Books matching: ruthless female leads
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- #1
Save:The Rising in the Alchemy Wars series by Ian Tregillis is a continuation that builds on the original world and characters, focusing on the intertwined stories of two brilliant and ruthless women, a freed mechanical servitor finding his moral code, and the philosophical reflections interwoven with action and adventure. The story delves into questions of free will, the nature of evil, and the consequences of humanity's reliance on mechanical servants in an alternative 1800s setting where the Dutch control thinking machines.
(Also, see 29 recommendations for the series The Alchemy Wars ) - #2
Save:'Wicked Beautiful' by J.T. Geissinger follows the story of Victoria Price, who after being deeply hurt by her first love, changes her identity and becomes a successful and ruthless woman empowering others. When she encounters her first love, Parker Maxwell, she sees an opportunity for revenge by seducing him, making him fall in love, and then dumping him. The plot involves a second chance romance with a happy ending, filled with intense emotions, secrets, and heartbreak. Despite some reservations about the story being over the top at times, readers found it to be a well-written and emotionally gripping tale with a bit of instalove and a twist.
From behind a Plexiglas podium on the vast, lighted stage in the Broadway Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, I stand looking out, my eyes scanning the faces of the twenty-five hun... - #3
Save:'Rules of Bennett: A Dark Prequel' by Ember Michaels delves into a dark and twisted world where the characters are as dark and gritty as they come. The plot revolves around a stolen and taken female, Aurora, who finds herself in a dangerous situation with a ruthless and evil man named Bennett. The writing style of the author expertly portrays the senseless violence, excruciating cruelty, and the dark, gruesome nature of the story, making readers uncomfortable yet unable to put the book down.
Aurora's journey is one of survival, where she must navigate through abuse, rape, murder, and kidnapping, all while trying to stand her ground against Bennett's evil intentions. sets the stage for a thrilling and depraved ride into the world of organized crime and human trade, promising a dark romance that challenges the boundaries of morality and leaves readers craving for more.
- #4
Save:"The Days of Abandonment" by Elena Ferrante is a raw and unflinching novel about a woman named Olga whose husband abruptly leaves her for a younger woman, plunging her into a chaotic world of madness and despair. The book vividly portrays Olga's emotional breakdown, her struggle to cope with the sudden abandonment, and her journey towards self-reinvention amidst the turmoil of her shattered family life. Ferrante's writing style is intense and graphic, delving deep into the disturbed mind of the protagonist as she grapples with anger, self-doubt, and the challenges of single-handedly caring for her children.
One April afternoon, right after lunch, my husband announced that he wanted to leave me. He did it while we were clearing the table; the children were quarreling as usual in the next room, the dog was... - #5
Save:Set in the same world as 'The First Law' trilogy, 'Best Served Cold' follows the story of Monza Murcatto, a fierce and vengeful woman seeking revenge after being left for dead by her enemies who also killed her brother. The book is praised for its brutal and violent nature, showcasing a tale of betrayal, revenge, and the dark side of humanity. Readers are drawn into a world filled with complex characters, intricate plots, and a writing style that delves deep into the darker aspects of fantasy storytelling.
The sunrise was the colour of bad blood. It leaked out of the east and stained the dark sky red, marked the scraps of cloud with stolen gold. Underneath it the road twisted up the mountainside towards...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series First Law ) - #6
Save:'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an engrossing mystery thriller set in Sweden, following the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the young genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns, uncovering vile family secrets and introducing a cast of strong, believable characters. The plot builds over time, making for an excellent and well-written read with fascinating characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers guessing.
The narrative delves into themes of financial intrigue, murder, and love, balancing multiple genres skillfully. Despite some graphic scenes of violence and rape, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its complicated plot and well-drawn characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. Larsson's writing style, though at times clunky due to translation, effectively captures the essence of the mystery, making it a compelling and suspenseful read for those who enjoy intricate thrillers.
The trial was irretrievably over; everything that could be said had been said, but he had never doubted that he would lose. The written verdict was handed down at 10:00 on Friday morning, and all that... - #7
Save:Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is a dark fantasy novel set in a historically Chinese-inspired futuristic world where fighter mechas are piloted by young men and women wielding spirit energy. The protagonist, Zetian, offers herself up as a concubine pilot to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. However, she surprises everyone by killing him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges unscathed, earning the title of Iron Widow. The book delves into themes of revenge, rage, power, and patriarchy, with epic battles and a polyamorous love triangle adding to the intrigue of the story.
Well, I’m not doing it. Yizhi is the one manning the tweezers my sister left behind. Kneeling on the bamboo mat spread beneath us over the damp forest soil, he lifts my chin while ripping out bristle ... - #8
Save:Lisa Taddeo's first novel, 'Animal', delves into the disturbing story of Joan, a complex character whose sardonic and cryptic first-person account reveals a lost soul trapped in the prison of her own life. Joan's traumatic past and unwise choices force her to navigate two simultaneous lives - one superficial, necessary for survival in New York's tumultuous social scene, and the other filled with rage, insecurities, and mistrust. The book takes readers on a grimy and visceral journey through Joan's emotional and mental state, mirroring the chaos of her experiences.
The plot unfolds as Joan flees her past in New York to seek answers in the counter-culture world of Los Angeles, particularly in Topanga Canyon, where she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious Alice's secrets. Through a raw depiction of human experiences, the book explores themes of trauma, grief, anger, and love, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable emotions and societal constructs. Taddeo's writing style, characterized by genius descriptions and truncated, impactful sentences, immerses readers in a narrative that is both horrifying and beautiful, ultimately leading to a complex exploration of femininity, victimhood, and societal expectations.
I DROVE MYSELF OUT OF New York City where a man shot himself in front of me. He was a gluttonous man and when his blood came out it looked like the blood of a pig. That’s a cruel thing to think, I kno... - #9
Save:'And I Darken' by Kiersten White is a unique YA historical fiction novel set in Wallachia Romania, featuring a genderbent Vlad the Impaler named Lada as the brutal and headstrong protagonist. The story follows Lada and her gentle brother Radu as they navigate the 15th-century Ottoman Empire, dealing with political intrigue, complex relationships, and societal expectations. The writing style is simplistic yet engaging, with modern dialogue that adds to the historical setting, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story.
The nurse finished cleaning the newborn, then held him out to his mother. He was tiny, perfect, with a mouth like a rosebud and a full head of dark hair. Vasilissa lay, glassy-eyed and mute, on the be... - #10
Save:In "Gearbreakers" by Zoe Hana Mikuta, the story revolves around Sona and Eris, two women on opposing sides - one trained by Godolia to pilot a Valkyrie Windup and the other a notorious Gearbreaker rebel. Their paths intersect as they form an unlikely alliance to take down the oppressive regime of Godolia. The book is set in a dystopian world filled with mechas, giant mecha battles, rebellion, found family, and unexpected romance. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, plot twists, and engaging character dynamics, all narrated through a dual POV that provides insight into the world and the characters' perspectives.
The writing style of "Gearbreakers" is captivating, with a gripping opening line that hooks the reader from the start. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of revenge, survival, betrayal, and redemption, creating a world that is both dark and hopeful. The characters, especially the primary ones like Sona and Eris, are well-developed and offer a diverse representation, while the relationships and conflicts drive the story forward, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
I sit upright, bringing my hands around to inspect, noting how my fingertips still twitch at my command. They look like mine. All the calluses are still there, hard and smooth like river stones across...
