DNF: Highland Gladiator by Kathryn Le Veque

Author: Kathryn Le Veque

Narrator: Brad Wills
Title: Highland Gladiator

Series: Scots and Swords #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  August 25, 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

When Lor Careston's quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against the raiders who destroyed his home. Seeking revenge, but lacking the fighting skills he needs to execute his mission, he sets out to find the Ludus Caledonia―a mysterious fight guild that turns men into warriors.

Lor trains hard, proves himself in the ring, and earns a place with the very clan that decimated his home, having decided to set his plan for revenge in motion from inside the clan. But his plan didn't include Isabail Keith, a fiery lass who prefers broadswords to embroidery and isn't afraid to stand with the warriors of her clan. Lor thought the Keiths were his enemies, but when Isabail is threatened, he'll have to decide what he's willing to risk for the woman who has captured his heart and the clan that has become his home.

Review:

This was another random pick up while looking for something else. Why not?

Lor's village is attacked and burned to the ground. He felt so helpless against the raiders that he set out to learn how to fight. Lor trains hard at the mysterious fight guild. He proves himself in the ring and earns a place with the clan that destroyed his home. He didn't plan that his old love, Isabail, who is part of this clan. Will he put everything he holds on the line for the woman he loves?

Whelp. I gave up. I got to about 30%, and I called it done. I didn't want to read/listen anymore. Nothing truly went wrong, but I zoned out 10 times, and I just didn't care. 

Lor seems like a good enough fella. Isabail seems...okay. I didn't get a chance to learn more about her. 

Maybe I will try this again someday, but today I had to DNF. Bummer, because this had promise, and the narrator sounded good. 

Darn two meh books in a row to end the month. :( 

Oh! One positive....this is the first DNF of 2026! Took 4 months so I'll count that as a win. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #16

Audiobook Review: The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrator: Christopher Scott

Title: The Scarlet Lion

(William Marshal #3)

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 7th 2006

Where I got It: My shelf (audible) 

Summary: 

Following early beginnings as a knight in the English royal household and a champion of the tourneys, William Marshal's prowess and loyalty have been rewarded by the hand in marriage of Isabelle de Clare, heiress to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland. Now a powerful magnate, William has weathered the difficult years of King Richard's absence on crusade and is currently serving him on campaign in Normandy while Isabelle governs their estates. All the stability William and Isabelle have enjoyed with their young and growing family comes crashing down as Richard dies and his brother John becomes King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains and although John has created William Earl of Pembroke, the friction between the two men leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves in Ireland. The situation escalates, with John holding their sons as hostages and seizing their English lands. The conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over injustices committed, threatens to tear apart William and Isabelle's marriage and their family.

Review:

Literally been wanting to read this for yearsssssssssss. Thanks to the TBR pile challenge, I decided to get my hands on a copy of this and read it. 

Years have passed and all the stability William and his wife, Isabelle, have enjoyed with their young family comes crashing down. Richard is dead and John has become King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains. The friction between the new King and William leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves by going to their lands in Ireland. The situation further escalates when John holds their sons as hostages and seizes their English lands. This conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over the injustices committed threatens to tear William's family apart. 

This can be read as a stand-alone. I read book 2 years ago so I barely remember what happened there and I never read book 1. Things you need to know will be told/explained to the reader so it's okay not to backtrack to book 1 or 2.

I do remember loving William and Isabelle. They are an adorable couple and they fit each other so well. However, I did want to kick William once in a while. I get WHY he wants to be loyal to the throne and fight through the issues and find common ground...but John is a right old bastard. No Richard by ANY means. So I get young Will's annoyance with his father. 

Sobbbbbs I didn't want this to end. I hated seeing William get old. I hated seeing others get old too and die like Queen Eleanor!!! So dang sad. It made me want to re-read book 2 when William was a super youth and Eleanor was in her prime. I do want to read book 1 which is about John FitzGilbert who is William's dad. 

This had politics, feels, love, war, and death. It is the ending chapter for William, but it isn't the end of the story. There are other stories to be told. I do want to read them, but it made me cry saying goodbye to William. He was truly the greatest knight. Yes, yes, I am being dramatic, but he was such a fun character to watch grow from a boy to an old man. I would love to see a movie based on him. I think the BBC has a documentary on him, but I think the man deserves his own movie. C'MON NETFLIX OR HULU!!!!!

Anyways...this was really good. I do think a couple parts dragged a bit. We just kept waiting and waiting for the other shoe to drop. There were a couple of lulls that seemed to slow down the plot a bit. 

The narrator was pretty good. Loved his male voices. His female voices were okay.

In the end, I recommend reading book 2 but it is not necessary story-wise. I do think you will appreciate all William did for the throne and understand him better when you read book 2 first. Yours to do. I really enjoyed this. It made me cry at the end, but I am curious to see what happens next for this family.  There are a couple of lulls that slowed down the plot a hair. I'll give this 4 stars overall. 

Challenge(s):
- #31 for Audiobook challenge

- TBR Reading Challenge (#5)

Book Review: The Romance of Tristan and Iseult by Joseph Bédier

Author: Joseph Bédier, Hilaire Belloc (Translator)

Title: The Romance of Tristan and Iseult

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Classics

Format: paperback

Pages: 205 

Published: 1170

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used bookstore)

Summary: 

This immortal tale from the Age of Chivalry concerns the doomed love between a knight and a princess — one of the great romances of medieval literature, along with that of Lancelot and Guinevere. The heroic Tristan, nephew and champion of King Mark of Cornwall, journeys to Ireland to bring home his uncle's betrothed, the fair Iseult. Their shipboard voyage takes a tumultuous turn with a misunderstanding and a magic potion, and the lovers quickly find that there's no turning back.

An enduring theme in Western art, literature, and music, Tristan and Iseult's tragic tale was most famously interpreted by Richard Wagner in his popular opera. This edition features J. Bédier's seamless weaving of many medieval sources into a captivating narrative, complemented by Hilaire Belloc's eloquent translation.

Review:

"Love pressed them hard, as thirst presses the dying stag to the stream; love dropped upon them from high heaven, as a hawk slipped after long hunger falls right upon the bird. And love will not be hidden...But in every hour and place every man could see Love terrible, that rode them, and could see in these lovers their every sense overflowing like new wine working in the vat."

Yayy re-reading this for the year. It was picked for book club so I dusted this bad boy off and gave it another read. The last time I read this was in 3/10/2015. *does math* Pretty much 6 years to the day (odd...very odd and kinda funny). 

This is for sure a little hard to read. It is old English much like a lot of the classics. But I enjoy it so much. Its a quick read, but SO much happens to these love birds. There are a lot of interpretations of the original poem. This is just one of them. I would love to read the original in the original language, but I would have to learn that language first. Sighs. Dreams and goals one day. 

This breaks my heart every time I read it. Not just for Tristan and Iseult the Fair, but for King Mark. WHY didn't they just leave him alone. He was FINE not marrying. He didn't WANT to marry. The Councillors hated Tristan SO much that they didn't want him to possibly inherit. They doomed all of them. Yes, yes, this is supposed to be a tragedy and all, but SIGHS it always pisses me off. 

Lies lead into more lies. Leads into doing whatever you can to keep the secret, which just makes it worse. It is tragic for everyone involved. It's a sad story from the moment they sip from that cup. 

I love the magic and fantasy elements mixed in (not the magic love potion though. UGH). The movie really avoided that...which I get....but I think it added an little something extra to the story. You can't fight magic. I didn't like the love potion though, because I think they were bound to love each other regardless so it seemed unnecessary. He was heroic and had been so nice and kind to her. Plus being stuck on a boat in close quarters for THAT long...you are bound to get the feels. ;) I liked the magic, but I hated the magic love potion. I GET that it is symbolic and etc and etc, but still. 

Overall, I really adore the book. The movie is 100% better but I blame James Franco. Can't beat him hehe. But this book really does stand well on its own. Its tragic love between lovers, family, and friends. Lies, affairs, secrets, betrayals....it is the human element and it really is showed here. Love can be the most deadly and dangerous emotion. 

I highly recommend it. I still will keep the 5 stars on this one. 

Challenge(s):

- #9 for Romance Bingo - Free spot

Audiobook Review: Lord of Vengeance by Lara Adrian (Tina St. John)

Author: Lara Adrian 
Narrator: Antony Ferguson

Title: Lord of Vengeance

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: 1995
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Taken captive by Gunnar Rutledge, a dark knight sworn to destroy her father, Raina d’Bussy must teach forgiveness to a man who knows no mercy and lives only to exact revenge on his enemy. But time in Gunnar’s keep stirs an unwanted passion in Raina, and something far more perilous, when she finds herself falling in love with the one man she should never desire.

For Gunnar, vengeance is all that matters. He seeks the ultimate price from his enemy’s beautiful young daughter, claiming Raina as his hostage. But the proud beauty defies him at every turn, tempting him like no other. Setting out to break Raina’s glorious spirit, Gunnar instead finds himself bewitched by her goodness, her strength. Can he seize the justice he is due without losing Raina forever?

A random find on Audible and I picked mainly because it fits of the reading challenges I am doing. 

The story follows Gunnar and Raina. Gunnar's family was murdered by D'Bussy and he has dedicated his life to getting revenge. Years have passed and the time is now. He takes D'Bussy's daughter, Raina, as his hostage. Gunnar finds himself bewitched and the two fall for each other. 

First, was Gunnar even a name used in England during the 12th century? *does research* I guess it was a Viking name? So maybe? And what about Raina? *does more research* Not really finding anything. Looks like it was used in India? I'm no expert but the name seemed out of place. 

The story itself wasn't bad. But it all seemed unlikely. I'm glad it wasn't insta-love. There was some lust of course, but the love took until pretty much near the end. Which is fitting. I mean...he kidnapped you to kill your father! 

Raina was super naive and I wanted to shake her. 

Gunnar was the real victim in all of this and I say he deserved blood! BLOOD!

The baddie was gross especially when the secret came out. UGH no! You are a monster!

The father was a monster and I was rooting for Gunnar even when the father told the entire truth to Raina. Nope. No excuses sir. 

I really had no idea how this was all going to end up okay for everyone especially with the baddie getting in the way. All super unrealistic.

The narrator was amazing as usual. I really like him! He does such a good job even with the girl voices.

Overall, I enjoyed it for what it was, but it was in some patches to get through. The narrator really made it doable for me. I was rooting for Gunnar to get his revenge. Raina just needed a good shake. She is naive and blind to the truth. This was just an unrealistic romance for sure.  I'll give this 2 stars. 

LORD in the title

Book Review: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

Author: Howard Pyle
Title: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
Genre: Classic, Adventure, & Fiction
Pages: 400
Published: 1883
Where I Got It: My shelf (From my Grandpa)



He stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and in so doing became an undying symbol of virtue. But most important, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men offer young readers more than enough adventure and thrills to keep them turning the pages. Who could resist the arrows flying, danger lurking, and medieval intrigue?


I read this eons ago when I was little. I've liked Robin Hood growing up simply for the fact I had watched the cartoon movie first. Those foxes ;) But I remember enjoying this but not as much. I decided to give it a try as an adult. 

We all know the story. Robin steals from the rich and gives to the poor with his band of Merry Men. A classic tale for sure. 

What I love the most about Robin Hood is the fact that he is the perfect representation of the complex world. Yes, stealing is wrong. It is a crime. However, he does it for the poor and the for the helpless. He helps feed children and old people. He doesn't do it for personal greed unlike the rich who tax and tax and never have to dump any of their own money into the pot *cough* sound familiar *cough*. 

This really is a good and fun read. It is a little rough at first to get used to the tone of the book. The author made this sound super old. It does add to the feel but only after you get used to it. It sounds so much like Willy Shakespeare. Maybe that was the goal? Who knows? You can for sure feel and see the Willy Shakespeare influence. 

As per normal, there is some humor with the man in tights. I chuckled a few times. 

There are also a few moments that make you feel and think. 

I would highly recommend this for those that need or want to read a classic story. It is easy to read and I got this done in a couple sittings. 

Ooooo that ending *sniff*

All-in-all, I did like this much better than when I was a wee thing. It is a perfect classic novel for all. It makes you think, feel, and even chuckle. Not amazing, but really good. I'll stamp this with a 4. 

Book Review: Lord of the Sea Castle by Ruadh Butler

Author: Ruadh Butler
Title: Lord of the Sea Castle
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
Published: June 2017
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

It is 1170 – a tumultuous time for the people of Wales, England and Ireland. Raymond de Carew is in love, but the woman he desires is an earl's daughter and so far above his station that he has no hope of ever winning her.

However, Raymond’s lord has a mission for him: one that if it succeeds will put an Irish king back on his throne and prove Raymond worthy – for in Norman society, a man can rise as high as his skill with a sword can take him.

With only a hundred men at his side, Raymond must cross the ocean to Ireland ahead of his mercenary lord's invasion. There he will face the full might of the Viking city of Waterford... and either his deeds will become legend or he will be trampled into dust.

There are a couple of reasons why I picked this up...1) I wanted a good historical book, 2) I wanted war!! Yes, I got the blood-lust ;D, and 3) It is set in Waterford and I live in a Waterford (not the Waterford that this is set in, but ya know lol). 

There was a lot of battles and blood and war and I liked it!! It was really good and written well. It was not gross, like some novels can be, and it was not boring and didn't drag on. A nice flow. There was a decent balance with the war/action-y parts versus the "calmer" parts. The balance could've been better, but it wasn't bad. 

I wish there had been a hair more time with character development and world-building. I didn't feel connected with the main character until about halfway through the book. And I had a hard time seeing the world. Maybe it was just me? 

It was really interesting seeing this side of the conflict. Mainly books in this time period is written on the English side, so I was happy to read the other side. 

The love story was okay and it added a human element to the story. Without it, I feel it would've felt more like a history book. I wasn't a fan of the girl tho (heck - I can't even recall her name). I feel he could've done better in my opinion. Her family was a pain.

I am curious to see what is going to happen next. There was a little epilogue at the end, but there is so much story left! 

In the end, this was okay. I loved a lot of it, but there was a lot I didn't like or thought was just okay. If you love or need some bloody historical fiction with a touch of romance, this is the book for you. In the end, I'll give this a 3. 

Book Review: To Be Queen by Christy English

Author: Christy English
Title: To Be Queen - A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine (Eleanor of Aquitaine #2)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 380
First Published: March 2011
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

After her father's sudden death, fifteen-year-old Eleanor is quickly crowned Duchess of Aquitaine and betrothed to King Louis VII. When her new husband cannot pronounce her given name, Alienor becomes Eleanor, Queen of France. 

Although Louis is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by the church and a God that Eleanor doesn't believe in. Now, if she can find the strength to fight for what she wants, Eleanor may finally find the passion she has longed for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen. 

I simply adore Queen Alienor/Eleanor. She is one my favorite historical figures. Poor girl is born in the wrong era. Luckily, her father believed she should learn to read, write, ride horses, hunt, and even have a hand in politics. He knew she would need it when he died since he left her as his heir to Aquitaine. He also planned on her becoming Queen of France as well.

I am glad we got to see her father more. Normally books end up killing him at the beginning, but not here. It was nice to see Alienor as a child and seeing her grow up into the legend she would become. I also loved that the author made her seem human with human weakness. Many authors idolize her and make her superwoman. She was a wonderful woman, but had many weaknesses like the rest of us and she accepted her weaknesses and I loved it. Main weakness...greed. She wanted so much, which I don't blame her. Aim high, but alas, there are SO many signs to run away screaming from Louis. GAH! He's a nice guy, sure, but he is a puppet of the church. It was not worth it and it took years of marriage for her to realize this and move on with her life.

There was a chunk in the middle that bored me too tears. Nothing was happening and it just went on and on for about 30 pages. UGHHHH. Finally something happened and the flow went back to normal. Gah. But that was a long 30 pages. It was defiantly the calm before the storm, but alas, boring.

I did like how she ended it. It was a nice hopeful ending even though we all know how the marriage to Henry goes...not good. But yes, hopeful and makes me want to read more. It's been a while since I've read a book on Alienor, so I want to continue and finish her story. She is an interesting woman especially for the time period.

In the end, this was certainly a good take on the famous Alienor's life. There was a dry spot in the middle, but it ending after about 30 pages, so I am content. I was worried for a while, but I knew that it couldn't last forever. I loved the fact that we got to see Alienor as a child and learn more about her father. I still want to read a book about her father and mother and their early life. I must search for that! Let me know if that exists. ;) The ending was also good and I want more. I totally recommend this to those that like history. In the end, I shall stamp this with 4 stars.

Book Review: Scent of the Soul by Julie Doherty

Author: Julie Doherty
Title: Scent of the Soul
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: Feb 11th, 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

In twelfth century Scotland, it took a half-Gael with a Viking name to restore the clans to their rightful lands. Once an exile, Somerled the Mighty now dominates the west. He’s making alliances, expanding his territory, and proposing marriage to the Manx princess. 

It’s a bad time to fall for Breagha, a torc-wearing slave with a supernatural sense of smell. 

Somerled resists the intense attraction to a woman who offers no political gain, and he won’t have a mistress making demands on him while he’s negotiating a marriage his people need. Besides, Breagha belongs to a rival king, one whose fresh alliance Somerled can’t afford to lose. 


It’s when Breagha vanishes that Somerled realizes just how much he needs her. He abandons his marriage plans to search for her, unprepared for the evil lurking in the shadowy recesses of Ireland—a lustful demon who will stop at nothing to keep Breagha for himself.

**HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!**

Mmmmmmm....this was not what I was expecting AT all. I was expecting a full on historical romance. Sweet and simple. OH GOODNESS...I WAS WRONG! This was not your a-typical romance. This was intense and I had NO IDEA what was going to happen. HEA seemed very, nearly impossible. Well, even looking at the summary it seems impossible, because Somerlad is a king, while Breagha is a commoner who was captured as a slave. However, as you get into the story it was even MORE impossible. 

It took me a couple chapters before I got into it, because I was confused. There are SO many characters introduced and some much going on, it took my brain a while to figure it out. Once I did manage to get the going ons and the characters, all was well for me. 

Okay....I will be honest here....I thought Breagha's "power" was laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame. Really? You can smell really good? So silly. I was hoping there was more to it. Like she can smell AND have awesome cat like moves. IDK just something to go along with a good smell. It certainly can benefit her, but it was still kinda lame. I would be pissed if that was what my gift was...especially during the 12th century. Smelly. Ew.

ANYWAYS

I also wasn't a fan of the time shifts near the end. It kind of ruined the how-in-the-hell-are-they-going-to-get-their-HEA? Don't get me wrong...I was still rather worried, BUT there are a couple of spoiler moments in those time hops. 

But yes, this was a nice ride. Not your a-typical romance. I totally recommend this to those that may not be huge HRs, but do like action and a wee bit of fantasy intertwined. It was certainly an interesting book. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. :)   

Favorite Character(s): The old woman from the beginning (I can't remember her name...the names are hard in this one), Breagha (even tho her power was kinda lame), the dogs, & Maguire. 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The main baddie (creep)

Book Review: The Blood of the Fifth Knight by EM Powell

Author: EM Powell
Title: The Blood of the Fifth Knight
Genre: Historical Fiction & mystery
Pages: ebook
First Published: Janurary 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me for my honest and unbiased opinion by the author/publisher)

England, 1176. King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for attempting to overthrow him. But with her conspirators still at large and a failed assassination attempt on his beautiful mistress, Rosamund Clifford, the King must take action to preserve his reign.
Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: a man whose skills have saved him once before. Sir Benedict Palmer answers the call, mistakenly believing that his family will remain safe while he attends to his King.
As Palmer races to secure the throne for the King, neither man senses the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to Henry’s traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.


It was nice to read a different POV during this time period. 8 out of 10 books are set in Eleanor's POV; which I adore her to bits, but it was a nice change. That is why I picked this book up! Not only are there parts with Henry's POV, but there are a few side characters that get their say as well. It was nice and done in a way that I never got confused who was talking. So yayy! 

The book started a little slow, it was actiony, but slow since it was in Henry's POV mainly. I don't like Henry at all. He is a snotball. However, it was fun to read his thoughts and views on his wife. The books begins with Henry's little penance after murdering an archbishop (which according to Palmer and Theodosia said he didn't do it - so he is such a hero for taking the blame. Meh). From there the story gets juicy...someone is trying to kill Henry's mistress and so Henry has summoned a great knight, Palmer. Henry trusts this Palmer guy because he is married to his bastard daughter, Theodosia. Was she real? How do you say her name? Hmmmm.

Now, the only thing I thought was super, duper silly was the fact that Theodosia is a royal bastard child who was recognized and accepted by Henry (he even adores her), however, they are living in secret. Okay, totally get it. They fear Eleanor will see them as a threat to her throne, but they are living as peasants. What? They barely have enough to eat. What? C'mon. Henry would just hid them in a nunnery or whatever like he did Amelie. Super silly. 

ANYWAYS.

This was a fun adventure, I pretty much guessed who was the assassin right off the bat. Granted, at one point the author gives the assassin's POV, but they are hiding and you don't know who they are pretending to be. However, its one of my talents to guess who is the murder or whatever. ;) There was ONE part that through me for a loop and I did not expect it. I cannot say, but dammit...the author got me. hahaha. It upset me that this person was working for Eleanor. Oh well.

Even though I am team Eleanor, I was kinda sorta rooting for Palmer 0.0. I know, I know, I am a traitor, but I liked him! I wish he was on the Queen's team fighting for her and the boys. 

The ending was pretty good. It was perfect, in my opinion. 

In the end, this was a fun adventure. After the first couple of chapters, the story got really good and I could NOT put it down. I loved the side characters like Palmer, they made the story. I do not like Henry still, but it was a nice change to see other POVs besides for the Queen. Love her, but its a nice shake-up. I shall stamp this with...mmmm...4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Palmer, Theodosia, & Eleanor (of course - even though she really didn't have any spotlight...she was mentioned in passing and a portrait).
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Henry & Joan (tsk)

Book Review: White Heart by Sherry Jones

Author: Sherry Jones
Title: White Heart 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story
Pages: ebook
First Published: April 3rd, 2012
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"A woman's power lies in her beauty. For years, Blanche de Castille, the White Queen of France, has lived by this maxim—passed on by her grandmother, Eléonore d'Aquitaine, as she took the girl to marry King Louis VIII. When her husband dies unexpectedly, however, Blanche finds that beauty is not enough to hold, and command, a kingdom against usurpers eager to wrest the Crown from her woman's grasp. Faced with an English invasion, barons' uprisings, and slanderous rumors, Blanche must look within herself for the strength she needs to guard the throne for her young son. Her bold response shocks the kingdom and shapes her into the formidable, seemingly heartless mother-in-law to Marguerite of Provence, wife of King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and the eldest of the "Four Sisters, All Queens" in Sherry Jones's forthcoming novel."

Like earlier stated this is a short story...so it's going to be rather short. It was about 100 pages, so things are going to happen quickly.

First off...I simply LOVED how this book started. Normally people in power ignore rumors or just say its not true and brush it off. However, Queen Blanche takes it a step further to prove her innocence. Took a lot of courage to pretty much strip naked in front of the court and those tongue-wagglers. Tsk on them. 

From page one I realized I really liked Queen Blanche. Throughout the 100 pages I grew to be very fond of her and look up to her of sorts. She had had many trials which would make a lesser person fall. I would like to read more about her. This was a very nice introduction. Also...I would like to read more about her husband, the King. It seemed a like a true love match. Very rare in those times and especially of those in the higher class. 

The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the large jumps in time without warning. There were a couple, but on the majority side there were no warnings. Yes...it is a short story, but still...I like warnings. 

In the end, I really liked this. It was a good introduction to not only the characters, but also to the author. I can't wait to read more of her stuff in the future. I would recommend this to those that like historical fiction and Sherry Jones. Fantastic. ^.^ Out of five stars I shall grant this 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Queen Blanche, Louis IX, & The Cardinal
Not-so Favorite Character(s):The traitorous barons 

  

Book Review: The Snow Fox

Author: Susan Fromberg Schaeffer
Title: The Snow Fox
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, War
Pages: 438
First Published: 2004
Where I Got It: Library


"Is one's fate created by the people one is lucky or unlucky enough to love? The Snow Fox raises this question as it brings to life three people who existed almost one thousand years ago in Japan. One of them is Lord Norimasa, whose highest love is to reunify his country and restore peace. The second is a member of his court, Lady Utsu, one of the supreme poetic geniuses of her time. She is also a woman renowned as the country's most beautiful woman, as famous for her cruelty as for her beauty and artistry. The third is Matsuhito, a samurai who apprentices himself to Lord Norimasa, and who, in time, becomes a legendary warrior.
When Matsuhito and Lady Utsu fall hopelessly in love, the lives of these three are forever changed. Separated by the warfare ravaging Japan, Matsuhito and Lady Utsu do no meet again until both of them have aged so greatly that they no longer recognize each other, their ecstatic and long-delayed reunion is shadowed by the caprices and cruelty of time, the transience of all living things, or what the Japanese call mono no aware."

This book was the first historical novel I read that was set in medieval Japan. I've read some contemporary set books set in Japan, but this was defiantly a first for me. At first I was a little unsure if I liked this book or not. However, I avoided judging until I read the last page and was done. I then let my mind think and work out what I just read. It was an amazing love story and one that will always stay with me. At first I was irritated with how the author wrote the story. She jumped to different points in time without warning. I would find myself absolutely confused and frustrated with the characters.


However, once I got to book two, I was absolutely in love with this book! I even loved how foreboding the book was, it warns you and give you so many clues to what's about to happen and how the book will end. You want to enjoy these and believe that everything will be okay. I wanted so badly for every character to find they're happy ending, but as we all know that that never happens. I will admit that I fell for Matsuhito. He's sort of the Japanese version of William Marshal from 'The Greatest Knight' by Elizabeth Chadwick. He's such a great guy! He's so loyal and perfect. (Spoiler coming) I was devastated that he died at the end, but it was romantic because he couldn't live without Lady Utsu and his son. (Spoiler done).
I hated how the author skipped around and how she plotted out the story. I would've preferred it running in a straight line, but I know she did it purposely. I loved the story and all the characters, even Lord Norimasa's psychotic wife. I loved how she used the foxes as the symbolism of the entire book. All-in-all, I found this a great story and if you love history like me, you'll enjoy this book. It shows you life of three historical figures in medieval Japan. It shows you a completely unique and misunderstood world. I do recommend that you give this book a shot. Out of 5 stars, I will grant this book 5 stars. It was 4.8, but since I don't do decimals I rounded up.






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<3 Carole Rae