Books matching: war and violence
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- #1The Unbroken Line of the MoonBook 1 in the series:Sagan om Valhalla
Save:"The Unbroken Line of the Moon" is the first in the series "Sagan om Valhalla" to be translated into English. It delves into the lives of both men and women of the ruling class, providing a three-dimensional portrayal of characters with well-balanced inner lives. The plot unfolds at a steady and fast pace, interweaving the interests of each character to create tension and drive the story forward. Readers are taken on a journey through various walks of life, from rulers to house slaves, nuns to monks, experiencing their day-to-day lives and the significant historical events that shaped their world.
The narrative beautifully blends elements of mythology and history, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the Norse people. With a focus on the complexities of Viking society and culture, the book immerses readers in a world where religion plays a central role in motivating characters and driving their actions. Through detailed storytelling, readers are transported to a time where gods were perceived as real entities, influencing daily life and decision-making, providing a rich tapestry of what it was like to live in that era.
- #2
Save:The Black Company is a gritty military fantasy novel that follows the exploits of a mercenary band in service to a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. The story is narrated from the perspective of Croaker, the company's physician and annalist, providing a unique viewpoint of the conflicts between the Lady and the rebels who oppose her. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where mercenaries must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly battles.
Lightning from a clear sky smote the Necropolitan Hill. One bolt struck the bronze plaque sealing the tomb of the forvalaka, obliterating half the spell of confinement. It rained stones. Statues bled.... - #3
Save:'With Fire and Sword' by Henryk Sienkiewicz is an 1135 page novel set in the 17th century Cossack Rebellion in Poland. The story follows the war between the Cossacks and the Polish gentry, chronicling the perspective of the people involved. The plot revolves around Pan Yan, a distinguished young lieutenant, who gets entangled in a brutal war while trying to rescue a young woman he loves. The writing style is engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps the readers hooked, filled with interesting settings, characters, and plot twists.
The history of the origin and career of the two Slav States, Poland and Russia, is interesting not merely because it contains a vast number of surprising scenes and marvellous pictures of life, not me... - #4
Save:'Dogs of War' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding bioforms, genetically engineered creatures designed for war. The story follows Rex, a bioform with sentience and integrated weapons systems, as he navigates questions of identity, morality, and free will. Through multiple first-person perspectives, the narrative explores themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of technological advancements.
I am coming close to the enemy now. I am coming from downwind. I can smell them: there are at least thirty human beings in their camp. I can smell guns. I cannot smell explosives. I cannot smell other... - #5
Save:Many readers found 'Deadeye Dick' to be a darkly humorous and tragic novel, typical of Kurt Vonnegut's style. The story follows the life of Rudy Waltz, a character who experiences a series of unfortunate events, including a double homicide and the detonation of a neutron bomb over Midland City. Vonnegut weaves together elements of humor, wit, and satire to explore themes of war, violence, and the impact of weapons on society. The writing style is described as meandering, with a mix of dark humor and emotional detachment that is uniquely Vonnegut.
I have caught life. I have come down with life. I was a wisp of undifferentiated nothingness, and then a little peephole opened quite suddenly. Light and sound poured in. Voices began to describe me a... - #6
Save:Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman is a standalone novel set in a near future where warfare is conducted through machines controlled by part-time warrior 'operators'. The story follows one operator who questions the senseless killing and uncovers a plot that leads to a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event. The book explores themes of war, technology, ethics, and the impact of advancements on individuals and society. The narrative is a mix of action, exploration of futuristic concepts, and societal commentary, set in a world where the boundaries between peace and war blur.
Black on black it paused, then slipped through the jungle like a heavy silent reptile. A man could be standing two yards away and not see it. In infrared it wasn’t there. Radar would slither off its s...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Forever War ) - #7
Save:"Finnikin of the Rock" follows the journey of Finnikin, who has been in exile with Sir Topher after Lumatere, his birthplace, was violently taken over. A mysterious young woman named Evanjalin claims that Finnikin's childhood friend, Balthazar, is alive, prompting Finnikin to confront his destiny by rescuing his father and reuniting with his Guard. The plot unfolds slowly at first, but picks up halfway through, leading to emotionally captivating endings in each book of the trilogy. The characters, especially Finnikin, Evanjalin, and Trevanion, are described as having heart, courage, and strength, making the story interesting and original.
There had always been talk that this land had been forsaken by the gods. Yet perched at the top of a rocky outcrop, cloaked in blue-gray mist, was proof to the contrary: the cloister of the goddess La... - #8
Save:'Zone' by Mathias Enard is a novel that takes the reader on a train journey with the central character, Francis Mirkovic, as he travels to meet Vatican officials carrying documents. The book delves into Mirkovic's past as a spy and mercenary in the Zone, exploring the history of conflicts in the Mediterranean region. The narrative is a stream of consciousness style, with memories, thoughts, and digressions triggered by the journey, creating a vast scope that encompasses geopolitical, historical, and emotional themes. The writing style is described as challenging, with complex structure and a lack of sentence punctuation, requiring readers to linger over phrases and engage deeply with the content.
I let myself fall under the spell of the flat cadence of the suburbs of that city with the name of the predatory Spanish soldier, outskirts of a Northern city like so many others, buildings to cram th... - #9
Save:In 'Hard Target,' author Pamela Clare delves into the life of Jenna, a dedicated midwife working in Afghanistan, facing the challenges of assisting pregnant women in a male-dominated society. The story unfolds as Derek Tower, a former Green Beret and co-owner of Cobra Elite security, is tasked by Senator Hamilton to bring Jenna back to the U.S. The plot intricately weaves together themes of courage, sacrifice, romance, and danger in the backdrop of Afghanistan's harsh realities, offering a blend of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Pamela Clare's writing style expertly captures the camaraderie among the team members, the cultural nuances of Afghanistan, and the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate through betrayals, dangers, and personal growth.
- #10
Save:Days Without End by Sebastian Barry is a historical fiction novel set in mid-19th century America, following the journey of Thomas McNulty, an Irish immigrant who becomes a soldier and experiences the Indian Wars and the Civil War. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective, showcasing McNulty's deep reflections on his experiences, his relationship with his comrade John Cole, and the makeshift family they create with a young Sioux girl named Winona. The writing style is described as punchy, colloquial, and precise, with vivid imagery that brings the American West to life while delving into themes of love, friendship, and the harsh realities of war.
THE METHOD OF LAYING out a corpse in Missouri sure took the proverbial cake. Like decking out our poor lost troopers for marriage rather than death. All their uniforms brushed down with lamp-oil into ...
