Movie Review: Napoleon (2023)

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes. 

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought. 

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently. 

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene. 

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice. 

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day. 

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.

Movie Review: Death on the Nile (2022)

Title: Death on the Nile

Length: 2 hr & 7 mins

Released: 2022

Genre:  Mystery, Crime, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this. I honestly wanted to watch it at the theater, but I have gotten lazy with theater-watching esp since my hubby is meh about theaters. Sometimes I can con him to go with me, but maybe once or twice a year. 

We are back with Hercule! He is dragged along on a Honeymoon party with a rich heiress and her new husband to keep an eye on their guests because they fear for their lives. And of course, Linnette does not make it and now Hercule has to investigate the murder on a boat stuck with a lot of suspects in the middle of the Nile. 

I really adored the intro. It was nice getting to see some backup story on our hero. I did have a tear or two for sure when we find out what happens a little later on. Ooooo Hercule! You are a vain man, but we love you. You deserve to be a hair vain with all your success. 

I felt so bad for Linnette. She is rich but she can't trust anyone. Everyone has some sort of motive for wanting her dead. Gah. I couldn't live my life like that! Eeee.

Sooo....the whodunnit......I surprised myself by guessing very early on and being RIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Something teeny tiny happened and I was all "OOOOOOO there!" I must pat myself on the back for this. However, there was so much more on the who, why, how, etc. Plus, I wasn't 100% sure there are def some red herrings. I have read some Hercule stories in the past so maybe I am good at pinpointing the little things that people miss in his stories. Oh Hercule!

The setting was beautiful. Egypt is lovely. 

In some ways, I liked this more than the first, but I did have one big, big issue.........after the little prequel at the beginning the setup took forever. It felt like a lot of filler and tbh it could've been trimmed. Yes, yes, we do want to see everyone and learn about them. However, it just felt like it took too long for the murdering parts. The first film had a slow beginning too and it worked well. This felt too long though. 

But yes, a nice sequel. I don't remember ever reading this one so it was fun just watching as a newbie. I really should read more Hercule. There are 33 novels, 2 plays, and more than 50 short stories!! So much to read. Not sure how the writers are picking. 

Def recommend watching the first one first and then this one.

4 stars. 

Book Review: Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

Author: Julia Gregson

Title: Jasmine Nights

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure

Format: paperback

Pages: 416

Published: June 5, 2012 

Where I Got It: Dollar Tree

Summary: 

At twenty-three, Saba Tarcan knows her only hope of escaping the clamor of Cardiff Bay, Wales, lies in her voice. While traveling Britain, singing for wounded soldiers, Saba meets handsome fighter pilot Dom Benson, recovering from burns after a crash. When Saba auditions to entertain troops in far-off lands, Dom follows her to London. Just as their relationship begins to take root, Saba is sent to sing in Africa, and Dom is assigned a new mission in the Middle East. As Saba explores Cairo’s bazaars, finding friendship among the troupe’s acrobats and dancers, Dom returns to the cockpit once again, both thrilled and terrified to be flying above the desert floor. In spite of great danger, the two resolve to reunite.

When Saba learns that her position makes her uniquely qualified for a secret mission of international importance, she agrees to help the British Secret Service, concealing her role from Dom. Her decision will jeopardize not only her safety but also the love of her life.

Review:

Yet another one I am finally dusting off! I'm trying to complete my TBR reading challenge. I have one left after this and I have beat the challenge! Huzzah!

Here we follow Saba Tarcan. The only way she can escape Wales is with her voice. While traveling Britain to sing and entertain injured soldiers from the war, she meets Dom. Dom is a fighter pilot who was injured in a crash. They hit it off right away and there seems to be a bond there. Just as their relationship seems to be taking off. Saba is sent to sing in Africa and Dom is sent to the Middle East for a mission. They promise that if they both survive they will find each other again. However, Saba's gig gets much more dangerous when she learns that she will be part of a secret mission of international importance...this may jeopardize her safety and possibly the love of her life.

Soooooooooooo I did struggle to get into this at first. I couldn't really connect with the characters or the story. I did kind of like Saba but I was unsure about Dom. Once we got going I grew to really adore Saba. Dom? He seemed okay, but there was something about him that made me feel MEH about him. I didn't like him until the very end.

Once I got through the first few chapters and Saba and Dom were separated to do their own thing (is that bad that I was excited to see Saba go off on her own?), I started enjoying the story more. 

Ooooh! The author really does have a way of bringing the past to life. I loved the settings and the descriptions. I could feel the energy. I could hear the music and taste the food. I felt like I was standing right there! Fantastic. 

The last quarter of the book seemed to deflate for me. The middle 50% was just so good. I couldn't put it down. The last 25% though. Mmm. I did love the last scene...it made my heart jump. However, the rest of the end felt like it was missing something. It just didn't pull together for me like I would hope. For example, the scene with the German, the table singing, and then Sabba's reaction just seemed forced. It was supposed to be a big moment and it felt awkward and missing something. 

Overall, the author really does have a way with words. These different locations came to life. The music, the smells, the food, the feel, the war, the people....fantastic. The beginning and a good chunk of the ending fell a little flat for me. I wish I had liked Dom more too. I did end up warming up to him at the end, but it took too long. Loved Sabba though. Some good, some meh, but I did enjoy some of the ride. 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#11)

 

Book Review: The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth + A Giveaway!

Author: Kate Forsyth

Title: The Crimson Thread

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published:  July 5th 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

In Crete during World War II, Alenka, a young woman who fights with the resistance against the brutal Nazi occupation, finds herself caught between her traitor of a brother and the man she loves, an undercover agent working for the Allies.

May 1941. German paratroopers launch a blitzkrieg from the air against Crete. They are met with fierce defiance, the Greeks fighting back with daggers, pitchforks, and kitchen knives. During the bloody eleven-day battle, Alenka, a young Greek woman, saves the lives of two Australian soldiers.

Jack and Teddy are childhood friends who joined up together to see the world. Both men fall in love with Alenka. They are forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the towering White Mountains. Both are among the seven thousand Allied soldiers left behind in the desperate evacuation from Crete's storm-lashed southern coast. Alenka hides Jack and Teddy at great risk to herself. Her brother Axel is a Nazi sympathiser and collaborator and spies on her movements.

As Crete suffers under the Nazi jackboot, Alenka is drawn into an intense triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Their friendship suffers under the strain of months of hiding and their rivalry for her love. Together, they join the resistance and fight to free the island, but all three will find themselves tested to their limits. Alenka must choose whom to trust and whom to love and, in the end, whom to save.

Review:

Can't help myself when I see a WWII novel...especially if it has women doing their part! So yesss I was so excited to get started on this one! I've read a previous book by this author so that made me extra excited!

We follow Alenka, Jack, and Teddy. Alenka is a young Greek woman who fights with the resistance against the Nazi occupation. She finds herself dealing with not only the Nazis, but her traitor of a brother, the men she loves, and being an undercover agent working for the Allies. She has a lot on her plate. Jack and Teddy are longtime friends who joined up together to see the world and fight the Nazis. They find themselves forced to retreat with the tattered remains of the Allied forces over the White Mountains. They are left behind during the evacuation from Crete. Alenka hides both of them. As Crete suffers under the Nazi boot, Alenka finds herself drawn into a dangerous triangle of conflicting emotions with Jack and Teddy. Teddy and Jack find their friendship will suffer under the strain of months of hiding and rivalry for Alenka's love. 

I really should read more by this author! I read a previous book a while back and liked it. And then I read this one and liked it too. This author is talented and really knows how to bring the world to life and make characters that will stay with you!! 

At first, I did not like Alenka at all. I thought she was whiney and annoying. She did grow on me as we went along but it took a few chapters. And then I loved her. She is a brave woman indeed! 

I liked Teddy and Jack. Jack more than Teddy. You can't help but root for Jack! 

Honestly...I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so worried! Between the Nazi scum running around and Alenka's brother????? Ugh. I was on the edge of my seat. Her brother was scum too because he LOVED the Nazis and wanted to join them and help them. Poor Alenka. Poor thing had to grow up so quickly because of the war. 

Normally I try and stay away from love triangles but I do make exceptions from time to time. The triangle here didn't bug me at all since it didn't take over the plot. Yes, there are a lot of feelings...but they do have bigger fish to fry so we get to see other things play out. We also didn't have over-the-top dramatic scenes that make me roll my eyes. The author did a wonderful job balancing the angst of the love issues and real-life war issues. It felt real and I applaud the author for this. 

There are some dark scenes, but it is war...so you know you are going to see some bad, bad stuff. The author didn't make it overly graphic so for those with weaker stomachs, you'll be okay. But yes, fair warning this is set during one of the deadliest times in history. 

I did shed a couple of tears. I won't spoil anything, but I did have to wipe my eyes a couple times. 

In the end, I simply couldn't put this down! The author is fantastic at bringing characters to life and making them complex and fascinating. You'll get swept away and not want to stop reading. You'll love the characters. I did struggle a little bit with one of the main characters, but I soon grew to love her as much as the other two. I highly recommend this for my historical fiction lovers. 5 stars from me. 

I'm having some good books so far for July *knocks on wood so I don't jinx this good luck*! That makes me happy...I was striking out a lot earlier in the month/end of June. 

Giveaway!!

 Enter to win a copy of The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth! We have 10 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Embed Code: The Crimson Thread Direct Link: https://gleam.io/OAUjk/the-crimson-thread

Audiobook Review: Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Lady of the Eternal City (The Empress of Rome #4)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: March 3rd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Elegant, secretive Sabina may be Empress of Rome, but she still stands poised on a knife’s edge. She must keep the peace between two deadly enemies: her husband Hadrian, Rome’s brilliant and sinister Emperor; and battered warrior Vix, who is her first love. But Sabina is guardian of a deadly secret: Vix’s beautiful son Antinous has become the Emperor’s latest obsession.

Empress and Emperor, father and son will spin in a deadly dance of passion, betrayal, conspiracy, and war. As tragedy sends Hadrian spiraling into madness, Vix and Sabina form a last desperate pact to save the Empire. But ultimately, the fate of Rome lies with an untried girl, a spirited redhead who may just be the next Lady of the Eternal City . . . 


Oh no! The last book in the series. I have been dreading this day but also really excited to see everything come to a conclusion. 

Sabina and Vix are back. So much has happened. So many years. Sabina is now the empress and her husband, Hadrian, is not all sane. Smart and brilliant, but the man has a lot of demons. Especially after a certain event occurs. Vix just wants to live a simple life but his fate seems tied to the empress and emperor.  The fate of the empire may rest on the shoulders of a young girl. 

This was loooonnnnngggggg. Super long, but I didn't mind it really. I actually enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end tbh. I love Sabina and Vix. I also grew to adore Annia. There are even bits of me that like Hadrian. The man needed serious therapy. He is so smart, but he lacks normal human emotion. I do really encourage you to read the others of the series. I felt like they all built up to this one. I would at least read book 3 in order to really appreciate Vix and Sabina. 

The format was still a little odd for me. Everyone's POVs were in one format, but Vix was 1st person. I forgive this and understand it especially when we learn that Vix is writing his memoirs SOOO it does give a reason why the author did what she did. 

Other than that, I adored this book. I think it was one of my favorites of the series. It made me cry. It made me cheer. It gave me all the feels! 

I did listen to the audio of this and I really loved it. The narrator really did a good job. I think she was the same from the last book. But yes, I loved her voices. Every character (and mind you...there are a LOT of characters) had their own voices. Kuddos there. 

Overall, this was really good. It's hard not to give away some spoilers. But this made me feel! This ended perfectly and I can't wait to read more by this author. She is one of my favorites. She really knows how to get you hooked and absorbed. Worth the read. I'll give this 5 stars since the ending gave a good reason why the format was the way it was. 

Book Review: 221 BC by Kendall Price and Laura Vosika

Author:  Kendall Price & Laura Vosika 
Title: 221 BC - Scroll 1 of the Narmer War
Genre: Historical Fiction & fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: January 31st 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher honest unbiased opinion)

Set against the backdrop of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, an alternate history unfolds, linking the power of the pharaohs to magic. Brother is pitted against brother in a race to find twelve amulets, lost with the ancient pharaoh, and unlock their powers. Whoever holds the amulets holds that power; to save the world...or destroy it

I was automatically drawn in by the cover and then the summary did me in and I had to read it. 

The story follows two brothers in a race to find the twelve amulets. These amulets can change the course of history and either save the world or destroy it. This is a what-if mixed with some magic. Lots of war and battles. 

I really enjoyed the mix of magic. I feel like it really added to the story. It made it even better and it was for sure a game changer. I know a hair about this war (not a lot) so it was fun to see the what-if element at play. I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen. 

I liked Hannibal's story and I liked Mago. They were my favorites and I was worried about them especially taking that trip across the Alps! Scary! 

The beginning was a little slow for me and I didn't connect with any of the characters right away. It took a few chapters for me to really get sucked in. Lots of world-building, but it was necessary for sure in order to really get what was going on. Thank goodness for the name list before the book started! It really was nice to give it a quick glimpse before starting. See who all the players were. Made it easier to follow. 

The ending left me agape! I wanted more!!!!! Ugh! 

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was fun seeing the magic and what-if elements added into this time period and these events. I am curious to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: Grand Hotel/Secrets of the Nile

Recently Finished:

Grand Hotel/Secrets of the Nile

I had such big hopes for this show, but alas, you cannot win them all. 

The show follows Fouad who comes to his sister’s employer looking for her. Her correspondence ended randomly, so he is worried. Turns out his sister was supposedly fired, but he is still worried. He gets a job at the hotel to do some investigation. 

The first couple of episodes were meh. Lots of character and story building. After which I was hooked. A few episodes in, though, I fell out of love with this story. 

Also, I had a lot of issues because I was not sure when this took place. I had to go look online and find out it was set in the 1950s, but the fashion sometimes seemed way too modern especially the make-up of the girls. It shouldn't bug me...but it did. 

I really was enjoying the characters and all the secrets and story, but a certain event happened and I just rolled my eyes. Too soap opera-ish for my liking. I cannot say WHAT since it a HUGE spoiler. It really deflated the story and the mystery of the show. A huge bummer indeed. 

.

Maybe someday I will continue watching the show for now? I am moving forward. 

I’ll stamp this with 2 stars. I would give it a 1, but I did really love the characters. They were interesting and I worry about them. 

Book Review: Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R Davis

Author: Helen R. Davis  
Title: Cleopatra Unconquered
Genre: Historical Fiction & What-If
Pages: ebook
Published: December 2nd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher)



The first book of three in a richly imagined ancient world where the course of history is altered by one battle. In this world, Antony and Cleopatra triumph at the Battle of Actium, and Cleopatra emerges as a queen, stateswoman, and politician. Those around her come to life as the reader returns to those days to live them with her.



Oooh I adore what-if tales so I had no choice but to give this a read. I especially adore Cleo and it always upsets me when her fall happens. In this story, Antony and Cleo win. 

The beginning was pretty much the same from what we know of her life. What made this good it all seemed legit and I could believe this was the real story. 

At first, I wasn't huge on the mixing of the fantasy aspect, but it grew on me. It was interesting to hear the gods opinions on these matters. It didn't take up too much of the plot or story, so the balance was good and I grew to really like it. 

The beginning had me hooked and I was able to breeze through this. A fun what-if story for sure. I wish this had happened. Yes, yes, I am on Cleo's side of course. ;)

Not a huge fan of the end. I hope there is more to come! 

What else to say without ruining it?

I liked how Cleo was depicted. The beginning was a little rushed, but there was a lot to go through.

In the end, this was a quick read and an interesting one. I enjoyed the what-if twist there. If only! As always, Cleo was fun to read about. The fantasy aspect added grew on me as the story progressed. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. Worth the read!

Book Review: For All Time by Caroline B Cooney

Author: Caroline B. Cooney
Title: For All Time (Time Travelers #4)
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, and Historical Fiction
Pages: 272
Published: Oct 2001
Where I Got It: My Shelf (I honestly can't remember)

Annie Lockwood is testing Time. She’s traveled through it before, but always at Time’s bidding. Now she is asking Time to take her to the year 1899, when Strat is in Cairo. But Time doesn’t like to be tested. In what feels like a cruel joke, Annie is transported to ancient Egypt, thousands of years before Strat was born — to a world far removed from the one she knows. Meanwhile, in 1899, Strat is photographing the same pyramids that Annie walks among. But while Strat eagerly awaits Annie’s arrival, another visitor arrives: his father, Hiram Stratton, Sr., has come to Egypt to collect his son.

Powerless, Annie and Strat both look to Time. Can its force, which brought them together once, help them find each other again?

I swear my memory is getting so bad. I swear I read this and the other books in the series an eon ago...but after reading this I don't recall anything. Lucky me, though, this stands well as a stand alone so I was able to read this even though I couldn't remember the events of the past. 

This story follows a few characters. There is Annie who is from the 1990s and she has a special bond with Time..it likes to sweep her around. Strat is a young man in the 1890s whose dad is rich and crappy, so he decides to run away and become an archaeologist. Annie and Strat met in the past books and are in love. The author also included a couple side characters: Rennifer (a girl in Ancient Egypt), Camilla (a woman who dresses as a man to be a hired secret agent), and a couple others who got their two cents in. 

I felt bad for Annie and Strat. Time is a cruel wench who likes to put them together for a day or two and then tear them apart again. That would really stink. However, it was fun to cheer for them!

I really loved the interplay of all the different time periods and locations. The author did wonderful mixing everything together. The author did a good job at writing the different POVs. However, I do think that some of the POVs were not really needed and seemed to slow the pace of the story. The pace wasn't consistent. 

Also...I hated the ending. I get what the author was doing...but GAH *throws book*. Annie needs a kick in the butt. I felt bad for her, but I was so annoyed with her the entire time, but the ending made me loath her. Stupid chit. However, Strat was a cutie and I think he deserves a better everything...better family, a better lover, etc. Poor guy has had a hard time.

I am curious to see what happens next. I do recommend this even if you skip the other books. This was a fun book, but it did have some issues. I'll give this 3 stars.   

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.