Books matching: social and power struggles
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- #1
Save:"Moon of the Crusted Snow" by Waubgeshig Rice is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a remote Anishinaabe community in northern Ontario. The story follows Evan Whitesky and his family as they navigate the sudden loss of electricity, cell phone service, and contact with the outside world. As the community faces a harsh winter and the arrival of white strangers, tensions rise, survival becomes uncertain, and the characters must confront the challenges of the new world they find themselves in. The writing style is described as spare yet effective, with a focus on building tension and creating a sense of foreboding that keeps readers engaged.
A crack echoed through the boreal landscape, a momentary chaos in the still afternoon air. In the near distance, a large bull moose fell to its side. Evan Whitesky stood and looped his rifle around hi... - #2
Save:'Under the Dome' by Stephen King is a gripping novel that explores the impact of a mysterious dome descending over a small New England town, cutting off its inhabitants from the outside world. The story delves into the lives of the townspeople, showcasing their struggles, conflicts, and resilience in the face of isolation and escalating chaos. Stephen King's writing style expertly weaves together multiple character perspectives, intricate plotlines, and psychological depth, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
Barbie started feeling better as soon as he passed Food City and left downtown behind. When he saw the sign reading YOU ARE LEAVING THE VILLAGE OF CHESTER’S MILL COME BACK REAL SOON!, he felt better s... - #3
Save:'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a modern and eye-opening novel that delves into the harsh realities of Indian society. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a former servant turned entrepreneur, who writes a series of letters to the Premier of China detailing his rise from poverty to wealth through acts of violence and corruption. The book provides a satirical and candid look at the deep-rooted issues of poverty, corruption, and social injustice in India, while also exploring themes of power struggles, oppression, and the impact of globalization on the caste system.
Adiga's writing style in 'The White Tiger' is raw, honest, and darkly humorous, capturing the complexities of Balram's character and the stark realities of Indian society. The narrative unfolds through Balram's distinctive voice, portraying a vivid picture of a country grappling with economic growth, inequality, and moral decay. The book weaves together elements of satire, social commentary, and personal reflection to offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a corrupt and oppressive system.
My ex-employer the late Mr. Ashok’s ex-wife, Pinky Madam, taught me one of these things; and at 11:32 p.m. today, which was about ten minutes ago, when the lady on All India Radio announced, “Premier ... - #4
Save:Three thousand years before, the monstrous Dark had sprung from loathsome underground lairs to destroy most of humanity. Now they were again ravening and ruining in their blood hunger. Only a few thousand people had managed to find refuge in the ancient fortress Keep of Renweth. There, even the magic of the wizard Ingold Inglorion could offer them little hope against the Dark. To defeat the savage horror, they must gain help from the Hidden City of Quo, to which all other wizards had been summoned. But Ingold could not pierce the walls of illusion that separated Quo from the world. With his student, Rudy Solis, the old wizard set out to cross two thousand miles of dangerous desert to the City of Wizards. What he might find there he could not know and dared not guess. Many middle books of trilogies feel a bit weaker. We've met most of the main characters, and the author doesn't really resolve the storyline. Still somehow, there needs to be enough story to keep our interest. This book does that. This fantasy follows the pattern of Tolkien's The Two Towers and splits up the characters. Rudy and Ingold head off to the wizards' city while Gil and Minalde stay behind in the Keep. Through Rudy's eyes, we learn more about the nature and perils of magic. Gil is a historian and intent on finding out more about the physical infrastructure of the Keep while trying to dodge most of the political and social infighting. I found both alternating stories interesting in their own way. Unifying them both is the threat of the Dark and how people deal with adversity and tragedy. I enjoyed the story and, while I noticed it was the middle book, I also thought it had enough going on that it wasn't significantly weaker than the first book. Highly recommended for fans of The Time of the Dark.
THE SETTING WAS THE Shamrock Bar in San Bernardino on a rainy Saturday night. Rain drummed softly on the plate glass window, and the tawdry gleam of lights shone on the wet pavement outside. Two beard...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Darwath ) - #5
Save:Parable of the Talents is a dystopian SciFi novel set in America in 2032, where society has collapsed due to climate change and economic crises. The story follows Lauren Olamina's efforts to establish her Earthseed belief system amidst chaos and oppression. The narrative delves into the clash between Earthseed and a right-wing Christian government, highlighting themes of survival, power struggles, and the struggle for a new belief system in a deteriorating society.
Darkness Gives shape to the light As light Shapes the darkness. Death Gives shape to life As life Shapes death. The universe And God Share this wholeness, Each Defining the other. God Gives shape to t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Earthseed ) - #6
Save:Ratha's Creature by Clare Bell is a fantasy novel that delves into the world of prehistoric big cats who speak and have an organized society. The story follows the young female protagonist, Ratha, as she faces exile for taming fire, a power feared by all animals. Forced to venture into unfamiliar territory, Ratha undergoes a journey of self-discovery, challenging her beliefs and assumptions while struggling for survival in a brutal environment. The book is praised for its rich descriptions of the characters' emotions and surroundings, portraying Ratha as a believable character dealing with pride, hate, hope, and friendship amidst moments of betrayal and despair.
Clare Bell's writing style in Ratha's Creature is lauded for its immersive storytelling that weaves deep themes of intelligence, moral obligations, and societal norms into the plot without coming across as preachy. The author's vivid depiction of a harsh prehistoric world inhabited by sentient cats captures readers' imaginations, drawing them into a narrative filled with adventure, love, loss, betrayal, and survival. The book stands out for its portrayal of a unique society of intelligent felines facing conflicts, exile, and the struggle for change, making it a compelling read for fans of animal stories and fantasy genres.
Ratha leaped over a fern thicket and dug her paws into the spongy ground as she dodged sharp horns. One prong sifted through her fur and she skittered away from the beast. She turned and stood her gro... - #7
Save:Captain Ales, a lonely smuggler at the galaxy's Outer Verge, is enticed into a galactic power struggle while on a smuggling mission to a world under siege. The plot of "Siege Weapons" is a mix of fast-paced action scenes with a fair bit of violence, interspersed with quiet introspection and unexpected twists. The book delves into Ales' past, his fragile mental state, and his struggles as the last of his people, all set against a backdrop of intergalactic politics and space travel.
The story introduces flawed characters with complex histories, such as Ales, who despite their questionable actions, ultimately strive to do what is right. The world-building is rich, featuring a variety of alien species and exploring themes of domination, survival, and loneliness in a distant future setting. The book is described as solid Sci-Fi with a gay main character, offering a mix of intrigue, intensity, and emotional depth.
ALONE AT THE space station bar, I checked the screen on my wrist-tech for the hundredth time. The smooth silvery material as thin and flexible as a flower petal contoured perfectly to my bumps and sca... - #8
Save:'Queen Takes Triune' continues the enthralling saga of Shara, a fierce and determined queen navigating a complex world filled with vampires, powerful gods, and intricate relationships. The narrative unfolds with Shara facing formidable foes, including rival queens, while she strives to consolidate her power and protect her loved ones. The plot is rich with emotional depth and action, showcasing Shara's resilience as she forms critical alliances and confronts her past. The writing style is immersive, drawing readers into Shara's journey, making them feel as if they are part of her world.
The book captures a unique blend of high-stakes drama and intimate connections, with multiple points of view that enhance the storytelling. Readers are treated to a vivid portrayal of the characters, particularly Shara, as she balances her personal desires with her responsibilities as a queen. The dynamic between Shara and her blood, alongside the development of secondary characters, adds layers to the narrative. The prose is engaging and fluid, ensuring that readers remain invested in the unfolding story and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Their Vampire Queen ) - #9
Save:Appian's 'The Civil Wars' is a comprehensive narrative of the tumultuous years of the Roman Republic's end, spanning from 113 to 70 B.C. The book covers significant events such as the violence against the Gracchus brothers, the civil war between Marius and Sulla, Cicero's suppression of the Catiline conspiracy, the rise and fall of Pompey the Great, Julius Caesar's dictatorship and assassination, and the power struggles between key figures like Octavian Caesar and Mark Antony. Appian's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions of historical events, insightful analysis of social causes of conflicts, and engaging storytelling that brings to life the political intrigues and power struggles of republican Rome.
Appian - The Civil Wars Book I Introduction 1 1 The plebeians and Senate of Rome were often at strife with each other concerning the enactment of laws, the cancelling of debts, the division of lands... - #10
Save:"The Betrayal" in the series "Cyteen" by C.J. Cherryh delves into a world where the Union and Resune are portrayed as more human than previously thought, showcasing a different way of survival in the stars. The narrative explores themes of social power, conflict, responsibility, and the struggle between personal needs and the common good. The story follows the aftermath of the assassination of a scientist involved in eugenics, the creation of a clone, and the complex relationships and struggles faced by the characters in a world where artificial humans are created to serve specific purposes.
NOTE: 11/12/01 - This is the the first book in the Cyteen paperback series. It is NOT the complete novel as released in hardcover/trade. I am doing the books one at a time and will also release them a...
