Book Review: The Hangman in the Mirror by Kate Cayley

The Hangman in the Mirror

by Kate Cayley

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Ages: 13 and up

I received an advance e-copy for review from Netgalley.

Description:

 

A strong-willed 16-year-old girl fights for survival in 18th-century North America.
 
Françoise Laurent has never had an easy life. The only surviving child of a destitute washerwoman and wayward soldier, she must rely only on herself to get by. When her parents die suddenly from the smallpox ravishing New France, Françoise sees it as a chance to escape the life she thought she was trapped in.
 
Seizing her newfound opportunity, Françoise takes a job as an aide to the wife of a wealthy fur trader. The poverty-ridden world she knew transforms into a strange new world full of privilege and fine things -- and of never having to beg for food. But Françoise's relationships with the other servants in Madame Pommereau's house are tenuous, and Madame Pommereau isn't an easy woman to work for. When Françoise is caught stealing a pair of her mistress's beautiful gloves, she faces a future even worse than she could have imagined: thrown in jail, she is sentenced to death by hanging. Once again, Françoise is left to her own devices to survive . . . Is she cunning enough to convince the prisoner in the cell beside her to become the hangman and marry her, which, by law, is the only thing that could save her life?

Based on an actual story and filled with illuminating historical detail, The Hangman in the Mirror transports readers to the harsh landscape of a new land that is filled with even harsher class divisions and injustices.

My Thoughts:

I love historical fiction and this sounded like a very interesting story in the genre. The author's portrayal of 18th century Montreal was stark and dirty with wonderful descriptions. The characters were well-written and very believable, but I never really clicked with them. Françoise is determined and intelligent, but she is also abrasive and manipulative. I never liked her quite as much as I wanted to.

Jean, the young man imprisoned next to her, complimented her personality very well. He had a mixture of fear and courage that felt very real. Except for a brief encounter and a glimpse or two, you don't see much of him until over halfway through the book. From the description this book sounds like a romance, but it really isn't. They do not profess undying love and they hardly know each other. But there is hope, and I love an ending with hope. I don't know if Françoise and Jean were happy, but I like to believe so.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic, gritty historical fiction with strong and interesting characters.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 3.10 for some mild swearing and one worse insult.

Sexuality:
I give it a 2.10 for references to prostitution.

Violence:
I give it a 5.10 for a hanging, death from disease and references to a duel.

                                     Lieder Madchen

Book Review: The Medusa Amulet by Robert Masello

The Medusa Amulet
by Robert Masello

Genre: Historical Fiction / Adventure / Thriller / Mystery / Fantasy / Mythology

Ages: 15 and up

I received an ARC of this novel through Goodreads.

Description:

What begins as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a twisting, turning tale of suspense and intrigue, a race against time that carries Franco across continents and centuries in a desperate search for this ultimate treasure—and a work of unimaginable power . . . and menace.

Aided only by a beautiful young Florentine with a conspirator’s mind and dark secrets, Franco is soon caught up in a life-and-death struggle from which there is no escape. Relentlessly pursued by deadly assassins and demons of his own, in the end he must confront—and defeat—an evil greater than anything conjured in his worst nightmares.

My Review:
This book was a fairly typical action-adventure story with a touch of the supernatural. The plot was interesting and the characters decently written, but there was nothing really special about it. The ending and the identity of the mysterious villain was very predictable but not unsatisfactory.

I rather liked the idea of the Medusa legend being used to give immortality. However, when you have all of the villains in history to choose from, why pick the most obvious? I mean, really, I probably would have guessed his identity even if there weren't a bunch of German-named bad guys running around.

The main characters were both likable and had pretty good chemistry. David was smart and interesting while Olivia was quirky and kind of fun. The only thing that ruined their relationship for me was their names, and that is purely personal. My brother, who is six years older than me, is named David. My sister, who is four years younger than me, is named Olivia. So the scenes where they were kissing - or worse - were just wrong to me.

This book wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me. I would recommend it as a light action thriller for a rainy day.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it an 8.10 for multiple uses of the f-word.

Sexuality:
I give it a 6.10 for a vague scene and a couple of fadeaways.

Violence:
I rate it an 8.10 for lots of violence, multiple murders, mutilations and general gore.

                          Lieder Madchen

Book Review #101: Pirate King by Laurie R. King

Pirate King
by Laurie R. King

Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery

Ages: 14 and up

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is the eleventh memoir of Mary Russell, but it is readable as a standalone novel. You can also read my reviews of The Beekeeper's Apprentice (book 1) and A Monstrous Regiment of Women (book 2).

Description:

In this latest adventure featuring the intrepid Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King takes readers into the frenetic world of silent films—where the pirates are real and the shooting isn’t all done with cameras.

In England’s young silent-film industry, the megalomaniacal Randolph Fflytte is king. Nevertheless, at the request of Scotland Yard, Mary Russell is dispatched to investigate rumors of criminal activities that swirl around Fflytte’s popular movie studio. So Russell is traveling undercover to Portugal, along with the film crew that is gearing up to shoot a cinematic extravaganza, Pirate King. Based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, the project will either set the standard for moviemaking for a generation . . . or sink a boatload of careers.

Nothing seems amiss until the enormous company starts rehearsals in Lisbon, where the thirteen blond-haired, blue-eyed actresses whom Mary is bemusedly chaperoning meet the swarm of real buccaneers Fflytte has recruited to provide authenticity. But when the crew embarks for Morocco and the actual filming, Russell feels a building storm of trouble: a derelict boat, a film crew with secrets, ominous currents between the pirates, decks awash with budding romance—and now the pirates are ignoring Fflytte and answering only to their dangerous outlaw leader. Plus, there’s a spy on board. Where can Sherlock Holmes be? As movie make-believe becomes true terror, Russell and Holmes themselves may experience a final fadeout.

Pirate King is a Laurie King treasure chest—thrilling, intelligent, romantic, a swiftly unreeling masterpiece of suspense.

My Review:

This novel had me doubled up with laughter multiple times. While most books in this series deal with darker and more serious themes, this one is downright silly at times. Mary Russell, esteemed scholar, detective and wife of the infamous Sherlock Holmes, is willing to do nearly anything to avoid her brother-in-law, including, reluctantly, joining the film crew of one of the most ridiculous productions ever. The motion picture is to be about a film crew making The Pirates of Penzance only to encounter real life pirates. So, of course, the makers of the film based on people making a film about pirates and encountering real pirates, encounter real pirates. Can't you just see the potential in such a plot?

This book featured a rich cast of unique and entertaining characters. Mr. Flytte, the director, is quirky, obsessed and very short. His second cousin, Geoffrey Hale, is the more sensible one. Then there is La Rocha, the piratical Portuguese man they hired to play the Pirate King...but is he really acting? And is he really Portuguese? Also, there is the plethora of blonde girls running around with fake constables and perhaps not so fake pirates. My favorite new character by far was Mr. Pessoa, the poet with multiple personality disorder and many names. He was actually a real poet, so I may have to go find some of his work now...

The story went along at a good pace and there was so much going on that I never knew what was going to happen next, though I did figure out the villain fairly early (or at least one of them). The clues were subtle and well-hidden throughout the plot. I loved the Byron quotes that kept cropping up, much to Russell's irritation. I do wish that Holmes had made more of an appearance in the story, but when he finally joined in the fun truly started. His disguise put his musical talents to very good use, and that is all I am going to tell you.

This book continues Ms. King's tradition of wonderful writing and complex characters and yet still manages to be completely unique. I would recommend it to lovers of mystery, light-hearted farce, pirates, film-making, poetry and...well, there is something in it for everyone. :)

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 2.10 for some very rare and very mild exclamations.

Sexuality:
I rate it a 1.10 for some mild hints.

Violence:
I give it a 5.10 for a couple of deaths and brief scenes of fighting.

                                     Lieder Madchen

Book Review #100: A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King

A Monstrous Regiment of Women
by Laurie R. King

Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery

Ages: 14 and up

This is the second of Mary Russell's memoirs, sequel to The Beekeeper's Apprentice.

Description:

It is 1921 and Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes's brilliant apprentice, now an Oxford graduate with a degree in theology, is on the verge of acquiring a sizable inheritance. Independent at last, with a passion for divinity and detective work, her most baffling mystery may now involve Holmes and the burgeoning of a deeper affection between herself and the retired detective. Russell's attentions turn to the New Temple of God and its leader, Margery Childe, a charismatic suffragette and a mystic, whose draw on the young theology scholar is irresistible. But when four bluestockings from the Temple turn up dead shortly after changing their wills, could sins of a capital nature be afoot? Holmes and Russell investigate, as their partnership takes a surprising turn.

My Review:

This is the darkest book in the series, and one of my favorites. Holmes and Russell have been together for years now, and their relationship is going through another change. Russell is now an adult and ready to explore. When she takes a case of her her own, Holmes has to take a step back and let her go her own way. This book is the one that really sets the tone of their future partnership. Holmes' understated yet very intense emotions come even closer to the surface when Russell is threatened, adding another layer to their already complicated feelings.

The character of Margery Childe is complex, unique and fascinating. She has such a mixture of passion, intelligence and ignorance. Her vibrant personality draws people to her like moths to a flame, including Russell. People around Margery are dying, but is she the one to blame? Margery's theological philosophy combined with Russell's expertise in the field lead to some interesting conversations that really get you thinking. Also, Margery is a wonderful illustration of both the pros and cons of extreme feminism.

Drug use plays a very important role in the story. First with young Miles, the fiance of an old friend of Russell's who has returned damaged from the Great War. Then with Russell herself. Not wanting to give anything else away, I will just say that the latter half of this novel becomes deeply personal and painful for both Russell and Holmes.

I became so engrossed in the characters of this novel, their flaws and imperfections, their emotions and reactions. This novel has some of the best character development I have ever seen. I would recommend this book to all lovers of mystery, historical fiction and well-written characters. It is not one to be missed.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence.

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I give it a 3.10 for some mild swearing and one instance of mid-level name-calling.

Sexuality:

I rate it a 2.10 for some innuendos and references to prostitution.

Violence:

I give it a 7.10 for multiple murders, kidnapping, and forced drug injections.

                                  Lieder Madchen

Book Review #88: Quintspinner: A Pirate's Quest by Dianne Greenlay

Quintspinner: A Pirate's Quest
by Dianne Greenlay

Genre: Historical / Fantasy / Pirates

Ages: 17 and up

I received a copy of this book through Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

Description:

As the daughter of a London physician in 1717, sixteen-year-old Tess Willoughby has seen her share of horrors and been to some of the city's shadiest quarters. But a simple trip through the chaos of a London marketplace takes a bizarre twist. Tess witnesses the murder of a renowned elderly seer and unwittingly becomes the mistress of the woman's prophetic spinner ring. Even worse, Tess's panic-stricken trip home leads her to discover a secret family history that shocks Tess to her core. Unable to give up the bejeweled ring, Tess must embark on a treacherous voyage to the pirate-infested waters of the West Indies. Trapped on a merchant ship and unwillingly betrothed to the murderer who covets the power of her ring, Tess finds strength and comfort in the company of a handsome sailor, even though this growing temptation will most certainly jeopardize their lives. Even stranger, she soon realizes that even though her fiancé is ruthless, he alone can secure her safety throughout their perilous journey. Thrust into a world she doesn't understand to fulfill a role she is only beginning to grasp, Tess questions everything she has believed up to now. Her only hope of saving those she loves is to accept her destiny. And yet, the strange influence of her spinner ring could change everything ... Full of high seas action, dangerous magic, and a dash of romance, Quintspinner is a swashbuckling adventure that twists and turns with the fury of a hurricane.

My Review:
I am not entirely sure what I was expecting from this book. Probably a light-hearted adventure with romance and derring-do and a splash of magic. Quintspinner was not at all what I expected. The story is dark and harsh, so cruel that it was at times painful to read, but I couldn't stop. No matter how awful it got, I had to keep reading to reassure myself that there was some hope for Tessa and Cassie and the others.

I really liked most of the main characters. Tessa was strong and interesting, William was likable and heroic. And Cassie, poor Cassie. I came to care for her the most, and I could truly respect how she stayed strong despite everything that happened to her. There was one thing that she did (can't tell you what, major spoiler) that disappointed me, but I could sympathize anyway.

Edward Graham was very intriguing. He started as a villain, and then perhaps he wasn't so bad, and then he was a villain again. It was difficult, even towards the end, to tell what his true intentions were and I am not entirely satisfied with the author's explanation of his motives. Perhaps in book 2...

No matter how much I liked the characters and the storyline, there were a few points that just grossed me out or made me shudder. The pirates in this book were in no way the "gentlemen pirates" that one finds in Errol Flynn movies. There was gore, cruelty, rape, torture and even cannibalism. While this makes them perhaps more realistic, it also makes the story more disturbing.

This book was a mixed bag for me. I liked the characters and story, but there were many elements that I disliked. Will I recommend it to all and sundry? Probably not. Will I read book 2 when it comes out? Probably yes.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I rate it a 4.10 for mid-level swearing.

Sexuality:
I give it a 6.10 for lots of references and a vague scene of rape.

Violence:
I rate it an 8.10 for murder, gore, battle, flogging, branding and brief cannibalism.

                      Lieder Madchen

Book Review #86: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie King

The Beekeeper's Apprentice
by Laurie King

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Ages: 13 and up, though an older reader would understand it better and not all of the later books in the series are appropriate for that age.

Description:

Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes' pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test.

My Review:

This is my favorite mystery ever. I have loved Sherlock Holmes ever since I watched the old black-and-white Basil Rathbone movies when I was a kid (well, more of a kid anyway), and from there I read the books. I thought it was the coolest thing that when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill Holmes, there was such a protest from fans that he was forced to bring him back. I think Laurie King would have been one of those fans.

In The Beekeeper's Apprentice, the author respects the original story and characters while making them all her own. What if Holmes' adventures were recorded by someone who could act as a full partner to him? Someone who understood his plans as he made them, rather than when they fell into place? That partner is Miss Mary Russell. Clever, young and neglected, she is the one to draw Holmes out of his dull retirement and bring his mind back to life. There are not enough words to describe how much I love the character Mary Russell. She is brilliantly logical with an impressive breadth of knowledge and insatiable curiosity as well as just a touch of youthful naivete. I found her to be realistic and easy to relate to.

Holmes...well, everybody knows the great Sherlock Holmes, but in this book you see a different side of him. Along with the famous detective, you see the man, who is more complicated and intense than ever before. The conversations he has with Russell on a variety of subjects are well thought out and fascinating. His words and actions reveal a tightly controlled passion. You also see his protectiveness of those he loves and his deep fear of making mistakes. This Holmes is more human than the original in the best sense of the word.

I loved the writing and the dialogue, both of which have a wry sense of humor winding through them. Drama and danger walk side by side with domesticity and ordinary life. The plot and mystery are almost secondary to the beautiful writing and intelligent conversations, but not quite. The plot was designed perfectly to fit Holmes and Russell as they evolve from teacher and student to equal partners. The difficulties they face test them on every level, giving the reader an opportunity to truly get to know them. The ending is far less important than how they get there.

This is a must-read for lovers of mystery, Sherlock Holmes and wonderful writing. I have probably read this book 5 times since I first discovered it 4 years ago.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

I rate it a 3.10 for mostly mild swearing.

Sexuality:

I give it a 1.10 for the briefest of hints.

Violence:

This book gets a 5.10 for murder and attempted murder.

                                     Lieder Madchen

Book Review #84: The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

The Wild Rose

Jennifer Donnelly

Genre: Historical Romance / Espionage

Ages: 16 and up

Sequel to The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose.

I received and advance e-book of this for review from NetGalley.

NetGalley Description:

The vast multi-generational epic that began with The Tea Rose and continued with The Winter Rose now reaches its dramatic conclusion in The Wild Rose.
London, 1914. World War I is looming on the horizon, women are fighting for the right to vote, and global explorers are pushing the limits of endurance at the Poles and in the deserts. into this volatile time, Jennifer Donnelly places her vivid and memorable characters:
- Willa Alden, a passionate mountain climber who lost her leg while climbing Kilimanjaro with Seamus Finnegan, and who will never forgive him for saving her life.
- Seamus Finnegan, a polar explorer who tries to forget Willa as he marries a beautiful young woman back home in England.
- Max von Brandt, a handsome sophisticate who courts high society women, but who has a secret agenda as a German spy;
- and many others.

My Review:
It took me a while to get into this book. It started abysmally with both of the main characters, Willa and Seamie, sleeping with people they didn't care about because they weren't with each other. I never really came to like either of them. Willa really annoyed me with her stupidity and Seamie with his selfishness. And poor Jennie (Seamie's wife), though she started out all right, was ruined by the pair of them. (With some help from Max von Brandt.)

Max von Brandt is what I would call a smooth operator, and I mean that in a slimy, unpleasant sort of way. I could understand his motives, but his methods made me hate him. There were times when I felt like the author wanted me to feel sorry for him, but I just couldn't.

Now that I have complained about all of the main characters, I have to admit that I really liked the minor ones. Fiona and Joe (Seamie's sister and her husband) are lovely, likable people with a fun daughter. They stand up for what they believe in and support their family. Likewise, Sid and India (Seamie's brother and his wife) are about ten times more likable and interesting than Willa and Seamie.

The Wild Rose has an interesting story set in a fascinating time. The characters rub elbows with Winston Churchill, Ernest Shackleton, and Lawrence of Arabia to mention only a few. The amount of name-dropping in this book borders on the ridiculous. World War I is one of my favorite time periods to read about, so I enjoyed the history. The plot is complicated and involves just a few too many coincidences for my taste, but it was still, for the most part, enjoyable. What I did not like was the adultery. I really, really dislike adultery. I don't care that he loved her before he loved his wife, that is no excuse for such behavior.

All in all, this book was okay. I disliked the main characters but the minor characters were good enough to keep me reading. There were some aspects of the story that I hated but others I really liked. I haven't read The Tea Rose or The Winter Rose yet, but I think I will like them better because they tell the stories of Joe and Fiona, Sid and India, who are my favorite characters in this book.

I would recommend this book to people who like long, complicated historical romances. I don't highly recommend it, but it wasn't bad. I would probably give it three stars.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
I give this an 8.10 for multiple uses of strong language.

Sexuality:
This gets an 8.10 in sexuality for multiple scenes of various explicitness.

Violence:
I rate this book a 6.10 in violence for battles, beatings and murder.

                                         Lieder Madchen

Book Review #77: Petra: City of Stone by T.L. Higley

Petra: City of Stone
by T.L. Higley

Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian

Ages: 15 and up

I received an e-book of this from NetGalley for review.

Amazon Description:

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.

My Review:

The city of Petra has always fascinated me, so I was very excited to read this book. The idea of a city built into solid rock is just marvelous. This book is not strictly historically accurate, but I have read worse. The author did a good job keeping the flavor of the times.

Cassia was an interesting heroine. She has suffered much in her life, and all she wants is to keep her son safe and by her side. When he is stolen from her, who will she turn to? Will she ask God for aid or will she give in to despair? Her doubts and difficulties were understandable, but there were a few moments when I wanted to smack her.

Julian was equally interesting. After the death of his betrothed in the arena, he fled to Petra to begin a new life. God is calling on him to lead, but that could mean giving up what he wants most. Though he is a firm believer, he has trouble accepting God's plan for him.

I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to others interested in Christian historical fiction and exotic locales.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence
1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:
There is no profanity in this book.

Sexuality:

I rate it a 3.10 for hints, references and an attempted rape.

Violence:
I give this book a 6.10 for murder, attempted murder and a scene of battle violence.

                                          Lieder Madchen

Book Review #63: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair

by Elizabeth Laird

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Ages: 13 and up

I reviewed this book through NetGalley.

Product Description:

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.

Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process.

My Review:

I had very high hopes for this book. It has a beautiful cover and is set in one of my favorite time periods to read about, not to mention it takes place in Scotland, but frankly it was a little disappointing. It took me a long time to actually get into the story and care about any of the characters but, when I did, it was enjoyable enough. I liked it, but I had hoped for more.

I liked Maggie. She is an interesting and human character who grows up so gradually you almost don't notice it, transforming from a shy, frightened girl into a bold young woman. It was easy to sympathize with her fears and frustrations.

None of the minor characters really caught my attention. They were all just a little too predictable and solid, never changing or doing something totally unexpected. I had hoped for something from Ritchie Blair or Musketeer Sharpus, but they fell flat. I could always tell what the villainess was going to do long before she did it.

This book was well-written with a bittersweet story, but I found it to be a little bland. I am not sorry to have read it, but it will never be a favorite of mine.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality and Violence

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

There wasn't any swearing, but there were enough insults that I give it a 1.10.

Sexuality:

There are some references and innuendos in this book, so I rate it a 3.10.

Violence:

This book gets a 5.10 for multiple murders and torture. I would have given it a higher rating, but you never actually see anything.

                                    Lieder Madchen

Book Review #57 The Ballad of Grégoire Darcy by Marsha Altman

The Ballad of Grégoire Darcy
by Marsha Altman

Genre: Regency Romance / Historical Fiction

Ages: 15 and up

Sequel to The Darcys and the Bingleys, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers, and Mr. Darcy's Great Escape.

Marsha Altman and Ulysses Press sent me an ARC of this book for an honest review.

SPOILER ALERT! Do not read unless you have read the three above-mentioned novels that take place before this one. The Ballad of Grégoire Darcy can technically stand on its own, but it will make more sense and be far more fun if you have read the others. :)

Publisher's Syopsis:

Whirlwind of Pemberley

The comings and goings on their grand estate present endless challenges for Elizabeth and Darcy. Can they avoid scandal given the recent arrival of Mr. Darcy's illegitimate brother Grégoire, Mr. Bennet's advancing years, the younger George Wickham's coming of age, and Dr. Maddox's departure from his position with the Prince Regent even as his many secrets threaten to be discovered?

Courtship of Mary Bennet

After her disastrous trip to the continent resulted in a passionate romance and an unintended child, Mary Bennet finds herself back in England, living with the shameful title of unwed mother. Having given up on ever finding love, Mary is shocked to find herself pursued by a proper gentleman. But are his intentions true, or is Mary being led astray by her heart once again?

Torment of Grégoire Darcy

Leaving his sheltered, peaceful life at a Benedictine cloister, Grégoire enters a world he never imagined. Thrust into Regency England's secular society, Grégoire is overwhelmed. How can an inexperienced, single man stay true to himself while finding his place in a culture obsessed with matrimony?

My Review:

This book was wonderful. Some parts of Grégoire's story were almost painful to read, they were so tragic. He was such an innocent at the beginning, and somehow, through all of his trials and tribulations, he retained that innocence. Despite being wounded and betrayed by those he loved most, his faith stayed strong. (Though he did engage in a couple of spectacular instances of sin.)

I loved the secondary characters in this book, particularly the children. Geoffrey Darcy, George Wickham, and Georgiana Bingley are now young teenagers, about to make their mark on the world. Georgiana has wonderful potential. I loved reading about mild-mannered Jane and Charles being bossed around by their stubborn daughter. I hope that she gets a novel of her own one day.

I enjoyed the Irish accents in the latter half of the book. I had fun trying to decipher the precise meanings, and I still have not figured them all out. What exactly does "fierce quare" mean? Eventually, I googled it to make sure my guess was right. (I was pretty close, it means "extremely strange.")

Elizabeth was witty, Darcy was perfect, Jane was sweet, Bingley was naive, Monkey was....wait, did I just say "Monkey"? Yes, a monkey has descended upon the hallowed halls of Pemberley, and Charles Bingley may never be forgiven. And, to top off a lovely novel, what would a Marsha Altman book be without Darcy rushing to the rescue of at least one of his many relatives?

This is a magnificent addition to my favorite Pride and Prejudice sequel series, and I would recommend it to all lovers of Jane Austen and regency romance.

Watch out for my upcoming giveaway of a copy of The Ballad of Grégoire Darcy, courtesy of Ulysses Press.

There may be some mild spoilers in the reasons for my ratings.

Content Ratings: Profanity, Sexuality, and Violence

1 (mild) through 10 (extreme).

Profanity:

There were several uses of the f-word in this book, though it was always deliberately misspelled, so I give it a 8.10.

Sexuality:

There were multiple fade-aways between an unmarried couple as well as some references and innuendos, so I rate it a 5.10.

Violence:

There were a couple of brief but disturbing instances of violence in this novel, including the murder of a child, so I give it a 6.10.

                                Lieder Madchen

Book Review #50 Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan
by Scott Westerfeld

Genre: YA Steampunk / Alternative Historical / Science Fiction
Ages: 10 and up

Prince Aleksandar Ferdinand was enjoying his late night at home while his parents were away when his tutors whisk him away for a "night practice." Soon Alek learns that this is just a ruse to get him away. His parents have been assassinated and now he, too, is targeted. He is forced to leave his old life and childhood behind if he is to have a chance at survival.

Deryn Sharp is determined to fly, but there is one difficulty. She is a girl. With some help from her brother, she dresses as a boy and enlists in the Service. Soon, she is a midshipman on the Leviathan and getting into more trouble than she could ever have anticipated.

With the aid of a sword-wielding count, a mechanik, Darwin's eccentric granddaughter, and many assorted strange creatures, they embark on a voyage of danger and excitement, with the occasional detour into the bizarre.

I liked this book. It is set at the very beginning of World War I, only the world is very different from how history remembers it. Huge, monstrous machines are used for transportation and war, and genetic engineering (called fabrication) has advanced beyond any level of probability. Whole ecosystems travel through the air. Scott Westerfeld has created a world that fascinates and delights the reader, or, at least, this reader.

This book was well written, though the new vocabulary takes a little bit of getting used to. What sort of curse is "barking spiders?" However, the quirky words and phrases added a bit of  fun to the dialogue. I loved the Derynisms.

Alek and Deryn are fun in their different ways, but this is a book where the world is more important than the characters. Alek is a little bit arrogant, but not painfully so, and he has a very clear sense of what is right and wrong. Deryn is highly entertaining. In her attempt to retain her disguise, she sometimes acts more like a boy than some boys do. Both characters are impulsive and have no sense of false modesty.

I have handed Leviathan off to my younger sister and Behemoth is awaiting me in my room. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Content Ratings:

This book gets a 1.10 in profanity for quite a few made-up swearwords.

There is no sexuality in this book.

There are several scenes of violence and death in this novel, so I rate it a 6.10 in violence.

                                              Lieder Madchen

Book Review #49 Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Mara, Daughter of the Nile
by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Genre: YA Historical Fiction / Romance / Espionage
Ages: 10 and up

Mara is a disobedient slave. She reads when she ought to be ironing and steals food in the market. For her behavior, she is often beaten but that doesn't stop her. Her life changes when she is purchased by a mysterious stranger who serves Queen Hatshepsut. He needs a clever slave who can work as an interpreter and spy on the queen's nephew, whom she suspects of rebellion.

On the same day, Mara encounters the charismatic Sheftu for the first time. He spotted her earlier in the marketplace and believes her to be a runaway. Using this belief as a lever, he recruits her to his cause as a messenger to Thutmose, the same nephew of Hatshepsut's that she has been ordered to spy on.

At first Mara sees this as an opportunity; she can give Sheftu up to her new master and gain her freedom. However, she finds herself strangely reluctant to do this, and so she plays both sides, telling neither one the whole truth. One day she will have to make a choice, and either one could cost her her life.

I love, love, love this book. It is wonderful to meet a character as vivid and intense as Mara. I love the delight she takes in being so devious, the triumph she feels at her own cleverness, the defiance she throws at the world. At first she wishes only for her own gain, but slowly she finds things she yearns for more than wealth and power. She is one of my favorite characters ever.

Anyone could fall in love with Sheftu. Enigmatic, witty, charming and handsome, he is determined not to be distracted by anything. He is so fervent in his beliefs that Thutmose will be good for Egypt. Not for the nobles, the land, or himself; Egypt. He is so focused, until, of course, a certain blue-eyed slave girl crosses his path and plays havoc with his carefully-laid plans.

The writing, the setting, the language, the dialogue, the characters, the romance, the adventure...Oh, this is a beautiful book! Technically, it is not the most historically accurate of tales, but when it was written there was very little known about Hatshepsut or Thutmose, so you can't really blame the author. After reading it I looked up what really happened. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Content Ratings:

There are many creative insults and callings-on of mythological deities, but nothing foul. I rate this book a 1.10 in profanity.

I give this a 1.10 in sexuality for some mild hints.

There are a few scenes of violence in this novel, including a scene of torture. I rate it a 5.10.

                                           Lieder Madchen

Book Review #46 No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull

No Shame, No Fear
by Ann Turnbull

Genre: YA Historical Fiction / Religion / Romance
Ages: 13 and up

Susanna Thorn is a Quaker during a time of great persecution in England. Quakers are being imprisoned, including Susanna's own father. Susanna has longed to go to a city for a while, so she volunteers to get work. A fellow Friend, Mary, runs a printing press and agrees to take her on as a servant. So Susanna sets of for the town of Hemsbury, and a new life.
Will Heywood is about to be apprenticed when he meets Susanna. His father hates Quakers and would never approve of their growing relationship, but how long can Will keep it a secret? Especially as he becomes as interested in the religion as he is in the girl. As the persecution grows worse their friends are arrested one by one and even their youth will not protect them.

I really liked this book. It is set in a fascinating time period and is about such a strong group of people. They are not any stronger in anyone in else in a physical sense, but their faith helped them to endure terrible hardships without fear.

I liked Susanna, but it was Will's storyline that interested me the most. He grew and changed throughout the story while Susanna remained basically the same person as she was at the beginning. A little older and wiser, but the same. I liked how the story told of Will's difficulties in facing his father. He was willing to brave the authorities and risk arrest for his new friends and faith, but he was afraid of how his family would react.

This story is less about religion than it is about those who's lives are changed by it. This is a book about human beings with ordinary lives who make ordinary mistakes, but their beliefs help them make it through the troubles and misunderstandings of ordinary life. They endure horrible persecutions, but the book always seemed to be more about the characters than it is about any of the bad things that happens to them.

I would recommend this book and its sequel, Forged in the Fire, to anyone who is interested in history, religion, or young people growing up.

Content Ratings:

I give this book a 4.10 in language for some insulting terms for women and brief mild swearing.

This gets a 2.10 sexuality for some mild references and innuendos.

This rates a 4.10 in  violence for several scenes of  brutality and beatings.

                                         Lieder Madchen

Book Review #34 Daughter of the Game by Tracy Grant

Daughter of the Game, aka Secrets of a Lady
by Tracy Grant

Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Espionage
Ages: 16 and up

Mr. Fraser is one of those unfashionable men who loves his wife, and his wife loves him back. They married seven years ago during the Napoleonic Wars. Charles worked for British intelligence and Melanie was a half-Spanish, half-French war refugee when they first met, and now Charles is a politician and Melanie is his supportive wife. Their life is turned upside-down when there six-year-old son is snatched from his bedroom. The man who took him believes that they have an artifact that belongs to him, one that Charles was sent to find in Spain seven years ago. Both Charles and Melanie have dark secrets in their pasts, secrets that they had hoped to forget but must now face if they are to save their son's life. But when one can hardly trust the other and even their closest friends may betray them, how can they have any hope of success?
This novel is rather dark and absolutely fascinating. Charles and Melanie are two of the most interesting characters I have ever read about. They are both strong, intelligent, determined people who have suffered true horrors in their lives. The interaction between them is probably the most important part of the story. They trust each other's abilities completely, as well as their mutual devotion to their son, Colin, but when Melanie reveals that nearly everything Charles knew about her was a lie nothing between them will ever be the same.

This gets a 4.10 for language, as there are multiple uses of the impolite word for illegitimate and other insulting terms for females. Most of these terms are not actually used as insults but rather as statements of fact.

There are multiple murders, attempted murders, a past suicide and references to past rape so I rate it a 6.10 for violence.

I give this a 5.10 for sexuality because of references, innuendos, some vaguely described memories of a wedding night and an interrupted scene between a married couple. The characters also visit a house of ill-repute in the course of their investigations.

                                          Lieder Madchen

Book Review #31 The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Running Vixen
by Elizabeth Chadwick

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
Ages: 16 and up

There were two children who grew up together, a boy and a girl. They loved eachother as brother and sister...or at least she did. Adam came to love her differently, but Heulwen didn't see him that way and married another man at fifteen. Ten years later, her husband is dead and she is soon to be betrothed to a man she likes but does not love. It seems impossible that Adam can change her mind in time, but when he learns that her suitor has a dark secret, it seems like he might have one last chance to win her.
This is not my favorite of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels, there is too much sex and not enough history. The characters are as interesting and likeable as ever, but there story is somewhat painful to read. (Especially a certain scene when a certain fiance comes barging in to discover a certain man and woman with a certain lack of clothing, it was quite messy.) Ms. Chadwick's later novels seem to be an improvement on her earlier ones, the writing doesn't change but the stories improve.

I give it a 6.10 in profanity for two uses of the f-word and several milder swearwords and insult.

There are a couple pretty graphic scenes of sexuality and several that are more vague or fade away as well as references and innuendo, so I rate it a 8.10.

There are several scenes of pretty bloody violence as well as a vague scene of rape, so I rate it a 7.10.

                                                      Lieder Madchen

Book Review #27 Men of Iron by Howard Pyle

Men of Iron
by Howard Pyle

Genre: Historical Fiction
This book is suitable for all ages but it is not a children's novel, and it would especially be a good read-aloud for a young boy.

Myles Falworth and his family have been exiled since he was a child, so he was raised in a small town rather than the castle of his birth. At sixteen, he is sent to the household of the Earl of Mackworth to serve as a squire. There he is taught the knightly arts and gets into more than his fair share of boyish scrapes and battles. It is only when he is grown to full manhood that he is told the truth of his father's banishment and outlawry. He learns that his family has a powerful enemy and that he is their only hope for justice.
This book was assigned reading for my medieval studies several years ago and it has been one of my favorites ever since. I love the language with all of the "wherefores" and "comeths" and such. The character of Myles is brash and bold and very human, so it is easy to sympathize with him. The romance in this novel, though it doesn't play a very large part, is very sweet. Many might find this book to be rather old-fashioned, but I like it. :) Besides, what isn't to like about a book where the villain has the fantastic name of William Bushy Brookhurst, which is guaranteed to send any kid into gales of laughter?

I give it a 1.10 for language, for some absolutely ancient and completely inoffensive cursing.

There is no sexuality in this novel.

There are several scenes of violence, involving swords, jousting, bullying and a trial by combat. I rate it a 5.10.

                                            Lieder Madchen

Book Review #22 The Falcons of Montabard by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Falcons of Montabard
by Elizabeth Chadwick

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
Ages: 16 and up
The hero of this story is the son of Simon de Senlis of The Winter Mantle by Elizabeth Chadwick

Sabin FitzSimon is a reckless young man with a dangerous reputation with women. When his shenanigans get him beaten and the woman he was with killed, he is full of guilt. He goes to a tavern to drown his sorrows and a man ends up dead in a tavern brawl. His mother and stepfather decide that this is his last chance and they send him with Edmund Strongfist, an honorable knight, to the Holy Lands. Sabin is warned in no uncertain terms that he is to stay away from Edmund's lovely young daughter, but will he be able to avoid Edmund's dissatisfied new wife as well?
At first I was not at all sure if I liked Sabin's character at all but slowly he gained my sympathy. He slowly grew up and learned restraint and, eventually, had the chance of a true, strong love the likes of which he would never have been able to earn before. The secondary characters were also magnificent.
I loved the setting of this novel. I had never even heard of King Baldwin of Jerusalem before, let alone that he had so many adventures.

There are several uses of insulting terms in this novel, so I give it a 4.10.

There are a few scenes of pretty graphic sexuality, some vaguer scenes and fade-aways, and some rather blunt and sometimes crude references and innuendos for which I rate it a 8.10.

There are several fairly bloody battle scenes as well as a rather brutal beating, so I give it a 6.10.

                                                  Lieder Madchen

Book Review #20 The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

The Tudor Secret
by C.W. Gortner

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance / Mystery / Espionage
Ages: 15 and up

Brendan Prescott is a foundling of unknown birth. Raised by the Dudley family, he is a lot smarter than most give him credit for. At the age of twenty, he is sent to the court of Edward VI to serve as the squire of Robert Dudley. Edward VI is ill, probably dying, and his sister Elizabeth Tudor has come without permission to visit him. From the first moment Brendan set eyes on her face and she smiled at him, he was lost. He soon finds himself caught up in intrigues and dangers far beyond his experience. He does not know who he can trust, but with only a light-fingered stable boy and a feisty lady's maid to help him, Brendan is determined to serve and protect the princess and perhaps discover the secret surrounding his own past.
Normally I am not a big fan of the Tuder era, but I quite liked this story. Brendan Prescott is an interesting character with a dark past and many secrets, which is my favorite sort of protagonist. I also love historical espionage, stories about the people in the shadows who shaped history without their names ever being known. There are some liberties taken with historical fact, but the author was considerate enough to list the changes he made in the back of the book, which I like.

There are some pretty foul insults in this novel, as well as a use of the f-word. I give it a 5.10 for profanity.

There is a vague scene of sexuality between an unmarried couple, it doesn't fade away but it is brief and doesn't go into specifics. There are also some rather crude references and innuendos. I rate it a 6.10.

There are some scenes of violence, mostly just people beating up on each other but a couple that are worse. There are also some references to torture. It rates a 5.10.

                                                     Lieder Madchen

Book Review #19 The Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw

The Beacon at Alexandria
by Gillian Bradshaw

Genre: Historical Fiction
Ages: 13 and up

Charis is a wealthy young maiden of Ephesus, she is lovely, intelligent and altogether obsessed with the art of medicine. With the help of her brother and her old nursemaid, she flees marriage with a brutal man who accused her father of treason and tortured her friends. For her, it turns out to be the chance of a lifetime. She disguises herself as a eunuch and travels to Alexandria, the world's capitol of medicinal knowledge. Apprenticed to a true Hippocratic, she enters a world of wounds, herbs, illness and dissections, and she found that practicing the art of healing was what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
Eventually, she found herself working as the personal physician to Athanasios in his last months of life. When he passes away, Alexandria is thrown into turmoil. There are riots in the street and Charis, called Chariton, is right in the middle of it all.
Gillian Bradshaw is brilliant when it comes to capturing the feel of ancient times. Athanasios is fascinating, as is the theological war that was waged between the Arian and Nicene factions within the Christian church of the time.
I confess that I have always found stories in which a girl disguises herself as a boy to be immensely entertaining, and this one was more realistic in the sense that she was pretending to be a eunuch rather than an entirely male person. I always love the moment of dawning comprehension when someone inevitably discovers the truth, especially if it is the person the lady is in love with. :) There are several parallels to Twelfth Night in this novel, and as a lover of Shakespeare I liked that. (There is a character named Duke Sebastianus who came from Illyria, as well as a few scenes with clear Shakespearean influence. However, the story and romance are completely different.)
This book also has a couple of rather different and unusual marriage proposals, some more welcome than others. :)

The language is pretty mild, the s-word is used a few times but not as an expletive so I give it a 3.10.

There are a couple of scenes of violence, several references to torture and an attempted rape so I give it a 5.10.

There are several sexual references and some innuendos as well as a fade-away and some unwelcome touching, so it rates a 5.10

                                              Lieder Madchen

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011

This challenge can be found on the wonderful Historical Tapestry Blog. Historical Fiction is probably my favorite literary genre (with Fantasy as a very close second). I love to find interesting stories that inspire me to go look up what really happened.
My goal is Severe Bookaholism: 20 books.

Here is what I have got so far:
1. Cleopatra's Heir by Gillian Bradshaw (Ms. Bradshaw graciously agreed to an interview, which was awesome.)
2. The Champion by Elizabeth Chadwick
3. Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson
4. The Blackstone Key by Rose Melikan
5. The Counterfeit Guest by Rose Melikan
6. The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner
7. The Falcons of Montabard by Elizabeth Chadwick
8. Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
9. The Love Knot by Elizabeth Chadwick
10. The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick
11. Daughter of the Game by Tracy Grant
12. No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull
13. Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
14. The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy by Marsha Altman
15. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
16. The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Blair
17. Petra: City of Stone by T.L. Higley
18. The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
19. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie King
20. Quintspinner by Dianne Greenlay
                                           
                                             Lieder Madchen