Books matching: faustian deal
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- #1
Save:In 'The Devil You Know' by K.J. Parker, readers are taken on a Faustian journey where the greatest philosopher, Saloninus, makes a deal with the devil to exchange his soul for twenty more years of life and power. The novella explores the dynamics between Saloninus, a master trickster, and the devil, who is puzzled by the philosopher's seemingly straightforward deal. The story is told from both the devil's and Saloninus' perspectives, offering a glimpse into a world of wit, ambition, and moral complexity.
The writing style of 'The Devil You Know' is described as clever and entertaining, with a focus on deception, manipulation, and the intricate dance between the philosopher and the demon. Through a narrative that switches between the two main characters, readers are drawn into a world where power dynamics, moral dilemmas, and unexpected twists keep the story engaging and thought-provoking.
I DON’T DO EVIL when I’m not on duty, just as prostitutes tend not to have sex on their days off. My ideal off-shift day starts with a hot bath and the scent of black tea, followed by an hour on my ba...
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Saloninus ) - #2
Save:'We Sold Our Souls' by Grady Hendrix is a horror novel set in the world of rock and roll, following the story of Kris Pulaski, a former lead guitarist of the band Dürt Würk. The plot revolves around Kris seeking revenge on her former bandmate Terry Hunt after discovering he sold all their souls, leading to a thrilling and chilling ride across the country. The book combines elements of music, horror, and occult, creating a unique and imaginative storyline that delves into themes of redemption, friendship, and the price of fame. The writing style captures the energy of rock 'n' roll, with references to bands and musicians adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
CALLER: …you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. KEITH: You sound like a hippie, Chester. CALLER: I tell it like I see it. You guys are asleep. Your Texas owners tell you what to ... - #3
Save:The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic tale exploring the consequences of vanity and moral degradation. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man who makes a Faustian deal to retain his youth and beauty while his portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his debauched lifestyle. The novel delves into themes of the value of youth, the meaning of life, and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others, leaving readers pondering questions of free will and self-improvement. Wilde's writing style is described as brilliant, witty, and horrifying, with a focus on decadence, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.
The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more del... - #4
Save:'If It Bleeds' by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas that showcase King's talent for storytelling. The book features a mix of strange tales that offer food for thought on timely themes such as technology, mortality, and desperation. One of the novellas follows the character Holly Gibney, who is described as one of King's best creations, quirky, brilliant, and completely real. The stories range from subtly creepy to dark and compelling, with elements of horror and supernatural woven into each narrative.
The day Marty Anderson saw the billboard was just before the Internet finally went down for good. It had been wobbling for eight months since the first short interruptions. Everyone agreed it was only...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Outsider ) - #5
Save:'Duplex' by Kathryn Davis is a surreal and whimsical novel that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Set in a suburban street with a mix of ordinary and fantastical elements, the story follows characters living in a dreamscape where robots, sorcerers, and mysterious occurrences coexist with everyday life. The plot is described as fractured and nonlinear, with time shifts and dream logic connecting the characters in a series of vignettes that explore themes of mistreatment, escape, and transformation.
IT WAS A SUBURBAN STREET, ONE BLOCK LONG, THE houses made of brick and built to last like the third little pig’s. Sycamore trees had been planted at regular intervals along the curb and the curbs them... - #6
Save:'Mountain of Daggers' in the series 'Tales of the Black Raven' by Seth Skorkowsky is a collection of short adventures following the career of the Black Raven, a thief, through various heists, chases, romance, and encounters with different genres like detective stories, spycraft, and horror. The book plays out like a series of self-contained stories set along a timeline, showcasing the character development of Ahren, the Black Raven, and the colorful world created by the author. The writing style is quick, engaging, and reminiscent of classic pulp fiction, with a mix of action, adventure, and detailed world-building.
Nobles and merchants laughed and talked amongst the chorus of clinking glasses and music echoing from the ballroom below. Ahren kept his eyes to the marble floor or on the bright tapestries to avoid a... Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.
And then they hug each other so hard I think their chests are going to implode. I would even secretly hope for it from where I sat, stood, leaned, in the opposite corner of the lecture hall, departmen...- #8
Save:'Falling Angel' by William Hjortsberg is a noir mystery novel set in 1950s New York City, following private detective Harry Angel as he is hired to search for a missing pop singer. The story unfolds with elements of horror, voodoo, and black magic, leading to a chilling and suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist at the end.
The book combines the genres of hard-boiled detective fiction and horror, creating a unique blend of supernatural elements within a gritty noir setting. The narrative is filled with intricate details of mid-20th century New York City, vividly bringing the bustling streets, seedy haunts, and mysterious characters to life as Harry Angel delves deeper into the dark and sinister world surrounding the missing singer.
It was Friday the thirteenth and yesterday’s snowstorm lingered in the streets like a leftover curse. The slush outside was ankle-deep. Across Seventh Avenue a treadmill parade of lightbulb headlines ... - #9
Save:Needful Things is a novel set in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, where a mysterious shop called Needful Things opens up, offering people their deepest desires in exchange for playing pranks on their fellow residents. The story explores the consequences of greed, manipulation, and the dark side of human nature as the town descends into chaos due to the sinister influence of the shop owner, Leland Gaunt. Stephen King's writing style effectively portrays the gradual unraveling of the town and its residents, blending supernatural elements with realistic character development.
It wasn’t as big a deal to Brian Rusk as it was to some; his mother, for instance. He had heard her discussing it (he wasn’t supposed to call it gossiping, she had told him, because gossiping was a di... - #10
Save:Mortality Bridge is a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth with a dash of Crossroads, set in a contemporary setting. The story follows Niko, an ex-junkie musician who strikes a deal with the Devil to save his girlfriend Jemma. After achieving fame and happiness, tragedy strikes, and Niko embarks on a journey through Hell to bring her back. The narrative is a blend of gut-wrenching introspection, heroic determination, brutal carnage, and a slice of hope, all accompanied by Niko's blues music. Boyett's writing style is described as intense, emotional, and filled with vivid imagery, creating a unique mythology that blends old tales with fresh, edgy darkness.
WET AND FACEDOWN on the sand the blank man shivers. Close behind him is a constant gentle hiss of water rushing past. He lies there blinking. Looking down and trying to remember—anything. His name. Wh...
