The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2010

Pages: 622

Book Source: Borrowed from Alaine

Married to a king incompetent both on the throne and in bed, Emma does not love her husband. But she does love England. Even as her husband fails, Emma vows to protect her people-no matter what. For five decades, through love and loss, prosperity and exile, Emma fights for England, becoming the only woman to have been anointed, crowned, and reigning queen to two different kings, the mother of two more, and the great aunt of William the Conqueror.

Review:

Writers such as Helen Hollick really do breathe life into historical fiction, making it a joy for me to experience this previously little read era. With a lesser writer this could have been a disaster, but Helen Hollick takes a huge cast of characters and a complex, eventful period in history (1002 - 1042) and weaves an enthralling tale backed by meticulous research and insightful, convincing embellishment.

"Emma is the only woman to have been an anointed, crowned and reigning queen to two different Saxon Kings, yet she is barely known in history ...". (author's note)

I knew nothing of Emma prior to reading The Forever Queen. Daughter of Richard I of Normandy, married to King Aethelred of England at a tender age, re-married to Cnut, (pronounced K-noot) who became the Danish King of England after defeating Edmund Ironside (Aethelred's son) - phew ... complicated. Initially I was completely captivated by this strong young woman who endured a loveless marriage to a cruel, misogynistic husband & an ineffective King with dignity, who quickly grew to love England and become an astute & charismatic leader, who eventually found a mutual love and respect in her marriage to King Cnut. However, the forsaking of her children to foreign exile and subsequent actions, all stemming from a single-minded desire to retain her crown, somewhat lessened my admiration of this woman.

The Forever Queen has it all, a rich and descriptive tapestry of Anglo Saxon history, warring factions, political intrigue and betrayal, brutal violence, and yes, love. I had trouble putting this book down and considering the hefty size, what a credit to Helen Hollick's masterful storytelling. I’d recommend this book without hesitation to historical fiction buffs and I eagerly await the release of the follow up, The Chosen King (Harold the King) in March 2011.

Visit Helen Hollick's website to find out more about this talented author and her other work.

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

What a busy week with some major room shuffle arounds at home, a trip to Toowoomba to see my Dad and take flowers out to my mum and Callum finished Year 11 and is now on 8 weeks holiday, final year of school for him next year. I can't believe it's less than 4 weeks til Christmas, wow time is flying!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Don't forget it's the last days for my November Competition and CSN Giveaway so if you haven't already entered, be quick!

Click on the title to see my review of:

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachel Vincent ~ really enjoyable

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Finished last week:

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachel Vincent

ADVENTURES OF RUSTY AND GINGER FOX by Tim Ostermeyer ~ delightful, review up this week.

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This Week's Reading List:

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex ~ page 250 and loving it!

MY SOUL TO TAKE by Rachel Vincent

NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel (audiobook) ~ half way through the final book in the series!

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Reviews scheduled this week:

THE FOREVER QUEEN by Helen Hollick

ADVENTURES OF RUSTY AND GINGER FOX by Tim Ostermeyer

GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry


Reviews still to do:

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink

THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory

BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

FALLEN by Lauren Kate


This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

My Soul To Lose by Rachel Vincent

Genre: YA
Series: Soul Screamers prequel
Copyright: 2009
Time: 1hr 48 mins
Book Source: free audio

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities ...

Review:

My Soul To Lose is the novella prequel to Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamer series. It's a super quick, intriguing read; just a teaser really, for what I'm sure is going to continue to be a fascinating storyline.

Waking 15 hours after an extreme 'panic attack' to find herself in a psychiatric unit has Kaylee doubting her own sanity. I quickly connected with the main character, Kaylee is one tough cookie, she's funny, sarcastic and there's more to her than meets the eye. 

Dr. Nelson: “Do you have any family history of mental instability?”

Me: “Yes. My cousin thinks she’s twenty-one. My aunt thinks she’s eighteen. I’d call them both mentally unstable.”

Dr. Nelson: “Do you now, or have you ever, used or abused caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, or opiates?”

Me: “Oh, yeah. All of it. What else am I supposed to do in study hall? In fact, I better get my stash back from your rent-a-cop when I check out of here.”

Kudos to Rachel Vincent; I was hooked from the start, the narrator is good, there were plenty of skin crawly moments and I'm diving straight into My Soul To Take, the 1st book in the series.

Download the free ebook from the Soul Screamer's website - click here

or you can download the audio version for free on audible.com - click here

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Heads Up everyone!! If you want your week to be as you planned or imagined can I just let you know that crossing your fingers and hoping for the best ... JUST DOESN'T CUT IT!

Another week where I only posted the one review but considering the week I had, I'm patting myself on the back for a job well done LOL. No plans or predictions this week, maybe that will be more effective??

Click on the title to see my review of:

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins ~ the final installment in the EPIC Hunger Games trilogy

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Finished last week:

THE FOREVER QUEEN by Helen Hollick ~ 4.5 stars, impressive!

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink ~ 4 stars, enjoyable

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This Week's Reading List:

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex ~  a lovely surprise sent by my good friend Deanna @ Polishing Mud Balls

ADVENTURES OF RUSTY AND GINGER FOX by Tim Ostermeyer ~ book courtesy of Phenix & Phenix Publicity

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachel Vincent (audiobook)

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Reviews still to do:
 
GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry
 
THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory

BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

FALLEN by Lauren Kate



This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Hunger Games #3
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 398
Book Source: Own Purchase

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Kattnis, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

Well after much anticipation, breath holding and yes a degree of sadness we say goodbye to Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and the whole Hunger Games crew. Collins' writing is masterful to the end making the Hunger Games series completely addictive and for me an overall favourite as far as series go. Brilliant, amazing, unique!

High praise, so why only 4 stars for Mockingjay? (still a good rating mind you.) I guess expectations can make or break a novel and whilst I expected violence, pain & suffering; it is war after all, I would have loved to see just a little joy with the heartache. I certainly wasn't expecting (or desiring) a sugar-coated happy ending but I couldn't help thinking poor Katniss ... give the girl a break!

Suzanne Collin's throws in a few 'curly ones' to keep the reader awake, some I anticipated and some I didn't, one that had me blubbering ... waahhh not fair and one I almost missed it was so anti-climactic. As far as the whole Team Peeta or Team Gale debate goes, I liked both equally for different reasons and would have been satisfied whatever the outcome in that department.

While Mockingjay left me feeling just a wee bit disappointed, don't let this put you off. The series on a whole is absolutely EPIC, one of the best I've read and any future novels by Suzanne Collins will qualify as automatic purchases :)

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Well now that Garage Sale hell is done and dusted I can resume something of a normal routine, catching up on my favourite bloggers, reading, reviewing and scrapbooking ... fingers crossed.

I reviewed THE SCARLET LION by Elizabeth Chadwick with a new format from Jen @ Jenny Loves To Read & Staci @ Life in the Thumb.

I posted a fantastic giveaway from the generous folk at CSN - $80 Gift Certificate - one lucky reader will get a head start on christmas shopping :)

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Finished last week:

GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry ~ really good YA

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This Week's Reading List:

THE FOREVER QUEEN by Helen Hollick - page 175 and really enjoying it!

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink (audiobook) ~ page 211. I'm alternating between the audiobook and the book as the narrator is quite monotone which I'm finding a bit of a bore!

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Reviews still to do:

THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory

BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

FALLEN by Lauren Kate

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins



This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

Win $80 Gift Certificate from CSN

I'm thinking of giving my bedroom a makeover, time to make the change from a water bed to something a little firmer and what's a new bed without new nightstands? Now if I lived in the US or Canada my first port of call for my bedroom makeover would be CSN stores, they have a beautiful range of bedroom furniture and accessories, something to suit everyone's taste and budget. Since I'm an Aussie I have to be content with admiring the extensive range at CSN but I am very excited to offer readers of my blog another fantastic giveaway from the wonderful people at CSN.

One lucky reader will win a $80 Gift Certificate to be used in any of CSN's 200+ online stores. The gift certificate can be used to purchase anything your heart desires including larger purchases and many items include free shipping. Just in time to do some Christmas shopping

Please be aware when choosing your product, some items do incur shipping charges or in the case of Canadian readers, international fees, but all charges are stated on website.

To Enter:

You must be a follower of my blog to enter (so if you're not a follower & you'd like to enter just click on the follow button on the right hand side of my blog - easy peasy)

Take a look at any of CSN’s 200+ stores and leave a comment telling me you're heart's desire. Don't forget to include an email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner.

Extra Entries:

+ 2 for blogging, tweeting, sharing the contest & leaving a link

Giveaway is open to residents of the US & Canada. No P.O.Boxes. Ends November 30th.

Good luck to everyone!

 

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 592
Book Source: Own Purchase

Following early beginnings as a knight in the English royal household and a champion of the tourneys, William Marshal's prowess and loyalty have been rewarded by the hand in marriage of Isabelle de Clare, heiress to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland. Now a powerful magnate, William has weathered the difficult years of King Richard's absence on crusade and is currently serving him on campaign in Normandy while Isabelle governs their estates. All the stability William and Isabelle have enjoyed with their young and growing family comes crashing down as Richard dies and his brother John becomes King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains and although John has created William Earl of Pembroke, the friction between the two men leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves in Ireland. The situation escalates, with John holding their sons as hostages and seizing their English lands. The conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over injustices committed, threatens to tear apart William and Isabelle's marriage and their family.

I am trying out a new review format today called "3 Reasons Review". Jen from Jenny loves to read and Staci from Life in the Thumb have come up with a simple review format, the basics a reader would want to know about a book. Some books don't require an in-depth analysis, yet as reviewers we still strive to get the important bits across to our readers.

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Chadwick's work and The Greatest Knight was one of my favourite reads in 2008. The Scarlet Lion follows on from it and I'm happy to say it lived up to my expectations. William Marshall otherwise known as the flower of chivalry, really was The Greatest Knight. His honour, courage, and integrity are well documented and not commonplace in a time of great scheming, dishonour and fickle allegiance. I couldn't wait to learn more about this fascinating man.

Since I've purchased all of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels and congratulated myself on how pretty they look on my bookshelf I thought I should read a few more rather than just admire the covers!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

The Scarlet Lion picks up more or less were The Greatest Knight finishes and follows William Marshall's life from 1197 to his death in 1219. Much of the novel is devoted to William and Isabelle's life, the birth of their 10 children, their mutual love and respect for each other, their struggles, joys and sorrows. I loved the romance and focus on family and while battle scenes are less detailed than in The Greatest Knight, political intrigue and scheming are still paramount.

For a man who served 4 kings, was elected by his peers as Regent of England, William navigated through dangerous times with intelligence, courage, patience and integrity, he kept his head under the treacherous reign of King John and reached the grand age of 75 ... impressive! On his deathbed he fulfilled the vow he had made while on crusade and was invested into the order of the Knights Templar. His effigy can still be seen at Temple Church in London, where he's interred.

I really enjoyed learning more about Isabelle de Clare, she's loving, intelligent, compassionate, a woman of admirable character and very much William's equal and partner in life. A refreshing change to read of in a time when women are not often heard let alone valued.

Elizabeth Chadwick manages to stay true to historical detail while weaving a captivating tale. Sated with knowledge but inspired to learn more is what I truly love about historical fiction like this.

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

A seamless blend of fact and fiction. Elizabeth Chadwick's superb writing style, depth of character portrayal, clear descriptive prose, and attention to detail make this a delight to read. I would recommend it to Elizabeth Chadwick fans and lovers of historical fiction.

I do recommend you read The Greatest Knight first, it does make this a clearer and easier read. If you need more convincing click on the title to see my review.

Oops I think I got carried away; this isn't a short review. Let me know what you think :)

I can't wait to read To Defy A King; the story of William and Isabelle's daughter, Mahelt Marshall.

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

Winners of The Fun of Dying

The winners of The Fun of Dying by Roberta Grimes

Congratulations to:

Darlyn

Wanda

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Once again not much accomplished in the reading department but I did hold a massive garage sale with my dad which took a lot of time and effort but it was worth the pain. And Alaine and I are holding a scrapbooking sale this coming saturday as we are both drowning in supplies. I have to say I'll be glad when the week is over and I can get back to a 'normal' routine!

Wanted to share this layout I scrapped a little while ago of myself with Bella. I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

Now on to books:

You can check out my thoughts on ~

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher

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Finished last week:

THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory ~ enjoyable but I loathed the main character Margaret :)

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This Week's Reading List:

GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry ~ page 79, enjoying this one.

THE FOREVER QUEEN by Helen Hollick

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink (audiobook) ~ chapter 15

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Reviews still to do:

BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

THE SCARLET LION by Elizabeth Chadwick

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

FALLEN by Lauren Kate

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins



This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Genre: Young Adult
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 288
Book Source: own purchase for kindle

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Review:
Thirteen Reasons Why was a compelling read, haunting, suspenseful, and fast-paced. The concept is unique, brilliant really, the writing is superb and the narration is captivating. Like Clay listening to Hannah's tapes, I couldn't put this one aside, I was completely caught up in the telling, anxious to hear the whole story. Jay Asher captures Hannah's emotions with clarity and honesty and Clay's emotions as he listens to Hannah's tapes are absolutely gut-wrenching.

The story delves into the actions, some inconsequential, some thoughtless, and some cruel, that have a profound and compounding effect on an individual. Hannah stands for anyone depressed, anyone who has contemplated or attempted suicide regardless of the reason. When it comes to depression there may be no reason, or a reason known only to the person that has given up all hope. Thirteen Reasons Why is the quintessential reason for censoring ones behaviour, being aware of our treatment of others and of course the need to reach out to those who are vulnerable.

But beside all the positives there was still something about the story that left a slightly sour taste in my mouth. When Hannah gives up on life, a decision that comes out of utter hopelessness, it didn't sit well with me that she had the emotional strength to make a complex plan that at times felt vindictive, bordering on revengeful and record a set of tapes. My empathy for this broken girl took a nose-dive when she threatened to expose those involved if her instructions weren't followed.

That aside, this was a brilliant debut novel, certainly not a feel-good read but emotive and thought provoking. I'll definitely be reading more from Jay Asher.

Visit Jay Asher's blog or the Thirteen Reasons Why website to find out more about this talented author and his work.

This month on The Eclectic Reader you can win a copy of Matched by Allie Condie, or Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead or The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick. Check this blog post for details. Open Internationally.

November Competition

In this month's giveaway I've included a choice of books from favourite authors and an author I'd love to try (I also have trouble picking just one book so my solution is to leave the decision to you *evil grin*.)

All books are brand new and the winner's choice will be purchased by me from The Book Depository in the UK or the US specifically for the winner. If the winner is not in a Book Depository delivery area then they will receive a $15 Amazon book voucher.

Please read the full post carefully and follow the instructions.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy book 6

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

*I love this series and can't wait for book 6 but if you haven't started it yet and would like the first book in the series, Vampire Academy just let me know in your comment.*

Matched by Allie Condie

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick

The latest tale in the Ravenstow saga centers on Renard, heir to the earldom, who becomes entangled in the Welsh civil war and is forced to choose between his wife and a dancing girl. The third book in the trilogy follows on from The Wild Hunt and The Running Vixen.

*If you would prefer book 1 or 2 please let me know in your comment*

HOW TO ENTER:

Competition is only open to followers of my blog (so if you're not a follower & you'd like to enter just click on the follow button on the right hand side of my blog - easy peasy)

Leave an email address telling me which book you'd like to win!

As per usual spread the word and you'll receive more entries.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 post about this give-away on your blog & leave a link

+2 post the comp on Twitter & leave a link

+1 post the comp on sidebar of your blog

Competition is International. Ends November 30th and the winner will be announced on this blog. Good luck everyone!

I hope you like this month's give-away on The Eclectic Reader. I purchase books to give away as a way of supporting my favourite authors, highlighting books I'd love to read and also to give a little something back to readers of my blog!

Winners of October Spooktacular Competition

Pinkstuff28

Cherry

Blodeuedd - regular commenter :)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey Through a World Of Books to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Well in stark contrast to my post last week spouting grand plans to "catch up" the only thing I managed to catch up on was birthday mayhem. What a fun week though! Alaine and I in first photo on her birthday, 2nd photo was taken yesterday on Anthony's birthday... the boys and I and Ant's good mate who is now part of our family (he's the really tall one) and last photo is the yummy cocktail I had on the weekend away with my sister for her 40th!

I did post a review and I read a bit more of The Red Queen so at least I'm no further behind LOL.

Speaking of reviews check out my review of DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost ... this series is AWESOME, I can't squeeeee enough about it.

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Finished last week:

Nothing, Zip, Nada :)

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This Week's Reading List:

THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory ~ page 225

GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink (audiobook) ~ chapter 6

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Reviews still to do:

BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

THE SCARLET LION by Elizabeth Chadwick

SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher

FALLEN by Lauren Kate

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins




This month on The Eclectic Reader THREE lucky readers will win their choice of books. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.