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truebookaddict's reviews
784 reviews
The Curse Giver by Dora Machado
5.0
I have found myself a new fantasy author! For me, good fantasy has to have the following elements: phenomenal world building, engaging and multidimensional characters, and just plain great writing. This book has all of them. I have always been a fan of epic fantasy that makes me feel and care for the characters and also makes me feel like part of the story. I honestly felt like I was there with Bren and Lusielle, experiencing the danger and adventure right along with them.
Read the rest at my blog: http://castlemacabre.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-curse-giver-by-dora-machado-guest.html
Read the rest at my blog: http://castlemacabre.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-curse-giver-by-dora-machado-guest.html
The Age of Desire: A Novel by Jennie Fields
4.0
I sometimes find myself enjoying historical fiction based on authors more due to the simple fact that I know so little about their lives. As a former history major and history buff, I have read about numerous historical figures and so, I know at least something about them (usually) before embarking on a historical read about them. However, in the case of most authors of the past, I have not read much about them and so reading a novel about them is like a journey of discovery.
What I liked most about The Age of Desire was the development of the characters. I found myself feeling very sympathetic toward Edith and the situation of her marriage to Teddy. Basically, I felt that she went straight from a loveless childhood (due to her mother) and straight into the same in her marriage. She poured this inner pain into her writing, along with her experiences with the upper crust of society. I know many will feel that I'm wrong in my judgement of Edith due to her actions in the book, but I still feel that Edith was a sympathetic character. In the future, when I read Wharton's novels, I know I will find myself thinking of the Edith in this book.
Anna is a contrast to Edith. Because of their difference in values, Edith's actions disrupts their long friendship. I appreciated Anna's steadfast nature and loyalty to Edith, even if she did disagree with Edith's choices. The men in the book...what can I say. Not very impressive. However, I can't help but think that things could have been far different for Edith and Teddy simply if Edith's mother would have been a kind mother who discussed what it means to be a woman (and married) with Edith and prepared her for what was to come, instead of being cruel and indifferent. Morton? Well, I just won't go there. I knew from the moment he was introduced that he was trouble. Would that we could warn characters to stay away. But then there wouldn't be a story, would there?
I enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more from Jennie Fields.
What I liked most about The Age of Desire was the development of the characters. I found myself feeling very sympathetic toward Edith and the situation of her marriage to Teddy. Basically, I felt that she went straight from a loveless childhood (due to her mother) and straight into the same in her marriage. She poured this inner pain into her writing, along with her experiences with the upper crust of society. I know many will feel that I'm wrong in my judgement of Edith due to her actions in the book, but I still feel that Edith was a sympathetic character. In the future, when I read Wharton's novels, I know I will find myself thinking of the Edith in this book.
Anna is a contrast to Edith. Because of their difference in values, Edith's actions disrupts their long friendship. I appreciated Anna's steadfast nature and loyalty to Edith, even if she did disagree with Edith's choices. The men in the book...what can I say. Not very impressive. However, I can't help but think that things could have been far different for Edith and Teddy simply if Edith's mother would have been a kind mother who discussed what it means to be a woman (and married) with Edith and prepared her for what was to come, instead of being cruel and indifferent. Morton? Well, I just won't go there. I knew from the moment he was introduced that he was trouble. Would that we could warn characters to stay away. But then there wouldn't be a story, would there?
I enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more from Jennie Fields.
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
4.0
Pilcher is now my go to for a comfort read. Really enjoyed this one.
Becoming Josephine: A Novel by Heather Webb
5.0
What a fabulous debut novel! I found myself thinking...when I was not even 50 pages in...how well-written it is. Coming in at only 300 pages, this novel packs a lot of punch. It easily rivals any of its more chunky counterparts.
Reading a book centering on Josephine was so refreshing. I have not, as of yet, read any historical novels about her. I was surprised by what an illustrious life she led. Not having read much non-fiction-wise about her, I have no way of determining how accurate Ms. Webb's story is, but I think it's safe to say that it is accurate and impeccably researched at that. I will now be in search of an excellent non-fiction book about Josephine. Any recommendations?
What Ms. Webb did best, in my opinion, was completely capture Napoleon's character as I imagined he would be. Such a passionate and intense person. Despite his faults, I found reading the parts involving him utterly fascinating.
Again, a strong debut novel here. An engaging and exciting story that will clearly delight even non-regular readers of historical fiction. I look forward to future offerings by Heather Webb. I hope I won't have to wait too long.
Reading a book centering on Josephine was so refreshing. I have not, as of yet, read any historical novels about her. I was surprised by what an illustrious life she led. Not having read much non-fiction-wise about her, I have no way of determining how accurate Ms. Webb's story is, but I think it's safe to say that it is accurate and impeccably researched at that. I will now be in search of an excellent non-fiction book about Josephine. Any recommendations?
What Ms. Webb did best, in my opinion, was completely capture Napoleon's character as I imagined he would be. Such a passionate and intense person. Despite his faults, I found reading the parts involving him utterly fascinating.
Again, a strong debut novel here. An engaging and exciting story that will clearly delight even non-regular readers of historical fiction. I look forward to future offerings by Heather Webb. I hope I won't have to wait too long.
Joan of Arc: Maid, Myth and History by Timothy Wilson-Smith
4.0
Read my review here: http://braveheart1305.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/book-review-timothy-wilson-smiths-joan-of-arc-maid-myth-and-history/
I Am Abraham: A Novel of Lincoln and the Civil War by Jerome Charyn
5.0
Jerome Charyn can always be counted on to put forth an interesting and entertaining work of historical fiction. Like its predecessors, The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson and Johnny One-Eye, Charyn takes a novel told in first person to a whole new level. His first person point of view makes the reader feel as if they are the character...seeing and experiencing everything vicariously.
Abraham Lincoln is a historical figure that I have always greatly admired. In I Am Abraham, the man comes to life. He is not just the illusive and enigmatic figure of history, but a real, flesh-and-blood man with the same fears, worries and loves as other human beings. His stoic nature is ever present and yet he speaks with a sense of irony, seeing situations with an eye for the comedy amidst the ordinary and even tragic.
I am a fan of Jerome Charyn and always look forward to his latest work. His is a unique and important voice in the historical fiction genre. If you have not read his books, you're missing out. I Am Abraham would be a good one with which to start.
Abraham Lincoln is a historical figure that I have always greatly admired. In I Am Abraham, the man comes to life. He is not just the illusive and enigmatic figure of history, but a real, flesh-and-blood man with the same fears, worries and loves as other human beings. His stoic nature is ever present and yet he speaks with a sense of irony, seeing situations with an eye for the comedy amidst the ordinary and even tragic.
I am a fan of Jerome Charyn and always look forward to his latest work. His is a unique and important voice in the historical fiction genre. If you have not read his books, you're missing out. I Am Abraham would be a good one with which to start.