, no town, no community of more than one thousand people or two hundred buildings to the square mile shall be built or permitted to exist anywhere in the United States of America.” Constitution... - #9
"The Good Lord Bird" by James McBride is a historical fiction novel set before the American Civil War, following the story of a young slave boy named Henry Shackleford who pretends to be a girl to survive. He is taken under the wing of the legendary abolitionist John Brown, who mistakes him for a girl and nicknames him Little Onion. The novel explores the events leading up to Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry through the eyes of Little Onion, providing a mix of history and imagination with meticulous attention to detail and character development.
The narrative style of the book is described as unique, humorous, and entertaining, with a young African American boy disguising himself as a girl amidst the backdrop of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements. The story is told through the perspective of Little Onion, offering insight into the complexities of the abolitionist movement and the dynamics at play during that tumultuous period in American history.
My Pa was a full-blooded Negro out of Osawatomie, in Kansas Territory, north of Fort Scott, near Lawrence. Pa was a barber by trade, though that never gived him full satisfaction. Preaching the Gospel... - #10
Thomas Cale, a young acolyte raised by the Redeemers at the Sanctuary of Slotover, is trained to be a soldier in a brutal and unforgiving environment. After witnessing a horrific act, Cale escapes with two friends and a girl, setting off a chain of events that could lead to war. The book follows Cale's journey as he navigates a world filled with religious zealots, secret societies, and the struggle to find his own identity amidst the chaos. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of fantasy elements and references to familiar places that blur the lines between reality and imagination.
Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie, for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary. The country around it is full of scrub and spind...