Books matching: dark powers
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- #1
Save:In 'Power of Lies', author Auryn Hadley crafts a captivating tale of power, magic, and complex relationships in a world where mages derive their power from a single emotion. The story follows Jaeda, a black woman who is outcast for falling for a man's lies and now travels across lands claimed by conquering mages. When Jaeda is captured by a mage and becomes the Chosen, her life takes a drastic turn as she navigates a world of lust, power struggles, and intricate connections between characters.
The book is praised for its brilliant world-building, detailed magic system, and rich character development. Readers are drawn into a world where emotions fuel power, relationships are complex, and the boundaries between good and bad are blurred. The story unfolds with a mix of steamy scenes, intense action, and surprising twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Magic hung in the air. It sparkled beneath the perfectly blue sky like glitter in the wind amidst the debris from the shattered walls and sundered buildings. The smell of it, bitter and a little too p... - #2
Save:"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is a dark and complex tale of a convoluted and tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. Set against the haunting moors of England, the novel blurs the line between passion and obsession, delving into themes of vengeance, societal expectations, and human nature. The book portrays a cast of flawed and complex characters, with relationships marred by cruelty, revenge, and unfulfilled desires. The writing style is described as gothic, mysterious, and enthralling, with a moody atmosphere that matches the bleak setting of the moors.
The narrative unfolds through multiple generations, showcasing the consequences of love and revenge that reverberate through time. Despite the challenging writing style and complex characters, the story captivates readers with its haunting and chilling portrayal of characters not likely to be called sane in the modern world. The book challenges traditional values and beliefs, questioning the dark side of English and Western culture, making readers reflect on psychological and gothic elements in the narrative.
1801.—I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country! In all England, I do not believe that I could have f... - #3
Save:The Young Elites is a dark and gritty fantasy novel set in a world where a blood fever has left some children with markings and special powers, known as the Young Elites. The story follows Adelina, a damaged heroine filled with anger and vengeance, who struggles with her self-worth and value as a person. The plot is filled with complex characters capable of good and evil, surprises that shock the readers, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps the readers engaged from the first page.
It happened several weeks earlier, on a stormy night at my father’s villa. I couldn’t sleep. Rain fell and lightning reflected off the window of my bedchamber. But even the storm couldn’t drown out th... - #4
Save:'Bond to Fall' in the 'Villains & Virtues' series by A.K. Caggiano is a cozy fantasy novel that follows the enchanting journey of Celeste, a character briefly mentioned in the original series. The book introduces Reeve, a holy knight on a mission to vanquish evil, who initially mistakes Celeste as the darkness he seeks to eradicate. As they unravel the true threat together, their relationship transitions from enemies to friends to lovers in a heartwarming slow burn romance. The writing style is described as smooth, well-paced, and filled with humorous and heartfelt inner monologues that bring the characters to life in a quirky and entertaining manner.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Villains & Virtues ) - #5
Save:"The Drawing of the Dark" by Tim Powers is a historical fantasy novel set in the 16th century during the Ottoman siege of Vienna. The story follows Brian Duffy, an Irish soldier of fortune, who becomes entangled in a battle between good and evil forces, involving magical creatures, ancient mythologies, and the fate of the Western world. Powers weaves together elements of Celtic mythology, Arthurian legends, and Norse folklore to create a narrative filled with action, mystery, and supernatural twists.
The book is praised for its unique blend of historical events and fantastical elements, offering a rollicking adventure through Venice and Austria. Powers' storytelling ability is highlighted, showcasing a strong and heroic lead character in Brian Duffy, amidst a backdrop of war, magic, and the struggle between light and darkness.
All night the hot wind had swept up the Adriatic, and from the crowded docks down by the arsenale to the Isola di San Chiara at the western mouth of the Grand Canal, the old city creaked on its piling... - #6
Save:The Black Company is a gritty military fantasy novel that follows the exploits of a mercenary band in service to a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. The story is narrated from the perspective of Croaker, the company's physician and annalist, providing a unique viewpoint of the conflicts between the Lady and the rebels who oppose her. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a world where mercenaries must navigate treacherous alliances and deadly battles.
Lightning from a clear sky smote the Necropolitan Hill. One bolt struck the bronze plaque sealing the tomb of the forvalaka, obliterating half the spell of confinement. It rained stones. Statues bled.... - #7
Save:'The Girl Next Door' by Jack Ketchum is a disturbing and dark novel based on a true story of torture and abuse. The plot revolves around Ruth Chandler, who starts to take a dislike to Megan, leading to verbal abuse escalating to extreme torture with the involvement of Ruth's children. The story is narrated from David Moran's perspective, a fictitious neighbor who witnesses the disturbing events and tries to help Megan. Ketchum's writing style is described as graphic and detailed, drawing readers in and horrifying them with the events depicted in the book.
The book delves into the ugliest sides of human behavior, showcasing the depravity and cruelty that people are capable of. It explores themes of child abuse, torture, and the darkness that can reside within individuals and society. The narrative is engaging, emotional, and harrowing, with a focus on the power dynamics and the impact of the horrific events on the characters involved.
She is driving down a rain-slick highway on a hot summer morning in a rented Volvo, her lover by her side, driving slowly and carefully because she knows how treacherous new rain on hot streets can be... - #8
Save:The Woman, the third book in the Dead River series by Jack Ketchum, delves into a dark narrative of a family's hidden secrets and the brutal dynamics within. The story revolves around the capture of a wild woman by a seemingly normal family, led by the demented patriarch Mr. Cleek. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of horror, violence, and psychological turmoil, challenging the notions of civilization and savagery. Through a fusion of gory cannibal horror and a female perspective, the book explores themes of human cruelty, toxic masculinity, and the depths of depravity within individuals.
The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, including that of the wild woman and members of the Cleek family, revealing layers of darkness and twisted motivations. The writing style combines graphic horror with psychological depth, creating an intense and gripping read that keeps the audience on edge till the very last page.
She herself is not beautiful. Not unless power is beauty, because she is powerful, over six feet tall, with long arms and legs, almost simian in their lean strength. But her wide grey eyes are empty...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dead River ) - #9
Save:'You Will Know Me' by Megan Abbott is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and intense world of elite gymnastics competition. The story follows the Knox family, whose lives revolve around their daughter Devon's Olympic aspirations. As tragedy strikes the gymnastics community, secrets and tensions unravel, leading to a mysterious death and a web of deception. The novel explores the sacrifices made by families for athletic success, the toxic dynamics within the gymnastics world, and the blurred lines between ambition and morality. Abbott's writing style creates a sense of impending doom and unease, keeping readers on edge as they navigate through a twisted plot filled with unlikeable characters and unexpected twists.
If she ever had to talk about it, which she never would, Katie would have to go back, back years before it happened. Before Coach T. and Hailey and Ryan Beck. Back before Devon was born, when there we... - #10
Save:'Dungeon Lord' in the series 'The Wraith's Haunt' follows the story of Edward, a gamer who finds himself in a new world where he becomes a dungeon lord under the service of a dark god named Murmur. Edward must navigate this unknown world, make allies, and survive without the safety nets of respawns and save games. The plot revolves around Edward's journey to gain power, face challenges like poisonous spiders and the Inquisition, and unravel mysteries while dealing with moral dilemmas. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and captures the essence of gaming, making readers feel immersed in the world of LitRPG.
Dungeon Lord Kael watched as what remained of his legacy burned to ashes. His brave monsters lay broken at every passage and corridor from the entrance to his own chamber, his traps were defeated, his...
