Books matching: survival in a harsh environment
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- #1
Save:Dark, engrossing, and full of character, "The Business of Blood" is perfect for fans of gritty historical mysteries with a unique heroine - just be ready for some gruesome details and a slow build on the romance!
The Business of Blood by Kerrigan Byrne is a character-driven mystery set in Victorian England, focusing on Fiona Mahoney, an Irish immigrant who runs a business cleaning up crime scenes. The story delves into Fiona's past with Jack the Ripper, her unique occupation, and her interactions with a diverse cast of characters, all while teasing a potential romance subplot for future books in the series.
The arrangement of Frank Sawyer’s corpse was queer enough to lend me pause. He hung upside down in the common room, suspended from the rafter by one foot, the other bent behind him, his spindly legs f...November 2019•324 pages - #2
Save:Unflinchingly dark and original, Pure stands out for its wild world-building and emotional depth, though its pacing and graphic content won’t be for everyone. Gritty dystopian fans: don’t miss it!
In a post-apocalyptic world after The Detonations, survivors outside the Dome are known as 'wretches', their bodies fused with objects, animals, or other humans. The story follows characters like Pressia, who has a doll's head fused to her arm, and Partridge, a Pure raised inside the Dome. As they navigate this dark and brutal world, they form an unlikely alliance and uncover secrets that challenge everything they believe. The writing style of 'Pure' by Julianna Baggott is described as dark, detailed, and captivating, immersing readers into a world that is both terrifying and fascinating.
ON THE MORNING OF HER SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY, Pressia wakes up having slept fitfully in the cabinet. She can hear Bradwell’s voice asking her if she’d turned sixteen yet. And now she has. She can still re...February 2012•451 pages - #3
Save:A smart, science-rich sci-fi mystery that will satisfy fans of technical world-building and thoughtful problem-solving - though its heavy exposition and occasionally slow pace may lose readers looking for more action or quicker payoffs.
'Containment' by Christian Cantrell is a science fiction novel set on a Venusian colony where the protagonist, Arik, navigates a mystery surrounding the colony while also dealing with the challenge of increasing oxygen levels to sustain life. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, blending high-tech elements with a storyline that delves into the complexities of planetary colonization. The writing style is described as light and sparse, focusing on Arik's internal experiences and the intricate workings of the colony, creating an engaging and quick read for science fiction enthusiasts.
The first thing Arik noticed when he opened his eyes was that he couldn't move his head. He was immobilized from the neck up by a complex and bristling steel vise. Although there was a curtain draped...2010•303 pages - #4
Save:A detailed, atmospheric survival romance set in prehistoric times - sometimes slow, a bit over the top, but unforgettable for fans of historical adventure and epic female leads.
The Valley of Horses is the second book in the Earth's Children series by Jean Marie Auel. The story follows Ayla, who is now alone in a valley, learning to survive and navigate a world she knows little about. Throughout the book, Ayla must find shelter, food, and companionship, all while developing her skills in hunting and crafting. The narrative alternates between Ayla's solitary journey and the societal life of Jondalar, introducing themes of survival, self-discovery, and relationships.
The book delves into detailed descriptions of prehistoric life, exploring Ayla's character development, her interactions with animals, and her quest to find her own people. The plot unfolds with a mix of adventure, romance, and survival elements, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Ayla as she adapts to her new environment and learns to thrive in the face of challenges.
She was dead. What did it matter if icy needles of freezing rain flayed her skin raw. The young woman squinted into the wind, pulling her wolverine hood closer. Violent gusts whipped her bearskin wrap... - #5
Save:A beautifully unique, science-rich dinosaur adventure - deeply immersive if you want to walk (and hunt!) in ancient footsteps, but not for those who need human drama or up-to-date dino facts.
Raptor Red, written by leading paleontologist Robert T. Bakker, is a novel told from the perspective of a female Utahraptor living in the prehistoric world of the Cretaceous period. The story follows the life of Raptor Red as she navigates the challenges of survival, relationships, and family in a world filled with danger and love. The book paints a vivid picture of a lush prehistoric world, capturing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of these magnificent creatures through a unique narrative style that blends fact and fiction.
A pair of fierce but beautiful eyes look out from the dull green undergrowth of conifers and ferns that bound the edges of mud flats and riverbeds. The eyes follow every movement among the great herd...1995•290 pages - #6
Save:An inventive and atmospheric blend of political intrigue and existential dread, best for fans of thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi. Short, smart, and haunting - definitely worth the trip.
'Hawksbill Station' by Robert Silverberg is a novella that explores the concept of a penal colony in the Cambrian period where political dissidents are sent back in time as a humane alternative to execution. The story follows the struggles of these male exiles, led by revolutionary Jim Barrett, as they try to survive and find meaning in their lives in a harsh and desolate past. The narrative alternates between the happenings at Hawksbill Station and flashbacks to Barrett's life, delving into themes of ideological commitment, fairness of punishment, and the impact of being displaced by historical events.
The book is a masterful examination of political power shifts, character portraits of men facing a hopeless situation, and a study of ambition in various forms. Silverberg's narrative competence shines through in the creation of a vividly imagined prehistoric setting and the depiction of convicts grappling with their circumstances. Despite a diversion into 20th-century political exposition, the novella effectively conveys the struggles and complexities faced by the characters in this unique time-travel scenario.
Barrett was the uncrowned king of Hawksbill Station. No one disputed that. He had been there the longest; he had suffered the most; he had the deepest inner resources of strength. Before his accident,...1967•191 pages - #7
Save:A chilly, gripping survival thriller that’s stood the test of time for many, even if it shows its age. Perfect for a winter’s night with a warm drink - just don’t expect lyrical prose or deep characters. Recommended for classic adventure fans!
"Night Without End" by Alistair MacLean is a gripping tale of survival set near the North Pole, where a group of survivors must endure the harsh arctic conditions after a plane crash. The story unfolds as the survivors face not only the challenges of the environment but also the mystery of a murder and betrayal among them. The writing style is described as riveting, tight, and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with a mix of survival, intrigue, and a whodunit element.
It was Jackstraw who heard it first – it was always Jackstraw, whose hearing was an even match for his phenomenal eyesight, who heard things first. Tired of having my exposed hands alternately frozen,...January 1959•240 pages - #8
Save:A spicy, totally addictive, and surprisingly cozy alien romance romp. Not for the faint of heart or the serious-minded, but excellent for escapism and good vibes - now I get the hype!
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon follows the adventures of a group of human women who are kidnapped by aliens, only to crash land on a desolate ice planet inhabited by towering blue-skinned aliens known as the sa-khui. The main protagonist, Georgie, finds herself navigating the challenges of survival in this harsh environment while forming unexpected connections with the local alien leader, Vektal. Their romance develops amidst humor, cultural misunderstandings, and the urgency of their biological imperatives, as the aliens bond with their mates through a symbiotic relationship that heightens their passions.
The writing style is light and engaging, with a whimsical tone that makes the story enjoyable despite its outlandish premise. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities, and the humor adds an entertaining layer to the narrative. Each book focuses on different couples within the same universe, allowing for a fresh experience while maintaining overarching themes of love, understanding, and consent. Readers have praised Dixon for balancing steamy moments with character development, creating a fun escapist read that captivates wide audiences.
April 2015•262 pages - #9
Save:A fun, atmospheric blend of magic and mystery in Victorian London with a likable lead and a side of romance - great for fans of paranormal adventures, as long as you can roll with a few familiar tropes.
'The Last Necromancer' by C.J. Archer is a young adult fantasy novel set in 19th century London. The story follows Charlie, a young girl who has the ability to influence the dead, leading to her being disowned by her father. Living as a boy on the streets to survive, Charlie is kidnapped by a group of men with mysterious intentions. The book is praised for its good writing, fresh imagination, and the portrayal of a strong, witty protagonist in a gritty and engaging plot.
The other prisoners eyed me as if I were a piece of tender meat. I was someone new to distract them from their boredom, and small enough that I couldn't stop one—let alone four—from doing what they wa...August 2015•281 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully written and deeply immersive historical novel that’s perfect for readers who love character-rich, slow-burning stories with gorgeous prose and a strong sense of place.
One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow is a captivating western family saga set in Wyoming in the 1870s. The story revolves around two families, the Bemis and Webber families, who are forced to come together to survive the harsh winter on the frontier after a tragic incident leaves them fatherless. The book is narrated in alternating character voices, providing unique perspectives on the challenges of homesteading and the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. Olivia Hawker's writing style is described as mesmerizing and glorious, immersing readers in the lives of the characters and the rugged beauty of the Wyoming prairie.
I was leading the cows to the milking shed when my pa shot Mr. Webber. It was the end of the season for blackberries, and the fence beside the shed was thick with the vines my ma had planted years bef...October 2019•496 pages
