Books matching: emphasis on world building
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- #1
Calista, a botanist on a generation ship, finds herself stranded on an alien planet after a pirate attack, where she meets Ladon, a Zmaj warrior. Despite the language barrier, they form a strong bond and must navigate survival challenges and threats from both natural elements and her fellow shipmates. The story explores themes of love, survival, inter-species relationships, and the struggle for acceptance in a dangerous and unfamiliar world.
The book 'Dragon's Baby' in the series 'Red Planet Dragons of Tajss' by Juno Wells and Miranda Martin is a sci-fi romance novel that immerses readers in a world filled with danger, humor, steamy moments, and intriguing characters. Through vivid descriptions of the planet Tajss and the deepening relationship between Calista and Ladon, the authors create a captivating story that blends elements of adventure, romance, and survival in a unique and engaging way.
- #2
'The Culling of Man' by Craig Kobayashi is a litrpg story set in an apocalyptic world where humanity faces a sudden and catastrophic event leading to the near extinction of the human race. The main character, Garath, navigates through a world filled with monsters, skills, and gaming elements while exploring the consequences of his choices and the impact on his soul. The plot revolves around survival, character growth, and the discovery of the true cost of summoning demons in a world where humanity must unite to face foreign threats and maintain their position on their home planet.
The writing style of 'The Culling of Man' is described as engaging, with a focus on world-building, game mechanics, and character development. The story combines elements of fantasy, survival, and strategy, keeping readers intrigued by the unfolding events, twists, and challenges faced by the characters as they strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Aleron was spending his Tuesday evening in much the same way he had spent every evening in recent memory: playing games hunched over his computer. On that fateful night, he had been solo grinding to l... - #3
The Killing Fog, the first book in The Grave Kingdom series by Jeff Wheeler, follows the main character Bingmei, an orphan with mysterious origins, as she embarks on a quest to a lost kingdom with a group of Martial Arts adventurers. Set in a lush and vibrant world inspired by Asian mythology, the story unfolds with elements of magic, martial arts, and political intrigue. As Bingmei discovers her magical abilities and faces ancient, restless energy, she must navigate treachery, deception, and the awakening of dangerous forces.
The narrative style of The Killing Fog has been described as well-constructed, with a mix of action, adventure, and character growth. The book offers a blend of fantasy elements like magic, martial arts, and epic hero journeys, set against a backdrop of palaces, runes, and mystical creatures. Despite some predictable plot points, the story is engaging and introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and conflicts.
Bingmei sat on a wooden bench, feeling the sway of the boat as the smell of the salmon in the nets filled her nose. The fisherman and his son adjusted their ropes, positioning the scalloped sail to ta... - #4
Claimed by Presley Hall is a fated mates science fiction romance that follows the story of Rose, who is abducted by a cruel alien race and forced to become a bride. However, she is rescued by a Kalixian warrior named Tordax, and the two of them find themselves navigating a romance amidst danger, action, and the challenges of intergalactic politics. The book is written in first person perspective, alternating between the hero and heroine, and it explores themes of fate, strength, and the complexities of relationships across different worlds.
The plot of 'Claimed' is filled with twists and turns, focusing on the evolving relationship between Rose and Tordax as they face external threats and internal struggles. The writing style combines elements of sci-fi world-building, steamy romance, and engaging character dynamics, making it a compelling read for fans of fated mates stories and science fiction adventures.
The job I just lost sucked—being a file clerk for a retirement home wasn’t exactly my dream job as a little girl—but at least it was something. It paid the rent and kept the lights on. Barely. But eve... - #5
Savage Legion by Matt Wallace is a fantasy novel that intricately weaves together the stories of three main female protagonists - Evie, Dyeawan, and Lexi - as they navigate a world filled with political intrigue, complex societal structures, and brutal battles. The book delves into themes of privilege, power dynamics, and the consequences of challenging the status quo, all set against a backdrop of a richly constructed fantasy universe. Wallace's writing style is described as innovative, gripping, and thought-provoking, with a focus on multi-layered characters and intricate world-building that subverts traditional fantasy tropes.
- #6
'Shaman's Crossing' by Robin Hobb follows the story of Nevare, a soldier son raised in barracks who undergoes alterations by a shaman and a tree woman. The plot delves into the conflicts between Plainspeople and civilizing invaders, as well as the protagonist's struggles with his destiny and societal expectations. The writing style is described as detailed and layered, with an engaging coming-of-age narrative that explores themes of duty, narrow-mindedness, and the complexities of a fantasy world.
I was eight and my father had taken me with him on a trip to the outpost on Franner’s Bend. We had arisen before the dawn for the long ride; the sun was just short of standing at noon when we finally ... - #7
They came after the Diseray. Some were terrors ripped from our collective imaginations, remnants of every mythology across the world. Long ago, the barriers between our world and the Otherworld were ripped open, and it's taken centuries to bring back civilization in the wake of the catastrophe. Joyeaux Charmand, a Hunter, is called to Apex City, where the best Hunters are kept to protect the most important people. However, she soon uncovers a terrifying conspiracy in the city, revealing something much worse than the usual monsters infiltrating Apex. The book follows Joy's journey to uncover the truth and stop the impending danger, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with fantastical mythical creatures and political intrigue.
This YA dystopian novel by Mercedes Lackey follows Joyeaux's adventures as she navigates the inequalities and deceptions in Apex City, where Hunters are treated as action stars and are constantly under the eye of video feeds. The world building is well thought out, the plot is engaging, and the book stands alone reasonably well, despite being intended as the first in a series. The story is filled with intense action scenes, intriguing political plots, and unique magical elements, making it a riveting read for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.
A year ago, I was a different person, just one of the Hunters at the Monastery on the Mountain. A Hunter who kept our area free of monsters, under the tutelage and direction of my Masters. A Hunter wh... - #8
The Forgetting Moon is an epic fantasy novel that delves into a world of corruption, betrayal, and heroic deeds. With multiple POVs that are all interesting, the book keeps a fast-paced rhythm with relatively short chapters, engaging readers throughout its 800 pages. The intricate world-building introduces various creatures like dwarves, elves, orcs, and dragons, alongside a mix of murder, corruption, and prophecies that drive the characters towards a divided kingdom threatened by an invading army.
The story unfolds with mystery, intrigue, and conflicting matters of religion, exploring themes of identity and trust among young adult characters facing tragedy, war, and personal growth. The book offers a complex and flawed character portrayal, intertwining political motives and prophecies influenced by religious beliefs, creating a gripping tale that leaves readers invested in each POV chapter, eagerly anticipating the sequel.
Be we slave, peasant, knight, or lord, within all of us dwells a craving, a longing deep in our soul to know our own heritage and to identify the birthright of our fellow man. For regardless the numbe... - #9
'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 ) - #10
'The Dark Tide' by Alicia Jasinska is a fantasy novel that follows a story of witches and magic, focusing on a queer romance between the two lead characters, Eva and Lina. The novel is praised for its unique magic system and world-building, with readers appreciating the depth of the universe created by the author. However, some readers found the execution of the story to be challenging to follow, with difficulties in character development and pacing issues. Despite this, the book is described as a quick escape and holds attention with its fanciful quirks and descriptive qualities.
“And we both know that I am anything but pretty.” Finley grinned at his reflection in the mirror, a lock of licorice-black hair falling forward into eyes as gray as the winter sea. Lina had the same h...