Sabriel by Garth Nix

Series: The Abhorsen Trilogy Book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: 1995
Pages: 395

For many years Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Charter-Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that world.

Though her journey begins alone, she soon finds companions: Mogget, whose seemingly harmless feline form hides a powerful --- and perhaps malevolent --- spirit, and Touchstone, a Charter-Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories.

With threats on all sides and only each other to trust, the three of them must travel deep into the Old Kingdom, toward a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death --- and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own hidden destiny.

Nix takes a familiar quest/journey storyline and gives it a very unique flavour. I really enjoyed this dark fantasy but it did take me a while to read, I put it down and picked it up a number of times. Parts of the novel were a bit slow, but that may have been because it was an involved read with quite a few new concepts for me. (I actually read this 12 months ago, reviewed it but never posted. I think this would be a quicker read now as I've read so much more in the fantasy genre.)

The setting of 'Sabriel' moves from Ancelstierre, a modern society to the Old Kingdom a world of free magic. 18 year old Sabriel becomes the next Abhorsen, a challenging & dangerous job protecting the living from the dead, when her father is trapped in 'death' by a powerful, evil opponent.

Nix's magic system was enthralling - free magic; unbound, chaotic, dangerous magic & charter magic; used by Charter Mages, all those bearing a baptismal charter mark on their forehead. This was also my first involved reading about necromancers (usually free magic sorcerers who summon and control the dead with seven bells.) However the Abhorsen family necromancers use the bells to defeat the dead who won't stay dead and force them to return to 'Death' beyond the 9th gate, the point of no return.

I loved the description of the seven bells & their powers and the nine gates & precincts of death. I also loved the ending; it wasn't a 'get out of jail free' ending. You might think from all the mentions of death, dead, undead, raising dead, defeating the dead, that this is a dark, horror read but it isn't like that at all. Yes there are a few bits that are not for the squeamish and there are some concepts that are a little confronting but I didn't find it a dark, depressing read, the magic more than negates any nasties. I'm definitely intrigued so I'll be continuing on with the next book in the trilogy, Lirael.

Australian author Garth Nix has a fantastic website for The Abhorsen Trilogy which explains much about this unique fantasy world.

To celebrate my 1st Blogoversary two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in this month's spookalicious competition. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier

Series: Saga of the Light Isles Book 1
Genre: Historical Fantasy

Copyright: 2002

Pages: 707
Book Source: Own purchase

All Eyvind has ever wanted is to become one of the greatest Viking warriors - a Wolfskin. His friend Somerled, with whom he has sworn a blood oath of lifelong loyalty, secretly desires a very different path.

A world away, Nessa, niece of King Engus of the Folk, is learning the ways of the mysteries. Her people live in peace and harmony, until a voyage of discovery, led by Somerled's much respected brother, Ulf, brings a group of settlers to Nessa's homeland. Though their arrival is friendly, Nessa feels a shadow has been cast over the Folk ... book cover

Wolfskin is a powerful historical fantasy of epic proportions set against a backdrop of the Viking world and the colonisation of the Scottish islands of Orkney. The combination of history, folklore, & imagination is utterly captivating.

Wolfskin follows the destinies of three central characters - the Viking warrior Eyvind, would-be king Somerled and Priestess Nessa. Eyvind has grown up with the dream of becoming a Wolkskin warrior of Thor, like his brother. He is set the task of befriending the strange boy Somerled and although Eyvind often fears Somerled's cruel and unpredictable nature, circumstances draw the boys together in friendship and they eventually swear their lifelong brotherhood with a blood bond. Their journey to the Light Isles reveals long denied truths and sets the scene for a page-turning read.

Eyvind and Nessa are wonderfully drawn characters, sensitively portrayed & I fell in love with both of them. The love story between the two is a relatively slow dance but beautiful just the same. Somerled is the character you love to hate, although his portrayal is also done in such a way that it is possible to see his vulnerability.

Marillier's connection to the natural world is a beautiful one, nothing is contrived or exaggerated. The imagery is so vivid I felt like I'd been transported to the Light Isles & immersed in the character and very soul of these islands.

Was not this a realm of endless, freezing darkness, visited by hellish winds, pounded by nightmare seas, a stark, empty place where scarcely a tree dared lift its branches from the earth to soften the bleak landscape?
Then spring would come ...

Here the sky held more colours than there were blades of grass on the hillsides; here the sea was endlessly changing, moody, bountiful, capricious, a shawl of mystery wrapping these fair islands with its fluid touch. Each stone bore its own story, each shell its own pattern, each flower its enchantment. page 178

This is definitely a tale of contrasts, blossoming love & brutal battle scenes alternately bleak then mesmerising. Wolfskin examines the value in loyalty, the pain of betrayal, and the strength required to do what is right at the expense of love. I'm looking forward to continuing the story with Foxmask

Visit Juliet Marillier's website to find out more

This month on The Eclectic Reader you could win Fire by Kristen Cashore OR Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick OR Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Harvest by Tess Gerritsen

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars Read: December 2008 This is Tess Gerritsen's first medical thriller, prior to this she wrote romance. Gerritsen a Doctor, left her profession to concentrate on writing & raising her children. I laughed out loud at the manner in which Tess reports on her blog, the awful comments she gets from fans who love her medical thrillers then sample her romance novels. She tells writers and I think this applies to readers as well - "be prepared when you switch genres." "Thriller writers hunger for respect from the mystery world. Mystery writers want respect from the literary world. And romance authors — heck, they’d just like to stop being dumped on." Anyway on with my review, Tess Gerritsen's medical experience shows in her writing, in her mastery of surgical & medical technical details, making for a vivid, authentic & believable story. The Organ Transplant Team at a Boston Hospital is interested in promising surgical resident Abby DiMatteo. Transplant matches are conveniently appearing & wealthy private patients are receiving donor organs ahead of patients with a more urgent medical need. When Dr DiMatteo bucks the system a sinister web of corruption and horror is revealed. The reader makes a connection early on that the Russian orphans being bought and sold are not going to America for adoption or a trip to Disneyland. However connecting the dots does not in anyway detract from the page-turning horror & suspense; twists & turns right to the last page kept me enthralled. The most horrifying element in 'Harvest' is knowing what prompted Gerritsen to write this novel - do some research those reviewers who don't believe this is a plausible story. If you like this review vote for it on Goodreads

The Bride by Julie Garwood

My Rating: 4.5 stars Upon reading the 4th line in the prologue of "The Bride" I nearly gave up in dismay "... clan members gathered around the burial sight atop the stark ridge." Burial 'sight' instead of burial 'site', shame on you editors! This spelling error annoyed me so much (and there were others) that I was going to be brutal and remove a star rating but after only a few chapters I was hooked; the novel completely redeemed itself with two totally endearing characters. Ordered to marry by the Kings of England & Scotland, a marriage based on an edict soon becomes a passionate love story. I fell in love with Alec & Jamie Kincaid, the interaction between the two was engaging and their dialogue was often hilarious. Their love scenes ranged from tender & playful to hot & steamy. Alec like many a Scottish laird is strong and possessive but he also shows the funny, tender & loving qualities that make him such an appealing character. I cannot stand insipid heroines, so I really loved feisty Jamie, she wasn't adverse to voicing her opinion and displayed an awesome temper on many an occasion. I was relieved that the story focused mainly on Alec and Jamie in Scotland as I found Jamie's family in England extremely irritating. All in all this was a fun read, a great romance with a hint of mystery.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars Read: 1980 & December 2008 A timeless inspirational story (published in 1970) about Johnathan Livingston Seagull, a seagull bored with the limitations of 'seagull life'. What sets this book apart is its simplicity in conveying thoughts on life and what the reader takes away depends on their personal perception. Motivation to seek a higher purpose, follow your dreams and not be held back by conventional limitations. This motivating & moving little book evoked different feelings reading it as a 12 year old and as a mature adult. View all my reviews.

Cross Country by James Patterson

Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Series: Alex Cross #14
Publication Date: 17th Nov 2008 (1st published Jan 2008)
Pages: 407
My Rating: 2.5 stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

James Patterson highlights the very real and horrifying atrocities occurring in Nigeria, Sierra Leone & Dafur (Sudan) & this quite frankly warrants a novel in itself. That is also my only reason for giving Patterson's latest novel 2 stars, oops and 1/2 a star for being a very quick read. 

Teaming the African political unrest and horror with Detective Alex Cross created unbelievable stupidity of mammoth proportions. I normally enjoy Alex Cross novels, but in Cross Country the detective appears to have lost his common sense, his decent family values and quite possibly his mind. 

The decision to pursue a sadistic killer and his juvenile pack of murdering accomplices to Africa while putting his own life and the lives of his loved ones at more than usual risk, borders on moronic! 

The novel is fast paced & graphically violent, the murders by child killers I found particularly disturbing but that is not what I have an issue with. My issue is with the author expecting his loyal readers to believe the totally unbelievable, when a familiar character is portrayed so out of character to be almost unrecognisable. 

Broken nose after broken nose, kidnapping after kidnapping, torture scene after torture scene, beaten senseless countless times, at death's door repeatedly and Alex Cross still makes it home without even a hospital stay ... OH PLEASE. 

If we all took a dumb pill before we started reading this story, the unbelievable may have been feasible, but this reader just couldn't swallow it. 

Sorry, I'm one cheesed off James Patterson fan!!

Dark Lover by J.R Ward

My Rating: 4 stars Read: December 2008 I enjoyed this book once I got past all my preconceived vampire notions courtesy of a "twilight" series obsession. Ward's vampires gain their sustenance from the blood of a vampire of the opposite sex, possess immense physical strength, can dematerialise, vaporise if they go out in the sun & can be killed if you try hard enough. Many are unaware they are vampires until they go through their transition in their twenties. Initially I found the different orders of vampire, wiithin the vampire species concept hard to get a handle on - civilian vampires, vampires of the aristocracy, warrior vampires, Wrath, the only purebred vampire, Beth the half human - about to go through transistion vampire. However, halfway through the novel the erotic scenes between Wrath & Beth (hero & heroine) more than allayed my concerns. The diverse classes of vampire have wide-ranging characteristics & varying degrees of strength, weakness & powers. The Black Dagger Brotherhood consists of six warrior vampires who defend their race against the Lessers, soulless vampire slayers who have been recruited by the Omega (an evil supernatural being.) The Brotherhood is all that stands between the civilian vampires and the extinction of the vampire species. For me Dark Lover read like a gritty crime novel, it was action packed, in a macho way, savage in parts & erotic rather than romantic. Some of the prose was a bit roll-your-eyes corny - "His throat was raw, and it felt like he'd french-kissed a blowtorch." but all in all I enjoyed the read and will try more in the series. I do want to see how the others in the Black Dagger Brotherhood fair. If you like this review vote for it on Goodreads

The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

My Rating: 3 stars
Read: December 2008

If only the first 200 pages were like the last 100! I really did enjoy the last 115 pages of 'The Last Kingdom' but in my humble opinion this does not make for a great read, it says more about my powers of endurance than the author's ability to capture his audience.

Unfortunately for this reader, the overall experience was soured by the sheer boredom of the first two thirds of this book. The book is narrated in first person by the main character Uhtred years after events have occured.

The story takes place in 9th century England & centers on King Alfred the Great's war with the Danes. Uhtred an English boy, son of a Lord of Northumbria is captured by raiding Danes & adopted by the Danish warrior Earl Ragnar and taught "viking" ways. Uhtred's allegiance changes through the novel as he gives his oath to King Alfred of Wessex, ruler of the only English kingdom to withstand Danish assault.

I gathered from Cornwell's historical notes that most of the savage battle scenes in the novel are historically well recorded and while Ragnar & Uhtred are fictional characters, many others actually existed. Obviously King Alfred & Alfred's nephew AEthelwold but also Ubba Lothbroksson the great Danish warrior, Guthrum, Halfdan & Ivar the Boneless and many of the English Ealdormen.

I am still undecided whether 115 great pages are incentive enough to attempt the 'Pale Horseman', the continuation of Uhtred's story.

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Twilight Saga #4
My Rating: 5 stars
Read: November 2008

*Warning - Spoiler alert*

I got the 'happy ever after' I was wishing for and I wasn't the least bit disappointed. Predicting (or hoping for) much of what happened before I started the book did not in anyway lessen the riveting read.

I didn't find it disappointing or contrived or fluffy, the tearing pace & excitement made it easy to overlook the odd spelling error and cheesy cliché.

Breaking Dawn was my favourite of the series, obviously it wouldn't be my favourite without the others in the series, (they were essential building blocks to create suspense and enhance the storyline) but for me, Breaking Dawn had everything I could have wished for and more!

Bella joins the Cullens in immortality and comes into her own as a vampire with the ultimate gift - the ability to shield and protect her loved ones. Reading about vampire 'gifts'; those from visiting covens and the vampires of the Volturi was fascinating. Bella's pregnancy was the curve ball that I didn't see, the impossible physiology of this really didn't bother me, after all we are reading a paranormal love story. I loved the whole graphic, indepth view of Bella's pregnancy and the vampire C-section birth of Renesmee human/immortal/hybrid. Jacob imprinting with Nessie made sense to me, in a bizarre way and explained Jacob & Bella's odd dependence & infatuation with each other.

I loved the themes of 'vegetarian' vampires becoming more family less coven orientated, enemies becoming allies & friends and I would have been severely peeved if the happy ending had not eventuated. I think after the saga & angst of 2500 pages the Cullen family deserved their HAPPY EVER AFTER and so did I.

If you like this review vote for it on Goodreads

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Twilight Saga #3
My Rating: 5 stars
Read: November 2008

Without doubt, another page turner!

After reading a lot of reviews it appears that readers either love or hate Eclipse. I thought Stephanie Meyer amped up the passion and the action in this book.

I loved reading more about the Cullen 'family' dynamics, the stories of how Rosalie and Jasper became vampires and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey into werewolf folklore.

I bought the whole love triangle scenario; Bella torn between her love for Edward and her friendship and love for Jacob and her fleeting vision of a more 'normal' life with Jake.

Yes, Bella is at times selfish, hurtful and irritating, but what teenager isn't? Yes, the romantic angst is prolonged but even in my 'mature' years I remember my late teens revolving around this, albeit without the vamp/wolf bonus.

Who of us have never had the choice of two paths and been riddled with indecision or wanted both at the same time. I have loved the series to this point and I now have a date with 'Breaking Dawn', please let it have the ending I am wishing for.

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Twilight Saga #2
My Rating: 5 stars
Read: November 2008

Totally Addicted...what can I say.

I was prepared to be disappointed, prepared to point out that I couldn't see what all the hoo haa was about but I am hopelessly addicted to Bella & Edward's story.

I must admit I was just a tad devastated that Edward featured so little in this book but I also understand that New Moon was a building block for what was to come. A bridge if you like, to Eclipse.

As someone who has felt broken from loss, I felt a kindred spirit in Bella and found her climb out of depression very relatable.

While disappointed over the absence of one hot vampire there was plenty in New Moon to keep the heart rate up and the pages turning. Bella finds strength in her friendship with Jacob Black and pulls together a semblance of her life while Jacob phases into a werewolf bringing the Quileute legends to the fore.

New Moon has a very different edge to the suspense & passion, one that leaves you wanting more, wishing for things to happen while hoping that the story drags on, to draw out and savour every moment.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Twilight Saga #1
My Rating: 5 stars
Read: November 2008

Twilight has become a phenomenon, a dream of Stephanie Meyer's transformed into a bestseller.

After every man, woman and dog (okay, slight exaggeration) had been sucked into the twilight vortex, I finally surrendered to peer pressure (from my over 40 Aunt) and devoured "a vampire story for people who don’t like vampire stories."

I must admit, the plot of hot vampire Edward Cullen, falling for ordinary girl Bella Swan, was extremely appealing.

The book is marketed at Young Adult readers but as a 'mature' adult myself, I think Twilight has the ability to transcend age barriers and satisfy teenagers and adults alike.

A thoroughly enjoyable read which had me almost longing to be a vampire; obviously only of the 'good' vampire variety, strictly non-human consuming. I loved Twilight and cannot wait to read the rest in the series.

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 8th Jan 2009 (1st published Aug 2008)
Pages: 383
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past and remake history.

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family–with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh’s aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.

My Thoughts:

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I don't normally gush about a novel but I enjoyed this even more than 'Nefertiti' & I really didn't want it to end. 

It was a vivid, captivating page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the Ancient Egyptian world. I have been interested in Ancient Egypt since my own school years, then helping my sons with assignments on Ancient Egypt; the pharoahs, the Gods, their customs and burial practices, I have always found their highly advanced civilisation fascinating. 

Nefertari, the orphaned daughter of Mutnodjmet and niece of the infamous Nefertiti is an absolute delight in this novel. She is kind-hearted and moral like her mother but very strong and clever without being calculating. 

I was caught up in the love story between Nefertari and Ramesses the Great, Nefertari's battle to gain the respect and admiration of Egypt and her triumph over her family's checkered past. I await Michelle Moran's next novel, 'Cleopatra's Daughter' with much anticipation and great impatience! 

To read more about this fantastic author click here 

Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 5th February 2008 (1st published 2007)
Pages: 424
Book Source: own purchase
My Rating: 4.5 stars 

Synopsis: Nefertiti is one of the world's great legendary beauties. Seen through her sister's eyes, she is vividly brought to life in this heartbreaking story of celebrity, ambition, love and loss.

At the tender age of fifteen, Nefertiti marries Akhenaten, the Prince of Egypt, her dreams coming true as she rises to fame and fortune. Bathed and decorated by a team of body servants, her natural beauty is enhanced until she becomes mesmerizing. She is soon the darling of the people and her husband's closest confidant.

But when her husband breaks with a thousand years of tradition, defying the priests and the military, it will take all Nefertiti's wiles to keep the nation from being torn apart. She's prepared to sacrifice her sister to strengthen her power and this act will lock the two women in a feud that only death can break...

Review:

I was engrossed in this book from the beginning, enthralled by the complex characters, the architecture, the Gods, the political intrigue, the clothing, make-up and jewellery. Michelle Moran brings Ancient Egypt to life. 

This is the story of Nefertiti, narrated by her younger half sister, Mutnodjmet (Mutny) and their family's rise to power. After the death of the favored son of the Elder Pharaoh, Amunhotep is crowned. Amunhotep despised the rule of his father and all that he stood for. 

Nefertiti’s marriage to the Pharaoh as chief wife, provides her with the opportunity to gain the everlasting recognition & power she craves. With the encouragement of his wife, Amunhotep forsakes Egypt’s ancient gods, overthrows the priests of Amun, and introduces an untouchable god for all to worship, Aten, a representation of the sun. 

Nefertiti’s scheming selfishness, irrational demands, and willingness to sacrifice her sister’s happiness for her own ambitions make her a compelling figure but not a very likable one. 

Mutny touched me, I felt emotionally connected to her character. I cried over her losses, railed at those inflicting hurt upon her and cheered her on when she took her happiness into her own hands, defying her sister, all while retaining her own integrity, compassion and deep love for Nefertiti. 

Through Mutny's skills as a herbalist and healer I particularly enjoyed the indepth look at the herbs of the time and their medicinal uses. I also found Ipu, Mutny's loyal body servant, to be a particularly endearing character. Such a contrast, but entirely relatable, many of us know sisters with similar traits to Nefertiti and Mutnodjmet. 

A compelling, intricately woven story with a well researched historical foundation. Ancient Egypt is calling, I'm about to immerse myself in 'The Heretic Queen'.

The Reluctant Queen by Jean Plaidy

The Story of Anne of York

Genre: Historical Fiction

Copyright: 1990
Pages: 464
My Rating: 3.5 stars

In 1470, a reluctant Lady Anne Neville is betrothed by her father, the politically ambitious Earl of Warwick, to Edward, Prince of Wales. A gentle yet fiercely intelligent woman, Anne has already given her heart to the prince’s younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Unable to oppose her father’s will, she finds herself in line for the throne of England—an obligation that she does not want. Yet fate intervenes when Edward is killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Anne suddenly finds herself free to marry the man she loves—and who loves her in return. The ceremony is held at Westminster Abbey, and the duke and duchess make a happy home at Middleham Castle, where both spent much of their childhood. Their life is idyllic, until the reigning king dies and a whirlwind of dynastic maneuvering leads to his children being declared illegitimate. Richard inherits the throne as King Richard III, and Anne is crowned queen consort, a destiny she thought she had successfully avoided. Her husband’s reign lasts two years, two months, and two days—and in that short time Anne witnesses the true toll that wearing the crown takes on Richard, the last king from the House of York.

I did enjoy the story of Lady Anne Neville (Anne of York) told in first person narrative. In 15th Century England the War of the Roses has ended, the war between the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England. With the support of the Earl of Warwick (the Kingmaker), King Henry VI of the house of Lancaster is deposed by the charismatic King Edward IV, former Duke of York. Anne the daughter of the Earl of Warwick goes on to become Queen of England as the wife of King Richard III (Edward's brother).

Not a descriptive tale, Plaidy's factual writing style is quite emotionless but certainly informative and conducive to reading more of that period. This style also worked in Plaidy's depiction of Richard, a portrayal without the rumour and innuendo that usually surrounds King Richard III. As much as I did like the novel, it was an interesting read but I was not emotionally drawn in, hence my reason for not giving this book 4 stars.

A Venetian Affair by Andrea Di Robilant

A True Tale of Forbidden Love in the 18th Century
Genre: Non Fiction Historical
Copyright: 18th Dec 2007
Pages: 291
Read: November 2008 
My Rating: 1 star 

Synopsis: In the waning days of Venice’s glory in the mid-1700s, Andrea Memmo was scion to one the city’s oldest patrician families. At the age of twenty-four he fell passionately in love with sixteen-year-old Giustiniana Wynne, the beautiful, illegitimate daughter of a Venetian mother and British father. Because of their dramatically different positions in society, they could not marry. And Giustiniana’s mother, afraid that an affair would ruin her daughter’s chances to form a more suitable union, forbade them to see each other. Her prohibition only fueled their desire and so began their torrid, secret seven-year-affair, enlisting the aid of a few intimates and servants (willing to risk their own positions) to shuttle love letters back and forth and to help facilitate their clandestine meetings. Eventually, Giustiniana found herself pregnant and she turned for help to the infamous Casanova–himself infatuated with her. 

Two and half centuries later, the unbelievable story of this star-crossed couple is told in a breathtaking narrative, re-created in part from the passionate, clandestine letters Andrea and Giustiniana wrote to each other

My Thoughts: 

I had high expectations for this book based on the glowing reviews but only finished the book through sheer stubbornness and the hope of seeing what other reviewers saw. 

I gave the book 1 star only because of the history lesson, the one palatable factor in this otherwise long, dry chew! The reader learns (if they have the staying power) about 18th Century European life & the rigid social structure of the Venetian Republic. The highlight for me was the interactions between the protagonists and Giacoma Casanova. 

Di Robilant makes his nonfiction debut with the true story of the forbidden love affair between of one of his ancestors, Venetian noble Andrea Memmo and 16 year old Giustiniana Wynne, based upon the letters passed between the two lovers. I found Andrea and Giustiniana to be narcisstic, fickle & duplicitous. Their casual faithlessness made their written declarations of 'undying love' and 'soul mate' ring hollow and the actual "love letters" were monotonous in the extreme. 

Recommended for anyone with a passion for watching paint dry or grass grow

The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll

My Rating: 4.5 stars Read: October 2008 A beautiful story, it pushed all the right buttons. I was caught up in the vivid tale of ghosts, mysticism, love, family tradition, legend & vendettas. The men of the St Ledger family must accept the partner chosen for them by the Bride Finder, to do otherwise risks disaster. Practical Madeline Breton arrives in Cornwall to meet her husband, the tormented Anatole St Ledger and the story that follows became a page turner for me (which pleasantly surprised me.) The story unfolded at a believable pace and Carroll's writing made for an effortless emotional connection with the characters and the gothic setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance with a spellbinding dose of supernatural.

The Warriors Princess by Barbara Erskine

My Rating: 4.5 stars Read: October 2008 In Barbara Erskine's latest novel the lives of a modern woman and the daughter of King Caractacus, dead for more than 2000 years, become entwined, connecting the past with the present. Erskine's descriptions of everyday Roman life during the final years of the emperor Claudius's reign and the early years of the reign of Nero are well researched and contain details of homes, domestic duties, city life, friendships, brutality & political intrigue. I have loved all Erskine’s previous novels, none more so than "Lady of Hay" and those with an interest in Roman and Celtic history will enjoy The Warrior Princess. Another suspenseful plotline with more than a touch of the supernatural. I would have given this novel 5 stars but for the similarity in story line to all Barbara Erskine's books. As a stand alone novel, this is definitely a winner but when read after all Erskine's novels there is an element of 'sameness' which diminishes the surprise component. If you like this review vote for it on Goodreads

The Thrall's Tale by Judith Lindbergh

My Rating: 4 stars Read: October 2008 The Thrall's Tale chronicles the early viking colonies in Greenland and covers the introduction of Christianity to a pagan shore. Katla, a beautiful thrall (slave) born to a Christian Irishwoman enslaved in a Viking raid, emigrates with her master from Iceland to Greenland in AD985. Katla joins the household of Thorbjerg, a powerful seeress and gives birth to a daughter, Bibrau. These three women alternatively narrate the tale. Judith Lindbergh devoted ten years to researching and writing The Thrall's Tale, creating an intriguing mix of historical detail, norse wisdom, mysticism, lust, deception, retribution and love. It is an engaging and challenging read. This isn't a book you will finish in one sitting. There is much to follow, some of the language is uncommon to modern times, and the heritage and mythology of the Vikings can be challenging to follow, although these elements are what add depth and drama to the story. The Thrall's Tale has received mixed reviews due to the "uncommon, occasionally overwrought" language but I found the language quite easy to adjust to and interpret, hence my enjoyment of a historical period little read. A graphic novel full of sensorial detail. Recommended to: readers of tragic historical fiction, lovers of norse/viking history, maybe not the wisest choice to begin viking history lessons with for those who have read little of that period!

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 1st January 2008
Pages: 552
My Rating: 5 stars

From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The House at Riverton, a novel that takes the reader on an unforgettable journey through generations and across continents as two women try to uncover their family’s secret past

A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book—a beautiful volume of fairy tales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-fi rst birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. Her quest leads her to Blackhurst Manor on the Cornish coast and the secrets of the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell’s death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled. A spellbinding tale of mystery and self-discovery, The Forgotten Garden will take hold of your imagination and never let go. 

My Thoughts:

The Forgotten Garden is a complex tale of secrets and discovery that kept me enthralled, a 500 plus page book that I didn't want to end. 

Morton captures the locations and scenery beautifully and develops the characters so effectively I felt like I was actually there, not just an enthusiastic reader. 

 The novel is packed with mystery and intrigue, lies going back through generations of the Mountrachet family. The story narrates from 3 different time periods; Victorian through to 2005 and from a number of locations. Brisbane, Maryborough, Cornwall and London; but rather than causing confusion these transitions heighten interest and add to the suspense. 

I loved the characters, the setting and the plot and thoroughly recommend "The Forgotten Garden" to anyone and everyone, Kate Morton is a new favourite for me.