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

reviews August 10, 2013

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels 5.5) by Ilona Andrews

After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano—the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea’s former lover—die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world… (Goodreads)

After Andrea Nash was kicked out from the Order and breaking up with her boyfriend, she’s trying to find new direction in her life. Then several shapeshifters die and it’s her job to find who is responsible. To make matters more difficult she must work with her former lover whose workmen were killed.

I’ve liked Andrea before so I was happy that she got her own book. I like her relationship with Raphael and we get to know Raphael bit more in this book. It was nice to see there’s more to him than being Aunt B’s pretty boy whom women drools after. And we learn more about Andrea’s past and we get to see someone from her past. And I’m starting to think Ascanio is adorable. Too many hot men here…

The book was action-packed as all Andrews’ s books are but not as action-packed as Kate books. At least it felt to me like that. Can’t wait for her next book.

4/5
Published: Ace (2012)
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 434
Source: my own