Son of the Serpent by Shauna Lawless The Gael Song Series

 

Shauna Lawless has done it again. This addition to the Gael Song Series is brimming with intrigue, mystery, and brazen evil. It is a tale of good, evil, and magic, wrapped up in Irish history. We are reacquainted with characters we’ve come to love, and with other characters whose demise we eagerly await. This read was not just good; it was delicious. Happy reading.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

 This was a haunting psychological thriller. At first, I couldn’t understand why a woman would be so intimidated by a house servant. I wanted her to speak up and stand up for herself. I soon realized that this was a different time. A woman’s role was very different in the 1940s than it is today. The new Mrs. DeWinter is the novel's narrator, so we can only see things from her point of view. The first thing we notice is that Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, has an unnatural infatuation with her employer, the late Rebecca. She hates Mr. DeWinter’s new wife because she sees her as a replacement for her beloved Rebecca. The intimidation begins at their first meeting. As the novel moves forward, you learn that although Rebecca seemed to be loved by all, she isn’t as she seems. Her untimely death sent the entire household into an uproar. All the while, the new Mrs. DeWinter is unable to settle into her new role because she is being haunted by the imagined presence of the dead Rebecca and by the very much alive Mrs. Danvers. One could not help but feel empathy for the new Mrs. DeWinter. The ending was shocking but somewhat satisfying. I recommend this novel for anyone who likes psychological thrillers. It will definitely keep the pages turning. Happy reading.

Lady of the Tower (Lydiard Chronicles Book 1) by Elizabeth St. John

This was a fascinating novel based on the life of the author’s ancestor, Lucy St. John. She and her sisters were orphaned and raised by a loving uncle and an aunt who was less than kind. The novel explores the intrigue and political upheaval of the Court of King James I of Scotland. Lucy, who is wholly interested in apothecary science, has an innocent liaison with the Earl of Sufolk. She is betrayed by her jealous older sister, and others at the court use the untrue rumor to ruin her reputation. However, Lucy St. John was stronger than anyone anticipated. She survived and made a life for herself, her new husband, and her children. His appointment as the jailer of the tower. made Lucy the Lady of the Tower. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next novel in the Lydiard Chronicles.

Daughter of The Otherworld by Shauna Lawless

Ms. Lawless has once again created another compelling novel of Irish History and folklore. Many characters from the first trilogy live on in this new series. This being the first novel of a new trilogy, it is obviously the setup for a more intriquing story line to come, and I am excited to wait for the next novel. I recommend this novel without reservations. Happy Reading!

The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

This was a delicious medieval mystery. We are introduced to familiar historical characters, intertwined with interesting fictional characters. The author expertly weaves fact and fiction into a gripping tale of wonder and intrigue. I could not put this novel down. If you love historical fiction set in the medieval era, you will love this novel. I am starting the second novel in the series. Happy Reading.

Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless

This is the third novel in the Gael Song Series. This novel is full of Irish history, folklore, and mythology. The author has created unforgettable characters who are both good and evil. I hesitate to say more for fear of exposing spoilers. I find myself wishing that this would someday be a movie. Again, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this historical fantasy. I couldn't put the book down, and I anxiously await the fourth book in the series. Again, kudos to Shauna Lawless.

Silk Road by Colin Falconer

 This is a great historical fiction read. In 1260 CE, a knight and a cantankerous priest travel the treacherous Silk Road in an attempt to bring Christianity to the Mongol tribes of the East Asian steppes. The author vividly describes the differing landscapes, cultures, and customs of the Mongol people. The story centers on Josseran Sarrazini, a Frank Templar Knight charged with seeing the Priest on his mission. It is an epic adventure from start to finish. The characters struggle with duty, faith, and sin while enduring personality clashes with others and their host. I love reading about different cultures and religions. This novel was utterly engrossing, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and adventure. Happy reading!

Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless

This is a historical fiction fantasy novel, the second in the Gael Song Series. As I stated in my review of the first novel in the series, fantasy is not a genre that I frequently read. However, I did enjoy this novel. This second novel explained some of the things that I did not understand in the first novel. Ms. Lawless skillfully weaves historical facts with fiction/fantasy. Unforgettable characters and a compelling storyline pull you into the story. I was completely engrossed in this novel. Kudos to Lawless. This is a fantastic read. Now, I am on to the third in the series. Happy Reading!

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men By Shauna Lawless

Historical fiction is by far my favorite genre, and I am often drawn to Irish history. This novel is an Irish Historical Fantasy. This novel started slowly, made slower by the many difficult-to-pronounce character names and local. That being said, as I read further, a compelling story began to emerge with well-defined characters and an emotionally charged storyline. Even though fantasy is not my favorite genre, this was a good read, and I do plan to read the second in the series.

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

This is a wonderfully written and well-researched novel of the life of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The authors could not tell Eliza’s story without telling the story of Alexander Hamilton, the love of her life, a brilliant but flawed man. He was a military officer, a statesman, and our nation's first treasurer. I thought I knew the history of our founding fathers but besides being a breathtaking page-turner, this novel was a retelling of history with all the ups and downs, losses and victories. It is also the story of the birth of our nation and all those who made the idea of a United States of America come into existence. All the players are there, from Washington to Monroe. If you like historical fiction, this novel will not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

The Lost Apothocary by Sarah Penner

As usual, I read this book's reviews before choosing this novel. Some of the reviews were so bad that I was almost discouraged. One review changed my mind and I ordered the book. This novel is a little different from the books I usually read because it is a mystery. I found this book to be a delightful read. Anticipation moved me forward through the pages with uncommon speed. At times I thought it was predictable, but the author surprised me each time. I enjoyed this short novel and happily recommend it. Happy reading.

New York by Edward Rutherfurd

This is a comprehensive history of New York, from the landing of the Dutch to the attack on the World Trade Center. This fascinating historical record follows fictional families of diverse cultures and ethnicities, American-born and immigrant that are all part of the fabric that is New York. Along with these fictional families the history moves between the ages from agriculture and merchant through the industrial age and, ultimately the digital age. This is a tremendous work. It is heavy and long but also enjoyable. Happy Reading!

A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory

This novel is far from what I’ve come to expect from Philippa Gregory. It was different and a surprisingly emotional read from beginning to end. Great characterization. I felt as if I knew these people and all of them touched me in one way or another. These are characters that I won’t soon forget. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to historical fiction lovers.

The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick

Medieval Britain, set in the Welsh border marches in 1098, a tantalizing love story emerges amid warring kingdoms. Ruthless land barons fight for dominance, while a young girl comes of age. This is a time when marriages are arranged and couples may not even know each other before vows are made before God. This novel was short and sweet and I loved every word. 

Amour of Light by Ken Follett

With every Follett novel, I keep looking for the same thrill and excitement I got with reading The Pillars of the Earth. I have read several Follett novels and loved most of his books. Unfortunately, this novel did not meet that expectation. It is basically about how the Industrial Age changed life in Britain. There is an unexpected heroine and more than one nemesis. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying read.

The Wager by David Grann

This is a harrowing account of a shipwrecked British ship. The captain and crew suffer many disasters, leading them to do unthinkable things to survive. This is a thriller from the first page. It is as disturbing as it is enlightening. It is often an example of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. As I was reading I thought this should really be a movie. I recently learned that production has already begun for The Wager as a movie.

As the title indicates, this book dives deep into the origins of our discontent. It explores the discontent of all people of all races. The author explains the history that puts people into distinct categories, a hierarchy based on physical characteristics, to which we have no control. The author explains the origins of cast in cultures around the world and how it has affected the history of the world and now affects our lives today. This was the best non-fiction book that I have read in years. I highly recommend this book. Kudos to Isabel Wilkerson.

This is the story of Queen Juana of Spain, the second daughter of Queen Isabell I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. She was known as the Mad Queen. Whether there was real mental illness or not, this novel gives some insight into a life that is full of tragedy and heartbreak. Queen Juana is stronger than her foes anticipate. From the beginning of her arranged marriage to a Flanders Prince, she is manipulated and betrayed by the very men who promised to love and cherish her. When Queen Isabell dies, Juana holds the prize that the men in her life are determined to have, her crown. She is used, abused, and manipulated, to assuage the power struggle for the men in her life, however, she refuses to abdicate her throne in the face of grave consequences.

Elizabeth I by Margaret George

The enigmatic Elizabeth I is my favorite Monarch. In this novel, the author focuses on the last thirty years of the life of Elizabeth I. Margret George and the late Sharon K. Penman write historical fiction in a way that makes one feel as if they are watching history unfold before their eyes. Both authors can make the reader feel as if they have been given a unique and personal view into the lives and characters of very famous people. I knew that there was a rivalry between Lettice Knollys and Elizabeth and in this work, the author details the reasons for such a contention between the cousins. Other relations are explained as well. This is an enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys medieval historical fiction.

The Midwife by Tricia Cresswell

This novel had me on the first page. It is a deliciously intriguing Victorian Age mystery. The author skillfully pulls the reader into the story. I could not help but begin to feel an affinity for many of the characters while at the same time trying to figure out the unsaid mystery. The main character is likable and compassionate, even while she deals with her own pain and sometimes shame. Midway through the novel, I was sure that I had it all figured out. However, I was wrong, which made this read even more special. I highly recommend this novel. The author’s sources, which are as interesting as the novel, are revealed at the end of the book. Happy Reading!