Plot recs?

[stillsostrange]

I'm looking for examples of a specific plot structure (that don't suck!), but not thinking of many. I suspect this is a lack of coffee.

It goes something like:

Character gains awesome power/macguffin/plans to the space station.
Character goes on voyage of discovery to learn about this newly acquired thing, whilst being pursued by forces of Evile. Meets kooky side characters and visits interesting setting.
Character must eventually take a stand against forces of Evile. Explosions ensue.

This is a pretty standard quest variant, obviously, but I'm looking for examples of good executions, preferably not in high fantasy or space opera. Any suggestions?

Comments

[stillsostrange.livejournal.com]

I have Scar Night and haven't read it yet--I will check it out. I love SHoM, but it doesn't quite sync with the structure I'm looking for in my head.