In Praise Of Shadows

A Word of Praise
A Word of Praise
Kiara sat at her small kitchen table literally bumping her head into the wood. Several times. Why the hell did she agree to spend four days in a island with loaded snobs she knew nothing about? Of course, she didn’t know exactly what she signed up for before she accepted his offer, but she knew it came from the guy who sent her to jail and said yes anyway. And based on what? A hunch. Something so intangible and arbitrary she would be unable to explain even to her dad, who was always a firm believer in following your gut. But she saw it, right there hiding behind his handsome stoic façade. He was… desperate. --All Kiara has in life is her passion for art. Her career as a circus performer is a constant search for real attention, for people to see through the veil of plain entertainment. Chris Wright is the heir to one of the most profitable construction empires of the city, but to get to the top he needs the approval of his authoritarian father. Who knows what will happen when art meets business and passion meets duty?
10
58 Chapters
Sacrifice in Shadows
Sacrifice in Shadows
During an ambush, I risked everything to save Matthew, but in doing so, I lost the ability to stand—my legs were permanently damaged. Matthew was devastated. Holding me close, he swore he would love me forever and never betray me. Overwhelmed with emotion, I agreed to marry him. In secret, I sought medical treatment, and after a long, gruelling journey, the day finally came when the doctor told me I could walk again. Overjoyed, I rushed home, eager to share the incredible news with him. However, the moment I pushed open the door, my world collapsed. Matthew was fooling around with his female assistant—right there in our home. On our bed. Wrapped in each other's arms, they kissed passionately, completely lost in the moment. As things heated up, the woman gazed at him and murmured, "Matt, why don't you just leave that cripple? She can't satisfy you at all." "Don't you love the thrill of sneaking around? It wouldn't be nearly as exciting if I left her." A wave of icy rage surged through me. So that was what our marriage meant to him—nothing more than a twisted game, a joke between him and his mistress. Drained and heartbroken, I turned and walked out. That night, I booked a flight back to my hometown. I was done with this city. Let Matthew live with his regret.
9 Chapters
In The Shadows Of Love
In The Shadows Of Love
In a world which is filled with evil, where the powerful rules the city,where power and danger mean the same thing, a beautiful young woman called Alexandra finds herself in love with a man who seemed like the man of her dreams. With him,she feels like a woman and for a second,she thought that he was all a dream which she wishes never to wake up from. Luca, the mysterious man who captured her frail heart,hides a very deep secret from her as he fears that revealing it to her would make her distance herself from him. He is the feared leader of a very powerful mafia group. Never having time for love, he finds himself confused as he falls for Alexandra. He refuses to let her go even though he knew that she would be safe away from him. As the love between them blooms, Luca finds it difficult to protect Alexandra as her colorful life contrasts with the dark, corrupt world in which he belonged. Can their love stand strong against the weight of his secret and the danger that comes with them?
Not enough ratings
21 Chapters
DEPTHS OF SHADOWS
DEPTHS OF SHADOWS
In a world where all are under agreement for the sake of peace between mages and humans. Two kids just wandering around the village to know what life does a normal human have. They're not just an ordinary kids who always play around but they're special. Magic and darkness runs through their veins. The story follows Falla and Talon as they break rules, discover what's beyond the barriers, and the amazing adventure waiting for the both of them as they will conquer the prophecy that awaits them.
10
6 Chapters
Shadows In Blue
Shadows In Blue
In the heart of New York City, the NYPD never sleeps—and neither do its secrets. Detective Jocelynn Sanchez is all sharp edges and silence. Closed off, cold, and constantly on guard, she’s built walls few have dared to climb. Her time at the academy left her scarred, thanks to a group of recruits who made it their mission to break her spirit. Now, years later, she’s forced to join a new unit—led by none other than Andrei Smirnov, friends with the men who put her through hell. Andrei has always wanted to work with Jocelynn, though she has no idea. Unlike his friends, he saw her strength back then—and admired it. Her arrival on his team feels like fate. But earning her trust proves harder than expected. She barely speaks, avoids everyone except her one friend, and seems to carry a past she’ll never share. Still, Andrei is patient. An open book with a big family and an even bigger heart, he slowly begins to break through Jocelynn's defenses. And in doing so, he discovers the truth: she’s not cold—she’s protecting herself. Jocelynn sees that Andrei isn’t like the men who hurt her. He’s kind, steady, and genuinely wants to understand her. But there are secrets she won’t risk exposing—not even to him. Like the fact that her godfather is their precinct captain, or the real reason she cut ties with her family. As cases grow more dangerous and their bond deepens, Jocelynn must decide if she can finally let someone in. Shadows in Blue is a slow-burn detective romance about trauma and trust, told from both perspectives.
Not enough ratings
5 Chapters
Shadows of Us
Shadows of Us
Word on the street in the city of Hereshire was that Roy Chester had a penchant for eighteen-year-old girls. Yet, Willow Croyton was twenty-one when they started dating, and she stuck by him for nearly three years. She was a well-known simp to Roy, her only merit being her docility and good behavior. Later, when Willow left, Roy was spotted multiple times near her apartment block, his eyes teary. 
25 Chapters

What Is The Significance Of Shadows In 'In Praise Of Shadows'?

3 answers2025-06-24 22:07:13

I've always been fascinated by how 'In Praise of Shadows' elevates shadows from mere absence of light to something deeply cultural and aesthetic. The book argues that shadows aren't just darkness—they're essential to Japanese beauty traditions. In architecture, dim lighting reveals the texture of wood and the depth of spaces in ways bright light never could. Traditional lacquerware shines differently in shadowed rooms, its gold patterns emerging like secrets. Even food presentation relies on shadows to create mystery and anticipation. The book made me realize how modern lighting flattens experiences we once savored slowly. Shadows force us to pause, to notice details we'd otherwise miss in glaring brightness. They're not emptiness but richness waiting to be discovered.

Why Is 'In Praise Of Shadows' Considered A Classic Essay?

3 answers2025-06-24 04:00:54

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' is a classic because it captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics in a way no other essay does. The text explores how darkness and subtlety define beauty in traditional Japanese culture, contrasting sharply with Western ideals of brightness and clarity. Tanizaki's observations about architecture, food, and even toilets reveal how shadows create depth and mystery. His writing is poetic yet precise, making complex ideas accessible. The essay resonates because it defends a vanishing way of life, offering a poignant critique of modernization. It's not just about light and dark—it's about preserving a cultural soul that values the imperfect and ephemeral.

How Does 'In Praise Of Shadows' Explore Japanese Aesthetics?

3 answers2025-06-24 12:53:11

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' is a love letter to the subtle beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The book contrasts Western brightness with Japanese preference for dim, shadowy spaces, arguing that shadows deepen beauty rather than diminish it. Tanizaki describes how lacquerware glows differently in candlelight versus electric bulbs, or how gold leaf in temples gains mystery when half-hidden. He mourns modern innovations like porcelain toilets for disrupting harmony with nature. The essay celebrates imperfections—patina on silver, uneven handmade paper—as vital to Japanese taste. It’s not just about visuals; even food tastes better in earthenware bowls that keep it warm without garish colors distracting the palate. Tanizaki’s nostalgia isn’t mere conservatism but a philosophical stance: beauty thrives in ambiguity, in the spaces between seeing and imagining.

What Cultural Insights Does 'In Praise Of Shadows' Offer?

3 answers2025-06-24 22:42:25

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' is a love letter to traditional Japanese aesthetics, contrasting it starkly with Western modernity. The book dives deep into how light and shadow shape cultural values - think of the muted glow of lacquerware in dim rooms versus the harsh glare of electric bulbs. Tanizaki argues that Japanese beauty thrives in obscurity, where imperfections like tarnished silver or weathered wood carry more meaning than sterile perfection. It's not just about visuals either; he connects this to broader cultural quirks, like preferring hushed, indirect speech over blunt Western directness. The essay makes you realize how much we've lost by chasing brightness and clarity at all costs.

How Does 'In Praise Of Shadows' Critique Modern Lighting?

3 answers2025-06-24 19:07:29

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' is a poetic roast of modern lighting. The guy straight-up calls electric bulbs a crime against aesthetics. He argues traditional Japanese spaces were designed for soft, uneven lighting—think paper lanterns or candlelight—which created depth and mystery. Modern lighting? Too harsh, too uniform, kills all nuance. It flattens textures that used to shimmer in shadows, like gold lacquerware or aged wood. Tanizaki mourns how brightness exposes imperfections instead of hiding them beautifully. His rant extends to architecture too; he claims modern homes with their glaring lights make shadows disappear, stripping spaces of their soul. The book’s a love letter to subtlety, basically screaming 'Dim the lights, you philistines!'

How Does 'In Praise Of Shadows' Contrast Eastern And Western Beauty?

3 answers2025-06-24 16:44:45

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' paints a stark contrast between Eastern and Western aesthetics through the lens of light and shadow. In the West, beauty is often about clarity, brightness, and visibility—think gleaming marble statues or well-lit cathedrals. Tanizaki argues that Eastern beauty thrives in subtlety and obscurity. A Japanese lacquerware bowl isn’t just about its craftsmanship; it’s about how it gleams dimly in a darkened room, revealing its patterns slowly. Westerners might see darkness as something to eliminate, but in Japan, shadows are embraced as essential to beauty. The book highlights how Western electric lights ruin the ambiance of traditional Japanese spaces, while candlelight or paper lanterns enhance their depth. This isn’t just about preference; it’s a philosophical divide. Western aesthetics chase perfection, while Eastern aesthetics find perfection in imperfection—like the irregular glaze of a teacup or the weathered look of old wood. Tanizaki’s observations extend to architecture, food presentation, and even skin tones, where Western ideals favor radiance, and Eastern traditions appreciate muted elegance.

What Genre Does 'Praise' Fall Under And Why?

1 answers2025-06-23 21:56:11

The novel 'Praise' is a fascinating blend of genres, but if I had to pin it down, I’d call it a dark fantasy romance with heavy psychological undertones. The story doesn’t just settle for one label—it thrives in the gray areas between them. The fantasy elements are undeniable, with its intricate world-building and supernatural beings, but what really sets it apart is how deeply it digs into the emotional and psychological layers of its characters. The romance isn’t your typical fluffy escapade either; it’s raw, intense, and often unsettling, which pushes it into darker territory. The way the author weaves obsession, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity into relationships makes it feel more like a psychological thriller at times.

What’s brilliant about 'Praise' is how it uses its genre-blending to amplify the themes. The dark fantasy setting isn’t just backdrop—it’s a mirror for the characters’ inner struggles. The supernatural elements, like the cursed bonds or the blood-oath rituals, aren’t just cool magic systems; they’re metaphors for dependency and toxic love. The romance isn’t about saving each other; it’s about unraveling each other, which is why it resonates so hard with fans of grimdark and psychological fiction. Even the pacing feels like a hybrid: slow-burn for character development, but with sudden, brutal bursts of action that wouldn’t feel out of place in a horror novel. It’s the kind of story that lingers because it refuses to be boxed into one genre—and that’s why it’s so addicting.

Who Is The Protagonist In 'Praise' And What Drives Them?

5 answers2025-06-23 12:17:39

In 'Praise', the protagonist is a complex figure grappling with the weight of legacy and personal demons. Their drive stems from a burning need to prove themselves, not just to the world but to their own fractured sense of identity. Raised in the shadow of a legendary family, they oscillate between embracing their heritage and rebelling against it. This internal conflict fuels their relentless pursuit of excellence—whether in mastering forbidden arts or outwitting political enemies.

What makes them fascinating is their duality. One moment, they're a charismatic leader inspiring loyalty; the next, a vulnerable soul haunted by past failures. Their motivation isn't just power—it's the desperate hope that achievement might silence their insecurities. The novel brilliantly captures how trauma and ambition intertwine, turning them into both hero and antihero depending on whose perspective you follow. The rawness of their journey—marked by sacrifice, betrayal, and fleeting triumphs—keeps readers hooked.

Who Are The Top Publishers Of Praise Books?

3 answers2025-05-30 23:39:27

I've been collecting and reading praise books for years, and I've noticed a few publishers consistently stand out. 'WaterBrook & Multnomah' is one of my favorites—they publish heartfelt Christian literature that always feels genuine. 'Zondervan' is another big name, especially for their Bible study guides and devotionals. I also adore 'Bethany House' for their uplifting fiction and non-fiction that often hits the emotional sweet spot. 'Tyndale House' deserves a shoutout too, with their mix of inspirational and practical books. These publishers have a knack for selecting works that resonate deeply, whether it’s through storytelling or spiritual guidance. Their books often end up on my shelf because they just *get* what readers need.

Where Can I Read 'Praise' Online For Free?

1 answers2025-06-23 01:00:32

I totally get the urge to dive into 'Praise' without spending a dime—it’s one of those stories that hooks you from the first page. While I’m all for supporting authors, sometimes you just want a quick way to check out a book before committing. The tricky part is that most legal free options are limited unless the author or publisher offers samples. You might find snippets on sites like Wattpad or Webnovel if the writer has shared previews there. Some fan translations pop up on aggregator sites, but those can be sketchy with ads and questionable quality.

If you’re lucky, your local library might have an ebook version through apps like Libby or OverDrive, which lets you borrow it for free legally. Honestly, though, the best route is keeping an eye on official promotions—publishers sometimes give away free chapters to build hype. I’ve seen authors drop free arcs on their personal blogs or Patreon too. Just avoid pirate sites; they’re risky and unfair to creators. 'Praise' deserves the love, and waiting for a legit freebie feels way better than dealing with malware or guilt.

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