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reviews July 31, 2014

A Triple Knot by Emma Campion

A Triple Knot

A Triple Knot by Emma Campion

Joan of Kent, renowned beauty and cousin to King Edward III, is destined for a politically strategic marriage. As the king begins a long dynastic struggle to claim the crown of France, plunging England into the Hundred Years’ War, he negotiates her betrothal to a potential ally and heir of a powerful lordship.

But Joan, haunted by nightmares of her father’s execution at the hands of her treacherous royal kin, fears the king’s selection and is not resigned to her fate. She secretly pledges herself to one of the king’s own knights, one who has become a trusted friend and protector. Now she must defend her vow as the king—furious at Joan’s defiance—prepares to marry her off to another man.

In A Triple Knot, Emma Campion brings Joan, the “Fair Maid of Kent” to glorious life, deftly weaving details of King Edward III’s extravagant court into a rich and emotionally resonant tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal. (publisher)

I have to say that I read pretty much anything about Edward III or the Black Prince and I really want to read more about them but I only barely could finish this.

Even if Ned, The Black Prince or Queen Philippa wasn’t portrayed like I’ve thought them to be, I could have liked this. Even The Black Prince throwing tantrums at every possible moment wasn’t enough but I just couldn’t like Joan. What a naïve, little idiot. Over half of the book she spent pining for Holland and the other half she was scared of Ned. She moved very quickly from being scared of Ned to lusting after Holland was dead. Just saying…

Joan and Holland were honestly surprised about how much their marriage was being objected. Like Holland said at some point “I didn’t know the King cared that much” or something like that. Umm, you marry the king’s cousin without permission and you think he won’t mind? Idiots.

The book would have been much more interesting told from Queen Philippa’s POV and to see why she did the things she did. Joan just wasn’t interesting enough to carry the book.

1/5

Published: Broadway Books (2014)
Format: ebook
Source: netgalley

reviews June 12, 2014

Fire & Sword by Louise Turner

02_Fire & Sword

Fire & Sword by Louise Turner

On the 11th June in 1488, two armies meet in battle at Sauchieburn, near Stirling. One fights for King James the Third of Scotland, the other is loyal to his eldest son, Prince James, Duke of Rothesay.

Soon, James the Third is dead, murdered as he flees the field. His army is routed. Among the dead is Sir Thomas Sempill of Ellestoun, Sheriff of Renfrew, whose son and heir, John, escapes with his life.

Once John’s career as knight and courtier seemed assured. But with the death of his king, his situation is fragile. He’s the only surviving son of the Sempill line and he’s unmarried. If he hopes to survive, John must try and win favour with the new king.

And deal with the ruthless and powerful Lord Montgomerie…

Young John Sempill is pulled into a war by his father. But when his father is slain in battle, John’s troubles are just beginning trying to secure his inheritance. John finds a wife but soon learns that it can be difficult being married to someone who’s family was on the other side during the war.

I was looking forward reading this book because I haven’t read many books set in Scotland and not in this era. This was not fast-paced book but it was still very interesting through the book.

John is very likeable character. As a boy he didn’t live up to his harsh father’s expectations but he grew up to be a strong, dependable leader who looked after his people. When we first meet John’s wife Margaret I don’t think we’re supposed to even like her. She’s like a whiny brat with even more idiotic friends. She’s decided to hate John long before she even mets him, so it’s no wonder they have rocky start. At least Margaret grew somewhat during the book…

There was also some very interesting minor characters like Hugh, Lord Montgomerie and his wife Helen. Hugh was someone who did things his way, he could be both good and bad which made him very interesting getting to know.

This was great debut novel and I’m looking forward reading author’s next books.

4/5

Published: Hadley Rille Books (2013)
Format: ebook
Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

You can check the tour schedule here.

About the author

Born in Glasgow, Louise Turner spent her early years in the west of Scotland where she attended the University of Glasgow. After graduating with an MA in Archaeology, she went on to complete a PhD on the Bronze Age metalwork hoards of Essex and Kent. She has since enjoyed a varied career in archaeology and cultural resource management. Writing has always been a major aspect of her life and in 1988, she won the Glasgow Herald/Albacon New Writing in SF competition with her short story Busman’s Holiday. Louise lives with her husband in west Renfrewshire.

reviews August 16, 2013

The Killing of Richard III by Robert Farrington

1483: King Edward IV dies, leaving two innocent young princes in line to the throne. But when scandal and conspiracy explodes around their claim, Richard of Gloucester is proclaimed king. Shortly after, the princes vanish, and storm clouds begin to gather around the newly crowned King Richard III.

Fighter, philanderer and royal spy Henry Morane is tasked with investigating the princes’ disappearance, the attempted kidnap of the exiled Lancastrian leader Henry Tudor and the hunting out of traitors amid Richard’s supporters.

And at the bloody battle of Bosworth Field, King Richard and Henry Morane will face a fatal trial that will dictate the path of history. (back cover)

When Henry Morane, chief clerk to the King’s Secretary, finds out he’s mistress is also William Stanley’s mistress, he’s in for a trouble. Even more so when Alice slips information about rebellion that is going to happen. After attempted murder the king sends him to Brittany to capture Henry Tudor. He fails but will notice he’s life is intervened with the king.

The book started little slow and at first I was wondering where this was leading but it picked up towards the end.

I liked Morane and his humour and I was interested to see what will happen to him. He fought at Tewkesbury and remained loyal to the Yorkist cause and to Richard III during everything that happened.
After Stanley’s men tried to kill him, he was found and saved by woman named Matilda. I wasn’t huge fan of Matilda by herself and she was little annoying but I loved to see Matilda and Morane together. Their relationship and bickering was so much fun to read. Matilda could use a knife and kill but would suddenly just cry and sob and at times I just wanted to shake her. But she wouldn’t do anything just because Morane told her to and I liked her for it.

I liked how Richard III was portrayed but it took some getting used to how Francis Lovell was. He wasn’t evil but not exactly likeable either. I found it odd how everyone was calling the king as Dickon. Not to his face but when talking someone they kept calling him Dickon. I can be wrong but I didn’t think calling someone by nickname was that common back then?
I thought the idea that Elizabeth Woodville and Jane Shore were in good terms was interesting one.

“They were on good terms, those two, the Queen and the royal mistress, although they rarely lost the opportunity of sinking their barbs into each other.”
Pg. 1

I’ve never come across that anyone has suggested that but it was an interesting notion.

The book ends just after the battle of Bosworth Field where also Henry Morane fought and trying not to tell too much but I thought the book stopped too soon after the battle.

3.5/5

Published: Sphere (2013)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 401
Source: publisher

reviews August 11, 2013

The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories 1) by Bernard Cornwell

In the middle years of the ninth-century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England—and the course of history—depended upon one man, one king. (Goodreads)

Uhtred is the heir to Bebbanburg in Northumbria but after his father and brother is killed he is taken by the Vikings that killed his family. In time he comes to see Ragnar, his Danish captor, as a father figure and learns to fight with them. While he loves the Danish way of life, he dreams of retaking his lands from his uncle who usurped them after Uhtred’s father died.

The story is told from first person perspective but it works here. It balances nicely young and rather arrogant Uhtred with the older and wiser one who remembers back the events.

I’ve read one of Cornwell’s books before and didn’t finish it so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this. But I liked much more than I thought I would.
I haven’t read much about this era and I spent some time googling and I had some trouble keeping all the strange names in order.

I haven’t read books about Alfred so I can’t say much about him but I had some trouble with the portrayal. He is portrayed as a weakling who spends his time womanizing and then praying for his sins and too devoted to church. I do hope he changes because I really don’t see a man anyone could call “the Great”.

I had one issue with Uhtred because he kept flipping between Danish and Saxons; first he’s Danish, then he’s Saxon, then he’s Danish again… Just make up your mind! Doesn’t make me wanna follow someone who can’t commit to either side. But I enjoyed the battle scenes and how those were written.

I’m looking forward reading the next book and seeing how these characters develop. I hope we meet more the women in Uhtred’s life since now we just met them briefly but never got to know them.

4/5
Published: HarperCollins (2005)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 327
Source: my own

reviews August 10, 2013

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

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