Monthly Archives

August 2013

reviews August 10, 2013

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy 5) by Richelle Mead

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Siberia, Dimitri’s birthplace, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s — and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It’s graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He’s out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won’t join him, he won’t rest until he’s silenced her…forever.

But Rose can’t forget what she learned on her journey — whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose’s prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what — and who — matters most to her. And in the end, is true love really worth the price? (Goodreads)

Rose is finally graduating from the Academy and only the last trial is ahead. But she hasn’t given up on getting Dimitri back and with Lissa’s help she uses the information she gathered in Blood Promise. But they need help from Victor who is in prison.

There are times I don’t understand what makes me read these books but I can’t help myself. I need to know what happens to these people and if they have some sense in the end.

In the last book I thought Rose had finally matured little and damn now were back on square one. Okay, there was parts where she acted like responsible person and the she’s back on being childish and selfish.
She’s taking guarding Lissa seriously but when her relationships are concerned I just want to slap her. Rose is supposed to be with Adrian, or at least give him a chance but instead she’s obsessed getting Dimitri back. And even when Dimitri tells he’s no longer interested she just don’t get it. And she’s still with Adrian! I was reminded how slutty I thought her to be in book 1.

I’m glad that Dimitri is back but oh the drama! I get that he regrets the things he did as strigoi but the way he wants to protect Rose even though she doesn’t mind the things he did. Or enough not wanting to be with him anyway.

I’m starting to like Adrian but I wish he finds someone better than Rose to be with. Just saying…

3,5/5
Published: Puffin (2010)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 479
Source: library

reviews August 10, 2013

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn by Sandra Byrd

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Ladies in Waiting 1) by Sandra Byrd

What would you sacrifice for your best friend?
Would you die for her?

Meg Wyatt has been Anne Boleyn’s closest friend since they grew up together on neighboring manors in Kent. So when twenty-five-year-old Anne’s star begins to ascend, of course she takes Meg along for the ride.

Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling… at first. Meg is made mistress of Anne’s wardrobe, and she enjoys the spoils of this privileged orbit and uses her influence for good. She is young and beautiful and in favor; everyone at court assumes that being close to her is being close to Anne.

But favor is fickle and envy is often laced with venom. As Anne falls, so does Meg, and it becomes nearly impossible for her to discern ally from enemy. Suddenly life’s unwelcome surprises rub against the court’s sheen to reveal the tarnished brass of false affections and the bona fide gold of those that are true. Both Anne and Meg may lose everything. When your best friend is married to fearsome Henry VIII, you may soon find yourself not only friendless but headless as well. (Goodreads)

Meg Wyatt grew up as a neighbor to Anne Boleyn and the two were best friends since childhood. When Anne is sent to court in the service of the king’s sister, Meg is married off to an elderly baron while her heart belongs to Will Ogilvy who chooses priesthood over her.
But when Anne starts to rise at court, Meg joins her as one of Anne’s ladies and finds herself in the middle of court intrigue.

I really liked the idea of telling the story from the point of view of Anne’s friend and it was nice change as well. And I loved that she was a real person who could have actually been Anne’s friend.
Meg was likeable person but she could also see the flaws of her friend while still being loyal till the end.

I would have liked to hear and see more about Anne’s relationship with Henry Percy and what did Meg make of the rumors about Anne and George. Since Meg and Anne were childhood friends Meg probably knew George also and it would have been interesting to see her view of it,

Religion is a major theme in the novel thankfully it doesn’t come off as preachy as I feared.

3,5/5
Published: Howard (2011)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 332
Source: my own

reviews August 10, 2013

Shadow of the King by Helen Hollick

shadow of the kingShadow of the King (Pendragon’s Banner 3) by Helen Hollick

Britain lies uneasily at peace, and Arthur Pendragon, King of Britain, is secure in his stronghold in the heart of the Summer Lands. Ever the fighter, he defies the advice of his wife Gwenhwyfar to sail for Gaul to defend his territories in Less Britain, leaving his country vulnerable and leaderless.

When word comes that the Pendragon has fallen in battle, Gwenhwyfar, at Caer Cadan with their small daughter, faces overthrow by the powerful council headed by Arthur’s uncle, who is anxious to reassert Roman ways. Also opposed by Arthur’s ambitious ex-wife, Winifred, keen to advance her own son as the rightful heir, Gwenhwyfar must struggle to carve out a future for herself and her daughter.

But, unknown to Gwenhwyfar, events abroad mean a far mightier battle for the Pendragon throne – and the very future of Britain itself – lies ahead. (Goodreads)

Arthur is planning to go fighting to Gaul for Rome yet all isn’t well in his kingdom. His uncle Aurelianus Ambrosius wishes to bring back old Roman ways and his son Cedric is starting to become a real problem.
Discovering treachery in Gaul, Arthur comes to realize he’s very close to defeat for the very first time on his career.

This is the final book of the trilogy and I’ve loved watching Arthur’s and Gwenhwyfar’s relationship through. It wasn’t easy marriage but I loved seeing how they managed to make it work despite everything.
Arthur is still a bastard at times but we see more humane and emotional side of him in this book. And I noticed there was no mentions of his women towards the end. I’d like to think he spent less time womanizing but I’m most likely just dreaming. He might be asshole most of the time but I still liked this realistic version of him.

It was great seeing Bedwyr and Ider again. Poor Bedwyr nearly got what he wanted…

The book started little slow and the parts during Arthur staying away from Britain dragged little bit but when he returned the book got lot better. Surprisingly I think the middle book was the best and for me didn’t have any dragging parts.

3,5/5

Published: SilverWood Books (2011)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 542
Source: library

reviews August 10, 2013

The Falcons Of Montabard by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Falcons Of Montabard by Elizabeth Chadwick

In the aftermath of tragedy and scandal, Sabin FitzSimon, illegitimate son of a Norman earl, leaves England for the Holy Land in search of a new beginning. At first it seems impossible as the demons from his past life return to haunt him. There is more scandal and banishment, and Sabin finds his back to the wall. In the heat and dust, magnificence and danger of Northern Syria, he must either face himself, or be vanquished. Annais, daughter of Edmund Strongfist is a quiet, convent-raised young woman when she accompanies her father to their new life in the Holy Land. Her encounters with Sabin FitzSimon leave her bewildered, desirous, and more than a little hostile. Bravely facing up to heartache, an arranged marriage, war and death, she falls deeply in love with the country and its people. But it will take more than love to secure what she holds dear, including Sabin FitzSimon. It will take courage, endurance and raw determination to succeed. (Goodreads)

Young Sabin FitzSimon narrowly avoids the sinking of The White Ship because he’s with one of the mistresses of the king. King’s men find him and after his beating he wakes up finding out the ship has went down and the woman died. Sabin goes to a tavern to drown his sorrow and he gets into a fight where one man dies.
His mother and stepfather has had enough of his wild ways and send him, as a last chance, with Edmund Strongfist to the Holy Lands. Sabin is strongly advised to stay away from Strongfist’s daughter but it might not be the only trouble he has problems staying away.

Another great book from Chadwick and I believe you can never go wrong with her books :)
I loved watching Sabin grow up from being young wild womanizer to loving and caring husband and father and learning honour.

Annais laughed. “You would rather have a honeyed date than a man?” she asked.
Aiesha chuckled. “That depends on the man,” she said. “Your husband could make fat any time he chose!”
pg. 398

I wouldn’t mind either :D

While not being her best book I really loved this book and it’s been some time since I’ve read something from her.

4/5
Published: Sphere (2007)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 473
Source: library

reviews August 10, 2013

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy 2) by Deborah Harkness

Historian Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library,she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened.

Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot.

Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers… (Goodreads)

The book starts where the previous one left and Diana and Matthew lands on Elizabethan England. As a historian Diana is thrilled but finds herself lost even with her knowledge of that time. Everyone can tell from her speech and manners that she isn’t from around, and it causes curiosity. Matthew’s friends ─ the infamous School of Night that includes few well-known persons ─ tries to teach her the proper manners and speech and they also find a witch to train her, while trying to find the missing copy of Ashmole 782.

I loved A Discovery of Witches and I’m happy that the second book lived up to it! There was lot less DNA stuff in it which was relief but also less vampire, daemon, witch – mythology which was a shame.

We learn quite a bit more about Matthew and his past which was interesting. We really get to know him more and we finally meet his father, Philippe. I really wish there would be more of him! Not to mention more father-son scenes.

Diana learns more about witchcraft and her ability to control it. I loved seeing her growing more confident both with her magic and with her relationship with Matthew.

I really wish there will be more Gallowglass, Marcus and Pierre. I can’t help myself! I thought the relationship Marcus and Phoebe moved little too quick and we didn’t meet them long enough to see that grow.

I love the way Harkness manages to involve both vampires and historical things and to make it feel natural. I love these books and can’t wait for the next book!

5/5
Published: Headline (2012)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 580
Source: library