Books matching: richly detailed city
18 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'Liavek' in the series 'Liavek' by Emma Bull and Will Shetterly is a collection of stories set in the cosmopolitan city of Liavek, filled with intrigue, magic, and adventure. Readers are introduced to a world where trolls, green cats, and demon camels coexist, and where the art of magic is intertwined with diplomacy and dark forces. The stories delve into the lives of painted ladies, bejeweled assassins, Scarlet Priests, and wizards, all navigating through a city where secrets of love and hidden fortunes abound.
The plotline of 'Liavek' also explores the deadly allure of a suicide cult, where members vow to end their lives once they are free of all obligations, showcasing the darker aspects of the city and its inhabitants. weaves together tales of magic, vulnerability of mages, and intricate intrigues, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged with its unique world-building and diverse characters.
- #2
Save:City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer is a collection of novellas, essays, faux bibliographies, and other miscellanea that revolve around the fantastical and bizarre city of Ambergris. The book delves into the strange and mysterious aspects of Ambergris, where mushroom people lurk in dark corners, King Squid hold positions of great importance, and composers' deaths lead to civil unrest. VanderMeer's writing style is described as dense and varied, with stories that range from history to prose, including footnotes, illustrations, interviews, bibliographies, and more, creating a richly textured and imaginative world that captivates readers.
Finch, at the apartment door, breathing heavy from five flights of stairs, taken fast. The message that’d brought him from the station was already dying in his hand. Red smear on a limp circle of gree... - #3
Save:'Amberlough' by Lara Elena Donnelly is a fantasy novel set in a world reminiscent of Germany during the rise of the Nazis. It combines elements of cabaret, espionage, and political intrigue, creating a complex and timely story. The plot follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a society on the brink of fascism, facing difficult decisions, rigged elections, and looming war. The writing style is described as detailed, cinematic, and immersive, with characters that are complex, flawed, and compelling.
At the beginning of the workweek, most of Amberlough’s salaryfolk crawled reluctantly from their bed—or someone else’s—and let the trolleys tow them, hungover and half asleep, to the office. Amberloug... - #4
Save:Amidst the decaying bodies of dead gods in the ancient city of Agatos, Mennik Thorn, a second-rate mage, is entangled in a murder mystery that puts his life and that of his friends at risk. Through a witty first-person narration, readers are taken on a journey filled with intense action, humor, and intricate world-building as Thorn navigates through dangerous situations and uncovers the secrets of a society where magic reigns supreme.
- #5
Save:'Floodtide' in the series 'Alpennia' by author Heather Rose Jones is a captivating tale that immerses readers into the world of Roz, a young lady's maid and dressmaker's apprentice in a magical city. The story unfolds with Roz navigating the political dynamics within a noble house, her adventures in the city of Rotenek, and the unraveling of the plot with calm, steady pacing. Readers are drawn into a world where magic is subtly intertwined with reality, creating a unique blend of historical fantasy and magical realism. features a diverse and well-developed cast of characters, particularly focusing on Roz's journey of self-discovery, love, and finding her place in the world.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Alpennia ) - #6
Save:In Ellen Kushner's 'Swordspoint', readers are transported to a nameless city divided between the Riversiders and the nobles residing on the Hill. The story revolves around a skilled swordsman, St Vier, who is hired by nobles to settle their disputes through duels. As the challenges and fights are regulated by a code, St Vier finds himself entangled in political machinations when one job deviates from the norm. The book offers a medieval-esque tale of intrigue, focusing on the interactions between the nobles, swordsmen, and the social underbelly of the city. The plot weaves together rich, complex world-building and character development, with a touch of queer representation that adds depth to the narrative.
Kushner's writing style in 'Swordspoint' is praised for its crisp and evocative language, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters and their interactions. The book is described as a melodrama of manners set in a non-magical fantasy land, focusing more on sword fighting, political intrigue, and character dynamics than fantastical elements. The author's ability to craft a time and place reminiscent of Regency London, yet distinctly unique, adds to the allure of the story, making it a compelling read for those interested in intricate plots and subtle character relationships.
SNOW WAS FALLING ON RIVERSIDE, GREAT WHITE feather-puffs that veiled the cracks in the façades of its ruined houses; slowly softening the harsh contours of jagged roof and fallen beam. Eaves were roun... - #7
Save:Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer is a captivating and surreal tale set in a futuristic world where cities have become high tech city states. The story follows Nicholas and Nicola, siblings born in the same vat but now leading different lives. As Nicholas goes missing after a failed art deal with the enigmatic Quinn, Nicola sets out to find him with the help of Shadrach, a friend to both siblings. The narrative unfolds through different perspectives, showcasing unique writing styles from first person to second to third limited, immersing readers in a world filled with grotesque creations, underground mysteries, and a quest for love and redemption.
The book is praised for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and experimental writing techniques. From the vivid descriptions of the futuristic city of Veniss to the deeply surreal underground levels, the author paints a captivating and immersive world that blends elements of horror, wonder, and dystopia. Readers are drawn into a journey filled with evocative imagery, haunting themes, and a narrative that seamlessly transitions between different viewpoints, keeping them engaged from start to finish.
Let me tell you why I wished to buy a meerkat at Quin's Shanghai Circus. Let me tell you about the city: The city is sharp, the city is a cliché performed with cardboard and painted sparkly colors to ... - #8Twelve Kings in SharakhaiBook 1 in the series:The Song of the Shattered Sands
Save:Twelve Kings in Sharakhai is a fantasy novel set in a desert city ruled by immortal kings. The story follows Ceda, a pit fighter seeking revenge against the Twelve Kings who killed her mother. As Ceda navigates the complexities of Sharakhai, uncovering mysteries and forming alliances, readers are taken on a journey filled with magic, betrayal, and political intrigue. The writing style of the book is described as intricate, rich with history and legends, and featuring a well-developed desert setting that sets it apart from traditional European-inspired fantasy.
INASMALLROOM beneath the largest of Sharakhai’s fighting pits, Çeda sat on a wooden bench, tightening her fingerless gloves. The room was cool, even chill compared to the ever-present heat of the city... - #9
Save:In 'Blade of Dream', the second book of the 'Kithamar' series by Daniel Abraham, readers are taken on a journey through the medieval city of Kithamar, where characters like Garreth Left and Elaine ab Deniya Nycis a Sal navigate through political intrigue, personal dilemmas, and mysterious secrets. The narrative unfolds with multiple perspectives, offering a rich and immersive experience that delves deep into the characters' motivations and drives. Abraham's writing style is described as powerfully emotional, with vivid world-building and well-crafted protagonists that make the story both engaging and compelling. The book is praised for its unique storytelling approach, combining traditional fantasy elements with a character-driven plot that keeps readers captivated till the end.
(Also, see 49 recommendations for the series Kithamar ) - #10
Save:Deadstock by Jeffrey Thomas is a novel set in the futuristic and complex world of Punktown. The story follows two main plots - one centered around a hard-boiled detective mystery featuring Jeremy Stake, a soldier turned sleuth with a unique mutation, and the other focusing on two street gangs trapped in a building trying to survive against a malfunctioning security system. As the narrative progresses, these two seemingly separate plots converge, showcasing a blend of hard-boiled detective elements and survival horror themes. The characters in Deadstock are multi-dimensional, with personal demons and motivations, set against the backdrop of the hyper-futuristic Punktown, reflecting basic human nature despite their diverse origins.
His client's daughter and her three schoolmates were sixteen years old-Jeremy Stake knew that part already-but they all seemed shorter perhaps than they should have been, not even five feet tall, as i...
