BATTLE OF SURVIVAL STORIES: SCI-FI VS. HISTORICAL

Do you like survival stories? I do. Today I have two for you. 

One set in the past, the other one in the future. Which one won me over?

NO MORE WAITING #9: THE SAXON STORIES

Are you fed up with cliffhangers? Are you not patient enough to wait months for next instalment when reading series? Or do you just prefer to completely lose yourself in story and marathon all the books together? If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, this post is for you. NO MORE WAITING is a feature on my blog that spotlights completed series. You can look forward to spoiler-free reviews and graphic arts to accompany it.

The Saxon stories by Bernard Cornwell

Published by: HarperCollins

Genre: Historical Fiction

     

This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.

The story is seen through the eyes of Uhtred, a dispossessed nobleman, who is captured as a child by the Danes and then raised by them so that, by the time the Northmen begin their assault on Wessex (Alfred’s kingdom and the last territory in English hands) Uhtred almost thinks of himself as a Dane. He certainly has no love for Alfred, whom he considers a pious weakling and no match for Viking savagery, yet when Alfred unexpectedly defeats the Danes and the Danes themselves turn on Uhtred, he is finally forced to choose sides. By now he is a young man, in love, trained to fight and ready to take his place in the dreaded shield wall. Above all, though, he wishes to recover his father’s land, the enchanting fort of Bebbanburg by the wild northern sea.

This thrilling adventure—based on existing records of Bernard Cornwell’s ancestors—depicts a time when law and order were ripped violently apart by a pagan assault on Christian England, an assault that came very close to destroying England.

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: HISTORICAL YA NOVELS

I'm a huge fan of historical genre so anytime YA historical novel with interesting premise pops up on my radar, I feel this need to check it out. Last month, there were two good looking YA historical novels released and here are my thoughts on both of them.

 (check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)

TWO QUICK REVIEWS: BACKLIST HISTORICAL ROMANCE

I promised myself to read more backlist titles this year and so far I have made good on this promise. Here are my thoughts on two backlist historical romances that I read recently.

 (check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)

REVIEW: INTO THE DIM BY JANET B. TAYLOR (OR HOW I VOWED NOT TO READ YA TIME TRAVEL NOVELS EVER AGAIN)

Into the Dim (Into The Dim #1)

Written by: Janet B. Taylor

Published by: HMH Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Time Travel / Historical Fiction

Source: NetGalley e-ARC

Release date: March 1st 2016

         
          

When fragile, sixteen-year-old Hope Walton loses her mom to an earthquake overseas, her secluded world crumbles. Agreeing to spend the summer in Scotland, Hope discovers that her mother was more than a brilliant academic, but also a member of a secret society of time travelers. Trapped in the twelfth century in the age of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hope has seventy-two hours to rescue her mother and get back to their own time. Along the way, her path collides with that of a mysterious boy who could be vital to her mission . . . or the key to Hope’s undoing. Addictive, romantic, and rich with historical detail, Into the Dim is an Outlander for teens. 

EARLY REVIEW: BLACKHEARTS BY NICOLE CASTROMAN

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Published by: Simon Pulse

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Release date: February 9th 2016

Source: Edelweiss ARC

        
         

Blackbeard the pirate was known for striking fear in the hearts of the bravest of sailors. But once he was just a young man who dreamed of leaving his rigid life behind to chase adventure in faraway lands. Nothing could stop him—until he met the one girl who would change everything.

Edward "Teach" Drummond, son of one of Bristol's richest merchants, has just returned from a year-long journey on the high seas to find his life in shambles. Betrothed to a girl he doesn’t love and sick of the high society he was born into, Teach dreams only of returning to the vast ocean he’d begun to call home. There's just one problem: convincing his father to let him leave and never come back.

Following her parents' deaths, Anne Barrett is left penniless and soon to be homeless. Though she’s barely worked a day in her life, Anne is forced to take a job as a maid in the home of Master Drummond. Lonely days stretch into weeks, and Anne longs for escape. How will she ever realize her dream of sailing to Curaçao—where her mother was born—when she's stuck in England?

From the moment Teach and Anne meet, they set the world ablaze. Drawn to each other, they’re trapped by society and their own circumstances. Faced with an impossible choice, they must decide to chase their dreams and go, or follow their hearts and stay. 

ARC REVIEW: WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
(The Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Release date: September 22nd 2015
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

       

         

The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Timesbestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research.

LIFE CHANGING READS #1: OUTLANDER SERIES

 LIFE CHANGING READS is occasional blog feature in which I talk about books that recently (or in the past) had a big impact on me and left me in the state of slight addiction in one form or another.

We know it all. Sleepless nights and reading until early morning hours. Sneaking to read your kindle/paperback in work or school. Daydreaming about book characters and being unable to concentrate on something else than the book you are reading at the moment. Hours and hours of chatting with your friends and passionate discussions on book forums. Emotional reactions to all the bad or good that happened to the characters of the novel you are addicted to and the biggest possible book hangover as a result. And most importantly the knowledge that in some way, your life has been altered. Oh yes, I am talking about life changing reads.

QUICK REVIEW: DRAGONFLY IN AMBER BY DIANA GABALDON

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2)

Written by Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Historical Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

SYNOPSIS:

With her now-classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon introduced two unforgettable characters — Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser—delighting readers with a story of adventure and love that spanned two centuries. Now Gabaldon returns to that extraordinary time and place in this vivid, powerful follow-up to Outlander....

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

* 5 STARS * REVIEW:

I love Jamie's playfulness, temper and selflessness.

I love Claire's wit and determination.

I love Mrs. Gabaldon's writing abilities and complex storytelling skills.

And I freaking adore this series!

Do not make any excuses, you have to read and experience this epic story yourself!

James Fraser in all his glory:

And just a little advice for my fellow readers:

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REVIEW: OUTLANDER BY DIANA GABALDON

In a month this time (August 9th), STARZ will start broadcasting TV series based on worldwide popular book series Outlander written by Diana Gabaldon. The curious creature that I am, I had to find out myself what all that hype was about. And I am glad I did.

Outlander (#1) by Diana Gabaldon

Genre: Historical Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

SYNOPSIS:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

* 5 HUGE STARS * REVIEW:

Outlander is a complex story with multilayered depiction of characters that will touch your heart, consume your thoughts and mesmerize you with the beauty of its settings. This is the kind of book that you will live through together with main characters and you will never be the same once you finish it.

Claire Randall - a witty and compassionate woman from 20th century thrown into dangers of 18th century Scottish Highlands. James Fraser - a selfless and passionate Scottish warrior finding his way in the game of intrigues between Scottish lords and English superiors. What happenes when fate brings these two people together?

First of all, let me tell you one important thing. Outlander is the most epic romance I have ever read. And when I say epic, I really mean epic - grand, impressive, outstanding, remarkable. Whenever I only think about Jamie & Claire, about their epic romance, my pulse speeds up. This book just simply has such a powerful effect on me.

Secondly, author proves her astonishing story-telling skills in this novel. The amount of reasearch author had to do prior to writing this novel, the way she captured historical period, it is phenomenal. I was sucked into the story from early chapters and even the large number of pages never bothered me.

I loved how authentic this story was, thanks to the use of old Scottish. I loved how adventurous and eventful this novel was. I loved how flawed and realistic characters were. I loved it all.

Outlander is not an easy read. Your heart will rejoice for the characters at one point, only to ache terribly for them seconds after. But reward for investing your time, mind and heart into reading this book is more than worth it. And this reward is Jamie Fraser. 

"A big man, with hair like fire, and eyes like the summer skies". He is the perfect example of how to write unforgettable character. Stubborn but kind. Temperamental but courageous. Proud but selfless. Believe me, it is impossible not to fall in love with him. So, are you ready to meet Jamie Fraser?

P.S. Even though story continues, there is no cliffy at the end.

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REVIEW: ALL SOULS TRILOGY BY DEBORAH HARKNESS

In preperation for release of final instlament in All Souls Trilogy, I decided to re-read previous books. I am glad to inform you that they are even better second time arround. Here are my thoughts.

Discovery of Witches

(All Souls Trilogy #1)

Written by Deborah Harkness

SUMMARY:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

My Diana and Matthew:

*5 STARS* REVIEW:

I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the most fascinating paranormal story I have ever read in my life. 

Discovery of Witches is splendid combination of history, science, romance and action. This book is full of knowledge and interesting facts wrapped up in beautiful paranormal story.

Discovery of Witches is kind of book that will make you fly over the pages, eager to find out what will happen next and than make you feel like re-reading it all over again right after you finish.

Discovery of Witches is story about independant witch Diana and enigmatic vampire Matthew. And I am happy to say that heroine in this novel is no damsell in distress complaining all the time. On the contrary, she is more than able to take care of herself. And I absolutely loved it.

A must-read for all lovers of smart and paranormal!

_________________________________________

Shadow of Night

(All Souls Trilogy #2)

Written by Deborah Harkness

SUMMARY:

IT BEGAN WITH A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES.

Historian Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library,she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened.

Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot.

Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers...

My Diana and Matthew:

*5 STARS* REVIEW:

Wow, what a sophisticated and remarkable story! Shadow of Night was like nothing I have ever read before and it surpassed all my expectations. This book offers the most amazing mixture of romance, history, paranormal and action. It was equally good (if not better) as first book and I enjoyed reading this book immensely.

Shadow of Night is that kind of book which you cannot put down because you need to know how things are going to end up. Simultaneously, you are trying to read it slowly because you never want to finish it.

Shadow of Night is eventful book, there is no single boring part since something is happening all the time. It was really fascinating to read about Diana's encouters with famous historical figures and her attempts to merge into world in 1590. And while first half of the book was interesting, second half was absolutely exciting and thrilling because of all that magical things Diana learnt about herself.

This book is full of new characters which I grew fond of immediately. Especially the Matthew's father and nephew. What is it about the men from de Clairmont family? It is impossible to resist them. Matthew in particular! And the bond that Diana and Matthew developed in this book was so beautiful and it made their relationship perfect in my eyes.

Shadow of Night answered plenty of questions about Diana's magical powers, Ashmole 782 manuscript and de Clairmont family. But one questions remained unanswered - how I am going to handle the waiting for the final book?

FINAL INSTALMENT COMING JULY 15TH!

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BLOG TOUR: Under These Restless Skies by Lissa Bryan

Check out my review, author’s guest post and enter giveaway!

Under These Restless Skies by Lissa Bryan

Genre: Historical Romance

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Synopsis:

Will Somers has always thought himself unlovable. When he encounters a creature of myth and magic, he seizes the chance to finally have a wife and family of his own. Emma is a selkie—one of the immortal fae-folk of the sea—bound to Will by the magic of her kind, and eager to learn about life on land. She has to learn to adapt quickly to human customs, because Will is headed for the court of Henry VIII, to serve as the king’s fool. It’s a glittering, dangerous world, where a careless word can lead to the scaffold and the smallest of gestures is loaded with political implications. Anne Boleyn is charmed by Emma’s naïveté and soothing selkie magic and wants Emma for her own fool. Can Will protect his newfound love from the dangers that lurk in every shadow? Circa regna tonat: around the throne, the thunder rolls.

My Will and Emma:

*4 STARS* Review:

When presented with chance of having kind and beautiful wife, lonely Will doesn’t hesitate. Even if it means binding a supernatural selkie wife to himself. But when summoned to court to entertain king, will Will be able to protect their out of ordinary newfound relationship during dangerous times of rule of Henry VIII?

"Emma was the kind of woman he could never have dreamed of having. She was not only willing, but eager. Happy to let him learn his way around giving a woman pleasure, she tutored him with her gasps and sighs."

I absolutely loved setting of this book - Tudor English court. It’s probably my favourite part of English history and this novel does not disappoint in presenting its politics, religion or background court affairs. With added supernatural feature, author created charming and thought-provoking historical novel.

"I knew when I first saw you, you would take me on a grand adventure. But I never realized how grand it could be."

Will is not powerful or confident man. But what he lacks in wealth and social position, he balances with his witt and kind pure heart. I really liked his character a lot!

"I would not risk you, Emma. Not for any man’s favour, even the kings’s."

People might feel offended when authors bend historical facts so it fits their stories. I, on the other hand, found it fascinating to read about king Henry VIII, Anne Boylen and other historical figures without being bored with facts. But even though author took some creative liberties when writing this book, it was visible that she spent huge amount of time doing her research when it comes to Tudor England. Writing style and used expressions were fitting to the historical period. I really liked it and it helped to feel more immersed into the story.

Author’s Guest Post:

Anne Boleyn was arrested on May 2, 1536, accused of incest and adultery. She was sent to the Tower of London, where she waited for two agonizing weeks to find out what her fate would be.

In the meantime, her husband, King Henry VIII, partied with his new love, Jane Seymour. Even those who had hated Anne Boleyn thought Henry’s behavior was callous. He showed not a trace of remorse or grief over the fact his wife would die in a few days’ time, the woman he had once loved enough to defy the crowned heads of Europe and sever a thousand years of religious tradition.

Night after night, Henry sailed down the Thames on a barge filled with musicians and laughing courtiers. Did he spare a thought for the woman imprisoned behind the gray stone walls of the Tower as they rowed by to meet with the woman who would replace her? It seems unlikely. Henry never said Anne Boleyn’s name again. Her portraits, and the records of her trial, were all destroyed. Her initials were chiseled off the palace walls and replaced with Jane’s.

There was never a chance Anne would be found not guilty. The swordsman who beheaded her was summoned before her trial, and the jury was bribed by dividing up the property of the accused among them. Even five hundred years later, we can prove the specific allegations false, but no one was really interested in the evidence. Anne was found guilty and executed a few days later.

Anne Boleyn was never a popular queen, but the people of England grumbled at the shallow ruse used to dispose of her. Henry announced he had no intention of marrying again, unless the people asked him to— for the good of the kingdom, of course. The council obliged and requested he remarry. Henry magnanimously agreed and mentioned he happened to know a young lady who might be suitable, Jane Seymour.

Eleven days after Anne Boleyn was executed, England had a new queen.

REVIEW: Donners of the Dead by Karina Halle

Donners of the Dead by Karina Halle

Genre: Historical, Horror, Romance

Purchase: Amazon / Smashwords

Synopsis:

***A Standalone Horror Romance coming February 2014***

A note about this book: Donners of the Dead is set in 1851 – couples were often thrust into marriage together with short courtships, racism was widespread and not overly frowned upon, and women had little to no rights. What wouldn't fly in today's day and age was unfortunately the norm back then - it is worth keeping that in mind when reading this book.

Jake McGraw was unlike anyone I’d ever known. He was brash, rude, unapologetic and arrogant; chauvinistic, close-minded, and terribly stubborn. He was built like a tree, tall with a hard chest and wide shoulders and hands that looked like they could wrestle a bear. He was a cigar-chomping, scruffy-faced, beast of a man. I was pretty sure I hated him. And I know he hated me. But among the flesh-eating monsters in these snow-capped mountains, he was the only thing keeping me alive

The year is 1851 and pioneers in search of California gold are still afraid to travel on the same route as the tragic Donner party did years before. When the last wagon train to go into the Sierra Nevada mountains fails to arrive at their destination, Eve Smith, an 18-year old half-native girl with immense tracking skills is brought along with the search party, headed by an enigmatic former Texas Ranger, Jake McGraw.

What they find deep in the dangerous snow-covered terrain is a terrifying consequence of cannibalism, giving new meaning to the term “monster.” While the search party is slowly picked off, one by one, Eve must learn to trust Jake, who harbors more than a few secrets of his own, in order to survive and prevent the monstrosities from reaching civilization.

***This is NOT New Adult***

THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE READERS AUDIENCES ONLY. HOWEVER, THIS REVIEW ITSELF DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL.

My Jake and Eve:

* 5 STARS * Review:

18-years old half-native tracker girl and arrogant former Texas ranger. It’s 1851 when Eve and Jack, together with a group of poeple, set up on dangerous search expedition into the local cold mountains. If only they knew what kind of evil would be awaiting them...

I’m not sure how Karina Halle does it, but all her books are 100% movie material. This book is no exception. Historical romance, fascinating Indian’s legends, a lot of action and zombies. Donners of the Dead is without a doubt my new favourite!

Adventure; the best word to describe this book. Captivating and thrilling adventure, amazing and unique setting, strong and lovable female lead. You won’t be able to put this book down.

Fear and gore. Another words that come to my mind when I think of this book. My heart was racing whenever something dangerous and scary was happening. And I love that feeling of being completely immersed in the story, when everything else fades away. I was glad to find it while reading Donners of the Dead.

Jake McGraw is the best example of true alpha male. Skilled, powerful, fearless, confident and capable of protecting and taking care of woman in all ways that counts. I just love those silent (but passionate) types who always goes straight to the point, not caring what others think of them.

But most of all, I loved the tension between Jake and Eve. To create feel of anticipation, that is what Karina Halle excels at. There was no insta-love and I had this warm tingling whenever Jake and Eve were having their moments. So do not hesitate, and pick this standalone novel yourself. I highly recommend it!

"We’re still human even in the face of beasts, even with our lives at risk. When you’re close to death, love is sometimes the only thing that makes sense in life.”