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Showing posts from 2024

Helen of Troy by Margaret George: A Book Review

Helen of Troy Author: Margaret George Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Berkley Release Date: 2006 Pages: 636 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: Acclaimed author Margaret George tells the story of the legendary Greek woman whose face "launched a thousand ships" in this New York Times bestseller.      The Trojan War, fought nearly twelve hundred years before the birth of Christ, and recounted in Homer's Iliad , continues to haunt us because of its origins: one woman's beauty, a visiting prince's passion, and a love that ended in tragedy.      Laden with doom, yet surprising in its moments of innocence and beauty, Helen of Troy is an exquisite page-turner with a cast of irresistible, legendary characters—Odysseus, Hector, Achilles, Menelaus, Priam, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon, as well as Helen and Paris themselves. With a wealth of material that reproduces the Age of Bronze in all its glory, it brings to life a war that we ha...

Queens of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #4) by Melanie Karsak: A Book Review

Queen of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockpunk Press Release Date: October 29, 2024 Pages: 364 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: In the shadows of the hollow hills, a queen's destiny unfolds.      Britain, AD 38. Having defeated her enemies, Queen Cartimandua works swiftly to stabilize the north. But not all foes yield quietly. Forces move in the shadows to destabilize the Brigantes. Working to root out resistance, Queen Cartimandua finds an unlikely ally in deposed Prince Venutiux—much to his wife’s dismay. Even with King Eddin’s support, facing an unnamed enemy proves difficult. Darkness, in the shape of an eagle, looms for them all.      Yet even amongst the chaos, a glimmer of hope persists. As Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag chart their new life together, a bright future seems wi...

The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar: A Book Review

The Peasant King Author: Tessa Afshar Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Biblical Fiction, Romance  Publisher: Tyndale House Publishing  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 376 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: Jemmah has always thought of herself as perfectly ordinary . . . until she faces extraordinary circumstances.     When her mother, the Persian king’s famous senior scribe, is kidnapped, Jemmah and her sister must sneak undetected into enemy territory to rescue her. But infiltrating their adversary’s lands proves easier than escaping them. Fleeing through dangerous mountain passes, their survival depends on the skills of a stranger they free from prison: a mysterious prince named Asher.      Asher is not who the world believes he is. Despite his royal blood, he has had to climb his way out of poverty to forge success from nothing. A manufacturer of some of the best weaponry in th...

Murder at the Seven Dials (Bow Street Duchess Mystery Series Book #1) By Cara Devlin: A Book Review

Murder at the Seven Dials (Bow Street Duchess Mystery Series Book #1) Author: Cara Devlin Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Romance  Publisher: Cara Devlin  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 304 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: The romantic historical mystery series readers are devouring begins with Murder at the Seven Dials ...      A murdered opera singer. A duke drenched in her blood. For Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden, the brutal killing is a straightforward case. Ever since his own exile from polite society, Hugh’s distaste for the ton has grown. Now, an opportunity to take down a peer of the realm has practically fallen into his lap. The only thing standing in his way? Audrey Sinclair, the Duchess of Fournier.       Audrey is certain her husband is wrongly accused, and she’s determined to prove it to the arrogant Bow Street officer, even if she must e...

The Granddaughters of Edward III by Kathryn Warner: A Book Review

  The Granddaughters of Edward III Author: Kathryn Warner Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Pen & Sword History  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 310 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: Edward III may be known for his restoration of English kingly authority after the disastrous and mysterious fall of his father, Edward II, and eventual demise of his mother, Queen Isabella. It was Edward III who arguably put England on the map as a military might. This show of power and strength was not simply through developments in government, success in warfare or the establishment of the Order of the Garter, which fused ideals of chivalry and national identity to form camaraderie between king and peerage. The expansion of England as a formidable European powerhouse was also achieved through the traditional lines of political marriages, particularly those of the king of England’s own granddaughters. This is a joint biography ...

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) by Diana L. Paxson: A Book Review

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) Author: Diana L. Paxson Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy  Publisher: Ace  Release Date: 2007 Pages: 416 Source: My State Public Library Synopsis: Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' ( Publishers Weekly )      Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.              My Review: Ravens of Avalon is a prequel to Mists of Avalon . In this installment, it tells the story of Queen Boudica. Boudica trains with the priestesses of Avalon. When she is of age...

Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan: A Book Review

Mademoiselle Eiffel Author: Aimie K. Runyan  Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks  Release Date: September 10, 2024 Pages: 365 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From the author of The School for German Brides and A Bakery in Paris , this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century Paris tells the story of Claire Eiffel, a woman who played a significant role in maintaining her family’s legacy and their iconic contributions to the city of Paris.      Claire Eiffel, the beautiful, brilliant eldest daughter of the illustrious architect Gustave Eiffel, is doted upon with an education envied by many sons of the upper classes, and entirely out of the reach of most daughters. Claire’s idyllic childhood ends abruptly when, at fourteen, her mother passes away. It’s soon made clear that Gustave expects Claire to fill her mother’s place as caregiver to the younger children and as manager o...