Books matching: characters with complex motivations
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Lure of the Basilisk' by Lawrence Watt-Evans follows Garth, a lord of the overmen, who embarks on a quest to gain fame and recognition. Sent by an oracle to find the Forgotten King, Garth is tasked with journeying to a distant city and retrieving a mysterious creature from its tombs. Along the way, he faces bandits, sorcerers, and ultimately encounters a deadly basilisk. The story blends typical fantasy tropes with unique elements, such as the overmen race and Garth's non-human perspective on human behaviors.
The plot unfolds as Garth navigates through challenges, showcasing the author's ability to bring new concepts to the fantasy genre. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of adventure, mystery, and humor. Readers are taken on a captivating journey with Garth as he delves into a quest that proves to be more complex than initially anticipated.
The village of Skelleth was the northernmost limit of human civilization, a perpetually starving huddle of farmers and ice-cutters; it shrank with each succeeding ten-month winter. Its existence depen... - #2
Save:'Little Eyes' by Samanta Schweblin revolves around the concept of kentukis, small robotic creatures controlled by individuals connected online. The story spans across different countries, exploring the relationships between the kentuki keepers and the dwellers. The narrative delves into the consequences of allowing strangers to have access to one's personal space through these little machines, raising questions about privacy, trust, and human connections in the digital age. Schweblin's writing style is described as original, creepy, and speculative, with a focus on interconnected tales that form a novel exploring the blurred lines between reality, virtual reality, and online presence.
A TEXT BOX APPEARED on the screen. It demanded a serial number, and Emilia sighed and shifted in her wicker chair. Those kinds of requirements were what most drove her to desperation. At least her son... The Horror Stories of Robert E. Howard is a collection of tales that showcase Howard's mastery in crafting supernatural horrors, weird westerns, and historical, supernatural horror stories. The book features a range of themes, from deep sibling love to eerie ghost stories, all written with a unique style that blends high adventure with complex characters, ahead-of-their-time themes, and atmospheric settings. Howard's stories are a mix of original horror works and collaborations with Lovecraft, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his ability to put his own spin on classic horror elements like werewolves and vampires.
The sun had set. The great shadows came striding over the forest. In the weird twilight of a late summer day, I saw the path ahead glide on among the mighty trees and disappear. And I shuddered and gl...- #4
Save:'Dark Intelligence' by Neal Asher is a return to his Polity universe, featuring a complex plot centered around a black AI known as Penny Royal. The novel explores themes of machine intelligence, personal stories intertwined with broader implications, and a diverse array of characters in various exotic and familiar locales. Readers are taken on a journey through brilliant cityscapes, seedy districts, dark asteroids, and the Graveyard - a devastated region between humanity and its former interstellar foe.
The book is praised for its world-building, intricate plot development, and the portrayal of vivid and diverse characters, including criminals, veterans, aliens, and unique artificial intelligences. The story unfolds at a decent pace, keeping readers engaged with surprises along the way, while offering a glimpse into a darker and more brutal universe compared to other sci-fi works.
I woke in crisp white cotton sheets to the sound of skylarks, with the sun beaming through a window somewhere nearby. I gazed up at a lighting panel inset in the pale blue ceiling and smelled comforti... - #5
Save:'The One' by John Marrs explores a world where a company claims to have discovered a gene that can scientifically determine soulmates through DNA testing. The book follows the stories of five couples who have been matched by this technology, revealing the shocking consequences of relying on genetic science to find true love. The plot is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they navigate through various characters' lives and relationships. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, compelling, and thought-provoking, with chapters dedicated to different characters' experiences linked together in a clever and surprising manner.
The shirtless man had cropped, light-brown hair, and posed on a beach with his legs spread apart with the top half of his wetsuit rolled down to his waist. His eyes were the clearest shade of blue. Hi... - #6
Save:George Moran, a man who served in the military and is now running a small motel, returns to the Dominican Republic to revisit his past and search for a girl who intrigued him during his time there. Along the way, he gets involved in a passionate affair with the wife of a former Dominican general, leading to intrigue, threats of violence, and murder. The plot is described as muddled with various Leonard creations hanging around in South Florida and getting caught up in crazy schemes. The narrative is clear and crisp, featuring crime fiction with an ordinary guy navigating through a mess.
MORAN’S FIRST IMPRESSIONof Nolen Tyner: He looked like a high risk, the kind of guy who falls asleep smoking in bed. No luggage except for a six-pack of beer on the counter and the Miami Herald folded... - #7
Save:'Last Seen Leaving' by Caleb Roehrig is a young adult mystery novel that follows Flynn, a teenager whose girlfriend, January, goes missing. As Flynn delves into the mystery of January's disappearance, he realizes that he didn't know her as well as he thought. The book combines the elements of a gripping mystery with a coming-of-age story as Flynn grapples with his own secrets and true self. The writing style is described as superb, with believable characters and a storyline that keeps readers engaged until the end.
THERE WAS A corpse in my neighbor’s front yard. Sprawled before a hedge of juniper bushes, its twisted arms and legs flung out bonelessly, as if it had plummeted there from a passing helicopter, there... - #8
Save:'Dr. Potter's Medicine Show' by Eric Scott Fischl is a historical dark fantasy set in the late 1800s, combining elements of carnival horror, redneck picaresque, friendship, loyalty, and occult magic. The story follows a group of intriguing characters, including a shotgun hero, as they navigate through a world filled with arcane sideshow grotesquery, dark alchemy, and mysterious patent medicines. The plot is described as a mix of suspense, humor, and despair, with a setting in the Pacific Northwest that adds a unique twist to the traditional western genre.
- #9
Save:Readers find "Richard III" by William Shakespeare to be a compelling and engaging play, with a mix of dark humor and memorable characters. The Folger edition is highly praised for its presentation, annotations, and modern perspective essay, providing a valuable reading experience. The play is described as one of Shakespeare's best works, featuring a complex villain in Richard and a poetic writing style that shines through.
Shakespeare endures through history. He illuminates later times as well as his own. He helps us to understand the human condition. But he cannot do this without a good text of the plays. Without editi... - #10
Save:In 'The Solar War', the Grid retaliates strongly and deceptively after the events of 'Winter World', posing a threat of ultimate destruction to humanity. The main characters, James Sinclair and Emma, are forced to rally the remaining humans and make a pact with the Grid to survive, but uncertainty looms over the Grid's true intentions. The book explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the complexities of human motivations in the face of impending doom, all while maintaining a gripping and imaginative writing style that keeps readers engaged.
I stumble into the nursery and hoist Allie out of the crib. I hold her tight to my chest and gently rock her as I walk around. Emma is better at this. She has a singsong voice, and she knows exactly w...
(Also, see 83 recommendations for the series The Long Winter )
