Books matching: characters with relatable complexities
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- #1
To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters is a Regency romantic comedy novel that follows Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley, a couple who fell in love five years ago but have been estranged for the past four years due to a misunderstanding. Determined to end their stalemate, Lady Violet devises a plan involving pretending to be ill, leading to a series of miscommunications, missteps, and hilarious schemes in attempts to rekindle their romance. The book is filled with witty banter, charming characters, and a plot that explores the complexities of marriage and trust in a lighthearted and fun manner.
To Love and To Loathe is definitely the better book with lovely secondary characters, well-written love scenes, and a story about two people in love who have lost trust in each other but need to find their way back through hilarious tricks and schemes. The writing style is described as fun, sharp, and sassy, capturing the verbal jousting of polite society in the Regency period. The book offers a refreshing take on a married couple's relationship post-Happily Ever After, with an exciting cast of supporting characters that add depth to the story.
“Really, Violet,” said Diana, Lady Templeton, reaching for the teapot. “Allow me.” Given Diana’s disinclination to exert herself when it was not strictly necessary, this was an indication of dire stra... - #2
'The Shards' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel set in 1981 Los Angeles, following the protagonist, Bret, and his circle of friends as they navigate their senior year at an exclusive prep school. The story intertwines themes of adolescence, trauma, past mistakes, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. As a series of violent crimes unfold in the background, the narrative delves into the protagonist's unstable mind, obsession, and self-destruction, leading to a tragic tale of suspicion and deadly consequences.
The writing style of 'The Shards' is engaging and expertly crafted, drawing readers into a world of privilege, debauchery, and impending doom. The narrative skillfully combines elements of a murder mystery thriller with a character study, exploring the protagonist's psyche and his interactions with a dangerously handsome newcomer, Robert Mallory. The novel is richly observed, evocative, and occasionally repetitive, offering a compelling blend of horror, dark humor, and bittersweet nostalgia.
- #3
'The Thirteenth Hour' in the series 'The Cruel Gods' by author Trudie Skies is a dark fantasy novel set in the intricate world of Chime, where mortals are bound by the cruel whims of the Gods of the 12 domains. The story follows Kayl, a member of the underground group called the Godless, as she navigates a world of oppression, injustice, and hidden secrets. Alongside Quen, a Diviner and Warden of Chime, Kayl unravels a grand mystery involving elemental beings and a world-changing plot that challenges the existing power structures.
The book is praised for its original world-building, complex characters, and engaging plot that combines elements of steampunk and fantasy. Skies skillfully weaves together themes of power, oppression, and rebellion, drawing parallels to our own societal dynamics. The narrative unfolds through dual perspectives, offering insights into the motivations and struggles of Kayl and Quen as they navigate a world filled with intrigue, danger, and moral ambiguity.
- #4
Set in the 1930s, "Murder at the Dolphin Hotel" follows Kitty Underhay, a sensible and brave hotelier turned budding detective, as she navigates a thrilling murder mystery involving a missing jewel and missing people. Alongside ex-army captain Matthew Bryant, Kitty attempts to solve the murder and unravel the mystery of the missing treasure while running the hotel—a charming cozy mystery with engaging characters and an interesting, transporting setting. The story unfolds in a period setting filled with mystery, intrigue, charm, and elegance, set off the English coast, making it a delightful read for fans of historical British mysteries.
The book introduces readers to Kitty Underhay, raised by her grandmother at the Dolphin Hotel after her mother's mysterious disappearance. As her grandmother leaves for Scotland, Kitty is left to oversee the hotel amidst a dangerous time marked by threatening messages, a recovered dead body, and subsequent murders. With a mix of unique characters, engaging plotlines, and a touch of romance, this cozy mystery series promises a delightful blend of historical charm and intriguing mysteries.
- #5
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood tells the story of three women whose lives were intertwined by the manipulative Zenia. The plot unfolds as Zenia reappears in their lives after supposedly being dead, leading to revelations of past encounters and present struggles. Through flashbacks and multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the complexities of female relationships. Atwood's writing style captivates readers with compelling female characters and intricate plot construction, creating a narrative that delves into the psychological wounds inflicted by Zenia.
Tony gets up at six-thirty, as she always does. West sleeps on, groaning a little. Probably in his dreams he’s shouting; sounds in dreams are always louder. Tony inspects his sleeping face, his angula... - #6
'Rabbits' by Terry Miles follows the story of K and his friend Chloe as they navigate through a mysterious game named Rabbits that poses a risk they know they shouldn't be involved in. The game presents enigmatic challenges, coincidences, and altered realities that pull the characters into a world of uncertainty, where the consequences of losing are dire. As the plot unfolds, the boundaries between reality, gaming, and mysticism blur, leading K and Chloe on a quest to save the world from impending doom caused by disruptions within the game. The narrative weaves elements of alternate realities, conspiracy theories, and the influence of ley lines, creating a thought-provoking and intriguing storyline that keeps readers guessing until the end.
The writing style of Terry Miles in 'Rabbits' has been described as engaging, with a mix of sci-fi, mysticism, and pop culture references that add depth to the storyline. The author's ability to create a world where the game of Rabbits becomes a mind-bending experience for the characters and readers alike, showcases a unique blend of storytelling that challenges perceptions and immerses the audience in a complex web of reality and fantasy.
The smiles vanished from the assembled collection of conspiracy hounds and deep Web curiosity seekers, their private conversations stopped mid-sentence, their phones quickly stashed into a variety of ... - #7
Born of Ice follows the story of Devyn Kell, a former League soldier, and civilian Alix Garran. Devyn, always one step ahead of The League, is being hunted relentlessly. Alix is blackmailed into helping bring Devyn in alive to save her family. As they navigate through past traumas and enemies closing in, they must rely on each other to survive. This installment in The League series showcases mesmerizing characters, with Devyn being a standout protagonist, and Alix bringing a tormented yet kind-hearted aura to the narrative. The book is filled with action, adventure, and a passionate romance, with surprising twists that lead to a dramatic and exciting conclusion.
Devyn Kell is the devil himself. He will not take mercy on you, and he will kill you if he finds out who you are and why you’re there. Trust me. I’ve buried every agent we’ve sent in after him—male, f...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The League: Nemesis Rising Series ) - #8
'Record of a Spaceborn Few' in the series 'Wayfarers' by Becky Chambers is a character-driven science fiction novel that explores the lives of individuals aboard the Exodus Fleet, a multigenerational fleet of humans. The book delves into themes of community, culture, and encounters with other species, focusing on the daily lives and struggles of characters like Isabel, Tessa, Kip, and Eyas as their stories intertwine within the fleet. The writing style is described as thoughtful, warm-hearted, and engaging, with a strong emphasis on world-building and detailing the intricacies of life within the fleet.
The narrative of 'Record of a Spaceborn Few' offers a snapshot in time of the Exodus Fleet, showcasing how the human race has evolved and adapted while traveling through space. The book presents a unique perspective on maturing as a species and the importance of preserving identity while embracing new experiences. Through multiple point-of-view characters and a gentle, plotless storytelling approach, Becky Chambers crafts a rich and believable world centered on the human fleet's journey, exploring themes of family, culture, and the search for meaning in a confined yet diverse environment.
Tessa looked up from her small workbench and down to her even smaller daughter. ‘I can’t take you now, baby,’ she said. She nodded toward the cleanerbot she was trying to coax back to life. ‘I want to...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wayfarers ) - #9
'Shadeslinger' by Kyle Kirrin is a LitRPG novel that stands out for its authentic use of game mechanics, drawing praise for its realistic portrayal of competitive gaming and teamwork dynamics. The book follows the protagonist, Ned, a human character who navigates a virtual world filled with challenges, unique characters, and unexpected twists. The story is engaging, with solid writing, enjoyable characters, fun action sequences, and an intriguing plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Despite being marketed as a PVP-centric story, the absence of actual PVP in this installment leaves room for anticipation of future developments in the series.
- #10
'Wolf Tamer' by Lola Glass tells the story of Cara, a strong and resilient woman who faces heartache and pain after being rejected by her fated mate. The plot takes a twisted turn as Cara navigates through challenging situations, including being sold to an illegal werewolf fighting ring. The writing style is detailed, engaging, and captivating, drawing readers in with its unique take on wolf shifter romance and themes of resilience, love, and hope.