Books matching: thrilling historical fiction
23 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set after WWII and the Nuremberg trials, "The Huntress" by Kate Quinn follows a team of Nazi hunters on the trail of a deadly war criminal known as The Huntress. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including a Russian female pilot, an English journalist turned Nazi hunter, and a young photographer in post-war Boston. The plot weaves together historical events, intense character dynamics, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Jordan McBride had timed the question perfectly: her father jerked in surprise midcast, sending his fishing line flying not into the lake, but into the branch of the overhanging maple. Jordan’s camera... - #2
Save:The Lawless Land by Boyd Morrison, Beth Morrison is a thrilling historical fiction set in the mid-1300s, filled with knights, jousts, damsels in distress, and fiendish villains. The story follows Sir Gerard Fox, an excommunicated Knight, who seeks to right the wrongs done to his family while racing across Europe during the time of The Black Death and The Hundred Years War. Along the way, he meets Lady Isobel, who is fleeing from her brutal betrothed while trying to protect a holy icon that her family has safeguarded for generations. As they face adversaries and embark on a dangerous pursuit through France and Italy, the plot unfolds with hidden passageways, chateaus, monasteries, and a climactic battle at the end.
The Lawless Land is praised for its fast-paced action, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions that bring the medieval setting to life. Readers are captivated by the brave hero and heroine who outwit their enemies at every turn, the intriguing mix of historical elements, and the unexpected plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- #3
Save:'Templar's Acre' by Michael Jecks is a historical novel set in the last Christian stronghold of Acre, percolating with various characters and tensions. The book follows the protagonist, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, as he arrives in Acre, experiences the city in all its glory, and embarks on adventures prior to the city's fall to the Muslim forces. The story is a blend of historical reenactment of the siege, a love story, and a character-driven narrative that delves into Baldwin's growth from a young, naive man to a seasoned captain facing the clash of cultures and religious beliefs.
The narrative is filled with intricate details of individual fights and battles, providing a thrilling experience for readers of historical fiction. Michael Jecks weaves a compelling tale that immerses readers in the exotic setting of Acre, featuring a diverse cast of characters and authentic historical elements that bring the story to life.
- #4
Save:'One Race to Ruin' in the series 'Racing Rogues' by Cara Maxwell revolves around the struggles of Eric, a young Earl, who is facing financial ruin and must rely on a race horse to save his estate. Along the way, he encounters a spirited young woman named Daniella who is determined to assert her independence and claim her identity. As they navigate through deceitful schemes and hidden dangers, they find love and passion amidst the chaos. The plot is filled with horse racing, financial predicaments, wicked adversaries, and emotional turmoil, creating a captivating Regency romance with defined characters and a touch of suspense. Despite facing hardships and threats, Eric and Daniella refuse to succumb to the challenges, displaying honor, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
- #5
Save:Readers of the previous two books will know that this one has been done differently. Earl Swagger, a Marine hero and winner of the Medal Of Honor, is recruited by the CIA to accompany a corrupt American politician as his bodyguard in Havana, Cuba. The plot revolves around a mission given to Earl by the US government to kill a young Fidel Castro, who is seen as a threat to American interests in the country. The book delves into the political and economic climate of Havana in the 1950s, highlighting the presence of the CIA, the Russian intelligence, and the New York Mafia in the city. The story is set against the backdrop of pre-revolution Cuba, with a focus on espionage, political unrest, and the clash of different factions vying for control.
The narrative unfolds as Earl gets entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue, where he must navigate through various conflicting interests such as the CIA, Russian intelligence, and the Mafia, all while trying to stay alive and fulfill his mission. The writing style captures the essence of the era, blending historical facts with a touch of fiction to create a suspenseful and evocative tale set in a tumultuous period of Cuban history. The characters, including Earl Swagger, Meyer Lansky, and Fidel Castro, are portrayed in a believable manner, adding depth to the plot and enhancing the overall storytelling.
It was a perfect O. It floated from the smokers mouth, an amazing confabulation, and then caught a small charge of wind and began to drift, widening, bending a little, until at last, high among the bu...
(Also, see 23 recommendations for the series Earl Swagger ) - #6
Save:'HMS Ulysses' by Alistair MacLean is a gripping novel set during World War II, focusing on the perils faced by the seafaring men of the Arctic convoys sailing from Britain to USSR. The story follows the crew of the Dido Class cruiser, HMS Ulysses, as they are sacrificed on the Murmansk run. The book is praised for its detailed and harrowing depiction of British Naval convoys, with well-developed characters and a writing style that immerses the reader in the terrifying experiences of war at sea.
Slowly, deliberately, Starr crushed out the butt of his cigarette. The gesture, Captain Vallery thought, held a curious air of decision and finality. He knew what was coming next, and, just for a mome... - #7
Save:The Judas Strain by James Rollins is an action-packed international thriller that follows Gray Pierce, commander of the Sigma Force, an elite, science-based governmental agency. The story revolves around retracing the footsteps of Marco Polo to discover the source and cure for a deadly bacteria threatening humankind. Rollins weaves an engrossing tale that combines science, history, and thrilling action as the characters race against time to prevent a mysterious plague from wreaking havoc on the world.
The book features a roller coaster ride of a thriller that includes gun battles, hostages being tortured, escapes, and a battle between the forces of Good and Evil in exotic locations. The plot is tightly woven, well-written, and includes elements of suspense, historical facts, and intriguing characters like Gray Pierce, Lisa Cummings, and Monk Kokkalis. Rollins skillfully blends historical mysteries, scientific discoveries, and high-stakes action to create an entertaining and engaging read.
He still did not understand the significance of the seal, but he did understand the import of the enclosed clipping. A single article, dated three days prior, reported news of a man's body found on an...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sigma Force ) - #8
Save:"Under the Eagle" by Simon Scarrow is a historical fiction novel set during the Roman invasion of Britain in the First Century. The story follows the journey of Cato, a young recruit in the Second Legion, and his experiences under the mentorship of Centurion Macro. As they navigate through military operations, political intrigue, and court machinations, the characters are thrust into a world of danger, espionage, and battles, culminating in a thrilling and action-packed narrative. The book provides a vivid portrayal of Roman military life, the challenges faced by soldiers, and the complexities of power struggles during that time period.
'No, sir!' The sentry snapped to attention under the glare of his superior. Only a few months earlier Lucius Cornelius Macro had been an optio and was still finding promotion to the centurionate hard ... - #9
Save:The Last Supper by Charles McCarry is a gripping espionage thriller that follows the life of Paul Christopher, a second-generation spy working for The Outfit, as he delves into the mystery surrounding his father's death and mother's disappearance during World War II. Through a complex narrative that spans different time periods and locations such as Nazi Germany, Vietnam, and Washington, D.C., McCarry weaves a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and intrigue. The book is rich in historical detail, taking readers on a journey through the origins of the OSS and the CIA, while also exploring the personal lives and relationships of the characters involved in the world of international espionage.
The Last Supper is characterized by McCarry's masterful storytelling, intricate plot development, and vivid descriptions that transport readers to various settings around the globe. Through the eyes of Paul Christopher and his family, readers are immersed in a world of secrets, danger, and moral ambiguity, where alliances shift and loyalties are tested. McCarry's writing style is praised for its depth and complexity, drawing readers into a web of mystery and suspense that keeps them engaged until the very last page.
(Also, see 48 recommendations for the series Paul Christopher ) - #10
Save:The middle-grade novel "The Good Thieves" by Katherine Rundell is set in 1920s New York and follows the protagonist Vita on a mission to help her grandfather recover his stolen castle. Vita forms a talented quartet with other children she meets along the way, and together they embark on an action-packed adventure filled with mystery, plot twists, and heartwarming moments. The story is told through the eyes of Vita, a determined and tough young girl who is set on making things right, showcasing themes of grit, determination, and selfless acts of kindness.
The book is described as a romp of an adventure, with vivid descriptions of settings ranging from the gritty streets of New York to the relic of Hudson Castle. The writing style is praised for its rich vocabulary, seamless prose construction, and the wonderfully eclectic mix of colorful characters, including a villainous gangster, a pickpocket, and wanna-be circus stars. The narrative captures the essence of 1920s Manhattan, complete with speakeasies, powerful crooks, and a group of underestimated kids coming together to outwit the villains and restore justice.
