Books matching: societal hierarchies
81 result(s)
- #1
Save:In 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, set in the 17th century, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a renowned detective, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, as they embark on a perilous journey to Amsterdam. Strange occurrences plague their ship, including mysterious symbols, deaths, and whispers of unholy miracles. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past resurface, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Turton weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, delivering a complex and gripping tale filled with twists and surprises.
The narrative is rich in historical details, portraying life aboard a merchant vessel and the superstitions of the 17th century with vivid imagery. The characters, ranging from strong-willed women to clever detectives, add depth to the story, while the intricate plot keeps readers engaged till the end. Turton's writing style blends elements of locked room mystery, Sherlock Holmes homage, and swashbuckling sea adventure, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense.
Another whistled by his ear; a third striking his knee, causing him to stumble, bringing jeers from the pitiless mob, who were already searching the ground for more missiles to throw. Hundreds of them... - #2
Save:"Tower of Glass" by Robert Silverberg revolves around Simeon Krug, a visionary inventor who creates synthetic humans to build a giant glass tower to communicate with aliens. The story delves into themes of power, religion, and the nature of humanity, as the androids created by Krug begin to develop their own society and question their purpose and beliefs. The writing style of the book is described as skillfully crafted, thought-provoking, and exploring timeless human problems through the lens of science fiction.
Look, Simeon Krug wanted to say, a billion years ago there wasn’t even any man, there was only a fish. A slippery thing with gills and scales and little round eyes. He lived in the ocean, and the ocea... - #3
Save:'The Fall' in the series 'The Seventh Tower' by Garth Nix follows the protagonist Tal, a Chosen of the Orange Order, as he embarks on a quest to obtain a new primary sunstone to save his family's status and heal his ailing mother. However, his attempt to steal a sunstone leads him to fall into a different world filled with darkness and ice, where he must navigate dangers and challenges to find his way back home. The story unfolds in a unique fantasy world with elements of magic, wizards, demons, and epic battles, presenting a rich and intriguing new setting that gradually reveals itself as the plot progresses.
The writing style of 'The Fall' has been described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with original fantasy elements and worldbuilding. While some readers found the world and character exploration to be lacking compared to Nix's other works, the book introduces readers to a new mythology and a parallel universe that sets the stage for a coming-of-age narrative and a hero's journey as Tal faces personal struggles and embarks on a quest filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
Tal had initially fought back the tears, but they came freely as he ran through the bright corridors and down the Orange Stair to his family's residence. He tried to wipe them away as he ran, ignoring... - #4
Save:"Bookworm" by Christopher G. Nuttall follows the story of Elaine, a librarian with limited magical talent, who unexpectedly gains a deep understanding of magic and the Empire's history after triggering a spell. Set in a world where magic is abundant, Elaine navigates through a society governed by tradition and aristocratic rules while uncovering a carefully planned plot to free an ancient enemy and take over the world. The plot combines elements of urban fantasy, epic fantasy, and steampunk, offering a mix of magic, mystery, and intrigue. The writing style includes references to other works, touches on character development, and introduces a variety of magical and forbidden books from the Grand Library.
- #5
Save:'Ironclads' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a novella set in a future where corporations and governments engage in war, with the wealthy elite equipped with advanced armoured battle suits. The plot follows a group of soldiers on a mission to find a missing corporate scion behind enemy lines in a war-torn Sweden, facing various factions and strange biotechnological weapons. The story is told from the soldiers' perspective, blending wit, commentary on corporate greed, and action-packed sequences with elements of humor and world-building.
STURGEON SAYS THAT, way back when, the sons of the rich used to go to war as a first choice of career. He says that, back then, the regular grunts were basically just poor bastards with a knife and a ... - #6
Save:Mr Warren's Profession by Sebastian Nothwell is a historical romance set in 1891 Industrial Manchester, focusing on the lives of the main characters, Aubrey Warren and Lindsey Althorp. The story revolves around Lindsey's unexpected acquisition of a cloth mill, leading to a complex relationship with Aubrey, the mill clerk. The book delves into the class differences between the characters, the societal challenges they face, and the development of their romantic relationship amidst the backdrop of the late Victorian period. The narrative is filled with intrigue, romance, and societal commentary, all intricately woven together to create a compelling story that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The writing style of Mr Warren's Profession is praised for its attention to historical detail, well-developed characters, and engaging plot. The author, Sebastian Nothwell, skillfully navigates through themes of love, class divide, and societal norms, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The book is lauded for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by the characters, the depth of emotion depicted, and the historical accuracy that adds depth to the story.
The hallway outside the office remained dark despite the weak sunrise fighting its way through the Manchester smog. Yet Aubrey recognised the barrel-shaped body perched on spindly legs as Mr Jennings,... - #7
Save:Voyage by Sterling Hayden is a seafaring novel that follows the journey of the sailing ship Neptune's Car, as it travels from New York to San Francisco in 1896, facing the treacherous waters around Cape Horn. The book intertwines multiple storylines, including the political landscape of the 1896 Presidential Election, the adventures of a group of aristocrats sailing across the Pacific, and the struggles of professional sailors on board the Neptune's Car. Hayden's writing style is described as vivid, compelling, and historically accurate, drawing readers into a world of rough masculinity, conflicts, and moral dilemmas.
- #8
Save:In the futuristic world of 'Telepath' by Janet Edwards, readers are introduced to Amber, a unique telepath who can navigate through the minds of others to prevent crimes before they happen. As part of a telepath unit in an underground megacity known as a hive, Amber faces the challenge of unraveling mysterious events with her team, all while navigating a complex caste system and investigating cases that test her abilities. Edwards weaves a tale of young adulthood, ethical dilemmas, and societal control, all set against a backdrop of intricate world-building and engaging character development.
Forge and Shanna led our group out of the lift into the forbidden territory of Level 1, the highest of the hundred accommodation levels in our Hive city. I stopped for a moment, dazzled by the splendo... - #9
Save:The Marionettes by Katie Wismer is a paranormal romance novel that follows the story of young witch Valerie Darkmore, who has trained her whole life to become a Marionette, only to discover that her magic is fading right before the trials begin. The book delves into a world filled with witches, vampires, and a mix of magic, secrets, and disappearing love interests. The plot is described as a perfect blend of romance, dark academia, and unique takes on the vampire and witch worlds, with well-developed characters and a gripping magic system that keeps readers hooked until the cliffhanger ending. The writing style is praised for being atmospheric, fast-paced, addictive, and filled with intriguing lore and world rules that create a rich and immersive reading experience.
The lunar witches left a dead bird in the field again. At least, it looks dead. Blood seeps from its small, black body into the snow, painting a halo of gore around it. Fading moonlight slides through... - #10
Save:Wolf Shunned from 'The Alpha Queen Legacy' series by Laurel Night is a captivating story set in a futuristic world where a failed experiment by humans led to the creation of blood-sucking wraiths. The remaining humans were transformed into wolf shifters, struggling for survival against the wraiths. The plot revolves around Kaliya, a dominant female wolf who challenges the ancient rules mandating females to be dominated by males before their 20th birthday. As Kaliya navigates this oppressive society, she uncovers hidden truths about her role and the packs, leading to a slow burn reverse harem romance. The writing style in Wolf Shunned seamlessly combines elements of divergent, hunger games, and maze runner, offering a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
A single droplet of sweat trailed down the side of my face, working its way from my pale blonde hairline to my clenched jaw. Hands flexed on the hilts of my blunted practice swords, fingers stretching...
