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Imaginary places -- Fiction Books
Best books
Hope Mirrlees
Lud-in-the-Mist
"Lud-in-the-Mist" by Hope Mirrlees is a novel published in 1926. In the orderly city of Lud-in-the-Mist, rational citizens have banished all thoughts of the neighboring land of Faerie from their lives. But when forbidden fairy fruit begins infiltrating their world, the respectable mayor Nathaniel Chanticleer must confront what his society has denied. To restore balance, he must abandon convention and seek reconciliation between the prosaic and the fantastic.
Harold MacGrath
The Puppet Crown
"The Puppet Crown" by Harold MacGrath is a fictional novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a reluctant king, Leopold, who is described as a dreamer thrust into a role he feels ill-suited for, as he navigates a fraught political landscape filled with intrigue, ambition, and the burdens of a royal existence. The novel explores the dynamics of power within a small kingdom under threat from both internal and external forces, highlighting themes of duty, disillusionment, and the complexities of leadership. The opening of the novel introduces King Leopold, who reflects on the emptiness of his royal position while sitting in his garden. He is aware of his effectiveness as a ruler but longs for his former life away from power. His ministers appear to manipulate him as a figurehead, while his cousin Josef, a contender for the throne, plots against him. The arrival of the British diplomat brings further tension to the political precariousness of Leopold's rule. The young Princess Alexia, daughter of Leopold, adds emotional depth to the narrative, hinting at the personal stakes intertwined with the political drama. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a rich tale of royal dilemmas and impending conflict.
Godfrey Sweven
Riallaro: The Archipelago of Exiles
"Riallaro: The Archipelago of Exiles" by Godfrey Sweven is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around a mysterious archipelago that entices adventurers and explorers, centering on characters who seek knowledge and face the philosophical depths of existence amid beautiful yet perilous landscapes. The novel combines elements of adventure and introspection as the protagonists navigate both the physical and metaphysical aspects of their journeys. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a coastal setting where three characters, including Somm, discover a seemingly lifeless stranger washed ashore after a gunshot incident involving the mysterious wings of an unknown creature. As they revive the stranger, they begin to unravel the complexities of his background, which seems intertwined with profound memories and a lost past. The narrative quickly delves into themes of identity and the struggle with one’s history, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the archipelago and its significance. The opening hints at a tale filled with adventure, mystery, and the quest for truth against the backdrop of an ethereal and enchanting setting.
Victor Bridges
The Lady from Long Acre
"The Lady from Long Acre" by Victor Bridges is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a cast of engaging characters including the charismatic Sir Antony Conway, affectionately called Tony, who provides a mix of humor and responsibility, along with his protégé, the aspiring boxer 'Tiger' Bugg, and a mysterious young woman named Isabel. The plot emerges through their interactions and ultimately hints at themes of loyalty, moral dilemmas, and potential romance. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Tony as he casually engages with Lady Jocelyn, his elderly aunt, showcasing his mischievous yet charming nature. Conversations reveal Tony's connections to the world of boxing and his ambitions for Bugg as he prepares for a crucial fight against 'Lightning Lopez.' The narrative also presents the intriguing background of Isabel, who finds herself in a precarious situation, saved by Tony from unwanted attention on the streets of London. This sets up a budding friendship as they navigate their circumstances, hinting at further complexities as the story unfolds.
Charles B. (Charles Billings) Stilson
Polaris and the Goddess Glorian
"Polaris and the Goddess Glorian" by Charles B. Stilson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Polaris Janess, a young man raised in the harsh Antarctic wilderness, who seeks to connect with civilization following the death of his father. After a series of perilous adventures, he encounters Rose Emer, an heiress lost in the ice, and they both become embroiled in the fate of a mysterious ancient kingdom called Sardanes. The beginning of the story chronicles Polaris’s journey into the world beyond his frozen home as he delivers his father's scientific data to the National Geographic Society. Alongside Rose, he finds himself drawn into a quest of love and survival in Sardanes, a valley inhabited by remnants of ancient Greeks. Their adventure leads them to the cruiser "Minnetonka", where they discover a strange man clad in glittering armor floating at sea. This encounter sets off a chain of events that will lead them to the underwater city of Maeronica, where fate entwines their lives with political intrigues and the shadows of powerful beings, setting the stage for a grand tale woven with themes of courage, destiny, and self-discovery.
John Masefield
ODTAA: A novel
"ODTAA: A Novel" by John Masefield is a historical fiction work written in the early 20th century. Set in a fictional land called Santa Barbara, which seems to blend elements of Latin America with a wealth of political strife, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of social and political conflict between two factions, the Reds and Whites. Through the eyes of characters like Highworth Foliat Ridden and Rosa Piranha, the story touches on themes of love, identity, and the effects of a tumultuous political climate. The opening of the novel establishes a richly detailed world, beginning with a geographical description of Santa Barbara and its provinces, hinting at the historical turbulence that has shaped the region. Different characters are introduced, including the ambitious revolutionaries, entrenched aristocrats, and the young protagonist, Hi, who is sent from England to seek his fortunes. As Hi arrives in Santa Barbara, he is met with a vibrant but complex atmosphere rife with underlying tension, highlighting the looming threat of conflict tied to the policies of the dictatorial leader, Don Lopez. There’s an immediate sense of change and unrest as Hi navigates this new world, where friendships can be formed or broken based on one's political loyalties, setting the stage for various personal and social dilemmas that will unfold throughout the story.
John Reed Scott
The Princess Dehra
"The Princess Dehra" by John Reed Scott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Valeria, where themes of succession, power struggles, and romantic entanglements take center stage. The narrative primarily follows the characters of Archduke Armand and Duchess Madeline Spencer, revealing the complexities of their aspirations amidst a backdrop of nobility and betrayal. At the start of the novel, the exiled Duke of Lotzen returns to his family's castle after being banished, stirring rumors about the royal succession. As the Duke grapples with his uncertain claim to the throne, the imminent marriage of the American Archduke Armand and the Princess Dehra raises tensions, particularly in light of a recent royal death. The opening portion portrays the interplay of ambition and desire, as secrets regarding the succession laws hang in the balance. This dynamic forms the basis for the unfolding drama, with characters navigating courtly intrigue and their personal wants against the backdrop of a kingdom in transition.
John Masefield
Sard Harker: A novel
"Sard Harker: A novel by John Masefield" is an adventure novel published in 1924. Set in the fictional South American nation of Santa Barbara, it follows Chisholm "Sard" Harker, a ship's mate who overhears a sinister plot against the Kingsborough siblings. Missing his ship after attempting to warn them, Sard embarks on a harrowing journey across treacherous terrain, facing assaults, natural hazards, and supernatural visions. His quest leads to a final confrontation with Sagrado B, a dark magician threatening Miss Kingsborough's life.
Lillian Frances Mentor
The Day of Resis
"The Day of Resis" by Lillian Frances Mentor is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Enola Cameron, an adventurous young woman with a passionate interest in Africa and its mysteries, as she embarks on a perilous journey into the heart of the continent. Along with her guardian and friends, Enola pursues the truth behind a strange document revealing the existence of a hidden civilization, leading them on an exploration rife with danger and discovery. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Enola through a letter detailing her commitment to find a mysterious place referenced in an ancient manuscript discovered by a hunting party in Africa. She enlists the help of her guardian, Mr. Graham, and his son, Harry, who are both intrigued by her ambition. They prepare for their expedition, setting their sights on Zanzibar as they gather supplies and hire local carriers for the journey ahead. As the caravan moves through diverse landscapes, they encounter various challenges, from fierce wildlife to treacherous terrain, foreshadowing their deeper plunge into an unknown and potentially dangerous land that promises both wonder and peril.
Cecil Starr Johns
Victor Victorious
"Victor Victorious" by Cecil Starr Johns is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Victor, a young boy reflecting on his childhood memories and early schooling experiences, highlighting his relationships with significant figures in his life, including his mother, his nurse, and his tutor Mr. Neville. As the plot unfolds, Victor begins to grapple with his identity and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father, setting the stage for deeper explorations of his heritage and the tumultuous history of his homeland, Rudarlia. The opening of the novel establishes a nostalgic and introspective tone, as Victor recounts his idyllic childhood spent in a garden teeming with nature and imaginative stories. He shares fond memories of his compassionate nurse and his stern yet caring mother, revealing a sheltered upbringing marked by affectionate guidance from his tutor, Mr. Neville. As Victor grows, he becomes aware of the complexities of his family and the secrets that lay in his lineage, particularly regarding his absent father. This initial chapter serves to frame Victor's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of his country's strife, promising a tale that intertwines personal growth with national identity and destiny.
James Elroy Flecker
The King of Alsander
"The King of Alsander" by James Elroy Flecker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around young Norman Price, the protagonist, who embarks on a journey that takes him to the fictional kingdom of Alsander after being inspired by an eccentric old poet. The narrative promises a blend of romance, adventure, and philosophical musings as Norman interacts with vibrant characters and navigates the complexities of life in this idyllic yet tumultuous land. The opening of the novel introduces us to Blaindon, a quaint English village where Norman works in his family's grocery shop. Feeling restless and yearning for adventure, Norman encounters a mysterious old man who, after striking up a conversation, encourages him to travel to Alsander. This chance meeting ignites a longing for the unknown in Norman, who sees it as an opportunity for a grand escape from his ordinary life. In the midst of contemplating his future, Norman's dreams of adventure solidify into a spontaneous decision to leave his mundane existence behind and pursue a life filled with excitement, romance, and potentially perilous encounters in Alsander, setting the stage for an enchanting tale of discovery and self-realization.
Stanton A. (Stanton Arthur) Coblentz
In Caverns Below
"In Caverns Below" by Stanton A. Coblentz is a satiric science fiction novel originally published as a magazine serial in 1935. When two explorers become trapped in a Nevada mine, they stumble upon a vast underground civilization beneath North America. The pale-skinned inhabitants possess advanced technology but remain locked in perpetual war. As the explorers navigate this hidden world, they find themselves entangled in political intrigue, cultural misunderstandings, and desperate attempts at reform that lead to unexpected consequences.
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