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Book Spotlight: The Oblate’s Confession by William Peak

02_The Oblate's ConfessionThe Oblate’s Confession by William Peak

Publication Date: December 2, 2014
Secant Publishing
Formats: eBook, Hardcover

Set in 7th century England, The Oblate’s Confession tells the story of Winwaed, a boy who – in a practice common at the time – is donated by his father to a local monastery. In a countryside wracked by plague and war, the child comes to serve as a regular messenger between the monastery and a hermit living on a nearby mountain. Missing his father, he finds a surrogate in the hermit, an old man who teaches him woodcraft, the practice of contemplative prayer, and, ultimately, the true meaning of fatherhood. When the boy’s natural father visits the monastery and asks him to pray for the death of his enemy – an enemy who turns out to be the child’s monastic superior – the boy’s life is thrown into turmoil. It is the struggle Winawed undergoes to answer the questions – Who is my father? Whom am I to obey? – that animates, and finally necessitates, The Oblate’s Confession.

While entirely a work of fiction, the novel’s background is historically accurate: all the kings and queens named really lived, all the political divisions and rivalries actually existed, and each of the plagues that visit the author’s imagined monastery did in fact ravage that long-ago world. In the midst of a tale that touches the human in all of us, readers will find themselves treated to a history of the “Dark Ages” unlike anything available today outside of textbooks and original source material.

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About the Author

03_William Peak William Peak spent ten years researching and writing The Oblate’s Confession, his debut novel. Based upon the work of one of the great (if less well known) figures of Western European history, the Venerable Bede, Peak’s book is meant to reawaken an interest in that lost and mysterious period of time sometimes called “The Dark Ages.”
Peak received his baccalaureate degree from Washington & Lee University and his master’s from the creative writing program at Hollins University. He works for the Talbot County Free Library on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Thanks to the column he writes for The Star Democrat about life at the library (archived at http://www.tcfl.org/peak/), Peak is regularly greeted on the streets of Easton: “Hey, library guy!” In his free time he likes to fish and bird and write long love letters to his wife Melissa.

For more information please visit William Peak’s website.

The Oblate’s Confession Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 1
Review at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, December 2
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, December 3
Review at Back Porchervations
Review at A Fantastical Librarian

Thursday, December 4
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Friday, December 5
Interview at Back Porchervations

Monday, December 8
Review at A Book Geek

Tuesday, December 9
Review at The Writing Desk
Spotlight at Historical Tapestry

Thursday, December 11
Interview at Forever Ashley

Monday, December 15
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, December 16
Spotlight at Bibliophilic Book Blog

Thursday, December 18
Review at 100 Pages a Day…Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Guest Post at Books and Benches

Friday, December 19
Review at Book Nerd
Review at bookramblings

Monday, December 22
Spotlight at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, December 23
Review at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, December 24
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, December 29
Review at The Never-Ending Book

Tuesday, December 30
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Friday, January 2
Review at Library Educated

Monday, January 5
Review & Interview at Words and Peace

Tuesday, January 6
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, January 7
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Thursday, January 8
Review at Impressions in Ink

Friday, January 9
Review at The True Book Addict
Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

04_The Oblate's Confession_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL

reviews

Gentlemen of Pitchfork by Kamil Gruca

01_Gentlemen of Pitchfork CoverGentlemen of Pitchfork by Kamil Gruca

The year is 1415. France is weakened by the recently ended Civil War between the factions of Burgundians and Armagnacs. The young and belligerent King Henry V Lancaster decides to pay the French a neighbourly visit. With him – the flower of the English knighthood.

Among them – Sir Arthur, the Baron of Pitchfork, an ideal of all chivalric virtues – his uncle, Sir Ralph, a veteran soldier with a taste for women and bitter humour – and his cousin, Sir Robert, a young and romantic would-be scholar who will have his first taste of war, sieges, duels, betrayal and intrigue but also love and practical philosophy.

Together they ride as secret envoys of their King to meet Burgundian emissaries. But the Armagnacs’ spies keep their eyes open for any sign of treason on the part of their political opponents and three powerful French armies are gathering to cross King Henry’s way.

This was quite quick and short read. I haven’t read many books set during the reign of Henry V but it was nice to read about the war from the point of view some other than Henry.

My problem with the book was that there were too many POV’s which made it very confusing. Half the time I was wondering how these people connect or will they connect at some point. There was nothing wrong with the chapters itself but I don’t think all were necessary.

And I have to say that I hate endings where you don’t know what happens to the characters. You see people falling in love and you have no idea if they end up together. How frustrating!

All that said it was enjoyable read and it gives realistic image about medieval war.

3/5

Published: Kamil Gruca (2014)
Format: eBook
Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

03_Gentlemen of Pitchfork_Blog Tour Bannerjpg You can check the tour schedule here

About the author

Kamil Gruca is a Polish writer born in 1982 in Warsaw. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the Warsaw University.

Kamil is also an active knight who confirmed his battle prowess by winning the Polish National Knights League in 2006 under the alias of Sir Robert Neville. He has studied medieval swordsmanship for over 15 years hence his novels are full of dynamic and realistic swordplay.

Being an avid re-enactor and a passionate history geek Kamil moved to France for two years to study documents unavailable in other countries that would add to the feel and realism of the book on multiple levels.

His first novel “Panowie z Pitchfork” was published in 2009 by a major publishing house Rebis. Receiving a warm welcome from Polish critics, readers and fellow writers, the first part of the adventures of the young and keen Sir Robert was soon followed by a sequel “Baron i Łotr”, published by another publishing house Znak, bringing closure to the major plot.

Currently Kamil lives in Warsaw with his family and is working on another series of historical novels focused around one of Poland’s most famous knights – Zawisza Czarny – and his not so famous yet equally interesting brothers.

For more information about the book please visit http://gentlemenofpitchfork.blogspot.com or http://facebook.com/gentlemenofpitchfork. You can contact Kamil at Gruca.Kamil@gmail.com.

If you want to learn more about how Kamil trains medieval swordsmanship please visit HAM-Historyczna-Akademia-Miecza on Facebook (Site in Polish), as well as http://draby.pl (Site in Polish).

reviews

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

paranormalcy

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy 1) by Kiersten White

Vampires. Werewolves. Faeries. Shapeshifters.

Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie’s dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths, and even worse, that she is at the centre of a dark prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. (back cover)

I have vague memories that people really loved this when it came out. I might be wrong though… Wouldn’t be a bad thing this time…

The biggest problem for me was Evie. She was way too naïve and childish. And liked pink more that is healthy in my opinion. To stay healthy she uses the kratom in her daily life. Maeng Da Kratom is a potent kratom strain that is worth adding to your list if you want to enhance your focus, attention, energy as well as pain relief, combat anxiety, and attain some calmness and peace of mind. It’s one of the most popular as well as affordable strains. As always, try to research and know where to order high-quality and trustworthy Kratom. Here is a fantastic read article for the maeng da kratom. One can best define euphoria as an overwhelming feeling of wellness. One feels an incredible sense of joy and pleasure in not only their surroundings but in the thoughts that may occur to them. Kratom typically starts to work on an individual in ten to fifteen minutes. By observing good dosage practices, and by doing the proper research on specific kratom strains, it is well within the realm of possibility to experience these feelings for yourself. Euphoria is a state that often must come from a natural place. We generally feel euphoric when we receive a piece of, particularly positive news. There are also certain drugs that can create this feeling, such as opioids.  You can click for more  here for the best kratom to buy. However, kratom is considerably less dangerous than opioids. In fact, kratom is currently being explored as a weapon against the opioid crisis in the United States and elsewhere. You can discover this info here for Kratom Potentiators. When one takes kratom, either in a powdered or capsule form, the alkaloids connect with certain opioid receptors within your very cells. This stimulates our sympathetic nervous systems. The medicine has also been known to stimulate the brain functions into increasing positive thoughts. Maeng Da Kratom helps foster positive energy in a person. This can be crucial during business meetings or on first dates.

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CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol. It has been used by people for a long time and helps to get rid of the symptoms of many common ailments. Recently it was found that a number of common problems such as lack of cognitive abilities, mental disorders, anxiety, and both internal and external pain can be relieved by the use of CBD oil in any form. CBD is extracted from the marijuana plant but it is not psychoactive in nature due to the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Many consumers prefer the use of CBD oil over normal medications due to its quick impact and fast recovery from the troubling symptoms.

CBD is an amazing source of medication that can be used instead of normal medication. However, you must check with your doctor before using it because you might be allergic to the product. CBD is a great product, but you must be very careful while using it. Also, CBD is effective only if applied at the initial or intermediate stages. It is best to consult a medical professional in case of a serious case of any disease.

These stimulated brain functions will last an extended period, helping you feel at ease during any possible situation. Maeng Da Kratom is also crucial in helping people feel more energized. This helps to keeps people less tired while working and, as a result, getting more work done over more extended periods of time. People who are stuck behind a desk all day looking at a computer can become easily fatigued and develop tired eyes. Maeng Da Kratom can help to keep them alert and focused on getting the job done. This, in turn, sends out signals to release endorphins. It is the endorphins that give you the feeling of euphoria. Users of kratom have reported a number of feelings and sensations, approximately ten to twenty minutes after taking the drug. These include a boost to overall energy/mood levels, acute stimulation, and a decided peace of mind. Enhanced focus and concentration often result from the release of these endorphins, as well. Even stamina and overall endurance can increase to a noticeable, meaningful degree. The best supplier will always guarantee distinct product quality made possible by thorough tests that screen for biological contaminants such as e coli, and salmonella as well as heavy metals content. This is usually achieved through various strategies, including working closely with farmers in South-Eastern Asia, where it is grown, harvested, processed, and packaged. Sourcing your Kratom whose supply comes from elsewhere will most likely give you a poor quality product. She was found as a small child and grew up in IPCA – organisation that monitors all things paranormal – and yet seems totally clueless what IPCA does or about her own past.

She falls in love with Lend, paranormal who was captured by IPCA. Apart from being practically the only teenage boy she’s met, I don’t see what Evie saw in him. I just thought he was boring.

The most interesting thing was the fairies. They weren’t as “controlled” as everyone seemed to think. Evie’s ex Reth came at first a bit stalkerish but he turned out to be the most interesting pearson in the book. First you think he’s good, then he seems bad, then good.. And he seemed dangerous. Like he could have killed everyone. Or maybe that’s just me hoping.

This was quick and easy read and I can safely say that I won’t continue this trilogy.

2/5

Published: HarperCollins Children’s Books (2011)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 335
Source: my own

reviews

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

heir of fireHeir of Fire (Throne of Glass 3) by Sarah J. Maas

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back…

The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her? (back cover)

I have kinda mixed feelings about this one. It started really slow and I think the book was way too long but then again it got better.

I liked the new characters Rowan and Manon. Those witches are badass! And unlike Celaena who keeps telling how bad she is but fails to show it, the witches are brutal. I loved those early training parts between Rowan and Celaena where they really didn’t get along but then suddenly it all changed. I just hope were not headed that way where he falls in love with Celaena.

For some reason I thought this would be just 3 books in the series but apparently no… I’m too curious to know how this ends so I guess I’m stuck with this series till the end.

3/5

Published: Bloomsbury UK (2014)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 562
Source: library

reviews

If I Should Die by Amy Plum

If-I-Should-DieIf I Should Die (Revenants 3) by Amy Plum

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying – to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others – so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me? (back cover)

Hmm… I have mixed feelings about this one and I don’t really know what to say. I think this was the weakest book in the series, which is sad since this is the finale…

There was lot of going on, maybe too much. I haven’t thought Kate to be whiny before but now she spent far too much time pining for him, wanting to hold him etc… I get that she thought she was losing him but still.

And oh Jules… There were hints before that he loves Kate but he didn’t want to “steal” his best friend’s girl. I was happy that there wouldn’t actually be love triangle. But now? He decides that he has to leave because he can’t be around Kate and Vincent. Really?! Why did you have to make things go that way!

I did enjoy this but I can’t deny that this was little too predictable at times.

3/5

Published: Atom (2013)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 408
Source: library