Books matching: survival and societal conflict
9 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a future America where a deadly disease called Posies kills everyone by the age of twenty-one. The story follows the protagonist, Ice Cream Star, a fifteen-year-old girl who embarks on a quest to find a cure for her brother. The book explores themes of survival, leadership, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The unique writing style of the author, which includes an invented dialect, adds depth to the narrative and creates a vivid portrayal of a dystopian world.
MY NAME BE ICE CREAM FIFTEEN STAR. MY BROTHER BE DRIVER Eighteen Star, and my ghost brother Mo-Jacques Five Star, dead when I myself was only six years old. Still my heart is rain for him, my brother ... - #2
Slan by A.E. van Vogt is a classic science fiction novel set in a world where Slans, a telepathic mutant race, are hunted down by humans. The story follows Jommy Cross, a young Slan trying to protect his people and uncover the secrets of their existence. The plot involves a tri-cornered war between Human Beings, Slans, and Tendrilless Slans, with themes of genetic engineering, telepathy, and the struggle for coexistence in a world filled with oppression and fear.
Her fear as they walked hurriedly along the street was a quiet, swift pulsation that throbbed from her mind to his. A hundred other thoughts beat against his mind, from the crowds that swarmed by on e... - #3
Duncton Wood is a fantasy novel that delves into the lives of moles in the Duncton Wood system, portraying a clash between good and evil. The story follows characters like Bracken, Rebecca, Boswell, Mandrake, and Rune as they navigate through a world filled with love, fear, passion, survival, and the struggle against corruptness in power. The writing style of the book is described as deeply spiritual, enchanting, and full of adventure, suspense, and battles, presenting a romantic tale intertwined with elements of mythology and symbolism.
It is a true story drawn from many sources, and the fact that it can be told at all is as great a miracle as the history it relates. But without one other mole, Blessed Boswell of Uffington, Bracken a... - #4
"The Iron Duke" by Meljean Brook is a steampunk romance novel set in an alternate history where England has just liberated itself from the conquering Horde. The story follows the Iron Duke, Rhys Trahearn, a former pirate turned hero, and Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth, a strong and sassy protagonist with a complex background. As they investigate a murder that unveils a vast conspiracy, the plot unfolds with elements of romance, adventure, zombies, nanobots, and airships. The writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate dystopian setting, and adult-themed exploration of dark human elements.
Mina hadn’t predicted that sugar would wreck the Marchioness of Hartington’s ball; she’d thought the dancing would. Their hostess’s good humor had weathered them through the discovery that fewer than ... - #5
In a far distant future, on a post-apocalyptic Earth ruled from Mars, a Martian warrior named Dreams of War is tasked with protecting a young girl named Lunae who has the ability to shift through time. Meanwhile, Yskaterina of Nightworld is sent to eliminate the child, and the Kami scientists seek human hosts to explore the physical realm. The story revolves around the intertwining fates of these characters as they navigate a world where Earth is on the brink of destruction and Mars thrives under female rule. The plot is rich in original ideas and complex subplots that seamlessly merge into the main storyline, creating a powerful futuristic sci-fi novel with incredible and believable characters.
Dreams-of-War was hunting the remnants of men on the slopes of the Martian Olympus when she came across the herd of ghosts. The armor bristled at the approach of the herd, whispering caution into her ... - #6
'The Massacre of Mankind' by Stephen Baxter is a sequel to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'. The story is set fourteen years after the original Martian invasion, where Earth has advanced technologically by studying abandoned Martian equipment. The Martians return with a second invasion, this time with an intent for total domination of the Earth. The narrative follows the protagonist, Julie Elphinstone, and other characters as they try to find a way to stop the Martians before it's too late. The book explores themes of invasion, adaptation, and the resilience of humanity in the face of a superior foe.
The writing style of the book is reminiscent of H.G. Wells' original work, capturing the terrifying and intimidating nature of the Martians. The story is told from the perspective of Julie Elphinstone, providing a unique viewpoint on the events unfolding as the Martians launch a new wave of attacks across the globe, showcasing the struggle of humanity against a formidable enemy.
To those of us who survived it, the First Martian War of the early twentieth century was a cataclysm. And yet, to minds far greater than our own and older even than the Martians, minds who regard our ... - #7
The Rainbow Trail by Zane Grey is a captivating story set in the American West, where characters like Jane, Lassiter, and a defrocked minister navigate through conflicts with the Mormon Church. The vivid descriptions of the landscape, the well-developed characters, and the intricate plot make the reader feel immersed in the wild valley where the story unfolds. The author's descriptive writing style, focusing on the beauty of the West and the traditions of the Navajo people, adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The book follows the journey of a young man trying to rescue a family from various challenges like renegade Indians, robbers, and religious conflicts. With the help of friendly Mormons, traders, and a wise Navajo Indian, he faces untold trials and risks his life to fulfill his mission. Zane Grey's skillful storytelling paints a vivid picture of the mountains, meadows, and desert landscapes, creating an immersive reading experience that is both enjoyable and difficult to put down.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Riders of the Purple Sage ) - #8
In a post-apocalyptic setting where the world has regressed to the 1800s due to the depletion of oil and catastrophic events like nuclear bombings, 'World Made by Hand' by James Howard Kunstler follows the story of a small community in Union Grove, New York. The book portrays the challenges and resilience of the human spirit as people adapt to a life without modern conveniences, focusing on themes of survival, rebuilding, and societal interactions. Kunstler's writing style captivates readers with short, engaging chapters that explore a future where civilization as we know it has crumbled, yet hope and human decency still prevail.
- #9
'Outcasts of Heaven Belt' by Joan Vinge is a space opera that follows the story of Betha, the captain of the starship Ranger, and her crew as they embark on an interstellar trade mission to the Heaven Belt, a region devastated by a civil war. The societies encountered in the Heaven Belt are vividly realized, depicting a world of suffering, desperation, and decay. As Betha navigates through the fractured pioneer societies of the Heaven Belt, she faces challenges from various factions vying for control, including the totalitarian republic of Demarchy. The novel explores themes of political intrigue, societal collapse, and the struggle for survival in a post-war environment.
Vinge's writing style in 'Outcasts of Heaven Belt' is characterized by rich world-building, well-rounded characters, and a fast-paced plot. delves into complex political systems, unique concepts like a calendar based on multiples of seconds, and the societal implications of technological advancement. Despite some melodramatic moments and clichéd prose, the novel offers a blend of space adventure and political intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of science fiction and space opera.