Books matching: surreal landscape
94 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Midnight Nation' by J. Michael Straczynski is a graphic novel that captivates readers with its compelling storyline and intricate character development. The book follows the journey of David and Laurel through a desperate and lonely place known as the midnight nation, where they must fight a demonic force to survive and regain their souls. The writing style is described as dense, thought-provoking, and filled with philosophical premises that explore human compassion, hope, and the internal struggles of the protagonists.
- #2
Save:'Red River Seven' is a thrilling blend of post-apocalyptic horror and mystery that begins with a group of seven characters waking up on a boat, stripped of their memories and identities, save for some tattooed names and professional skills. As they navigate a surreal and dangerous landscape reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft and avant-garde films, they must piece together their pasts and the mission that brought them together. The narrative unfolds through action-packed sequences and immersive writing, drawing readers into the chaotic world they inhabit, while also exploring themes of trust and human values in extreme circumstances.
The author, A.J. Ryan, employs a writing style that is both accessible and engaging, placing readers in the midst of the action. The pacing is brisk, maintaining tension and suspense as the characters uncover the truth about their situation and the dystopian environment around them. However, some readers noted that the character development could be lacking, and the story's conclusion felt somewhat abrupt, leaving them wanting more insight into the world beyond the immediate plot.
- #3Iceby:
Save:Ice by Anna Kavan is a surreal, dystopian novella that follows an unnamed narrator's obsessive pursuit of a woman through a world slowly being engulfed by ice. The book features vivid descriptions of a cold, desolate landscape and explores themes of abuse, violence, and trauma. The writing style is described as darkly sparkly, with beautiful prose that creates haunting and harrowing imagery, reminiscent of authors like Kafka and Borges. The plot is simple yet complex, with elements of surrealism and dreamlike sequences that leave the reader questioning reality.
I was lost, it was already dusk, I had been driving for hours and was practically out of petrol. The idea of being stranded on these lonely hills in the dark appalled me, so I was glad to see a signpo... - #4
Save:'Tideland' by Mitch Cullin is a dark and disturbing novel that follows the story of Jeliza Rose, a young girl dealing with difficult and unsettling circumstances. The book explores themes of fantasy, horror, and the struggles of growing up through the eyes of the main character. The writing style is described as unique, horrifying, and with an element of fantasy that adds depth to the narrative, making the story easier to accept despite its disturbing nature.
The plot of 'Tideland' revolves around Jeliza Rose's journey through a sad and morbid world, weaving between the upsetting and the fantastical. The book is written from the main character's perspective, providing a raw and unfiltered view of the challenges she faces, allowing readers to immerse themselves in her experiences and emotions.
On my first evening in the back country, I skipped down the porch steps of the farmhouse-leaving my father inside and the radio playing and my small suitcase decorated with neon flower stickers unpack... - #5
Save:'The Filth' by Grant Morrison is a dark and intense exploration of the human psyche, filled with bizarre and trippy storylines. The book delves into Morrison's twisted and brilliant ideas, presenting a universe similar to works like 'Naked Lunch' and featuring biologically monstrous illustrations reminiscent of Giger's style. The plot is described as incomprehensible at times, with covert government agencies portrayed in a unique light, blurring the lines between good and evil.
The story is all over the place, crammed with too many ideas akin to a bad Philip K. Dick novel. Readers are warned that the book may not be for everyone, as it pushes boundaries and contains a lot of ugliness without inspiring amusement. Despite its flaws, 'The Filth' is praised for its ambitious and creative effort, showcasing Morrison's postmodern brilliance but also leaving some readers unsatisfied with the confusing message about control.
'The Complete Works of H.P. Lovecraft' is a comprehensive collection of horror short stories, novels, juvenilia, collaborations, and ghost writings by H.P. Lovecraft. The book is praised for its completeness, including all the short stories and coauthored works, making it a valuable collection for both new readers and die-hard fans. The writing style of Lovecraft is described as classic horror fiction and fantasy, with stories that are both charming and occasionally creepy, filled with over-the-top descriptions and bizarre scenes. However, the book also addresses the problematic aspects of Lovecraft's writing, such as racism and xenophobia, which are evident in some of his works.
- #7
Save:'Ubik' by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novel that delves into the boundaries between reality and something else. The story follows a group of anti-telepaths embroiled in a decaying world where reality is constantly shifting. The novel incorporates themes of time travel, psychic powers, and a state called 'half life,' where deceased individuals can still communicate with the living. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged in a mind-bending exploration of perception versus reality.
Dick's writing style in 'Ubik' combines mystery, suspense, and philosophical underpinnings. The narrative challenges readers to question what is real and what is unreal, leading them through a journey that blurs the lines between space, time, and mind. The novel presents complex ideas in a fascinating and unconventional manner, creating a unique reading experience that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
Friends, this is clean-up time and we're discounting all our silent, electric Ubiks by this much money. Yes, we're throwing away the bluebook. And remember: every Ubik on our lot has been used only as... - #8
Save:The Futurological Congress by Stanislaw Lem is a satirical and dystopian novel that follows the protagonist Ijon Tichy as he attends a conference of futurologists, only to end up in a future society where civilization is falling apart due to overpopulation and mass drugging by the government to maintain control. The story is filled with futuristic ideas, inventions, neologisms, and hallucinatory experiences, creating a dreamlike and disorienting narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and societal norms.
Lem's writing style in The Futurological Congress is described as unique, cutting, and humorous, permeating the book with a dark sense of humor that tackles serious themes such as societal control, drug-induced realities, and the consequences of technological advancements. The book explores multiple possible futures and realities through a series of nested hallucinations and delusions, inviting readers to question the nature of truth and the impact of societal manipulation through drugs and propaganda.
The Eighth World Futurological Congress was held in Costa Rica. To tell the truth, I never would have gone to Nounas if it hadn't been for Professor Tarantoga, who gave me clearly to understand that t... - #9
Save:The novella "Walking to Aldebaran" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a space horror story centered around an astronaut named Gary Rendell who finds himself alone and half-mad in an alien labyrinth after a mission to explore a strange alien object beyond Pluto goes awry. The story alternates between describing the mission to the alien artifact, known as the Crypts, and Gary's experiences within the dark corridors of the object. With elements of psychological horror and a focus on the exploration of a big dumb object, the novella unfolds as a creepy and intriguing journey through alien worlds and the mind of the protagonist.
I don’t know what it was or where it came from. Like me, it had been wandering the passageways of this crypt for who knows how long – and how long has it been, anyone? No day and no night and I’ve not... - #10
Save:'Pantagruel' in the series 'Gargantua and Pantagruel' by Francois Rabelais is a sweeping epic that follows the adventures of two giants, a father Gargantua and his son Pantagruel. The text is filled with crude humor, scatological jokes, and violence, while also touching on social subjects and referencing classical literature and history. The plot meanders through various episodes, ranging from absurdity to satire, making it a complex and entertaining read for those who appreciate its extravagant and bawdy nature.
The text of the first Two Books of Rabelais has been reprinted from the first edition (1653) of Urquhart's translation. Footnotes initialled 'M.' are drawn from the Maitland Club edition (1838); other...
