Books matching: themes of trauma
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- #1
The Coward by Stephen Aryan follows the journey of Kell Kressia, a living legend and the only survivor of a quest to slay the Ice Lich ten years ago. Now, Kell is being called upon to return to the Frozen North to defeat a new threat. The book explores themes of coming of age, lost innocence, survivor's guilt, trauma, and the power of a good story. The plot unfolds like a DnD adventure, with encounters that forge the characters into a found family unit, and the writing style is engaging yet straightforward, putting the reader right in the middle of the story.
The story delves into the truth of what being a hero really means, the exploration of inner fears and the ability to unlock one's inner hero when faced with adversity. Through Kell's characterization, readers witness a reluctant hero battling his own inner demons while forming bonds with a ragtag group in a fight for survival against both men and beasts. The multiple points of view provide insight into the political and social aspects of the Five Kingdoms, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the sequel.
Kell Kressia, slayer of the Ice Lich and saviour of the Five Kingdoms, tripped on a rake and fell into a pile of horse shit. With a vicious curse he scrambled to his feet, trying to brush the moist st... - #2
'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt... - #3
Set 12 years after a horrific school prom shooting, "The Ones Who Got Away" by Roni Loren revolves around Finn and Liv, survivors of that awful night who were in a secret relationship in school. The story delves into the aftermath of the tragedy, exploring the complex emotions, guilt, and trauma faced by the characters. The author skillfully portrays the relationships between the survivors, providing insight into their struggles with memories and the challenges they encounter in reconnecting with each other.
The book combines elements of romance, suspense, and emotional depth, offering a compelling narrative that explores themes of second chances, friendship, and self-discovery. Through dual points of view and well-drawn characters, the story unfolds with a tantalizing storyline that keeps readers engaged, balancing dark themes with moments of humor and passion.
Nothing can save you. Olivia Arias rubbed goose bumps from her arms as she read the words scrawled on the sign taped under a maniacal-looking wasp painted on the wall of the gym. NOTHING CAN SAVE YOU ... 'The Many Daughters of Afong Moy: A Novel' by Jamie Ford is a compelling story that follows many different women in a family line, spanning three centuries. The book delves into the concept of trauma and love being passed down through generations, exploring the effects of epigenetics. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of these women, each with their own distinct personalities and traumas, creating a narrative that is both historical and speculative. The non-chronological order of storytelling adds complexity to the plot, keeping readers engaged as they uncover the interconnected lives of these characters.
The writing style in 'The Many Daughters of Afong Moy' is praised for its beautiful language and ability to evoke vulnerability in readers. The book addresses themes such as inherited trauma, mental health issues, and the impact of historical events on individuals. Despite dealing with heavy subjects like sexism, racism, and bigotry, the author manages to create empathetic characters that resonate with readers, making the book a thought-provoking exploration of familial relationships and the legacy of the past.
- #5
Readers of 'Beautiful Savage' in the 'Boys Of Sinners Bay' series by Susanne Valenti and Caroline Peckham describe it as a fast-paced and engaging story filled with twists and turns that evoke a range of emotions. The book revolves around the characters Nicoli and Winter, as well as the Romero family in Sinners Bay. The storyline is dark and twisted, with elements of mafia, action, and romance. The authors are praised for their creative storytelling, witty banter, and the perfect balance of darkness and humor in the plot.
(Also, see 43 recommendations for the series Boys Of Sinners Bay ) - #6
'The Angel of Indian Lake' in the series 'The Lake Witch Trilogy' by author Stephen Graham Jones is a gripping horror novel that delves into the haunting town of Proofrock, Idaho. The narrative follows Jade Daniels, a resilient character haunted by a traumatic past, as she returns to confront the curse that has plagued the town for years. Through a multilayered storytelling approach, the author explores themes of trauma, abuse, empathy, and hope, offering a unique perspective on the slasher horror genre. weaves together elements of supernatural entities, violent society, and the struggles of First Nations communities, creating a dark and engaging story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of 'The Angel of Indian Lake' is described as intense and immersive, with a focus on character development and intricate plotlines. Readers are drawn into the world of Proofrock through the eyes of Jade, experiencing her internal struggles and external battles as she navigates a town filled with horrors both real and supernatural. The author's narrative technique, coupled with the exploration of complex themes and the evolution of characters, adds depth and richness to the story, making it a compelling read for fans of horror fiction.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Lake Witch Trilogy ) - #7
The novella "Big Driver" by Stephen King is a suspenseful and satisfying revenge story that follows Tess, a female character seeking restitution after being brutally attacked by a man she encountered while on a detour home. The plot moves quickly, holding the reader's interest with resourceful connections between characters and events. King's writing style is described as detailed, well-fleshed out, and capable of building serious tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Tess accepted twelve compensated speaking engagements a year, if she could get them. At twelve hundred dollars each, that came to over fourteen thousand dollars. It was her retirement fund. She was st... - #8
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover is a paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Leeds and Layla, who have an instant connection and fall in love. However, tragedy strikes, and things take a dark turn when they return to the place where they first met. The plot is described as a mix of romance, thriller, and paranormal elements, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued until the end. The writing style is praised for its ability to create a sense of suspense and mystery, with unexpected twists and turns that captivate the reader's attention.
It’s the first thing I notice about her while I’m on the stage, playing to a dwindling crowd. Long arms she seems to have no idea how to control. She’s barefoot, moving around in the grass, deliberate... - #9
'The One Real Thing' in the series 'Hart's Boardwalk' by Samantha Young follows the story of Dr. Jessica Huntington who discovers three letters in a discarded prison library book that lead her on a life-changing journey to Hartwell, Delaware. There, she meets a diverse cast of characters, including Cooper Lawson, the local bar owner, and embarks on a quest for forgiveness and love. As Jessica confronts her past and insecurities, she navigates relationships, secrets, and the real heart of the town, setting the stage for a mature romance dealing with real-life issues, all beautifully woven together in Samantha Young's compelling storytelling.
- #10
'Broken' by Ellie Messe tells the story of Haley, a character who runs away from her painful past to find solace among new friends and family. The plot is described as a rollercoaster of events and emotions, with a dark edge that pulls at the heartstrings and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is praised for being intense, emotional, and capturing the reader's heart from the beginning until the end.
My future was planned from birth; I'm aware I wasn't destined for good things. How I have an apartment that's located in a decent part of town is beyond me. The fact that Derek, Joe or Evan haven't hu...