Review : The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

Title : The Lady of the Rivers Author : Philippa Gregory Reading Dates : 02 Jul - 07 Jul 2012 Total Pages : 630
The Cousins' War The White Queen The Red Queen The Lady of the Rivers The Kingmaker's Daughter
From Amazon : A story rich in passion and legend, The Lady of the Rivers is the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses. When Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen. The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of their royal York rivals. As Jacquetta fights for her king and her queen, she can see an extraordinary and unexpected future for her daughter Elizabeth: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York. . . .

Book Review of The Lady of the Rivers.

I loved The Lady of the Rivers for many reasons.

The first was the language. The novel is beautifully written, especially when the heroine describes her family’s legacy from Melusina or when she and her husband share tender moments together. The mystery of Jacquetta’s gifts and the passion she shares with her second husband really comes through. All of which leads me to the second reason I loved the story.

Philippa Gregory really brought Jacquetta to live with all her strengths and weaknesses. While Jacquetta is ambitious, she is also loving and kind. Obviously she wants her family to get ahead in the world, but more than that she wishes for their happiness. And never, never does she intend to use her powers for harm, even against her enemies. Jacquetta was a strong and likable heroine, one I really enjoyed rooting for.

In a way, I’m glad the book ended the way it did, at the height of her family’s power. Reading Philippa Gregory’s books, I can’t help wondering why I used to think that history was boring. I’ll be eagerly anticipating her next book in the series.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. This is a keeper.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; What's In a Name 5 Reading Challenge

Review : The Famous Heroine / The Plumed Bonnet by Mary Balogh

Title : The Famous Heroine / The Plumed Bonnet Author : Mary Balogh Reading Dates : 29 May - 01 Jun 2012 Total Pages : 495
From Amazon : THE FAMOUS HEROINE Cora Downes has beauty, spirit, and money, but no breeding. Yet when she gains renown for a daring rescue, she finds herself thrust into high society. Innocent and adrift in a world of beautiful banquets, bejeweled gowns, and snobbish standards, Cora is quickly compromised into a marriage—to a frivolous lord whose interests seem to lie elsewhere. But could piercingly blue-eyed and well-mannered Francis Kneller turn out to be the most unexpected love of her life? THE PLUMED BONNET Alistair Munro, the Duke of Bridgwater, is looking for love outside the bounds of polite society. And that’s what he expects to receive when he rescues a seemingly disreputable girl in a colorful bonnet off the side of the road. Yet Stephanie Gray, a former governess, has recently come into money and is eager for a proper match with a well-born man. Sure that he’s sullied her name, Alistair offers marriage to make amends. And in this unlikely union, Stephanie and Alistair make a welcome discovery—that sometimes it’s possible to marry first, then fall in love.

Book Review of The Famous Heroine / The Plumed Bonnet.

Both the romances in the book encounter some difficulties revolving around misconceptions regarding appearances. However, while I loved The Famous Heroine, The Plumed Bonnet was merely passable.

Cora Downes and Francis Kneller are a lovely couple. Their courtship was hilarious and sweet because they’re both very kind people with a great sense of humor, capable of laughing at themselves. They very easily wound up on my list of favorite romance couples.

Cora and Francis’s story was wonderful. Without any melodrama, their slow slide into love was as natural as breathing. They both realized their feelings after becoming each other’s best friends. Best of all, I had great fun laughing along with them as they enjoyed their season and the ton.

On the other hand, I only liked The Plumed Bonnet because the Knellers and their family makes an appearance here. They’re also the only reason I’m thinking of looking for Mary Balogh’s related books.

Alistair Munro strikes me as being typical of wounded romance heroes while Stephanie Gray was utterly spineless. The explanation that she behaved the way she did out of gratitude and duty just doesn’t wash with me.

Read separately from The Famous Heroine, I might have enjoyed The Plumed Bonnet more but put together with the other, the tale doesn’t measure up. There was nothing to lift it out of the ordinary. And the main couple doesn’t interest me at all.

The book however is a keeper because of The Famous Heroine.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Yes, I'd like to see more of the Knellers.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romance readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

Review : Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Title : Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Author : Lisa See Reading Dates : 29 Feb - 18 Mar 2012 Total Pages : 340
From Amazon : Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness. In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.

Book Review of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

I took an unexpectedly long time to finish Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, considering that the story wasn’t badly written. But then, the story has plenty of difficult moments and I felt I needed a certain distance from it.

Almost at the beginning, there was a part of the story which left me feeling sick and utterly grateful I’m born in this time. The pain that particular scene evokes, let’s just say that most horror books I’ve read aren’t as frightening. Learning something about history and reading a fictionalized account of it is definitely very different when it comes to visualizing a thing. Without this book, I’ve certainly never truly considered the pain involved in the foot-binding process.

Then, there’s the way women were thought of in the past. Things might have changed for the better now, but I think we still see it today in certain cultures. And worst is the realization that we women ourselves could be our own jailers. Certainly, I saw it in the behaviour of the women in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and that has left me thinking about it. It would be easier to think the men were monsters and women the victims but things are never as simple as that.

I’m glad I picked up Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, even if it was for a challenge. This book has certainly left me thinking and grateful for my life.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Not really, once was enough.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No. 
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too?Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow the book.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012; What's In a Name 5 Reading Challenge

Review : Forbidden by Jo Beverley

Title : Forbidden Author : Jo Beverley Reading Dates : 4 Dec - 9 Dec 2011
The Company of Rogues An Arranged Marriage An Unwilling Bride Christmas Angel Forbidden Dangerous Joy The Dragon's Bride Skylark The Rogue's Return To Rescue a Rogue
From Amazon : Finally freed from a cruel, depraved husband, Serena Riverton wants nothing more to do with men or marriage. Fate and her brothers give her no choice except to flee - into a storm, and into the arms of a stranger. Without friend or fortune, Serena seduces the handsome lord. But just one night together will start a sequence of events that threatens to destroy them both. Francis, Lord Middlethorpe's life is planned and orderly, including marriage to Lady Anne Peckworth, a rich and suitable lady. But now he is haunted by memories of one passionate night with Serena, the wicked siren who tempted him with pleasures he had never known. Caught between duty and desire, he must choose between his reputation and a love like no other.

Book Review of Forbidden.

I’ve always enjoyed Forbidden for 2 reasons. The first is because I enjoy the idea of The Company of Rogues and the other is the hero, Francis Haile.

The Company of Rogues has always seemed such a wonderful group to me. A group of men and women comprising of both commoners and nobles, formed initially in childhood for the sole purpose of protection and evolving into a family one can depend on always. This group of assorted men and women with their different skills always seem to have the right mix to attend to the complex problems they encounter and I just enjoy watching them put their personal strengths to use.

The other reason I enjoy Forbidden is the main character, Francis Haile. Francis is a breath of fresh air because I’ve rarely had historical romances portray a hero as being gentle without seeming weak.

The only complain I have against Forbidden is the writing. There are times when the exchanges seem a bit abrupt. And while this doesn’t lessen my appreciation for the story, it does usually gives me pause as I need to reorder my thinking.

Despite that minor complain though, this is another old favourite

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes, this is one of my favorite historical romances.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but I Forbidden remains my favorite within the series.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romance readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Slightly Scadalous by Mary Balogh

Title : Slightly Scandalous Author : Mary Balogh Reading Dates : 3 Dec - 3 Dec 2011
Slightly Slightly Married Slightly Wicked Slightly Scandalous Slightly Tempted Slightly Sinful Slightly Dangerous
From Amazon : Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality. Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Freyja Bedwyn, the wild-hearted daughter, meets her match in a man as passionate, reckless, and scandalous as she. Growing up with four unruly brothers has made Freyja Bedwyn far bolder than most society ladies. From feisty manner to long, tumbling hair, Lady Freyja is pure fire, a woman who seeks both adventure and freedom. Adventure soon finds her on a visit to Bath, when a handsome stranger bursts into Freyja's room and entreats her to hide him. His name is Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere, a man with a hell-raising reputation of his own who is quickly intrigued by the independent beauty. So intrigued, in fact, that he makes her a surprising request: to pose as his fiancée and help thwart his family's matchmaking schemes. For two people determined to be free, it's the perfect plan…until passion blindsides them both. For as Joshua sets out to achieve his complete seduction of Freyja, a woman who has sworn off love is in danger of losing the one thing she never expected to give again: her heart…

Book Review of Slightly Scandalous.

I’ve read all but the last book in the series and this one remains my favourite in the series. Besides, Slightly Scandalous also has one of my favourite romance couples.

The main reason I love it though are the 2 main characters. They truly are perfect for each other. Both of them are very honest about their feelings for each other. Neither will let the other get away with anything whether in life or play. Joshua would never think to give in to Freyja because of his feelings for her or because she’s a lady. And Freyja would punish him if he tried. I also love how Joshua manages to see the fun in everything and how Freyja challenges her fears head on. It’s always a joy to follow them as get to know each other and fall in love.

The other is the theme of family and friendship. Whether it is the Bedwyns or the friends Joshua has made. It was really fun and moving how they stood up for each other without needing to be asked. It was the reason I picked up the other books in the series, even if the other books don’t quite live up to my expectations.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Definitely. I've already re-read it a few times.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? If I hadn't read it, I'd probably plan to.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical romance readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. This one is a keeper and it can be read as a standalone.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Title : The Red Queen Author : Author Reading Dates : 7 Jul - 15 Jul 2011
The Cousins' War
Books in the series so far: The White Queen The Red Queen
From goodreads :
The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

Book Review of The Red Queen.
The Red Queen offers a different perspective of The Cousins’ War, one seen from the The White Queen’s enemy’s side. Normally, that would put me in the corner of the The Red Queen. Instead, I find that seeing things from Margaret Beaufort’s side, makes me root for the Rivers and the Yorkists more.

Margaret is pitiful. I can’t sympathize with or like her, but I do pity her greatly. The Margaret Beaufort in The Red Queen, no matter how many years pass, strikes me as nothing more than a pitiful child. One who hits out due to envy and spite because she is never given the attention and love she wants. And the root of her piety is simply her wish to believe herself special. And that is why I find that she is someone to be pitied rather than admired or feared.

That is also one of the reasons why I find myself sympathizing more with the Yorkist cause in this book. Another reason are the opinions voiced by Margaret’s second husband. Margaret’s and Sir Henry’s opposing thoughts on who they should support and why are interesting. If Sir Henry truly thought as he did in this book, than I would think that is something unique to the times because his reasons for supporting the king he chooses are not based on self-interest or lineage.

The Red Queen also gave me a thirst to know more about the Princess Elizabeth. Her few appearances certainly shows a young woman of courage, intelligence and charm. And I can’t help but wonder if she is truly as fearless as she appears and how she will deal with the aftermath of the York’s loss.

The Red Queen has me hankering for the next book in the series now. I can’t wait to read The White Princess’ story.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Maybe, I'm reserving judgement until I finish the series.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? I'm reserving judgement until I finish the series.

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Review : The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

Title : The White Queen Author : Author Reading Dates : 2 Jul - 7 Jul 2011
The Cousins' War
Books in the series so far: The White Queen The Red Queen
From Amazon :
THE COUSINS' WAR Book One Philippa Gregory, "the queen of royal fiction,"* presents the first of a new series set amid the deadly feuds of England known as the Wars of the Roses. Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

Book Review of The White Queen.
The White Queen was a good read. And since The Queen’s Fool, I’ve thought that I wanted to read more works by Philippa Gregory, even if the endings do leave me feeling a bit depressed at times.

There are a few reasons why I enjoy The White Queen. The primary one being how real the characters in it are. They come alive and history becomes something interesting rather than just mere facts and figures. In reading Elizabeth Woodwille’s story, once again I realize that these historical figures which achieved such great heights were also mere humans as well, fallible and deserving pity as well. Just the facts and figures never really explains the whys and wherefores of a thing; and sometimes it becomes easier to simplify a thing to mere greed and ambition when there could be more.

And that also brings me to the second reason why I enjoyed this. I liked how the author wove the tale of the water goddess Melusina into it. Whether real or not, it certainly had me wondering why the Rivers family really had such a belief with them and whether their futures would be a reflection of Melusina’s tale. If the Woodwille women really could do the things they did, what a weapon of war they’d make ? Of course the tragedy is that they can’t exactly control who suffers from their gifts.

My only quibble with The White Queen was that the story ended before I was ready to let go. Luckily, I have the next book, The Red Queen with me.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Maybe, I'm reserving judgement until I finish the series.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? I'm reserving judgement until I finish the series.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, The Read-a-Myth Challenge

Review : The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

Title : The Virgin's Lover Author : Philippa Gregory Reading Dates : 25 Mar - 3 Apr 2011
The Tudor Court Novels
The books in the series so far : The Constant Princess The Other Boleyn Girl The Boleyn Inheritance The Queen's Fool The Virgin Lover The Other Queen The Wise Woman
From goodreads :
From the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool comes a stunning portrait of the first perilous years of Elizabeth I's reign. As a new queen, Elizabeth faces two great dangers: the French invasion of Scotland, which threatens to put Mary Queen of Scots on her throne, and her passion for the convicted traitor Robert Dudley. Bud Dudley is already married, and his devoted wife Amy will never give him up, least of all to an upstart Protestant Princess. She refuses to set her beloved husband free to marry the queen; but she cannot prevent him from becoming the favorite and the focus of the feverishly plotting, pleasure seeking court. Others too oppose the marriage, but for very different reasons. William Cecil, the queen's wisest counselor, knows she must marry for policy; her uncle hates Dudley and swears he will be murder him first. Behind the triangle of lovers, the factions take up their places: the Protestants, the priests, the assassins, the diplomats and the moneymakers. The very coin of England is shaved and clipped to nothing as Elizabeth uncertainly leads her bankrupt country into a war that no-one thinks can be won. Then someone acts in secret, and for Elizabeth, Dudley and the emerging kingdom, nothing will be as planned. Blending historical fact with contemporary rumor, Philippa Gregory has created a dark and tense novel of Tudor times, which casts Elizabeth I in a light no one has suggested before. Passionate, fearful, emotionally needy, this is a queen who will stop at nothing.

Book Review of The Virgin's Lover.
I had a harder time getting into The Virgin’s Lover as compared to The Queen’s Fool. The first drew me in almost immediately because I’m in the head of the main character from the start whereas The Virgin’s Lover often changes viewpoints and takes some adjusting to.

The other reason was that by becoming intimately acquainted with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth’s thoughts in the book, it was hard to sympathize or even like them. It was almost as if there is nothing left of them but their ambitions and fickleness. And this puzzles me greatly because if that were all, could they rise as high as they did ? Was it merely a matter of luck ? Amy Dudley too appears in a different light. If The Queen’s Fool gave me the impression of a dullard and a possibly unhinged woman, The Virgin’s Lover has me revising that opinion. For here she exhibits a rather contradictory personality. Practical when it comes to matters involving the governing of her home but weak and pitiful when it comes to her relationships.

In the end, The Virgin’s Lover seems such a tragic tale. One where the most selfish character of them all triumphs. What about you ? What did you think of this one ?

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but I wouldn't pick it up if I were in need of some light reading.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Probably but I'd need to fortify myself first. I am certainly curious about Katherine of Aragon and Mary, Queen of Scots histories.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Not really. These are books I wouldn't be in a hurry to re-read.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? If you don't mind tragic tales, I think these are definitely worth buying.

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Review : The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory

Title : The Queen's Fool Author : Philippa Gregory Reading Dates : 16 Mar - 24 Mar 2011
The Tudor Court Novels
The books in the series so far : The Constant Princess The Other Boleyn Girl The Boleyn Inheritance The Queen's Fool The Virgin Lover The Other Queen The Wise Woman
From Amazon :
A young woman caught in the rivalry between Queen Mary and her half sister, Elizabeth, must find her true destiny amid treason, poisonous rivalries, loss of faith, and unrequited love. It is winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, Hannah Green, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl, is forced to flee Spain with her father. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee. Her gift of "Sight," the ability to foresee the future, is priceless in the troubled times of the Tudor court. Hannah is adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward's protector, who brings her to court as a "holy fool" for Queen Mary and, ultimately, Queen Elizabeth. Hired as a fool but working as a spy; promised in wedlock but in love with her master; endangered by the laws against heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the safe life of a commoner and the dangerous intrigues of the royal family that are inextricably bound up in her own yearnings and desires. Teeming with vibrant period detail and peopled by characters seamlessly woven into the sweeping tapestry of history, The Queen's Fool is another rich and emotionally resonant gem from this wonderful storyteller.

Book Review of The Queen's Fool.
I liked The Queen’s Fool but this is not a story that is easy to read. There are simply too many senseless deaths and heartbreaking moments to make it an “enjoyable” read.

Still I’m glad I picked it up. The characters, whether fictional or real, comes wonderfully to life. They weren’t all saints or sinners but real people. They had their faults and strong points. So much so that it is hard to hate them even when they behave despicably. Because we understand that the demands of their times and upbringing make them so. Which is what makes seeing them pass on one after another and in rather desolate conditions, rather depressing.

Of course seeing the events through Hannah’s eyes makes me easily empathize with those she loves or admires. I not only gained an understanding of the forces that drove the actions of these people but how events might have influenced those around them. The Queen’s Fool has certainly left me intrigued by the Tudor court and curious to find out more.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Probably, but that still depends on the next book.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? I'm reserving judgement until I finish the next book.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge, Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Review : By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan

Title : By Fire, By Water Author : Mitchell James Kaplan Reading Dates : 8 Mar - 16 Mar 2011
From goodreads :
Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the court and longtime friend of the lusty King Ferdinand, has had enough of the Spanish Inquisition. As the power of Inquisitor General Tomás de Torquemada grows, so does the brutality of the Spanish church and the suspicion and paranoia it inspires. When a dear friend’s demise brings the violence close to home, Santángel is enraged and takes retribution into his own hands. But he is from a family of conversos, and his Jewish heritage makes him an easy target. As Santángel witnesses the horrific persecution of his loved ones, he begins slowly to reconnect with the Jewish faith his family left behind. Feeding his curiosity about his past is his growing love for Judith Migdal, a clever and beautiful Jewish woman navigating the mounting tensions in Granada. While he struggles to decide what his reputation is worth and what he can sacrifice, one man offers him a chance he thought he’d lost…the chance to hope for a better world. Christopher Columbus has plans to discover a route to paradise, and only Luis de Santángel can help him. Within the dramatic story lies a subtle, insightful examination of the crisis of faith at the heart of the Spanish Inquisition. Irresolvable conflict rages within the conversos in By Fire, By Water, torn between the religion they left behind and the conversion meant to ensure their safety. In this story of love, God, faith, and torture, fifteenth-century Spain comes to dazzling, engrossing life.

Book Review of By Fire, By Water.
By Fire, By Water was a rather interesting read. Through the story of Luis de Santangel, I’ve certainly learned more about the Spanish Inquisition. Prior to reading this book, I always had the impression that this was about the persecution of so-called witches. Now, I know it was more than that. But while I did expand my knowledge on history and the faiths practiced by the characters in the book, I can’t say that this is a book I’ll be coming back to often.

The characters in the book, whether they did exist in fact or not, just never seems all that accessible to me. Throughout the story, I kept wondering why any of them chose the paths they did. The choices and decisions the characters come up with, isn’t one I would have connected with what I’ve gleaned from their thoughts and actions before.

The thing that really caught my attention though was how spooky Torquemada was in the story. Even more terrifying than some of the monsters I’ve read about in what constitutes horror fiction. Whether intentional or not, his believe in the rightness of his actions had chills running down my back.

Still this is a book that is beautifully written and one that I believe history buffs would enjoy. Just not quite my cup of tea.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but not on a frequent basis.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No, not really.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No, I think not.
• Who would I recommend this too? This I think is more for historical fiction readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? I think if you love historical fiction, you should buy it. The rest should just borrow it.

Read another review on the book by :

• Rundpinne

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Review : World Without End by Ken Follett

Title : World Without End Author : Ken Follett Reading Dates : 13 Feb - 25 Feb 2011
Kingsbridge
Books in the series include : The Pillars of the Earth World Without End
From goodreads :
In 1989 Ken Follett astonished the literary world with The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping epic novel set in twelfth-century England centered on the building of a cathedral and many of the hundreds of lives it affected. Critics were overwhelmed it will hold you, fascinate you, surround you (Chicago Tribune) and readers everywhere hoped for a sequel. World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroad of new ideas about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race the Black Death. Three years in the writing, and nearly eighteen years since its predecessor, World Without End breathes new life into the epic historical novel and once again shows that Ken Follett is a masterful author writing at the top of his craft.

Book Review of World Without End.
What I liked and disliked about World Without End is similar to that of The Pillars of the Earth.

I felt slightly cheated because the story that I got was not the one I thought I’d be getting. For some inexplicable reason, I kept expecting an unforgettable epic. Instead, I got a story which seemed to meander on pointlessly. From the half-way point onwards, I kept wondering “... but what is the point of this story?”

What I did enjoy reading about was how the main characters went about achieving their individual objectives, though to a much lesser degree than The Pillars of the Earth. Since I read this back-to-back with the first book, I could not help noticing how similar a number of the plot lines and characters were. And while the number of likable characters had increased, they simply weren’t as colourful as Jack Builder. More importantly, their dreams and ambitions weren’t as fascinating.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow the book. And I wouldn't recommend reading the books back-to-back.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge, Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, Chunkster Reading Challenge

Review : The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Title : The Pillars of the Earth Author : Ken Follett Reading Dates : 1 Feb - 12 Feb 2011
Kingsbridge
Books in the series include : The Pillars of the Earth World Without End
From goodreads :
A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, this historical epic-a twelfth-century tale of the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral-stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity

Book Review of The Pillars of the Earth.
Although The Pillars of the Earth was a good story, I still felt more than a bit let down. There are 2 main reasons for this.

The first being the difference with what I expected from the story and the actual tale being told. Here I was expecting some grand epic about the building of a cathedral, prepared to be swept away by the main characters’ extraordinary dream and enthralled by the struggles involved in achieving it. Instead, the building of the cathedral while being the cause of many of the characters woes, is just the backdrop to the story. In fact, the feeling I got was that any other reason for the conflicts between the protagonists and antagonists would do. It just happened that the cathedral was one of the points of contention.

The other reason was the prologue and ending which I found puzzling. The prologue seemed to indicate a tale of conspiracy and vengeance. But the mystery is just touched on occasionally throughout the book and when resolved just ends with a whimper.

The above and Tom Builder are the reasons why the story has a slow start. As the person who first dreams of the building of the cathedral, Tom is unexpectedly rather boring. The explanation for why he’s so determined to build the cathedral and what spurred him to sacrifice his family’s security for it never seems all that compelling. For someone who has a supposedly grandiose dream, he seems rather sorely lacking in imagination.

What I did enjoy were the maneuverings of Phillip and Jack to get what they want. How they outwit their enemies, whether by fair or foul means, were often ingenious and exciting. The twists and turns often had me reading on with baited breath. Which is why the middle part of the book is my favourite. And the reason I’d re-read the book.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but not often.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Since I already bought it, yes. But if I didn't own it, probably not.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Historical fiction fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? I'm reserving judgement until I finish the final book.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge, Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, Chunkster Reading Challenge

Unfinished Reads : Promise Me Forever by Janelle Taylor

Title : Promise Me Forever Author : Janelle Taylor Reading Dates : 27 Jan - 31 Jan 2011
From Amazon :
Known to her neighbors as the Black Widow, twenty-one-year-old Rachel Fleming Barlow Newman McCandless has buried three husbands but finds yet more grief when she becomes involved in her last husband's nefarious doings.

Why I couldn't finish Promise Me Forever?
Well there were a few reasons but the primary one was because the story irritated me with too many cliches. The way that the heroine's servants talked, how everyone else behaved badly to make the heroine appear wonderful and how our supposedly wonderfully smart heroine was waiting for the hero to think up something brilliant to save the day. I don't know if this was historically accurate but it certainly doesn't have a very likable array of characters.

Review : Crooked Hearts by Patricia Gaffney

Title : Crooked Hearts Author : Patricia Gaffney Reading Dates : 19 Jan - 22 Jan 2011
From goodreads :
When Grace and Reuben meet, she's dressed as a Catholic nun; he's posing as a blind Spanish aristocrat. But he gets an eyeful when the pretty sister lifts her skirt to adjust the little silver derringer strapped to her thigh. So begins this sexy, rollicking ride through the gambling halls and sinful streets of 1880s San Francisco, as an unusual pair of con-artists become partners in crime--and love.

Book Review of Crooked Hearts.
Crooked Hearts presents an interesting conundrum. On the one hand, I thought the plot was rather boring and presented very little surprises. On the other hand, I loved the characters and the way they related to each other. So, I both like the book and am bored by it at the same time.

In any case, the opening starts off well with the introduction of the main protagonists. Grace and Reuben’s first meeting is very funny and sets the tone for the rest of their dealings with each other. Neither of them has an ounce of trust for the other, yet that’s what makes them so right for each other and so wonderfully fun together.

And some of the supporting cast were hilarious too. My personal favourites were the Croaker brothers, Reuben’s unsavoury creditors. I loved how they could be such tough guys and yet have “principles” at the same time.

In the above character depictions, the story works because it’s so tongue-in-cheek. But at the same time, the antagonist of the tale was so ridiculous that I didn’t feel as if the protagonists would have any trouble outwitting him. Thus, making the later half of the book rather predictable.

Overall, an okay break and nice change of pace after the Millennium books.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? No.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No
• Who would I recommend this too? Romance readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Romance Reading Challenge, Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, What's in a Name Challenge 4

Review : Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Title : Pride and Prejudice Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 13 Nov - 17 Nov 2010
From goodreads:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." So begins Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's witty comedy of manners--one of the most popular novels of all time--that features splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues. Renowned literary critic and historian George Saintsbury in 1894 declared it the "most perfect, the most characteristic, the most eminently quintessential of its author's works," and Eudora Welty in the twentieth century described it as "irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be." "The wit of Jane Austen has for partner the perfection of her taste." --Virginia Woolf

Book Review of Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice remains my favourite Jane Austen novel. This is the only book I’ve ever re-read 5 times in a row the first time I picked it up. And no matter how many times I’ve re-read it since, I still love it.

There are really just 2 main reasons for this. The first are the characters. I enjoy them all especially the sillier ones. I can never quite decide who is the more ridiculous and funny. The things they say and think are so absurd that it’s hard to dislike them even when they are behaving abominably. The story and characters just leave me with a warm feeling until the end.

The second is of course the main characters, Elizabeth and Darcy. It was rather lovely to read how they progressed from dislike to love. I like that Darcy isn’t attracted to Elizabeth because of her looks but because of her personality. He doesn’t see her as beautiful until after he is in love. And once in love, proofs more than once how important Elizabeth’s happiness is to him. Vice versa, I also like that Elizabeth only falls in love with him after he earns her respect and gratitude.

My conclusion : An absolute must-read.

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Review : Persuasion by Jane Austen

Title : Persuasion Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2010
From goodreads:
'She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.' Anne Elliot seems to have given up on present happiness and has resigned herself to living off her memories. More than seven years earlier she complied with duty: persuaded to view the match as imprudent and improper, she broke off her engagement to a naval captain with neither fortune, ancestry, nor prospects. However, when peacetime arrives and brings the Navy home, and Anne encounters Captain Wentworth once more, she starts to believe in second chances. Persuasion celebrates romantic constancy in an era of turbulent change. Written as the Napoleonic Wars were ending, the novel examines how a woman can at once remain faithful to her past and still move forward into the future.

Book Review of Persuasion.
I like Persuasion but it is the one I like the least of Jane Austen's completed works.

The only complain I have about Persuasion is the build up to the happy ever after of the main protagonists in the story. I know that the couple has a history and because of that their tale would not start at the beginning. But still, I always have this feeling that I missed something in the middle because of the abrupt change from Captain Wentworth's ignoring Anne to being in love with her again. No matter how many times I've re-read this, when Captain Wentworth finally declares his intentions I always have this moment of puzzlement where I wonder if I missed something.

As for the characters in the story, none of them really stand out to me. We've basically seen them before in other Austen books. While they do not bore me, I really think their foibles were somehow funnier and more prominent in her other books.

What I do enjoy though is trying to work out Captain Wentworth's feelings for Anne throughout the story. Did he never stop loving her and was merely pretending otherwise ? Or did he fall in love with her a second time after being reminded of her good qualities ? I never can decide. What do you think ?

My conclusion : An enjoyable read for Jane Austen fans.

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Review : Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Title : Northanger Abbey Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 5 Sep - 9 Sep 2010
From Amazon:
Catherine Morland lives for much of her time in a fantasy world of romance and mystery based on the Gothic novels of her time, the early 1800s. But a stay in Northanger Abbey leads her into a series of misjugdements and a farewell to her Gothic world, only to be dealt a cruel blow in the real one.

Book Review of Northanger Abbey.
This was another enjoyable read by Jane Austen.

While Catherine Morland is not the epitome of the usual heroine, being rather plain and silly, I still liked her. I suppose it is because I believe life might be simpler if we all could be like her. Absolutely unpretentious and never having to worry about any meaning beyond exactly what is said, even such things as little white lies. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could be like the Morlands who are able to assume that no one they meet has ill intentions until proven otherwise ?

The other reason I like this particular story is the romance between Catherine and Henry Tilney. It certainly doesn't progress like any of the romance books I have ever read; the reasons for their falling in love with each other is in fact rather funny. Certainly I doubt if any other book has ever had the male protagonist fall in love with the heroine for the same reason that Henry does. At least, not stated so plainly.

And Henry is another of Austen hero that I find interesting. For the choice that he makes at the end, he obviously has principles. But there is enough playfulness in his character to ensure that he isn't a boring main character either. I've also realized while re-reading Jane Austen's books that I much prefer less than perfect characters. What about you ?

My conclusion : One of my choices for a re-read when looking for a light read.

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