Books matching: gothic adventure
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- #1Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the VampireBook 1 in the series:Baltimore
Save:Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire by Christopher Golden is a gothic adventure tale following the titular hero, Henry Baltimore, a menacing figure who uses a harpoon as a walking stick and is on a mission to slay otherworldly fiends. The story is illustrated by Mike Mignola, known for his work on Hellboy, and features around 150 illustrations that add depth to the narrative. Despite being categorized as a vampire novel, Baltimore stands out by incorporating elements of folktales and creating a unique reading experience that differs from traditional vampire stories. The writing style is reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft and Poe, with a touch of folktales, making it a captivating and atmospheric read.
- #2
Save:'The List of Seven' by Mark Frost is a thrilling Gothic adventure set in Victorian England, where the protagonist, Arthur Conan Doyle, finds himself embroiled in dark conspiracies, black magic, and supernatural occurrences. The book cleverly weaves elements of mystery, historical fiction, and the supernatural, showcasing the genesis of Doyle's famous detective character. Frost's writing style is described as twisted, imaginative, and intelligent, with a unique vision that takes the story beyond a mere Sherlock Holmes pastiche.
THE ENVELOPE WAS VELLUM, CREAM. FlNE STRIATIONS, CRISP, no watermarks. Expensive. Scuffed at the corners, it had attracted grime as it was slid under the door, silently. The Doctor did not hear it, an... - #3
Save:At the end of Victoria's reign, Jani is a little girl whose earliest memories are of living in Tibet, bridging the vast cultural gap between her guardian Sembur who is English and their neighbors and coworkers who consider him a foreign devil albeit a useful one, to defend caravans with war skills and a modern rifle. When an oracle foresees that another foreign devil will come to cause trouble, Jani and Sembur are forced to leave Tibet. Their flight and its consequences force Jani to strike up a friendly truce with their pursuer, but when they are separated, Jani is sent to England. At first, Jani is put in an orphanage, but through a chain of events, she ends up at Merlin's Keep where some of the dire events prophesied by the Oracle in her childhood are about to unfold. The darkness of the villain was well handled and his character was a little complex. Good handling of settings and talents and universal forces.
- #4
Save:"The Highwayman's Folly" by Daria Vernon follows the story of Beth, a strong and feisty heroine in her thirties who inherits a fortune and estate after her aunt's passing. Kidnapped by the estate's steward for her wealth, she is then 'rescued' by the highwayman, Rhys, who has his own troubled past. As they navigate through action, adventure, and a slow-burn romance in an isolated winter setting, Beth and Rhys discover shared past traumas and rebel against societal norms, finding solace and strength in each other's company.
The plot unfolds with a blend of drama, adventure, and second chances, reminiscent of old-school gothic romances. The writing style is described as atmospheric, intimate, and romantic, capturing the reader's attention with nuanced characters, rich storytelling, and a slow, angsty winter vibe that immerses the reader in the snowy forest landscapes and the bond forming between Beth and Rhys.
A whole childhood’s worth of bright summer memories stretched out across the lawns of Ashecote House. There was the stream that soaked every petticoat Beth owned—at least once. There were the slate st... In "Lexicon" by Max Barry, the story revolves around a secret organization that has discovered how to manipulate people using personality segments and words. This manipulation has significant implications for spreading good or evil, blurring the lines between intentions and outcomes. The narrative follows the journeys of two main characters, Wil and Emily, who find themselves entangled in this world of linguistic control, suspense, and uncertainty. The plot moves back and forth in time, adding to the intrigue and complexity of the story.
The book delves into the power of words as literal weapons, exploring a world where certain syllables can control people and where language can be used to hack the human brain. As the characters navigate through this underworld of linguistic manipulation, readers are drawn into a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and engaging characters.
A hand closed over his mouth. The pressure in his eyeball intensified, became a sucking. They were pulling out his eyeball. No: It was the needle, withdrawing. He shrieked, possibly. Then the pain was...- #6
Save:"Doll Bones" by Holly Black is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, who embark on a quest to return a bone china doll, inhabited by the spirit of a murdered girl, to her grave. As the trio faces personal changes and challenges in middle school, the doll's haunting pushes them to confront their fears and strengthen their friendship. Blending elements of suspense, adventure, and imagination, the book navigates themes of growing up, friendship, and the power of storytelling, offering a spooky yet heartwarming tale for young readers.
The narrative unfolds as Zach, Poppy, and Alice navigate the complexities of their evolving friendship while delving into a world of make-believe games and eerie encounters. Through a mix of whimsical storytelling and spooky twists, the trio's journey to lay the doll to rest leads them on a path of self-discovery, where reality and imagination intertwine. With themes of friendship dynamics, the transition to adulthood, and the importance of play, "Doll Bones" captivates readers with its blend of suspense, adventure, and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.
POPPY SET DOWN ONE OF THE MERMAID DOLLS CLOSE to the stretch of asphalt road that represented the Blackest Sea. They were old—bought from Goodwill—with big shiny heads, different-colored tails, and fr... - #7
Save:"The Reluctant Widow" by Georgette Heyer is a Regency romance novel that follows the story of Elinor Rochdale, a governess down on her luck who mistakenly enters the wrong carriage and finds herself embroiled in a whirlwind of events, including a sudden marriage and widowhood, spies, secret passages, and a touch of mystery. The book is described as a blend of romance, humor, and intrigue, with a plot that keeps the reader entertained and engaged throughout. Heyer's writing style is praised for its humor, witty dialogues, and well-fleshed-out characters that bring the Regency setting to life.
It was dusk when the London to Little Hampton stage-coach lurched into the village of Billingshurst, and a cold mist was beginning to creep knee-high over the dimly seen countryside. The coach drew up... - #8
Save:The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and intricate novel that follows the life of Toru Okada, who embarks on a quest to find his missing cat, only to later face the disappearance of his wife. As the story unfolds, Toru encounters a myriad of strange characters and delves into dreamlike sequences that blur the lines between reality and illusion. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism, philosophy, human emotions, and war, creating a complex and intriguing storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
When the phone rang I was in the kitchen, boiling a potful of spaghetti and whistling along with an FM broadcast of the overture to Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie, which has to be the perfect music for... - #9
Save:'The Master of Ballantrae' by Robert Louis Stevenson is a dark and dramatic tale of the bitter conflict between two Scottish brothers, James and Henry Durie. Set in 18th-century Scotland during the Jacobite uprising, the story begins with the events of the rebellion that ultimately leads to the tragic division of the Durie family. The narrative follows the lives of the two brothers, portraying James as the charismatic yet villainous elder brother, and Henry as the responsible and hardworking younger sibling. Through multiple narrators and various adventures, including piracy, sea voyages, and family conflicts, the novel delves into themes of loyalty, psychology, greed, and personal motivation, offering a gripping and complex exploration of the relationship between the two brothers.
The writing style of 'The Master of Ballantrae' is described as dark, gothic, and reminiscent of other classic works such as 'Wuthering Heights' and 'The Sea Wolf.' Stevenson's masterful storytelling weaves a tale of sibling rivalry, betrayal, and tragedy, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape, colonial America, and the high seas. The novel presents a nuanced portrayal of its characters, particularly James and Henry, whose complex personalities evolve throughout the narrative, creating a gripping and captivating read that defies classification as simply a thriller, drama, or adventure story.
Here is a tale which extends over many years and travels into many countries. By a peculiar fitness of circumstance the writer began, continued it, and concluded it among distant and diverse scenes. A... - #10
Save:"The Diviners" by Libba Bray is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s New York City, blending the supernatural with a murder investigation. The story follows Evie O'Neill, who possesses a supernatural power, as she becomes involved in solving a series of brutal murders with ties to the occult. Through a diverse set of characters and multiple intersecting plotlines, the book weaves a tale of mystery, dark forces awakening, and the characters' unique gifts coming together to confront a serial killer seeking to bring about the end of the world.
In a town house at a fashionable address on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, every lamp blazes. There’s a party going on—the last of the summer. Out on the terrace overlooking Manhattan’s incandescent sky...
