Books matching: slow pacing with urgency
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- #1
A wild, boundary-pushing ride: hot, messy, and unforgettable for some - deeply off-putting for others. Check the trigger warnings; if you're curious, buckle up!
Tiernan de Haas, a young woman who has been neglected her whole life, finds herself emotionally stunted and withdrawn following the sudden death of her parents. Seeking to escape the Hollywood spotlight, she travels to live with her father's estranged stepbrother and his two sons in a remote mountain town in Colorado. The story unfolds as Tiernan navigates the complex emotional journeys of herself and the three men, delving into unconventional relationships and pushing boundaries between love and obsession.
Credence by Penelope Douglas is an emotionally intense and gripping novel that explores dark and twisted themes through complex character relationships. The narrative follows Tiernan's journey of self-discovery and human connection, intertwining mystery and suspense with unique and well-developed characters facing their own demons and seeking resolutions in the remote town of Chapel Peak.
It’s strange. The tire swing in the yard is the only thing that makes it look like a kid lives here. There were never any drawings in the house. None on the fridge or walls. No children’s books on the...January 2020•486 pages A vividly atmospheric blend of history and magical realism with memorable characters - perfect for fans of immersive, character-focused fiction, though its leisurely pace and meandering storylines might not suit everyone.
"When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky" by Margaret Verble is a historical fiction novel set in Nashville in the 1920s. The story follows Two Feathers, a young Cherokee woman who works as a horse diver at Glendale Park Zoo. When a disaster strikes during one of her shows, an eclectic group of characters come together to save her, leading to strange events and ghostly encounters at the park. delves into the cultural history of Native Americans, highlighting the mistreatment and disrespect they faced from white Europeans, while also touching upon issues of racism towards African Americans. The writing style incorporates historical facts, unique friendships, and a splash of mystery, creating a character-driven narrative with detailed but sometimes meandering characters.
It was long after the buffalo thundered toward a great salt lick in lines, bellowing, snorting, and flicking flies. Long after their path, beaten like a drum, had grown four feet wide and two feet dee...October 2021•384 pages- #3
A sometimes-frustrating but ultimately heartfelt early Balogh romance - great for fans who enjoy emotional messiness, but may leave others wishing for a stronger heroine and a more fulfilling conclusion.
The Trysting Place by Mary Balogh is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Felicity, a young widow who is seeking a new husband after being widowed at a young age. The book explores Felicity's journey as she navigates society's expectations and her own desires, ultimately realizing the importance of true love and happiness. The plot involves Felicity's relationships with Lord Waite, a rake who only wants a mistress, and Tom, who is deeply in love with her. The writing style is described as charming and quick, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.
June 1986•232 pages - #4
A thoughtful thriller with heartache, psychic twists, and eerie political resonance - not pure horror, but one of King's richer, more contemplative reads.
'The Dead Zone' by Stephen King is a novel that follows the story of Johnny Smith, a man who awakens from a coma with psychic powers that allow him to see into people's past, present, and future by touching them. As Johnny grapples with his newfound abilities, he is faced with the moral dilemma of whether to intervene in events he foresees, such as preventing crimes or catastrophic events. The book delves into Johnny's struggles, the societal skepticism towards his powers, and the consequences of using his gift to alter the future. King's writing style in 'The Dead Zone' is praised for its realism, compelling characters, and the sense of urgency it creates, particularly leading up to the climax of the story.
The two things Sarah remembered about that night later were his run of luck at the Wheel of Fortune and the mask. But as time passed, years of it, it was the mask she thought about—when she could brin...1979•540 pages - #5
A beautifully written, queer fantasy romance overflowing with heart and atmosphere, but its unconventional style and handling of cultural inspirations may not be for everyone.
'The Tiger's Daughter' by K. Arsenault Rivera is an Asian-inspired epic fantasy novel that follows the adventures of two princesses, Shefali and O Shizuka, who are destined for greatness together. The story is narrated through letters exchanged between the two characters, detailing their lives, challenges, and the development of their passionate and taboo relationship. The novel is set in a world reminiscent of early Chinese and Mongolian civilizations, rich with details that bring a unique and immersive setting to the epic fantasy genre. Despite the promise of a thrilling plot filled with demon-slaying and adventures, some readers found the storytelling method of long letters to kill the suspense and tension, leading to a slow-paced narrative lacking in urgency.
Empress Yui wrestles with her broken zither. She’d rather deal with the tiger again. Or the demons. Or her uncle. Anything short of going north, anything short of war. But a snapped string? One cannot...October 2017•526 pages - #6
A jaw-dropping survival story told by a legendary expedition leader - sometimes a bit dry, but absolutely essential for lovers of true adventure and tales of resilience.
'South' by Ernest Shackleton is a gripping account of the author's harrowing journey across the South Pole, narrated from his perspective and that of other groups stationed in different parts of the Antarctic. The book details the incredible resilience and leadership displayed by Shackleton and his team in the face of extreme hardships, showcasing the unwavering British stiff upper lip ethos. The narrative vividly captures the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature and the indomitable spirit of survival exhibited by the men amidst the harsh Antarctic conditions.
I decided to leave South Georgia about December 5, and in the intervalsof final preparation scanned again the plans for the voyage to winterquarters. What welcome was the Weddell Sea preparing for us?...1919•421 pages - #7
The Corpse Flower is a crime thriller following Danish journalist Heloise Kaldan as she receives mysterious letters from alleged killer Anna Kiel, sparking her determination to find Kiel and uncover a story that could change her life and career forever. The book delves into dark subject matter, contains suspenseful elements, and explores the challenges faced by the characters in their pursuit of justice.
ANNA REGULARLY DREAMED about killing him. About creeping up on him and swiftly running the blade across his throat. That was why, on this particular morning, she didn’t sit up in bed with a jolt but c...October 2021•334 pages - #8
A surprisingly deep, darkly witty, and empowering story about friendship, survival, and justice - less comedy, more cathartic crime. Worth the read for the strong character work and unique spin on female camaraderie.
The Best Way to Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale tells the story of several women who are pushed beyond their limits in abusive marriages. They find solace and strength through their friendship, which leads them to plot an unlikely escape. The narrative is filled with dark humor, but it's not a lighthearted comedy; it explores serious themes like domestic violence and solidarity among women. The characters are well-developed and their bonds are heartfelt, as they learn to reclaim their joy in life together.
The writing style is engaging, blending quirky humor with deeply emotional moments. Some readers found it occasionally repetitive, wishing for more balance among the women's perspectives. Yet, the powerful themes and unexpected twists keep readers hooked. The book is a feminist page-turner that highlights the importance of female friendship in overcoming life's challenges, making it a unique and thought-provoking read.
I remember the first time she let me hold it, hand hovering beneath mine because its size belies its weight. I remember the day she taught me how to wash and temper it so the patina would stay forever...March 2024•375 pages - #9
'King of Tricksters' in the 'Fae Tricksters' series by S.L. Prater follows the protagonist Rain, a powerful witch, as she navigates through memories of her past and embraces her true identity as the formidable warrior Row. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers engaged, while the writing style captivates with its solid storytelling and subtle humor. The relationships and character development, especially between Rain and Night, are central to the narrative, creating a blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that culminates in an epic conclusion.
Night fell around Rain, and her wounds—new and old—awoke in the damp darkness. She couldn’t see her trees. Couldn’t find her feet. Couldn’t decipher what was up and what was down. The sky—where even w...April 2023•224 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fae Tricksters ) - #10
'Hobgoblin' by John Coyne is a horror novel that follows a group of characters as they uncover mysteries and face danger surrounding a castle that has been shipped across the Atlantic and rebuilt in upstate New York. The plot involves past murders connected to the castle, but as the story progresses, the characters find themselves in present-day peril, turning the narrative into a chilling horror tale. The writing style of John Coyne is described as vivid, almost like watching a movie, which enhances the atmospheric and suspenseful elements of the story.
It had snowed earlier in the day and a few inches of heavy wet snow clung to the bare branches and wooden fences. A perfect Connecticut Christmas card, she thought, with the houses laced in colored li...1981•333 pages










