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David McK (3562 KP) rated Sharpe's Assassin in Books
Oct 10, 2021
It's been 15 years or so since Bernard Cornwell last returned to perhaps his most famous creation Richard Sharpe, in Sharpe's Fury.
In chronological order, that was then, novel # 11 of 23 (including short stories in that count).
While Cornwell continued on with his 'Saxon Stories / Last Kingdom' series starring Uhtred of Bebbanburg (read those. Enjoyed those), I've always held a soft spot for the soldier-up-from-the-ranks of Richard Sharpe, so I was quite happy to hear that he would be returning to that character.
This is that return, chronologically novel # 23 of 24, taking place almost immediately after the Battle of Waterloo (worth reading Sharpe's Waterloo again - you don't need to, but it gives context). There's no historical battle (for the setting) this time around; instead we have Sharpe getting caught up in/foil an a plot to assassinate the Duke of Wellington - who, here, seems to have mellowed somewhat towards Sharpe - and the returning King Louis XVIII, with a large portion of the novel set in and around the environs of Paris (in particular The Louvre).
Good to have Sharpe and Harper back together!
In chronological order, that was then, novel # 11 of 23 (including short stories in that count).
While Cornwell continued on with his 'Saxon Stories / Last Kingdom' series starring Uhtred of Bebbanburg (read those. Enjoyed those), I've always held a soft spot for the soldier-up-from-the-ranks of Richard Sharpe, so I was quite happy to hear that he would be returning to that character.
This is that return, chronologically novel # 23 of 24, taking place almost immediately after the Battle of Waterloo (worth reading Sharpe's Waterloo again - you don't need to, but it gives context). There's no historical battle (for the setting) this time around; instead we have Sharpe getting caught up in/foil an a plot to assassinate the Duke of Wellington - who, here, seems to have mellowed somewhat towards Sharpe - and the returning King Louis XVIII, with a large portion of the novel set in and around the environs of Paris (in particular The Louvre).
Good to have Sharpe and Harper back together!
Merissa (12889 KP) rated Oubliette (Cloud Prophet Trilogy #2) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This book follows immediately on from Anathema and you are straight back in the action. Reychel is thrust through a portal which opens up in The Southern Kingdom. This takes her away from everything she knows, or thought she knew, and lands her firmly in the middle of haven't got a clue. They are expecting her however and once more she feels the pressure of being The Prophet when she really doesn't know how to use her gift.
Once again there are plots and subplots which delight you as you read. Who can Reychel (and the reader) trust? Nothing is as it seems but there is still a job to be done. What will Reychel and the others do?
This story once again was a wonder to read. It is intricate yet simple. The storyline is straightforward and yet there is so much to it. In all, this story is a delightful paradox and I am enjoying every moment. I have just purchased Severed which is the third in the trilogy so look out for a review of that one coming soon.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 3, 2016
Once again there are plots and subplots which delight you as you read. Who can Reychel (and the reader) trust? Nothing is as it seems but there is still a job to be done. What will Reychel and the others do?
This story once again was a wonder to read. It is intricate yet simple. The storyline is straightforward and yet there is so much to it. In all, this story is a delightful paradox and I am enjoying every moment. I have just purchased Severed which is the third in the trilogy so look out for a review of that one coming soon.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 3, 2016
Merissa (12889 KP) rated Dragonstone (Kingdom of Chalvaren #1) in Books
May 5, 2023
This is a short but sweet prequel in the Kingdom of Chalvaren series, giving some details into how Kort arrives on Earth, why he is there, and how he needs to get home. Mia thinks that Chalvaren is a myth, stories that her father made up, even though she knows that she is 'different' to the rest of the village. Their connection is instantaneous and certainly raises the temperature. With a mob of villagers, a young girl who helps to save the day, and a few-day-old dragon who helps to get rid of a nasty vicar (am I the only one with a wicked smile about this part? I doubt it!) everything is here for a fantastical adventure, and it seems like the fun is only starting.
Quick, hot and to the point, this is a wonderful start to the Chalvaren series that I am looking forward to. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
Quick, hot and to the point, this is a wonderful start to the Chalvaren series that I am looking forward to. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 25, 2015
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Kingdom of Souls in Books
Nov 16, 2021
I completely invested myself in the world that Kingdom of Souls was set in: a young girl, Arrah, is the daughter of two powerful Witch Doctors, who themselves come from a long line of Witch Doctors. But when Arrah comes of age, her powers do not come with it. She’s incapable of even the simplest acts of magic. So when children start disappearing, one of them being a friend of hers, Arrah decides to buy magic from a Charlatan. The cost is years from her life for every magical act. But in borrowing her powers, Arrah discovers a terrible secret. That all Witch Doctors, all people, are in grave danger.
I really enjoyed this - it’s completely immersive, and every detail needed to build an alternate world is thought of. The end could have been a bit more succinct and to the point, and I’m always a bit sad when a previously strong female character seems to lose it over a man, but on the whole, I really enjoyed this and will look out for the next in the series on audible (I really enjoyed the audiobook)
I really enjoyed this - it’s completely immersive, and every detail needed to build an alternate world is thought of. The end could have been a bit more succinct and to the point, and I’m always a bit sad when a previously strong female character seems to lose it over a man, but on the whole, I really enjoyed this and will look out for the next in the series on audible (I really enjoyed the audiobook)
The Queens of Innis Lear
8.0
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Book
A KINGDOM AT RISK, A CROWN DIVIDED, A FAMILY DRENCHED IN BLOOD. Tessa Gratton's debut epic adult...
High Fantasy Magic Retellings Shakespeare
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Criers War ( criers war book 1) in Books
Mar 13, 2023
29 of 235
Kindle
Criers War (Book 1)
By Nina Varela
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, designed to be the playthings of royals, usurped their owners’ estates and bent the human race to their will.
Now Ayla, a human servant rising in the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging her family’s death…by killing the sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier.
Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.
Now, with growing human unrest across the land, pressures from a foreign queen, and an evil new leader on the rise, Crier and Ayla find there may be only one path to love: war.
This was one I didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant from start to finish a unique story. The characters are exactly how you expect them to be I just could not fault it. Highly recommended! Also a new author for me!
Kindle
Criers War (Book 1)
By Nina Varela
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After the War of Kinds ravaged the kingdom of Rabu, the Automae, designed to be the playthings of royals, usurped their owners’ estates and bent the human race to their will.
Now Ayla, a human servant rising in the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging her family’s death…by killing the sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier.
Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.
Now, with growing human unrest across the land, pressures from a foreign queen, and an evil new leader on the rise, Crier and Ayla find there may be only one path to love: war.
This was one I didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant from start to finish a unique story. The characters are exactly how you expect them to be I just could not fault it. Highly recommended! Also a new author for me!
Bite of Winter ( Faes Captive book 3)
8.0
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Book
The Red Plains are hot. But my fae king? Even hotter. So, we kind of got captured by a warlike clan...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Valerie’s Calling (Half-blood Rising 2) in Books
Nov 27, 2023
177 of 235
Kindle
The Valkyries Calling (Half-blood Rising 2)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The conquest of Lindoroth seems all-but settled. The monarchs have fled the capital, the usurpers have taken over the thrones, and two foreign armies have descended on the five realms. Lindoroth's fate has fallen at the feet of a king and queen in exile and a spy for the Lindorothian crown.
While Freya and Aerelius hunt for allies in places they least expect to find them, Lea Calliwell takes matters into her own hands by infiltrating the lives of the people who murdered her family and stole her kingdom. Thrust into peril at opposite ends of the world, Freya and Lea must do whatever it takes to save their people, even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.
This world and its story are so intense. The characters are all worth investing in. This is part 2 and after escaping with their lives just about the new King and Queen have to find a way to win the war. It’s really really good!
Kindle
The Valkyries Calling (Half-blood Rising 2)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The conquest of Lindoroth seems all-but settled. The monarchs have fled the capital, the usurpers have taken over the thrones, and two foreign armies have descended on the five realms. Lindoroth's fate has fallen at the feet of a king and queen in exile and a spy for the Lindorothian crown.
While Freya and Aerelius hunt for allies in places they least expect to find them, Lea Calliwell takes matters into her own hands by infiltrating the lives of the people who murdered her family and stole her kingdom. Thrust into peril at opposite ends of the world, Freya and Lea must do whatever it takes to save their people, even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.
This world and its story are so intense. The characters are all worth investing in. This is part 2 and after escaping with their lives just about the new King and Queen have to find a way to win the war. It’s really really good!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Twin Crowns (Book 1) in Books
Nov 13, 2023
169 of 235
Book
Twin Crowns ( Book 1)
By Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber
⭐️⭐️
Two sisters. One throne. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?
Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister’s place in the palace. Trained from birth to avenge her parents’ murder and usurp the princess, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves.
Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility including marriage into a brutal kingdom. Life outside the palace walls is a place to be feared and she is soon to discover that it’s wilder than she ever imagined.
Twin sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other��s lives a whole lot better…
This was a tough read if I’m totally honest and I’d go to 2.5 ⭐️. There were several times I wanted to put it down and not pick it back up! But I did persevere and it was ok I like certain aspects of the book Tor and his beast were definitely a plus point but still I wasn’t totally hooked.
Book
Twin Crowns ( Book 1)
By Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber
⭐️⭐️
Two sisters. One throne. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?
Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister’s place in the palace. Trained from birth to avenge her parents’ murder and usurp the princess, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves.
Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility including marriage into a brutal kingdom. Life outside the palace walls is a place to be feared and she is soon to discover that it’s wilder than she ever imagined.
Twin sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other��s lives a whole lot better…
This was a tough read if I’m totally honest and I’d go to 2.5 ⭐️. There were several times I wanted to put it down and not pick it back up! But I did persevere and it was ok I like certain aspects of the book Tor and his beast were definitely a plus point but still I wasn’t totally hooked.
Kids Chronicles: Quest for the Moon Stones
9.0
Rate It
Tabletop Game
Kids Chronicles: Quest for the Moon Stones is a family, co-operative game of adventure and mystery...