lynne61's reviews
8 reviews

Fangs by Sarah Andersen

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Humorous,  dark comedy, good illustrations, beautifully bound book. Sorry its printed in China though. Takes roughly 10 minutes to read. 

The Aeneid: Translated by Shadi Bartsch by Shadi Bartsch, Virgil

adventurous challenging informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It's obviously a bit of Roman propaganda, and for me the battles are too gory. The notes were helpful in explaining a lot of the characters and places of significance. It's a great epic work. My favourite part was Aneas visiting his father in the underworld. I found it odd that suicides were despised yet later Romans often took this as the honuorable way out. Perhaps as they were forced in to this the God's relented. A powerful work. 

Ithaca by Claire North

funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved the style of the writing. Although the story is well known the retelling is fresh and modern. Using Hera as the narrator I thought was genius. Most of the characters are not likeable and yet you have to admire the way the women deal with the issues. The subject matter could be as dry as toast. But the interpretation and treatment by the author raise it above into an original absorbing tale. 

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

emotional informative mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is absorbing from the get go. I really couldn't wait to read the next chapter. 

Templar Silks by Elizabeth Chadwick

adventurous emotional informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is a mix of historical fact and supposition based on true events. It is very well written and conjures up the landscape of the holy land during a time of great upheaval.  I 

Home Ice: Reflections of a Reluctant Hockey Mom by Angie Abdou

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book resonated with me having been immersed in the world of Ice hockey since my son was 6 years old. At times I felt uncomfortable with the stark realities and dangers of the sport I had never considered before. Its also provoked a wealth of questions for my son now he is grown up with a son of his own. Very thought provoking book honestly written.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

1, I just couldn't buy into the world portrayed 2, the main character did not resonate with me 

The Coming of the Wolf by Elizabeth Chadwick

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This period of history is not one I am familiar with. I always enjoy the historical facts contained in her novels. History is learned through her characters entwined in the actual events of history. This book was her first that lay unpublished for many years. It's a good marker for the immediate events after 1066. I look forward to reading the next 3 in the this series.