Books matching: reader engagement
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Tree of Hands' by Ruth Rendell is a dark and gripping tale that delves into the lives of three interconnected mothers - Mopsa, Benet, and Carol. The story revolves around a chain of terror involving murder, kidnapping, and deceit that binds these characters together. The plot is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and psychological depth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Rendell's writing style is described as masterful, with well-drawn characters and intricate parallel storylines that seamlessly intertwine, showcasing her talent for creating compelling narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships.
- #2
Save:'Supercarrier' in the series 'The Ixan Prophecies' by Scott Bartlett is a space opera military sci-fi novel that follows the crew of the ancient supercarrier Providence as they navigate through a galaxy on the brink of war. Humanity, armed with Darktech, finds themselves facing new enemies and internal strife, with the Providence becoming the focal point of events foretold by ancient prophecies. The story is filled with fast-paced space combat, political intrigue, and a diverse cast of characters as they struggle to protect humanity and unravel the mysteries unfolding around them.
- #3
Save:'A Killer's Mind' in the series 'Zoe Bentley Mystery' by author Mike Omer follows the story of Zoe Bentley, a forensic psychologist working for the FBI, who gets involved in solving a case involving two serial killers. The plot intertwines thriller, suspense, and mystery elements, keeping the readers engaged with unexpected twists and a cliffhanger ending. features a strong protagonist, Zoe Bentley, who is reminiscent of the profilers in the TV show Criminal Minds, but operates mostly solo, showcasing her past trauma and her determination to solve the case at hand.
The sharp scent of formaldehyde filled the room as he poured the liquid into the mixture. He had hated the smell at first. But he’d learned to appreciate it, knowing what it represented: eternity. The... - #4
Save:'Six Walks in the Fictional Woods' by Umberto Eco is a collection of six lectures that delve deep into the world of fiction, exploring the intricate relationship between writers and readers. Eco discusses how fiction manipulates us, the way we use fiction, and how we expect our world to conform to narrative. He uses literary examples from a wide range of authors, from Dumas to Fleming to Shakespeare, to illustrate his points. The book is described as philosophical, thought-provoking, and often funny, offering insights into both reading and writing.
Eco's writing style is praised for being clear, simple, and intellectually stimulating. He covers topics such as the importance of accuracy in writing fiction, the role time plays in fiction, and the need for readers to have rational mental points of reference to follow the details of a writer's fiction. Eco also explores the concept of the ideal reader, different types of readers and writers, and the emotional attachment people have to the truth of fiction.
I would like to begin by evoking the memory of Italo Calvino, who eight years ago was invited to give his six Norton lectures but who had time to write only five of them before leaving us. I evoke him... - #5
Save:'Stein on Writing' by Sol Stein is a comprehensive guide that provides a robust set of principles for writing fiction and non-fiction. The book emphasizes the importance of creating vivid and engaging characters, focusing on individuality, and evoking emotions in readers through precise and clear language. Sol Stein's advice covers various aspects of writing, from character development to plot structure, with a particular emphasis on showing rather than telling. The book also delves into the importance of eliminating flab and cliches from writing, and offers practical tips on how to improve one's writing craft.
For thirty-six years I worked one-on-one with writers who had contract deadlines. My primary interest was to provide them with the techniques for solving editorial problems and improving their work in... - #6
Save:'Awakening Arte' in the series 'Eldest Throne' by Bernie Anes Paz is a unique fantasy novel that follows the character Roun as he awakens as a Grimoire, a protector of humanity, facing challenges and earning respect through training and trials. is praised for its original premise, character growth, and a well-developed magic system that the world is built around. The author's world construction work is considered interesting, and readers are looking forward to the sequel to further explore the story and characters.
- #7
Save:'A Warrior's Fate' by Melissa Kieran is a fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Isla and Kai, two wolf shifters from rival packs who discover they are fated mates. The plot is filled with suspense, political intrigue, and a slow burn romance that keeps readers hooked. The world-building in the book is described as mysterious, lush, and filled with secrets, magic, and political games of power, providing a rich backdrop for the characters to navigate through. The author's writing style is praised for its ability to craft a perfectly paced story with twists and turns that keep the readers engaged throughout the book.
- #8
Save:One Too Many by Jade West is a steamy and addictive read that delves into the complex dynamics of a non-traditional relationship. The story follows Grace, Brett, and Thomas as they navigate through unexpected twists and surprises, exploring themes of growth, acceptance, and the blurred lines between love and lust. The author's writing style is described as captivating, with the ability to draw readers in from the very first chapter and keep them hooked with its raw and intense portrayal of emotions.
It was one of those strange, outlandish moments that stick with you for a lifetime. A hyper awareness as I looked across at my wife and saw the cold, hard damage our failing hotel venture was doing to... - #9
Save:When a plane en route to an Arctic research station crash lands on an ice floe, killing the pilot, its passengers are forced to make camp on the ice and wait for rescue. But it may not be the cold or starvation that threatens to kill them... for they're being stalked by a monstrous orca, one who was trained by the Navy to hunt and kill enemy soldiers but escaped its handlers and is rampaging through the ocean in search of human prey. And as the survivors are picked off one by one, they'll have to put aside old grudges in order to defeat this dangerous creature. The cold, unforgiving arctic environment is brilliantly captured, and the cast of characters is very well developed, with each person coming across as a believable human being with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. That makes the numerous death scenes all the more jarring, and the multiple killer whale attacks are brutal and terrifying. As if the killer whales aren't enough of a problem, the iceberg our characters find themselves stranded on is gradually melting away, and when it's gone there will be nothing between them and the cold waters all around them.
- #10
Save:'The Poe Shadow' by Matthew Pearl is a historical fiction mystery novel that delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Edgar Allan Poe. The protagonist, Quentin Clark, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Poe's demise, leading him on a quest filled with twists and turns, historical facts, and literary allusions. The book intertwines real-life events and characters with a fictional narrative, creating a complex storyline that keeps readers intrigued until the end.
The plot of 'The Poe Shadow' is driven by Quentin's relentless pursuit to solve the mystery of Poe's death, despite facing obstacles that put his career, relationships, and even his life in danger. Pearl's writing style blends original research, attention to historical detail, and nods to Poe's works, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that offers insights into the life and times of the famed author.
I REMEMBER THE day itbegan because I was impatient for an important letter to arrive.Also, because it was meant to be the day of my engagement to HattieBlum. And, of course, it was the day I saw him d...
