Books matching: socio political issues
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- #1
Medusa Uploaded by Emily Devenport is a uniquely written generation ship story that delves into themes of revenge, rebellion, and political machinations among the Executives on board the Generation Ship, Olympia. The main character, Oichi, finds herself at the center of a revolution after being thrown out of an airlock by an Executive, only to be saved by the Medusa unit. The novel explores the stratification of classes on the ship, the illegal database implanted in Oichi's brain, and her journey to undermine the Executives and distribute music implants to the inhabitants.
The writing style of Medusa Uploaded is described as odd yet engaging, with a focus on worldbuilding, relatable characters, and a thrilling, multilayered plot. The flashforward structure of the story, while a minor annoyance to some readers, contributes to the overall mystery and intrigue surrounding Oichi's mission and the secrets hidden within the ship. The book offers a unique perspective on AI companions, mind interfacing, and the relationships between humans and the Medusa units, creating a story that is both dark and surprisingly upbeat.
- #2
'The Belt of Gold' by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in Constantinople in AD 802. The story follows Frankish warrior Hagen, who becomes entangled in a power struggle between Empress Irene and pretender to the throne John Cerulis. The plot is described as complex and poisonous, involving court officials, spies, diplomats, and charioteers. The book is praised for its vivid depiction of Byzantine Constantinople and its engaging portrayal of characters with varied ambitions and fears. The narrative weaves together multiple plotlines that ultimately converge under the manipulative Empress Irene.
Shimon gave her a long meditative stare. He had the long sad face of his people, deeply graven with lines, and although he never raised his voice it made her quail a little to risk his anger. But if s... - #3
'Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons' by Lorna Landvik follows the lives of five women who form a book club on Freesia Court in Minnesota in the late 1960s. The story spans several decades, covering the ups and downs of their friendships, marriages, and parenthood. Each chapter is narrated by a different woman, providing insights into their diverse personalities and the challenges they face, from domestic abuse to substance abuse. club serves as a support group for the women as they navigate through life's trials and tribulations, showing the importance of female friendships and solidarity over the years.
“Brushes?” Faith Owens had said when he offered up his bright smile and sales pitch on her icy front doorstep. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got a little more than brushes to worry about right now. Like wonder... - #4
In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds. The murder of a former cop draws Roan into an odd case where an unidentifiable species of cat appears to be showing an unusual level of intelligence. He juggles that with trying to find a missing teenage boy, who, unbeknownst to his parents, was cat obsessed. Working the crimes will lead Roan through a maze of hate, personal grudges, and mortal danger, with help from his tiger strain infected partner, Paris Lehane. Andrea Speed has created an intriguing paranormal world, where werecat strains spread much like AIDS, changing individual lives and society as a whole as they go. Different strains have different implications for the infecteds' life expectancy and capacities, but all the 'kitties' suffer from straight society's prejudices, and as a result find themselves outsiders, and low on the police's priority list.
- #5
'City of Golden Shadow' by Tad Williams is the first installment in the 'Otherland' series, a sci-fi multi-genre tale that introduces a diverse cast of characters embarking on a quest within a virtual reality world. The plot revolves around a group of individuals from different backgrounds investigating mysterious comas affecting children, while also delving into a cyberpunk mystery in the real world. The writing style is described as ambitious, detailed, and rich in world-building, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy seamlessly through the use of virtual reality.
"Again?" Renie set her pad down on the desk and picked up her bag. Remembering how many things had gone missing during the last scare, she retrieved the pad before walking into the hallway. The man wh... - #6
'All Through the Night' by Connie Brockway is a historical romance novel set in London, featuring a mysterious thief, Anne Wilder, who leads a double life as a demure companion by day and a daring cat burglar by night. Pursued by Colonel Jack Seward, an agent for the government, the story unfolds with complex machinations gradually revealed, showcasing nuanced characters with hidden motivations. The plot involves a cat-and-mouse game between Anne and Jack, intertwined with elements of romance, mystery, and societal intrigue. The writing style is described as immersive, with rich imagery that vividly portrays the opulent Regency life contrasted with the suffering of the poor, creating an engaging and intriguing narrative.
Ears straining to detect any sound above the murmur of a night breeze stirring the bed curtains, the thief known as Wrexhall’s Wraith lifted an ormolu clock from the mantel. Too heavy. A delicate porc... - #7
Creatures of Want and Ruin by Molly Tanzer is a historical supernatural fiction set in the Prohibition era Long Island, focusing on a young baywoman named Ellie West who gets involved in a sinister plot orchestrated by a cult of diabolists. The book explores themes of xenophobia, racism, religious prejudice, and misogyny, all intertwined with eldritch horror elements. Tanzer's writing style vividly evokes the early 20th-century rural maritime Long Island, creating a rich and immersive world that captivates readers.
The story follows Ellie's journey as she navigates through the supernatural and sinister occurrences around her, delving into the power dynamics fueled by prejudices and vices that everyday people supply to demons. Alongside Ellie, the book features diverse and complex characters like Fin, who undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the narrative. Tanzer skillfully weaves together historical settings, intriguing characters, and relevant social commentary to create a compelling and haunting tale.
The wind was east and the tide was running high by the time Ellie West finished jamming all the crates of moonshine liquor into the smuggler’s hold of her skiff. Leaden bands of clouds were thickening...
(Also, see 11 recommendations for the series Diabolist's Library ) - #8
'Wild Cards' by George R.R. Martin is a captivating blend of superheroes, alternative history, and Lovecraftian elements. The plot revolves around the characters racing against each other to protect or harm John Fortune, who is believed to be either the Second Coming or the Antichrist. The story is filled with familiar and new faces, each with their own motivations and alliances, leading to a dramatic and intense Apocalypse religious drama. The writing style features multiple authors contributing different chapters about various characters, creating a rich and dynamic narrative that transitions between old and new characters seamlessly.
Herbert L. Cranston Years later, when I saw Michael Rennie come out of that flying saucer in The Day the Earth Stood Still, I leaned over to the wife and said, “Now that's the way an alien emissary ou... - #9
'The Rift' by Walter Jon Williams is a disaster novel set in the United States, focusing on a series of devastating earthquakes that lead to widespread flooding, the threat of nuclear meltdown, and civil disturbance. The plot follows various groups of characters as they navigate the aftermath of the natural disaster, including themes of survival, social consequences, and dealing with extreme situations. The author incorporates historical letters from the 1800s earthquake, technical details about earthquakes and nuclear reactors, and explores the interactions between characters amidst the chaos.
It is a remarkable fact, that there is a chain of low, level and marshy lands, commencing at the City of Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, and extending to the Gulf of Mexico; and between these two points ... - #10
Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen is a medical thriller set in the small town of Tranquility, Maine, where Dr. Claire Elliot investigates a series of violent and deadly acts committed by the local teenagers. As Claire delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a dark history of unexplained violence in the town, leading her to suspect a biological cause behind the aggressive behavior. The plot is filled with twists and turns, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and detailed, with likable characters and multiple points of view that add depth to the story.