Books matching: struggles against corruption
17 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Day of the Owl' by Leonardo Sciascia is a crime novel set in Sicily, exploring the intricate workings of the mafia and the challenges faced by Inspector Bellodi in solving a murder case. The story delves into the corruption deeply rooted within society, with a focus on the power dynamics, manipulation, and the reluctance of individuals to speak out against the mafia's control. Sciascia's writing style is described as concise, expressive, and engaging, offering a taut murder mystery that keeps the reader captivated with its exploration of the mafia's influence over Italy, particularly Sicily, in the 1960s.
- #2
Save:The Queen of Blood follows the story of Daleina, a young girl with the power to control malevolent spirits that threaten the land of Aratay. Despite her lack of natural magical abilities, Daleina is determined to protect her family and the people of Renthia. As she trains at the Academy to become an Heir, Daleina forms strong female friendships and embarks on a treacherous quest with her companions to confront the ambitious and dangerous Queen Fara. The book showcases a unique fantasy world where spirits are omnipresent and humans must navigate a delicate balance to prevent destruction.
The plot of The Queen of Blood is driven by Daleina's journey from a humble forest village to becoming the Queen of Blood, a title she earns through courage, resourcefulness, and a relentless desire to protect her loved ones. The writing style is described as engaging and fast-paced, with elements of tension that keep readers hooked from the beginning. The book features themes of empowerment, friendship, and the struggle against corruption, set against a backdrop of a world where spirits and humans coexist in a precarious balance.
Don’t trust the fire, for it will burn you. Don’t trust the ice, for it will freeze you. Don’t trust the water, for it will drown you. Don’t trust... - #3
Save:"Heir to the Shadows" is the second book in the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop. The story follows Jaenelle Angelline's journey from a traumatized twelve-year-old to a powerful twenty-year-old High Queen, along with the struggles of important characters like Daemon Sadi and Lucivar Yaslana. The book delves into themes of recovery, growth, and power struggles in a dark fantasy world filled with intricate characters and a well-developed magical system.
Surrounded by guards, Lucivar Yaslana, the half-breed Eyrien Warlord Prince, walked into the courtyard, fully expecting to hear the order for his execution. There was no other reason for a salt mine s...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Black Jewels Series ) The Museum of Abandoned Secrets by Nina Shevchuk-Murray, Oksana Zabuzhko is a sweeping novel that delves into Ukrainian history through a mix of straight narrative, dreams, and flashbacks. The book spans 750 pages and covers a vast swath of Ukrainian history and contemporary politics, providing a fresh perspective on the country's past. Through the lives of various characters, the novel explores themes of resistance, identity, and the preservation of cultural heritage, offering a complex and multi-layered narrative that weaves together different time periods and storylines.
Zabuzhko's writing style is described as a blend of stream of consciousness prose, figurative abstraction, and raw, uncompromising realism. The novel is praised for its intricate storytelling, rich symbolism, and deep contemplation of Ukrainian history and the human experience. With a focus on the lives and roles of women, the book offers a unique perspective on the country's past struggles and present challenges, making it a compelling and enlightening read for those interested in delving into the complexities of Ukrainian culture.
And then come the photos: black and white, faded into a caramel-brown sepia, some printed on that old dense paper with the embossed dappling and white scalloped edges like the lace collars of school u...- #5
Save:The novella 'Tortured Souls' by Clive Barker is set in the decadent and putrid city of Primordium, ruled by cruel and corrupt leaders. The story follows an assassin named Zarles Kreiger who is reshaped by a man named Agonistes before he can stand up to the oppressive rulers. Throughout the book, we are introduced to various tortured souls and their transformations, revealing Barker's familiar obsessions with transformation of the flesh, sado-masochism, love, and sexuality. The characters in the book, based on a line of collectible action figures, are brought to life through vivid descriptions and a unique storytelling approach.
- #6
Save:'From Here to Eternity' by James Jones is a novel set in Hawaii just before the start of World War II, focusing on the lives of military personnel stationed at an Army Barracks on Oahu. The book delves into the intricacies of garrison life, exploring themes of duty, relationships, and the struggle for integrity amidst the harsh realities of army discipline. Through vivid character portrayals and detailed descriptions, Jones captures the essence of army life and the personal struggles faced by the soldiers, culminating in a poignant and realistic depiction of the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The narrative style of 'From Here to Eternity' offers a deep exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, providing a nuanced understanding of their motivations and actions. Jones weaves a complex web of relationships and challenges, showcasing the human experience within the military setting and offering a profound insight into themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for personal integrity in the face of adversity.
When he finished packing, he walked out onto the third-floor porch of the barracks brushing the dust from his hands, a very neat and deceptively slim young man in the summer khakis that were still ear... - #7
Save:Set in early 20th-century Boston, 'The Given Day' by Dennis Lehane weaves a complex narrative following the lives of two main characters, a white Boston cop named Danny Coughlin and a young black man named Luther Laurence. The book delves into the struggles of these characters as they navigate the turbulent times of labor unrest, racial tensions, and political upheaval. Through alternating chapters, Lehane skillfully intertwines the stories of these individuals, highlighting their evolving friendship amidst the societal challenges they face. The novel also incorporates historical events such as the Boston Police Strike of 1919 and the molasses flood, providing a rich backdrop for the character-driven plot.
Due to travel restrictions placed on major league baseball by the War Department, the World Series of 1918 was played in September and split into two home stands. The Chicago Cubs hosted the first thr... - #8
Save:The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth is a science fiction novel set in a future where corporations have taken over in an oligarchy style government. The story explores a world where water has become scarce, available only to the very wealthy, and corporations are looking to colonize space. The narrative follows the protagonist as he goes from a life of privilege to fighting for survival, with his perspectives evolving as he delves deeper into the challenges he faces. The book presents a satirical take on a society where advertisement reigns supreme, and the consequences of having too much power concentrated in the hands of a few.
The writing style of The Space Merchants is described as smart, humorous, cynical, and entertaining, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. It portrays a dystopian world where the distinction between being a citizen and a consumer is stark, highlighting the consequences of unchecked corporate power and the impact of consumerism on society at large.
As I dressed that morning I ran over in my mind the long list of statistics, evasions, and exaggerations that they would expect in my report. My section—Production—had been plagued with a long series ... - #9
Save:In "Stark's War" by Jack Campbell, the story unfolds on the moon where Sergeant Stark finds himself leading a squad of troopers in a future where the U.S. military is controlled by corporations and micromanaged by incompetent senior officers. As Stark witnesses disastrous decisions that lead to unnecessary casualties, he takes matters into his own hands and leads a mutiny to save his squad. The plot explores themes of leadership, military hierarchy, and the consequences of blind obedience in a sci-fi setting where the U.S. government sends troops to the moon to secure vital resources.
The writing style in "Stark's War" is praised for its action-packed narrative, engaging characters, and a realistic portrayal of military life in a futuristic setting. Readers appreciate the blend of drama, science fiction elements, and the exploration of complex issues such as leadership, loyalty, and the impact of corporate control on the military structure.
The assault boat shuddered and jumped, a random pattern designed to foil fire-control systems but also annoying as all hell to the soldiers seated in their Armored Personnel Carrier. Regular motion co... - #10
Save:"Polar Star" in 'The Arkady Renko Novels' series by Martin Cruz Smith follows the story of Arkady Renko, a former police investigator who has been exiled to work on a Russian factory ship in the Bering Sea. When a female crew member's body is discovered in the catch, Arkady is reluctantly pulled back into his role as an investigator, uncovering a complex web of crime, politics, and danger on the ship. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War tensions between the United States and Russia, the novel offers a dark and gripping tale of Arkady's quest for truth amidst a harsh and unforgiving environment.
The writing style of "Polar Star" is praised for its atmospheric and suspenseful tone, with readers highlighting the author's ability to vividly describe the setting of the fish processing ship and the harsh weather conditions in the Arctic waters. The plot is described as layered and complex, offering a mix of mystery, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers engaged and invested in Arkady Renko's journey as he navigates through a world of deception, danger, and moral dilemmas.
2Originally when it came down the rails in Gdansk, the Polar Star’s four superstructures had been a dazzling white and the gantries and booms a candy-yellow. The decks were clear; silver chains wound ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Arkady Renko Novels )
