Books matching: backstory exploration
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- #1
Save:'The River of Silver' in the series 'The Daevabad Trilogy' by S.A. Chakraborty is a collection of short stories that provide additional backstory and insights into the beloved characters of the original trilogy. The stories vary in time throughout the trilogy, offering glimpses into the lives of the characters and adding depth to the world created by the author. Each story comes with notes indicating where it fits in the timeline of the trilogy, helping readers navigate the narrative.
The writing style of S.A. Chakraborty in 'The River of Silver' is described as evocative and captivating, drawing readers back into the world of Daevabad with its rich and tragic elements. is praised for adding background information on the characters, exploring themes of race, magic, acceptance, and political struggles, while also delving into the LGBTQIA aspects of the characters' lives.
October 2022•254 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Daevabad Trilogy ) - #2
Save:Memory's Legion in the series The Expanse Short Stories/Novellas by author James S.A. Corey is a collection of short stories that delve into the backstories and side stories of key characters from the Expanse series. Readers get insights into pivotal events, such as the early days of humanity's encounter with the protomolecule, the backstory of Dr. Paolo Cortazar, and the youth of sociopathic characters like Amos Burton and Bobbie Draper. The stories are interwoven with the main series, providing a deeper understanding of the Expanse universe and its characters. The writing style is engaging, with each story offering a mix of entertainment, intrigue, and character development.
March 2022•446 pages - #3
Save:Bold, emotional, and full of game-changing moments, Nemesis Games is a standout entry in The Expanse that takes big risks - and mostly sticks the landing. Not the best starting point for new readers, but essential for fans of the series.
Nemesis Games is the fifth installment in The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. In this book, the crew of the Rocinante separates, each embarking on their own personal missions that delve into their pasts and individual struggles. The plot focuses on the consequences of opening the gates to the galaxy, with the belters launching a devastating attack on Earth in a bid to control the solar system and access to the gates. The narrative is fast-paced, character-driven, and explores heavy themes such as emotional intensity, character growth, and the complexities of human relationships.
Fred’s office was large for something on a space station, and smelled of old leather and good coffee. The captain’s safe on the wall was done in titanium and bruised steel, like a prop from an old mov... - #4
Save:A thrilling, immersive epic that delivers everything fans loved in the first book - only bigger, bolder, and more emotional. If you want a richly detailed, character-driven adventure (and don’t mind a hefty page count), Words of Radiance is a fantasy must-read.
'Words of Radiance' is a thrilling and epic sequel to 'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson. The story continues to build upon the richly textured fantasy world of Roshar, following the lives of characters like Kaladin, Shallan, Adolin, Dalinar, and more. The book is praised for its intricate plot development, character growth, and world-building, keeping readers immersed in a world filled with politics, mysteries, religions, and magic.
Readers are drawn into a tale of honor, betrayal, heroism, and self-discovery as the characters face challenges, make tough decisions, and navigate through a world on the brink of turmoil. Sanderson's writing style captivates readers with its ability to create tension, deliver unexpected twists, and keep them engaged from beginning to end.
Shallan pinched the thin charcoal pencil and drew a series of straight lines radiating from a sphere on the horizon. That sphere wasn’t quite the sun, nor was it one of the moons. Clouds outlined in c... - #5
Save:'Building From Ashes' in the 'Elemental World' series by Elizabeth Hunter is a tale of love, trauma, and supernatural beings. The story follows Carwyn, a beloved character from the previous series, as he navigates personal struggles and triumphs. Readers get to delve into Carwyn's backstory and witness his journey towards finding happiness. The plot intertwines past events and characters from the Elemental series, providing a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants. Despite some readers feeling the romance was rushed and repetitive, the book offers a mix of comedy, sadness, action, and a rich love story.
Looking back, Brigid Connor would not think it odd how comfortable she’d always been with monsters. The girl had learned at an early age that appearances could be deceiving. Surely her stepfather, wit...October 2012•371 pages - #6
Save:A thrilling, twisty, and emotionally rich finale that cements the Dregs as some of fantasy’s most unforgettable characters - a must for fans of character-driven, high-stakes adventures.
In "Crooked Kingdom," the sequel to "Six of Crows," readers are taken on a thrilling journey with the Crows as they seek revenge against those who have wronged them. The book is filled with intricate heists, intense action, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Leigh Bardugo's writing style is praised for its ability to create a vibrant and complex world, with characters that feel like old friends and a storyline that is both exhilarating and fun.
Retvenko leaned against the bar and tucked his nose into his dirty shot glass. The whiskey had failed to warm him. Nothing could get you warm in this Saintsforsaken city. And there was no escaping the...September 2016•574 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Six of Crows ) - #7
Save:An intense and original YA fantasy with a deeply sympathetic protagonist and thought-provoking themes. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect if you’re looking for something unique, gritty, and emotionally resonant. Worth checking out if you like your fantasy a little dark and a lot different.
'Half Bad' by Sally Green is a young adult fantasy novel set in modern-day England, where witches coexist with humans. The story follows Nathan, a teenage boy who is both a White Witch and a Black Witch, making him a target for both sides. He faces challenges such as being hunted, tortured, and confined in a cage by the White Witch Council as he tries to navigate his identity, his family history, and his relationships. The narrative style shifts between first and second person, offering a unique perspective on Nathan's struggles and the world of witches he inhabits.
I’ve followed the instructions carefully. They have taken me to the outskirts of London, to a grotty house at the grottier end of the sprawl. I’m standing in someone’s front room. It is dark in here....March 2014•439 pages - #8
Save:A dark, sexy, and imaginative adventure that puts a wild spin on Wonderland. Not for the faint of heart, but a treat for those who love edgy retellings and bold romance.
"Allison's Adventures in Underland" by C.M. Stunich is a dark and sexy retelling of Alice in Wonderland, set in a world filled with violence and explicit scenes. The story follows Allison as she falls down a rabbit hole, encountering stunningly good-looking men who are interested in her, forming a reverse harem. The book explores Allison's traumatic backstory, her relationships with the characters, and the twisted world of Underland. Despite some readers finding the writing confusing and dragging at times, many appreciated the unique take on the classic tale and the depth of the characters.
“Are you seriously reading right now?” my younger sister, Edith, asks as she stands next to me in a silver dress covered in sequins. Her hair is twisted into a bun and secured to the side of her head...December 2017•236 pages - #9
Save:A luminous, lyrical portrait of Haiti and its people - perfect for those who savor beautiful writing and interconnected stories, but less so for readers seeking a conventional plot or fast-paced narrative.
Set in a small coastal fishing village in Haiti, "Claire of the Sea Light" by Edwidge Danticat weaves together interconnected stories of the residents of Ville Rose. The narrative begins with Claire, a young girl whose mother died in childbirth, and her widowed father Nozias considering giving her to Gaëlle Lavaud. The story unfolds through various character perspectives, revealing the struggles, connections, and fates of the town's inhabitants amidst poverty, violence, and moments of joy. Danticat's prose is described as luminous, poetic, and precise, painting a vivid portrait of life in a Haitian community.
The day Claire Limyè Lanmè turned six was also the day Ville Rose’s undertaker, Albert Vincent, was inaugurated as the new mayor. He kept both positions, leading to all kinds of jokes about the town e...August 2013•257 pages Strange, compelling, and divisive - this is Eggers at his most experimental. If you're up for a quick, dialogue-driven deep dive into big questions and flawed minds, give it a go. It might not be for everyone, but it's certainly a conversation starter!
'Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?' by Dave Eggers is a unique and original story told entirely in dialogue, offering a puzzling narrative like a novella. The plot revolves around a psychotic lead character who kidnaps various individuals, engaging them in conversations about societal issues, personal beliefs, and injustices in the world. Through these dialogues, the author delves into themes of mental illness, societal norms, police brutality, and the complexities of human nature.
June 2014•229 pages
