Saturday, December 29, 2012

My Top 12 Books of 2012

2012 was a great reading year for me.  I read some wonderful books and was introduced to some fabulous new to me authors.   Of the 91 books I read this year, the following 12 were my favourites and all earned either a 5 or 4.5 star rating:

(1) Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel.   The sequel to the fabulous Wolf Hall, Mantel's latest novel of Thomas Cromwell focuses on the downfall of Anne Boleyn and is every bit as good as its predecessor.   I can't wait to read the final novel in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy.    Mantel's Cromwell novels are a must read for any fan of Tudor-era historical fiction. 






 (2) The Riyria Revelations by Micheal J. Sullivan.  Okay, so I'm cheating with this one since the Riyria Revelations is composed of three novels rather than just one (Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire and Heir of Novron), but once you read the first book you'll immediately want to read the next two.   I love pretty much everything about this series, including the two main characters Hadrian Blackwater and Royce Melborn, and recommend it to everyone I know who enjoys fantasy novels.    A prequel to the series, The Crown Tower, is set for release in August 2013 and is one of my most anticipated reads of 2013. 


(3) Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.  This work of non-fiction provides readers with Jon Krakauer's first hand account of the 1997 Mt. Everest disaster that saw the deaths of eight climbers.   I couldn't put this book down and, once finished, I couldn't stop thinking about the events detailed in it. 







(4)  The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani.  A wonderful work of historical fiction set in Italy and the United States in the early 20th century.  I fell in love with the two main characters and their story.  Although the time period and settings of this novel aren't ones I would normally choose when selecting a work of historical fiction to read, I'm very glad I decided to take a chance with this one. The Shoemaker's Wife is a truly beautiful book. 






(5) A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick. I've enjoyed every Elizabeth Chadwick novel that I've read, and this one is no exception.  Her attention to historical detail, well-developed characters, vivid settings and lovely prose make her novels must reads for me.  A Place Beyond Courage tells the story of John Marshall, father to William Marshall who is the main character in my favourite Chadwick novel, The Greatest Knight.  If you love historical fiction make sure you read this book (as well as Chadwick's other novels) as I think Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the best writers within the genre today. 



(6) The Master of Verona by David Blixt.   Set in early Renaissance Italy, this novel's principal protagonist is Pietro Alaghieri, son of the poet Dante.   A fabulous cast of characters, a great story, and lots of historical detail made this one a winner for me.   This is the first of David Blixt's novels that I've had the pleasure of reading, but it definitely won't be the last. 







(7) The King's Concubine by Anne O'Brien.   The star of this novel is the infamous Alice Perrers, mistress to English King Edward III.  While history has not been kind to Alice, very little is actually known about her life.   In this novel O'Brien has created a remarkably sympathetic portrait of Alice, one that is entirely plausible.   This book is also provides one of the best examples of the use of first person narrative that I've ever read. 






(8) The Passing Bells by Phillip Rock.  Set just before and during WWI, and featuring a stately manor home, its aristocratic inhabitants and those who serve them, The Passing Bells is recommended to fans of Downton Abbey.  Since I love Downton Abbey I simply couldn't resist reading this one.   Much of this book is concerned with WWI, and I think Rock has masterfully captured the horrors of the Great War.   I'm looking forward to reading the second novel in this trilogy, Circles of Time.  





(9) The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.   Another year, another Kate Morton book on my list of favourites.   I simply love Morton's novels and her latest release is no exception.   While lacking the Gothic elements that are the hallmarks of her other books, The Secret Keeper had me turning the pages into the wee hours wanting to know what was coming next.   Morton has such a lovely way with words that her novels are a treat to read.   Here's hoping it won't be too long before her next book comes out. 





(10) The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner.   Historical novelist C.W. Gortner's latest book is a biographical novel about Queen Isabella of Castille, a historical figure I knew little about prior to picking up this novel.   I particularly enjoyed how Gortner chose to characterize Isabella, who is portrayed as an intelligent, loyal and determined woman.   Given the novel doesn't cover the entirety of Isabella's reign, it is my hope that there will be a follow-up to this book in the future.





(11)  Nefertiti by Michelle Moran.  Ancient Egypt as a setting is not a particular favourite of mine when it comes to historical novels, but Nefertiti is a well-written and engaging look at ancient Egypt's most intriguing woman.  I particularly liked that the novel was told from the perspective of Nefertiti's younger sister.  Last year Moran's Madame Tussaud was included among my favourite reads of the year. 






(12) The Prophet by Amanda Stevens.  The third installment of Stevens' Graveyard Queen paranormal romance series is probably my favourite of the series thus far.   Paranormal fantasy/romance is not usually my thing, but this series has captivated me and I can't wait to read more. 








What were your favourite books of the year?



Friday, December 28, 2012

Book Review: The Antiquarian by Julian Sanchez

Synopsis

In this gripping historical thriller, the search for a mysterious and powerful object hidden in the heart of Barcelona leads to ambition, desire, love—and murder.

An intriguing letter from his adoptive father, Artur, turns novelist Enrique Alonso’s world upside down. Artur, a well-known antiquarian in Barcelona, reveals that he has discovered an ancient manuscript, but he feels uneasy, as though he’s in over his head. But before Artur can piece together the final part of the puzzle, he is attacked and murdered. Enrique rushes to Barcelona to investigate his father’s death and retrieve the book. His ex-wife, Bety, a philologist, comes to his aid and the two set about translating and deciphering the encrypted text. Written in Latin and Old Catalan, the manuscript holds the key to the location of a priceless object dating back to the Middle Ages, and a secret closely guarded by the Jewish community living in the city’s Gothic Quarter. When Enrique and Bety realize they are not the only ones following the trail, it becomes a race against time to find the mythical object that has the power to transform lives.


Barcelona eBooks/Open Road Media | November 20, 2012

My Review

3.5 Stars

Spanish novelist Julian Sanchez's The Antiquarian is an intriguing mystery set in modern day Barcelona.  At the heart of this story is an ancient manuscript included with an estate lot purchased by antiquarian Artur Aiguader, a manuscript that contains information about the origins and location of a powerful, mythical object.  When Artur is found murdered in his shop, there is little evidence to suggest why such a heinous crime was committed on a well-respected man like Artur.  Enrique Alonso, Artur's adopted son, receives a letter from his father posted shortly before his death.  While Artur recognized the historical value of the manuscript, his letter also revealed his misgivings about the information contained within it.  Thinking the manuscript could be the key to solving Artur's murder, Enrique decides to investigate his father's death himself and, with the help of his ex-wife Bety, attempt to uncover the mysterious object described in the manuscript.  But Enrique and Bety are not the only ones searching for the object, and these others will stop at nothing to find it.

One of this novel's greatest strengths is Julian Sanchez's lovely, descriptive prose.  Through this prose Sanchez is able to bring Barcelona and its antiquarian community vibrantly to life.  In this respect, this novel reminded me of another atmospheric novel set in Barcelona, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  Another strength is the characters, particularly Enrique and Bety, who are well-developed and sympathetic.  While the individual revealed as Artur's murderer will likely comes as no surprise to many readers, the novel's ultimate conclusion is nevertheless gripping and satisfying.  While an engaging novel overall, with a plot that moves at a relatively steady pace throughout most of the book, the story does get somewhat bogged down at about the half-way point by the inclusion of detailed accounts of the origins of both the ancient manuscript and the mysterious object it is concerned with.  Rather than enhance the main story line, this background interrupts the novel's flow and significantly slows the progression of the story.  While the inclusion of some of this background is necessary to the advancement of the plot, given the number of pages used to convey it, many of the important elements end up somewhat lost in the narrative.   When the focus of the book shifts back to Enrique and Bety's quest, the pace once again picks up.  

An overall enjoyable novel, The Antiquarian is recommended to readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries and thrillers. 

Note: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Winner: David Blixt E-Book Giveway


I'm pleased to announce that the winner of one of David Blixt's e-books, selected using random.org, is:

Nancy

An email has been sent to the winner.   Thanks to everyone who entered and to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the opportunity to host a giveaway.




Thursday, December 27, 2012

2012 Reading Challenge Wrap-Up

I participated in two reading challenges in 2012 - the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge and the Mount TBR Reading Challenge - both of which I figured would be easily achieved.  While I had no difficulty achieving and far surpassing my goal for the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, I failed miserably at the TBR Challenge.    Here's a closer look at how I did (click on the book titles to, if applicable, read my review):

2012 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Historical Tapestry

My goal was to read 25 works of historical fiction in 2012.  I ended up more than doubling my goal by reading 53 works of historical fiction this year:

(1) Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn - 4 Stars
(2) The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau - 4 Stars
(3) The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick - 3.5 Stars
(4) Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King - 3.5 Stars
(5) The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick - 3.5 Stars
(6) The Tory Widow by Christine Blevins - 3.5 Stars
(7) The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins - 4 Stars
(8) The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane - 4 Stars
(9) Worth Dying For by N. Gemini Sasson -  3 Stars
(10) To Have and To Hold by Mary Johnston - 4 Stars
(11) Henry Tilney's Diary by Amanda Grange - 3.5 Stars
(12) Rivals in the Tudor Court by D.L. Bogdan - 3.5 Stars
(13) The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas - 4 Stars
(14) The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani - 4.5 Stars
(15) Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran - 4 Stars
(16) The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller - 4 Stars
(17) The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy - 4 Stars
(18) Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - 5 Stars (re-read)
(19) Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel - 5 Stars
(20) The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4 Stars
(21) Secrets of the Tudor Court by D.L. Bogdan - 2 Stars
(22) Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani - 4 Stars
(23) The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner - 4.5 Stars
(24) The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham - 4 Stars
(25) An Unmarked Grave by Charles Todd - 4 Stars
(26) The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazier - 3 Stars
(27) Turncoat by Don Gutteridge  - 3.5 Stars
(28) The King's Concubine by Anne O'Brien - 4.5 Stars
(29) Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - 4.5 Stars
(30) Her Prairie Knight by B.K. Bower - 4 Stars
(31) A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd - 4 Stars
(32) An Impartial Witness by Charles Todd - 4 Stars
(33) A Bitter Truth by Charles Todd - 4 Stars
(34) Hereward by James Wilde - 3.5 Stars
(35) Sea Witch by Helen Hollick -  4 Stars
(36) The Thing About Thugs by Tabish Khair - 3 Stars.
(37) The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley - 4 Stars.
(38) Daughters of Fire by Barbara Erskine -  4 Stars
(39) Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear - 3 Stars
(40) Coronation of Glory by Deborah Meroff -  4 Stars
(41) Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander - 3.5 Stars
(42) Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey - 3 Stars
(43) A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.5 Stars
(44) Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters - 2 Stars
(45) Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey - 4 Stars
(46) A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir - 3.5 Stars
(47) The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien -  3.5 Stars
(48) The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson - 3.5 Stars
(49) Mistress of the Sea by Jenny Barden - 4 Stars
(50) The Walnut Tree by Charles Todd - 3 Stars
(51) The Master of Verona by David Blixt - 4.5 Stars
(52) The Raven's Heart by Jesse Blackadder - 4 Stars
(53) The Passing Bells by Phillip Rock - 4.5 Stars


Mount TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2012 hosted by My Reader's Block. 

In an attempt to gain some control over my massive TBR pile, I aimed to read 50 books during 2012 that had been on my TBR pile since 2011.  Despite my best intentions, I kept getting distracted by all the nice, shiny new books that arrived in my house this year and only read 28 books from my pre-2012 TBR pile. 

(1) Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn -  4 Stars
(2) The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick - 3.5 Stars
(3) Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King - 3.5 Stars
(4) The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick - 3.5 Stars
(5) The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane -  4 Stars
(6) Worth Dying For by N. Gemini Sasson -  3 Stars
(7) Henry Tilney's Diary by Amanda Grange - 3.5 Stars
(8) Rivals in the Tudor Court by D.L. Bogdan - 3.5 Stars
(9) A Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky - 3.5 Stars
(10) Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb - 4 Stars
(11) A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry - 4 Stars
(12) Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran - 4 Stars
(13) The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton - 3.5 Stars
(14) The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4 Stars
(15) Ender's Game by Orson Scott Cart - 3.5 Stars
(16) The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham - 4 Stars
(17) The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazier - 3 Stars
(18) The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin - 3 Stars
(19) Turncoat by Don Gutteridge - 3.5 Stars
(20) Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - 4.5 Stars
(21) The Taker by Alma Katsu - 3 Stars
(22) The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley -  4 Stars
(23) The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie - 4 Stars
(24) Daughters of Fire by Barbara Erskine - 4 Stars
(25) Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander - 3.5 Stars
(26) Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey - 3 Stars
(27) A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.5 Stars
(28) Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters - 2 Stars

How did you do on your challenges?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Winner - Historical Holiday Blog Hop


I'm pleased to announce that the winner, selected using random.org, of my portion of the Historical Holiday Blog Hop is:


NRLYMRTL  

Congratulations!  An email has been sent to the winner to obtain book selection and mailing details. 

I'd like to thank everyone who stopped by and entered my giveaway, including those of you who have also become blog followers.   I'd also like to say a big thank you to Amy from Passages to the Past for hosting such a fantastic event!  

Happy Holidays!


Monday, December 17, 2012

2013 Reading Challenges

I've decided to take part in the following three reading challenges during 2013:

2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Historical Tapestry

For this challenge my goal is to read 25 works of historical fiction during 2013.  Given that more than half of the books I've read this year have been historical fiction I don't think I'll have any difficulty achieving this one. 

I'll keep track of my progress via my 2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge Page, which can be viewed here.  











 2013 TBR Pile Challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader

This challenge requires participants to read 12 books during 2013 that were on their to be read pile prior to 1 January 2012.  The catch with this challenge is that all twelve books to be read to meet this challenge have to be determined prior to 1 January 2013. 

Click here to see the books I've selected to read from my tbr pile.  

2013 Book Bingo Reading Challenge hosted by Reading in Winter and Creativity's Corner


This challenge takes the form of a bingo game, as evidenced by clicking on my challenge page here. I'm anticipating this one to be fun and can't wait to get started on it.

 What challenges are you participating in?  Are there any others I should be joining? 


Book Review: The Raven's Heart by Jesse Blackadder

Synopsis:

Scotland, 1561, and a ship comes across the North Sea carrying home Mary, the young, charismatic Queen of Scots, returning after thirteen years in the French court to wrest back control of her throne.



The Blackadder family has long awaited for the Queen's return to bring them justice. Alison Blackadder, disguised as a boy from childhood to protect her from the murderous clan that stole their lands, must learn to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, building a web of dependence and reward.

 Just as the Queen can trust nobody, Alison discovers lies, danger, and treachery at every turn.



This sweeping, imaginative, and original tale of political intrigue, misplaced loyalty, secret passion, and implacable revenge is based on real characters and events from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots.



"The Raven's Heart" is a breathtaking epic from a bold, fresh voice. Winner of the Varuna HarperCollins Manuscript Development Award, "The Raven's Heart" was published in Australia in 2011.

Click here to watch the book trailer.  

September 11, 2011 | Bywater Books | 464p

My Review

4 Stars

Set in Scotland during the early years of Mary Queen of Scots reign, The Raven's Heart follows Alison Blackadder on her quest to reclaim her family's castle from the powerful Scottish family that seized it a generation earlier.  In a effort to keep her protected from her family's enemies, who would kill her if they knew she existed, Alison lives her life as a boy.  When Mary Queen of Scots returns to her homeland from France, Alison's father, through Lord Bothwell, is able to secure her a position as one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. Although this position affords Alison the opportunity to raise the issue of her family's lost castle with the Queen, it also means that she must cast off her male disguise and live as a young woman.  Captivated by Mary from the moment she meets the monarch, Alison manages to adapt to her new role with relative ease.  But Alison is keenly aware of the danger she is placed in as a member of Mary's court, and must ensure that she makes no wrong move that would either bring her to the attention of her enemies or cause her to fall from Mary's favour.   

With a quick-moving plot, well-developed main characters and a strong sense of both time and place, The Raven's Heart is a thoroughly enjoyable novel.  Narrated from Alison Blackadder's point of view, the reader is able to fully appreciate the desire for revenge driving her quest to reclaim her family's castle.  Through Alison's eyes the reader comes to know Mary Queen of Scots, a woman used to getting her own way and one who is easily able to charm all those she comes into contact with, including Alison.  While Alison's quest is at the heart of this story, it is set against the backdrop of the early years of Mary's reign.  Although Alison is a fictional character, author Jesse Blackadder has seamlessly inserted her heroine into the actual events that shaped Mary's reign, including her marriage to Lord Darnley, the murder of David Rizzio, and Mary's later marriage to Lord Bothwell, a match that turned most of Scotland against her.  As a result, this novel not only tells a great fictional story, it also brings 16th Scottish history vividly to life.  In Alison, Jesse Blackadder has created a strong and memorable heroine.  While Alison is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the Queen's favour, and thus place herself in a position to gain back what she feels is her birthright, she acknowledges that not all of her actions are honourable.  The author has also done a commendable job with the characterizations of each of the historical figures that feature prominently in this novel, most notably Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley, whose portrayals are consistent with history.    The only weak spot of this novel relates to Alison's short love affair with another lady of the court.  While Alison is portrayed as having fallen in love, the reader learns next to nothing about the woman to whom she gives her heart, or what she has done to earn Alison's devotion.  The only thing they seem to share is lust for one another and, as a result, it is difficult to believe that the affair is a great love match. 

The Raven's Heart is recommended to all fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in Scottish history.

Note: A copy of this novel was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.



About the Author

Born in Sydney, Jesse now lives near Byron Bay. She is an award-winning short-story writer and freelance journalist, fascinated by landscapes and belonging.  Her first novel was After the Party (2005), which was voted onto the Australian Book Review’s list of all time favourite Australian novels in February 2010. She is writing her next novel about the first woman to reach Antarctica.









Monday, December 10, 2012

Book Review & Giveaway: Master of Verona by David Blixt

Synopsis:

Romeo & Juliet is the greatest love story ever told. And every story has a beginning.

A sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA follows Pietro Alaghieri, eldest son of the poet Dante, as he’s caught up by the charisma and genius of Verona’s ruler, Cangrande della Scala. Pietro risks battles, duels, and murder to impress his new lord. At the heart of the story is an infernal plot against Cangrande’s bastard heir, and the rivalry of two friends over the affections of a girl. That rivalry will sever a friendship, divide a city, and initiate a feud that will someday produce the star-cross’d lovers.

Based on the plays of William Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the history of Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA is a novel of brutal warfare, lost friendship, and dire conspiracy, combining to create a heart-stoppingly epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett. 


April 23, 2012 | Sordelet Ink | 592p

My Review

4.5 Stars

The Master of Verona, the first novel in David's Blixt's Star Cross'd trilogy, is an epic work of  historical fiction set at the outset of the Italian Renaissance.  At the centre of the novel is Pietro Alaghieri, son of the renowned poet Dante, a young man whose courage and steadfastness in battle bring him to the attention of Verona's much vaunted ruler, Cangrande della Scala.  Trusted by both Cangrande and Cangrande's sister, Katerina, Pietro finds himself drawn deep into the political intrigues of his leader, including efforts to discover the mastermind behind a ruthless plot to kidnap Cangrande's infant heir.  Pietro also finds himself caught in the increasing enmity developing between his two closest friends, a once inseparable pair who have fallen in love with the same woman.  What follows is the start of a feud that will threaten the stability of Verona itself and will lead to the development of one of the greatest love stories of all-time.  

This novel has many strengths, not the least of which are well-developed characters, an engaging storyline and rich detail that brings Northern Italy and its often warring City-States vividly to life.  The novel's hero, Pietro, is easy to root for, as is his father Dante, whose genius with words is clearly evident.  Cangrande, one of Renaissance Italy's greatest rulers, is characterized as a formidable warrior and brilliant strategist, making it easy to understand how he earns Pietro's respect and loyalty.  Although billed as a novel about the origins of the Romeo & Juliet story, this aspect of the plot is in fact secondary to that of the much larger machinations of Cangrande's Verona.  As a result, the foundation of the feud between the Montecchio's and the Capulletto's (aka the Montague's and the Capulet's) is successfully placed into the much larger political context of the era. 

David Blixt's writing style is such that the book's numerous characters, their exploits and their often complicated and intertwined relationships can be followed with ease.  In this respect, Blixt's writing is reminiscent of historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman's, and I encourage any fan of Penman's epic novels to give this book a try.  Furthermore, Blixt's prose is of such quality that, despite being close to 600 pages long, the novel unfolds swiftly.   The Master of Verona is followed by Voice of the Falconer and Fortune's Fool, both of which I am now eager to read. 

Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction.

Note: A copy of this novel was provided to me by David Blixt as part of his 5-book virtual book tour.

 
GIVEAWAY

I'm pleased to host an international giveaway for an e-copy of one of the five novels David Blixt is currently on blog tour for:

(1) The Master of Verona;
(2) Voice of the Falconer:
(3) Fortune's Fool;
(4) Colossus; or 
(5) Her Majesty's Will.

Details for each of these books, as well as details about the tour itself, can be found by clicking here (Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours)    

Giveaway details

- This e-book giveaway (mobi or epub file) is open internationally;
- To enter simply leave a comment below with your email address.  While you are not required to follow this blog to enter, new followers are always appreciated;
- The contest will run until midnight on 21 December, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter; and
- The winner will be selected using random. org and notified by me via email.  

Good luck! 

About the Author:

Author and playwright David Blixt's work is consistently described as "intricate," "taut," and "breathtaking." A writer of Historical Fiction, his novels span the early Roman Empire (the COLOSSUS series, his play EVE OF IDES) to early Renaissance Italy (the STAR-CROSS'D series, including THE MASTER OF VERONA, VOICE OF THE FALCONER, and FORTUNE'S FOOL) up through the Elizabethan era (his delightful espionage comedy HER MAJESTY'S WILL, starring Will Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe as inept spies). His novels combine a love of the theatre with a deep respect for the quirks and passions of history. As the Historical Novel Society said, "Be prepared to burn the midnight oil. It's well worth it."

Living in Chicago with his wife and two children, David describes himself as "actor, author, father, husband. In reverse order."

You can visit David's website here: www.davidblixt.com





1st Annual Historical Holiday Blog Hop (December 10 - 17)


It's time for the 1st Annual Historical Holiday Blog Hop, hosted by Amy over at Passages to the Past.   The blog hop will run from now until December 17th, and features a number of different book bloggers and historical fiction authors hosting giveaways for historical fiction, history books or gift cards.

Be sure to visit Passage to the Past for the links to all other Historical Holiday Blog Hop participant posts, as well as to enter for the fabulous grand prizes being offered by Amy!  

For my contribution to the Historical Holiday Blog Hop I'm offering one lucky winner the following:

(1) Your choice of one of the following historical fiction novels, all of which will appear on my list of Favourite Books Read in 2012 to be published later this month:


Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel;
A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick;
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani;
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran; or
The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner


(2) Plus, the winner will also select a copy of his or her historical fiction or history non-fiction book of choice from The Book Depository valued at no more than $15 (Canadian).  

Giveaway Rules:

- To enter simply leave a comment on this post with your email address.  Although entrants are not required to be a follower of this blog, new followers are very much appreciated.

- The giveaway is open to international participants, the only restriction being that you must live in a country to which the Book Depository ships. 

- The giveaway will run from midnight on Dec 10th to midnight on Dec 17th, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. 

- The winner's name will be drawn using random.org and will be contacted by me via email to obtain mailing information and book choices. 

Thanks to all the entrants and Good Luck!






Sunday, December 9, 2012

Mailbox Monday

It's time once again for Mailbox Monday, a weekly meme created for bloggers to share the books that arrived in their home over the previous week.  Mailbox Monday is a travelling meme and is being hosted in the month of December by Suko's Notebook.  







Received for Review:

The Ming Storytellers by Laura Rahme

It is the 15th Century. At the dawn of the Ming Dynasty, three women's path will cross.  And of their journey, a tale will be born. An imperial concubine, a Persian traveler, and a mysterious storyteller. Three women: One story.

This is BEIJING. A city seething with mystery and royal intrigue.
Once a palace orphan, the wilful Min Li has only ever sought to please, even if that means pleasing Emperor Zhu Di. Now a powerful concubine, Min Li unearths a terrible secret concealed within the walls of Beijing's Imperial city. Driven to despair, she seeks help from her lover, Admiral Zheng He. But this will spark a chain of events that even sets Beijing's palace on fire. Min Li's fate is sealed but her true enemy is not who she thinks.

The Ming Storytellers is a historical tale of 15th century China that sweeps across the palaces of Nanjing and Beijing into the mountainous villages of Yunnan, where a mysterious shaman holds the key to a woman's destiny.

Across the oceans, from the bustling bazaars of Southern India to the lush shores of Zanzibar, nothing is quite what it seems.

For the eyes and ears of the Ming Emperor are ever near.


A Murder at Rosamund's Gate by Susanna Calkins

In Susanna Calkins's atmospheric debut novel, a chambermaid must uncover a murderer in seventeenth-century plague-ridden London

For Lucy Campion, a seventeenth-century English chambermaid serving in the household of the local magistrate, life is an endless repetition of polishing pewter, emptying chamber pots, and dealing with other household chores until a fellow servant is ruthlessly killed, and Lucy’s brother is wrongly arrested for the crime. In a time where the accused are presumed guilty until proven innocent, lawyers aren’t permitted to defend their clients, and—if the plague doesn't kill them first—public executions draw a large crowd of spectators, Lucy knows she may never see her brother alive again. Unless, that is, she can identify the true murderer.

Determined to do just that, Lucy finds herself venturing out of her expected station and into raucous printers’ shops, secretive gypsy camps, the foul streets of London, and even the bowels of Newgate prison on a trail that might lead her straight into the arms of the killer.

In her debut novel, Susanna Calkins seamlessly blends historical detail, romance, and mystery into a moving and highly entertaining tale.


A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz

LEAVE IT TO CHANCE.  Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—a high-flying dirigible pilot with a taste for adventure and the heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.

It is 1903, and the world is divided between light and shadow. On the side of light is a wondrous science that has transformed everyday life by harnessing magical energies to ingenious new technologies. But each advance of science has come at the expense of shadow—the traditional realm of the supernatural.

Now two ancient powers are preparing to strike back. Blood-sucking immortal Nightwalkers and their spellcasting Alchemist allies have a plan to cover the whole world in shadow. All they require is the sacrifice of a certain young woman whose past conceals a dangerous secret.

But when they come after Elle, they get more than they bargained for. This enterprising young woman, the daughter of a scientific genius, has reserves of bravery and determination that even she scarcely suspects. Now she is about to meet her match in more ways than one: a handsome yet infuriating Warlock named Hugh Marsh, whose agenda is as suspect as his charms are annoyingly irresistible.


Purchased

Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford

The Great War changes everything. In this epic tale, spanning over a decade, war turns the world of privileged, English aristocrat Christopher Tietjens upside down. It forces him to question everything he holds dear - social order, morality, marriage and loyalty. And it rocks the very foundations of English society.

This is a powerful story about love, betrayal and disillusionment in a time of horror and confusion by one of Britain's finest novelists.

 



What books arrived in your mailbox this past week?



Friday, December 7, 2012

2012 End of Year Book Survey

I'll be posting a list of my favourite reads of 2012 closer to the end of December, but when I saw the 2012 End of Year Book Survey, hosted by The Perpetual Page Turner, on another blog I thought this would be a great one to take part in.  There are two parts to the survey, (1) Best Books of 2012 and (2) Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional), although I've elected only to respond to part one.   Note: responses do not have to be limited only to books published in 2012. 

Best Books of 2012

(1) Best book you read in 2012

Hands down it was Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies, which tells the story of Anne Boleyn's downfall from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell.  I loved this book every bit as much as I did Wolf Hall.

(2) Book You Were Excited About and Thought You Would Love But Didn't? 

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemison.  Fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and this one has received a lot of positive reviews.  While I enjoyed it overall, I didn't like it enough to want to continue with the series. 

(3) Most Surprising (in a good way) Book of 2012?

Definitely Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations (Theft of Swords, Rise of Empire, Heir of Novron).  While I figured I would like this trilogy, I didn't expect to fall in love with it.  It has a fabulous cast of characters and a great plot. 


(4) Book you recommended most to people in 2012? 

I recommend The Sunne In Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman to just about everyone I know who enjoys historical fiction. 

(5) Best series you discovered in 2012?  

Once again I'll have to select Micheal J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, which was originally self-published as six separate novels before being picked up by Orion and published as a trilogy.

(6) Best new authors (to you) discovered in 2012?

Can you guess based on my previous answers who one of them will be?  Yup, it's Michael J. Sullivan. I would also include Alafair Burke (mystery), Nancy Bilyeau (historical fiction), Jenny Barden (historical fiction), Charles Todd (historical mystery), David Blixt (historical fiction) and Adriana Trigiani. 

(7) Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, which is a non-fiction account of the 1996 tragedy on Mt. Everest.  I don't read a lot of non-fiction and when I do it tends to be history non-fiction.   Krakauer's book had me reading into the wee hours and is one of only a handful of books I read this year that I awarded 5-stars.







(8) Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

The Prophet by Amanda Stevens, the third book in The Graveyard Queen series.

(9)  Book you read in 2012 that you are most likely to re-read in 2013?

I'm not much of a re-reader, but I will likely re-read Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies and Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations (although maybe not in 2013).

(10) Favourite cover of a book you read in 2012?

This is a difficult one, but I'll have to go with The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani


(11) Most memorable character from 2012?

Thomas Cromwell from Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies.  I love how Mantel characterizes him.   Honourary mentions to Hadrian Blackwater and Royce Melborn from the Riyria Revelations, Enza Ravanelli and Ciro Lazzari from The Shoemaker's Wife, and Alice Perrer's from Anne O'Brien's The King's Concubine.

(12) Most beautifully written book read in 2012? 

I'm going to have to select Adriana Trigiani's The Shoemaker's Wife

(13) Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.  I couldn't stop thinking about this one after I finished and found myself talking about it (to anyone who would listen) for weeks after I completed it. 

(14) Book that you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to read? 

Rohinton's Mistry's A Fine Balance, which has been sitting on my shelf since it was released!  Excellent book set in India primarily during the State of Emergency of the 1970s. 

(15) Favourite passage/quote from a book read in 2012?

I don't have one since I don't mark down or highlight quotes.

(16) Shortest and Longest book read in 2012?

Shortest: The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens (66 pages), which is a novella related to Steven's Graveyard Queen series.

Longest: Heir of Novron by Michael J. Sullivan (895 pages). 

(17) Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

As I said in my response to question 13, I couldn't stop talking about Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer and was glad that several of my friends had already read it so I could discuss it with them.  There were many parts of the book that left me shaking my head in disbelief.  

18. Favorite relationship from a book you read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc). 

This one goes to the friendship between Hadrian Blackwater and Royce Melborn in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations trilogy.   These two are unlikely friends, but their friendship is one of the series greatest strengths.   

19.  Favourite book you read in 2012 from an author you'd read previously?

In addition to Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies, I would include Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper and Elizabeth Chadwick's A Place Beyond Courage.   

20. Best book you read that you read based SOLELY on a recommendation from somebody else?

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.  I never would have picked this one up on my own, but an employee of my favourite bookstore convinced me to give it a try.  I didn't love it as much as many others seem to, but it was good.






Sunday, December 2, 2012

Mailbox Monday

It's time once again for Mailbox Monday, a weekly meme created for bloggers to share the books that arrived in their home over the previous week.  Mailbox Monday is a travelling meme and is being hosted in the month of December by Suko's Notebook.   

A fair number of new books made their way into my home this past week, helped, in large part, by the Cyber Monday e-book deals I just had to take advantage of. 




Received for Review:

Mistress to the Crown by Isolde Martin

The day Lord Hastings came into her husband’s store, Elizabeth saw the opportunity she had waited twelve years for — a way to separate herself once and for all from her dull, impotent husband, William Shore. The handsome stranger presented not only the chance to partake in the dance of desire, but legal counsel to annul her 12-year marriage.
 


She did not, however, foresee her introduction to the King of England, nor her future at his side…and in his bed. From this unlikely alliance, Elizabeth is granted severance from Shore, and finds herself flourishing in the radiance of the King’s admiration. But she soon finds that her new position comes at a terrible price — her family has shunned her, the people of London have labelled her a harlot and the Queen’s family want her to burn in Hell.
 
So long as King Edward and Lord Hastings stay close, Elizabeth is safe. However, her beloved Ned falls ill and Lord Hastings falls out of favour.

Can Elizabeth's wiles keep her out of trouble? Or will they lead her to further trouble...and the hangman's noose?


Master of Verona by David Blixt

Romeo & Juliet is the greatest love story ever told. And every story has a beginning.

A sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA follows Pietro Alaghieri, eldest son of the poet Dante, as he’s caught up by the charisma and genius of Verona’s ruler, Cangrande della Scala. Pietro risks battles, duels, and murder to impress his new lord. At the heart of the story is an infernal plot against Cangrande’s bastard heir, and the rivalry of two friends over the affections of a girl. That rivalry will sever a friendship, divide a city, and initiate a feud that will someday produce the star-cross’d lovers.

Based on the plays of William Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the history of Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA is a novel of brutal warfare, lost friendship, and dire conspiracy, combining to create a heart-stoppingly epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett.


My Purchases:

The Passing Bells by Philip Rock

The guns of August are rumbling throughout Europe in the summer of 1914, but war has not yet touched Abingdon Pryory. Here, at the grand home of the Greville family, the parties, dances, and romances play on. Alexandra Greville embarks on her debutante season while brother Charles remains hopelessly in love with the beautiful, untitled Lydia Foxe, knowing that his father, the Earl of Stanmore, will never approve of the match. Downstairs the new servant, Ivy, struggles to adjust to the routines of the well-oiled household staff, as the arrival of American cousin Martin Rilke, a Chicago newspaperman, causes a stir.

But, ultimately, the Great War will not be denied, as what begins for the high-bred Grevilles as a glorious adventure soon takes its toll-shattering the household's tranquillity, crumbling class barriers, and bringing its myriad horrors home.


Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon 

Lady Fiona Carnarvon became the chatelaine of Highclere Castle - the setting of the hit series Downton Abbey - eight years ago. In that time she's become fascinated by the rich history of Highclere, and by the extraordinary people who lived there over the centuries. One person particularly captured Fiona's imagination - Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon. Almina was the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild. She was his only daughter and he doted on her. She married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, at 19, with an enormous dowry. At first, life at Highclere was a dizzying mix of sumptuous banquets for 500 and even the occasional royal visitor. Almina oversaw 80 members of staff - many of whom came from families who had worked at Highclere for generations. But when the First World War broke out, life at Highclere changed forever. History intervened and Almina and the staff of Highclere were thrown into one of the most turbulent times of the last century. Almina was forced to draw on her deepest reserves of courage in order to ensure her family, the staff and the castle survived. This is the remarkable story of a lost time. But Highclere remains and in this book, Fiona weaves Almina's journey and those of her family into the heritage and history of one of England's most exquisite Victorian castles.

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war. This is not that world.

Ar student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is--and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. Forhope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?


I also bought the following e-books:

  • Penmarric by Susan Howatch 
  • The Grand Tour: or the Purloined Coronation Regalia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer;
  • The Mislaid Magician: or Ten Years After by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer;
  • Jalna by Mazo de la Roche;
  • Barbara Hambly's Darwarth series; and
  • Patricia C. Wrede's Lyra series.