Merissa (13792 KP) created a post
Sep 22, 2025
The Deserter: A Tale of the Foreign Legion
Book
Algeria 1908. Gil Vincente is a Boer War veteran, broken and adrift on the rough streets of...
Historical Fiction Adventure
The Devil You Knew
Book
Atlanta. 1963. Three adolescent girls go missing. And a killer is on the loose. Young Billy...
Historical Crime Fiction
The Vaster Wilds
9.0
Rate It
Book
A profound and explosive novel about a spirited girl alone in the wilderness, trying to survive A...
Historical fiction
Kyera (8 KP) rated Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Monty is quite enamored with himself and unconcerned about the responsibility that his title infers that he should possess. He doesn't think through his actions and gets in more trouble than the pretty face of his would lead you to believe. Despite that, and despite his absolute ineptitude, you can't help but love him as a character. His shenanigans and lack of forethought throw the trio into a situation that they might not make it out of unscathed.
Percy, his best friend, is much more responsible and adds a perspective to the history that we might not think of otherwise. Although his father is a titled man, he fathered Percy with a woman of colour which gives readers the perspective of a man of mixed-race rather than the white-privilege that we see from Monty. Felicity is well-educated because she is stubborn and refuses to bow to the whims of society. She wants to study medicine, so she finds any book she can on the subject and devours it. Felicity's character also allows readers to see the position of a woman in those times, to realize how far we have come in the treatment of woman, or just anyone who is not a Caucasian male, their equality, and how far we still have to go on all accounts.
I have noticed that some people find the story to be slow, which is not quite how I would describe it. The first few chapters might be tough to get into as it is not immediately the energy of a swashbuckling pirate adventure or high stakes battle in space, but it does find its stride. The journey the reader is taken on is highly enjoyable and certainly worth the slower early build up. Plus the flirting is precious and I want to believe that it is a historically accurate portrayal of a person from that time period.
Mackenzie Lee does a wonderful job of taking us on a Grand Tour of Europe, despite the fact that most of us probably are not familiar with the continent in the 1700's. She adds authentic little items into the story like cities, events or jobs that make the story feel real. It is clear that she did a lot of research and it makes her book shine.
I highly recommend this to young adult/teen readers even if they don't feel that they are historical fiction readers. This story is fun and will give you all of the feels, although you may want to hit Monty upside the head a few times. This cute story will leave you wanting more of the trio and wondering if you are a historical fiction fan after all.
The Infinite Sea
7.9
Rate It
Book
The Infinite Sea is the second book in the phenomenal and bestselling 5th Wave series by...
The Last Star
6.8
Rate It
Book
The Last Star is the heart-stopping finale to the bestselling 5th Wave series by award-winning...
Like a Lily Among the Thorns
6.0
Rate It
Book
There are those who are born into loving families and then there are the less fortunate who must...
Climate Fiction Speculative Fiction Fantasy
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Ocean at the End of the Lane in Books
May 16, 2018
This piece of fiction is a quick read and harbors elements of fantasy and horror in a world much like our own. The house at the end of the lane is a bit removed from the rest of society and, to a homegrown, country girl like myself, oozes a rural familiarity. This house, being the home of the Hempstocks, is the source of everything surreal in The Ocean at the End of the Lane and through the little boy and his friend Lettie, we see an entirely different side of things. A place where a child learns morals (such as lying, obeying, etc.) in the most horrifying ways.
I found The Ocean at the End of the Lane nearly impossible to put down – in fact, I only paused long enough to shower and take a brief nap. I refused to sleep until I had turned the last page. It’s nice to see several elements of fiction in play, especially with how Gaiman foreshadows and references certain odd incidents that take place in his story. My next Gaiman read will be American Gods, which I received as a gift from Dad.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Letter from Lancaster County in Books
Feb 25, 2019
I loved getting to know the sisters! Angela and Rose,sisters who long to reconnect their relationship, really kept me captivated through out this story. I enjoyed following them to Lancaster County to visit sweet Aunt Sylvia, their Mennonite aunt, watching them change and grow in their relationship and learning to accept what God has in store for them, instead of what they had in store for themselves.
This story of faith, hope and longing is beautifully written and highly captivating. If you want your normal Amish fiction novel, that will be solely about the Amish, then this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for a 4 star, wonderfully chiseled contemporary story filled with heart capturing characters and a whirlwind plot line, that keeps you hanging on every word, then this is definitely the book for you! I can't wait to see the next book Ms. Lloyd has in store for her fans, especially if she mixes English, Mennonite and Amish together in a fantabulous read! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13952-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>