Books matching: brutal action
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- #1
Save:Big, bold, and unapologetically over the top - if you’re in the mood for Greek gods, military mayhem, and Hollywood spectacle, this is a fun ride. Not for the faint-hearted or those craving deep mythological accuracy, but perfect as a popcorn read.
'The Age of Zeus' by James Lovegrove is a thrilling sci-fi novel that combines Greek mythology with a modern-day setting. The story follows a group of individuals who are determined to rebel against the Greek gods that have taken over the world. The book is action-packed from beginning to end, with great combat scenes and clever ways of killing the gods. Lovegrove's writing style keeps the readers engaged, with unexpected plot twists and well-fleshed-out characters.
There were two of them waiting on the quay: Sam and the man she had first encountered a couple of hours ago on the train, the man who'd been carrying an invitation like hers. She had spotted him in th... - #2
Save:Haunting, poetic, and uncompromising, The Roving Party is a powerful exploration of Tasmania’s violent past - brilliantly written, but not for the faint of heart.
The Roving Party by Rohan Wilson is a gripping tale set in 1800s convict era Tasmania, following a party commissioned by the Governor to hunt and kill Aborigines. Led by John Batman, the party consists of a mix of convicts and indigenous members, including the central character Black Bill. The novel delves into the brutal foundations of European settlement in Australia, highlighting the stark contrast between the Tasmanian aboriginals and the European occupiers. Wilson's writing style expertly portrays the social conditions of all characters, showcasing the complexities of their motivations and actions amidst the harsh Tasmanian landscape.
The book offers a haunting and evocative retelling of the clearing of Van Diemen's Land for white settlers, shedding light on a dark period of Australian history often overlooked. Through vivid language and complex characterizations, Wilson skillfully navigates the intricate relationships within the roving party, capturing the tension between the different members as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tasmania during the Black Wars.
THEY WHISTLED FOR BLACK BILL THROUGH the foredawn and called his old clan name behind it, a name he had no good use for. He sat upright on the bed and looked about. The fire in the hearth was dead and...2011•300 pages - #3
Save:Call of the Bone Ships is a gripping sequel in The Tide Child series by R.J. Barker. The book continues the journey of Lucky Meas, Joron Twiner, and the crew of Tide Child as they face ongoing atrocities and harrowing battles at sea. Barker's writing style is described as vivid, emotional, and focused on character growth, with a touch of grand world-building. The story unfolds with a level of mystery that keeps readers guessing until the big reveal at the end, leaving them eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy.
When the fisher finished her tale the officers sat, stiff and unable to speak. Watching as tears coursed silently down her weathered face. Meas opened her mouth, coughed to clear her throat and went d...November 2020•520 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Tide Child ) - #4
Save:A smart, brutal, and stylish crime novel with a memorable main character - recommended for noir and literary thriller fans looking for something a bit deeper.
In Blood Standard, Laird Barron introduces us to Isaiah Coleridge, a former mob enforcer from Alaska who finds himself in upstate New York investigating a disappearance. The book seamlessly blends elements of noir and crime fiction, showcasing Barron's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters. As Isaiah delves into the mystery, his unique skill set and contemplative nature are put to the test, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as lyrical and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and immersive world-building that sets it apart from traditional thrillers.
As a boy, I admired Humphrey Bogart in a big way. I coveted the homburg and trench coat. I wanted to pack heat and smoke unfiltered cigarettes and give them long-legged dames in mink stoles the squint...2018•380 pages - #5
Save:A striking, atmospheric fantasy with standout visuals and compelling action - just don’t expect a heavy focus on romance.
House of the Beast by Michelle Wong is a debut high fantasy novel that combines elements of revenge and adventure. The story follows Alma, who must navigate a brutal world alongside her god-like monster companion. While the pacing and plot are engaging, readers noted a lack of depth in the romantic relationship between Alma and Aster. Some felt the relationship came off as immature and didn't seem to evolve much over the course of the book.
The writing style blends captivating action with character exploration, though many believe it leans more toward new adult or young adult territory than true adult fiction. The book features illustrations that enhance the experience, but the romance is minimal, accounting for only a small fraction of the story. Overall, it's a unique and entertaining read that can evoke strong imagery, even if some plot details remain underdeveloped.
I CAME FROM MEREY, A SMALL PORT TOWN IN THE PROVINCE OF Metia. Here, the people revered the Heavenseer, one of the four elder gods worshipped in Kugara. Fishermen and merchants prayed to the divine ve...August 2025•505 pages - #6
Save:A brutal, infamous classic of extreme horror - shocking, fast, and relentlessly gory. If you crave boundary-pushing, old-school splatter, it's essential; if you prefer your thrills less graphic or more nuanced, skip it.
Off Season by Jack Ketchum is a gruesome and graphic horror novel set in a remote house in Maine where a group of New Yorkers encounters cannibals, leading to a terrifying fight for survival. The book is described as fast-paced, brutal, and filled with explicit scenes of violence, gore, and savagery. The writing style is noted for its detailed and matter-of-fact narration of disturbing events, creating a sense of tension and suspense throughout the story.
They took their time. Breaking off the white birch switches, peeling the bark away. They could hear her moving through the underbrush. They looked at one another and smiled, but said nothing. They pee...1980•315 pages - #7
Save:A smart, provocative, and action-packed near-future thriller that’s best enjoyed by fans of Daemon and anyone who loves tech-driven speculative fiction. Not quite as punchy as book one, but still a wild ride with plenty to chew on.
'Freedom?' in the Daemon series by Daniel Suarez is a techno-thriller that continues the story started in the first book, Daemon. The plot revolves around the aftermath of a massive cyber attack orchestrated by a deceased computer programmer, Matthew Sobol, through his computer program known as Daemon. The line between virtual reality and the physical world becomes increasingly blurred, introducing magic through advanced technology and a social networking Darknet game that is changing human society globally. The sequel explores themes of technology, political statements, and the potential societal impacts of a computer program controlling the world.
Profits in Milliseconds—“Algorithmic stock trading is the future of finance,” according to Wall Street titan Anthony Hollis, whose Tartarus Group employs sophisticated software that responds to market... - #8
Save:Adjustment Day is a wild, divisive ride - ambitious, messy, darkly satirical, and definitely not for everyone. If you’re in the mood for something offbeat and boundary-pushing, give it a shot, but be prepared for strong reactions - good, bad, and everything in between.
Adjustment Day by Chuck Palahniuk is a satirical novel that delves into the dark and divisive aspects of American culture. The story follows a dystopian society where the United States undergoes a radical transformation, splitting into separate countries based on race, sexual orientation, and class. The book explores themes of identity politics, societal divisions, and the consequences of extremism. Palahniuk's writing style is described as disorienting yet captivating, with a large cast of characters and a fast-paced narrative that switches perspectives frequently, creating a unique reading experience.
People still talk about some do-gooder. A good scout, the one in every crowd. Some altar boy, some teacher’s pet walks into the Southeast Precinct, looking both ways, whispering with one hand cupped b...May 2018•353 pages - #9
Save:A thoughtful, atmospheric reimagining of early Plymouth that amplifies silenced voices, especially women’s. Not for everyone, but if you love character-driven historical fiction and overlooked perspectives, "Beheld" is worth your time.
Beheld by TaraShea Nesbit is a historical fiction novel set in the Plymouth Colony, focusing on the aftermath of the colony's first murder trial. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters, particularly the women, providing multiple perspectives on the societal dynamics, religious conflicts, and power struggles within the early American colony. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the 17th-century atmosphere, offering a nuanced exploration of class, religion, and gender through the lens of fictionalized historical events.
We thought ourselves a murderless colony. In God’s good favor, we created a place on a hill overlooking the sea, in the direction from which we came. For a while, God’s favor seemed possible. But it p...March 2020•285 pages - #10The Sorcerer of the WildeepsBook 1 in the series:The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps
Save:Bold, gorgeous, and unlike anything else - The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps is a dazzling, heartwrenching, challenging read. It’s not for everyone, but if you like ambitious, lyrical fantasy and don’t mind working for your rewards, it’ll definitely leave a mark.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson is a novella that follows Demane, a human with godly blood who works as a guard for a caravan. The story delves into the challenges faced by Demane, his complex relationships with the other characters, and the dangerous journey through the Wildeeps. The writing style is described as a mix of deeply lyrical, brutal action, colloquial dialogue, and challenging language skills, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that blends elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and urban fantasy.
The merchants and burdened camels went on ahead into the Station at Mother of Waters. The guardsmen waited outside. Tufts of rough grass broke from the parched earth, nothing else green nearby. Demane...September 2015•224 pages
