Books matching: slow pacing initially
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- #1
'Hydrous' in the series 'Immortal Coven' by author Amara Rae follows the story of Naiya, a powerful witch, who is struggling to protect her coven amidst constant threats. When a fae King named Fin seeks her help to find his mate, Naiya sees an opportunity to strengthen her alliances. However, their relationship is complex, with Fin being described as morally grey and intense, while Naiya is portrayed as a strong female leader who eventually finds solace in their bond. The writing style is praised for its intense and passionate portrayal of love, with a mix of paranormal elements like witches, fae, and shifters adding depth to the story.
(Also, see 31 recommendations for the series Immortal Coven ) - #2
In "Bad Girls" by Jacqueline Wilson, the story revolves around Mandy, a young girl who gets bullied at school by a group of girls. The narrative explores the themes of bullying, friendship, and peer pressure, particularly focusing on the relationship between Mandy and a foster child named Tanya. Through a mix of serious and light-hearted moments, the book addresses important issues faced by young girls, such as dealing with mean girls, finding true friendship, and coping with family dynamics. The writing style includes illustrations that help set the atmosphere of the story and engage the readers, making it a recommended read for Jacqueline Wilson fans and those new to her works.
- #3
'Hunting for a Highlander' by Lynsay Sands is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Dwyn Innes, a kind and resourceful woman who may not fit society's beauty standards but shines with inner loveliness. When Geordie Buchanan, a honorable and fierce man, meets Dwyn, he is captivated by her down-to-earth nature and courage. As their relationship grows, they face danger and dark deeds that test their bond. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing about the identity of the villain until the end. The book combines romance, humor, and suspense, making it an engaging read that explores themes of self-acceptance and love.
Geordie Buchanan opened tired eyes as that call was followed by someone trying to make the sound of a horse whinnying. For a minute, he didn’t know where he was. Early-morning sunlight was streaming d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Highlanders ) - #4
'The Nature of Jade' by Deb Caletti is a young adult novel that follows the story of Jade, a teenage girl struggling with anxiety. Set in Seattle, the book explores Jade's journey as she navigates her anxiety, her relationships, and her love for animals, particularly elephants. The writing style of Deb Caletti is described as authentic and relatable, with witty and fun characters that readers can easily connect with. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, romance, and facing one's fears, all while incorporating unique elements such as a zoo's elephant livestream and the blurring lines between humans and animals.
Thanks as well to the superb folks and my happy family at Simon & Schuster, particularly Jennifer Zatorski, Jodie Cohen (woman of a thousand shoes), and Kimberly Lauber. Appreciation, too, to U.K. Sch... - #5
'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans have colonized the galaxy and space ships have humans directly controlled by ship AI as workers and soldiers. The protagonist, Breq, is the last remaining ancillary of a destroyed starship AI seeking revenge, navigating through interplanetary politics and exploring unique ideas of a possible future. The book delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, gender neutrality, and complex world-building, challenging the reader to interpret the intricacies of the narrative.
The writing style of 'Ancillary Justice' is described as compelling, with excellent world-building and intricate storytelling that slowly unfolds the plot. The use of female pronouns as the standard in a gender-neutral society, the concept of ancillaries, and the multiple POVs presented in a unique manner contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the reader ponder on themes of humanity, individuality, and culture in a thought-provoking manner.
The body lay naked and facedown, a deathly gray, spatters of blood staining the snow around it. It was minus fifteen degrees Celsius and a storm had passed just hours before. The snow stretched smooth... - #6
'Songs of Earth and Power' by Greg Bear is a complex and unusual fantasy novel that takes readers on a mysterious journey filled with twists and turns. The story is set in alternate worlds with intricate world-building, engaging characters, and a plotline that keeps readers hooked till the end. Greg Bear's writing style is described as dense and difficult to plow through, but rewarding for those who stick with it, showcasing his mastery in storytelling and creating a unique and original tale unlike anything readers have experienced before.
- #7
Set in the 1930s during a nationwide depression, 'Ruined City' by Nevil Shute follows the story of a merchant banker named Henry Warren who, after falling ill in a northern city facing economic disaster, uses his business acumen to revive a shipyard and save the town from ruin. The book explores themes of social improvement, ethical dilemmas, and personal growth, all wrapped in a love story. Shute's writing style is described as consistent and masterful, focusing on decent people facing real problems and doing good deeds without the need for sensationalism.
During the winter the pace accelerated tremendously for Mr Henry Warren. In spite of the depression the banking house of Warren Sons and Mortimer had never had so much to do; as his marriage slid away... - #8
Medusa's Web by Tim Powers is a contemporary fantasy novel set in modern-day Hollywood, featuring elements of time travel, mystery, and the occult. The story revolves around siblings Scott and Madeline Madden, who return to their aunt's eerie Hollywood estate after her death. As they navigate through family secrets, dysfunctional relationships, and supernatural spiders that enable time travel, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of mysteries spanning from the past to the present.
The woman stood at one of the tall French windows, peering through the rain-streaked glass down the slope outside. The day had not ever been very bright, and the light in the overcast sky was now fadi... - #9
'Once a Runner' by John L. Parker Jr. follows the story of university student Quenton Cassidy and his running team mates during a period of intense training, amidst a sporting controversy that leads to Cassidy being sidelined. The novel delves into Cassidy's journey as he prepares for a significant race, highlighting the challenges and dedication involved in competitive running. The writing style of the book is described as literary, with excellent character development and evocative prose that captures the essence of the running subculture.
'Once a Runner' is not just a book about running but a literary novel that incorporates running as a central theme. The story focuses on the protagonist's passion for running and the sacrifices he makes to pursue his athletic goals. The narrative unfolds with a mix of drama, humor, and introspection, showcasing the unique mindset of elite athletes and the struggles they face both on and off the track.
THE NIGHT JOGGERS were out as usual. The young man could see dim figures on the track even in this pale light, slowly pounding round and round the most infinite of footpaths. There would be, he knew, ... - #10
The novel 'Voyage to Alpha Centauri' by Michael D. O'Brien follows the journey of a group of individuals aboard the Kosmos, a space vessel, on a mission to Alpha Centauri. The story is narrated by physicist Neil de Hoyos, who unveils a future Earth under strong central government surveillance. As the travelers explore a new planet, they encounter a sinister legacy left by an ancient civilization, leading to a series of shocking events. The book delves into themes of truth, privacy, religious freedom, and the clash of worldviews, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and beliefs.
O'Brien intricately weaves together profound reflections on human nature, science, morality, and spirituality throughout the novel. The story is rich in detail, from the futuristic technology aboard the ship to the intricate relationships among the diverse group of characters. With elements of mystery and realism, 'Voyage to Alpha Centauri' presents a compelling narrative that prompts readers to contemplate the complexities of the human heart and the consequences of societal control.