Book Reviews

By: DesaraeV

Showing posts with label Book Genre: Historical Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Genre: Historical Fiction. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Findley's Lass (The Clan MacDougall Series, Book 2) by Suzan Tisdale

Findley's Lass (The Clan MacDougall Series, Book 2) by Suzan Tisdale

Book Review: Findley's Lass

Book Author: Suzan Tisdale

"I write romance blended with mystery and intrigue and bad guys that you just want to see hang. Perfectly imperfect heroes and heroines.

And always a happily ever after. -- Suzan Tisdale"

Findley's Lass (The Clan MacDougall Series, Book 2) by Suzan Tisdale

Findley's Lass (The Clan MacDougall Series, Book 2) by Suzan Tisdale

Book Review: Findley's Lass

Book Author: Suzan Tisdale

"I write romance blended with mystery and intrigue and bad guys that you just want to see hang. Perfectly imperfect heroes and heroines.

And always a happily ever after. -- Suzan Tisdale"

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette and Espionage is a spin off of Gail Carriger's steam-punk world that started with, "The Parasol Protectorate." I loved the Parasol Protectorate and many of Gail's other books. The Parasol Protectorate includes: Prudence, Soulless, Heartless, Blameless, and Changeless. More on that series in another review.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton (Sponsored by Blogging for Books)

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton (Sponsored by Blogging for Books)

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

First Two Chapters

About The Book

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact? 

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: An Unlikely Duchess by Nadine Millard Narrated By Beverley A. Crick

Book Review An Unlikely Dutchess by Nadine Millard Beverley A Crick

"Irish Scoundrel Vs. Handsome British Duke"

Overall
Performance
Story

This historical romance starts off with a twist when two best friends make plans to wed their future children. Little did the two men know what twists and turns fate would make for their future children. In a lot of ways this story plays by the typical historical love story template, but luckily it has a deeper plot than most of these types of books.

An Unlikely Duchess has a few antagonists plotting against the happiness of the main characters. Overall this is a happy story with light hearted characters who are at the whimsy of their hearts and notions. The story makes 18th century London society sound like child's play. It's an enjoyable book to pass the time with very little reference to day-to-day life.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Book Review A Rogue By Any Other Name

"Typical Period Mystery Love Story"

Overall
Performance
Story
I consider, A Rogue by Any Other Name, a typical 1800's fiction piece because they all have a pretty obvious template: sweet damsel in distress needs a husband, something bad happens, other questions are posed, woman gets married, and society gossips. I enjoy these books, they are great for passing the time. Modern chic flick movies have a similar template. These books also offer a small glimpse into British aristocratic society in a different time.

These books talk about society rules, fashion, etiquette, old slang, and the discomforts woman endured in another time. In some ways they offer historical facts, but most of the time the authors of this genre take some artistic license.

“What does Éloa mean?”

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Blameless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger

Book Review Blameless by Gail Carriger

"The book in the series about family & Adventure"

Gail Carriger
Overall
Performance
Story
Where does Blameless rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one of my favorites.

What other book might you compare Blameless to and why?

Its a fantasy adventure: Twilight set back in time?

What about Emily Gray’s performance did you like?

She is a fantastic reader. I love the way she narrates voices (more more detail on this read my review of the first book) but needless to say the way she pulls her own and remains unified in the tones. You really get into the adventure and differentiate the characters!

Saturday, February 28, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Lady of Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd #books (Sponsored Review from BookLook Bloggers)

Book Review A Lady of Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Book Title: Lady of Willow Grove Hall

Sarah E. Ladd

Book 3 of the Series Whispers On The Moors

Book Review Summary

"Secretive Historical Fiction"

Overall
Performance
Story

The story of A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moors Book 3) is enchanting, and a story of loss. Oddly enough, the losses are not overwhelmingly sad, perhaps because you rush through them so quickly to get to the real meat of the story. Perhaps the story doesn't feel so sad because the reason the main character, Cecily Faire,  looses the life she once had are her own fault, and they overshadow her future, but her future feels brighter than her torrid past (not so torrid by today's standards).

Saturday, February 14, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel UNABRIDGED by Gail Carriger

Soulless

"What a tale of history, fantasy and adventure"


Overall
Performance
Story

Would you listen to Soulless again? Why?

I'm not much for rewatching movies or rereading books.We shall see but if I did this would be a good one to revisit.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Soulless?

I've enjoyed this entire series. I'm on the last two books now which is why I'm revisiting the review section to give it due. These books have been very entertaining.

“How ghastly for her, people actually thinking, with their brains, and right next door. Oh, the travesty of it all.” ― Gail Carriger, Soulless

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Magic Study (SERIES) by Maria V. Snyder

Book Review Magic Study Maria V. SnyderMagic Study

BOOK REVIEW: Magic Study (SERIES)

Study Series #2

Author: Maria V. Snyder Narrator: Gabra Zackman

"Two Words: ADDICTIVE SERIES"

Overall
Performance
Story

I listened straight through. The narrator was easy to listen to, the story had me hooked. You feel yourself drawn in and loving the characters. There are some books that pull you into another word, another land, another place or time; and this is one of them.

Fire studyI ADORE Gabra Zackman's narrations and have recently sought out more of the books she reads because she is just sooooo easy for me to follow along. She uses light voice changes to change between characters, but nothing distracting. Maria Snyder NAILED IT with a variety of characters, magical plot and a whirlwind romance that is not over done. GET ALL THREE BOOKS.

Just wish audible would label the book numbers better on the mobile app.

 
Purchase

Magic Study

UNABRIDGED

by Maria V. Snyder

Narrated by Gabra Zackman

View Series

Reviewed: 9/9/13

Goodreads Shelfari Audible

About the Book

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall?

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better.

Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training, especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies.

Magic Study is the sequel to Poison Study and our Editors' Pick for Romance. Find out what else made Audible's Best of 2006 list.

Editorial Review

"Poison Study is a nifty little tale of intrigue featuring a worthy protagonist that makes for a commendable debut."

-- SF Reviews

"Poison Study is a wonderful and lively read. Highly recommended!"

-- Kate Elliott, author of the Crown of Stars series

"Be prepared for an exhilarating adventure of danger and romance as our heroine battles for her life against rebel forces . . ."

-- Dark Realms magazine

"Enchanting . . . I absolutely loved it. Poison Study is a wonderful trip into fantasy."

-- Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

"Maria Snyder has created an engaging and entirely original new fantasy, fascinating in its rich detail."

-- Mercedes Lackey, New York Times bestselling author

"Maria V. Snyder makes readers believe in her world and the characters she creates, a writer's form of magic."

-- The Best Reviews --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Maria V. Snyder is the New York Times bestselling author of the Study series, the Glass series, the Healer series, Inside Out, and Outside In. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology from Penn State and a Master of Arts degree in fiction writing from Seton Hill University. Unable to part ways with Seton Hill, Maria is currently a teacher and mentor for the MFA program. Find her on the Web at MariaVSnyder.com.

Similar Books

favorite books

BOOK REVIEW: Poison Study UNABRIDGED by Maria V. Snyder

"Addictive series"


Overall
Performance
Story

The book, The Poison Study, by Maria V. Snyder starts you off slowly figuring out what's going on and reals you in. Get set for hours of entertainment and a few sleepless nights.

Poison Study is one of those book series that are hard to walk away from. From writing to narration, everything is done so professionally, you will enjoy the whole thing.

Poison study is a clever title considering the book is about our heroine who was suppose to be killed for killing and ends up a food taster. This book is full of intrigue, romance, surprises, and challenges making you love and hate so many characters and then rolls back around to surprise you.

A DEFINITE BUY and READ IMMEDIATELY.
Favorite Books Best of Books Award by DesaraeV

My review of the other two books in the series:

I listened straight through. The narrator was easy to listen to, the story had me hooked. You feel yourself drawn in and loving the characters. There are some books that pull you into another word, another land, another place or time; and this is one of them.


I ADORE Gabra Zackman's narrations and have recently sought out more of the books she reads because she is just sooooo easy for me to follow along. She uses light voice changes to change between characters, but nothing distracting. Maria Snyder NAILED IT with a variety of characters, magical plot and a whirlwind romance that is not over done. GET ALL THREE BOOKS.


Just wish audible would label the book numbers better on the mobile app.






Like my book reviews? Connect with me online! GoodreadsShelfari

AUDIBLE

UNABRIDGED by Maria V. SnyderNarrated by Gabra ZackmanView Series
Reviewed: 9/9/13