Books Like...

Shibumi by Trevanian is a geopolitical thriller featuring one of the most blatant Gary Stu characters outside of James Bond. The story revolves around Nicholai Hel, a European with Asian consciousness, who is the world's most wanted man and an accomplished assassin. The plot delves into themes of international espionage, personal excellence, and the battle between ruthless power and corruption. The writing style includes well-researched and convincing details about post-war Japan, Go, caving, and the Basque Pyrenees, alongside offensive cultural stereotyping and elitist pontificating on living a worthwhile life.

'Annapurna: A Woman's Place' by Arlene Blum narrates the incredible true story of the first all-women expedition to climb Annapurna. The author skillfully recounts the challenges faced during the expedition, including the struggles with Sherpas, cultural differences, and the determination of the team to summit the deadly mountain. Readers praised the detailed and thorough account of the adventure, highlighting the author's openness about the difficulties encountered and the fears experienced during the climb.

Blum's writing style is described as beautiful and engaging, allowing readers to feel immersed in the story and connected to the experiences of the women climbers. not only showcases the physical challenges of mountain climbing but also delves into the emotional and personal aspects of the journey, making it a compelling read for both mountaineers and general readers alike.

Breakheart Pass by Alistair MacLean is a fast-paced western thriller set in post Civil War American West. The plot revolves around a train journey to Fort Humboldt, filled with relief troops and supplies, as well as a captured Federal prisoner named John Deakin. As the train travels through Paiute Indian territory, it encounters murders, conspiracies, sabotage, ambushes, and Indians seeking revenge. The story is full of action, suspense, and plot twists, keeping the readers hooked from the beginning to the end. Despite the initial introduction of many characters without detailed descriptions, the book focuses on delivering non-stop action and suspense, making it a thrilling and engaging read.

'Where Eagles Dare' by Alistair MacLean is a World War II thriller that follows a team of British Special Forces commandos on a daring mission to rescue a captured American general from a Nazi stronghold in the mountains of Germany. The plot is filled with action, suspense, espionage, and intricate twists and turns. MacLean's writing style is described as riveting, fast-paced, and enthralling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its sense of urgency and adventure.

The book is praised for its exciting storyline, intelligent plot, and believable depiction of wartime espionage. Readers appreciate the non-stop action, clever dialogues between characters, and the well-crafted suspense that keeps them engaged throughout the novel. MacLean's portrayal of the characters, particularly the British and American operatives, is commended for adding depth to the story and making it a thrilling read for fans of the spy thriller genre.

'The Guns of Navarone' by Alistair MacLean is a World War II thriller that follows a small group of Allied soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission to destroy massive German guns on the Greek island of Navarone. The plot involves a daring commando raid, where the team must scale an unclimbable cliff, infiltrate a Nazi fortress, and sabotage the guns to save 1,200 stranded British soldiers. The writing style is described as suspenseful, with well-crafted prose that keeps the readers engaged and turning pages, showcasing the characters' fear, bravery, and human side amidst the intense action.

'The Ninja' by Eric Van Lustbader is a martial arts mystery thriller that delves into the world of Nicholas Linnear, a man with a multicultural background and exceptional martial arts skills. The book intricately weaves together elements of Japanese and Chinese history, providing readers with a captivating insight into Eastern culture. The story follows Nicholas Linnear as he navigates through a world of action, philosophy, and intrigue, all while being targeted by a mysterious killer. Lustbader's writing style is described as masterful, with heavy imagery and atmosphere that sets the tone for a thrilling narrative.

The plot of 'The Ninja' unfolds with a mix of drama, history, character building, and intense action sequences, all expertly crafted by Lustbader. Readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and mastery in the secretive ninja arts, as Nicholas Linnear faces challenges that test his skills and beliefs. The book immerses readers into a world of ancient traditions, mysticism, and the art of the ninja, offering a riveting blend of suspense, deep insights, and unexpected twists that keep them eagerly turning the pages.

"The Day of the Jackal" by Frederick Forsyth is a classic thriller set in the 1960s Paris, France, where an assassin is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle. The tension builds as the story unfolds, showcasing a cat-and-mouse game between the hired assassin, known as the Jackal, and the lead detective from France, Lebel. The plot is meticulously crafted, detailing the Jackal's meticulous planning and the detective's efforts to stop the assassination, all leading to an exciting and resounding conclusion. The narrative is structured to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a blend of historical details, espionage elements, and a gripping storyline that unfolds with each page turn.

The book is praised for its slow but engaging build-up that ultimately becomes unputdownable for readers. The well-thought-out plot, smart writing style, and the detailed descriptions of the characters' actions and motivations contribute to the overall immersive experience. The book also stands out for its ability to keep the reader guessing, with unexpected plot twists and a captivating battle of wits between the assassin and the detective. The historical context, intricate planning of the assassination plot, and the intense pursuit of the Jackal by the authorities add layers of complexity and depth to the storyline, making it a must-read for fans of thrillers and espionage novels.

'Quiller' in the series 'Quiller' by author Adam Hall is a spy thriller set in Berlin during the Cold War, following the protagonist Quiller, a British secret agent, as he navigates a world of double-crosses, Nazi hunting, and espionage. The narrative delves deep into Quiller's inner thoughts and thought processes, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the story. The plot is described as standard for spy novels, with a focus on the mental state of the super agent, rather than physical attributes or appearance.

"Eiger Dreams: Ventures Among Men and Mountains" by Jon Krakauer is a collection of articles on mountain climbing, encompassing a variety of topics such as the history of different styles of mountaineering, profiles of climbers, and accounts of both successful and failed climbing expeditions. Krakauer's writing style is described as captivating, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the challenging terrains of mountains across the globe. The book delves into the psychology behind mountaineering, exploring the reasons why individuals are drawn to such a perilous yet rewarding pursuit.

'Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest' by Wade Davis is a detailed account of the British expeditions in the 1920s to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The book delves into the experiences of the men involved in these expeditions, many of whom also fought in World War I, exploring the horrors they faced during the war. Wade Davis provides a comprehensive background on the history of India, Tibet, and Nepal, as well as Britain's relations with these countries, before detailing the first attempts to organize an expedition to Everest.

The author meticulously researches all aspects of the events surrounding the British attempts to climb Mt. Everest, shedding light on the motivations, characters, and actions of the individuals involved. Wade Davis weaves together narratives of the Great War, the climbers' experiences, and the historical context to provide a rich and coherent picture of the culture of the Raj and post-war Britain. The book not only focuses on the conquest of Everest but also on the impact of the war on the climbers' psyche and the nation's desire to find purpose and meaning after the devastation of World War I.