Books matching: rich world building
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- #1
Save:In "The Heart of What Was Lost" by Tad Williams, readers are taken back to the world of Osten Ard immediately after the events of the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy. The story follows Duke Isgrimnur as he leads his army in pursuit of the remaining Norns, providing a balanced perspective by delving into the minds of both humans and Norns. The narrative explores themes of war, hatred, and the consequences of past actions, shedding light on the complexities of both sides of the conflict. The writing style captures the dark and grim atmosphere of war, while also infusing the story with sparks of hope and warmth, characteristic of Tad Williams' storytelling.
“Once upon the past, during the preserve of the queen’s sixteenth High Celebrant, in the era of the Wars of Return, our people, the Cloud Children, were defeated by a coalition of mortals and the Zida... The 'Frugal Wizard?s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England' is an irreverent take on serious wizard spirits in a medieval fantasy setting. The book features great world-building in a short format, with a main character who overcomes bad habits in a unique way. The story involves dimension hopping, adventurous and weird concepts, and an enjoyable mix of humor and redemption. The main character is described as hilarious, self-aware, and self-deprecating, making for a lovely and poignant read. The book is a departure from the Cosmere series, focusing on a different angle of storytelling and receiving praise for its outlandish illustrations and fun storytelling.
- #3
Save:The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo is a fantasy novella that follows a non-binary cleric named Chih as they visit a house where a former empress was exiled. The story unfolds as Rabbit, the empress's old servant, gradually reveals the true story behind the empress's rise to power, fall from grace, and eventual resurgence. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day interactions, the novella delves into themes of memory, storytelling, female empowerment, and the overlooked voices of women in historical records. The narrative is rich in world-building, with a unique storytelling style that weaves together the past and present, creating a poignant and thought-provoking tale.
Chiming bells. Chih rolled to their feet, glancing around the perimeter and squinting at the jangling string of bells that surrounded the small campsite. For a moment, they were back at the abbey in S... - #4
Save:'Ancillary Mercy' by Ann Leckie is the final installment in the 'Imperial Radch' series, focusing on Breq, a former AI of a destroyed ship named Justice of Toren. The plot delves into complex system politics, AI rights, intricate character relationships, and a dramatic conflict with an all-powerful ruler. Leckie's writing style weaves a compelling narrative filled with multi-dimensional characters, intricate world-building, and engaging political intrigue, making the series a drama of manners with thought-provoking themes on justice and identity.
Lieutenant Ekalu was on watch. Indignant about something. A little angry, even. Before her the wall displayed a view of Athoek Station, the ships surrounding it. The dome over its gardens barely visib...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Imperial Radch ) - #5
Save:'Bane' in the series 'The Ladyships' by author Bex McLynn follows the story of Therion, who is revealed to be more than meets the eye in the previous book. The plot revolves around Therion's journey, his interactions with Maude, a character with mysterious new abilities, and their adventures in an alien world. The writing style is characterized by humor, world-building involving technopathy, and a mix of action and romance that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
(Also, see 70 recommendations for the series The Ladyships ) - #6
Save:'The Shifter Bachelor' in the series 'The Rare and The Unknown' by author Shai August is a paranormal romance novel that introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, featuring a black hero and heroine. The story follows Imani, a strong and curvy Alpha Were elephant tired of her Alpha training and the pressure to mate and make babies. She runs away to Texas and finds herself in a new community of shifters, where she meets Ansel, the Alpha of the Rare and Unknowns. Despite their initial resistance, a powerful and electric attraction develops between Imani and Ansel, leading to a fated mates scenario with dangerous implications for the shifter world.
The book is praised for its strong character development, particularly highlighting Imani as a powerful and engaging protagonist who defies stereotypes of curvy characters in romance novels. The plot is filled with diverse animal shifters and witches, creating an intriguing world with rich world-building that explores matriarchal Herd culture. The romance between Imani and Ansel is well-developed, sweet, and features an erotic connection that electrifies the narrative, making it an engaging read for fans of paranormal romance.
- #7
Save:"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her... - #8
Save:In an alternate history of Cairo, set in the early 1920s, magical creatures like djinn coexist with humans. The story follows Senior Agent Hamed Nasr and his partner, Agent Onsi Youssef, as they investigate a haunted tram car, navigating through a world filled with supernatural entities and political intrigue. The novella combines elements of steampunk, mystery, and fantasy, creating a vivid and immersive world where the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities handles cases involving the supernatural.
The writing style of the book is described as charming and engaging, with a mix of humor, suspense, and intricate world-building. The author, P. Djeli Clark, skillfully blends historical details with fantastical elements, creating a unique setting where magic and social issues intertwine seamlessly. The plot unfolds as a fast-paced detective story, offering a fresh take on the police procedural genre within a fantastical Cairo filled with diverse and intriguing characters.
The office of the Superintendent of Tram Safety & Maintenance at Ramses Station had all the decor befitting someone who had been elevated—or likely pushed along the lines of patronage—into such a vaul... - #9
Save:The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.
For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became ... - #10
Save:'An Emperor for the Eclipse' by Eris Adderly is a fantasy novel that intricately weaves together multiple romantic story arcs within a richly built world. The story follows the main character, Raothan, as he navigates court intrigue and relationships with characters like Niquel, General Azyhus, and Bellora. The writing style is described as detailed, engaging, and suspenseful, with well-developed characters and compelling romantic dynamics that keep readers hooked.
The book delves into themes of power, romance, and political intrigue, offering readers a mix of fantasy elements and spicy, erotic scenes. The plot unfolds with Raothan's unexpected rise to a position of authority, leading to interactions with a diverse cast of characters whose relationships and actions drive the narrative forward. Despite some unresolved plot points and a cliffhanger ending, readers are left intrigued and eagerly anticipating potential sequels.
The Vanslaang flows to the Sea, Her brother and sister waves receive there her rushing tidings, But upstream the holy temples lay, their lights a beacon to spirit. It is for man to pole against the cu...
