Books matching: themes of greed and survival

11 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    The Dragon Never Sleeps by Glen Cook
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    A distant future where a tyrannical force of super ships, the Guardships, police Canon space to maintain humanity's hold on the worlds within. The story follows the missions of one of the Guardships, the VII Gemina, and its crew who have been recreated and reborn over and over. The plot spirals into a universe where ancient superships battle against ancient alien rebels, all while questioning the laws that govern them. The book is a standalone novel with a fast-paced and chaotic story that keeps readers entranced in a weird and strange future.

    The book delves into a conflict in a distant future where Guardships, living ships with evolving AI, enforce peace in Canon space. However, they face enemies believed to be exterminated, weird aliens, and power-hungry nobles willing to do anything to gain power. The story is filled with twists and turns, fast-paced battles, and a complex narrative that leaves readers questioning the fate of characters. Despite some chaotic elements, the book offers a great story that is recommended for fans of military science fiction.

    Lady Midnight drifted through the perpetual twilight of Merod Schene DownTown, tall, brittle as leaf gold beaten translucent. Her lavender eyes darted from one nest of gloom to the next. Her slim, pal...

  2. #2

    Master of the Forest by Artyom Dereschuk
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    'Master of the Forest' by Artyom Dereschuk is a gripping horror story set in Siberia, revolving around a young man's desperate quest for a better life. The plot unfolds as he delves into the dangerous world of Mammoth tusk hunting, only to unearth the ancient skeleton of the 'master of the forest.' This discovery triggers a series of horrifying events as the current masters of the forest seek revenge on those who disturb their domain. The narrative is filled with suspense, vivid imagery of the Russian landscape, and a unique blend of ancient myth and modern life, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

    The author's writing style draws readers into the oppressive atmosphere of the tale, creating an intense and suspenseful experience. The diverse cast of characters, the inclusion of fossil hunting, and the intricate character development add depth to the story, while the exploration of internal changes in the protagonist adds layers to the plot. Overall, 'Master of the Forest' offers a fresh take on the horror genre, blending elements of adventure, mystery, and adrenaline-inducing suspense.


  3. #3

    The Gun by C.S. Forester
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    'The Gun' by C.S. Forester follows the journey of a massive cannon being dragged across Northern Spain during a war with the French. The story revolves around the power, greed, fear, and megalomania driving unlikely characters to free Spain from the French empire. The symbol of the gun becomes a creation of myth and legend as it spews British shot into the invaders, showcasing themes of guerrilla warfare, heroism, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

    The plot of 'The Gun' explores the ruthless nature of guerrilla warfare, the struggles faced by both besieged and besiegers, and the impact of weaponry on conflict. The writing style of C.S. Forester is spare yet vivid, depicting the harsh realities of war with powerful descriptions of battles, characters, and the unyielding nature of the gun itself.

    A defeated army was falling back through the mountains from Espinosa. Such was its condition that an ignorant observer would find it easier to guess that it had been defeated than that it had been an ...

  4. #4

    Abandon by Blake Crouch
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    'Abandon' by Blake Crouch is a thrilling tale that weaves between two time periods, 1893 and 2009, telling the story of the mysterious disappearance of the entire town of Abandon on Christmas Day in 1893. Fast forward to 2009, a team of explorers ventures into the abandoned town to uncover the truth behind the residents' disappearance, only to face unexpected dangers and horrors. The narrative alternates between the past and present, creating suspense and mystery as the characters navigate through traumatic events and shocking revelations.

    The writing style of 'Abandon' is described as fast-paced and action-packed, with short chapters that keep readers engaged and eager to uncover what happens next. features a large cast of characters, each with their own struggles and secrets, as they unravel the dark history of Abandon and face terrifying challenges that test their survival skills and sanity.

    Abigail Foster stared through the windshield at the expired parking meter. Her fingers strangled the steering wheel, knuckles blanching, hands beginning to cramp. This had all seemed like such a good ...

  5. #5

    Burial Ground by Michael McBride
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    In "Burial Ground" by Michael McBride, the story unfolds in the jungles of Peru where Hunter Gearhardt and his team stumble upon a lost city, leading to a series of deadly encounters. The narrative is filled with suspense, adventure, and unexpected twists as characters like Merritt, an ex-military pilot, and Gearhardt, a Spec Ops member, navigate through a treacherous journey involving gold, revenge, and ancient mysteries. The writing style keeps readers engaged with its detailed descriptions, plausible storyline, and well-explained character motives, making it a thrilling and hard-to-put-down read.


  6. #6

    Illuminae - The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
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    'Illuminae' is a sci-fi novel set in the world where a mining colony is invaded by a corporation, leading to chaos and destruction. The story follows Kady, a hacker extraordinaire, who finds herself running for her life amidst the turmoil. The unique writing style of the book is a compilation of different documents like emails, transcripts, and chat logs, providing multiple perspectives and unfolding the story in a distinctive manner. The narrative is filled with suspense, action, and a touch of romance as the characters navigate through a dangerous and unpredictable situation in space.

    The book explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of human spirit in the face of adversity. It delves into the complexities of relationships, the strength of characters like Kady and Ezra, and the unexpected twists that keep readers engaged throughout the story. Through a mix of thrilling plot developments and well-developed characters, 'Illuminae' offers a gripping and immersive reading experience that keeps readers hooked till the very end.

    Incept: 01/30/75 Interviewer: Tell me about how it started. Kady Grant: I was in class. This is going to sound stupid, but I broke up with my boyfriend that morning, and he was right there on the othe...

  7. #7

    The North Water by Ian McGuire
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    'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.

    He shuffles out of Clappison’s courtyard onto Sykes Street and snuffs the complex air—turpentine, fishmeal, mustard, black lead, the usual grave, morning-piss stink of just-emptied night jars. He snor...

  8. #8

    The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami
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    The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Mustafa al Zamori, a Moroccan slave renamed Estebanico, who survives a disastrous Spanish expedition to Florida. The book vividly describes the journey of the expedition, the interactions with Native American tribes, and the struggles for survival in the New World. Through the eyes of the protagonist, readers are exposed to the brutal realities of colonization, the clash of cultures, and the quest for freedom amidst adversity. Lalami's writing style intertwines meticulous research with imaginative storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a historical event often overlooked in traditional narratives.

    It was the year 934 of the Hegira, the thirtieth year of my life, the fifth year of my bondage—and I was at the edge of the known world. I was marching behind Señor Dorantes in a lush territory he, an...

  9. #9

    The Mermaid's Revenge by Amy Cross
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    'The Mermaid's Revenge' by Amy Cross tells the story of Sylvia, a 10-year-old girl living with her mother in an upscale apartment. Their lives take a dark turn when Sylvia's mother captures a real-life mermaid and keeps her imprisoned in their home. The plot unfolds as Sylvia navigates the complexities of her mother's actions, the mermaid's captivity, and the greed that sets off a chain of events leading to a fight for survival. The narrative is filled with mystery, murder, mayhem, betrayals, and spine-tingling gore, making it a unique and intense read. The story is told from a child's perspective, adding an innocent yet chilling layer to the overall narrative.

    The writing style of the book is described as a bit slow-paced with a lot of buildup and intensity. Despite some reiterations and repetitions in the storytelling, the book grips readers with its terrifying tale and unexpected twists. The author, Amy Cross, weaves a different kind of mermaid story, offering a fresh and intriguing take on the genre. The characters are strong, and the plot, although slow at times, delivers an acceptable resolution with a few surprises along the way.


  10. #10

    The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
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    Set in the wintry wilds of 1860's Canada, 'The Tenderness of Wolves' by Stef Penney follows the aftermath of a murder in a tiny isolated settlement. As Mrs. Ross seeks to clear her son's name in the brutal killing of a French trapper, multiple characters embark on journeys through the unforgiving landscape, unraveling mysteries and dark secrets along the way. With a blend of murder mystery, romance, and historical fiction, the book delves into themes of love, jealousy, and greed against the backdrop of the Canadian Northern Territory.

    The narrative weaves together various perspectives, offering clues to the story's slow unraveling and creating a compelling tale of search and mystery in the wilderness of Canada. Penney's writing style captures the harshness of the natural surroundings, making the landscape almost a character itself, while exploring the relationships between characters, their pasts, presents, and speculative futures with depth and complexity.


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