Sunday, July 31

Book Review: Royal Exile by Fiona McIntosh


Author: Fiona McIntosh
Title: Royal Exile (Valisar Trilogy #1)
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 441
First Published: Jan 2008
Where I Got It: My shelf (Dollar Tree)


From out of the East they came riding like a merciless plague—destroying kingdom after kingdom and the sovereigns who had previously mocked the warlord Loethar and his barbarian horde. Now only one land remains unconquered—the largest, richest, and most powerful realm of the Denova Set… 

Penraven.

The Valisar royals of Penraven face certain death, for the savage tyrant Loethar covets what they alone possess: the fabled Valisar Enchantment, an irresistible power to coerce, which will belong to Loethar once every Valisar has been slain. But the last hope of the besieged kingdom is being sent in secret from his doomed home, in the company of a single warrior. The future of Penraven now rests on the shoulders of the young Crown Prince Leonel who, though untried and untested in the ways of war, must survive brutality and treachery in order to claim the Valisar throne.

Looking at all the comments and reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, it seems that you either LOVE this book or you don't. No in between. One of my friends liked the book quite a bit, so I decided to get it and try it. 

Simply...sighs.

The first 60 pages had me hooked. I flew by these pages...but...it lost me. I didn't care and nothing made sense. The plot literally died before my eyes. The story seemed to drag on and on and on and on. I get character building and getting a feel for the world and the situation. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF PIE LETS MOVE IT! It was about page 120 before anything really important happened. Sighs. 

The characters were meh. The baddie was certainly a baddie....I really didn't understand his motives. Yes, power and killing seemed to be all he wanted. Whatever. The King and Queen were weak. Why did they just GIVE up? Where is the fight? FIGHT BACK!!!!!! At least die with dignity and honor. 

There were too many POVs. Once a character died, like the King, the author added another one. It was too much. I was able to keep track who was who and who was talking, but it slowed everything down. She should have stuck with maybe 2 or 3. 

Okay - confession time.....I did not finish this book. I skimmed and skimmed and then I got tired and went to bed. I woke up and looked at it and said I'm done. My first DNF in YEARS. I feel like a quitter, but I couldn't go on. So....a DNF. 

In the end, this was a total failure for me. I tried my darndest to finish, but I got about halfway and threw in the towel. My first DNF in about 6 years. Damn. 

I shall stamp this with 1 star. 
















Saturday, July 30

Kat Flannery Book Blast: Lakota Honor & Blood Curse

02_Lakota Honor

Lakota Honor (Branded Trilogy, Book 1) by Kat Flannery

Publication Date: May 26, 2013 Publisher: Imajin Books eBook & Paperback; 182 Pages Genre: Historical Romance/Paranormal/Western Add to GR Button     Fate has brought them together, but will a promise tear them apart? In the small town of Willow Creek, Colorado, Nora Rushton spends most of her days locked up in her home with a father who resents her and fighting off unwanted marriage proposals from the wealthy Elwood Calhoun. Marked as a witch, Nora must hide her healing powers from those who wish to destroy all the witkowin—crazy women. What she doesn't know is that a bounty hunter is hot on her trail. Lakota native Otakatay has an obligation to fulfill. He has been hired to kill the witkowin. In a time when race and difference are a threat and innocence holds no ground, courage, love and honor will bring Nora and Otakatay together as they fight for their freedom. Will the desire to fulfill his promise drive Otakatay to kill Nora? Or will the kindness he sees in her blue eyes push him to be the man he once was?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Chapters | Createspace

03_Blood CurseBlood Curse (Branded Trilogy, Book 2) by Kat Flannery

Publication Date: September 14, 2014 Publisher: Imajin Books eBook & Paperback; 214 Pages Genre: Historical Romance/Paranormal/Western Add to GR Button     “Upon mine death for the blood ye have shed, Every daughter born to ye shall die before it draws breath, to which ye will know pain and worse, I cast unto ye mine blood curse.” ~ Vadoma Four years after the Blood Curse, Pril of the Peddlers vows to protect her child against the evil men who hunt her. With her clan unaware of the branded girl among them, Pril has to keep the identity of her daughter a secret. When her child is kidnapped, she is forced to ask Merchant runner, Kade Walker, for his help. Kade Walker needs to find the gypsy child. Blackmailed and pushed beyond his own moral code, he is determined to do whatever it takes. When he comes across the Peddler clan, he is sure the girl is there, however all hope is lost when the gypsies capture him. Time is running out—until Pril makes him an offer he cannot refuse. Amidst greed, lust, revenge and love, Pril will need to trust Kade. But as the evil nears and doubt creeps in, will she discover that the enemy has been standing next to her all along?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Chapters | Createspace



04_Kat FlanneryAbout the Author

Kat Flannery's love of history shows in her novels. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. When not researching for her next book, Kat can be found running her three sons to hockey and lacrosse. She has her Certificate in Freelance and Business Writing. A member of many writing groups, Kat enjoys promoting other authors on her blog. She's been published in numerous periodicals. Her debut novel CHASING CLOVERS has been on Amazon's Bestsellers list many times and was #62 over all their titles. LAKOTA HONOR and BLOOD CURSE (Branded Trilogy) are Kat’s two award-winning novels and HAZARDOUS UNIONS is Kat’s first novella. Kat is currently hard at work on her next book. For more information please visit Kat Flannery's website. You can find Kat on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Book Blast Schedule

Tuesday, July 5 
Passages to the Past 
Wednesday, July 6 
Lampshade Reader 
Let Them Read Books 
Thursday, July 7 
A Holland Reads 
The Never-Ending Book 
Friday, July 8 
Book Nerd 
Monday, July 11 
The Reading Queen 
Tuesday, July 12 
Cafinated Reads 
Wednesday, July 13 
Broken Teepee 
Thursday, July 14 
Brooke Blogs 
Friday, July 15 
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne 
Monday, July 18 
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium 
Thursday, July 21 
Oh, for the Hook of a Book! 
Monday, July 25 
One Book Shy of a Full Shelf 
Thursday, July 28 
CelticLady's Reviews 
Saturday, July 30 
Carole Rae's Random Ramblings

Giveaway

Author Kat Flannery is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card during the book blast! To enter, please see the GLEAM form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open Internationally. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Kat Flannery Book Blast


05_Kat Flannery_Book Blast Banner_FINAL

Thursday, July 28

Book Reviews: Secret Missions of the Civil War by Philip Van Doren Stern


Author: Philip Van Doren Stern
Title: Secret Missions of the Civil War
Genre: Nonfiction & History
Pages: 320
First Published: 1959
Where I Got It: My shelf (Christmas gift many moons ago)


Prominent Civil War historian has woven a compelling history of the Civil War from first hand accounts by men and women who undertook secret missions and were involved in underground activities for both sides. Discussions of codes and ciphers used during this war





Tried reading this an eon ago when I was a wee thing and I couldn't get through it. I think it was too dry for me back then, now that I am an old fart I was able to get through this with ease. 

This is filled with compelling stories from both sides of the war that nearly tore the United States in half. This book remained neutral and unbiased. I think that is what I liked most about it. Yes, there are always two sides to every story and it was nice to see foolishness and heroism on both sides of the war through this. 

I also really liked the fact the stories were first-hand accounts from men and women who lived during the times with some back-story as well. However, if you have limited knowledge on the war, this is not the book for you. There is some back-story that is missing/needed to fully grasp what is going on.

There were some pictures near the end, but I do wish there were more. Maybe some pictures of the person speaking/sharing the stories. I think that would have added a star or two. 

In the end, this was good. Very interesting stories, but missing some needed back-story for those that don't have a lot of knowledge on the subject. There were a couple of pictures of some machines and whatnot, but I feel more would have made the world and stories come to life more. I do recommend this for history buffs who are interested in the American Civil War. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3. 















Monday, July 25

B's Monday Review: Goblin Quest by Jim C Hines

Jig is a scrawny little nearsighted goblin-a runt even among his puny species. Captured by a party of adventurers searching for a magical artifact, and forced to guide them, Jig encounters every peril ever faced on a fantasy quest.

My thoughts:
I was unsure about this one to be honest, it was the story of a scrawny goblin after all. But I should not have feared, it was a Hines book after all.

This one was amusing, oh those silly humans ;) See Jig lives with the rest of the goblins where goblins live. And sometimes pesky humans aka adventures come into those caves looking for stuff, killing goblins and just being so darn annoying.

And that is what happens. A dwarf, a wizard, a prince and a thief comes looking for something and Jig have to help them. There is danger, adventure, treasure and one scared, yet brave goblin.

Conclusion:
I need to read more Jig books. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Paperback, 346 pages
Published November 7th 2006 by DAW (first published November 2nd 2004)
Jig the Goblin #1
Fantasy
Own

Friday, July 22

Early Joint Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown







This month Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Morning Star" by Pierce Brown



Author: Pierce Brown
Title: Morning Star (Red Rising #3)
Genre: Sci-FI, Fantasy, & YA
Pages: ebook
First Published: February 9th 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Bought on Amazon)
Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society’s mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.

Finally, the time has come.


But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied—and too glorious to surrender.


B: BOOM! The end. Let us begin. C:Yes! SO what shall I say? I honestly did NOT expect ANYTHING with the ending...especially the bit about Mustang.

B: No, it came as a surprise. A happy surprise...sort of. A surprise I will not give the world for. I still think that universe will burn. C: Yes. I agree. I was shocked. I wanted to know SO badly what was going to happen. I think I sped through this faster than the other two books and those were WAY smaller than this. B: Same, I did read 400 pages in a day. That is what vacation is for. Mostly I was so surprised (again) that I did not hate the beginning ;) And I just could not put it down, I needed to know what would happen. In my opinion, this truly was the strongest one of all 3, though, I do like the last 200 pages of book 1 the most. That was so mothereffing brutal, loved it. C: The beginning had me hooked from sentence one. Poor Darrow. >_< I rather have the physical torture...not that. That was brutal. Same here. I flew through the first few chapters. And then I flew through the last ones too. A small lag in the middle, but I still couldn’t put it down even during the drag because I HAD to know what was going to happen. The brutality and bloodshed was not as bloody as the last two. What do you think? B: I missed the brutality and bloodshed, I think I am a bookish sociopath. But I just did not get that same feeling, it was toned down, this one really was more YA. And they were older, so that was strange. I wanted gore and guts because that is what he gave us before. Now I just got the feeling that I totally could take Darrow in a fight...not in hand to hand combat, but playing on those pesky feelings he have and then I’d stab him in the eye! Yikes, look at me! What about you? C: Same here! I missed the brutal world from the other two books. Maybe it was because they were older and had to be more tricky! Darrow was super weak in this. Reality smacked him in the face. I think the Gold version and Red version of Darrow blended into this one. Sooooo it makes sense? Gah. Lots more feely-feel emotions in this one. B: You make so much sense, yes he was more Red in this one. Letting go of that Gold coldness. So I can forgive him...not that there was anything to forgive. How about other characters? I still do not care for Mustang, I just do not know. I like Servo, that is one messed up weirdo. Cassius...still want to stab him for being an idiot. Valkyries rule! That was the only time I had chills. C: I go back and forth on Mustang. I personally liked Victora (or however you spell it) more. I wanted them to be together. Valkyries were kickass. Cassius and Aja needed to be stabbed. xD After reading all the books, have you decided what color you would be if they forced you? B: After meeting the Outer Rim Golds, aye, those were smarter and did not send their kids to a slaughter house. So yes I am still Gold, or Pixie, I want the easy life, but without being sent to be raped and killed by my friends. C: I think I would be a Pixie myself. The Golds (even the outer rim golds) are all cra-cra. LOL B: Did you see that there will be another series set in the aftermath of these events? 2017 something. oHHH yes I need it. C: Really??? Had no idea. Will Darrow still be the hero/main character? I am tired of him. I want to see the world through another pair of eyes. Maybe a gold’s eyes or something. Knowing this...I stick to my theory that the world will still burn. B: The name is Iron Gold, sounds promising for some Gold action. But from the blurb I do not know, but I believe it will be about someone else. And we will see them from the sides of it all. Since stuff is going down for sure. After some of the events, chaos, so much chaos. C: Interesting. I am curious. We should check it out for sure!! There was something I did want to say…..mhmmm...blanking. You go - I’ll think. B:10 years after the rebellion, so can’t be Darrow then, he is OLD then. Hahhaha. Ok let me think. Best so far, I am even giving it a 4 since he managed to create a good beginning. I did not think he had it in him. It is rare a series ends on a high note for me. Since I wanted to dnf book one, except those glorious last pages that were so effed up. Good times. Anything yet? C: Can’t remember what I originally had in mind to say. But you did bring up an excellent point. It is a rare thing that a series ends so well. I was worried, super worried, that this would be a fail. I’m leaning towards a 4 myself. I feel this better than the other two! The second book was crap to me, but this sure made up. B: Book 1, crap beginning, excellent ending. So that was a 3. Book 2 was overall good, so a 3. And since this one was better overall it had to be a 4. It did surpass those other two for me, he just got better at what he was doing. But the series as a whole would get a 3. How long is your lunch? Should we wrap it up? C: My sad lunch is drawing to a close...so we should sadly wrap up. I wish I could say more, but there are so many things that I could spoil, so I shall refrain. There were lots of surprises and the writer kept me on my toes. I whipped through this a crazy person and I enjoyed the journey. There were a couple of parts that made me roll my eyes and could have been cut to shorten the story. This was calm compared to the other two...not as much brutality which I wanted! Final thought dearie? B: He upped his game, kudos to that, and to make it short, I agree with everything you say in your paragraph. On to the next book! C: *charges* TO THE NEXT BOOK! *cough* Who’s turn is it? I am confused. LOL B: No idea...you, I say you. C: FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE! ;) *charges again* B: ;) Eeek my laptop is dying! Enjoy the rest of the day! C: Bye!


**CAROLE'S CONCLUSION**
Well, this was so much better than the other two books in many ways. I was hooked from page one and could hardly put it down even during the couple of lulls in the middle. The ending was certainly a surprise and I did not expect everything that happened. CRAZY! The bloodshed and brutality was calmer in this book, not gone of course, but certainly calmer which was a bummer for me. It felt a touch more YA even though the characters are a wee bit older in this one. I do recommend checking out this series. It had some ups and some downs, but the story was good. The journey and the world intriguing! It certainly is a fresh breath of air! Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.








Monday, July 18

B's Monday Review: Lonen's War by Jeffe Kennedy

Alone in her tower, Princess Oria has spent too long studying her people’s barbarian enemies, the Destrye—and neglected the search for calm that will control her magic and release her to society. Her restlessness makes meditation hopeless and her fragility renders human companionship unbearable. Oria is near giving up. Then the Destrye attack, and her people’s lives depend on her handling of their prince…

When the cornered Destrye decided to strike back, Lonen never thought he’d live through the battle, let alone demand justice as a conqueror. And yet he must keep up his guard against the sorceress who speaks for the city. Oria’s people are devious, her claims of ignorance absurd. The frank honesty her eyes promise could be just one more layer of deception.

Fighting for time and trust, Oria and Lonen have one final sacrifice to choose… before an even greater threat consumes them all. 

My thoughts:
I did not really know who to root for at first. The Barbarian Horde was all kill them all! BUT they claimed that they had been attacked first. As for the people of Dara I only had Oria's opinion and she had no idea why they were attacking. Except for them being barbarians. So I was not too happy about the Destrye to be honest. And not at all when things comes to pass later on.

It's not a fantasy romance, there is not an inch of romance in it. But I guess there will be in coming books. Cos duh, you read the blurb and think that they will hook up. But he keeps thinking of someone else and I am so not down with that. But then he thinks of Oria too, and I am all no you didn't! It did not really make me love Lonen. He has to prove himself in book 2 if he is gonna win me over. He does better himself, but in another way it just makes it all worse.

Oh and you should see him go all but she said! Oh man, she is not the ruler of this place. Silly little Destrye. You will see.

As for Oria's family, they do not show that much redeeming traits. Maybe the city really should burn.

I have no idea where I am , let me see. Oria aka stuck in a cover, can't use the magic she should, never leaves said tower. And Lonen the barbarian who goes all I trust her.

Fighting. Trying to make peace. Inviting trouble. The foundation for the whole city cracking...

Conclusion:
It was an interesting story, there are some...things I would like to learn more of. The romance part seemed utterly doomed and hope not. I'd like some romance, maybe some happy banter too.

ebook, 233 pages
Expected publication: July 19th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
Romantic fantasy
For a review

Sunday, July 17

Book Review: Dating Tips for the Unemployed by Iris Smyles


Author: Iris Smyles
Title: Dating Tips for the Unemployed
Genre: Fiction & Humor
Pages: 320
First Published: June 28th 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)


In twenty-four absurd, lyrical, and louche episodes, “Iris Smyles” weaves a modern odyssey of trying to find one’s home in the world amid the pitfalls and insidious traps of adult life. A wickedly funny picaresque touching on quantum physics, the Donner Party, arctic exploration, Greek mythology, Rocky I, II, V, IV, VI, and III respectively, and literary immortality, Dating Tips for the Unemployed is a wistful if wry ode to that awkward age—between birth and death—when you think you know what you want but aren’t quite sure what you’re doing.

When I read the summary I felt like I had no choice but to read it. It is something different and unique, but with the same message that books like this want to get out: finding yourself and finding where you belong. 

Hilarious and sad all at the same time. I loved the main character - Iris. She was a mess as she was stumbling her way through relationships, family meetings, and just life in general. I loved her. I seen a lot of myself in her, so this made it so MUCH funnier! However....I will be honest....it took me about five stories before I realized that this book was centered around the same character. You are probably asking yourself what I am talking about? At first I thought it was different characters, until I re-read the summary and I realized it was the same character.

Why? Well, I think it was because the beginning was jumping around so much. At first the storyline was scattered around so much that I thought it was different people. I finally realized it was still Iris. That is honestly my only compliant. The beginning confused me, because it was jumping years too much.

Other than that, I couldn't put this book down. I simply adored the stories and the characters. Some of her exes needed a slap in the face! Ugh. But sometimes Iris was a total snot and selfish. 

Honestly? I want to read more by the author. I love her voice and writing style. She can be tragic and funny all in one sentence. She certainly knows how to encompass life, because life is tragic and funny all at the same time. Brava!

In the end, I highly recommend this if you want a story about people stumbling through this silly thing we call life. The characters were fun. The stories were fun. My only compliant is the beginning, because it jumped around too much for my liking. Out of five stars, I stamp this with....mhmmm....4 stars.














Saturday, July 16

Saturday Scribbling Challenge #5: Poetry Edition




This is a fun little writing challenge that Blodeuedd and I have come up with! We each challenge each other with the selected theme. 

This month we decided to do something a little different. We decided to do a poetry challenge! We then had to go find a photo that we personally feel matches what our story is about. 

First....Blodeuedd's poem:


Ode to War
WWI inspired fantasy poem
by Blodeuedd

With a brave heart
and proud mind
I rode.
You are a hero, they told me.
You will save us all, they sang.
My parents smiled,
My friends they laughed.
But now I lie here,
broken and beaten.
Where are you who cheered me on
who hugged me close?
Where are you who promised me honor?
Where are you who promised me everything?





Now, my poem (sorry it went long, hahaha):





Make This Stop 
Inspired by 'I'm Not the Only One' by Sam Smith
by Carole Rae

My heart is pulled
And stuck in between multiple roads,
Multiple ways,
Multiple times,
Multiple dreams,
Multiple desires,
Thump, thump
Blood rising
Palms sweaty
My heart is caught
In between places
Where to choose?
What to do?
No one to choose. 
Left in between
Breathing 
Failing
Breathing
Stilled
Wanting all,
Losing more. 
How to feel?
What to think?
I want it all,
But could lose all. 
I want to be happy. 
I want to be glad,
But all I feel is sad
And mad. 
Mad at the decisions
That lock me in place. 
That tell me what to feel
What to think. 
Make it end. 
Make it stop.
Make this heart choose one way
Or no way at all. 
It is all too much. 
Too many feelings.
I rather be stone,
I rather be alone. 
Make this stop.
Thump, thump
Make this stop. 

Thursday, July 14

Movie Review: The Woman in Black (2012)


Length: 1h 35 min
Released:  2012
Genre: Drama, Fantasy,  & Horror 
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: On Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.











TRAILER:






REVIEW:
I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO WAIT THIS FOR A LONG, LONG TIME!! And why wouldn't I? Historical fiction, horror, and paranormal? ALSO Mr. Radcliffe stars in this and I do adore him. *swoons* It has all the makings for a fantastic film. Now, the question is...was it?

It was good. Not fantastic. But certainly good. 

The acting was good by all involved. Especially by Mister Radcliffe. He certainly did a good job playing as the depressed lawyer, who is an innocent victim. Poor guy. He just wanted to do his damn job and spend some time with his boy! STUPID GHOST!

Honestly, I hated the whole "if you see the ghost, the ghost starts haunting". This doesn't make sense to me. If the villagers were sooooo scared why didn't they burn down the house or move away and burn down everything?????? Like...this is a kid-killing ghost and no one does a thing!!!!!! They just hide in their house and avoid the house.This is SO unrealistic. Like c'mon! 

Now, at first I felt bad for the ghostie and her ghostie kid, but I no longer felt bad after a certain event happened. Like really? What DO YOU WANT???????? Anger. And annoyed. 

This was a set-up movie...I could tell. I am curious to see what happens next. Is there two or three after this? Not sure, but I am curious. Maybe it'll get better and someone can beat that ghostie. 

The layout of the story was nice. It took a while to understand what and why things were happening. I'm glad. I will be honest....there were a lot of times when I jumped. Some were cheesy jumps, but I jumped nonetheless. The toys were creepy as hell and so was that mud ghost. *shudders* NASTY!

I do want to learn more about some of the characters in the town. Hopefully they make an appearance. There were a couple plot holes that had me curious. Maybe they'll be explained in other movies. 

Then there was the ending...

I liked it, but I hated it. I can't say what, but I am still on the fence. I mean, it was super sweet in away, but I am bummed. It was indeed the true definition of bittersweet. 

In the end, this was worth a watch especially if one is a fan of scary movies. What shall we stamp this with?

Plot: 3
Screen Writing: 3
Characters: 3
Acting: 5
Costumes: 4
Scare factor: 4
Ending: 3

Lets stamp this with 3. 


Re-watch: Yes. 










Monday, July 11

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Across the Mersey by Anne Groves & Polar Boy by Sandy Fussell

From the author of 'The Grafton Girls' comes the story of one Liverpool family preparing for the onslaught of World War Two, while trying not to fight among themselves. Jean and Vi are twins but couldn't be more different. Jean's proud of her honest, hardworking husband and their children, but there's never a penny to spare. Vi's equally proud of her husband's new role as a local councillor and their elegant new house, and has raised her children to expect the best. As war breaks out, agonising decisions must be faced. Should the oldest children enlist? Should the youngest be evacuated? All the traditional certainties are overturned. Then the twins' own younger sister, singer Francine, returns home unexpectedly and stirs up the past, even in the midst of present danger. This is a tremendous saga of fighting spirit and family closeness, and the belief that even though today is full of destruction and pain, there is hope for a better tomorrow.

My thoughts:
I liked this family saga, I read it fast, but f that bitch in the book, she  destroyed it all and hell this gets a 1. Hated that effing ending.

I can't even talk about the book cos all I wanted was that woman to buuuuuuuuuuuuuuurn!!!!!!!

Spoiler:
Ok so there is this horrid spoiled conniving bitch who is horrible to everyone. She tells lies so that a woman breaks up with the man that woman loves. She makes a plan with her brother to trap a man in marriage. And yes that man shows to be an ahole, but if I had to marry her, god, I'd never come home to see her stupid face. And then at the end, she finds I guess true love. AND will be happy. The morale of the story being that you can be a stupid bitch and not even apologize to anyone and still ge everything you want. Of course she will never be happy, she will complain about all the things she wants until that guy tires. And it just spoiled the whole book for me. I did not want her to get a happy ending, why!? did she have to get a happy ending? She did not even learn any lessons. She is still a bitch. OH OH I forgot, that new guy, well she used his sister as slave labour . Fuck this book

Hardcover, 512 pages
Published February 4th 2008 by HarperCollins
Campion Family #1
Historical fiction, family saga
Own



“The ancient ones whisper to me, Iluak,” Nana says. “They talk about you. They say a bear is waiting.” In the land of snow and ice, where the midwinter sun doesn’t rise and it’s black all day, Iluak is afraid. But he’s not afraid of the darkness. He’s afraid of whiter things.

My thoughts:
A short story set in the north where a young boy faces down a prophecy. I can't really say a lot, it was short. A good MG? novel. Maybe it was YA, but a younger crowd can read it too. Learn a bit about seal hunting, whale hunting, the first northmen coming.

The dangers of ice, water, cold and starvation. And not to take more than what nature can give.

Conclusion:
Short and good.

Hardcover, 203 pages
Published January 1st 2008 by Walker Books Australia
Historical YA fiction
Own


Sunday, July 10

Book Review: Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran


Author: Michelle Moran
Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 447
First Published: 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Birthday gift


The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts. 




Honestly, Michelle Moran has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers throughout the last few years. She is an amazing writer and she has such a powerful voice. She brings not only the characters to life, but the world around them to life as well. This is one of her older novels, but I've been dying to read it. Lucky me and someone got this for me for my birthday this year. 

Now, the story follows the journey of Selene and her twin Alexander. They had a little brother, but he did not survive the journey to Rome which made me really upset. The two are Cleopatra's children with Marc Anthony (we all know the story with those two). Now, Rome has conquered Egypt and the twins are taken hostage back to Rome. They are forced to be part of Octavian's household. Which...I never understood WHY he did this. Was it guilt because they are kids and he didn't want to be known as a kid-killer? Would it be easier to turn them to his side and marry them off? IDK - that is too work for me honestly.

Selene and Alexander are 12, but they seemed so much older! I guess it makes sense, because they witnessed such horrible, horrible things at the beginning. I'm glad the author constantly reminded the reader that they are so young and so mature in many aspects now. 

Well, this was a tough journey for me. The beginning was great and had me hooked. The ending was amazing and I had to read like a madwoman, because I wanted to know how it was all going to end. Now...the middle was rough. It was extremely slow for me. Nothing really happening. Just SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. It took me forever to get through the middle, because I felt nothing. I was annoyed with everyone including Selene. Once the tension started building I was back into the story, but it took forever. 

Also, I hated the vast majority of the characters. I've read a couple other books about Selene and I had found that I either pitied, understood, or liked. There were only a few I hated. But in this one I hated many of them. Selene was okay, but very childish in many of her decisions. Alexander seemed to conform really quick and that annoyed me. Juba was SUCH a butt! Why? Normally I really love him, but in this he was SO overly nasty to Selene. Even near the end, I was annoyed with him. Julia was an air-headed moron. Marcellus was too flirtatious, but I did like him overall. Octivia was nice. Oddly, I feel like Octavian was around enough to understand him. Tiberius and Livia were of course the "baddies" of the book like always. Livia, especially, is a special kind of snot! The rest of the people I didn't really care about. 

Overall, this was okay. I really felt the middle was super slow and it really did take me forever to get through it. Also, I didn't feel as connected to some of the characters as I wanted to be. Total bummer, because I do really like Selene. The rest of the book was addicting! I had to know what was going to happen next! I do recommend this to lovers of history. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3.