Books matching: greed and ambition
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- #1
Save:A fast, ferocious underground thriller with monstrous scares and morally grey characters - perfect for those who crave action-packed sci-fi horror and don’t mind a little chaos underground.
Earthcore by Scott Sigler is a thrilling science fiction novel that delves into the world of mining and corporate greed. The story follows a group of diverse characters, including a ruthless mining company led by Connell Kirkland, as they discover what seems to be the largest platinum deposit in the world. As the plot unfolds, the characters face various challenges and dangers, including creatures living deep below the earth's surface. The book intricately weaves together elements of thriller, science fiction, and horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced narrative and unexpected twists.
Sonny McGuiness checked the time on his cell phone. Goddammit — he’d spent thirty minutes now, sitting at a corner table, staring angrily at the long-haired Indian sitting across from him. The bar was...December 2001•503 pages - #2
Save:Wickedly satirical and surprisingly relevant, but not Twain’s easiest or fastest read. Worth checking out if you love literary history or political lampoonery - just be choosy about your edition!
The Gilded Age is a novel that delves into the post-Civil War era of America, exploring the pursuit of wealth and success through risky schemes and political machinations. The story follows characters consumed by the American Dream, illustrating the consequences of their pursuits and the impact on each other's efforts. Through satire, Twain provides insight into the societal beliefs and behaviors of the time, creating a narrative that reflects on the political and business landscape of the Gilded Age.
The writing style of The Gilded Age combines Twain's satirical prowess with a slow-building plot that eventually grips the reader's interest. The novel offers a family saga aspect that, although needing improvement in character development, presents a comparison between the Victorian melodramatic elements and the modern society and government, making it an intriguing read for 21st-century readers.
These neighbors stood a few moments looking at the mail carrier reflectively while he talked; but fatigue soon began to show itself, and one after another they climbed up and occupied the top rail of...1870•520 pages - #3
Save:A compulsively readable Victorian family saga packed with intrigue, but don’t expect earth-shattering twists or the same epic punch as Follett’s best-known work. Great for historical drama lovers and fans of fast-paced, plot-driven reads.
"A Dangerous Fortune" by Ken Follett follows the lives of the Pilaster Family, particularly focusing on Hugh, over a span of 30 plus years. The story revolves around family conflict, tensions, and manipulation set against the backdrop of the late 1800s English banking scene. The plot includes elements of mystery, intrigue, treachery, and character development, with a narrative that spans generations and intertwines various relationships and events.
delves into themes of deception, family dynamics, financial chicanery, loveless marriages, murder, and the impact of individual decisions on the future. It is described as a page-turner with a fast-paced plot, rich and believable characters, and a blend of suspense, greed, retribution, and complex relationships. The writing style is praised for its detail, historical accuracy, and the ability to engage readers with a well-crafted storyline that balances darkness with humor.
Señor Carlos Raul Xavier Miranda, known always as Papa, was a short man with massive shoulders. His tanned face was carved in lines of aggression and brutality. In leather chaps and a broad-brimmed ha...1993•602 pages - #4
Save:A slick, contemporary techno-thriller that’s equal parts entertaining and unnerving - perfect for fans of financial or science fiction suspense, but perhaps too familiar for those craving a truly unique twist.
The Fear Index by Robert Harris is a financial thriller centered around the protagonist, Alex Hoffmann, a brilliant physicist turned hedge fund manager who creates an artificial intelligence system capable of predicting market movements. The plot unfolds as mysterious events start happening to Hoffmann, leading to a psychological suspense story involving financial markets and computer algorithms. The book delves into the dangers of AI technology and the consequences of relying on automated trading systems, with elements of suspense, thriller, and a touch of science fiction.
Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who...September 2011•387 pages - #5
Save:A wickedly witty, epic satire of human folly - sometimes a slog, always clever. Read it for Becky Sharp and the skewering of societal pretensions, but be prepared for a long, winding journey.
'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray is a social satire set in 19th century England, focusing on the lives of two contrasting women, the scheming Becky Sharp and the naive Amelia Sedley. Thackeray's writing style is witty and biting, offering astute observations on human nature and society's obsession with wealth and class. The novel is characterized by its deep character studies and its exploration of greed, manipulation, and the consequences of societal advancement.
Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' is a character-driven narrative that delves into the complexities of human behavior and societal norms during the Napoleonic wars era. Through the lens of memorable characters like Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, the novel offers a sharp critique of the avaricious world of 19th century England, highlighting themes of morality, ambition, and the corrupting influence of societal values.
MADAM,-After her six years’ residence at the Mall, I have the honour and happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents, as a young lady not unworthy to occupy a fitting position in their p... - #6
Save:A riveting and often hilarious account of one of history’s greatest hoaxes - perfect for history buffs and true crime fans, but may feel a tad long-winded for those wanting just the highlights.
'Selling Hitler' by Robert Harris is an enthralling account of the infamous hoax surrounding the alleged discovery of Hitler's diaries in the early 1980s. Harris skillfully delves into the world of media manipulation, greed, and human gullibility, showcasing how individuals and corporations can be deceived by a combination of ambition and fantasy. Through a detailed exploration of the cascade of errors that led to the acceptance of the forgeries, Harris paints a vivid picture of a scandal that almost destroyed the reputation of a major media company and numerous academics. The book not only exposes the vulnerabilities of individuals when faced with the aura of Hitler but also provides a fascinating insight into the power of storytelling and the consequences of blinding oneself to contrary evidence.
ON 20 APRIL 1945, Adolf Hitler celebrated his fifty-sixth and final birthday. Russian artillery shells were falling on the centre of Berlin and 6000 Soviet tanks were moving into the outskirts of the...March 1986•402 pages - #7
Save:The Black Pearl, written by Scott O'Dell, tells the adventure of Ramón Salazar, a sixteen-year-old eager to prove himself as a pearl diver like his father. Set in La Paz, Mexico, Ramón seeks the legendary Pearl of Heaven, diving into the terrifying lair of a monstrous manta ray, known as Manta Diablo. The story layers themes of ambition, fear, and the supernatural while introducing complex characters, including the antagonist Sevillano, who complicates Ramón's quest.
O'Dell's writing is immersive, often painting vivid scenes of the breathtaking yet dangerous Vermilion Sea. While some readers find the pacing exciting and the characters engaging, others think the conflict lacks depth. The book effectively combines adventure with rich detail, making it a compelling read, especially for middle schoolers. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a memorable story that captures the awe and danger of diving into the depths of the ocean.
It is strange also that long ago I did not believe in the Manta Diablo. When my mother would threaten me I would quietly laugh to myself. Maybe I did not laugh but surely I smiled, for how could such...January 1967•135 pages - #8
Save:'The Tall Stranger' by Louis L'Amour is a classic Western novel that follows the story of a group of settlers led by a charming but deceitful man named Mort Harper. Harper manipulates the settlers into settling in Bishop's Valley, a beautiful piece of land that he plans to hijack for himself by starting a war with the big valley ranch owner, Bishop. The plot unfolds with elements of greed, deception, gunfights, and the struggle for survival in the Wild West. The protagonist, known as the Tall Stranger, warns the settlers of the impending danger and becomes entangled in a complex web of conflicts and romance as the story progresses.
Louis L'Amour's writing style in 'The Tall Stranger' is praised for its vivid descriptions of the Western landscape, realistic gunfights, and engaging action sequences. The novel is noted for its blend of true-to-life characters, a gripping narrative involving land theft, and a touch of romance amidst the rugged backdrop of the Wild West. Readers are drawn into the story through the well-crafted plot, fast-paced storytelling, and the exploration of themes such as greed, leadership, and the fight for justice in a lawless frontier.
WITH SLOW, PONDEROUSLY rhythmical steps the oxen moved, each step a pause and an effort, each movement a deadening drag. Fine white dust hung in a sifting cloud above the wagon train, caking the nostr...1957•172 pages - #9
Save:A beautifully written and nuanced portrait of 1980s Britain, 'The Line of Beauty' is an intelligent and sensuous read - best for fans of rich prose, character-driven stories, and social observation. It's not for those seeking action-packed plots or wholly sympathetic characters.
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst is a novel set in Thatcherite England of the 1980s, portraying the lives of the privileged and political elites through the eyes of the protagonist, Nick Guest. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, deception, and the impact of societal changes, particularly the AIDS epidemic, on the characters. Nick's journey of self-discovery and relationships with the Fedden family and others in their circle unfolds against the backdrop of a decadent era filled with sex, drugs, and political intrigue. Hollinghurst's writing style intricately describes the characters and their interactions, painting a vivid picture of a time defined by hypocrisy and hidden prejudices.
PETER CROWTHER'S BOOK on the election was already in the shops. It was called Landslide!, and the witty assistant at Dillon's had arranged the window in a scaled-down version of that natural disaster....January 2004•496 pages - #10
Save:A must-read for horror and classic literature fans - moody, chilling, and the blueprint for all things vampire. It’s not perfect, but its influence and eerie atmosphere make it a true classic worth sinking your teeth into.
Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic horror novel that tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England, and the battle to stop him. The narrative unfolds through letters, journal entries, and newspaper clippings, creating an intriguing epistolary format. The characters, including Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, and Professor Van Helsing, provide different perspectives as they piece together the mystery of the vampire's terror. While the plot offers suspense and action with various supernatural elements, some readers feel that the lengthy correspondence strains credibility and disrupts the flow of the story.
Stoker's writing style is described as both economical and rich in vivid imagery, immersing readers in a haunted atmosphere. Although some critics point out pacing issues and the complexity of character interactions, many appreciate the depth of each character, particularly Mina Harker's active role and Van Helsing's enigmatic persona. The themes of good versus evil and the consequences of greed are woven throughout the narrative, offering a reflection on societal issues of the time. Overall, "Dracula" remains a compelling read, praised for its thrilling plot and well-defined characters.
5 May.—I must have been asleep, for certainly if I had been fully awake I must have noticed the approach to such a remarkable place. In the gloom the courtyard looked of considerable size, and as seve...416 pages
