“No man escapes his destiny.” There’s nothing better than curling up with a historical classic this time of year and believe me In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages is considered a classic for a reason. Told in brilliant vivid prose this novel weaves pivotal events from the late 14th and 15th centuries to create a rich tapestry of characters, imagination and dedication to history and precise details that may leave the reader saying “they don’t write books like this anymore”. A little patience is asked of those who desire to experience this strong tale of intricate destinies, courtly intrigues and passionate storytelling though. It may not be for everyone and to modern eyes and sensibilities could be considered too much of a challenge for many to finish (but can be well worth it if the reader is persistent enough), there are parts toward the end that unfortunately wander down too many pathways of dry rustling pages of the central character’s daily life while the world snaps and burns outside his private walls and it can be very easy to hope for another view to appear. There is also a noticeable switch of enthralling drama and action to subdued philosophical thoughts and rambling themes that can confuse and disappoint some towards the end also. Still overall if any reader who enjoyed The Accursed Kings series by Maurice Druon or Katherine by Anya Seton and desires more perfect examples of committed fiction or a worthy literary challenge, I think you will be pleased with In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages. I know I was and can’t wait for my next step back into history with another understated title and hidden gem of literary entertainment. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/November 2015 The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher9/6/2017
“Catch her if you can.” Do you believe? Throughout this supernormal themed work the author poses that tricky question while at the same time inviting the reader back to the 1920’s to investigate and witness feats of the: unexplained, miraculous, various bright show lights of amusement and the crimson rooms of possible hyperactive imaginations. In this bewitching book a little of everything is tossed in and Mr. Jaher juggles and conjures certain events from history to rise and overall this title became a rare treat for this excited reader of history. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better escape for this month and in the end I eventually fell under the completed spell of this colorful narrative and impressive dedication of subject and history but first some patience was required on my part. Being a paced read, I was somewhat disappointed in the beginning as I was hoping for more razzle-dazzle but in a clever way this book used and perfected the slow reveal- building the suspense and inner storyline, touching on different topics to reach the grand finale that this work advertised but at the same time the jumping back and forth in years and names in chapters did create some annoyance and confusion for this reader. I was also disappointed in the lack of photographs and it became a little frustrating to try to correctly visualize the spirit snapshots or key portions of the storyline particularly the fascinating “Houdini Box” or the baffling early ectoplasm photographs. The final chapters were also a little uncomfortably odd and they repeated details that seemed there only for shock and disgust. On the other side of the coin and (thankfully) overbalancing the negatives, I loved how the author presented the lingering mysteries of the little known tale of Harry Houdini and the Blonde Witch of Lime Street. The excellently depicted cat-and-mouse games that play throughout these pages and the striking narrative paired with different final messages and questions along with good old-fashioned entertainment, made this a great escape and I think those who enjoy forgotten portions of history and mysteries of the past, present and future will eventually agree. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/October 2015 A head to toe historical tour of the deadly allure of beauty, propriety and “Dame Fashion” This may be one of those, “careful what you wish for” instances. I have been looking for a book just like this for some time but after reading all the case studies presented in this fascinating work, I might just avoid standing too close to a yard sale table under a hot sun or exploring dusty attics or antique shops… No, I still plan on doing those things but because of Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present I will have a greater appreciation and respect for the hidden treasures I may uncover or notice from afar. This book will do that, it takes on a museum tour like quality and walks the interested through the annals of the truly dark side of beauty, decorum and “Dame Fashion” to give the reader a head to toe makeover of awareness. In this book nine main sections (Death by Fashion Fact and Fiction, Diseased Dress: Germ Warfare, Toxic Techniques: Mercurial Hats, Poisonous Pigments: Arsenical Greens, Dangerous Dyes: A Pretty, Deadly Rainbow, Entangled and Strangled: Caught in the Machine, Inflammatory Fabrics: Flaming Tutus and Combustible Crinolines, Explosive Fakes: Plastic Combs and Artificial Silk and The Afterlife of Fashion Victims) are presented and then further broken down into subsections sharing with the curious harrowing true tales of tragic historic encounters and stark comparisons to our modern times. Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present is meant to be a serious sympathetic examination of the victims and the eras they lived, but it also has an unexpected humorous side with some very bizarre photos of advertisements for different products plus these absurd photos balance out graphic drawings and photographs of the dangers and awful consequences of trends, lack of government regulations and snappy creative marketing from the 18th-mid 20th centuries centering on England, France and America. In the end, only a few tangents and one section lost this reader’s interest and this is one title that needs to be enjoyed slowly because there is so much to explore in this eye-opening book. In between the bleak stories, photos and comparisons this work is ultimately about education and I for one have learned some new fascinating trivia but also have come away from this title with a deeper respect for these forgotten and ignored sections of history. * I would like to thank Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present -EGP/September 2015 Sons of Scotland, take me away! Some ladies desire scented flimsy bubbles when they wish to escape or relax at stressful times but for me, just give me roaring men with Claymores and Lochaber axes battling on the fog draped Highlands of Scotland. I could never say no if offered that and if you can afford it, give me: thunders of war, battles of allegiances, history come alive, moments when I can hear powerful and emotional notes of tradition and finally if you can- give me romance worthy of Shakespeare. If anyone can provide me with all of these aforementioned elements and details, they rightly deserve applause and have earned a humble lady's recommendation; and that’s exactly what Mr. Craney has done with this brilliant novel that has taken my breath away and has become one read I sorely wish I enjoyed sooner. Never underestimate the persuasion or importance of reading a good book blurb or sadly in my case paying attention to a bad one. After seeing a very brief early description of this novel on another site, I honestly thought this title was going to turn into a silly superficial romp into the 13th-14th century and I am ashamed to say, I overlooked this work based entirely on that disappointing false summary and almost missed this striking experience. I absolutely love to be proved wrong and surprised with these types of stories and The Spider and the Stone: A Novel of Scotland’s Black Douglas wasted no time to capture my attention and prove its worth as this tale spun history, ancient legends and vibrant imagination together and I couldn’t wait to pick up my kindle and rejoin the epic action and intrigue filled chapters. The further I found myself drawn into this tale of the deadly dance between Scotland and England during the 13th-14th centuries, I couldn’t help but notice this novel reminded me of familiar and treasured cinematic and literary entertainments. However similar to those certain entertainments this title takes the best of those works and improves the faults with shading in lines, adding dedicated research and admitting creative liberties to create a memorable experience that is sure to stand beside this reader’s favorites as it continues to reveal different little pieces of symbolism and messages that I’m sure will stay burning in my mind for days to come. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/September 2015 “Who could resist a peek at how life once had been?” Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt is sprawling novel entertainment and a must read for those who want to experience the Gilded Age if only for a few hours. I know I can never resist a chance to visit the golden age of Old New York and the aristocratic lifestyles of that shining bygone era and this work seemed to have been waiting for me. I had the supreme pleasure of listening to the audio version of this title and the narrator was my delightful companion for many late work nights and pulled me into worlds of affluence, extravagant opulence and deep into my secret indulgences of learning about all that glitters in history. In this work you will learn about: the humble beginnings of the Vanderbilts in the early 19th century, their rise in New York society and many generations of familial squabbles, obsessions to best one another with excessive spending, elaborate marriages, deaths and performances in the public eye and theater of various court rooms. Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt also has some unexpected humor tossed in and I laughed and chuckled quite a few times throughout the nights. Depending on how you look at this narrative it can be taken as a cautionary examination of the dangers of power and riches and also an entertaining narrative that takes those willing on an elegant carriage ride into history to visit fortune makers and fortune hunters. The only negatives I found with this title were the overabundance of storylines of the family and society members. You would be perfectly content in one family member’s chapter to be pulled directly into another, moving years ahead or dropping back in branches of the massive Vanderbilt family tree or across Fifth Avenue’s lists of social elite with no warning and it may take some time to get back to the storyline you were originally enjoying or understand any possible connection. There were also the pages of figures, stock numbers and bulk of numeral details that may appeal to some readers or listeners but slightly confuse or bore others. A few odd tangents on liaisons, diary entries and letter segments also seemed as filler and again it took some time to get back to the narrative and timeline of events. Finally the narration, although delightful and easy to listen to, there were times I had to either turn down the volume or turn it up because the narrator was very committed to recreating voices and making each member of the Vanderbilt family, New York society or other voice stand out. I won’t lie, the created voices of Alva, Gertrude and Consuelo Vanderbilt did get grating and slightly annoying, but eventually the tones and dedicated animation of the narrator seemed to settle down. Negatives aside, I greatly enjoyed Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt and found exactly what I was hoping to find. It all depends on what the reader is interested in; do you enjoy true stories that contain greed, wealth and family dynamics? Or are you looking for nonfiction that reads as an entrancing novel? If you answered yes, Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt is waiting for you. -purchased and listened to Audible version -EGP/August 2015 A classic from the great age of horror These types of stories may be called “penny dreadfuls” but I would never say my experience with this novel was dreadful. In fact, I enjoyed this classic from the great age of horror, which may seem disturbing to some but then again I have always been fascinated with the late 18th century and entertaining dark social examinations in fiction form and I know I’m not alone. It may take a special kind of reader to look past the gruesome and see the unexpected mysterious value in this book though, the introduction to Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls explains this point and immediately captures the reader’s attention and rightly prepares them for the wild ride they are about to experience through the mean and cruel streets of 18th-century London with a character who commands the scene and strides into the reader’s imagination refusing to leave for days. So don’t skip the opening pages. I was very excited when I was offered to read this novel. I have watched the cinematic adaptation that although very entertaining is more of a revamped lite version of this story but I am happy I watched that version before reading this novel because I dare say I prefer the original story to any movie. The characters are evil and ugly, there is no redemption to be found here and I dare anyone to fall in love with or find sympathy for this edition of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The only negatives in this tale I can say that somewhat irritated me but may be explained by modern sensibilities was the repetitive scenes and speeches. This again may be forgiven because this story was originally a part of a series, so perhaps they repeated scenes for the benefit if a reader wasn’t already following and just started reading; still for the modern reader it can get a little dull and patience is required (so fair warning). If you wish to read this dark entertaining book remember it is a romance so some scenes may seem out of place but those don’t last long, again patience is needed. Finally I must note of the black humor in Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls, I know I’m not alone in those personalities who appreciate a good dark joke and certain chapters in this book are strung with them, so enjoy and have some pork and veal pie while you’re reading this exceptional romantic mystery. * I would like to thank Dover Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy SWEENEY TODD The String of Pearls The Original Victorian Classic -EGP/August 2015 A hauntingly beautiful debut... In Ophelia’s Muse, the light of inspiration falls on the coppery-red crown of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Siddal and Victorian London’s unconventional world of art, beauty and romance. Although sometimes outside the lines of facts and record, this was a hauntingly beautiful novel that swept me back to a crucial time of the 19th century when restraints of culture were just beginning to loosen and discoveries in nature, advancements of industry, literature and art were all in fashion. It is here that one wants to dream and hope for a better tomorrow and it was here that this story captivated me with its poetic vibrant descriptions and stunners of characters. Romance blooms in these pages and there were beautiful scenes that appealed to my old-fashioned sense of love and devotion but there were also sharp jagged thorns of anguish and misfortune framing the corners of the chapters fascinating me at the same time and keeping me turning the pages wanting to learn more about everything presented. In the end, Ophelia’s Muse is one memorable title that I would recommend to those readers who love elegantly crafted stories that can at times remind you of beloved classics set around this era (that you still can’t stop thinking about and you hope to find similar toned books) or novels that can beautifully capture the poignant shifting light of romance, art and ominous twists of reality. * I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy Ophelia’s Muse -EGP/July 2015 “We know not the millionth part of the wonders of this beautiful world.” I have a confession: I’ve secretly always wanted to be a Paleontologist but Nursing was the first to accept me, so now I just contently read about portions of “former worlds” that have and are still waiting to be discovered. I’m not afraid to admit, I kept my childhood collection of fossils and unusual stones after all these years. That wonder and interest never seems to diminish in any capacity and if you are like me and get excited when a new dinosaur is unearthed and named in the news or still look for interesting rocks when you are in the garden then you will enjoy The Dinosaur Hunters: A True Story of Scientific Rivalry and the Discovery of the Prehistoric World by Deborah Cadbury. In this completely memorizing work Ms. Cadbury takes the reins and invites the reader to take a comprehensive journey into the 19th century and experience: the dawning of incredible discoveries, consuming obsessions, distinct examples of eccentricities of genius minds, unrelenting greed and a New Year's Eve society dinner in the belly of an Iguanodon. You may think that this class of topics would be hard to follow but surprisingly this book captures the reader’s full attention and explains complicated theories and technical scientific specifics in a very friendly manner that makes this title an absolute joy to read and polished gem for readers that love relics of history, 19th-century England and historic individuals you would like to add to the list of answers to that fun question: If you could invite 3 people (living or dead) to dinner, who would you choose? Well after finishing this impressive book, I would be honored if Mary Anning and Dr. Gideon A. Mantell would sit at my dinner table (the third would be Thomas Andrews, Jr. but that name pertains to a completely separate subject of history). The brilliant contributions to the advancement of geology and palaeontology these mentioned two are shown in this title to have given are just amazing and if you have never heard of Mary Anning or Dr. Gideon A. Mantell please pick up a copy or purchase The Dinosaur Hunters: A True Story of Scientific Rivalry and the Discovery of the Prehistoric World by Deborah Cadbury. After reading you will never forget their names or this fascinating book. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle *This title is published under TERRIBLE LIZARD: The first Dinosaur Hunters and the Birth of a New Science US version/ review from UK version *text only -EGP/June 2015 Closing the cover on this fascinating title, I couldn't help but think about the extreme degrees that current avenues of pop-culture alters and skews lasting impressions of historic figures that deserve to be remembered better. I also couldn't stop berating myself because I'm as guilty as any blithe individual that paid attention to slack and cheap tidbits of "history". I admit, for years all I really knew (and really cared to know) about Catherine the Great was far and in between the truth (I waited far too long to learn the actual facts and real history). I wish to foremost apologize for my past ignorance and to strongly encourage any potential reader that may think that particular myths concerning parades of male company and possible equine bedfellows are all there is to be remembered or commented on about this remarkable woman to please pick up or purchase a copy of Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie as quickly as possible. Mr. Massie is a master of his craft and in Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman he deftly shares his extensive research and approaches his subject in a respectful manner that shows why he has earned so many awards for his non-fiction works. In this incredible work he pulls away the embellished myths and rumors to reveal an individual who rightly deserves "the Great" forever attached to her name. He also illustrates how such exaggerations and opinions of this historic lady could have been created and spread as he takes the reader to each fascinating stage and event of Catherine the Great's life with richly textured facts and quotes from Catherine's own memoirs and those who personally knew or had the privilege of meeting her before or after the German princess became a grand duchess and finally the Imperial Empress of Russia. It may be a good idea to pace yourself when you choose this book. This biography never means to be quick glossed over read but if you have the time and patience this can be quite the rewarding experience with the trove of minute details and a unbiased view of a truly remarkable woman who changed her adopted country forever and made her stamp in history books concerning politics, art and science. For this reader, I am so happy I finally read this biography. I learned so much and this book allowed me the opportunity to attach a strong voice and clearer picture to a name I have only vaguely read about before. It was also an unexpected surprise to find this book momentarily left details of Russia and ambled down the blood-soaked streets of the French Revolution for a chapter (even going into the mechanics of the guillotine and its continued history and a little about experimentation) but then returned and shared how Catherine reacted and feared the same happening in Russia. Even though I overall enjoyed this non-fiction title, I did find the middle became a bit repetitious with events and it seemed more emphasis was put on Catherine's early life versus her thirty-four year reign but I can see why that would be so (a lot happened that shaped her into the woman she was later to become). I wish there was some sort of glossary of names and a regional map at the beginning (there are so many names, places and titles to try to remember). I was also a little disappointed in the small section of pictures in the back, I was really hoping to see more pictures of Catherine or even a couple of the palaces where she lived at times and couple other names mentioned in this work. Still this is one read I think could benefit anyone who has an interest to learn real facts about Catherine the Great, an important portion of Russian history and even a little about 18th century Europe. -Reviewed in June 2015, review written June 2015/ copy of CATHERINE THE GREAT: PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN borrowed from local library Tragedy and Controversy in the Valley The more you read about the Johnstown Flood that happened May 31, 1889; all the more profound sadness descends on the events and aftermath of the tragedy. To this day steeped in controversy, the Great Flood of 1889 (or the Johnstown Flood) is widely known if not recognized as the most significant disaster of the 19th century that involved an industrious valley in Pennsylvania that was decimated in under an hour after the collapse of a dam that was at that time serving as a sportsman's lake for the elite and powerful. Immediately many questions and issues jump forward regarding that ill-fated Friday afternoon especially who was wholly responsible for the lose and devastation of so many lives? Were these horrific series of events preventable in anyway? Were there any warning signs before the dam collapsed? With these and other questions in mind, Johnstown Flood by David McCullough takes the reader right back to before and after the disaster and presents both sides of events, letting his audience come to their own conclusions. Alternating between views from on top of the mountain and down below in the valley, the facts flow thick as the author introduces names that are forever attached to that May afternoon. Details concerning weather conditions, social lives, economy, geography etc. are also shared in a paced voice that goes over basically every aspect and topic above and below the South Fork Dam. It may take a little more patience than some are willing to give, but please don't give up on this book because once the foundation of meticulous research is set down then this title can read at times as a riveting novel and finishes quite fascinating and thought-provoking. It certainly felt that way for this reader but I will the first to admit the leaping forward and back of time, subjects and minute facts became a little monotonous and at a few times frustrating but it was well worth slowing down and understanding all sides of arguments by the final page. I will also admit the small collection of maps and pictures placed at the end were somewhat disappointing in this book, but somehow that negative oddly appealed to my love of personal research and I found some amazing photographs and maps in my own search. On that line, it may help those interested to print out a larger period map of Pennsylvania to follow along with the vivid portions of this narrative. The reality of events and magnitude of loss will also become apparent for the reader with the closing pages that many may agree pays an appropriate tribute and lists the 2,209 reasons the Johnstown Flood should never be forgotten. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/May 2015 An encore of history, imagination and characterization that outshines the previous novel. Last year I read this book’s predecessor and sadly closed the pages sorely disappointed; I believe I called Stormbird “A non-stop firework show about the Wars of the Roses”. I honestly didn’t think I would continue reading this series but something that being the premise or the simple fact that Mr. Iggulden has such a brilliant imagination and can write an entertaining tale tempted this reader to try this sequel and I am very happy I did. Simply, Trinity/Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses, Book 2) is an encore of history, imagination and characterization that outshines the previous novel. For those unfamiliar with this series, these books are dramatic and colourful presentations of history that surround the dynastic Wars of the Roses- a maelstrom of battles and skirmishes that ensued from politics and progeny that created severe instability in the kingdoms of England and France during the 15th century. For the sake of modern reader, this series of novels seems to push forward the more popular explanation: two houses battling for the crown of England with an emphasis on: premeditated treachery, murder most foul (inside and outside castle walls), court intrigue, consuming greed and brutal dramatizations of battles and wars. Now that may sound negative to some potential readers but if you give this series a chance you just may learn something, create a mental image to attach to names that can be greatly beneficial if you are currently or plan on reading non-fiction works about this topic or simply turn the final pages of these books with a clearer understanding of 15th-century English History (even if, it has been a bit amplified and dates and historic figures have been slightly changed for the sake of creative fiction). I will admit that Stormbird didn’t have much characterization; you only had the good and the bad depiction of characters- no gray was presented in those pages. However, in Trinity/Margaret of Anjou the main players on the stage of the Wars of the Roses rise for the reader and finally come to life especially: King Henry VI, the Duke of York, Queen Margaret and the Earl of March. There were many memorable moments in this book but I thought the passages and chapters describing King Henry’s waning strength and occasions of mental clarity were some of the most brilliantly painted scenes in this book. They were fascinating as they revealed a man battling for his sanity, his throne and the love of his wife. Those types of humanizing and revealing portions of the story really made events even more poignant and I’m happy to share with other readers that the other central characters were painted just as intensely; especially Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and his son Edward, Earl of March at the very end of this novel. I also noticed that the dialogue was delivered quite differently in Trinity versus Stormbird. Gone were the largely jarring modern tones and more-action-less-talk frame of mind of the story to be replaced with stunning and witty banters between characters and some very believable conversations, that play out through these pages completely adding to the joy of revisiting this section of history. Speaking of history, in Stormbird there were some very noticeable anachronisms now I can’t say that those have been completely torn out (they are still sprinkled here and there sadly) but I noticed less of them this time and the end notes explain in detail the creative liberties that were taken with this novel in terms of dates, actions and should not be overlooked once you reach the end (there are some interesting facts to be found). Overall, this book was music to my ears and I look forward to the finale of this series. The above mentioned positives really shined in this novel and overbalanced the negatives but there were still a few things that I must note for others. The only negatives I found this time were a few anachronistic terms and a sometimes confusing pace of events. Once or twice I had to stop and reread sections to figure out why a certain character was traveling to a city, town or who was attacking which character. I’m not sure I entirely accepted when the story jumped years and hurriedly moved to another set up for future conflicts; the author does explain why the story did this but I would have liked maybe just one or two sections from those missing years (even if they were views from the common man or woman). The ending was also a little rushed, there is a huge set up and then it is over very quickly versus earlier chapters. That all aside, I still would gladly recommend this novel and I ask those who may have read Stormbird and perhaps didn’t care for it to please give Trinity/Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses, Book 2) a look- I think you may be pleasantly surprised with this sequel. And finally for those eager new readers just embarking into this realm of intriguing events and strong personalities, I would say get ready for an entertaining performance of history you will not soon forget. Happy reading everyone! * I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy Trinity (Wars of the Roses, Book 2)/Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses, #2) Books in this Series: Stormbird (Wars of the Roses, Book 1) by Conn Iggulden *Trinity/Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses, Book 2) by Conn Iggulden Bloodline (Wars of the Roses, Book 3) by Conn Iggulden Ravenspur (Wars of the Roses, Book 4) by Conn Iggulden -EGP/May 2015 An enlightening narrative not just about Wars and Saints. This was my first, but certainly not my last non-fiction title by Ms. Castor. After reading Joan of Arc: A History I have moved She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth (a title I have been interested in but until now has sat on the lower levels of reading priority) to my list of books to purchase in the near future. If this author can make the complicated machinations and events of the Hundred Years' War and the brief final years of Joan the Maid's life so easy to follow, a joy to read and yet present such a sensitive portrait of legendary figures - I can’t wait to see how she presents the sometimes controversial She-Wolves and epic power struggles of English History. Joan of Arc: A History may surprise some readers who expect to read solely about Joan of Arc (or Joan the Maid and later Saint Joan of Arc), her story is a minor section that makes up the wider world that Ms. Castor paints with articulate and confident strokes of chapters that aim to first educate but also directly accompany the reader through the complex events that played out in England and France during the 14th-15th centuries. The pace of this book is swift and the reader may feel a little intimidated with the huge lists of names and titles and how quickly the many battles, skirmishes, underhanded murders and devastating wars play out on and off the blood soaked fields. It’s okay to be confused at this point, but keep with this narrative and trust Ms. Castor as she first explains the basic facts of bad blood shared between kingdoms and moves onto the desperate moments that cry out for a miracle for France and then a familiar young girl who claimed heavenly guidance appears in the pages. Some may expect that Joan’s appearance come earlier but the author explains in the front of the narrative why she chose to present this timeline. The rest of this title moves to: detailed descriptions of the battles that Joan the Maid led her fellow french soldiers into, her capture, imprisonment, her trial and death. This narrative could stop there, but continues after the ashes of her memory are scattered and goes on to show the impact that Joan the Maid or "The Maid of Orléans (then later known as Joan of Arc) made in history and shares the words of those who knew and battled beside not just the Maid but the young girl from Domrémy who believed in something. Joan of Arc: A History handles certain subjects of injustice, complex topics and controversial questions delicately while at the same time allowing the reader to make their own judgments and conclusions. Those portions I really appreciated and I didn’t feel at any time I was being forced into any biased moment by the author. The only negatives I had with this book were, I wished more time was spent on certain details and not on others. I also wanted to know more about Joan's personality traits and a little more about her early history before she arrived at the Armagnac Court and perhaps something about her training to be a soldier (how she trained- that must be recorded somewhere). Still this was an enlightening read that I would recommend to others who have been looking for a widely ranged narrative that can take on: Wars, Battles, Fractured Kingdoms, Court and Religious Conflicts and Saints to create another kind of look at legendary figures that is a joy to read. * I would like to thank Harper and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy Joan of Arc: A History -EGP/May 2015 A truly magnificent preservation of history that I am proud to have on my shelves Over a hundred years have passed since the golden era of Edwardian superliners and we still stand in awe at the craftsmanship of these grand marvels just as those curious before us. They were said to be "practically unsinkable" and you know the ships' names as they were the elite of the Oceans and Seas that drew crowds of wanderers with their advertised newness and grandness to conquer the waves in style and become a story to tell within society circles. Entrancing then and now, we seem to never get enough of the prospect to explore these amazing innovations. Today however we quietly reflect as each unfortunate centennial arrives of these majestic ships that now peacefully rest at the bottom of the oceans and question what went so horribly wrong with these once wonders of the seas? While the names of Olympic, Mauretania, Britannic and Lusitania are a few names mentioned of these scrapped and lost liners, On a Sea of Glass is the Titanic's story and explores the multiple questions and mysteries that will probably forever follow in her wake. A magnificent array of historic facts will greet the reader with On a Sea of Glass: The Life and Loss of the RMS Titanic as they follow the Titanic from impressive ambitious beginnings to her harrowing demise and finally to stirring echoes of the aftermath. About half of the book is dedicated to the narrative of the Titanic as carefully researched facts and the lives of her: innovators, tradesmen, builders, designers, benefactors, passengers and crew become a unique feature of this book as their shared voices tell the ship's story. The other portion is comprised of essays that reexamine the most well known legends and conspiracy theories attached to the Titanic and another section is dedicated to the survivors and what happened to them long after the 15th of April 1912. There is also a segment of pictures in the back that shows places of interest, memorabilia and interesting tidbits of trivia. Stunning photographs fill chapters throughout and it becomes hard to not just stare at the page and imagine a simpler time but also the feel the icy breath of that April night on your neck. In the end, I found this work to be a masterful exploration of historic events pertaining to the Titanic. I would have to say by the time you read A Night to Remember, The Night Lives On: The Untold Stories and Secrets Behind the Sinking of the "Unsinkable" Ship-Titanic and On a Sea of Glass: The Life and Loss of the RMS Titanic you will know and be aware of every little fine detail that can be put forward concerning the RMS Titanic. Even though I have read the above, I still found new details and kept saying to myself (and probably a couple times out loud) "I didn't know that". One of the fun new topics I learned about has led me to put The White Swan Hotel in Alnwick England on my list of places I must see when I travel along with Southampton and Belfast of course. The trove of trivia seemed bottomless for me but still my favorite part of this book was when I felt like I was being tapped on the shoulder to turn around and imagine seeing a hat tipped or a gloved hand being offered or a friendly welcoming smile of a passenger or crew member as they spoke from the pages and shared their experiences aboard the Titanic. It also became very hard not to shed a tear as those same voices spoke as the hours and minutes ticked down on that last cold night and early morning in April 1912. A book with this many depths of entertainment that not only brings the pages alive but is also a magnificent preservation of history is always welcome on my shelves. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/March 2015 "It’s always the quiet ones that end up surprising you". 1886 Old New York. Just because you are distantly related to the Astors on Fifth Avenue doesn’t mean you get a free pass to easy street or get a moment to relax. And does Mr. John Cross know that to be true, although being a part of the “old money” Knickerbocker circle he has a hard enough time trying to live modestly on his professional earnings and staying in “Aunt Caroline’s” good and generous graces. So when his eldest son is found to be in serious financial difficulties with New York City’s top crime organization, it becomes quickly apparent this is no sorry joke and a decision is made to accept an “offer” from a gold-topped cane twirling gent who holds his son’s and family’s lives in his well manicured hands. With one word Mr. Cross is soon pulled from his ornamental world of white gloved service and rigid traditions into a cesspool of illicit behavior and the very underbelly of the city. The further he sinks into this new world the threats and danger become all too real and another decision may be made but oh dear what would “Aunt Caroline” think of all this? For this reader, this book in the beginning made me sit up and take notice. The saying: “It’s always the quiet ones that end up surprising you” came immediately to mind as the beginning chapters sailed by with instant action and nicely restrained drama. I will be the first to admit that after reading this book’s premise I didn’t believe that this novel would hold much depth or many surprises, I was wrong! This story handled the setting, historical inspiration, details of high society and squalid city life effortlessly and the vivid passages had me smiling and turning the pages as fast as I could. The character selection was also magnificent and if the reader loves a villain who they can both fear, respect and take immediate notice when he enters the room; you will love James T. Kent. The story moves cleverly from one world to another and it was fascinating with all the facts sprinkled throughout the story, that didn’t feel forced or out of place in any chapter. I have to say House of Thieves would make a fantastic silver screen production, honestly who can ever get tired of the rich and poor interaction in this unforgettable setting? As I said, House of Thieves made me sit up and take notice in the beginning but I’m sorry to say, I sat back a little with disappointment at the very end. Although this novel could be fast paced with the storyline and exploits (with one or two anachronistic phrases pulling me momentarily from the story) the ending for this reader was just a tad overdone. Up until then this novel was very exciting, ripe with suspense and thrills that held my full attention to see how everything came together at the end but then it just went overboard with the dramatics sadly twirling around the line of absurd and feeling rushed. There was also believability that was strained and snapped for this reader but it was all still very entertaining. Minor negatives aside, I would gladly recommend House of Thieves to those readers who love a surprising colorful representation of history with a distinct inspiration that cleverly supports events or those who have been looking for a runaway marvel of characters and suspense that can remind you at times of certain screen works of Scorsese and Mendes. Overall, a great choice for anyone that can't resist the opportunity to see Old New York in all her splendor and her dirty secrets. * I would like to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy House of Thieves: A Novel -EGP/March 2015 A sound narrative that goes above and below a sea of secrets in May 1915 The first time I really heard the name LUSITANIA was several years ago when I was watching Antiques Roadshow and in that episode an older gentleman had a coin he found in his late aunt's attic. It turned out to be a Sinking of the Lusitania Commemorative medal and after listening to the expert explain a little about the tragedy, I wanted to discover more but at the time I could only locate repeat cursory information that left me with the disappointed impression that was all there was to learn about the subject. Then last year the name of the ship resurfaced in quite a few books I was reading about World War I and with my curiosity of this topic rekindled I purchased a couple titles but nothing caught my attention like the description for Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. Encompassing not only an informative account of the maritime disaster but with a unique styling that I kept receiving recommendations about; I decided to take a chance. So I pre-ordered this title, waited patiently for today and eagerly downloaded this as soon as it was available in the early hours this morning. I have just finished the final page and I can't recommend this book enough because that was fantastic. I was told that Mr. Larson was the master of narrative suspense and this was clearly evident to this reader as he took me on an entertaining and informative voyage onto the luxurious Lusitania, down the periscope of the infamous U-20, into the top secret Room 40 in London, into halls of the White House and down the war trenches across Europe. It became hard to put this read down and even though I knew from history what was to follow the way the book is set up you feel every roll of the waves, the impending danger, the dampness of the fog and crushing grief that thousands must have felt in the face of such horrible events. It may become very hard for some readers not to shed a tear about the vivid passages of small children being laid to rest in a final embrace with their mothers. Or feel a shiver reading the haunting account of the last known footage of the Lusitania and its passengers waving goodbye to their loved ones or not holding your breath when clouds of deadly chlorine gas are released coming ever closer to young men hunched in the muddy trenches. I lost count of the hidden gems of trivia and the times I forgot this was history and not some very creative imagination at work, no this actually happened. I was amazed how much the Titanic (one of my favorite subjects to learn and read about) was mentioned in this book and it was strangely fascinating how passengers and crew of the Lusitania and Titanic seemed knotted together by many eerie coincidences. I also appreciated that Mr. Larson just states the facts and doesn't step onto that sometimes uncomfortable box and break the reader's immersion by injecting personal opinions into the narrative or going on some wild tangent. He lets his reader's assemble from the historic evidence what they will by presenting the bare facts in a easy accessible fashion. Which is perfect when it comes to the story of the Lusitania and final years of World War I, a lot of controversy, mystery and theories still shadow the wake of Lusitania and in Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of Lusitania every one of those are presented to reader and it is up to them to answer those lingering questions; which would make a very interesting hour at a book club discussion. Overall, this was gripping read that goes beyond those last tragic 18 minutes in May 1915 and this reader can't wait to see what the next work will be about; perhaps a certain series of intriguing events hinted at the end of this book that will be reaching a 100th anniversary in 2018? I can only hope. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/March 2015 An earthy tale that is only the beginning of 16th-century discord of church, crown and one family in France The Brethren: Fortunes of France: Volume 1, captures the violent 16th century with a narrator that is perfect to share his unsettled and conflicted world with his readers. Born of a Catholic (Papist) and a Protestant (Huguenot) Pierre de Siorac is our guide into the many bloody conflicts and the first bleak outcomes of church, crown and even his own familial discord. Nothing is certain in this era as Pierre opens his personal history to us and tells us about daily occurrences, continual fears of attack from inside and outside high chateau walls and shows us the battles that rage from personal interests. A little different from other works readers may have encountered or may expect about this era being a commoner's voice is used to recreate this fascinating era versus a strictly royal perspective of the conflicting religious opinions and views. Brief appearances of French Royalty are made but only mentioned in the occasional conversation with travelers so the reader learns information as our narrator first and continually hears about the danger that is being stoked by intolerance and political gain and there is still much to come. Being the first of thirteen novels in this series more details are shared with the reader than they may bargain for and it is assured something will be learned by the last page. In the end, I will be the first to admit I was skeptical about this title. I usually prefer the royal immersion and treatment of fiction and I can never resist when I see a crown or ornamental trinket on the cover and I quickly find the time to cast out reality and slip deep into my indulgences. I'll admit it; I want the glitter of history and sometimes overlook the earthy side of the past especially when it comes to French history. I love to be proven wrong in situations like these. For me this novel was a thundering and enthralling adventure that had all the details that I always hope to encounter in fiction: a new portion of history to look further into, multifaceted characters, a believable atmospheric story and of course an entertaining balance between historic facts with creative fiction. Perhaps a little paced at the beginning as the foundation was set but once this story gathered speed it became hard to put down, something a little different and well worth the time. I look forward to City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2 *I would like to thank NetGalley and Steerforth Press for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Brethren: Fortunes of France: Volume 1 Books in this Series: The Brethren: Fortunes of France: Volume 1 by Robert Merle City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2 by Robert Merle Heretic Dawn: Fortunes of France: Volume 3 by Robert Merle + 10 more titles but due to translation versus publication I can't say for certain what the name of the other titles will be. I will update this page as those titles become available. -EGP/February 2015 Of Gods, Kings, the Age of Heroes and the love of one woman Mythology, History and Romance collide in this memorable epic that sends the reader into a world of Kings, Heroes and Immortals. Where mere mortals share tables with demigods, legends are true and blood is spilt to appease fickle and jealous Gods and Goddesses. Here Helen of Sparta speaks and leads her listeners from megarons, to painted halls, sacrificial altars and even to the bowels of the Underworld. Another view is presented to the reader by following the famed hero and demigod Theseus, who now battles his personal demons and past tragedies opposed to the mythical beasts and monsters that the bards sing of. Together Helen and Theseus create another kind of tale for the ages that ripples with feats of will and strength, perilous journeys, drama, loyalty and determination to control one's destiny that may have already been written in the stars above. In the end, this novel may have just rekindled my forgotten love of Greek Mythology and I hope there is a sequel. If anything else it was entertaining and brilliant how it combined myth with history and a good dose of romance to create an alternate beginning to a well known heroic poem. I will be completely honest and say I had my doubts especially in the beginning. I understood it was labeled under Historical fiction so I expected to find more history but once a few chapters soared by, I realized Helen of Sparta was more of a historical fantasy type novel; so a few details, tone of dialogue and narration could be slightly bent and forgiven. Ms. Carosella certainly does have a way with words and she doesn't blunt scenes, using dramatic imagery of the dark side of human nature and ancient beliefs of conquest in her tale. So any curious readers take this as a friendly warning: a few entertainment boundaries may be stepped over for some. A few slight alterations to the stories and myths we all know also greet the reader but it ultimately brings new chapters to the saga of Helen of Troy. I would recommend Helen of Sparta to those who love a good old fashioned story, when scenes dance on the walls of imaginations or those brave to explore alternate beginnings with a rich blend of Gods, Kings, the Age of Heroes and the love of one woman that binds them all. -read and purchased on kindle Also in this series: By Helen's Hand (Helen of Sparta, #2) by Amalia Carosella -EGP/March 2015 You may swear you hear notes of Imperial violins by the end of this sparkling and grand tale. The Accidental Empress is Historical Fiction at its finest and most elegant form. A stunning marriage of fact and romance straight from the pages of history, that shares with the reader the story of a Duchess who "accidentally" captured the heart of an Emperor and ultimately became a celebrated figure. The forgotten love story of Elisabeth of Bavaria and Emperor Franz Joseph I is brought to life by Ms. Pataki's incandescent storytelling that sweeps the reader into the gold-gilded halls of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and ultimately into the mind and heart of a young woman who may have been renowned for beauty, wit and charm but battled personal demons, incredible tragedy and to have her voice heard. This novel spans from 1853-1867 with interwoven scenes of reflections of choices, fate and possible future ventures. Reminiscent in styling of classics such as Katherine and Forever Amber with its attention to historical detail and captivating atmosphere- the reader may swear they hear notes of Imperial violins by the end of this sparkling tale. In the end, I can't recommend this title enough. This was a spectacular read that found that delicate balance between historical facts, romance and even some surprising undertones. The Accidental Empress was that rare find for this reader that I didn't want the experience to end. The departing notes shares with the reader the research, honest creative liberties that were taken with this novel (miniscule in a novel so thick and those that are imaginative fiction blend so seamlessly that I could have sworn they were facts) and clearly hints at a sequel and I cannot wait for that gorgeous encore. * I would like to thank Howard Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Accidental Empress. Also in this series: Sisi: Empress on Her Own (Sisi, #2) by Allison Pataki -EGP/November 2014 "Say I'm old-fashioned..." 1870's the Golden Age of Old New York. In one year Newland Archer and May Welland are to be man and wife. They are the toast of New York City society and everything that is to follow is deliberate and arranged. The bride-to-be as customary receives and carries her lilies-of-the-valley in plain view with a becoming blush, the proper street has been chosen where the couple will reside and the bride's engagement ring has been approved by Mrs. Mason Mingott and even called "liberal". Everyone is happy, approves the match and feels secure in all to come- well except perhaps the groom. After a brief encounter with May's cousin, the exotic and scandalous Countess Ellen Olenska; Newland begins questioning everything about his life and even his future. And that's when The Age of Innocence launches the reader on a journey into the confused mind and actions of Newland Archer and his ornamental world of privilege and damaging opinions. Mark Twain's quote of "write what you know" perfectly applies to Edith Wharton in the case of The Age of Innocence. She was born into this decorated existence and used her extensive daily knowledge of the Golden Age of New York City to paint a vivid portrait of the society she eventually left behind. The reader will learn more about late 19th-century customs, deportment and modes than other novels you may have encountered. If the curious reader has been craving a rewarding novel of manners you have found the epitome of enveloping setting, journeys and characters. Perhaps not as biting as or slower in development than The House of Mirth, The Custom of the Country or even the first part of The Buccaneers with the familiar satire and action some may have come to expect and love or perhaps this is your first encounter with the splendor of Wharton and you may not even notice. Whatever the reader's previous experience, many will agree by the end that Ms. Wharton has rightly earned her historic Pulitzer Prize with this tale of a realistic tangled love affair in the midst of the subtle action of society on the cusp of a new era of change. You simply cannot not find writing like this anymore, a sure delight for those readers who are old-fashioned in any way. -read and purchased on nook -EGP/February 2015 An amazing read for those who adore rich historical pieces and wish to fully acquaint (or perhaps form an imaginary alliance) with figures from history. Mr. Druon takes this reader on a brilliant venture every time I open another novel in this addicting saga and The Lily and the Lion was my latest feast. Being the sixth in The Accursed Kings series it was bittersweet to realize as I finished this splendid work that only one more novel remains. But as the saying goes "all good things must come to an end" and so it goes with much to do with The Lily and the Lion. This novel's timeline is the 24th of January 1328 to the beginning of January 1343 and then has an additional epilogue of 22nd September 1354 to 1362. A lot is captured and shared with the reader and Mr. Druon had an extraordinary style in his writing that passes time effortlessly for the benefit of his readers that they are never lost with regards to time and only enjoy themselves as they rejoin their favorite characters as the years age and takes them to their next journey, alliance, deception or atrocious sin. Those familiar with this addicting series should understand all too well that no one is considered safe in these vivid pages and not to spoil anything for themselves by peeking and researching the names of characters. As always the author has stuck as close to historic fact and conjured the blood and breath to flow into his characters with his pen and this is a grand experience not to miss. -read at local library then purchased for kindle 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/December 2014 I have been consistently amazed by this series and cannot recommend this collection of works enough to those who have been searching for a brilliant series to curl up with, forget the outside world and entrust themselves in following the lives of a distinct album of characters that brings the courts of 14th-century Europe and the beginning of the battle thunder of the Hundred Years War to life for the modern reader. These novels introduce complex characters, believable dialogue, rich scenes and unparalleled storytelling each time another part of this epic into the House of Capet is opened. Seven novels make up this epitome of historical research and daring imagination and the new reader is strongly encouraged to please begin their journey into the cursed halls of the House of Capet with The Iron King. Although the succeeding novels have a short summarization for the benefit of the unfamiliar, it still may help to grasp all the alliances, compounding secrets, betrayals and reasoning behind all shifting political manoeuvres by starting at the very foundation that Mr. Druon has set- but it is ultimately your choice. The She-Wolf is the fifth installment of The Accursed Kings series and takes the reader this time to across the channel to England in a time span of 1st August 1323 to the end of September 1327 and examines human frailties in many forms along with a daring tale of escape, exile and returns. In this realm two souls wait, one burning with resentment and desire for revenge and the other neglected and starving for love and attention. And when fate throws these two souls together disaster may ensue for those all involved. In The She-Wolf love has many forms and there are many ways to kill a man and in this tale, legends and whispers are brought to brutal light in forms of unbridled imagination that only deepens one of history's shrouded mysteries with the cryptic message of "without trace". The sharing of court secrets are as tempting as ever to reveal and it is a simple fact that no one's hands are free from a drop of previously spilled blood. So let the wheel of fate spin another round with The She-Wolf and who knows you may finish questioning just who the real wolf is. -first read at local library and then purchased 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/December 2014 A stellar read about a 17th-century astrologer who vows revenge... The Astrologer is a stellar read that may have been missed by quite a few readers and that's truly a shame because this was marvelous experience as well as an unexpected momentary break from this reader's usual that proved most fortunate. I say momentary because I couldn't stop reading this title and finished it in two sittings. But with an enthralling tale teeming with deception, madness, and cries of vengeance from restless ghosts with disastrous twists worthy of Shakespeare, it really should be no wonder that I finished The Astrologer so quickly and highly recommend this gem of a find. Set in 17th-century Denmark the reader is immediately confronted with a battle to the death scene with our narrator Soren Andersmann standing on the edge of all the disorder. But this is only the opening and there is still much more to come. As royal astrologer Soren is privy to the secrets of the household of King Christian IV and as the story continues little by little our narrator reveals his past and his ultimate vow of vengeance against the King of Denmark for the murder of Tycho Brahe- a genius and mentor to Soren but a dangerous madman to many others. Now armed with his wooden box full of death and falsified charts the scene is set for a unique and magnificently fashioned tale of the throne of power and desire, combating philosophies of beliefs and the unsteady fickle hand of fate all set in a land that can freeze a man's heart. I don't know about you, but I couldn't possibly ask for more from a historical novel. Bravo Mr. Bailey! -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/December 2014 A dark twisted Victorian story that is hard to look away from. Appearances can be deceiving, take for an example this novel's cover art. What an unsuspecting appearing cover, I will be the first to admit I thought of a completely different genre when I first saw it and began reading I felt I had made a mistake and this was not the type of story I could finish and should quietly move on to the other reads that have been waiting patiently. Ah but how quickly this book proves the adage: don't judge a book by its cover. This book transforms quickly within a few chapters from an innocent love story to a tragic wicked nightmare that grips the reader and it becomes nearly impossible to look away from. In The Ripper's Wife, our narrator flips through her album of dark memories and invites the reader to look over her shoulder and witness the sinister side of romance. She only asks that all judgment be held until the final tattered page falls and what soon appears from the snap shots of our narrator's reminisces is a twisted tale with a young woman in the midst of a brutal nightmare. Horror can come in many forms and for our narrator hers wears a deerstalker, carries a bag of gore and whose shadowy secrets will become one of the most debatable historical mysteries the world has ever known. In the end, The Ripper's Wife was a chilling unsuspecting tale of noteworthy historical research that coincided with an entertaining fictional tale of "what if"; that this reader couldn't put down. If the potential reader is not familiar with the names James Maybrick or his wife Florence Chandler Maybrick- do yourself a favor and not spoil the experience by researching anything before you finish The Ripper's Wife. Ms. Purdy has created a tale that seems so innocent but the passages that follow may haunt your dreams with the vivid descriptions that show the multifaceted levels that can be accomplished by those who have a brilliant imagination and are not afraid to step over the line and explore the alternate of history or turn a warped mystery into a page turner. I hope it is no surprise to any potential reader that this story can be disturbing at times and does contain strong unexpected language; so please take this as a friendly warning that entertainment boundaries may be overstepped for a few with The Ripper's Wife. Still this read was an unexpected page turner for this reader and one read that I am sure will stay in my mind days to come about the creation of a monster and "the Autumn of Terror" of 1888. * I would like to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Ripper's Wife -EGP/October 2014 An excellent reference about how the mighty have fallen and the thorny aspects that led to. This is a title that is labeled as non-fiction and a valuable reference but can read at times as a brilliant historical novel. Mr. Jones has presented his audience with a "sequel" to the Plantagenets and moved focus to another branch of the illustrious family tree- the Tudors. But before we long time armchair enthusiasts of the past or those just finding an interest in 15th to 16th-century English and French History can understand the rise of the Tudors and the significance of the bloody events that brought a name from obscurity into infamy Mr. Jones first wants the reader to understand the fall of the direct Plantagenet line and centers this non-fiction work more on building against the notion that the Wars of the Roses were a straightforward network of wars and battles concerning the White Rose (for the House of York) and the Red Rose (for the House of Lancaster). Current trends of modernized and amplified history and the slew of fiction titles appearing on the heels of the recent discovery of the remains of Richard III will have the unfamiliar learner believing that the Wars of the Roses were a dramatic series of wars that simply entailed a family's power struggle for the crown of England. Not so and Mr. Jones makes this clear in the introductory that there is more to the events that led to and the maelstrom of blood soaked timelines that created this ultimate political instability of the Kingdoms of England and France during the 15th and 16th centuries. Through an entertaining, neutral standing, and very reader friendly style the author invites the curious to examine each detailed affair and the names from this time period and explains their intentional or unfortunate entanglement in the years that tore England and France asunder with an unstable hand on the wheel of fate. As the pages turn and the numerous condemned noble heads roll on both sides, we see five kings that sat on the throne and the pomp and pageantry of ceremony that resulted. We also see that the instability of the realms and carnage that ensued from politics and progeny but inherited mental ailments that may have kept kings as passive lambs rather than rampant confident lions that were sorely needed in that time of upheaval and unbalance. The final pages holds the rise from the ashes of the Plantagenets the promised rise of the Tudor line and we are given a brief view of the tangled webs that ensued from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I and there is still much to be told. This is history; this happened and if you are new to this portion of history I strongly encourage you to please begin here with this excellent reference then reexamine the current fictional and romanticized version of events. You may find that truth is more entertaining than fiction. * I would like to thank PENGUIN GROUP Viking and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Wars of the Roses The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors UK PUBLISHED TITLE: The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses and the Rise of the Tudors by Dan Jones Followup to: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones -EGP/October 2014 Like the cover art that entices and is absolutely striking so is The Strangled Queen by Maurice Druon. This is the second installment of The Accursed Kings series that launched over 50 years ago and still finds an eager audience today. A refined collection of works that combines meticulous research with believable dialogue and dynastic manoeuvres that transports the reader into 14th-century Europe courts centering in France then departing for England all heralding the Hundred Years War. If the interested reader has been searching for a series that leaves a haunting version of history with enthralling situations and splendid writing about a select assemblage of European royalty in seven novels, search no further because you just have to try The Accursed Kings series by Maurice Druon. Whether the reader has a passing curiosity in history or just loves a great story with intrigue, betrayal, characters of different classes and nobility, unpredictable spins on the wheel of fate, a curse and even a few fleeting moments of tender love and romance this series has it all and more. Beginning with The Iron King the reader is strongly encouraged to embark on their journey into the saga of the House of Capet, however each novel does have a summation of the previous novel in the pages as the story builds each time so the decision is yours to make. The Strangled Queen begins in November 1314 and ends May 1315. More than seven months have passed since a curse from a blazing pyre has been laid at the feet at the House of Capet and before the end a grisly pact will be made that will spin the wheel of fate yet another cruel round. Madness and desperation reign in this novel as the premature death of one king drives the succession and court into the frenzy of petty jealousy and lust for revenge that begins the machinations of disposal of the undesirable. And yet outside the palace walls the country is ravished by famine and poverty but who is to blame for all the misery? Is anyone really considered blameless in this game of power? In the 14th-century France The Strangled Queen opens and closes with vital notes exchanged with England and a journey to Naples to recover a portrait and a message that will decide the future of France. Details are shared with the reader that seamlessly blends history, peerless writing and imagination to fashion a story that begs the question, is 12 feet of wall enough to deter madness and evil? There is only one way to find out so enjoy! -first read at local library and then purchased 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/August 2014 |
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