Books matching: tension in pacing
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- #1
'First In' by Danika Bloom is a Canadian romance novel set in a small town near Howe Sound. The story revolves around Sophie, a local volunteer firefighter, and Nick, an experienced firefighter from Vancouver who becomes the chief in Sophie's town. The plot follows their developing relationship amidst conflicts such as vying for the same job, family drama, and misunderstandings. is praised for its slow-burn romance, steamy encounters, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque Canadian setting.
- #2
In "Blood and Iron" by Elizabeth Bear, the story unfolds in a contemporary setting where Seeker, a conflicted half faery woman, is tasked with abducting children with similar backgrounds and delivering them to the Faerie Queen. The plot revolves around the conflicts between ancient magic represented by the fae and modernity embodied by the Prometheans, a group led by Seeker's human mother Jane. The novel intricately weaves together elements of Celtic mythology, Arthurian legends, and various mythologies of the British Isles, creating a complex and layered urban fantasy filled with characters like werewolves, dragons, and sorceresses. The writing style is described as poetic yet tight, with a focus on show rather than tell, challenging traditional fantasy tropes and exploring themes of power and morality.
Matthew the Magician leaned against a wrought iron lamppost on Forty-second Street, idly picking at the edges of his ten iron rings and listening to his city breathe into the warm September night. Tha... - #3The Girl in the WoodsBook 19 in the series:Totally Gripping Psychological Thrillers
"The Girl in the Woods" by Patricia MacDonald is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Blair, a woman who is summoned back to her uncle's home where her dying sister reveals a shocking confession about a 15-year-old murder case. As Blair delves into uncovering the truth behind the wrongful imprisonment of an innocent man, she must navigate through lies, betrayals, and hidden secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. The plot is filled with constant action, twists, and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. MacDonald's writing style cleverly weaves together the psychology of the characters, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
Blair's journey to seek justice for the innocent man imprisoned for a crime he did not commit is not only a quest for truth but also a test of her strength and determination. The story unfolds with well-developed characters, a gripping plot, and unexpected revelations that challenge Blair's beliefs and force her to confront the dark realities of the past. MacDonald skillfully incorporates elements of suspense, emotion, and psychological depth, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and where the ordinary can hide the unimaginable. "The Girl in the Woods" is a compelling tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
- #4
'Fledgling' by Octavia E. Butler follows the story of Shori, a genetically modified vampire who wakes up injured and with amnesia. As she unravels her past, she discovers that she belongs to a unique race of vampires called the Ina. The novel delves into themes of genetic engineering, race, and prejudice as Shori navigates through dangers and tries to piece together her identity. Butler's writing style is described as compelling, exploring societal and human aspects through the lens of science fiction and fantasy elements.
I was lying on something hard and uneven, and it hurt me. One side of me was hot, burning. I tried to drag myself away from the heat source, whatever it was, moving slowly, feeling my way until I foun... "88 Names" by Matt Ruff is a speculative fiction novel that follows John Chu, a video game sherpa hired by wealthy clients to navigate through virtual worlds. When a mysterious client offers him a large sum of money to tour major video games, John suspects a dangerous conspiracy involving the North Korean government. As the story unfolds, flashbacks reveal John's complicated virtual relationship with a gamer named Darla. The book combines elements of virtual reality, gaming culture, espionage, and personal relationships, while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative style with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the end.
sherpa— A person who acts as a paid guide in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Sherpas provide their clients with playable characters, equipment, and skilled teammates, allowing...- #6
The Yield by Tara June Winch is a powerful novel that weaves together three narrative threads - the present-day experiences of August, a Wiradjuri woman returning home for her grandfather's funeral, excerpts from a Lutheran missionary's diary detailing the history of the mission station on Wiradjuri lands, and Poppy's dictionary preserving the Wiradjuri language and culture. August discovers that a mining company has taken over their ancestral land, leading her to fight for its preservation by proving a continuous cultural connection through Poppy's dictionary. The book addresses themes of displacement, destruction of indigenous culture, colonization, and the strength found in indigenous stories and connection to the land.
I was born on Ngurambang – can you hear it? – Ngu–ram–bang. If you say it right it hits the back of your mouth and you should taste blood in your words. Every person around should learn the word for c... The Book of Sand and Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories that delve into hidden worlds, evoking distant sadness and mystery in readers. Borges' writing style is described as calm, quiet, yet unsettling and thought-provoking, taking readers on a journey through fantastical plots that pay homage to other literary giants like H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft. The stories cover themes such as the perfect one-word poem, a book with no end, and the complexities of Shakespeare's memory, showcasing Borges' ability to captivate readers with brevity and clarity.
- #8
The Councillor by E.J. Beaton is a Machiavellian fantasy tale dominated by political intrigue, where the protagonist, Lysande Prior, a scholar, is thrust into a position of power after the assassination of her queen. As she navigates the complex world of court politics and power struggles, she must uncover the truth behind the murder while also deciding on the next ruler. The story is driven by a rich prose style that slowly reveals information while expertly interweaving plot progression, leading to unexpected twists and a climactic ending that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.
The shape of a crown stood out in the emerald wax of the seal, and Lysande glanced at it once before looking away, staring at anything but that envelope. She raised her vial and drank. Gold tinged the... - #9
In "Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake," Jake and her best friend Ellie open a bake shop in Eastport. When a man is found murdered in their shop, it becomes a race against time to clear Ellie's name. Readers enjoyed the detailed characters, local color, sense of place, and humor in this cozy mystery. The book also includes a recipe for the cheesecake mentioned in the title, adding an interactive element to the story.
- #10
In "The Bewildered Bride" by Vanessa Riley, readers are taken on a journey of second chances, redemption, and healing as Adam Wycliff and Ruth navigate the aftermath of a brutal attack shortly after their marriage. The story delves into themes of love, forgiveness, resilience, and hope amidst the scars of the past. Vanessa Riley's writing style beautifully captures the post-trauma stress disorders affecting Ruth, while also exploring issues of race and societal beliefs in regency England.
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Advertisements for Love )