Books matching: part fantasy part science fiction
16 result(s)
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- #1
Save:1632 by Eric Flint is an alternative history novel that explores the premise of a small mining town from West Virginia being transported back in time to the midst of the Thirty Years War in Germany. The book delves into the challenges faced by the townspeople as they navigate this new reality, introducing concepts of democracy, religious freedom, and modern technology to a historical setting. The plot follows individual characters as they adapt to their surroundings and make decisions that impact the course of history. The writing style blends elements of military science fiction, alternate history, and fantasy, creating an engaging and action-packed narrative.
Mike ducked, hunched. James Nichols' reaction was more dramatic. "Incoming!" he yelped, flinging himself to the floor and covering his head with his arms. He seemed utterly oblivious to any possible d... - #2
Save:'Who Fears Death' by Nnedi Okorafor follows the story of Onyesonwu, a young woman born as a result of rape in a world divided by tribal violence and prejudice. Onye, as she is called, possesses powerful magical abilities and embarks on a quest to challenge the injustices of her world and rewrite the future. The narrative is a blend of dystopian fantasy and traditional folk tale, tackling themes of violence, love, acceptance, and empowerment, all rooted in African traditions and mythology.
The writing style of 'Who Fears Death' is described as powerful and compelling, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and strong character development. The novel explores dark and uncomfortable themes such as sexual violence, genocide, and discrimination, while also offering elements of magic, mysticism, and hope. The story is praised for its unique blend of genres and its ability to address complex issues with depth and sensitivity.
MY LIFE FELL APART WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN. Papa died. He had such a strong heart, yet he died. Was it the heat and smoke from his blacksmithing shop? It’s true that nothing could take him from his work, h... - #3
Save:'Midworld' by Alan Dean Foster is a science fiction novel set on a planet where humans have adapted to survive in a dangerous and exotic environment. The story follows Born, a man with a brilliant mind in an aboriginal body, and his intelligent furcot companion as they navigate the treacherous rainforest of Midworld. When two stranded human travelers need help returning to their base, Born must lead them through the perilous jungle, facing challenges from both the environment and illegal human intruders. The book explores themes of interdependency between man, animal, plant, and planet, showcasing the rich world-building and unique alien creatures that inhabit Midworld.
The writing style of 'Midworld' is praised for its vivid descriptions, imaginative world-building, and complex characters. Readers appreciate the detailed portrayal of the planet, the engaging storyline that blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, and the exploration of ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The book offers a thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of adaptation, survival, and the consequences of human intervention in a foreign ecosystem.
It lay supine in a sea of sibilant jet, a festering emerald in the universe-ocean. It did not support life. Rather, on its surface life exploded, erupted, multiplied, and thrived beyond imagining. Fro... - #4
Save:Perdido Street Station by China Mieville is a bizarre and captivating tale set in the steampunky city of New Crobuzon. The story follows a brilliant scientist, a half man half bird seeking help, a half bug half woman artist, a renegade journalist, a self-aware robot, and a pack of monstrous moths on a quest for knowledge, justice, and survival. Filled with intricate world-building, weird creatures, and unexpected twists, the book immerses readers in a richly textured, atmospheric read that blurs the lines between fantasy, horror, and steampunk genres.
The narrative delves into the dense and corrupt city of New Crobuzon, where characters must navigate complex social relations and face hard decisions with consequences. Mieville's writing style, described as dense and heavy, paints a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants, creating a neo-gothic, neo-victorian, and steampunk world. The book is praised for its originality, richly detailed monsters, and the author's ability to handle multiple ideas and themes with brash intelligence and confidence.
A window burst open high above the market. A basket flew from it and arced towards the oblivious crowd. It spasmed in mid-air, then spun and continued earthwards at a slower, uneven pace. Dancing prec... - #5
Save:City on Fire is a far future urban fantasy that seamlessly continues the story of Metropolitan. The setting is a planet surrounded by an impervious shield, covered by a single unending city broken up into independent city states. The protagonist, Aiah, a minor bureaucrat, navigates through a world filled with magic, war, love, loyalty, prejudice, politics, and insurgency as she tries to break free of Constantine's influence and declare her moral independence.
He stands tall above the neighboringbuildings, a figure of fire. A whirlwind surrounds him, a spiralblur of tortured air, flying debris, swirling ash. Holocausts leapinto being at his approach; buildi... - #6
Save:In 'The Golden Compass,' readers are transported to a parallel universe where each human has an animal daemon companion, a physical representation of their soul. The story follows young Lyra Belacqua on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the missing children, the concept of Dust, and the oppressive forces at play in her world. The narrative is filled with intricate world-building, complex characters like armored bears and witches, and a blend of fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and curious about the unfolding adventure.
Philip Pullman's writing style in 'The Golden Compass' is praised for its ability to address serious issues without being preachy, creating a compelling and imaginative story that resonates with both young adult and adult readers. The book delves into themes of faith, destiny, and the power of individual conscience, all set against a backdrop of suspense, mystery, and parallel universes, making it a captivating read that challenges the traditional boundaries of YA fantasy literature.
Lyra and her dæmon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of sight of the kitchen. The three great tables that ran the length of the hall were laid already, the silver ... - #7
Save:'Spaceman of Bohemia' by Jaroslav Kalfar follows the journey of Jakub, the Czech Republic's first astronaut, as he embarks on a space mission to study a mysterious dust cloud near Venus. Through flashbacks and introspection, Jakub reflects on his past, including his family history tied to Soviet rule, his strained relationship with his wife, and his personal quest for redemption. As Jakub navigates through space, he encounters an alien companion and delves into philosophical discussions about life, identity, and the meaning of existence, intertwining elements of science fiction with a deep exploration of human emotions and historical contexts.
MY NAME IS JAKUB PROCHÁZKA. This is a common name. My parents wanted a simple life for me, a life of good comradeship with my country and my neighbors, a life of service to a world united in socialism... - #8
Save:'Here and Now and Then' by Mike Chen is a compelling blend of family drama, time travel, and emotional storytelling. The protagonist, Kin Stewart, a time traveler, gets stuck in the past for 18 years, creating a new life with a wife and daughter. When he is rescued and taken back to his original time, he is torn between the two families he loves. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of family ties across different timelines. Chen's writing style seamlessly weaves together intricate world-building with emotional character development, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
From the way the fingers felt, he calculated the angle of the hand. His peripheral vision picked up two kneeling silhouettes—they were behind him. He was on the floor, facedown. Prone. He had to get t... Readers are taken on a journey through two parallel stories, one set in a futuristic, high-tech hard-boiled wonderland and the other in a strange world at the end of the world. The novel alternates between these two worlds, with each chapter revealing mysterious circumstances and a sense of deep sadness running throughout. Murakami's writing style is described as surreal, engaging, and a mix of magical realism and science fiction, creating a unique and imaginative reading experience.
THE elevator continued its impossibly slow ascent. Or at least I imagined it was ascent. There was no telling for sure: it was so slow that all sense of direction simply vanished. It could have been g...- #10
Save:In "The Fourth Bear" by Jasper Fforde, readers are taken on a whimsical journey into the Nursery Crime Division where Detective Jack Spratt and his partner Mary Mary investigate a series of bizarre and comical crimes involving nursery rhyme characters. From the murder of Goldilocks to the escape of the Gingerbread Man, the story is filled with puns, wordplay, and clever references to classic tales. Fforde's writing style combines fantasy, mystery, and humor, creating a unique blend of storytelling that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.
The plot unfolds in a world where nursery rhymes come to life, intertwining with reality to create a delightful and humorous narrative. As Jack and Mary delve into the mysteries surrounding the Gingerbread Man's killing spree and the illegal porridge black market, readers are treated to a mix of intricate plotting, engaging characters, and witty dialogue. Fforde's ability to blend elements of crime fiction with fantastical elements results in a story that is both entertaining and clever, appealing to fans of quirky and imaginative storytelling.
Last known regional post-code allocation: Obscurity, Berkshire, Pop.: 35. Spotted by an eagle-eyed official and allocated in April 1987, the post-code allocation (RD73 93ZZ) was a matter of such impor...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nursery Crime )
