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Merissa (12374 KP) rated The Lost Soul of Lord Badewyn (The Order of the MUSE #3) in Books
May 2, 2023
In the third instalment of the M.U.S.E. series, we have a number of stories come together. The main one is about Meg, the low-born former pickpocket who can Find. Overseeing her uncle and cousin breaking into a neighbour's, and realising how close they are to her, the Order (ie. Lord Camden) decide to send her to Wales, in the care of Lord Badewyn, for her own safety. Samuel is intrigued by Meg but is determined to keep his distance, considering the secret his father is hiding, and what will happen to Meg should he succumb.
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 23, 2015
I loved this story - Meg's charms continue to grow, along with her confidence, throughout the series. Finding has its own dangers but if Meg is prepared to take that risk, then she will defy anyone who says she can't, even Samuel.
The story between the two of them is both innocent and sensual. Well-written, smoothly paced and full of secrets and intrigue, this was a delight to read. I was pleased to see that Lord Camden found the answers he has been looking for, even if the hearing was hard. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'm definitely hoping for more in the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 23, 2015
I think there is always a case for choosing a book based purely on the cover. This is another of those times where I’ve done precisely that - and I loved this book.
Fragile is a haunting thriller, where two young people, Nell and Joe, run away to London from their foster home after a tragic event. An event that we’re drip fed the information of as the book progresses.
Joe and Nell become separated, so Nell decides to go and knock on the door of the last place she saw him. When Dr. Robin Wilder opens the door at Starling Villa, Nell manages to talk him into employing her as his housekeeper. But all is not as it seems. Is Nell really safe here? What happened in Wales before she ran away to London with Joe? What does Dr. Wilders wife want with Nell? And where is Joe?
Nell and Joe’s backstories about their lives in care are heartbreaking. From a young age, Nell becomes the house ‘mother’, cleaner and cook. It’s a horrible life for her and so well described. Joe’s life isn’t any better.
Actually, the writing is so descriptive: people and places are described picture perfectly, and some scenes are so emotive, whilst others are really tense. The gripping finale was heartbreaking.
Sarah Hilary is a new author to me, and one that I’ll certainly look out for in future.
Fragile is a haunting thriller, where two young people, Nell and Joe, run away to London from their foster home after a tragic event. An event that we’re drip fed the information of as the book progresses.
Joe and Nell become separated, so Nell decides to go and knock on the door of the last place she saw him. When Dr. Robin Wilder opens the door at Starling Villa, Nell manages to talk him into employing her as his housekeeper. But all is not as it seems. Is Nell really safe here? What happened in Wales before she ran away to London with Joe? What does Dr. Wilders wife want with Nell? And where is Joe?
Nell and Joe’s backstories about their lives in care are heartbreaking. From a young age, Nell becomes the house ‘mother’, cleaner and cook. It’s a horrible life for her and so well described. Joe’s life isn’t any better.
Actually, the writing is so descriptive: people and places are described picture perfectly, and some scenes are so emotive, whilst others are really tense. The gripping finale was heartbreaking.
Sarah Hilary is a new author to me, and one that I’ll certainly look out for in future.
ClareR (5784 KP) rated The Story Spinner in Books
Jan 18, 2025
This is only the second Barbara Erskine book I’ve read, and the combination of history and magic connecting characters across hundreds of years really appeals to me. I don’t know whether this is a narrative device that Erskine uses often, but I love it.
This novel is set in a period of history that I know nothing about. Everything was new, interesting and exciting. I know little of the Romans in Britain era. I wasn’t aware that Welsh princesses were married off to Roman generals - like Elen, from the land of the Silures, in 382AD. She has quite some story, stretching from Wales to the Roman Empire.
Cadi is a writer in 2024, and when she hears marching feet in the lane outside her cottage but sees nothing there, she finds she’s able to see the story of Elen as she writes it down. There’s something in the meadow behind her house that connects the two times - but time is running out. Someone is trying to take Cadi’s peace and sell the land to build on. And the story will be lost.
I loved the historical detail in Elen’s time, and the excitement in Cadi’s. Elen’s story is pretty exciting too, to be fair. It amazed me just how much she was able to travel around Europe and further afield. This book is pure escapism, and I loved it. History, magic - what more do you need!
This novel is set in a period of history that I know nothing about. Everything was new, interesting and exciting. I know little of the Romans in Britain era. I wasn’t aware that Welsh princesses were married off to Roman generals - like Elen, from the land of the Silures, in 382AD. She has quite some story, stretching from Wales to the Roman Empire.
Cadi is a writer in 2024, and when she hears marching feet in the lane outside her cottage but sees nothing there, she finds she’s able to see the story of Elen as she writes it down. There’s something in the meadow behind her house that connects the two times - but time is running out. Someone is trying to take Cadi’s peace and sell the land to build on. And the story will be lost.
I loved the historical detail in Elen’s time, and the excitement in Cadi’s. Elen’s story is pretty exciting too, to be fair. It amazed me just how much she was able to travel around Europe and further afield. This book is pure escapism, and I loved it. History, magic - what more do you need!
Debbiereadsbook (1321 KP) rated A Right Royal Affair in Books
May 29, 2018
warm and fuzzies and too stinking cute! Loved it!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
But, people!! Warm and fuzzies AND too stinking cute is a thing Ms Juliet does so bloody well!
6th in line to the throne, Prince James, is drifting. He needs some focus, and after meeting Theo at his grandmother's acceptance of her medal, James hatches a plan to focus AND have Theo. But not everyone is happy for James and Theo, and there is also the tiny matter that James' grandmother, The Queen, might deny them their happiness.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the blurb to this book, I really wasn't. But I really REALLY enjoyed it! It kinda crept up on me, you know??
It's well told, from both men's point of view, so we get Theo's standing up to James. We get James' admission (not saying what!) And we get it from both of them when the charity event turns into the evening from hell.
And OH!!! The Converse thing?? Loved that! That was not something I saw coming at me! Loved the actions of the Princess of Wales, James' mother, and her matchmaking, and how well that turned out!
There were some proper laugh out loud moments, some emotional ones, some sad ones and a massive happy ever after. Loved how that 6th in line thing turned out too!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but sod it!
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
But, people!! Warm and fuzzies AND too stinking cute is a thing Ms Juliet does so bloody well!
6th in line to the throne, Prince James, is drifting. He needs some focus, and after meeting Theo at his grandmother's acceptance of her medal, James hatches a plan to focus AND have Theo. But not everyone is happy for James and Theo, and there is also the tiny matter that James' grandmother, The Queen, might deny them their happiness.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the blurb to this book, I really wasn't. But I really REALLY enjoyed it! It kinda crept up on me, you know??
It's well told, from both men's point of view, so we get Theo's standing up to James. We get James' admission (not saying what!) And we get it from both of them when the charity event turns into the evening from hell.
And OH!!! The Converse thing?? Loved that! That was not something I saw coming at me! Loved the actions of the Princess of Wales, James' mother, and her matchmaking, and how well that turned out!
There were some proper laugh out loud moments, some emotional ones, some sad ones and a massive happy ever after. Loved how that 6th in line thing turned out too!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but sod it!
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
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