Books matching: scheming villains
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- #1
Save:'Ivanhoe' by Walter Scott is a classic historical novel set in 12th century England during the reign of Richard the Lion Heart. The story revolves around the conflict between Normans and Saxons, with a focus on the chivalry, adventures, and social divisions of the time. The plot includes elements such as knights returning from the Crusades, a love triangle, and the trial of a young Jewess for witchcraft. The writing style of the book is described as wordy, rich in English language, and filled with detailed descriptions that paint a vivid landscape of the medieval era.
In that pleasant district of merry England which is watered by the river Don, there extended in ancient times a large forest, covering the greater part of the beautiful hills and valleys which lie bet... - #2
Save:"I Am Livia" by Phyllis T. Smith is a fictional biography that delves into the life of Livia Drusilla, the wife of Octavius Caesar. The novel provides a fresh perspective on Livia's character, portraying her in a more favorable light than historical accounts. Set against the backdrop of Roman history, the book follows Livia's life from her early years in her father's house to her marriage to Octavius, offering insights into the political landscape of the time. Written in the first person from Livia's point of view, the story combines historical events with personal reflections, creating an engaging narrative that sheds light on the complexities of Roman society during that era.
I was borne forward by burning curiosity. Not the random inquisitiveness of a child; I had passed my fourteenth birthday. I wanted to learn every bit I could about the world in which my father moved, ... - #3
Save:'The Eyes of the Dragon' by Stephen King is a fantasy novel that tells the story of the Kingdom of Delain, where King Roland is murdered and his son Peter is framed for the crime. The evil magician Flagg manipulates events to ensure the wrong prince, Thomas, is crowned, becoming his puppet. The plot follows the determined Prince Peter as he plans a daring escape from his imprisonment, with elements of fairy tale and fantasy mixed with a dark twist. The book is characterized by memorable characters, fast-paced action, and a simplistic yet entertaining storyline, suitable for both young readers and adults.
The writing style of 'The Eyes of the Dragon' is described as different from typical Stephen King novels, focusing more on a youth fantasy genre with a mix of fairy tale and fantasy elements. The book is praised for its engaging plot, amazing characters, and the ability to keep readers excited from beginning to end, showcasing King's talent in storytelling and character development, with a touch of nostalgia for those who have read it at a young age.
Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a King with two sons. Delain was a very old kingdom and it had had hundreds of Kings, perhaps even thousands; when time goes on long enough, not even histor... - #4
Save:'The Five-Minute Marriage' by Joan Aiken is a historical romance novel filled with mystery, suspense, and humor. The story follows Delphie, a hardworking young woman trying to support herself and her mother. When she visits her mother's wealthy relatives for financial help, she gets entangled in a web of intrigues, mistaken identities, and fake marriages. The plot is fast-paced, featuring a large cast of lively characters and leading to a satisfying conclusion. Despite the somewhat confusing genealogy and shifting names, the book offers a rollicking good read with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the typical romantic novel ending.
The book is described as a comforting and amusing read, reminiscent of the madcap style of Georgette Heyer with a dash of Gothic treachery. Readers praise the intriguing plot, humor, and romance that make it a gripping and enjoyable novel. The characters, including a practical heroine and a dark and handsome hero, are well-written and believable, adding depth to the story. Overall, 'The Five-Minute Marriage' is a well-crafted historical romance thriller that captivates readers with its exciting and fast-paced narrative.
“Thank you, Miss Smith; you are showing great improvement in your upper notes. And,” said Philadelphia, glancing at the ancient carriage-clock on the mantel, “that will be all we have time for today, ... - #5
Save:"Infamous" by Minerva Spencer is a historical Regency Romance novel that follows the story of Celia Pelham, a woman known as "Miss Infamous" due to a past mistake. The book delves into Celia's journey of redemption as she confronts her past and the people she has wronged, all while navigating manipulative forces and complex relationships. The plot is filled with steamy interludes, sibling dynamics, and a scheming villain, creating a compelling and emotional read. The writing style is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from humor to deep contemplation, as readers are drawn into the intricate web of the characters' lives.
Richard squinted around at the multitude of people packing the receiving area of the Duke of Stanford’s town house. “Remind me why I’m here again,” he asked his far better dressed, more attractive, an... - #6
Save:'The Bloody Crown of Conan' is a collection of three original Robert E. Howard stories featuring the iconic character Conan. The highlight of the book is 'The Hour of the Dragon,' which is the only novel-length Conan story written by Howard. The plot revolves around Conan as the King of Aquilonia, facing challenges from a 3,000-year-old undead wizard and a ravaging invader. The writing style is described as masterful, with Howard's command of mythical prose painting a vivid picture of a barbaric age filled with swords, armor, and lands ranging from frozen north to arid jungles.
The year 1933 ended on a much more positive note than it had begun for Robert E. Howard. It had promised to be catastrophic. In 1932, Fiction House had ceased publication of Fight Stories and Action S...
(Also, see 23 recommendations for the series Conan the Cimmerian ) - #7
Save:'The Darkness That Comes Before' by R. Scott Bakker is a departure from ordinary fantasy literature, focusing on the intrigue surrounding a vast crusade with philosophical and introspective characters. The book delves into the perspectives, philosophies, egos, and pieties of key figures involved in the holy war, with occasional gory assassinations and sorceries. The narrative unfolds slowly, with complex character introductions and a focus on the build-up to a Holy War, leading to an absorbing and intriguing read that sets the stage for events to come.
The book presents a dark and gritty fantasy world with detailed character introductions, political drama, and a deep sense of history. It features a manageable cast of characters, each with shades of gray, competing factions, and a sense of impending apocalyptic force. The writing style is dense, philosophical, and well-crafted, providing readers with a challenging yet rewarding reading experience that leaves them eager to delve into the subsequent books in the series.
All spies obsessed over their informants. It was a game they played in the moments before sleep or even during nervous gaps in conversation. A spy would look at his informant, as Achamian looked at Ge... - #8
Save:"The Baker's Boy" is the first installment of a trilogy that follows the adventures of various characters in the Four Kingdoms. It introduces protagonists like Jack, Melli, and Tawl, each with their own unique backgrounds and destinies. The story involves a mix of classic adventure elements, including coming-of-age journeys, power discoveries, and quests for the chosen one, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and villainous schemes.
Baralis sliced Lusk's body open with one forceful but elegant stroke, cleaving from the throat to the groin. Baralis shuddered as the body fell to the floor with a dull thud. He held his hand up to hi... - #9
Save:A grad student, Naledi Smith, receives mysterious emails claiming she is betrothed to an African prince, Thabiso. As they meet, a romance blossoms, amidst Naledi's scientific pursuits and Thabiso's fantasy of his lost betrothed. The book cleverly plays on the secret prince trope, with Naledi's career remaining a priority throughout. The plot includes themes of identity, romance, and a touch of mystery, with a believable and engaging romance between Naledi and Thabiso. The writing style is described as fun, quirky, and enjoyable to read, with a good mix of geek, science, and knowledge presented in a contemporary international romance setting.
I hope that my letter finds you well. I, Likotsi Adelele, assistant to His Royal Highness, have sought you out high and low over the last few months, at the behest of the most exalted—and most curious... - #10
Save:In "The Miserable Mill," the Baudelaire orphans are once again under the care of an unsuitable guardian, forced to work in a lumber mill. The children face challenges such as hypnosis, villainous schemes by Count Olaf, and the obliviousness of adults around them. Despite the dark and dismal setting, the book offers clever definitions, outrageous characters, and hints about the larger story of Lemony Snicket and Beatrice. The writing style includes dark irony, exaggerated situations, and a formulaic structure that continues to develop the series.
The plot unfolds with the Baudelaire children navigating through a series of unfortunate events at the lumber mill, trying to outsmart Count Olaf's plans and uncover mysteries. The book introduces a slightly different tone compared to its predecessors, revealing the identity of Count Olaf later in the story and incorporating sinister and mysterious characters. Despite some readers finding the book less entertaining or predictable, it still offers an enjoyable read with amusing moments, unexpected twists, and a continuation of the unique narrative style of Lemony Snicket.
Sometime during your life—in fact, very soon—you may find yourself reading a book, and you may notice that a book’s first sentence can often tell you what sort of story your book contains. For instanc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series A Series of Unfortunate Events )
