Books matching: slow build up pacing
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- #1The Sorcerer of the WildeepsBook 1 in the series:The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps
Save:Bold, gorgeous, and unlike anything else - The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps is a dazzling, heartwrenching, challenging read. It’s not for everyone, but if you like ambitious, lyrical fantasy and don’t mind working for your rewards, it’ll definitely leave a mark.
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson is a novella that follows Demane, a human with godly blood who works as a guard for a caravan. The story delves into the challenges faced by Demane, his complex relationships with the other characters, and the dangerous journey through the Wildeeps. The writing style is described as a mix of deeply lyrical, brutal action, colloquial dialogue, and challenging language skills, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that blends elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and urban fantasy.
The merchants and burdened camels went on ahead into the Station at Mother of Waters. The guardsmen waited outside. Tufts of rough grass broke from the parched earth, nothing else green nearby. Demane...September 2015•224 pages - #2
Save:A moody, emotional ghost story that’s both spooky and thoughtful - perfect if you’re in the mood for grief-tinged suspense with a dash of classic King weirdness.
'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King is a haunting tale that weaves together elements of a ghost story, a love story, and a whodunit murder mystery. The story follows writer Mike Noonan as he uncovers secrets about his late wife and becomes entangled in a mysterious history of murders in a small town. The novel is praised for its blend of supernatural happenings, self-discovery, and suspenseful storytelling that keeps readers captivated until the very end.
On a very hot day in August of 1994, my wife told me she was going down to the Derry Rite Aid to pick up a refill on her sinus medicine prescription—this is stuff you can buy over the counter these da...1998•741 pages - #3
Save:A classic snowed-in Christie mystery with a sprightly female lead and plenty of twists - fun and atmospheric, if not her absolute best.
The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie is a standalone novel that follows a group of people snowed in at Sittaford House, where a harmless table turning session turns sinister when a spirit message announces the murder of Captain Trevelyan. The protagonist, Emily Trefusis, sets out to clear her fiancé's name, navigating through red herrings, suspicious characters, and a small English village to uncover the truth behind the murder. The book combines elements of a classic Christie whodunit with a touch of supernatural intrigue, set against the backdrop of a snowy Dartmoor village.
The plot unfolds with a mix of atmosphere, suspense, and engaging characters, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting intricate mysteries with unexpected twists. The narrative style is described as easy to read, with simple prose that belies the complexity of the plot, keeping readers guessing until the end. Despite being a departure from the usual Poirot or Miss Marple stories, The Sittaford Mystery captivates readers with its compelling storyline, strong female protagonist, and a blend of traditional mystery elements with a hint of the paranormal.
Major Burnaby drew on his gum boots, buttoned his overcoat collar round his neck, took from a shelf near the door a hurricane lantern, and cautiously opened the front door of his little bungalow and p...1931•400 pages - #4
Save:A haunting, atmospheric survival tale perfect for those who love Poe, the mysteries of the sea, or moody, suspenseful storytelling.
A Descent into the Maelstrom by Edgar Allan Poe is a gripping short story that explores the struggle between man and nature. The tale follows a seasoned sailor, William Raymond, as he recounts his harrowing encounter with a powerful whirlpool off the coast of Norway. As the story unfolds, the vivid imagery paints the dangerous beauty of the swirling sea, pulling the reader into the intense atmosphere of suspense and dread. The characters, including the brave guide, navigate their fears and desperate attempts for survival against the relentless force of the Maelstrom.
"Not long ago," said he at length, "and I could have guided you on this route as well as the youngest of my sons; but, about three years past, there happened to me an event such as never happened befo...1841•155 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Edgar Allan Poe Tales ) - #5
Save:A rollicking, big-hearted, and delightfully old-fashioned adventure - part whodunit, part backstage pass to a vanished world. Occasionally uneven, but if you’re up for a lush historical yarn with magic, mystery, and charm, it’s well worth the ride.
Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold is a thrilling historical fiction novel centered around magician Charles Carter, known as Carter the Great, during the 1890s to the 1920s. The story involves a mix of real historical figures like Houdini and President Harding, along with fictional characters, creating a vivid and engaging narrative. The plot is filled with suspense, mystery, romance, and magic, transporting readers to the world of vaudeville shows and early 20th-century America. The author's writing style is described as captivating, with well-developed characters, sensationalist tones matching a magic show, and meticulous attention to historical details.
He wasn’t always a great magician. Sometimes he said he was the seventh magician in his family, the great-great-great-great-grandson of Celtic sorcerers. Sometimes he claimed years of training at the...September 2001•557 pages - #6
Save:Epic, thoughtful, and gorgeously written - "Tigana" is a rewarding, emotional journey best for readers who savor deep characters and slow-building, introspective fantasy.
'Tigana' by Guy Gavriel Kay is a fantasy novel set in a world where a sorcerer has cast a spell that causes a province called Tigana to be forgotten by everyone except its inhabitants. The story follows the people of Tigana as they plot to overthrow the sorcerer and reclaim their land's name and memory. The book delves into themes of memory, revenge, and love, with complex characters navigating moral dilemmas and political intrigue. The writing style is described as rich and engaging, with subtle world-building and emotional storytelling that draws readers into the intricate plot.
IN THE AUTUMN SEASON OF THE WINE, WORD WENT FORTH from among the cypresses and olives and the laden vines of his country estate that Sandre, Duke of Astibar, once ruler of that city and its province,...January 1990•710 pages - #7
Save:Moody, bittersweet, and beautifully written, 'Sweetland' is an unforgettable story of resilience and loss, perfect for readers who appreciate introspective, atmospheric novels with a strong sense of place.
Sweetland is an island off the southern coast of Newfoundland, where the fishing village is facing relocation due to severe erosion. The novel follows Moses Sweetland, the last holdout who refuses to leave despite pressure from the government and his neighbors. Through flashbacks, the reader gets to understand Moses' past and the reasons behind his stubbornness. The story is a blend of adventure, mystery, and beauty, with a deep exploration of family, secrets, and the struggle to accept change.
HE SAW THE GOVERNMENT MAN WALKING up from the water. The tan pants, the tweed jacket and tie. The same fellow who came out for the last town meeting, or one exactly like him—there seemed to be an endl...2014•352 pages - #8
Save:A dark, challenging sci-fi classic that's as rewarding as it is unconventional - best suited for readers who appreciate complex structure and social critique over straightforward storytelling.
Thomas M. Disch's '334' is a novel set in a dystopian future New York City, specifically focusing on the lives of the lower class citizens residing in a multistory apartment complex on East 11th Street. The narrative jumps between the years 2020 and 2026, following a variety of characters through their sordid and desperate situations. The book features a mix of science fiction elements and social realism, exploring themes of overpopulation, eugenics, and societal oppression. The writing style is described as sprawling, experimental, and precise, with a structure that includes interlinking snapshots of different characters bound by their common plight.
Mrs. Hanson liked to watch television best when there was someone else in the room to watch with her, though Shrimp, if the program was something she was serious about—and you never knew from one day...1972•285 pages - #9
Save:Inventive and quietly profound, The Coincidence Makers rewards patient readers with a unique plot, charming prose, and a memorable twist on how the universe conspires in human lives. Stick with it - the payoff is worth it!
"The Coincidence Makers" by Yoav Blum is a unique and imaginative novel that delves into the world of coincidence makers, who orchestrate events in people's lives to create specific outcomes. The story follows three friends, Eric, Guy, and Emily, as they navigate their missions to create coincidences ranging from major life events to love connections. The book explores the concept of a higher organization behind the coincidences in life and the intricate workings of the coincidence makers who are not human but a different kind of consciousness.
The narrative unfolds with a slow start that builds up into a complex and engaging storyline, revealing the inner workings of the agency responsible for orchestrating coincidences. As the characters grapple with challenging assignments and personal growth, the book offers a genre-bending experience that combines suspense, romance, and delightful storytelling, culminating in a surprising and thought-provoking conclusion.
His body was tilted back a bit from the table, leaning in a position that was supposed to suggest a calmness engendered by years of self-discipline, with the small coffee cup gently cradled between hi...2011•310 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully written, bittersweet fairy tale for grown-ups - The Snow Child is perfect for when you want to get lost in a hauntingly magical, wintery world, but be prepared for a slow, thoughtful journey with more focus on mood and emotion than plot twists.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a tale set in 1920s Alaska, following a childless couple, Mabel and Jack, who find a new chance at family when a mysterious young girl, Faina, appears in the snowy wilderness. The novel beautifully blends magical realism with themes of love, loss, and hope, drawing inspiration from Russian folklore to create a captivating and emotional narrative. Ivey's writing style is described as poetic and dreamlike, evoking the harsh yet enchanting Alaskan landscape while delving into the characters' inner struggles and desires.
Mabel was too long at the window. The raven had since flown away above the treetops. The sun had slipped behind a mountain, and the light had fallen flat. The branches were bare, the grass yellowed gr...February 2012•418 pages
