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A Deal with the Elf King (Married to Magic, #1)
8.0
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The elves come for two things: war and wives. In both cases, they come for death. Three-thousand...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2498 KP) rated The Stories We Tell in Books
Dec 21, 2021
The Secrets We Keep Lead to Stories We Tell
After the success of her recent case, Betty Ahern finds herself being hired by her co-workers at the Bell Airplane factory to help them solve problems for them. However, she isn’t sure what she can do for Emmie, who is certain that her grandmother was murdered and didn’t die of natural causes as everyone else assumes. Betty does a little digging and is about to give up when a member of the Polish government in exile, visiting Buffalo, is murdered. When Betty begins to think there might be a connection between the two, she wonders if their deaths are connected. If they are, can she prove it?
I was happy to return to Buffalo in December 1942 to visit with Betty again. This book really brought the time period to life with the little details of life during World War II for those at home. I did have to remind myself of the different time and Betty’s age during some of her interactions with others, especially her parents. Having said that, I did like seeing how the characters are growing, especially her relationships with her parents. I found the beginning of the book slow, I think because Betty needed time to make the connection that would drive the plot, but once she did I was hooked. One red herring wasn’t completely wrapped up, but I was still mostly satisfied with the solution to the mystery. I’m looking forward to visiting with Betty again soon.
I was happy to return to Buffalo in December 1942 to visit with Betty again. This book really brought the time period to life with the little details of life during World War II for those at home. I did have to remind myself of the different time and Betty’s age during some of her interactions with others, especially her parents. Having said that, I did like seeing how the characters are growing, especially her relationships with her parents. I found the beginning of the book slow, I think because Betty needed time to make the connection that would drive the plot, but once she did I was hooked. One red herring wasn’t completely wrapped up, but I was still mostly satisfied with the solution to the mystery. I’m looking forward to visiting with Betty again soon.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The First Satan ( The A’Vean Chronicles 0.5) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
174 of 235
Kindle
The First Satan ( The A’vean Chronicles 0.5)
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At the dawn of civilisation, angels roamed the Earth.
Within shadows and dreams, these great warriors of A’vean were the silent caretakers of humanity, watching the first civilisations pull themselves from the cesspit of evolution.
I’el, the creator of all things, set one directive… Do not interfere.
Yeqon, sentenced to Earth as punishment for his misdeeds elsewhere, resented this deployment. Mindless eons of gently nudging humanity in the right direction set his mind to wander on the past and future glory, of war and power. Cowering in the shadows at the behest of I'el set a flame of resentment alight within him.
Yet, a loyal warrior, Yeqon remained committed to the task when he yearned to travel the universe, to fight, to love... until I'el pushed that loyalty too far.
A cord was struck against Yeqon and the Watchers he commanded, an event so devastating that it cleaved a wedge through them and stoked that fire. This upheaval stirred the beginnings of the greatest of wars...
and birthed the First Satan.
I can’t fault this book! I loved it! Yeqon is such a complex character and I really enjoyed finding out more about him. This is such a fascinating world and this author creates really in-depth characters.
I was lucky to have this gifted to me from the author and I’m so glad to have been chosen. Definitely read this if you love the series.
Kindle
The First Satan ( The A’vean Chronicles 0.5)
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At the dawn of civilisation, angels roamed the Earth.
Within shadows and dreams, these great warriors of A’vean were the silent caretakers of humanity, watching the first civilisations pull themselves from the cesspit of evolution.
I’el, the creator of all things, set one directive… Do not interfere.
Yeqon, sentenced to Earth as punishment for his misdeeds elsewhere, resented this deployment. Mindless eons of gently nudging humanity in the right direction set his mind to wander on the past and future glory, of war and power. Cowering in the shadows at the behest of I'el set a flame of resentment alight within him.
Yet, a loyal warrior, Yeqon remained committed to the task when he yearned to travel the universe, to fight, to love... until I'el pushed that loyalty too far.
A cord was struck against Yeqon and the Watchers he commanded, an event so devastating that it cleaved a wedge through them and stoked that fire. This upheaval stirred the beginnings of the greatest of wars...
and birthed the First Satan.
I can’t fault this book! I loved it! Yeqon is such a complex character and I really enjoyed finding out more about him. This is such a fascinating world and this author creates really in-depth characters.
I was lucky to have this gifted to me from the author and I’m so glad to have been chosen. Definitely read this if you love the series.
Traitor's Game (Soldier Spy #1)
Book
1808. Captain Will Fraser has just returned from the Front in the Peninsular War. He is disgraced...
Historical Fiction Spies Napoleonic Wars
Merissa (13822 KP) rated Courting the Dragon Lord (A Royal Arrangement #0) in Books
Mar 27, 2025
COURTING THE DRAGON LORD is the introductory story to the Royal Arrangement series. We learn that the nations have been at war for decades and now they have agreed to a peace treaty, solidified by marriages between the nations. This one is with Prince Ash of Botanial and Lord Barrett of Draconia.
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 27, 2025
Ash has always played second fiddle to his older brother and when he finds out there is a contest for Florian's hand, that just confirms it, especially when he thinks the man he is interested in has competed to win Florian's hand. But Barrett has met Ash already and is interested in him, not Florian. With a twist of insecurity though, Barrett thinks Ash wants Luther.
This was a quick and easy read, full of brilliant descriptions. Both MCs are cinnamon rolls who are insecure but it works for them. They both have a partner who loves and adores them, and who doesn't want that! The pacing is smooth and the world-building is enough for this story so you're not completely lost.
A great start to the series and definitely recommended by me. I can't wait to read more in this story and, although I don't wish the kingship on Ash, I really hope Florian gets his comeuppance! He really was a repugnant character in every way!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 27, 2025
Epic of Helinthia
8.0
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When a madman seized the throne, the gods on Olympus fell silent, and the island of Helinthia...
Greek myth
The Bandersnatch (199 KP) rated Memoirs of a Geisha in Books
Nov 7, 2019
Memoirs of a Geisha is a historical fiction book published on September 27th 1997. Told in the first person Viewpoint of Geisha Sayuri (Original name Chiyo), It follows her journey from her childhood in a fishing village on the coast of Japan, forcibly taken to a Hanamachi in Gion Kyoto and raised to become a Geisha before experiencing the horrors of WW2 and being a Geisha during the hard work of rebuilding after a harrowing defeat.
My opinion of the book is one of both curiosity and interest. Japan is one of those countries where its history and culture is both unusual and mysterious. The book gives a brief glimpse into the hidden world of the Geisha which are a prominent spot in Japanese culture but are relatively unknown world wide. I believe that the story of Sayuri is one of personal travel and evolution. Since we see Sayuri';s experience as a child before becoming a Geisha, experiencing the horror of war and eventually finding love with the Chairman.
Arthur Golden was born on December 6th 1956 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he was eight years old his parents divorced with his father dying five years later. He spent most of his childhood living in lookout mountain, Georgia before graduating from the Baylor school in Chattanooga in 1974. After earning a degree in Fine art (Specifically Japanese art), an M. A. in Japanese history, Golden spent a summer at the Peking University in Beijing and spent some time working in Tokyo. When he returned to the states he earned an M. A. in English at Boston University. Golden married Trudi Legge and they went on to have two children Hays and Tess.
After getting the initial idea for Memoirs of a Geisha Golden spent six years over the story rewriting it at least three times, changing the view point until settling on the viewpoint of Sayuri. Golden had spent time interviewing several Geisha including Mineko Iwasaki (who ended up suing Golden when the Japanese version of the book came out for breach of contract.....the case was settled out of court in 2003) all of whom provided information about the world of the Geisha. After its release Memoirs of a Geisha spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list, its sold more than four million copies in English alone and has been translated into thirty-two languages around the world. In 2005 the book was made into a movie garnering three academy awards.
My opinion of Arthur Golden is very small and somewhat limited.......I believe he is a fantastic writer and very knowledgeable about Japanese history and art....Much more so than I am but hearing he faced being sued because of citing who his sources were when he was contracted not to has put something of a dampener on his character in my eyes.
Memoirs of a Geisha was released as a Movie on December 9th 2005 under director Rob Marshall and Produced by Steven Spielberg's production Company Amblin Entertainment and Spyglass Entertainment. With its production from pre- to post-production taking place mainly in California US, with a few spots filmed in Kyoto Japan. The movie received mixed reviews in the western world and received somewhat negative reviews in Japan due to its mixed casting of Chinese and Japanese actors and actresses and its relationship to history. Despite the chaos they won three Academy Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design), a Golden Globe (Best Original Score), A national Board of review (Best Supporting Actress), a satellite award (Outstanding screenplay) and three BAFTA's (Cinematography, Costume design and the Anthony Asquith award for Achievement in film music).
Whilst I quite like the movie I definitely feel that if more effort was put into tying more of both Japanese and Geisha history was some how tied into the movie. As well as using more Japanese Actors and actresses in the roles......despite that I believe the actors and actresses did a very good job in brining the script to life and keep a layer of mystery and fluidity to their roles.
And there you have it a book for all the ages, its definitely under the banner of AWESOME!!!.
My opinion of the book is one of both curiosity and interest. Japan is one of those countries where its history and culture is both unusual and mysterious. The book gives a brief glimpse into the hidden world of the Geisha which are a prominent spot in Japanese culture but are relatively unknown world wide. I believe that the story of Sayuri is one of personal travel and evolution. Since we see Sayuri';s experience as a child before becoming a Geisha, experiencing the horror of war and eventually finding love with the Chairman.
Arthur Golden was born on December 6th 1956 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he was eight years old his parents divorced with his father dying five years later. He spent most of his childhood living in lookout mountain, Georgia before graduating from the Baylor school in Chattanooga in 1974. After earning a degree in Fine art (Specifically Japanese art), an M. A. in Japanese history, Golden spent a summer at the Peking University in Beijing and spent some time working in Tokyo. When he returned to the states he earned an M. A. in English at Boston University. Golden married Trudi Legge and they went on to have two children Hays and Tess.
After getting the initial idea for Memoirs of a Geisha Golden spent six years over the story rewriting it at least three times, changing the view point until settling on the viewpoint of Sayuri. Golden had spent time interviewing several Geisha including Mineko Iwasaki (who ended up suing Golden when the Japanese version of the book came out for breach of contract.....the case was settled out of court in 2003) all of whom provided information about the world of the Geisha. After its release Memoirs of a Geisha spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list, its sold more than four million copies in English alone and has been translated into thirty-two languages around the world. In 2005 the book was made into a movie garnering three academy awards.
My opinion of Arthur Golden is very small and somewhat limited.......I believe he is a fantastic writer and very knowledgeable about Japanese history and art....Much more so than I am but hearing he faced being sued because of citing who his sources were when he was contracted not to has put something of a dampener on his character in my eyes.
Memoirs of a Geisha was released as a Movie on December 9th 2005 under director Rob Marshall and Produced by Steven Spielberg's production Company Amblin Entertainment and Spyglass Entertainment. With its production from pre- to post-production taking place mainly in California US, with a few spots filmed in Kyoto Japan. The movie received mixed reviews in the western world and received somewhat negative reviews in Japan due to its mixed casting of Chinese and Japanese actors and actresses and its relationship to history. Despite the chaos they won three Academy Awards (Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design), a Golden Globe (Best Original Score), A national Board of review (Best Supporting Actress), a satellite award (Outstanding screenplay) and three BAFTA's (Cinematography, Costume design and the Anthony Asquith award for Achievement in film music).
Whilst I quite like the movie I definitely feel that if more effort was put into tying more of both Japanese and Geisha history was some how tied into the movie. As well as using more Japanese Actors and actresses in the roles......despite that I believe the actors and actresses did a very good job in brining the script to life and keep a layer of mystery and fluidity to their roles.
And there you have it a book for all the ages, its definitely under the banner of AWESOME!!!.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The High Tide Club in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Josephine Bettendorf Warrick is 99 years old. She has terminal cancer and any day could be her last. She asks for the help of Brooke Trappnell an attorney in town to help settle her affairs. Brooke is aware that Ms. Warrick has attorneys and lives on an island off the coast of Georgia. Why she needs Brooke's help is unclear. Brooke's grandmother was an old friend of Josephine's and they lost touch over the years. Josephine would like to make amends to her friends and leave them a part of the island so that the state will not get a hold of it, for that she needs Brooke's help. Josephine, Ruth, Millie, and Varina were The High Tide Club. Before she dies she wants to see in person her friends or their relatives. Will Josephine be able to accomplish everything she needs to before her death?
Thank you to NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It has been a while since I have read one of Ms. Andrew's books. This book was good. It held my attention and kept me intrigued throughout.
Can you imagine living on an island in a palatial estate? Cut off from most of the world by the ocean. Sounds like a dream come true to me.
The story switches time from present day to 1941 when The High Tide Club was formed. There are many secrets that these friends shared and kept from one another. The four friends lost touch after the war except for Josephine and Varina, although their relationship has strained over the past few years.
Brooke herself is the granddaughter of Millie which is why Josephine chose her for the job in the first place. Brooke finds out things about her family she didn't know about and is successful at bringing together the ancestors of her friends. But the state wants the land and Josephine's distant relatives want to give it up to them. Discoveries are made and secrets are uncovered in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It has been a while since I have read one of Ms. Andrew's books. This book was good. It held my attention and kept me intrigued throughout.
Can you imagine living on an island in a palatial estate? Cut off from most of the world by the ocean. Sounds like a dream come true to me.
The story switches time from present day to 1941 when The High Tide Club was formed. There are many secrets that these friends shared and kept from one another. The four friends lost touch after the war except for Josephine and Varina, although their relationship has strained over the past few years.
Brooke herself is the granddaughter of Millie which is why Josephine chose her for the job in the first place. Brooke finds out things about her family she didn't know about and is successful at bringing together the ancestors of her friends. But the state wants the land and Josephine's distant relatives want to give it up to them. Discoveries are made and secrets are uncovered in this book.
Merissa (13822 KP) rated The Ethereal Squadron (The Sorcerers of Verdun) in Books
May 8, 2019
The Ethereal Squadron (The Sorcerers of Verdun) by Shami Stovall
The Ethereal Squadron is part of The Sorcerers of Verdun series, and it starts off with a bang! To put it very simply - sorcerers exist, and they are fighting in WWI. Now, if you're a history buff, just be prepared for this story to be different to the books you may have read prior to this. This is, after all, a fiction book. Saying that though, the realism that is portrayed by this author is second to none. From situations to characters, they all have the ring of truth going on, which just kept on improving my satisfaction of this story.
I won't go into the story, you don't need me to do that. What I will tell you is this story is exceptional in EVERY way. From the research done into battles, guns, chains-of-command, to how characters react in situations. When these characters fall from a great height, they are worried about how much it's going to hurt! They don't just blithely jump, not fearing consequences. The character development is outstanding. All of the characters change during this book, in a way consistent with them. No one suddenly become Superman after being Clark Kent for 99% of the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and definitely want to read more. One of the things I enjoyed most was the 'time'. All too often, stories are set in the second World War. This made the story individual, and coupled with the rest of the elements in here, I would even go so far as to say unique.
A long book without a single wasted word. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to read more - both about these Sorcerers, and also from this amazing author.
* 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
I won't go into the story, you don't need me to do that. What I will tell you is this story is exceptional in EVERY way. From the research done into battles, guns, chains-of-command, to how characters react in situations. When these characters fall from a great height, they are worried about how much it's going to hurt! They don't just blithely jump, not fearing consequences. The character development is outstanding. All of the characters change during this book, in a way consistent with them. No one suddenly become Superman after being Clark Kent for 99% of the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and definitely want to read more. One of the things I enjoyed most was the 'time'. All too often, stories are set in the second World War. This made the story individual, and coupled with the rest of the elements in here, I would even go so far as to say unique.
A long book without a single wasted word. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to read more - both about these Sorcerers, and also from this amazing author.
* 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
John Crowson (2 KP) rated Risk Legacy in Tabletop Games
May 29, 2019
Evolving map (2 more)
An overarching story
Never play the same game twice
Same people everytime (2 more)
Many features not used
So many "what ifs"
Write your own history.
RISK is an extraordinary war game. Although it doesn't accurately portray commanding troops across a world wide battlefield it does a good enough job for an afternoons play. RISK Legacy takes this to a new level. Each game and each decision you make changes the game for ever. Set over 15 games the board evolves, by the addition of stickers, changing each territory, granting it new buffs/debuffs that will change the way in which you need to play in each future game. Each faction also gains new and different abilities as you make your way through the saga. By the end your game will be unique. No one else will have the same game you do as all the modifiers will have utilised differently.
The game is not flawless however. Due to the evolving map and rules, you really need to play with the same group of people each time, meaning if you can't get together too often it could take years to play your 15 games. Due to there being such a wealth of modifiers and variants (many of which occur only under certain conditions and as a "pick one of these two options") a large number of things arnt used, but you won't really notice this. Being a 15 game series there is also the possibility that you may make some modifications early on that cause game breaking OP/UP territories/playable factions, and you will have to live with these for the rest of your games.
All in all, I would recommend this game. But, not without warning. If someone has not played RISK before I would recommend a few games of the base edition before embarking on a 15 game run on RISK Legacy to see if you genuinely l like the game. This is ultimately an evolution of RISK not an alternative.
The game is not flawless however. Due to the evolving map and rules, you really need to play with the same group of people each time, meaning if you can't get together too often it could take years to play your 15 games. Due to there being such a wealth of modifiers and variants (many of which occur only under certain conditions and as a "pick one of these two options") a large number of things arnt used, but you won't really notice this. Being a 15 game series there is also the possibility that you may make some modifications early on that cause game breaking OP/UP territories/playable factions, and you will have to live with these for the rest of your games.
All in all, I would recommend this game. But, not without warning. If someone has not played RISK before I would recommend a few games of the base edition before embarking on a 15 game run on RISK Legacy to see if you genuinely l like the game. This is ultimately an evolution of RISK not an alternative.