The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2010

Pages: 372 (includes reading guide)

Synopsis (from the publisher): At the dawn of the 17th century, Murano glassmakers are celebrated, revered and imprisoned by the Venetian government. Sophia Fiolario, the daughter of a glass making maestro, has no desire for marriage, finding her serenity in the love of her family and the beauty of the glass. But the life Sophia loves is threatened and she’s thrust into the opulent world of the Venice court. Amidst political and religious intrigue Sophia must do anything to protect herself, her family and the secret of the glass.

Review: The glassmakers of Murano create beautiful works of art which are highly prized. So highly in fact that the Venetian government keeps them virtual prisoners and has enacted laws to prevent them from leaving – to defy the law can literally mean death. Sophia is the nineteen year old daughter of one of the most successful glassmakers on Murano. She has always been fascinated by the glass and has spent years watching her father and secretly learning the trade (also against the law). With no son to take over the business and with his health failing, Sophia’s father reluctantly agrees its time for her to marry and he works out a deal with a noble, but poor family.

But Sophia is not the only one with a secret and as her father alludes to those of her betrothed, Sophia is determined to find out what they are in hopes of avoiding the marriage and a life without love as well as preventing her mother and sisters from being carted off to a nunnery. Along the way she meets the handsome young Teodoro Gradenigo (who is also a poor noble’s son), falls in love, and becomes caught up in the religious and political intrigues surrounding the scientific discoveries of Galileo.

Although I enjoyed Sophia’s story, I thought there were a couple of flaws with the book. The first third or so of the book is slow as the author sets up the political dynamics of the Venetian government. Not knowing a lot about Italian history, the information is helpful in understanding some of the plots undercurrents, but I wish it had been more interesting. I also became rather quickly annoyed by the liberal use of Italian words. Although there may be some words for which there is no English equivalent, there were way too many instances of people using Italian in one part of a sentence and English for the rest (simple example: “This way, per favore”). I don't really think people talk like this when conversing with others who use the same language and it really was destracting and at times interfered with my enjoyment of the story. If you are going to write the book in English, then please, use English. Adding to the aggravation is the lack of a glossary defining what the Italian words mean.

The second half of the book moved very quickly and the Fiolario family has to make a decision that will forever change their lives. The love story between Sophia and Teo is rather charming (the one main love scene is pretty tame) and not everyone is as they would appear to be. The last few chapters were intriguing – especially the discovery of the family’s benefactor and although I was pretty sure I knew who it was, I thought there might be one other possibility so I wasn’t 100% sure - I'm not going to give it away though!

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review.

Visit Daphne at her blog Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff

Blog Post by author Donna Russon Morin and Giveaway

Readers need that sense of inspiration to pick up a book, whether it’s the cover, the blurb, or the author themselves, something grabs the reader and makes them need to read the story. For me, writing is the same…I must be inspired by my story, I must feel the need to know it, before I can write it.

I had always been a fan of Katie Couric through the many years she worked on the Today Show. So when she was appointed as the anchor of the CBS Evening News, I tuned in despite my typical aversion to television news programs, feeling a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood for a woman trying to break boundaries. How could I know that just a few weeks into her tenure, a two minute story would provide me incredible fodder for my second book?

It was a feature story about the glassmakers of Murano. While other countries were vainly attempting to imitate the artistry of the centuries old craft, few had come close to revealing the secret of the glass—the particular formula that made Murano glass so exceptional. Laced throughout the story were snippets of Murano glassmaking history. One point in particular caught and captured my imagination: for hundreds of years the glassmakers of Venice were virtual prisoners in their own land, captives of their government, a powerful republic determined to keep the prestige and the profit produced by the glass for themselves.

The percussion of inspiration in my mind was as loud as a foghorn blast in the middle of starkly still night. Within a half hour of viewing the story, I had a two page synopsis written, a complete plot mapped out about a young Murano woman who must somehow save herself while protecting the ‘secret of the glass,’ a phrase that would become the title of my second book.

Other than what I had gleaned from the news, I knew little of Venetian history and that of the glassmakers, though I was enthusiastic to begin my research. Always a favorite part of the process for me, the subject matter would also take me to the land of my ancestors (of full Italian descent, I am but a second generation American as proud of the land of my antecedents as I am of my homeland). Having spent the previous year researching France for work on my first book (The Courtier’s Secret, Kensington, Feb. 09), I couldn’t wait for my time in Venice.

And there, between the pages that brought the old world to life, I found Galileo. I was unaware of how much time he had spent in the magical city, unaware how prominently the land figured into his story and he in Venice’s. I was astounded when I learned that, like myself, the professor suffered from a chronic illness. The more I read, the more sure I became that, had the astronomer been privy to modern day medicine, his diagnosis would have been auto-immune, like my own. I found kinship in his tale of determination, one echoed in the story of the land itself and the people that had made it so unique.

It became a daily thrill to tell their story, to give breath to these marvelous characters. On every page are the words their inspiration gave to me.

The Secret of The glass
By Donna Russo Morin

If you'd like to win a copy of The Secret of the Glass then just leave a comment and be a follower of this blog. Winner will be announced in 2 weeks.

Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 371

Rating: 5 Crowns

Synopsis:

From exotic sandstone palaces...

Sick of tragedy, done with rebellion, Emmaline Martin vows to settle quietly into British Indian society. But when the pillars of privilege topple, her fiancé's betrayal leaves Emma no choice. She must turn for help to the one man whom she should not trust, but cannot resist: Julian Sinclair, the dangerous and dazzling heir to the Duke of Auburn.

To the marble halls of London...

In London, they toast Sinclair with champagne. In India, they call him a traitor. Cynical and impatient with both worlds, Julian has never imagined that the place he might belong is in the embrace of a woman with a reluctant laugh and haunted eyes. But in a time of terrible darkness, he and Emma will discover that love itself can be perilous -- and that a single decision can alter one's life forever.

Destiny follows wherever you run.

A lifetime of grief later, in a cold London spring, Emma and Julian must finally confront the truth: no matter how hard one tries to deny it, some pasts cannot be disowned...and some passions never die.

Review:
This book started with a bang--the ship carrying her to India to meet her fiance was just lost to sea, along with her parents. Emma was the only survivor, hanging on to an overturned boat for dear life. Then, the book fast forward to a ball in Delhi celebrating Marcus (her fiance) and Emma's engagement. Here was where she met the "half-breed," rakish hero Julian Sinclair, the Duke of Auburn.

Emma was alone in the world, having lost her parents in the shipwreck and with her fiance's betrayal, she was trapped in India in the midst of a rebellion growing between the English and the Indian natives. She was able to escape the craziness of Delhi with the help of Julian. Yet despite the growing turmoil around them, Emma and Julian feel an intense attraction towards one another that quickly grew into love. She and Julian were able to elude the Indian army but with the war continuing to spread, Julian felt it was his duty to act as the liaison between the two warring sides. They got separated and lost each other for four years. They met again in London, but they were not the same people they were in India. Can they rekindle their love?

Despite the explosive prologue, I thought the book was a bit slow in the beginning but the action does pick up and I was caught in the story. Both Emma and Julian were complex characters as they were both emotionally scarred both from the war and their past. Julian was a dark, sexy, tormented hero, caught between two worlds. Emma was an independent woman of her time, a talented painter but was deeply affected by the lost of her parents and her experiences in the war. However, she was not afraid of letting out her feelings and tells it like it is without being a witch about it, which I really like. I thought the secondary characters were also well-developed, although the villain did fell a little flat towards the end.

This book is Ms. Duran's debut novel but she definitely knows her stuff. She writes like a veteran author with creating a hero and heroine that have many layers and the language of the book expressive in a way that you feel like you are experiencing India yourself through Emma's eyes. I felt for both Julian and Emma and rooted for their love and happy ending. This historical is dark, edgy and different from other historicals I've recently read. I think you'll like it even if you're not into historical romance. I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 crowns.




Visit Michelle at her blog Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks.

The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick

Genre: Historical/Romance

Copyright: 1999

Pages: 408

Rating: 4/5 Crowns

Synopsis: Unwanted and unloved, rebellious Miriel Weaver is forced to a convent by her violent stepfather.  Her plan to escape from the harsh life of a novice nun crystallises with the arrival of recuperating soldier of fortune Nicholas de Caen.  Miriel sees in his pride and self-sufficiency a kindred spirit and once he is well enough to leave, a way out.

The two part in Nottingham on bad terms which are to blight both their lives.  When they meet again by chance, they agree to call a truce - but the truce becomes first friendship and then a dangerous passion.  Almost too late, Nicholas and Miriel realise that the chain of events triggered by their first meeting could now ensure they never know the pleasure of living...

Review: As I continue to make my way through Elizabeth Chadwick’s backlist, I am repeatedly amazed at her ability to suck you into a story and keep you there until the end -which always comes way too soon. The Marsh King’s Daughter is no exception. Set during the early 1200’s, the story of Miriel (the granddaughter of a successful weaver) and Nicholas (the son of a minor noble who is now in the shipping business) is charming despite its sometimes predictability. An interesting thread that runs throughout is the whereabouts of the royal treasure that King John managed to lose towards the end of his reign.

As usual, Chadwick’s attention to detail immerses you in medieval life and more specifically, the wool/weaving/shipping business of the time. Miriel is not your typical romantic heroine – she steals, she lies and she manipulates her way to a fairly successful and decent way of life. And that’s why I liked her. It’s not that I would condone those types of activities, but Miriel is a survivor and given the miserable lot of most women, she found a way to rise above it and make her life her own to the greatest extent possible.

The majority of the book centers on Miriel’s life and the intervening time periods between the few points where she and Nicholas cross paths. We see Nicholas during those same time periods and get an idea as to the type of man that he is. But Miriel and Nicholas’ lives mostly run parallel to each other and as a result, I thought the romance between Miriel and Nicholas was one of the weaker points of the book – I didn’t totally get how or why they could be so attracted to each other.

Overall an enjoyable and entertaining story. So much so that one day while riding the bus home from work I almost missed my stop!

Visit Daphne at her blog Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff

To Sin With A Scoundrel by Cara Elliot

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Book One in The Circle of Sin Trilogy

Copyright: 2010 by Andrea DaRif

Pages: 237

Book Rating: 5 Crowns

Book Description: A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham, the Earl of Hadley is not accused of murdering anything—save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London’s newspapers.

Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl’s proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she had no choice but to make a deal with the Devil.
And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives—not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It’s a potent mix and the result may be explosive—and perhaps deadly—if they don’t watch their step.

REVIEW: What does a Scoundrel and a Scholar possibly have in common?  What could possible throw the most of unlikely of pairs together? 

Take one inquisitive scientist who for the past three years has been the talk of the ton--and not to her linking either.  Scientist extraordinaire, Lady Ciara Sheffield just wants to live her life in peace, but her dastardly in-law's will have none of it.  Running a slanderous campaign against her in the scandal sheets, she is known as The Murdering Widow, the TON believing she poisoned her late husband.  They will do anything to get their hands on her son's money and if that means by hook or crook or even murder they will stop at nothing.  Ciara is desperate to figure away out of her dilemma.

He is the notorious rake known through out the TON as mad-bad Hadley, Lord Lucas Hadley has lived a life like most of his peers.  Self-serving, arrogant and notoriously all ways landing his very fine physique in impossible garish and fundamentally wicked situations.  He's been beckoned back to London by his beloved scholarly uncle. 

One thing is for sure that Hadley will do anything for his guardian even if it mean hi-tailing his luscious derriere over said widow's wall.  It's all in the name of science or so he thinks.  Until the moment he lays eye on said-murdering beauty then all goes a muck like hell in a hand basket.  Pretend engagements are being broken, Hadley finds himself doing and acting like he's never has before.  Poor Ciara doesn't know which way to turn, not to mention she is having the most dreaded time stay focused on her task of interpreting the antique document when Hadley is around.  I ask, what is a poor girl to do?

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL is Cara Elliott's debut novel and will be released by Grand Central Publishing on March 1, 2010.  it is the first installment in the Circle of Sin series and is simply wonderful.  Ms. Elliot is firmly at home writing historical romance with her lush setting, whether they take place in the heart of London or in the country side of England.  Ms. Elliott also writes convincingly of the time and era of the Victorian belief that a woman's mind was better best concealed but her prose is intricately weaved through the love story.   The bond between Lucas and Ciara is rich in emotion, heart with steamy love scenes--a true page turner readers will mourn finishing.  I know I did.

Please make a note on your calendars as author Cara Elliott will be spending the day chatting and giving a copy away of "TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL" on March 1, 2010 at Romantic Crush Junkies.  Hope to see you there.  Happy Reading!   

Visit Christine at her blogRomantic Crush Junkies

Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 384

Rating: 4 1/2 crowns

Synopsis: Returning home to Cornwall after an unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress—and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.

She promised to show him how to love—and desire—again . . .

Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience—especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control—and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.

Review:
I'd read this book on the express recommendation of Alaine, Queen of Happy Endings. She literally put it in my hands and said 'You have to read this. NOW!' And who can say no to her...right? Certainly not me. And thankfully I listen to her most of the time because it was absolutely brilliant! An intellectual, dark and captivating romance - Captive of Sin is not to be missed.

Anna brings new meaning to the tortured hero with Gideon - a man who is crippled by his past and believes he will never again lead a normal life. The mental side-effects he suffered seemed so real while I was reading it, it led me to wonder if the author researched post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental disorders that effect victims of torture (watch the interview below for answers to this!). Needless to say, this depth and layering lends a complexity unlike much anything else I've read in a romance novel. I haven't read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie but reviews lead me to believe this could be similar?

The heroine, Charis is headstrong and courageous...everything we wish we could be in the face of adversity. Yes, sometimes she gets herself into trouble and she too is flawed but it is her stubborn nature that leads her to fight for the man she wants. It's funny because the beginning of the book starts with Gideon rescuing Charis and before long the tables have turned. It was fantastic to watch the development of her character.

This romance is very much centred on the mental battles of the main characters and is pinpointed very specifically on their interactions. While the author does allow the historical backdrop to infiltrate the story at times, this is still very much a fine example of a character-driven novel.

In some ways, it kind of reminded me of the ending of Pretty Woman where Richard Gere says 'So what happens after he climbed up the tower and rescued her?' and Julia Roberts says 'She rescues him right back.'. It left me with the exact same high. With its dark tones and formidable characters, this is one romance you're unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Here's a great interview with the author:

Visit Annie @ Reading, Writing & Ranting

Oldies but Goodies

About Oldies but Goodies
Sometimes old books can get a little lost in blogland among the piles of ARCs and new releases. So every week on a Sunday, we're going to be focusing on an old favourite - a book that was published at least 5 years ago and deserves to be recognised.

How to Participate
If you would like to participate, please feel free to leave a comment with your favourite Oldie but Goodie.

**Becky @ Page Turners runs a meme on a Sunday called Blast from the Past which has similar rules and themes as Oldies but Goodies. Becky's meme came about first and she picks some fantastic books so please pay her a visit.**

THIS WEEK'S OLDIE BUT GOODIE:

Title: The Velvet Promise

Author: Jude Deveraux

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 1982

Pages: 368

Synopsis: Stephen Montgomery came to Scotland a conqueror, saw Bronwyn MacCarran's beauty, and was vanquished. But still she would abhor him. Yet, while clan fought against clan, and the highlands ran with blood--their destiny was made. This mighty warrior pledged himself to his woman's pride, her honor and her name--and made of their love a torch to burn through the ages.

Why I love it: Hot off the heels of reading Outlander, I was given a copy of Highland Velvet to read. While it was very different to Outlander, it had a unique Scottish flavour and captured my heart within the first few pages. I have distinct memories of spending a lazy Summer between high school and university lying in our pool and immersing myself in this book/series. I think it's when I first became addicted to the HEA.

Jude Deveraux's Velvet series has to be one of the best medieval romances I've ever read. To me, it embodies what historical romance is really about - the characters are fierce, passionate people who fall in love in the middle of a challenging and bloody period of history. While you don't get the same sort of learning from these novels as you would an Elizabeth Chadwick, they certainly give you a vivid impression of the past without taking the focus from the romance.

Highland Velvet in particular is brilliant because of the fantastic clash of wills between the two main characters. I love that it's written about a female Laird and that the hero marries into a family where his wife is seen as the authority and power...it just appeals to my feminine ego.

The book reads with a pace that will carry you quickly through the pages...though you may want to linger on some scenes. Yes, it was written in the 80's so you can expect some differences compared to current historicals however I don't remember a ripped bodice...at least I can't remember one.

Is anyone else a fan of the Velvet series? What's your favourite novel of the four? Are you a fan of Jude Deveraux's contemporary work?

Visit Annie @ Princess of the Past

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2007

Pages: 293

Rating: 4.5/5 Crowns

Book Synopsis: Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

First Sentence: The girl was the first to hear the loud pounding on the door.

Book Review: Sarah's Key is a beautifully written story that alternates between the lives of Julia and Sarah. Two women who were born decades apart, in different countries. Two women who were effected by the Holocaust, one in a far greater degree. The alternating stories of these women was easily followed as their lives seamlessly and smoothly intertwined. Their stories spoke to my heart and mind.

As I became completely and thoroughly swept into the story, I learned about a horrible time in France's history,Velodrome d’Hiver Roundup ( known as Vel’ d’Hiv’) . The arrest of 3,031 men, 5,802 women and 4,051 children took place on July 16 - 17 1942. The injustice and indignities fell upon these Jews as they waited at Vel’ d’Hiv’, transported to the internment camp at Drancy and finally sent on to Auschwitz, to their deaths. The French police were directly responsible for the arrests and detention. This piece of French history was not taught about in schools, citizens did not talk of it, it was not nationally recognized. In 1995, The French President, Jacques Chirac officially recognized France's role in Vel’ d’Hiv’ Roundup.

**The foremost thing that I took away from this book is the resounding necessity to remember. To remember the Holocaust, to honor those who were the victims of a most horrible crime, who were treated as less than human and were cruelly murdered in the camps of Auschwitz. Those were detained and murder are not the only ones to remember as we should also remember those whose lives were personally touched by the victims. We should remember the family of the survivors as well as those who helped the Jews to escape the horrors of the camps. We should also remember those who helped the survivors piece back their lives. We should never forgot this horrible time in history.

**The author, while stating that she did not write Sarah's Key as historical fiction, did a wonderful job weaving the enormity of the Vel’ d’Hiv’ Roundup into the story through the fictional eyes of Sarah and Julia. The author instilled the feeling of current times as if the characters were historically real. There is depth and intrigue throughout the story.

I was swept into the emotions of Sarah and Julia's lives. I felt the confusion, horror and sadness. I wept.

Sarah's Key is a story not to be missed.
Zakhor. Al Tichkah.
(Remember. Never forget.)

Visit Deanna aka Ibeeeg at her blog Polishing Mud Balls

Women of Magdalene by Rosemary Poole-Carter

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2007

Pages: 288

Rating: 4.5 Crowns

Synopsis: After years of serving as a wartime surgeon, Robert Mallory is accustomed to soldiers missing limbs. At the Magdalene Ladies Lunatic Asylum, he learns that the women are missing pieces, not of their bodies, but of their lives. And he finds that his employer, Dr. Kingston, is also missing a part of himself: a conscience.

As Robert comes closer to understanding Kingston's part in the cruel treatment and sudden deaths of certain patients, Kingston abruptly sends him away. Robert must escort a patient, Effie Rampling, to New Orleans, and the journey transforms them both.

Review:
Women of Magdalene is at once disturbing, sickening, emotional and powerful but the most profound realisation comes from awareness that this fictionalised story is drawn from abuses and unimaginable horrors suffered by expendable women of this era. While railing at the inhumane behaviour of many in positions of power, I was also saddened by the quiet dignity of some of the poor souls least empowered, and encouraged by the few with compassion and conscience such as Doctor Robert Mallory.

"An affadavit, signed by Kingston, described Mrs Glover in vague terms as temperamental and a cause of unspecified 'distress' to her husband."

Husbands and families disposing of women for such sins as lethargy, violent outbursts, melancholy, refusal of marital duty, for being "quite a trial" and of course as a matter of convenience or to acquire inheritances. Confinement to lunatic asylums, at the cruel mercy of those dispensing bizarre treatments to drive out demons or laudanum to render patients docile was not an uncommon occurrence. Horrified by the practices within this so-called 'sanctuary' Dr Robert Mallory, questions, investigates, and attempts to champion the rights of those unable to protect themselves. Eventually making the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to right the wrongs perpetrated by Dr Kingston & Matron, caretakers of The Magdalene Ladies Lunatic Asylum.

Poole-Carter's writing has a measured, hypnotic quality that recreates the feel of the south, post-civil war, and a dark almost sensual mood laced with an undercurrent of suspense. It compels you to continue reading whilst your stomach recoils in horror and your heart rejoices in the small triumphs of good over evil. I thoroughly recommend this poignant novel to lovers of historical fiction.

Visit Rosemary Poole-Carter's webite to find out more about this author and her work.




Visit Teddyree at her blog The Eclectic Reader

Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 368

Rating: 3.5 crowns

I enjoy seeing novels that are based on the history that Shakespeare used to write his plays and this one was certainly enticing enough. Who wouldn't want to read more about Macbeth and his horrible queen? This story certainly goes behind the scenes of that notorious couple but in King's novel Lady Macbeth is no monster, only a woman of her times who needed to be a bit tough to survive. For the first time we are given a name for Macbeth's queen: Gruadh inghean Bodhe mac Cineadh mhic Dubh or Grudah (Rue) daughter of Bodhe son of Kenneth son of Duff. She has the blood of the Scottish kings running through her veins which makes her essential to those that want the Scottish crown; it also makes her a target for those that want to keep others from the throne. We watch Rue grow from a child to a strong and honorable woman throughout the story, dealing with many different struggles. Macbeth is actually her second husband in the novel and here he is a wonderful and strong leader, albeit with higher ambitions. It is intriguing to see behind the legends Shakespeare made to get at the truth and the bits and pieces of history that helped form his basis for the play. We see some of what we are familiar with from the play here in names of people and places and even some events, though spellings may be different or circumstances may have been altered.

We really see a lot more of these two characters made famous by Shakespeare though their portrayal here is quite different. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are shown as much more human, with feelings and emotions, love and honor. Rue is not a horrible, almost evil woman in the novel but a woman with honor and pride in who she is and in her country, a mother who wants to protect her son and his birthright, and a wife who wants her husband to succeed because he would be the best for the job. We really see the pride and honor behind the struggles for the Crown of Scotland. In this telling, there is absolutely nothing underhanded or wrong about the way Macbeth takes the throne - it is actually welcomed by the people of Scotland as he is a very strong and capable ruler.

This was a very interesting novel and it kept me wanting to read in order to find out how everything would tie together at the end but it just wasn't very "exciting" to me, despite all the magic, Viking raids, war, bloodshed, intrigue, and betrayal within its pages. It was just a more historical look at Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. There is nothing bad about the book just nothing very exceptional either. I can't quite put my finger on what was lacking in it for me because I really did enjoy the novel. It has absolutely fantastic details and descriptions of life and society in eleventh century Scotland. King's writing is wonderful and I had no problem envisioning the landscape and events described in the story. History and fiction are blended together beautifully and in a way that is very believable. I would certainly recommend readers pick this one up, especially if you like seeing the "truth" behind some very famous literary figures.








You can visit Robin at her blog The Lady Gwyn's Kingdom.

The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 384

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Book Blurb:

On the brink of revolution, with a tide of hate turned against the decadent royal court, France is in turmoil - as is the life of one young woman forced to leave her beloved Paris. After a fire destroys her home and family, Claudette Laurent is struggling to survive in London.

But one precious gift remains: her talent for creating exquisite dolls that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France herself, cherishes. When the Queen requests a meeting, Claudette seizes the opportunity to promote her business, and to return home...Amid the violence and unrest, Claudette befriends the Queen, who bears no resemblance to the figurehead rapidly becoming the scapegoat of the Revolution. But when Claudette herself is lured into a web of deadly political intrigue, it becomes clear that friendship with France's most despised woman has grim consequences.

Now, overshadowed by the spectre of Madame Guillotine, the Queen's dollmaker will face the ultimate test.

Review: Sounds great, doesn't it? I bought this book 60 seconds after reading the blurb and admiring the gorgeous front cover. I mean, the cover model almost looks like a little French doll herself in that gorgeous blue gown and the blurb promised me a plot that was as unfamiliar to me as the Tudor court once had been. And it was highly fascinating - many reviewers have praised the author's attention to detail and they're right too...for me it just lacked that something extra, that X-factor that makes you burn through the pages and leaves you breathless.

I found the subject matter - dollmaking in the French Revolution - to be particularly fascinating and I certainly feel intellectually enriched by reading this book. The author is careful to weave the story of Marie Antoinette into Claudette's life so that the reader has a frequent update on the unfolding of the revolutionary events. It was good going and relatively easy to read however the suspense and plot didn't reach fever-pitch to well close to the ending.

For me the main character, Claudette, was a little too perfect and a little too successful. Yes, some bad things happened to her but it really seemed that she didn't suffer any setbacks in her progression in the dollmaking trade and handled every obstacle with an expert intelligence beyond her years. While I like my heroinnes to be determined, it's the flaws that shatter their perfect facade which endear them to me. I know this opinion will be unpopular but I personally didn't feel there was enough authenticity to warrant a deep connection with Claudette.

I also found some of the behaviours of the minor characters to be incongruent. At times I was left wondering about the sudden changes in behaviour patterns and wondering where any indication of the violent streak that caused so much harm had been in earlier interactions the reader observes between them.

Regardless of my struggle to connect with the cast, I thoroughly praise this book for its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Refer to the back part of the novel and you will be greeted by an Author's Note full of intersting tidbits that verify the authenticity of her work (although the main character was not real).

I have read many reviews that loved this novel but for me, although it was enjoyable it wasn't amoung the best I've ever read. I would certainly read another book written by Christine Trent however I feel it was more the historical events themselves than the novel that made an impression on me in this instance.

Visit Annie @ Reading, Writing & Ranting

The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 2004

Pages: 229

Rating: 4.5/5 Crowns

Synopsis: (From Amazon) Drawing from decades of work, travel, and research in Russia, Robert Alexander re-creates the tragic, perennially fascinating story of the final days of Nicholas and Alexandra as seen through the eyes of the Romanovs’ young kitchen boy, Leonka. Now an ancient Russian immigrant, Leonka claims to be the last living witness to the Romanovs’ brutal murders and sets down the dark secrets of his past with the imperial family. Does he hold the key to the many questions surrounding the family’s murder? Historically vivid and compelling, The Kitchen Boy is also a touching portrait of a loving family that was in many ways similar, yet so different, from any other.

Review: The story is told by Misha - an old man who came from Russia and settled near Chicago. After the death of his wife, he figures his own time will not be far away and he tape records his childhood story as the kitchen boy to the Romanovs. He leaves the recording and a package of papers for his granddaughter Kate and hope she doesn't discover the real truth.


Misha - or Leonka as he was known then - went into captivity with the Romanovs along with a few of their other personal attendants. As his position indicates, he took them their meals and helped in the kitchen. He became in some ways a part of their family and conveys his thoughts and impressions of each member of the Romanov family. On the night the family is executed, Leonka is taken from the family and manages to escape. Upon Misha's death, his story begins to unravel to his granddaughter and she is convinced that Misha's "telling" of his story is not quite the truth. Through a somewhat hasty description of her efforts, she discovers that her grandfather's life held an even greater secret.

This is an intriguing story and full of twists and surprises right up to the end. Alexander is a great story teller and draws you into the lives of the Romanovs with lots of little historical details and facts and you come to know them as a warm, loving family who really had no idea about what was coming. At times the pace is a little slow and it seems like not much happens, but the ending more than makes up for it! This was the first book I read about the Romanovs and even though I knew the basics of their story, I was definitely inspired to find out more.

For more information about the Romanovs, I highly recommend a couple of non-fiction books by Robert Massie: Nicholas and Alexandra and The Romanovs: The Final Chapter.

Oldies but Goodies

About Oldies but Goodies
Sometimes old books can get a little lost in blogland among the piles of ARCs and new releases. So every week on a Sunday, we're going to be focusing on an old favourite - a book that was published at least 5 years ago and deserves to be recognised.

How to Participate
If you would like to participate, please feel free to leave a comment with your favourite Oldie but Goodie or leave a link to a blogpost you've done on the topic using the Mr Linky at the bottom of the post.

**Becky @ Page Turners runs a meme on a Sunday called Blast from the Past which has similar rules and themes as Oldies but Goodies. Becky's meme came about first and she picks some fantastic books so please pay her a visit.**

THIS WEEK'S OLDIE BUT GOODIE:

Title: Into the Wilderness

Author: Sara Donati

Genre: Historical

Copyright: 1999

Pages: 912

Synopsis: This highly praised novel follows the adventures of a woman in the late 1700s who joins her family in a remove New York mountain village, teaches the school children there, gets into conflicts with local slave owners, and meets a white man involved with the Mohawk Nation.

Why I love it: What the synopsis above doesn't really convey is that among the strikingly real drama of the 1700's this author has created a fabulous love story with her characters Nathaniel and Elizabeth. With throwbacks to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (without the time travel and the hot Scot) this first novel in the wilderness series is absolutely enthralling. It's a chunky chunkster but it is also deeply rewarding and I was surprised how quickly I actually got through it. That the author was able to create and sustain the suspense and develop the love story over that many pages is a testament to her skill and dedication.

When I read this, it was the first time I'd ever read a novel that explored the history of Native Americans and I was truly fascinated. I guess I'd never really learnt much about early American history and I felt that Sara Donati provided a very broad picture of the Mohawk Nation. The way the author used two outcasts as a vehicle to convey the conflict and heartache that divided the country was not only very clever but very compelling. It definitely reminded me of The Last of the Mohicans.

Plus, it has to be said that in my mind Nathaniel Bonner is hot stuff. Yet even without the delicious mental image his personality alone is downright sexy. Protective and loyal, affectionate and playful, clever and brave...I can see why Elizabeth fell in love with him so quickly...I certainly did! I like him ALMOST as much as Jamie.

The dialogue is witty, the story is surprising and suspenseful and there are scenes I still vividly remember more than a few years on (the waterfall scene!)...if ever there was a book that deserved more acclaim it's Sara Donati's Into the Wilderness. Fans of Outlander will love it and in fact, Claire even makes a little cameo in the novel.

The final novel in the Wilderness series, The Endless Forest, is in bookstores now.

PS Happy Valentines Day everyone :-) Hope you're spending it with someone you love.

Visit Annie @ Princess of the Past

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Genre: YA Fantasy

Copyright: 2007

Pages: 461

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: Incarceron – a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology – a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber – chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here.

In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison – a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device – a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn’s escape is born ...

---

Review: The story is shifted between two point of views, Finn and Claudia. One inside, one outside. There are mini cliffhangers at the end of each POV, and after a while they lose their impact, because obviously not every cliffhanger is a cliffhanger. However, I was pleasantly surprised when things finally came to a head. The climax of the story was possible and quite likely to happen, but Catherine Fisher masterfully crafted it such that it came not at the worst of times (which seems to be when everything happens).

Each chapter starts off with a play on long known legends, one of which gave me the laughs. Catherine Fisher gave a whole new perspective to the long known legend of Eve falling from Paradise after consuming the apple.

I enjoyed INCARCERON thoroughly. Readers can really see how Claudia learns to be more responsible, more accepting of her position as daughter of the Warden of Incarceron with her loyal tutor Jared by her side. Finn didn't grow as much as Claudia did. He is ever the eternal optimist when it comes to the Outside, but quite a pessimist when it comes to everything else. At times, his unswerving loyalty to his blood brother was astonishing yet understandable. Living in a place called Incarceron where the future literally merges with the past, the horrors are unlimitless.

This is a journey in story-telling readers should try. It has multiple twists and plots that make you wonder how Catherine Fisher managed to imagine all this at the age of 14. It just goes to show that age is no limit to creativity.

Thanks to Liyana for this fantastic review, visit her at her blog Liyanaland.

The Mirror Prince by Violette Malan

Genre: Fantasy

Copyright: 2006/DAW Books

Pages: 309 (trade paperback edition)

Rating: 2.5/5 Crowns

Book Description: Max Ravenhill was perfectly happy with his life as a history professor until he met Cassandra. Told that he was more than a thousand years old and had known Cassandra and her fellow Wardens all that time, that his life as Max was pure fiction implanted in his mind, and that he was being pursued by the Hunt and his only chance for survival was to flee to the realm of Faerie, Max can only assume that Cassandra is crazy-or he is. But soon it becomes all too clear that at least part of what she says is true. And unless he goes with her, he won't live long enough to separate the truth from the lies.

Book Review: Originally I bought this book because I thought it was part of Malan's Dhulyn and Parno series (though I'm not sure what convinced me of that), but found out pretty quickly it was its own stand alone fantasy. This is almost my dream come true set-up, but the problem is that its a set-up I've seen quite often in the last decade in young adult fiction. The 'hidden faerie royalty' plot has been beaten to death it sometimes feels like.

In all honesty I enjoyed the human-Max better than later as he regained his memories of being the Guardian Prince, Dawntreader. Its not that he changed for the worse personality-wise, but more I couldn't connect with him as much. Cassandra was hot and cold for me, but a lot of that had to do with a past history with Max that isn't fully explored. She did her job, she did it well, but she resented it a lot of the time, having wished to avoid Max as much as possible. I liked Max and Cassandra's interactions in the beginning, as he tried to convince himself she was the crazy one, she tried to convince him he needed to listen regardless and they both tried to fight their attraction.

I had trouble staying focused while reading the book, my mind kept wandering and I kept wanting to just stop reading, but once I start a book I finish it. Its not that the world wasn't interesting or I wasn't interested in the final battle between the Basilisk Prince (the bad guy) and Max, I just didn't have enough interest. The characters didn't feel real to me, so I didn't feel the suspense or shock that the author was trying to convey at times.

I much prefer the Dhulyn and Parno series by Malan. As a first novel I think this had a lot of potential, but fell flat where the characters were concerned, so that kept this from being a book I could really enjoy.

Thanks to Lexie from Poisoned Rationality for this review.

February Giveaway - The Iron King

This month on Royal Reviews we are giving away a copy of The Iron King, a YA Fantasy novel that has all of blogland talking.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

1) Just leave a comment on this post with an email address for an entry ~ no email, no entry ~ and make sure you've signed up for at least on of our challenges.

2) Competition is open to followers of this blog (if you're not a follower then click on the follow button in the right hand column.) No extra entries will be offered for tweets or posts this time around as the competition is restricted to challenge participants only.

4) Competition is open internationally.

5) Competition ends Monday 1st March 2010, winner will be announced on this blog in the Sunday Post that week.

Good luck!

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Genre: Fantasy/Arthurian

Copyright: 1987

Pages: 912

Rating: 5

I always love reading about King Arthur and this is, hands down, my favorite telling of the legend. In this epic novel Bradley tells us Arthur's story through the eyes of the women that loved and hated him, helped him and hindered him. Morgaine (Morgan Le Fey) and Gwenhwyfar are the two main narrators though Morgaine is the main protagonist in the story. There also sections told from other points of view: Igraine (Arthur's mother); Vivian, the Lady of the Lake; and Morgause, Morgaine's aunt and Vivian's sister. The novel spans a few generations, from Arthur's birth through his eventual downfall. We see how Morgaine is brought by her aunt Viviane to Avalon to train as a priestess and how much of the legend we are familiar with is their attempt to help Arthur while at the same time preserving their ancient ways. We get all the wonderful parts of the Arthurian legend here told in wonderful and breathtaking detail. Besides Arthur's story we also see the struggle in Britain between the Celtic, pagan tradition and Christianity, mainly through Morgaine's eyes as she tries desperately to save her Celtic culture. The two story lines (Arthur's and the religious struggle) are beautifully interwoven so that each affects the other. While the ancient pagan religion and magical practices do play a big part in this story I did not feel that they were too over the top or unbelievable; it is all very centered on the earth and nature.

Bradley's characters are extremely well developed and fascinating to follow. Morgaine, in most versions of the legend, is usually depicted as an evil, scheming sorceress while here she is shown as only trying to help her half-brother while saving her country and her religion. She was by far my favorite character; I could really sympathize with her throughout her many struggles in the novel. Gwenhwyfar is someone that I really did not like from the start. She is not a bad character but she goes from a very timid, mousy young child to a fanatically religious woman who believes her inability to give Arthur a child is God showing his displeasure over the existence of the pagan beliefs. At points she really can't make up her mind who or what she wants: Arthur or Lancelot? To believe in Morgaine's ways or to curse them? I really wanted to shake her a few times to help her make up her mind. Her pleas to Arthur really move him to turn his back on the pagan beliefs and this essentially becomes the catalyst that leads to his downfall. Morgause is really the villain in the story as she uses Morgaine and then Mordred as her tool to ruin not only Arthur but her sister Vivian as well. She is really ruthless and cunning in her constant struggle for power.

This is a truly wonderful and magnificent version of Arthur's story. Bradley's vivid descriptions of life and traditions during the Dark Ages and her intricate details of sights, sounds, and smells, really make the period come alive. You can almost close your eyes and see the Isle of Avalon appearing out of the mists. In my case, I wanted to be able to reach out and touch it. I would highly recommend this novel to any lover of Arthurian legends (it is quite long though so be prepared!) or to anyone who wants to become a lover of Arthurian legend.

*This was made into a TV mini series in 2001. It starred Anjelica Houston as Vivian.

Oldies but Goodies

About Oldies but Goodies
Sometimes old books can get a little lost in blogland among the piles of ARCs and new releases. So every week on a Sunday, we're going to be focusing on an old favourite - a book that was published at least 5 years ago and deserves to be recognised.

How to Participate
If you would like to participate, please feel free to leave a comment with your favourite Oldie but Goodie or leave a link to a blogpost you've done on the topic using the Mr Linky at the bottom of the post.

**Becky @ Page Turners runs a meme on a Sunday called Blast from the Past which has similar rules and themes as Oldies but Goodies. Becky's meme came about first and she picks some fantastic books so please pay her a visit.**

THIS WEEK'S OLDIE BUT GOODIE:

Title: Daggerspell

Author: Katharine Kerr

Genre: Fantasy

Copyright: 1986 (first publication with Doubleday)

Pages: 528

Synopsis: In a world outside reality, a young girl's spirit hovers between incarnations, knowing neither her past nor her future. In the temporal world lives Nevyn, who long ago vanquished the maiden's hand in marriage and forged a terrible bond between three souls. Now he must atone the wrong of his youth.

Why I love it: When I was younger, my Mum's bookcase was an object of absolute fascination to me. I often remember from my childhood right up until my teenage years, picking up a well-worn book from her shelf and reading the back of it or even the first few pages. The Deverry series with its mystical castle and warriors on the cover called to me stronger than any of the other books did (it probably helped that I knew our one-eyed cat was named Nevyn after a character in the books). Sometimes I would pick it up and just stare at the cover and imagine the story that lay within. As I grew older, I would attempt to read it but my flighty imagination would loose interest quickly because for a long time the text surpassed my reading comprehension. I must've attempted to read this book at least once a year until when I was 19, I finally picked it up and just kept reading.

And I discovered the world that had captivated both my parents. It felt like being let in on some secret - travelling a path they'd left behind and sharing something truly special. This was a brand new kind of fiction to me, one that exposed a twisted and complicated plot that completely blew my mind. And like my parents before me, I definitely wasn't the first to fall in love with the Katharine Kerr's Deverry series.

Fans have followed Rhodry and Jill from Book 1 - Daggerspell, published in 1986 right through to Book 15 - The Silver Mage (the last in the series) published in October 2009. In this series, Kerr has created a celtic-inspired world that uses the interweaving threads of time to tell a story unlike no other. As a reader, you are exposed to a non-linear story that deals with themes of time (obviously), karma, loyalty, vengence, spirituality and love. This truly is an epic series.

Apart from the naming of our poor one-eyed cat Nevyn and our cute dog Lovyn, the Deverry has inspired some other pretty creative fans. Check out the video clip below for a band called Black Symphony and a song they released called Jillyan (about Nevyn's relationship to her):

Are there any readers who have read all the way to Book 15 (or close)? I'd love to hear what you think of the series as a whole. I've only read up to Darkspell but plan to finish the series from start to finish this year.

Visit Annie @ Princess of the Past

Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

Series: Dark Days, book 1

Genre: Urban fantasy

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 384

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker -- an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed...and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt or be hunted.

But in a dimension just beyond the worlds boundaries, a banished race stirs dangerously, hungry for power, for domination, for vengeance. Already a protective seal has been breached: already blood flows like a river through the world's great cities.

And only the collaboration of two sworn enemies can save humankind...and its ferel brethern.

Review:

This is urban fantasy that had me pleasantly surprised. It is not just the eternal struggle between the vampires and the hunters. There are darker beings in this book, and my attention was caught.

Mira is a vampire, living in the US, away from the Coven and the vampire Elders. She holds the peace in her territory, and the thing about her is that she can create fire. A strange thing since that can kill vampires, and no other nightwalker has ever held this power. She is different. Then there is Danaus, the strange hunter that has been stalking her, and who would love to kill her. The chemistry between them is there, but it's being held back. Since he think all vampires are bloodthirsty monsters, and since she knows he would love to stake her. I can only imagine that the tension will continue to build, and it did make me want to read more.

There is also some werewolves in this book, and warlocks, so magic and strange things are out there, but humans do not know. And then we come to my favorite part of this book, the strange Naturi, those we call elves and pixies, of course they are nothing like that and they want to kill all humans and nightwalkers. There is also a even darker force, but those are not mentioned more than by word. But it is this rich history and mythology that makes this book great, ad which holds my attention. Drake has done well with creating a world that echo of long lost myths, and darkness hidden in shadows.

It is an easy book, not that much romance, but enough to tempt me that there might be more. Some fights, but in a way not too much action. It is hard to explain, there is action, of course, but at the same time there is this other tone in the book. About understanding, magic, and even older forces that keep us in place.

This was great Urban fantasy, and I want to read more about Mira, and the troubles she is facing as the Naturi wants to come back into the world. And who said it was easy to co-exist with your fellow nightwalkers either. It will keep you on your edge, and I do recommend this book to fellow UF fans out there. Mira is worth the chance, and I liked her at once.

Visit Linda aka Blodeuedd at her blog Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: Dark Swan, Book 1

Copyright: 2008

Pages: 361

Rating: 4 Crowns

Book Description: Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

Review:
Eugenie Markham is a powerful Shaman who banishes otherworldly creatures from our world for hire. She sends these fey, or gentry, back to their realm or to the underworld, if they’re too annoying. Things suddenly change and Eugenie finds herself being propositioned and attacked (at the same time) by the gentry – not to mention they know her real name and things she did not know bout herself. These new revelations force her to realise that the world isn’t as she’s always believed it to be. The gentry she has always been fighting against may just be her only source of answers.

This was an amazing read. You know its Richelle Mead from the moment in begins. Storm Born is the first in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series. Just like in the VA series, Storm Born has multifaceted characters you’re not sure whether to like or to throw a book at. Mead really has this ability to make the heroines really annoying towards the beginning..I almost didn’t read this one cause Eugenie got on my nerves, but then it got better.. a whole lot better...and I’m glad I stuck it out.

There are two love interests in this book, and with only book one to go by, I’m not sure where the story will lead or who is better for Eugenie. There’s the sexy kitsune fox shape-shifter Kiyo, and the fey King Dorian who gets very serious about his elaborate rope work. While I wouldn’t want to sway your opinion on who’s the better guy, let me just say that I’m offering to keep Dorian if Eugenie doesn’t want him.

The other characters in the book are pretty well drawn out too. There’s Tim, the fake Native American and Will, a paranoid conspiracy theorist…but best of all, there’s Volusian the ghost who was kinda like Eugenie’s voice of reason and at the same time wanted to kill her and constantly reminded her so in very elaborate words.

The world building in this book is great and easy to follow. The story has a good pace, and a riveting enough ending that you’ll want to have the second book in hand when this one is done. This was one of those books where I ended up having a character debate with myself on the motivations of the different characters in this book. Eugenie at times seemed like she was controlled by those around her (although she does manage to hold her own pretty well) Kiyo and Dorian, and just about everyone in the book actually seems to have their own agenda, and its fascinating wondering how it will all end. I count this as one of the author’s talents; you don’t usually come across books where there are so many shades of grey.

Go ahead and get a copy of this book, especially if you are an Urban Fantasy fan. But do remember to have book 2, Thorn Queen, at hand.



Visit Karyn at her blog Slip Carefully

Good Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Series: Jane Jameson book 3

Copyright: 2009

Pages: 304

Rating: 4 1/2 Crowns


Back Cover:

Nothing sucks the romance out of a world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels.  Jane Jameson's sexy sire Gabriel has always been unpredictable, but the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hallow--alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.

Now the children's- librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane.  Step One:  Get her newly renovated occult bookstore off the ground.   Step Two:  Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby...or litter.  Step Three:  Figure out who's been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel.  Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is suddenly becoming a matter of life and undeath... 

Review:

NICE GIRLS DON'T LIVE FOREVER by Paranormal Romance author, Molly Harper is the third in her "Nice Girls Don't" series.  I have to admit I am a sucker for a good vampire story, especially one that makes me laugh from the first page until the end.

Newbie vampire, Jane Jamison is on a world win travel excursion when notes are being left for her bad-boy-vampire boyfriend, Gabriel.  To say that the notes have drained the fun out of their getaway is putting it mildly.  Gabriel has taken it upon himself to leave Jane at the hotels and returning warn, weary and grumpy.  A girl can only take so many times switching hotel rooms at the drop of a hat.  Jane and Gabriel are so edgy it's no wonder she's on a plane heading home to Half Moon Hallow--alone.

Pulling herself together and ready to make a life with or with out Gabriel is hard at first for Jane.  But her friends rally around and hoping to distract her with her best bud and his wife expecting and the crazy Courtney Clones of the Chambers of Commerce Jane is putting Gabriel out of her mind.  That is until mysterious and creepy letters start to arrive.  Tack on the resident owner's ghost nephew has shown up on her door step wanting his inheritance back.   Okay, so throw in a dysfunctional family that really hasn't come to terms wth Jane being a vampire and you have one rip roaring read.

Molly Harper writes with wit and sincerity which are two combinations that I love. The moment I read the back cover I was drawn to the concept of a meek and mild librarian falling in love and being turned into a vampire.  Honestly, I'm use to reading about kick-ass heroines who fight demons, warlocks, witches and the undead.  But I love the fact that even thought Jane is a vampire she still has the growth spurts of drama through her life. She's trying to hold on to her boyfriend, run her occult bookshop with her amazing vampire and his girlfriend.  She is trying to be normal--as normal a vampire can be but she been invited to Half moon Hallows Chamber of Commerce where it's run by women--The Courtney's.  Along with that her family hasn't quite accepted that she likes her new life.

"GOOD GIRLS DON'T LIVE FOREVER" was so fun to read and it's characters are stong and alive and seem to jump off the page.  Jane Jameson might not be your rough and tumbled vampire that your used to that's okay with her. Be forewarned, you still don't want to tick her off because she would drain you before you count to one.  Honestly, I loved this story and it was a great book that had me laugh all the way through.   I can't wait to visit Half Moon Hallow again.

Enjoy!

Visit Christine at her blog Over the Edge Book Reviews

Witch Fire by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: Elemental Witches Book 1

Copyright: 2007

Pages: 278

Rating: 4 Crowns


Book Description: After a chaotic marriage and a rough divorce, all Mira Hoskins wants is stability and normality. But when sexy Jack McAllister enters her life, she discovers that what you want isn't always what you need.

Jack is a powerful witch with the ability to command fire and is anything but normal. As the head of a security detail for The Coven, a national organization that governs national witches, Jack has been assigned to watch over Mira. She is a natural born witch with the ability to call the air. And although she is unaware of her talent, a group of renegade witches has discovered her existence and are determined to steal her power--and her life.

Review: 

Witch Fire is one passionate read; hot, scorching hot, third degree burns HOT. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing ... hmm, ask me after I've  had a cold shower. The elemental magick theme and good vs evil storyline was really enjoyable but I would have liked to see a bit more plot development to balance out the sex, sex, sex.

The system of magick in Witch Fire is fascinating, each witch whether Coven (good) or Duskoff (evil) has an affinity with an element; air, fire, earth or water and their power is harnessed from that element. In order to protect Mira from the Duskoff Cabal, Jack, a powerful fire witch must train Mira to recognise and draw on her powers as an air witch. When things heat up, demon summoning, secrets and witchcraft politics get added to the mix of sex and magic ... and did I mention sex.

Mira and Jack's relationship is intense, plenty of sexual tension but not a lot happens in the first half of the book that isn't horizontal. The sex scenes are very well writtten, which is just as well since there are many, but don't worry, nothing tacky or cliched here. Just your everyday 'inferno' ... we all know that air fans and 'excites' fire *grin.* 

Try Witch Fire if you like a fun, sexy read, sure to raise your temperature.

Remaining books in the Elemental Witches quartet:
Witch Blood
Witch Heart
Witch Fury

Visit Anya Bast's website for news, blog, contests and free e-books.




Visit Teddyree at her blog The Eclectic Reader

Goddess of the Sea by: P.C. Cast

Genre:Paranormal Romance

Pages:368 pages

Copyright:2008
Book Rating:

Synopsis: Home alone on the night of her twenty-fifth birthday, U.S. Air Force sergeant Christine Canady yearned for something to cure her loneliness. After drinking too much champagne, she recited a divine invocation to revive her humdrum life. But how was she to know the spell would actually work?

When her plane crashes into the ocean, CC’s life changes forever. She awakens, bewildered, to find herself in a legendary time and place ruled by magic – and in the body of the mythical mermaid Undine. But danger lurks in the water, ready to swallow CC whole. Taking pity on her, the goddess Gaea turns CC into a damsel so that she might seek shelter on land. When a dashing knight comes to CC’s rescue, instead of falling for this dream come true, she aches for the sea and the darkly sexy merman who’s stolen her heart…

Review: 'Goddess of the Sea' is the first book in P.C. Cast's 'Goddess Summoning' series. I have read the entire series, and every single book is excellent. They all have P.C. Cast's flare and beautiful writing style. This series, unlike her 'House of Night' series is geared toward adults. The book itself is beautiful, with rich characters and descriptions. The book is packed with mythology, magic, the paranormal, and a delicious merman. Also, bust out the tissues, this is the first romance novel that has ever made me bawl like a baby, sad but true.

The plot moves at a fast, fluid pace, and contains enough action and magic to keep you on your toes. There is some time-travel as well, which is awesome, and the heroine is an Air Force sergeant which is super cool. I hadn't read a book with a military women as a heroine before, and I love it in this book. There is also a little bit of sensuality with enough heat to make you turn on the air conditioning at full blast. It sizzles.

The characters are my favorite part in this book. CC is a strong modern women who gets thrust back in to Medieval England; dealing with Medieval men when you were born past suffrage does not go over so well. Dylan, the male protagonist, is absolutely amazing. He is literally the perfect guy, he just happens to have a tail...most of the time at least. I was head over heels in love with him, no joke, he is amazing.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and gripping the book like your life depends on it. The action is awesome. The deities are awesome. The characters and setting are awesome. There is not one non-amazing thing about this book. Everyone (over 18 or with parental permission) should read it.

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