Take a photo of a barcode or cover
amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
11 down and 1 to go before I am all caught up with the Saxon Stories! The 13th and final book will be out this Fall and I cannot WAIT! I am also missing the adaptation show, The Last Kingdom something fierce! War of the Wolf by Bernard Cornwell is the 11th book in the series.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Uhtred has finally done it!!! He has finally taken control of his family home of Bebbanburg. This has been a moment 10 books in the making! In that time he has fought for the Saxon’s and the Danes and every time his dream of going home has been pushed back. But now a new danger has arisen. Well, technically two dangers. Enemies are fortifying in Wessex because the king is aging and Aethelflaed has died. Then the Norseman, Skoll, has come to conquerer Northumbria. He is evil and fierce. But Skoll crosses a line. Now Uhtred will stop at nothing until Skoll is dead.
Stop playing with my emotions, Bernard Cornwell. I started this book so happy. Uhtred’s dream of going home has come true. Then one of his loved ones is killed. WHY?!?!?! I know it happens but it BROKE MY HEART. Uhtred doesn’t really show his emotions, except for his temper. His inner turmoil over this loss will make anyone blink away a few tears. He just can’t catch a break. -I know, I say that in every review. But thank god, he has Finan. If Finan dies, I will riot.-I know, I have said this before too.
As always the historical and battle detail is unrivaled. Matt Bates is the narrator once again and as always, he is amazing. He captures every character, every moment, and every emotion perfectly! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars! I can’t wait to start book 12!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Uhtred has finally done it!!! He has finally taken control of his family home of Bebbanburg. This has been a moment 10 books in the making! In that time he has fought for the Saxon’s and the Danes and every time his dream of going home has been pushed back. But now a new danger has arisen. Well, technically two dangers. Enemies are fortifying in Wessex because the king is aging and Aethelflaed has died. Then the Norseman, Skoll, has come to conquerer Northumbria. He is evil and fierce. But Skoll crosses a line. Now Uhtred will stop at nothing until Skoll is dead.
Stop playing with my emotions, Bernard Cornwell. I started this book so happy. Uhtred’s dream of going home has come true. Then one of his loved ones is killed. WHY?!?!?! I know it happens but it BROKE MY HEART. Uhtred doesn’t really show his emotions, except for his temper. His inner turmoil over this loss will make anyone blink away a few tears. He just can’t catch a break. -I know, I say that in every review. But thank god, he has Finan. If Finan dies, I will riot.-I know, I have said this before too.
As always the historical and battle detail is unrivaled. Matt Bates is the narrator once again and as always, he is amazing. He captures every character, every moment, and every emotion perfectly! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars! I can’t wait to start book 12!
I waited 8 weeks to listen to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid on Libby. This audiobook is read by Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, and Robin Miles. This book follows a journalist named Monique who just separated from her husband. She has written a few pieces for the magazine she works for, but nothing that anyone would recognize. So when Evelyn Hugo asks her to write her biography, she is astounded. Evelyn Hugo is a major movie star who is known for being private. However, Evelyn lived an intriguing life, having married seven times. This biography will change Monique’s life, but in ways she could never predict.
I was nervous to start this audiobook. I saw this book all over bookstagram and there have been times that I have been disappointed. OH BOY! I was definitely NOT disappointed with this beautiful story. First, props to the narrators who really transported readers into this world. They really captured the emotion and personalities of all the characters.
Speaking of characters, they were perfect! Well, perfectly written. One of the best aspects of the characters is that they have flaws. So many flaws, but also relatable. And what is better? They have growth. When Evelyn starts talking about her young life, she makes it clear that she wants her life to be better and the only answer to that is to be rich and famous. Being a young woman in the 50s exposes her to racism and sexism. With each husband brings heartache, betrayal, and further away from the one she truly loves. Who is the one she truly loves? —Well, you aren’t going to find out from me.
So when I read this book, I felt that it was inspired by many different classic celebrities! The writing is also superb. It flows beautifully, and thoughtfully. Every moment has meaning and is packed with emotion. This book definitely wins 5 stars from me!
I was nervous to start this audiobook. I saw this book all over bookstagram and there have been times that I have been disappointed. OH BOY! I was definitely NOT disappointed with this beautiful story. First, props to the narrators who really transported readers into this world. They really captured the emotion and personalities of all the characters.
Speaking of characters, they were perfect! Well, perfectly written. One of the best aspects of the characters is that they have flaws. So many flaws, but also relatable. And what is better? They have growth. When Evelyn starts talking about her young life, she makes it clear that she wants her life to be better and the only answer to that is to be rich and famous. Being a young woman in the 50s exposes her to racism and sexism. With each husband brings heartache, betrayal, and further away from the one she truly loves. Who is the one she truly loves? —Well, you aren’t going to find out from me.
So when I read this book, I felt that it was inspired by many different classic celebrities! The writing is also superb. It flows beautifully, and thoughtfully. Every moment has meaning and is packed with emotion. This book definitely wins 5 stars from me!
“Certain seeds it will not nurture, certain fruit it will not bear and when the land kills of its own volition, we acquiesce and say the victim had no right to live”
THE BLUEST EYE BY TONI MORRISON
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is actually my first Toni Morrison book. I have been a reader all my life and took so many lit classes in college and somehow I have never had the opportunity to read this book until now.
This book begins in 1941 and is the story of Pecola. However, the book changes points-of-view throughout the story. One of the points-of-view is Claudia, the daughter of Pecola’s foster parents. Pecola is placed in foster care after her father burns down their house. Pecola’s circumstances have made her believe that she is ugly and she desires blue eyes. With blue eyes, she will beautiful like the other white girls in her city.
This is a relatively short novel, at only 200 pages but it makes its point. This book discusses race, internalized racism, abuse, class, family, and innocence. This novel is tragic. This book shows just how awful and cruel racism is. Pecola is ashamed of her skin and her looks because society tells her that the most beautiful girls have blonde hair and blue eyes. This has an impact on how she views herself and more importantly her worth. This book was published in 1970 and our society still portrays beauty in that way. We need to do better as a society so every girl feels beautiful, comfortable, and worthy in her own skin.
There is also the themes of sexual assault. The sexual abuse that Pecola endures is extremely difficult to read. The hurt and pain, along with the shame and loss of innocence is described extremely well.
The points-of-view changes did through me off a few times, but they are a necessary part of the story. This isn’t a “light” read. It will weigh heavily on your heart, but you need to pay attention and learn. The prose is outstanding. I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. It flows perfectly. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this read and will be purchasing more Toni Morrison books in the future.
THE BLUEST EYE BY TONI MORRISON
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is actually my first Toni Morrison book. I have been a reader all my life and took so many lit classes in college and somehow I have never had the opportunity to read this book until now.
This book begins in 1941 and is the story of Pecola. However, the book changes points-of-view throughout the story. One of the points-of-view is Claudia, the daughter of Pecola’s foster parents. Pecola is placed in foster care after her father burns down their house. Pecola’s circumstances have made her believe that she is ugly and she desires blue eyes. With blue eyes, she will beautiful like the other white girls in her city.
This is a relatively short novel, at only 200 pages but it makes its point. This book discusses race, internalized racism, abuse, class, family, and innocence. This novel is tragic. This book shows just how awful and cruel racism is. Pecola is ashamed of her skin and her looks because society tells her that the most beautiful girls have blonde hair and blue eyes. This has an impact on how she views herself and more importantly her worth. This book was published in 1970 and our society still portrays beauty in that way. We need to do better as a society so every girl feels beautiful, comfortable, and worthy in her own skin.
There is also the themes of sexual assault. The sexual abuse that Pecola endures is extremely difficult to read. The hurt and pain, along with the shame and loss of innocence is described extremely well.
The points-of-view changes did through me off a few times, but they are a necessary part of the story. This isn’t a “light” read. It will weigh heavily on your heart, but you need to pay attention and learn. The prose is outstanding. I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. It flows perfectly. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this read and will be purchasing more Toni Morrison books in the future.
10 books down, 3 to go! Well, technically 2 more books. The last book isn’t going to be released until later this year. And trust me, I am counting down the days. But I digress. The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell is the 10th book in the Saxon Stories Series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg has fought in many shield walls. He is getting older but he is still fighting his way to reclaim his family home, Bebbanburg. Britain is at peace…but it all could collapse at any moment. His son-in-law rules in Northumbria. Aethelflaed still rules in Mercia, but she is ill. Edward rules in Wessex but Uhtred’s enemies are still present in Edward’s court. The time comes for Uhtred to head to Bebbanburg but a new enemy has appeared…the Scots.
I think I have said this in one of my previous reviews of this series…Uhtred needs a break. He has only sacrificed his entire life fighting for one king after the next to preserve the peace in Britain. Does anyone appreciate him? NO. Well, his men appreciate him. They have been through battle after battle and they are the most feared force in Britain. I must say, I do love that we see the Scots again. The Scots are an enemy of Uhtred but their relationship isn’t exactly hostile. They have mutual respect for each other. The warrior banter never gets old. While the story contains so many life or death situations and that brief humor is always appreciated.
As always, the two best aspects of this series are the historical detail and the characters. The historical detail is so perfect that I feel completely immersed in the book. But I love the characters. They are real, flawed, and bring history to life.
Matt Bates narrates this book as well and he is just wonderful. He nails every accent, personality, gender, and age. There is so much passion as he reads that it is difficult to press pause. Another 5 out of 5 stars for this installment of the Saxon Stories!
I think I have said this in one of my previous reviews of this series…Uhtred needs a break. He has only sacrificed his entire life fighting for one king after the next to preserve the peace in Britain. Does anyone appreciate him? NO. Well, his men appreciate him. They have been through battle after battle and they are the most feared force in Britain. I must say, I do love that we see the Scots again. The Scots are an enemy of Uhtred but their relationship isn’t exactly hostile. They have mutual respect for each other. The warrior banter never gets old. While the story contains so many life or death situations and that brief humor is always appreciated.
As always, the two best aspects of this series are the historical detail and the characters. The historical detail is so perfect that I feel completely immersed in the book. But I love the characters. They are real, flawed, and bring history to life.
Matt Bates narrates this book as well and he is just wonderful. He nails every accent, personality, gender, and age. There is so much passion as he reads that it is difficult to press pause. Another 5 out of 5 stars for this installment of the Saxon Stories!
I have read 10 other Bernard Cornwell books and needless to say, I am a fan. Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell is one of his standalone novels. This novel introduces Nick Hook who has a family feud with another local family and well as the local priest. This feud has him banished to France. He ends up being part of a company in the town of Soissons. However, the siege of Soissons is devastating. Nick saves a novice named Melisande from rape. They manage to escape. Now, King Henry V is bringing his army to reclaim what is rightfully his. Nick Hook finds himself an Archer under the command of Sir John Cornewaille. Everything leads up to St. Crispin’s Day in Agincourt.
“No!” Sir John thrust a gauntleted hand to strike Hook’s shoulder. “You fight my battles, Hook,” he punched Hook’s shoulder again, “that’s what I pay you for. But if you fight mine, then I fight yours, you understand? We are a company!”
AGINCOURT, SIR JOHN CORNEWAILLE
This book is not for those who want something fast-paced and superficial. This book is what I would consider an epic. There are many things that make this book special and one of those is the detail. Having read Bernard Cornwell before, I know how intense his battle scenes are, and he does not disappoint in this book. The siege and battle are written with such detail you feel as if you are fighting in the mud along with the soldiers.
Agincourt is one of those battles that has been immortalized by William Shakespeare and just in history in general. Based on the statistics of the battle, the English shouldn’t have won. –And if anyone screams spoilers…come on, this battle happened 600 years ago. But I digress. Bernard Cornwell has a deep understanding of this battle. Every detail leads up to Agincourt. The win could be attributed to a couple of things. The first is that it supposedly rained so much that the mud was almost impossible to fight in. The second, the archers. Making the main character an archer just really brings this book to life.
This book is one of the most richly detailed historical fiction books I have ever read. Be prepared, this battle is devastating. DO NOT GET ATTACHED. That is all I will say on the matter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“No!” Sir John thrust a gauntleted hand to strike Hook’s shoulder. “You fight my battles, Hook,” he punched Hook’s shoulder again, “that’s what I pay you for. But if you fight mine, then I fight yours, you understand? We are a company!”
AGINCOURT, SIR JOHN CORNEWAILLE
This book is not for those who want something fast-paced and superficial. This book is what I would consider an epic. There are many things that make this book special and one of those is the detail. Having read Bernard Cornwell before, I know how intense his battle scenes are, and he does not disappoint in this book. The siege and battle are written with such detail you feel as if you are fighting in the mud along with the soldiers.
Agincourt is one of those battles that has been immortalized by William Shakespeare and just in history in general. Based on the statistics of the battle, the English shouldn’t have won. –And if anyone screams spoilers…come on, this battle happened 600 years ago. But I digress. Bernard Cornwell has a deep understanding of this battle. Every detail leads up to Agincourt. The win could be attributed to a couple of things. The first is that it supposedly rained so much that the mud was almost impossible to fight in. The second, the archers. Making the main character an archer just really brings this book to life.
This book is one of the most richly detailed historical fiction books I have ever read. Be prepared, this battle is devastating. DO NOT GET ATTACHED. That is all I will say on the matter. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Here we are, my friends. A journey has come to an end. I have finished reading The Witcher Series. It took me about a year to get through it. ( I am reading several different book series right now.) Season of Storms by Andrzej Sapkowski is the most recently published Witcher book, however, it is not the last in the series. This book actually takes place before the first book, Blood of Elves. As we all know, Geralt travels around fighting monsters. Many know of his trusty steed, Roach, and that he carries two swords. Well, after defeating one monster, that leads to another task. He has to enter a Watchtower to receive his new mission and has to leave behind all his weapons. Can you guess what happens? Yep, someone steals his swords. Now he must find them, which leads to more trouble on the way.
“Anxiety is never irrational, Geralt thought to himself. Aside from psychological disturbances. It was one of the first things novice witchers were taught. It’s good to feel fear. If you feel fear it means there’s something to be feared, so be vigilant, fear doesn’t have to be overcome. Just don’t yield to it. And you can learn from it.”
SEASON OF STORMS
Every. Single. Book. Can’t Geralt just can’t catch a break. In every single book, he fights monsters to protect people who usually hate him. They beg him to take care of the monsters then stab him in the back. Geralt, as always, does brood quite a bit in this book…but can you blame him? They stole his swords! I don’t blame him for brooding one bit.
ANYWAY.
I actually loved this installment. It wasn’t a collection of short stories and it wasn’t a part of the main storyline, but it fit perfectly for me. With the short stories, we get a whole lot of monsters and little tidbits of the world. In the actual series, one could argue that it is more about Ciri than Geralt. Which is fine, because I loved Ciri. But this book felt like it was just Geralt. (And Dandelion, of course.) We get some pretty incredible monster battles. As always, political betrayal brews, and Geralt has to be ahead of the game. I hope some of these storylines make it into the show since there are quite a few nods and easter eggs to the rest of the series.
If you enjoy The Witcher, this book will not disappoint! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“Anxiety is never irrational, Geralt thought to himself. Aside from psychological disturbances. It was one of the first things novice witchers were taught. It’s good to feel fear. If you feel fear it means there’s something to be feared, so be vigilant, fear doesn’t have to be overcome. Just don’t yield to it. And you can learn from it.”
SEASON OF STORMS
Every. Single. Book. Can’t Geralt just can’t catch a break. In every single book, he fights monsters to protect people who usually hate him. They beg him to take care of the monsters then stab him in the back. Geralt, as always, does brood quite a bit in this book…but can you blame him? They stole his swords! I don’t blame him for brooding one bit.
ANYWAY.
I actually loved this installment. It wasn’t a collection of short stories and it wasn’t a part of the main storyline, but it fit perfectly for me. With the short stories, we get a whole lot of monsters and little tidbits of the world. In the actual series, one could argue that it is more about Ciri than Geralt. Which is fine, because I loved Ciri. But this book felt like it was just Geralt. (And Dandelion, of course.) We get some pretty incredible monster battles. As always, political betrayal brews, and Geralt has to be ahead of the game. I hope some of these storylines make it into the show since there are quite a few nods and easter eggs to the rest of the series.
If you enjoy The Witcher, this book will not disappoint! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Nine down, four to go! Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell is the 9th book in The Saxon Stories series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is older and he is feeling that pain of old injuries, but he is still one of the greatest warriors in Mercia. In this book, he is still allied to Aethelflaed but yearns to go reclaim Bebbanburg. Bebbanburg again takes a backseat to another threat. Ragnall Ivarson is raising an army and is planning on attacking Mercia. He is allied with the Northumbrians and the Irish. He is also the brother of Uhtred’s new son-in-law. His family is threatened and so is the idea of England.
Some may feel that the plot progression is a bit slow. We all want Uhtred to reclaim his home. However, what I love this book is how complex the politics are during this time. Honor and oaths prevent Uhtred from the one thing that he wants the most. I also love the progression of his character. He is aging. He is still fierce but he feels the passing of time. We also get more of an insight into Finan’s past which is everything to me. I hope we get more in the coming books. I also want to see more of Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra! She is AMAZING.
One of the highlights of this series is the battle sequences. Everything leads up to a great battle. I love the behind the scenes with the battle logistics and tactics. The battle scenes in themselves are very descriptive as if you are there. As always the narrator, Matt Bates, does a spectacular job. I am eager to begin the next book! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Some may feel that the plot progression is a bit slow. We all want Uhtred to reclaim his home. However, what I love this book is how complex the politics are during this time. Honor and oaths prevent Uhtred from the one thing that he wants the most. I also love the progression of his character. He is aging. He is still fierce but he feels the passing of time. We also get more of an insight into Finan’s past which is everything to me. I hope we get more in the coming books. I also want to see more of Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra! She is AMAZING.
One of the highlights of this series is the battle sequences. Everything leads up to a great battle. I love the behind the scenes with the battle logistics and tactics. The battle scenes in themselves are very descriptive as if you are there. As always the narrator, Matt Bates, does a spectacular job. I am eager to begin the next book! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
"Readers will be rooting for the characters all the way to the very end!"
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/november/viewer/desktop/#page/66
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/november/viewer/desktop/#page/66
Choosing the audiobook House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig was a spur of the moment decision as I was waiting for two holds to come in and I am so glad I decided to give it a listen. It is a dark twist of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Annaleigh lives in her manor by the sea. She is one of 12 sisters, but only 8 are left. The book begins after the death of the 4th sister and there are now rumors that the sisters are cursed. They now have a new stepmother with a baby on the way and are tired of mourning, but Annaleigh suspects that the latest death wasn’t an accident. As the sisters discover a way to forget their sorrows, they don’t know that it is all a charade, and danger is following them every step of the way. Annaleigh’s suspicions start triggering eerie visions and she will stop at nothing to put an end to the evil that has come into her family.
YAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! God, loved this book!!!! It is everything I wanted in a fairytale retelling. The 12 Dancing Princesses is one of my favorite fairytales and the horror aspect just put it over the edge! Readers will think they are solving the mystery of what is happening to the family, I thought so too…I was so wrong! It is unpredictable, which I always love. It has ghosts, spirits, horror, princesses, lore, and GODS. The world-building in itself is utterly divine.
I immediately added this book to my wishlist since I only borrowed it from the library. This is definitely a book I will be rereading. The narrator, Emily Lawrence did a fantastic job of portraying each character. Some sisters were perky and positive, then nailed the dark, evil nature of some other characters. I will listen to anything she narrates from now on.
I don’t normally read many young adult books but I will now officially be adding Erin A. Craig to my must-read author list! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
YAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! God, loved this book!!!! It is everything I wanted in a fairytale retelling. The 12 Dancing Princesses is one of my favorite fairytales and the horror aspect just put it over the edge! Readers will think they are solving the mystery of what is happening to the family, I thought so too…I was so wrong! It is unpredictable, which I always love. It has ghosts, spirits, horror, princesses, lore, and GODS. The world-building in itself is utterly divine.
I immediately added this book to my wishlist since I only borrowed it from the library. This is definitely a book I will be rereading. The narrator, Emily Lawrence did a fantastic job of portraying each character. Some sisters were perky and positive, then nailed the dark, evil nature of some other characters. I will listen to anything she narrates from now on.
I don’t normally read many young adult books but I will now officially be adding Erin A. Craig to my must-read author list! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS! I AM WARNING YOU NOW.
Well, I am all caught up. Sword of Kings by Bernard Cornwell is the 12th book in the Saxon Stories series. Book 13 is expected to come out this year, and time cannot go fast enough. Uhtred has been in this position before and he didn’t expect to be in it again. Life finally started to make sense. Then King Edward dies. Now the two possible heirs to the throne are at war and once again, Uhtred must choose a side. Only one can be King and the other will die.
Normally I say that Uhtred can’t catch a break. He is always being pulled into every battle and war against his wishes. Normally his life or his loved ones’ lives depend on it. This time, Uhtred could have stayed home. He could have minded his own business. But Uhtred made an oath, and he takes those very seriously. Even his BFF, Finan said screw the oath! But Uhtred doesn’t listen to anyone, occasionally the Gods-but that is why we love him.
Again, the history and the battle sequences are unrivaled. They are perfection, as they always are with Bernard Cornwell’s works. I have now read 13 of his books and I can honestly say they are some of the best historical fiction I have ever read. Matt Bates is the narrator again and once again, he nails it. He really gets into the story and becomes all of the characters. Another 5 out of 5 stars for Bernard Cornwell.
Well, I am all caught up. Sword of Kings by Bernard Cornwell is the 12th book in the Saxon Stories series. Book 13 is expected to come out this year, and time cannot go fast enough. Uhtred has been in this position before and he didn’t expect to be in it again. Life finally started to make sense. Then King Edward dies. Now the two possible heirs to the throne are at war and once again, Uhtred must choose a side. Only one can be King and the other will die.
Normally I say that Uhtred can’t catch a break. He is always being pulled into every battle and war against his wishes. Normally his life or his loved ones’ lives depend on it. This time, Uhtred could have stayed home. He could have minded his own business. But Uhtred made an oath, and he takes those very seriously. Even his BFF, Finan said screw the oath! But Uhtred doesn’t listen to anyone, occasionally the Gods-but that is why we love him.
Again, the history and the battle sequences are unrivaled. They are perfection, as they always are with Bernard Cornwell’s works. I have now read 13 of his books and I can honestly say they are some of the best historical fiction I have ever read. Matt Bates is the narrator again and once again, he nails it. He really gets into the story and becomes all of the characters. Another 5 out of 5 stars for Bernard Cornwell.