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Books matching: ritualistic violence

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  1. #1

    Little Eve by Catriona Ward
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    Little Eve by Catriona Ward is a Gothic horror novel set in a remote Scottish island. The story unfolds with a brutal, ritualistic murder during WWII, with conflicting accounts from two narrators flashing back to WWI. The narrative is complex, with intentional confusion that eventually clicks for the reader. The author excels in keeping the reader in the dark as the plot twists and turns, revealing a haunting and claustrophobic tale of delusion with unexpected turns and a chilling atmosphere of fear and paranoia throughout.


  2. #2

    The Shooting Party by Isabel Colegate
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    The Shooting Party by Isabel Colegate is a short novel set in Edwardian England during a shooting party at an Oxfordshire country house in October 1913. The story unfolds over 24 hours, building tension as the reader witnesses the interactions of various characters from different social classes. The looming shadow of the impending Great War adds a sense of foreboding to the narrative, creating a somber atmosphere despite the luxurious setting. Colegate's writing style is praised for its subtlety, wit, and observational skills, capturing the essence of the Edwardian era with precision.

    It caused a mild scandal at the time, but in most people’s memories it was quite outshone by what succeeded it. You could see it as a drama all played out in a room lit by gas lamps; perhaps with flic...

  3. #3

    Death in Spring by Martha Tennent, Merce Rodoreda
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    In "Death in Spring," readers are transported to a cloistered village called Maraldina where a young narrator navigates the brutal and mysterious customs of his community. The novel delves into themes of savagery, oppression, and mysticism as the villagers engage in ritualized violence and adhere to inhumane traditions. Through the haunting prose of Rodoreda, the story unfolds with surreal and fable-like elements, depicting a world where darkness and beauty intertwine in a chilling allegory of atrocity.

    The narrative follows the protagonist's journey from adolescence to adulthood as he grapples with the grotesque practices of his village, including the annual ritual of swimming the dark river that often leads to death or mutilation. As the story unfolds, themes of violence, death, and decay are juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the Catalan environment, creating a poetic yet disorienting exploration of human cruelty and resilience.

    I removed my clothes and dropped them at the foot of the hackberry tree, beside the madman’s rock. Before entering the river, I stopped to observe the color left behind by the sky. The sun-dappled lig...

  4. 'At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America' by Philip Dray is a powerful and haunting exploration of the history of lynching of Black Americans in the United States. The book delves into the gruesome details of these acts of violence, shedding light on the unimaginable horrors faced by African Americans, including torture and brutal physical abuse. Dray's narrative highlights the systemic racism and violence that fueled these lynchings, portraying a dark chapter in American history where individuals were brutally murdered for minor offenses or simply for challenging the status quo. Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of the widespread nature of lynching in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of understanding this history to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

    Smartly dressed, with his walking cane in hand, W.E.B. Du Bois left his home in Atlanta on April 24, 1899, and began walking downtown along Mitchell Street. He was carrying a letter of introduction to...

  5. #5

    Warlock in Training - Studies in Demonology by TJ Nichols
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    In "Warlock in Training" by TJ Nichols, readers are taken on a journey through a binary world where humans and demons interact through magic. The story follows Angus, a young warlock-in-training who is thrust into a world of secrets and lies as he discovers the true cost of magic and the environmental consequences of the imbalance between the human world, Vinland, and the demon world, Demonside. Through a gripping narrative filled with intricate world-building and complex relationships, the book explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the struggle for balance between two interconnected realms.

    The novel delves into the lives of Angus and Saka, a demon mage, as they navigate a world on the brink of environmental collapse and magical turmoil. With a blend of dark fantasy elements and thought-provoking storytelling, "Warlock in Training" weaves together a tale of discovery, betrayal, and the challenging choices that shape the destinies of both humans and demons. Nichols' writing style immerses readers in a world where magic, politics, and personal relationships collide, creating a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.


  6. #6

    No Gods For Drowning by Hailey Piper
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    'No Gods for Drowning' by Hailey Piper is a thrilling genre mashup of horror, dark urban fantasy, noir detective story, and serial killer thriller set in a lore-rich alternative reality. The story follows Lilac Antonis as she navigates a world where ancient gods have left, monsters are hunting humankind, and a serial killer is sacrificing victims to her blood god mother. As the plot unfolds, various characters, including Lilac's lover Arcadia, former cop Alex, and his partner Cecil, get entangled in a dangerous investigation that reveals the hidden dangers lurking in their world. With a mix of mythology, noir, fantasy, Lovecraftian elements, LGBTQIA protagonists, and morally gray characters, this standalone novel offers a dense mythology, intense storytelling, and a mix of genres that keep readers engaged till the end.


  7. #7

    The Armageddon Rag by George R.R. Martin
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    The book follows Sandy, a journalist turned novelist, as he investigates the death of a music promoter connected to a legendary band called the Nazgul. The story delves into Sandy's past, the resurrection of the rock band, and the mysterious motives of a man named Edan Morse. The narrative is set in the early eighties, blending elements of the sixties counterculture with a mix of supernatural mystery and dark fantasy. The book captures the essence of the 60s and 70s music scene, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the era.

    It was not one of Sandy Blair’s all-time great days. His agent had picked up the lunch tab, to be sure, but that only partially made up for the way he’d gotten on Sandy’s case about the novel deadline...

  8. #8

    At First Light - Dr. Evan Wilding by Barbara Nickless
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    At First Light by Barbara Nickless is a mystery thriller that follows Dr. Evan Wilding, a British scholar and semiotician, who is called in to consult with the Chicago PD by his friend Detective Addie Bisset on a case involving a ritualistic killing with Viking runes and epic poems. The plot is filled with intricate details of Viking history and Old English stories, creating a suspenseful tale that keeps the reader engaged. The characters, especially Dr. Wilding and Detective Bisset, are well-crafted and realistic, adding depth to the storyline.

    The writing style in 'At First Light' is reminiscent of all the best British mysteries, with cleverly phrased comments and a brisk pace that keeps the reader guessing till the end. The book combines action with descriptions of the characters' thought processes as they decipher cryptic messages and unravel the mystery behind the killer's motives. Despite some flaws in editing and continuity errors, the book is praised for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and the unique inclusion of a character with dwarfism and a hawk as a pet.


  9. #9

    Lute by Jennifer Thorne
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    Lute by Jennifer Thorne is a captivating folk horror story set on the British Isle of Lute, where the ruling family, including Nina and Lord Treadway, are trapped by the island's mysterious hold over its inhabitants. The novel delves into themes of loss, grief, relationships, and the price of life, as Nina fights to protect her family and home amidst supernatural forces and a looming horror that unfolds every seven years on the Day.


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