EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Alfred: The Boy Who Would Be King in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Alfred is a determined, hopeful, excited kid living out a child’s fantasy. He manages to stay strong through horrible circumstances and uses his knowledge of the period along with that of his own time to try and make things better for his people. The mashing together of periods offers plenty of hilarious moments as Alfred tries to explain things like TV and pro-wrestlers. His knowledge of things like agriculture and battle defenses quickly become lifesavers for the peasants who have accepted the return of the king.
This fantastical adventure is a beautiful story that balances the dark, harsh realities of 6997428survival against both enemies and natural, the struggle of the weight thrust upon Alfred’s shoulders, while also remaining lighthearted, funny, and fun. The story unfolds like a puzzle before the reader, much like it does for Alfred, as you discover more about his family, magic, and the politics of this magical world. Author Ron Smorynski has done an incredible job of creating an extraordinary world and characters that you can become invested it. The story captures the pure adventure and action so longed for in fantasy adventures while also tackling growing up, history, and family struggles. To me, it brings to mind such classics as Narnia and The Castle in the Attic.
The book is an excellent beginning. While the story itself is well rounded in itself, the real magic is in the story that it has left to tell. Throughout the book, we get the beginnings of magical rules, political struggle, villains powers, and the complicated history of Alfred’s family and those that knew them. The book leaves you with as many secrets as it answers and simply begs for a sequel. I am excited to see more from this author and continue my journey with Alfred and his friends, hopefully soon!
The Chivalric Biography of Boucicaut, Jean II Le Meingre
Craig Taylor and Jane H. M. Taylor
Book
Jean le Meingre, Marechal Boucicaut (1364-1421), was the very flower of chivalry. From his earliest...
Ernst Kantorowicz: A Life
Book
This is the first complete biography of Ernst Kantorowicz (1895-1963), an influential and...
Crises in Economic and Social History: A Comparative Perspective
A.T. Brown, Andy Burn and Rob Doherty
Book
This collection of essays brings together historians examining social and economic crises from the...
Catalonia: A Cultural History
Book
Squeezed between more powerful France and Spain, Catalonia has endured a violent history. Its...
Pyrite: A Natural History of Fool's Gold
Book
Most people have heard of pyrite, the brassy yellow mineral commonly known as fool's gold. But...
Word of Mouth: Fama and its Personifications in Art and Literature from Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages
Book
The concept expressed by the Roman term fama, although strictly linked to the activity of speaking,...
Secrets of Women: Gender, Generation, and the Origins of Human Dissection
Book
Toward the end of the Middle Ages, medical writers and philosophers began to devote increasing...
Trials of the Diaspora: A History of Anti-semitism in England
Book
Trials of the Diaspora presents the long and troubling history of anti-Semitism in England, from the...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Hidden Rebel (Changed Heart Series Book 3) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This book was so good, it was like the secret fantasy we all wish we could play brought to life. This book is the third in her Changed hearts series, however, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Michelle Janene’s main character (Lady Aria) was fierce, independent, and the most amazing ninja/sword warrior ever! She also had great faith and because of that God blessed her. While her other main characters were well developed, they had lessons to learn and were always by Lady Arias’ side ready to help when things went awry. I really liked the overall character development, some of them didn’t have the best reactions to events though. I truly did like them anyway. <br/> This plot was definitely one right out of a medieval fantasy. Castles, knights, horses, and sword fights… totally a truly medieval fantasy come to life. The plot moved at a great pace, keeping me interested and wanting to know what would happen next. The was one thing I didn’t like about the plot; however, I will not tell you about it as it is a spoiler.
Overall this was a great story that I could totally imagine myself in. Michelle Janene wrote a great book that I loved reading. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the great Lady Aria, the amazing description and attention to detail given in the sword training dialogues, and for just the hint of romance given with the happily ever after ending. I truly enjoyed this book and will go back and read the others in the series
*I did receive this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

