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David McK (3562 KP) rated A Morbid Taste for Bones (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The first of Ellis Peters Cadfael Chronicles mystery novels, which it is no next to impossible to read without imagining Derek Jacobi in the lead role.
For those not in the know, Cadfael is a medieval Welsh Benedictine Monk, who has come late to the Order in life, and who proves rather adept at solving various mysteries, as well as looking after his garden. In this one, the mystery to be solved is just who murdered the leader of the opposition to his Orders plans to relocate the bones of a local saint from the sleepy Welsh village in which she is buried to the confines of his own Order of St Peter and St Paul.
If I'm honest, I actually found this quite hard going: it never really gripped me all that much, nor made me want to read on. Perhaps this kind of novel is just not my cup of tea!
For those not in the know, Cadfael is a medieval Welsh Benedictine Monk, who has come late to the Order in life, and who proves rather adept at solving various mysteries, as well as looking after his garden. In this one, the mystery to be solved is just who murdered the leader of the opposition to his Orders plans to relocate the bones of a local saint from the sleepy Welsh village in which she is buried to the confines of his own Order of St Peter and St Paul.
If I'm honest, I actually found this quite hard going: it never really gripped me all that much, nor made me want to read on. Perhaps this kind of novel is just not my cup of tea!
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Philosophy Book in Books
Jan 30, 2019
With over 2000 years of history, no book could seek to cover each and every aspect of philosophical thought.
What this does, instead, is to give a broad overview of the main works of the main thinkers (SOcrates, Plato, Descartes, Karl Marx, etc) of any particular era, with the book itself split into 6 main sections, as follows:
1) The Ancient World (700 BCE - 250 CE)
2) The Medieval World (250 - 1500)
3) Renaissance and the Age of Reason (1500 - 1750)
4) The Age of Revolution (1750 - 1900)
5) The Modern World (1900 -1950)
6) Contemporary Philosophy (1950 - present)
Nicely illustrated throughout, and with a little bit of history on the thinker themselves, this is a good intro for anybody interested in the subject. (Speaking personally, the closer the philosophy got to contemporary years, the less interesting I found it - I was more interested in the likes of Plato, Socrates and Descartes, for instance, than in Jacques Derrida).
What this does, instead, is to give a broad overview of the main works of the main thinkers (SOcrates, Plato, Descartes, Karl Marx, etc) of any particular era, with the book itself split into 6 main sections, as follows:
1) The Ancient World (700 BCE - 250 CE)
2) The Medieval World (250 - 1500)
3) Renaissance and the Age of Reason (1500 - 1750)
4) The Age of Revolution (1750 - 1900)
5) The Modern World (1900 -1950)
6) Contemporary Philosophy (1950 - present)
Nicely illustrated throughout, and with a little bit of history on the thinker themselves, this is a good intro for anybody interested in the subject. (Speaking personally, the closer the philosophy got to contemporary years, the less interesting I found it - I was more interested in the likes of Plato, Socrates and Descartes, for instance, than in Jacques Derrida).
Hans Ulrich Obrist recommended The Red Book in Books (curated)
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Books
Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)
I discovered Turkish delight through this book...
This is a must read for children, as the mystical elements are fascinating, but are lost when reading it as an adult.
First published in 1950, this is one of the most classic portal fantasies ever written. Four children are sent from London to an old house in the country during the evacuations of World War II. Through a magic wardrobe, they enter the fantasy land of Narnia, which is a jumbled mixture of Greek mythology, Bible stories, and Arthurian romances, with a bit of Medieval Bestiaries thrown in.
The White Witch has made herself Queen of Narnia, and put it under the spell of an ever-constant winter. With the arrival of the children and the lion Aslan, an old prophecy is met, spring comes to Narnia, and there is a major clash between the good and evil Narnians on who gets to dominate Narnia.
I like the book better than the film just because of the amount of detail used by the master of fantasy C. S. Lewis.
First published in 1950, this is one of the most classic portal fantasies ever written. Four children are sent from London to an old house in the country during the evacuations of World War II. Through a magic wardrobe, they enter the fantasy land of Narnia, which is a jumbled mixture of Greek mythology, Bible stories, and Arthurian romances, with a bit of Medieval Bestiaries thrown in.
The White Witch has made herself Queen of Narnia, and put it under the spell of an ever-constant winter. With the arrival of the children and the lion Aslan, an old prophecy is met, spring comes to Narnia, and there is a major clash between the good and evil Narnians on who gets to dominate Narnia.
I like the book better than the film just because of the amount of detail used by the master of fantasy C. S. Lewis.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Romance of Tristan and Iseult in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was an interesting classic Romantic story. The Romance of Tristan and Iseult is incredibly sad but also telling of how the ideas of courtly love were perceived in that time period.
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the stories of that period and how people acted about the different ways to love people. There is the adulterous courtly love, the romantic marital love, and the brotherly and loyal love. Each of these loves are explored in this story, which makes it that much more interesting to read.
I learned in one of my classes that this story was the bedrock to a lot of the stories we know and love today. Romeo and Juliet can even trace its lineage to this story. Shakespeare and a lot of the other writers during his era drew a lot of inspiration from this story, so it was very cool to be able to see where they all came from.
I would recommend reading this if you are interested in reading Romantic/Medieval stories. It is one that is obviously well known.
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the stories of that period and how people acted about the different ways to love people. There is the adulterous courtly love, the romantic marital love, and the brotherly and loyal love. Each of these loves are explored in this story, which makes it that much more interesting to read.
I learned in one of my classes that this story was the bedrock to a lot of the stories we know and love today. Romeo and Juliet can even trace its lineage to this story. Shakespeare and a lot of the other writers during his era drew a lot of inspiration from this story, so it was very cool to be able to see where they all came from.
I would recommend reading this if you are interested in reading Romantic/Medieval stories. It is one that is obviously well known.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated For Love and Honor (An Uncertain Choice, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Daring swordfights, a hidden secret, bandits, treasure, true love...Oh yes, Jody Hedlund has delivered another winner of a medieval young adult story.
Lady Sabine has a harrowing journey of self-acceptance ahead of her. Sir Bennet has always strived to remain honorable...Will he be able to follow his heart and love?
I adore that one of my favorite authors has branched out and started a Young Adult series! My only complaint is that the story was too short. I would have loved to have a little more time with Sabine and Bennet...I love the world that Jody has created and the heroes, the knights, are so very swoony! I am excited to read the next book in the series, A Loyal Heart.
I received a complimentary copy of For Love and Honor from the publisher. I also borrowed the audio version from my library and purchased my own print copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lady Sabine has a harrowing journey of self-acceptance ahead of her. Sir Bennet has always strived to remain honorable...Will he be able to follow his heart and love?
I adore that one of my favorite authors has branched out and started a Young Adult series! My only complaint is that the story was too short. I would have loved to have a little more time with Sabine and Bennet...I love the world that Jody has created and the heroes, the knights, are so very swoony! I am excited to read the next book in the series, A Loyal Heart.
I received a complimentary copy of For Love and Honor from the publisher. I also borrowed the audio version from my library and purchased my own print copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold in Books
Mar 26, 2020
The 9th entry in Angus Donald's Robin Hood Outlaw series of books, although chronologically I think this is the third (set after Holy Warrior).
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.
As such, this starts with Robin and his men trying to make their way back to England from the Holy Land, with the entire story told (as are all the others) in first person narrative, and from the point of view of Alan a Dale, the true protagonist of these stories (let's face it, Robin isn't always a very nice man...)
Shipwrecked on the way home, this sets off a series of circumstances and encounters that sees Robin and his men hatching a plan to steal the Caliph's Gold (it's all there in the title!), with many a ferocious battle and deeds of derring do throughout.
Having recently just having read one of Angus Donald's other historical works (the Blood series: last one I read was Bloods Campaign), I have to say: I think I prefer the medieval setting of these novels better, with Alan a Dale coming across as a more relatable character than Holcroft Blood.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Jousting and Justice (Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic #5) in Books
Feb 11, 2022
This series just gets better and better!!
Hayden is completely comfy in her new role as the newspaper editor and her life in Destiny falls. She is even falling in love! More excitingly there is a medieval festival being held on the forbidden island that has everybody a buzz with excitement! Hayden then finds the newspaper office headquarters has been broken into and there is a dead body in the archive room and this is just the begging of this adventure can this mystery be solved?
Elizabeth puts so much enthusiasm into her stories they are a joy to read. The right amount of intrigue and mystery so you don't find yourself getting frustrated because it seems to have gone on forever and nothing is being figured out. Also, the right amount of everything else to bring it all together so nice and neatly. I can't help hoping that maybe there will be a double wedding in the future of destiny falls?
Magnificent job again Elizabeth can't wait for the next instalment 4/5
Hayden is completely comfy in her new role as the newspaper editor and her life in Destiny falls. She is even falling in love! More excitingly there is a medieval festival being held on the forbidden island that has everybody a buzz with excitement! Hayden then finds the newspaper office headquarters has been broken into and there is a dead body in the archive room and this is just the begging of this adventure can this mystery be solved?
Elizabeth puts so much enthusiasm into her stories they are a joy to read. The right amount of intrigue and mystery so you don't find yourself getting frustrated because it seems to have gone on forever and nothing is being figured out. Also, the right amount of everything else to bring it all together so nice and neatly. I can't help hoping that maybe there will be a double wedding in the future of destiny falls?
Magnificent job again Elizabeth can't wait for the next instalment 4/5
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Dowry of Blood ( Book 1) in Books
Jun 19, 2024
119 of 220
Kindle
A Dowry of Blood ( Book 1)
By S.T. Gibson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my last love letter to you, though some would call it a confession. . .
Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things.
Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets. With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.
Not sure what I was expecting but I really really enjoyed this. Gothic vampire story full of that old feeling. The characters were so intriguing. Well written gave me Angel and spike early days vibes ( if you know you know).
Kindle
A Dowry of Blood ( Book 1)
By S.T. Gibson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my last love letter to you, though some would call it a confession. . .
Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things.
Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets. With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death.
Not sure what I was expecting but I really really enjoyed this. Gothic vampire story full of that old feeling. The characters were so intriguing. Well written gave me Angel and spike early days vibes ( if you know you know).
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Buried Giant in Books
Jan 3, 2018
An unusual melancholic adventure
Beautifully written with a typical Kazuo Ishiguro unreliable narrator, this novel however, is not about self-delusion this time. It's a collective memory loss, a post-Arthurian quest that questions the value of remembering. It is written as a fable so the style may appear stilted and formal, and it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found the plot beguiling.
Ishiguro ventures in the Tolkien-world of medieval fantasy in which an elderly couple, who seem to be suffering a fog of memory loss, attempt to reconnect with their son by journeying across the lands. On their way, they face dangers from opposing forces, that try to hinder their progress.
This is a powerful treatment of memories, the passage of time and the enduring love of a couple living many years together. Nothing is over-stated, even the moments of high drama. A strange collection of characters but all of them wholly believable. Overall, this book rewards patience and reflection, a devastating portrayal of love in old age and it's a fantastic metaphor for the way nations forget/remember traumatic events.
Ishiguro ventures in the Tolkien-world of medieval fantasy in which an elderly couple, who seem to be suffering a fog of memory loss, attempt to reconnect with their son by journeying across the lands. On their way, they face dangers from opposing forces, that try to hinder their progress.
This is a powerful treatment of memories, the passage of time and the enduring love of a couple living many years together. Nothing is over-stated, even the moments of high drama. A strange collection of characters but all of them wholly believable. Overall, this book rewards patience and reflection, a devastating portrayal of love in old age and it's a fantastic metaphor for the way nations forget/remember traumatic events.