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Books matching: immersive environment

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
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    'The River at Night' by Erica Ferencik is a thriller that follows four middle-aged women who embark on a whitewater rafting trip in the Maine wilderness. The trip takes a dangerous turn when an accident leaves them stranded, forcing them to face both natural hazards and human threats. The story is described as a gripping tale of survival, filled with plot twists and turns, as the characters navigate through the remote wilderness while uncovering secrets about themselves and each other.

    The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, intense survival theme, and the complex relationships between the four female friends. The writing style is noted for its descriptive nature, making the reader feel immersed in the wilderness alongside the characters. Despite some slow starts, the novel is considered a page-turner that keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and character development.

    A slapping spring wind ushered me through the heavy doors of the YMCA lobby as the minute hand of the yellowing 1950s-era clock over the check-in desk snapped to 7:09. Head down and on task to be in m...

  2. #2

    The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert
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    The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert tells the story of a father and his young son who embark on a road trip and unexpectedly find themselves at a charming apple orchard. At the heart of the tale is Sanna, a unique heroine who is tall, direct, and deeply passionate about her family's orchard. The book beautifully captures the life of farming and the love for the land, making readers wish they could join Sanna among the apple trees. While the story covers themes of loss, love, and personal growth, its lush descriptions of Door County and cider-making add a refreshing twist to the narrative.

    Reichert's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book a lively and enjoyable read. While some find the ending a bit rushed and predictable, the richly developed characters and picturesque setting make it a delightful escape. It's a story that combines elements of romance, family bonds, and the complexities of life, allowing readers to feel immersed in Sanna's world. This novel is a feel-good read with layers of emotion, ideal for a relaxing afternoon with a glass of cider.

    Sanna Lund’s thoughts of apple blossoms and new cider blends stuttered to an end with the grunt of her dad’s snore. Einars rumbled from the squashy armchair in front of the huge fieldstone fireplace f...

  3. #3

    Below the Root - Green Sky by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
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    Below the Root by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into a world where two races, the peaceful Kindar and the mysterious Ol-Zhaan, coexist in a society built within giant trees. The book explores themes of segregation, repressed passions, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the withholding of knowledge from the general populace. Through vivid descriptions and intricate world-building, readers are invited to ponder questions about good and evil, power dynamics, and the consequences of living in a society devoid of violence.

    The story follows the adventures of the characters as they navigate the lush and fantastical world of Greensky, where telepathy, gliding with silken wings, and living harmoniously with nature are the norm. As readers delve deeper into the narrative, they are presented with thought-provoking philosophical concepts cleverly woven into a children's fantasy series. The book challenges readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature, societal structures, and the pursuit of a utopian society free from violence and corruption.

    SEEKING A PLACE TO be alone, to think and reason and attend to the strange pounding of his heart, Raamo climbed high, until he could almost touch the fronds of the rooftrees. There, among small thin b...

  4. #4

    Deathless - Leningrad Diptych by Catherynne M. Valente
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    'Deathless' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novel that intricately weaves together Russian folklore with the historical backdrop of pre and post-revolutionary Russia. The story follows Marya Morevna, the human bride of Koshchei the Deathless, as she navigates a world filled with magical elements such as firebirds, Baba Yaga, and house spirits, all set against the grim realities of the Soviet era. Valente's writing style is described as seductive, mesmerizing, and poetic, drawing readers into a dark and enchanting narrative that delves into themes of love, power, and the duality of life and death.

    In a city by the sea which was once called St. Petersburg, then Petrograd, then Leningrad, then, much later, St. Petersburg again, there stood a long, thin house on a long, thin street. By a long, thi...

  5. #5

    Minotaur: Prayer - The Bestial Tribe by Naomi Lucas
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    'Minotaur: Prayer' in the series 'The Bestial Tribe' by Naomi Lucas follows the story of Calavia, a powerful witch in the swamp, and Astegur Bathyr, one of the five Bathyr siblings. The plot unfolds as Calavia summons Astegur to help her protect her home from enemies, leading to an intense and different kind of attraction between them. delves into Calavia's complex character, showcasing her power, position, and vulnerability, as well as her deep connections to those she cares for. The writing style balances themes of romance, darkness, and violence, creating a captivating and emotional narrative that explores growth, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships.


    (Also, see 20 recommendations for the series The Bestial Tribe )

  6. #6

    Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt
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    Rootbound by Tarah DeWitt follows Tait, a photographer grappling with post-divorce disorientation and a deep sense of unfulfillment, as she embarks on a serendipitous journey to her estranged father's ranch. There, she meets Henry, a cowboy with a heart of gold, and through alternating POVs, readers are guided through their journeys of self-discovery and self-acceptance, revealing the power of vulnerability and trust after profound heartbreak. The story beautifully explores themes of love, self-discovery, family, and the importance of relationships, set against the backdrop of a picturesque ranch in Idaho.

    The book delicately weaves a heartwarming, slow-burn romance between Tait and Henry, showcasing their deep connection and the evolution of their relationship amidst complex family dynamics and personal growth. Tarah DeWitt's writing style is described as incredibly descriptive, filled with depth and emotion, immersing readers into the lives of the characters and offering a cozy world that comes alive with every word.


  7. #7

    A Trick of the Light - A Trick of the Light by Addison Cain
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    'A Trick of the Light' by Addison Cain is a Prohibition Era romance that follows the story of Charlie, a feisty and foul-mouthed bounty hunter, and Matthew, a mobster kingpin. The plot includes elements of secrets, betrayal, deceit, and violence, with graphic scenes of action, barroom brawls, and mob hits. The writing style is described as engaging, with a touch of different storytelling from the author's usual works, creating a vivid setting of the Prohibition era USA with accurate slang and colloquialisms.


  8. #8

    Whispers in the Mist - Black Winter by Darcy Coates
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    'Whispers in the Mist' in the series 'Black Winter' by Darcy Coates follows the journey of Clare and Dorran as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers and mysteries. The story delves into the struggles of the characters as they fight for survival, facing challenges such as encountering hollows and finding a way to reverse a curse affecting humanity. The writing style captures the tension and emotions of the characters, keeping readers engaged with a mix of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Black Winter )

  9. #9

    Elfshadow - Forgotten Realms: The Harpers by Elaine Cunningham
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    'Elfshadow' in the series 'Forgotten Realms: The Harpers' by Elaine Cunningham is a murder mystery set in the world of Faerun. The story follows an elven ranger, Arilyn Moonblade, and a human bard, Danilo Thann, as they investigate a series of murders targeting members of the Harpers organization. The plot unfolds with surprising twists and turns, intertwined with elements of treachery, deceit, and vindication. Elaine Cunningham's writing style captures the nuances of the Forgotten Realms world, immersing the readers in a classic fantasy adventure filled with engaging characters and intricate storytelling.

    Elaine Cunningham's 'Elfshadow' is praised for its engaging dialogue, likable characters, and the seamless flow of the narrative. Readers particularly enjoyed the character development, the unexpected plot twists, and the unique relationship dynamics between the protagonists. is commended for its nostalgic appeal, well-crafted world-building, and the blend of mystery, romance, and family relationships within a Dungeons and Dragons setting. Cunningham's writing style is lauded for its ability to keep the readers entertained and invested in the story from start to finish.


  10. #10

    Redwall Abbey - Redwall Non-Fiction by Brian Jacques
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    'Redwall Abbey' in the series 'Redwall Non-Fiction' by author Brian Jacques is a fun and interactive book that allows readers to build their own tabletop abbey. The book includes punch-out characters and objects, a short story, and detailed instructions on assembling the abbey, complete with various rooms like the great hall, kitchen, and bedrooms. The book captures the essence of the Redwall universe and provides an engaging hands-on experience for fans of the series.

    Readers have expressed their enjoyment in building the abbey and playing make-believe with it, creating their own versions of the Redwall stories. The book combines storytelling with a creative activity, making it a unique and entertaining addition to the Redwall series. Despite some durability issues with the construction of the abbey, readers appreciate the detailed design and the overall experience of bringing the Redwall world to life.


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