Books matching: ambition and rivalry
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- #1
Save:A slick, suspenseful, and sometimes unsettling look at toxic friendship and ambition - perfect if you want your summer read to come with a side of jaw-dropping twists!
Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak is a gripping novel that delves into the complex dynamics of female friendships, ambition, and toxic relationships. The story follows Violet and Stella, two best friends with contrasting backgrounds and personalities, as their friendship is tested by jealousy, ambition, and manipulation. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the world of cable news networks, showcasing the dark side of ambition and the consequences of coveting what others have. The author, Anna Pitoniak, skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, making it a compelling and captivating read.
One of the older boys who lived in a shabby off-campus house had managed to capture Stella’s attention. When Stella needed rescuing from these situations, from these men who couldn’t resist monopolizi...May 2019•351 pages - #2
Save:A wild, steamy rollercoaster ride of teen angst and secrets - perfect for fans of emotional enemies-to-lovers, but might leave you craving more closure.
The Peer and the Puppet is a gripping story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance between Four, a fearless and determined motocross racer, and Ever, the entitled and mysterious son of a billionaire. Set in the backdrop of illegal underground bike racing, the book follows their tumultuous relationship filled with angst, manipulation, suspense, and intense chemistry. As the characters navigate through dangerous situations and challenges, their dynamic interactions and evolving feelings keep readers hooked from the first page till the end.
The plot unfolds with Four's life taking a drastic turn when she is forced to move in with her mother's new rich boyfriend, Thomas McNamara, and his son, Ever. Despite their initial animosity, the undeniable attraction between Four and Ever leads to a rollercoaster of emotions, secrets, and unexpected twists. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with well-developed characters, witty banter, and intense romantic tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the mysteries and complexities of the characters' relationships.
I sunk back against the reclined hospital bed and sighed. I should be happy just to be alive, but all I could think about was how I would explain all of this to Gruff. I’d lose my job for sure and rig...2018•423 pages - #3
Save:A compulsively readable, soapy dive into Tudor intrigue - perfect for historical fiction fans looking for an entertaining spin on familiar history, just don’t mistake it for a textbook!
'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory is a historical fiction novel set in the Tudor period, focusing on the lives of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne. The story is narrated through Mary's eyes, detailing their rise in King Henry VIII's court, filled with court intrigue, romance, betrayals, and political scheming. Gregory's writing style is described as engaging, with vibrant characters and a rich portrayal of the Tudor times, even though some opinions mention it may lack historical accuracy.
The novel delves into the lesser-known story of Mary Boleyn, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known tale of Anne Boleyn's rise and fall. It explores themes of ambition, manipulation, love, and betrayal within the royal court, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by women during the 1500s. Gregory's storytelling weaves historical events seamlessly into the narrative, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engrossed till the very end.
I COULD HEAR A ROLL OF MUFFLED DRUMS. BUT I COULD SEE nothing but the lacing on the bodice of the lady standing in front of me, blocking my view of the scaffold. I had been at this court for more than...2001•694 pages - #4
Save:A clever, richly layered finale best enjoyed by lovers of literary fiction, the arts, and wordplay - ideally after reading the first two books of the trilogy.
The Lyre of Orpheus, the concluding novel in Robertson Davies's Cornish Trilogy, revolves around staging an unfinished opera by E.T.A. Hoffman at Stratford, Ontario. The executors of Francis Cornish's will decide to complete the opera, incorporating dark humor and the ghost of Hoffman into the production. The plot intertwines the efforts to stage the opera with the personal and intellectual journeys of various characters, exploring themes of art, music, and intellectual pursuits. Davies's writing style is described as layered, complex, and sardonic, with concise and erudite dialogue that brings the characters to life and adds depth to the narrative.
“Are we agreed that the proposal is crack-brained, absurd, could prove incalculably expensive, ad violates every dictate of financial prudence? We have all said in our different ways that nobody in hi...1988•521 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Cornish Trilogy ) - #5
Save:A gripping and accessible Viking adventure that’s perfect for younger readers and fans of historical action, but may not satisfy sticklers for historical detail or adults looking for more complexity.
'Viking's Dawn' by Henry Treece is the first part of a trilogy that follows the story of a young boy named Harald Sigurdson who embarks on a journey with a group of rovers in search of gold. The plot revolves around themes of ambition and betrayal, as the expedition is led by powerful and competitive leaders, Thorkell Fairhair and Ragnar Raven, who put the crew in perilous situations. The writing style is simple yet engaging, portraying the Viking characters as brave, cunning, and sometimes cruel, while also highlighting the transformation of the protagonist from a boy to a man through the challenges faced at sea.
1955•176 pages - #6
Save:A fierce, funny, and fiery ride for readers who love their romance ruthless, witty, and packed with power plays - just don’t expect any hand-holding or candlelight strolls here!
'Some Like It Ruthless' in the 'Temporary Engagement' series by Megan Bryce is a contemporary romantic comedy featuring fully developed characters, Maggie and Cole, who have a complex and intriguing dynamic. The story revolves around their fast-paced relationship filled with witty banter, loyalty, and a desire to become better individuals. The book delves into themes of family, romance, and personal growth, all set against a backdrop of business dealings and Dallas enemies.
October 2013•285 pages - #7
Save:Epic, fast-paced, and full of power plays - Empire of Silver is a must for historical fiction fans, especially those fascinated by the Mongol Empire. An entertaining, solid installment, even if it trades some action for political maneuvering.
'Khan: Empire of Silver' by Conn Iggulden is a historical fiction novel set in the Mongol Empire after the death of Genghis Khan. The story follows the power struggles among Genghis' surviving brothers, sons, and grandsons as they vie for control of the empire. The book delves into the political intrigue, military campaigns, and family dynamics during this turbulent period in Mongol history. Readers praised the well-researched and well-written narrative that brings to life the culture of the Mongols and their ruthless military campaigns across Europe.
The air swirled with marble dust that glittered as it caught the evening sun. Ogedai’s heart was full as he guided his horse down the main thoroughfare, taking in every sight and sound around him. The... - #8
Save:A beautifully written, introspective novel about the ties that bind people who make art together - rich in atmosphere and emotion, though the slow pace and prickly characters won’t be for everyone.
"The Ensemble" by Aja Gabel follows the lives of four talented musicians who form a string quartet and navigate their personal and professional journeys over a span of two decades. The characters, including prodigy Henry, ambitious Jana, struggling Daniel, and romantic Brit, face challenges, conflicts, and growth both individually and as a group. The novel is a character-driven exploration of relationships, music, and the complexities of human emotions, with a writing style that delves deep into the internal lives of its characters.
It’s a love story, the famous violinist had said, and even though Jana knew it was not, those were the words that knocked around her brain when she began to play on stage. The famous violinist, Fodori...May 2018•370 pages - #9
Save:A compelling historical epic brimming with authenticity and cultural insight - perfect for lovers of classic literature and anyone curious about Jewish life in tumultuous times.
'The Brothers Ashkenazi' by Israel J. Singer is a historical novel set in prewar Poland, chronicling the lives of two Chasidic brothers, Max and Yakob. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, their differing personalities, and their struggles in the rapidly changing city of Lodz during the industrial revolution. Through the narrative, Singer paints a vivid picture of the Jewish community in Eastern Europe from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, touching on themes of ambition, rivalry, love, and the impact of historical events on individuals.
The writing style of 'The Brothers Ashkenazi' is praised for its authenticity, depth of characters, and the way it seamlessly weaves historical events into the narrative. Singer's ability to capture the essence of the time period and portray characters with multifaceted personalities while exploring the socio-political landscape of Lodz is commendable. The novel is described as engrossing, compelling, and a must-read for those interested in understanding the Jewish people and their history.
1936•448 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully-written, quietly powerful novel about dreams, talent, and the price of perfection - recommended for fans of character-driven stories and anyone curious about the world behind the curtain.
'Astonish Me' by Maggie Shipstead is a novel that delves into the world of professional ballet, exploring the lives of dancers, their dreams, struggles, and relationships. The story follows Joan, a ballerina who helps a Russian dancer defect and later becomes romantically involved with him, leading to long-term effects on their lives and those around them. The narrative spans over 20 years, capturing the intricacies of the ballet world, the ambitions, rivalries, and love entanglements that shape the characters' journeys. Shipstead's writing style immerses the reader in the passionate and intense atmosphere of the ballet scene, while unveiling secrets and relationships that keep the reader captivated throughout the novel.
IN THE WINGS, BEHIND A METAL RACK CROWDED WITH BUNDLES OF cable and silk flower garlands and the stringless lutes from act 1, two black dachshunds lie in a basket. They are awake but motionless, their...April 2014•277 pages
