I loved the idea but overall the execution was exceptionally poor and maddening. I was not looking for such a feathery flimsy attempt at a captivating area of history. I wanted meat and all I could taste at the end of reading this was whipped pudding. The story moved along at a disappointing pace that just seemed to float over the most exciting or moving parts and lost a pristine opportunity to capture my attention in regards to the sinking of the Titanic or even the rescue and focused more on the cliché love interests. The book then just turned into a shallow anticlimactic dull pail of opportunistic muddle after this but I persisted through the pages because I really wanted to love this novel. In regards to my decision to read The Dressmaker, I knew exactly what I wanted when I requested this title. I wanted to relax and experience some emotion while reading a well researched historical novel, but within only the first few chapters the only emotions I found myself experiencing were frustration and an overwhelming compulsion to apologize to my local library for requesting this (and then they in turn permanently purchasing this thinly disguised fiction for their shelves). I believe once I found the first blatant historical inaccuracy that should have been the first and last clue I needed to abandon this inevitable sinking ship. In regards to the characters, sadly they were just wooden and predictable. The wealthy were cruel and haughty (and always written in smoking a cigarette at a crucial moment of the story, smearing red lip stick or primping in front of any reflective surface) and the poor and middle class were just sprinkled in, with expected and cliché side stories involving descriptions of the lovely aromas of cabbage and urine. The only interesting gray character was continually described with having "an ample stomach" (not flattering when the character is actually an interesting woman in history) and seemed to make a rushed cameo appearance at the most irritating times. Besides the lack of characterization, I cringed and rolled my eyes at times with the dialogue and lackluster romance of the main character. Finally, supposedly exciting Historical moments were handled with an overly sugary approach that came off as something just tossed in; to make the unfortunate reader believe that they were still floating above the early 20th century. One positive or worthwhile aspect that came from reading this fluffy book was the absolutely mesmerizing Sea Trials of the Titanic. The Dressmaker made me race in all directions to learn as much as I could about the aftermath of the Titanic tragedy. In the end, I was yet again tricked by a pretty book cover and clever description/summary that ended with me spending hours reading a flimsy romance book that was marketed at an opportunistic time. Maybe by writing this review, I may be able to save some potential reader. To any potential reader, the advice I will leave you with is: borrow this title if you must absolutely read this. -Reviewed in April 2012, review written April 2012/ copy of THE DRESSMAKER borrowed from local library Although This House is Haunted entices the reader with the requisite components of an old fashioned ghost narrative, and on some levels accomplishes the suspense and mystery that consists in some of the classics of the Gothic literature era; it all ends with a clear distinction that crosses the line into the contemporary versus staying true to the era. It really disappointed this reader to find this distinctive line crossed, and in anticipation of the season I really desired a Victorian inspired Gothic tale that was more treat than trick. The supreme positives of This House is Haunted were: the author's ease with Victorian dialogue, atmosphere, creating mystery and the unknown opposed to relying on gore and shock to capture the reader's attention, the understated messages of family and devotion and finally an entertaining spin on explaining the supernatural. On the other side of the coin however, the negatives were mainly caused by the aforementioned use of modern thinking that crept into the main character's actions and musings, the final dramatics, the absurd end resolution and the overall predictability that was caused by clear foreshadowing that haunted every other chapter. Do I regret my decision to spend my nights with This House is Haunted? No, I do not. The novel held a flickering of the read I anticipated ever since I saw the synopsis advertised and I suppose I could recommend This House is Haunted to those who are just looking for a Gothic themed novel but for those who are looking for something a little more, you may be disappointed. -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/October 2013 A generally captivating read and fictional story of Mary Mallon and the infancy of Epidemiology Perfectly thought-provoking and fascinating from a medical stand point, a study of early 20th-century human behavior and an all-around engrossing historical read, Fever is a fictional account about Mary Mallon and her unfortunate claim to fame as America's first identified asymptomatic carrier of Typhoid fever. The reader is immediately plunged into the controversial years surrounding Mary Mallon's service record as a hired cook for some of New York's elite and powerful, the atmosphere of the era is then introduced describing in detail the unsanitary conditions of New York and the gloom, expected death and sickness that sadly was a common occurrence of life. And then finally the reader is spun around to reexamine and question if Mary Mallon was really a victim of the times she lived and became a target for the growing hysteria and paranoia already directed toward the Irish or simply a callous stubborn woman who thumbed her nose at the medical community and continued to spread the bacterium Salmonella Typhi through her unhygienic cooking techniques? History and medical journals has painted Mary Mallon only one way and now we have another opportunity to reexamine the woman behind the infamous name, in Mary Beth Keane's Fever. In the end, I thought Fever was a generally captivating read and fictional story of Mary Mallon and the infancy of Epidemiology. I was immediately drawn by Ms. Keane's use of description and flare with storytelling. At the same time however, the story did sputter at times and became bloated with uninteresting characters and chapters. The theme seemed to shift from medical-historical fiction to unexpected romance that contained anachronistic dialogue, phrases and actions. Another view of the cat-and-mouse games that crept into the story would have been a great alternative to the romance. Still Fever is an overall noteworthy debut that should find its way on the shelves of those who are interested in the history of disease, fictional accounts of the misunderstood scapegoats of history or those who just love a good story. -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/October 2013 What begins as a fervent knock on a herald's door on a cold rainy night in Elizabethan England sets off a complicated Gordian knot of events that must be untangled by one determined preselected man who could ultimately destroy the English monarchy and rewrite history. Sacred Treason (Clarenceux Trilogy, #1) is an intricate maze of a religious and political novel which sets a slow deliberate pace for the characters (and the reader) to decipher vital clues and illustrates the historical and religious unrest that consumed the inhabitants of 16th-century England. In the heart of the novel we have the mystery of the chronicle, a book comprised of enigmas and dates that holds the key to the ultimate undoing of the English crown. The author captures the minute details of the era and adds authentic touches with proper dialogue, the historical relevance of the central mystery and showcases several examples of the overall human conditioning / belief system of the time. Although the novel glows with its attention to detail, setting and entwining with Arthurian lore, it does unfortunately lose that glow and tarnishes with regards to the characters and generally the pacing of the action and story. An intriguing idea of a novel (that is based on some truth) but I'm sorry to say I will not be reading any sequels. -read and purchased on kindle Also in this series: The Roots of Betrayal (Clarenceux Trilogy, #2) by James Forrester The Final Sacrament (Clarenceux Trilogy, #3) by James Forrester -EGP/September 2013 Ain't We Got Fun?--Yes we do with The Impersonator From the opening page to the final chapter, The Impersonator embodies the essence of one of the novel's central themes-Vaudeville. The audience will be entertained with a family oriented story that lacks cheap thrills and shock value and delivers pure talent and delight. The eager reader will discover a cast of characters that are fully formed and portray the year of 1924 (the young are plucky and determined to enjoy life to the fullest while the older are more reserved, provide the needed voices of reason and are reminders of a forgotten era that was governed by restrictions and traditions). From the opening pages of The Impersonator, we follow the narration of a never say die anti-heroine who has as many secrets and mysteries in her past as the ones that dog her journey and keep returning like a bad penny. In the heart of this novel is the question: what ever happened to Jessamyn Beckett Carr? A classic fictional mystery worthy of the show the reader may have a hard time looking away from that is Mary Miley's The Impersonator. So ladies feel free to bob your hair and grab your cloche hats and fellas grab your dollface and fire up the flivver because Ms. Miley is sending us back to the 1920's. In the end, this was a fresh novel that takes a different approach with the reader. Although mysteries and crimes are spread throughout this fast-paced novel, the narration focuses more on the importance of collecting vital clues and balances discovery with elements of mystery and the "unknown" versus the gruesome and shocking. Fascinating historical details are shared with the reader that kept this reviewer centered to the era and sneaking away from life to join the adventure that waited on her Kindle. So why only 4 stars? Although a fun, absorbing read The Impersonator provided more themed and historical entertainment than a total unpredictable read but still ends as an overall enchanting debut novel that many historical mystery admirers will enjoy. -read and purchased on kindle Also in this series: Silent Murders (A Roaring Twenties Mystery #2) by Mary Miley Renting Silence (A Roaring Twenties Mystery #3) by Mary Miley Murder in Disguise (A Roaring Twenties Mystery #4) by Mary Miley -EGP/September 2013 Breathing life and putting flesh and bone on names/figures we vaguely remember from History lessons, is a challenge for any Historical fiction writer. Add to this challenge of generating raw interest and empathy from the reader and maintaining an even balance of fact versus creative fiction, if the author can accomplish these you have a real page turner. And that is exactly what the potential reader will experience with Shattered Crowns: The Scapegoats by Christina Croft. This is the first in the series about the branches of royal families that ruled Europe after the mentioned death of "The Grandmother of Europe" Queen Victoria and the challenges of balancing sense of duty to their appointed and adopted countries/regions and distinguishing themselves from those who ruled before them opposed to their sometimes all consuming preservation of family. In the background of the opulence and pageantry we witness the political and religious games of those who use the "Majesties" as figureheads and the "scapegoats" of histories tragedies, that may leave the reader wondering just who controlled the thrones of Europe. Shattered Crowns: The Scapegoats solidifies why I love Historical fiction- you close the pages and realize you learned something. Historical names are abound in this work and are sure to resurface memories of footnotes and long gone forced historical reports that we as adults sometimes wish we had not neglected. You may have missed the opportunity to appreciate history as a child but you can now reexamine those eras of history in a captivating novel that is a pleasure to experience. Shattered Crowns: The Scapegoats is a fantastic example of that opportunity to learn and appreciate history for a second time. -read and purchased on kindle Books in this series: *Shattered Crowns: The Scapegoats (Shattered Crowns Trilogy book 1) by Christina Croft Shattered Crowns: The Sacrifice (Shattered Crowns Trilogy book 2) by Christina Croft Shattered Crowns: The Betrayal (Shattered Crowns Trilogy book 3) by Christina Croft -EGP/August 2013 "Tell me the truth", repeatedly throughout The Thirteenth Tale the reader is confronted with this phrase. The truth builds gradually to reveal an odd tale that may leave the reader applauding for more from this debut novel. With such an intriguing plot and elements that pay homage to the cornerstones of the Gothic Literature era and an out of the ordinary weaving of: drama, mystery, long concealed family secrets and sins- abandon the notion of an obvious predictable read where all mysteries can be solved within the first three chapters. In The Thirteenth Tale, dark secrets and intertwined puzzles stay buried deep within the pages and slowly reveal themselves to the patient reader. In the end, I was immediately drawn by the magnetic description and poetic prose of Ms. Setterfield. Sadly at the same time, these descriptions and prose required the reader to sit patiently and wait for rambling discussions, passages and thoughts to end and move further into the story. As the tale untangled itself and created additional obscurity and drama, the abrupt interruptions between tiresome narration and shared stories caused slight annoyance for this reviewer. Although in a way I can understand their purpose to create suspense it just confirms my overall impression- a lot of patience is required from the reader. Still an engaging read and a noteworthy debut that should be praised, The Thirteenth Tale is a well polished novel that left this reviewer with feelings of completion and anticipation for Ms. Setterfield's next novel (Bellman & Black). -Reviewed in August 2013, review written August 2013/copy of THE THIRTEENTH TALE borrowed from local library When a modern-day discovery is made in the remote forests of Russia, a cross country journey and an almost century old mystery collide in a riveting collaboration of conspiracies and secrets. The reader is immediately captivated by one narration that spreads seamlessly into the past and resurrects the voices of ghosts of an era drenched in misery and desperation. An era ruled by tradition and opulence fighting for survival against the progression of change and a bloodthirsty movement that ultimately executed the final dynasty of Imperial Russia. Or are history books about to be rewritten? Based on a mystery that has fascinated the rest of the world for 95 years, The Romanov Conspiracy centers on that one question that haunts the back of historians and the alternative minds: what really happened in that cellar? With noteworthy historical research that coincides with an entertaining fictional tale of "what if", The Romanov Conspiracy is fast paced adventure that creates hours of enjoyment for the Historical fiction enthusiast. Whether the potential reader is looking for an absorbing plot that contains palpable tension created by traditional drama populated by dynamic personalities or a collection of well placed research that examines and questions real historical events; these are sure to be found in The Romanov Conspiracy. In the end, I was extremely surprised by my reaction--I really enjoyed this novel. The attention to and explainable research had me applauding Mr. Meade. The positives far outweigh the negatives on this read. -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/July 2013 The Iron King is an outstanding example of haunting historical fiction, the first of seven novels that this reviewer is now eager to appreciate. With all the shadowy depths of political intrigue, corresponding court and the turmoil that eventually devoured those figures of the 14th century, The Iron King had me reading long into the night. The Iron King is a fast paced saga that is sure to entertain as well as enlighten readers on the brutal savagery and corrupt practices conducted within Europe in the 14th century. A warning to the eager reader, The Iron King is light on character building and focuses more on: plot, drama, successions of revenge, murder, graphic torture and its political "necessity". Abandon all notions on finding a fluffy read here, Mr. Druon has left a dramatic stamp on the historical fiction genre that will stay with the reader days after finishing. -read and purchased on nook then repurchased for kindle Books in this series: *The Iron King (The Accursed Kings, Book 1) by Maurice Druon The Strangled Queen (The Accursed Kings, Book 2) by Maurice Druon The Poisoned Crown (The Accursed Kings, Book 3) by Maurice Druon The Royal Succession (The Accursed Kings, Book 4) by Maurice Druon The She-Wolf (The Accursed Kings, Book 5) by Maurice Druon The Lily and the Lion (The Accursed Kings, Book 6) by Maurice Druon The King Without a Kingdom (The Accursed Kings, Book 7) by Maurice Druon -EGP/July 2013 God Save the King is a mixture of well researched fiction that splits into multiple viewpoints that may leave the reader with a feeling of closing well spent hours on a surprising anti-fairy tale. The novel delves into the shadows of an overlooked branch of the British monarchy, and swirls around the choices and projected obligations of characters in the faces of chaos, illness and tradition. Although choppy at times in pacing and jumping unexpectedly forward in years and location, God Save the King creates a swift read that pulls the eager reader into the heart of the 18th and early-19th century English Court. With transitioning of chapters that center around one out of the three main characters, passages take on beautiful symbolic meaning and almost seem poetic in description. At times over dramatic but still overall enchanting, the novel weaves detailed history, complex relationships and even some religious undertones into a surprising good read. -read and purchased on nook Also in the series: Mistress of the Court (Georgian Queens, #2) by Laura Purcell -EGP/June 2013 The Nightingale Cipher is a brilliant historical thriller that revolves around London at the end of a turmoil filled year of 1752. With classic action, authentic dialogue, character dramatization and a truly fascinating plot; The Nightingale Cipher may have been missed by quite a few readers. Expect the unexpected with this novel, as we follow Miss Alice Taylor from Exeter Court to Queen's Square (and everywhere between) as she hears the bells of the surrounding churches sound the countdown to the answers of the nightingale cipher and the identity of the anonymous being only known as "Jupiter". Political intrigue and classic mystery captures the attention of the reader as Mr. Clear weaves a sinister tale that leaves the reader gasping for air on the final page. In the end, I was seriously surprised how well this novel ended. It captured my attention from the first sentence to the final. The action filled scenes never stopped but had this perfect flow that didn't impede on a fascinating story line. The author has a talent with description that leaves a vivid mind racing with the characters as the twists and turns of this novel gallop onward. The only negative that I can report, is the somewhat over exaggeration on a few scenes and slight believability, but those can be forgiven with such wonderful unforeseen dark twists that will catch even the most seasoned reader off guard. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/June 2013 With the essentials and a perfect overall Gothic atmosphere that mirrors some of the classics of the genre: Lady Audley's Secret, The Woman in White and even a nod to Rebecca, The Asylum is a tale that may find its way to the top of many Gothic Victorian admirers' reading lists. The novel provides superb description and story building that may have the reader finishing this novel in one sitting. Mr. Harwood has captured the Victorian timeline complete with research of many elements such as believable dialogue, enlightenment on the psychological and psychosomatic beliefs and practices of the time period and created an intriguing tale all swirling around the obscurity and oddly this still ended in disappoint for this reviewer. The novel starts with classic mystery narration but then ends with a rapid procession of unbelievable coincidences that may be justified with the saying "stranger things have happened". True, stranger things have happened but The Asylum is a novel that crosses into the saying "stranger tales have been told". With all the positives there are negatives that must be shared with the potential reader. Unfortunately, the latter parts of the novel did not match the first and the tension sagged with the introduction of the "twists" in the second part. The utmost potential of the setting seemed to be not fully utilized and became lost with the progression of the story. The anticipation of confronting darker themes were introduced and used briefly but then were overshadowed by a string of confusing out of place scenes. True, the ending does end with the unexpected but the ending also concludes with more questions than answers. The last regrettable observation is the modern belief that updated novels that so carefully try to pay homage to the classics must include a shocking scene or a parade of scandalous scenes and The Asylum plays with those notions (and depending on the reader may enjoy). With the positives barely overbalancing the awkward negatives, I'm sorry to say The Asylum is a tossup to be a must-read or be placed on a list to wait to borrow at the local Library. -read and purchased title on kindle -EGP/ June 2013 I have arrived at the realization that a book I do not regret reading, captures within the first half and charms me long after the lamp chain should be pulled for the night. Although, my realization may seem common sense, there always seem to be books that weaken my attention in the beginning, then radiate at the last page unexpectedly stay within my thoughts days after and then there are "combination" books like The Painted Girls. This novel started with such brilliance easily attributed to Ms. Buchanan's finesse with the voice-over of the simple storyteller or in this novel's case two narrators. Descriptions of the sinister rues of 19th-century Paris combined with the graceful yet unsavory veneer of the ballet stage created a premise that this reviewer could not look away from. Historical facts and elements created an unforeseen education on: culture, coquettes, guillotines, art and the whole early atmosphere of the book brought back my own memories of awkward childhood attempts at the "barre". Even though the novel sparkles with the aforementioned use of many essentials, atmosphere, plot and reminiscent of any recommendable Historical Fiction title holds its own beautiful flow with commendable transition from light and dark topics of history and human nature. This overall brilliance finished in sheer disappoint when the tension in the middle sagged, any possible buildup wavered between the two story lines, palpable disturbing events were introduced and repeated and then finally The Painted Girls came to abrupt frenzied ending that left more questions of arrival than an actual feeling of completion. -read and purchased on my nook -EGP/March 2013 Allow your mind to escape from the stereotype of "Fantasy" I never considered myself an admirer of the whole Fantasy genre. There was always a fine line I would never cross over. However, I think I have stumbled onto something very special with A Game of Thrones and the whole A Song of Ice and Fire series. I was pleasantly surprised with this work. Never have I read a book where the chapters are separated into individual characters points of view, centered around that one character and their whole environment-it was very refreshing and brilliant of the author. I have found a little patience is asked of the potential reader when first entering the world of the Seven Kingdoms. The separate chapters and introductions of key characters may seem never ending, but with some interest and an open "trusting" mind follow Mr. Martin into his ever growing epic. However, if you find yourself completely lost with keeping which characters are "direwolf", "lion", or "stag"--flip to the back of the books and discover complete lists of houses, families, alliances, brief descriptions (believe me it will serve the new reader well to reintroduce themselves after finishing one book and moving onto the next). In A Game of Thrones, I overall adored the plot and was fascinated with the research that paid homage to medieval elements: the weapons, clothing, feudal system, battle scenes, war tactics, geography etc. It all just flowed beautifully where you believed you entered into a realistic world with minute touches of whimsy. On the note of "whimsy", I am happy, relieved and thankful to report to any interested readers that there were no to a few cliché fantasy characters/species. A Game of Thrones (as well as the whole series) is full of betrayal, adventure, drama, mystery, and classic revenge. I found myself gasping when thrilling and dismal surprises touched heroes and villains alike. Throughout the novel(s) the evidence of "grey" characters was an unexpected change from the usual light and dark personalities. The reader will also find that Mr. Martin has a talent to capture and bottle the element of foreshadowing (every "symbol" has a meaning that will resurface with a flash and a boom as the reader progresses into the ever growing plot). I must also note that, it has also come to my attention that Mr. Martin has based his brilliant series on actual history or to more specific the Wars of the Roses and possibly even pulls events and pieces from the hardly mentioned Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War- this creates interest, curiosity for many more topics and events to be explored by any potential reader (you will love History again). The only part(s) in this book (and series) that keeps it becoming a solid 5 star rating (for me) are the graphic sex sections and modern vulgar language. At first, I tried to remember history/ancient beliefs, human conditioning from the Medieval stand point and the warped entertainment expectations of today (sadly, sex sells). All of the needless scenes and language all seemed to sum back to something that unfortunately had to be there to push the realism and sell the product. Realism and product marketing aside, I must confess after awhile the graphic scenes and cussing (that seemed to come out of nowhere) started to wear on me and I desperately wished them gone from my vivid imagination. All negative aspects aside, I am very happy I stumbled upon this series and highly recommend for those readers who wish to escape from the stereotype of "fantasy". -Reviewed January 2011, review written 2011, first read and purchased on my nook then purchased title for my kindle Books in this series: *A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2) by George R.R. Martin A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3) by George R.R. Martin A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4) by George R.R. Martin A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5) by George R.R. Martin *Last two books have no release date set and titles may change before final publication The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire, #6) by George R.R. Martin A Dream of Spring (A Song of Ice and Fire, #7) by George R.R. Martin The Painted Bridge supplies the reader with more of an emotional and symbolic view that lies heavily on the poetic messages of: love, hope, courage, faith, religion, and family. All wonderful and beautiful qualities and I applaud Ms. Wallace for blending this light with the background darkness of a Victorian Asylum, but sadly this combination became an overall beige tone in the end. First the positives and neutrals, the attention to historical research showed beautifully and blended seamlessly to create some interesting details. I believe the historical research saved the novel and final impression for this reader. The final messages of The Painted Bridge are uplifting but at the same time almost cross the lines into sappy fairytale. I am delighted to report to any potential reader, the lack of expletives or smut laced references (that I can recall at this moment- that was a pleasant surprise). The evident dark parts were tastefully done but were placed at the end and a lot of predictable filler or tedious build up had to be tolerated. In regards to the lyrical poetry of a few passages, I again applaud Ms. Wallace; her lines describing a descent into madness may move a few readers but also may confuse many (which brings me to the negatives). At times, The Painted Bridge tended to ramble and slow to a crawl in plot development and left unanswered questions from a few plot and character holes, because of this a lot of patience is asked of the potential reader. Along with that patience, the reader may be jarred out of a couple chapters by anachronistic phrases. Delving deeper, the heavy symbolism became tiring and caused this reader to look for side notes in the margins; also the fragmented poetic lines could be cryptic and caused me to read passages repeatedly to somehow grasp any hidden meaning. I still don't comprehend quite a few to be honest. In regards to the characters, character development and personalities were limited and a few cliché character traits showed up to my annoyance, many readers may laugh but the character's names (especially last names) were just wrong and silly to the story and the reader (again I refer back to the over saturation of symbolism and odd play with words). Finally, I'm sad to say that The Painted Bridge was predictable, heavy foreshadowing contributed to the predictability, any lingering suspense sagged in the middle and the mysteries that were introduced throughout were weak and concluded too quickly within a few chapters. -Reviewed in August 2012, review written August 2012/ copy of THE PAINTED BRIDGE borrowed from local library An unfortunate retelling of a miracle in medical history While I can appreciate the symbolism and attention to historical detail something was sorely lacking with Accidents of Providence. Sadly, I struggled with this title reading a few pages at a time and thinking to myself, maybe I should read something else. The book seemed to ramble and repeat each chapter and the only breakup of the monotony were tossed in unexpected lust scenes, which at times were more ridiculous and laughable than anything. The romance and magnetism between characters didn't seem believable. The characters were a little flat and not one could be considered enjoyable. Finally, exciting events or any buildup had this annoying habit to abruptly stop because of some silly almost gimmicky cause. *The ending was totally unbelievable, however, believe it or not after doing some research it is based on actual truth! Research (after you read the book, otherwise you will spoil the shock of a miracle in medical history) the story of a maid servant named Anne Greene in the 1600's. All negative aspects aside, I loved this book's descriptions of the grittiness and darkness of the 1600's. This author has a gift to transport the reader to the deep recesses of this time period and hold you there with vivid descriptions of smallpox, Diggers, superstitions, squalid early prisons, public executions and the color of sea foam. I may read another book from this author because of her attention to detail and talent with imagery; but please not another "hidden" romance. -Reviewed April 2012, review written April 2012/ copy ACCIDENTS OF PROVIDENCE borrowed from local library While all the ingredients were there to create a dazzling retelling of a story that is based on actual events, it just fell flat on its delivery. My regrets for requesting this book began within a few chapters. Sadly, I had an impression that Ms. Gregson didn't know exactly what to do with her main character, she is described several ways a few chapters and contradicts this all the next. This flip-flopping of personalities and traits was rather annoying and delayed me really caring what happened to the main character. The other characters were just as maddening, and by the end I wanted it just to be over with. The lack of historical details were puzzling, we are supposed to feel the time period and imagine ourselves in 1916 and few years after but I kept stopping and thinking this story could be set anywhere. Not once did I read any event or could pin-point the time period. Also, what I really found the book lacked for me was a full in-depth self-examination of the characters. I wanted to know the ultimate "why?" of the character's actions. I wanted to come away after reading maybe understanding something of the dark side of the pushed human mind but my hopes were dashed and only were answered with the continued anachronisms, unexpected filthy language and yet another descriptive domestic abuse/rape scene from this work. In the end, The Angel Makers started out with such a captivating premise but then loses its way a few chapters in resorting to tawdry gimmicks, lack of consistent characterization and historical details that just made me roll my eyes and curse myself for being tricked into requesting and reading yet another mislabeled title disguising itself as Historical fiction. -Reviewed in March 2012, review written March 2012/ copy of THE ANGEL MAKERS borrowed from local library An entertaining retelling and expansion of a myth that has captivated humans since the 6th century. In The Winter King Mr. Cornwell weaves a tale that captures the reader and transports them into the realistic world of Early Britain during the Dark Ages complete with all the brutal savagery that satisfies the reader's most dark curiosities. Abandon all preconceived images of the "heroes" of the Arthur legend, the author has challenged all our images and spun those one-note characters of legend into a rich tapestry of complex, emotional, and riveting entities that just leap off the pages. Battle scenes galore will meet the reader and the author's artistry with descriptions of geography and the grittiness of early human life will cause you to read far into the night. It's very hard to put down this book, once you enter the unpredictable kingdom of Dumnonia and its surrounding realms. In the end however, there were a few topics and details that brought down my overall rating: combating and shockingly insulting Religious topics (that began to upset and bore me), long political and war strategies (that unfortunately dragged the overall pace of the story down), repetitive scenes/ actions and curses, the continued almost uncharacteristic emotional displays of strong male characters, Arthur's portrayal etc. Overall, I would still recommend this book and will read the next two in this series. Mr. Cornwell has broken any mold I have ever experienced or known that existed and paints with his pen a world that I will be pleased to enter again. -First read at local library and then purchased title for kindle Books in this series: The Winter King (The Arthur Books #1) by Bernard Cornwell Enemy of God (The Arthur Books #2) by Bernard Cornwell Excalibur (The Arthur Books #3) by Bernard Cornwell -EGP/ April 2012 A prettily painted glass bead marketed and hyped as a genuine gem of a novel... Closing my borrowed copy of The Winter Palace early this morning, I could not help but feel I was holding a prettily painted glass bead marketed and hyped as a genuine gem of a novel. While the reader is promised and enticed by a "keyhole" view of the 18th-century Russian court, the splendor is soon overshadowed and left this reviewer shaking her head in bewilderment and frustration. Although, the attention to historical detail is impressive and Ms. Stachniak has a true talent to capture the grandeur of the era with her meticulous elements; sadly those alone could not prevent the chips and peeling later caused by: undeveloped characterization, irksome one-note narration, unexpected vulgar language, weak foreshadowing, and at times out of place Victorian to Modern language that jarred this reviewer out of a couple chapters. If the potential reader is seeking a novel that keeps an even balance of education and entertainment on all aspects and viewpoints of 18th-century Russia, you may be slightly disappointed. While the novel supplies only the basic facts of Catherine the Great's life at the Winter Palace it focuses more on her intimate life and the drama of those of the court, that may leave the reader wondering what genre or audience the author was really striving for. With all of the displayed private sordid details that unfortunately borderlines on a cheap bodice ripper, it can get overwhelming and another narration would have been appreciated to break up the monotony of the numerous scandalous encounters. With the focus mainly on the elite and powerful, the poor serve as a limited back round-that leaves much to be desired and explored. In the end, I did not exactly come away wanting to read any type of sequel but it did spark an interest in learning all I can about Russian rulers, superstitions, and history. -Reviewed in June 2012, review written June 2012/copy of THE WINTER PALACE borrowed from local library Also in this series: Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great (Catherine #2) by Eva Stachniak With as many depths as the sea, The Lifeboat is a multifaceted jewel of a debut novel. With as many depths as the sea, The Lifeboat is a multifaceted jewel of a debut novel. This is no flimsy story following the opportunistic marketing trend that seems to currently crowd the library book shelves. The Lifeboat stands alone and shatters the mold to create a worthy novel for those readers who crave a psychological realistic examination of the dark side of human nature with a fictional disaster as the perfect catalyst. The reader will be drawn immediately to Ms. Rogan's ability to capture the late Edwardian era with her attention to research, dialogue and description. With only a few words, the reader will be transported and captivated by the narrator Grace Winter, who reminded this reviewer of the cunning and tragic Lily Bart from Edith Wharton's beautifully crafted The House of Mirth. The characters were multidimensional and represented a cornucopia of human personalities and emotions from the passive-weak heartened to the paranoid and detached, and finally to the cunning and manipulative. Historical details were evenly dispensed throughout and added to the well constructed imagery, a dose of ancient theories are sprinkled in that may surprise the potential reader and finally add a minute touch of religion (but not overly preachy or intrusive); everything falls into its own niche and equals to a perfect consistency. In the end, I was extremely surprised with my response when I reached the final page. I honestly loved it and highly recommend The Lifeboat. Even with the greatest literary works, there were a few wanting or bothersome particulars that normally would cause me to deduct a star but The Lifeboat supplied me with the major morsels I crave when I invest my time and attention in a Historical fiction novel. The book ultimately caused reflection, stayed with me days after and illustrated sublime research pertaining to major and minute historical details (that are usually frustratingly overlooked by new authors) and that is what warrants 5 stars. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Rogan and hope she stays in the Edwardian era or researches the Victorian period for her next work, her voice and talents can certainly carry either. -Reviewed in May 2012, review written May 2012/ copy of THE LIFEBOAT borrowed from local library |
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