Secrets of the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Good

Pages: 336

Released: 2010

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Mary Howard is overjoyed when she arrives at court to become lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's mistress. She is certain Anne will become Queen. But as she comes to understand Henry's fickle nature and witnesses how quickly his favour can be taken away, worry for Anne's safety clouds her mind. Everything changes when she becomes betrothed to Henry Fitzroy, the King's illegitimate son. But then, it doesn't and Mary finds herself fighting to be truly free, and as she fights she uncovers dangerous secrets. Secrets that she must guard with her life if she is to survive.

  

 

First Line:

"Elizabeth Stafford Howard, Spring 1519 -

He is pulling my hair - it is going to be torn from my scalp, I am sure of it."

 

Review:

I love any historical fiction based on the Tudors, so I was already predisposed to enjoy this book. But I was still pleasantly surprised by how good I found this book. The factual elements of this book were amazing - it was like a mini history lesson! If you have prior knowledge of the Tudor era then the plot/some of the characters will be of no surprise. But if you are a beginner to this period of English History this book will give you a wonderful insight. Regardless is you are interested in history or not this is still a good read. The characters really made the book for me, they are definitely the driving force of this story. I commend Darcey for her wonderful ability to combine fact and fiction and create completely believable characters.  

 

Recommended Audience:

 History nuts, Tudor buffs or people looking to dip their toes into the world of historical fiction.

Book Review: The Dark Heroine (Dinner with a Vampire) by Abigail Gibbs

About the book:

Inage from Google

Book One in The Dark Heroine Series

 

Amazing: Good

Pages: 549

Released: 2012

Published: Harper Collins

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Violet Lee is kidnapped by vampires after she witnesses something she shouldn't have and is whisked away to live in a mansion that she can't escape from. Taken away from her family, and kept as a prisoner only fuels Violet's hatred for the vampires she now lives with. But the more she gets to know these creatures the more her resolve to hate them weakens - especially towards Kasper Varn. As Kasper and Violet surrender to their passion neither quite realises the cost of their action or the price they'll have to pay.

 

First Line:

"Trafalgar Square is probably not the best place to stand at one o'clock in the morning."

 

Review:

On the whole this was a good read. The plot was unique and I enjoyed Abigail's take on vampires. The main character Violet is a very strong female protagonist. She's funny and feisty both of which are great qualities to have in a female lead. The only downside to Violet's character is that she is far to accepting for my liking. She is kidnapped by a group of vampires who she witnessed killing thirty men and she is making friends with them! This fast change in attitude contradicts Violet's feistiness which lets her character down as she appears to not know her own mind. I also thought the romance between Kasper and Violet escalated a bit too fast - it almost felt rushed at times. One minute she hated him for kidnapping her and the next she loves him? I did like Abigail's writing style, even if her characters left something to be desired. Its incredibly descriptive and has a witty yet dry sense of humour to it. Although a good read, this book hasn't made me want to run out and grab its sequel. This book claims to be the "sexiest romance you'll read this year" but I strongly disagree with this statement. There are some sexual scenes/ references in this book but its no 50 Shades of Grey... I actually found this quite a dark read with graphic images of violence and sexual references which I found a bit much at times.  

 

Recommended Audience:

Adults only as there are scenes of strong violence, sexual references/scenes and use of strong language throughout this book. If you are easily offended by these things this book is not for you.  

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

 

About the Book:

 

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Rating: Great

Pages: 371

Released: 2007

Published by: Penguin Books

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Annabel has it all. But then she doesn't. Her best friend is spreading rumours about her, her family is slowly falling apart and she has no one to talk to about any of it. But then she meets music obsessed Owen who wants her to "Just Listen". But can he help her forget what happened and finally put a smile back on her face.

 

First Line:

"I taped the commercial back in April, before anything had happened, and promptly forgot about it."

 

Review:

Annabel's story really hit home for me. The breakdown of her friendship with Sophie is something I think we can all relate to. Who hasn't had a friendship break down? Or had a friend who hasn't turned out to be exactly who you thought they were? I know I have. I enjoyed Owen's character too. The misunderstood man who everyone thinks is so tough but who's really very sweet, couldn't fail but to capture my heart just as he did Annabel's. The arrival of Owen into Annabel's life also brought the valuable lesson of understanding. Concealed beneath the guise of the books title "Just Listen", is a much more profound message. Through the medium of music and the act of listening to music genres she would normally turn over - Annabel learnt that she could understand and appreciate the music better after she'd given it ago. This realisation helped her overcome her past hurt with ex- best friend Sophie and her boyfriend Will Cash, reunite her family, and to move forward with Owen. Another thought provoking and awe inspiring novel from Sarah Dessen.

 

Recommended Audience:

People who are a fan of contemporary.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

 

About the Book:

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Book One in the Uglies Series

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 425

Released: 2005

Published by: Simon and Schuster

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Tally Youngblood can't wait to be pretty. Tally's counting down the days until she turns 16 so she can get the operation that will change her life for the better. But then she meet Shay, a girl with a different attitude - she plans to run away and wants Tally to come with her. But Tally's waited for so long to be pretty and doesn't want to go with Shay... When Shay does run away, Tally's visited by the authorities who present her with an ultimatum: lead them to Shay or never be Pretty.  

 

First Line:

"The early summer sky was the colour of cat vomit."

 

Review:

I dragged my heels in finally starting this series as it has so much hype surrounding it. But I've now learnt that the hype is well justified. I loved the originality of the plot and how you can really relate to it, you can easily envisage the world becoming like this in the future. The characters were strong throughout and developed a believable pace. I particularly like the protagonist: Tally, which is strange as normally the leading can be a little too unbelievable towards the climax of the novel. As for Scott Westerfield's writing, I give him a 100%. To me, in this book, his writing is flawless. My favourite aspect of the book was the underling moral message, something I think gets quite easily lost or overlooked in most books. I liked the fact that this book challenged the way we think of beauty as a society and quite clearly showed us where our ritualistic thinking of analysing peoples appearances (even complete strangers), self criticism of our own and the constant belief that there can always be an improvement in our looks can realistically lead. Fantastic book. 

 

Recommended Audience:

Everyone! Especially lovers of YA fiction.

The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick

About the Book:

 

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Rating: Amazing

Pages: 336 

Released: 1991

Published by: Sphere

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Heulwen has grown up with her father's ward: Adam de Lacey. There's always been a connection between them. But when Heulwen marries Ralf le Chevalier, the devastated Adam goes away on diplomatic missions for King Henry I. When Ralf is tragically killed, Heulwen's father considers a new match for her in the form of his neighbour's son: Warrin de Mortimer. But Adam's returned and is determined not to lose Heulwen a second time. But as Adam discovers a plot that threatens the King and Country he unknowingly places Heulwen in danger...

 

First Line:

"On the day Adam de Lacey returned to the borders after an absence of more than a year, the monthly market at Ravenstow was in full, noisy cry, and the numerous witnesses watched and whispered behind their hands as the small disciplined entourage wound its way through their mist."

 

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting with all my favourite elements: action, suspense, an easy to hate villain and most importantly, a gorgeous love story between the main characters. Heulwen's and Adam's relationship is just so realistic, you get completely swept away on their journey to love. Their love is just beautiful to read and the ending just leaves you envious of their partnership. Definitely not for youngsters, this novel contains mature content and scenes that are so emotionally written you actually get a psychical response when you read them. This book is jam packed with emotions, and its just a wonderfully written book and a delightful read. 

 

Recommended Audience:

Definitely a book for adults, due to the mature content in this book. But definitely a must for fans of historical fiction.  

 

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

About the Book:

Image from Google

 

Rating: Really Good

Pages: 391

Released: 2004

Published by: Penquin Group

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Macy Queen is struggling to cope with her father's death and the fact her boyfriend has gone to "Brain Camp". She's smiling her way through her day to day life but on the inside she's falling apart. She only starts to live her life again when she meets a new group of friends who gradually bring her out of her shell. Especially Wes. Wes is artistic and sexy and Macy finds she can be herself with him. But because she's lost so much can Macy see what she has to gain?

 

First Line:

"Jason was going to Brain Camp."

 

Review:

This was a bittersweet story. I really enjoyed Macy as the lead character and her point of view proves very emotionally provoking. The way she copes with her father's death is so heart breaking that I actually shed a tear. Sarah Dessen has a gift for writing realistic situations that are completely believable. Macy and her family's responses to her fathers death and Macy's gradual budding relationship with Wes makes for a truly good read. I absolutely loved Wes's character, he is one of those characters you long to be real. Overall, this was a truly lovely read.  

 

Recommended Audience:

Any lovers of YA and contemporary.

Rivals in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book

Image from Google

Book Two in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Great

Pages: 337

Released: 2011

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information by Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

As the daughter of a Duke, Elizabeth Stafford's future seems bright. But when she is betrothed to Thomas Howard she must sacrifice all for duty. Elizabeth is surprised by her new husbands passion, but when he takes a mistress she is determined to fight for her love and honour. Together Elizabeth and Bess Holland compete for Thomas's affections, but neither can satisfy Thomas's desire for the Howard name to become part of the Royal bloodline. 

 

First Line:

"Thomas Howard, January 1547 -

Two bitches, a bewildered dolt, and a hothead have condemned me to this wretched place."

 

Review:

Rivals in the Tudor Court beautifully captures the many facets of human nature. This book completely lays bare all the characters souls and allows you to see every inch of their character. I have never read a book quite like this. Its told from three POV's: Thomas Howard, Elizabeth Howard and Bess Holland. The story is beautifully written. You follow each character as they struggle with the ups and downs of life as part of the Tudor Court. Each went on a journey of self discovery that by the end of the book they have all self reflected and know who they truly are, and they can all be at peace with their actions of the past. Darcey Bonnette's writing style is one of the best I've ever read, and it was a shame to finish reading this book.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone over 18 as there are scenes of an adult nature.

Betrayal in the Tudor Court by Darcey Bonnette

 

About the Book:

Image from Google

 Book Three in the Tudor Court Trilogy

 

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 347

Released: 2012

Published by: Kensington Publishing

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Lady Cecily Burkhart is orphaned at eight years old and sent to live with Lord Hal and his family. There she meets Hal's devout daughter, Mirabella and the family's tutor and priest: Father Alec. As the family slowly falls apart, Cecily must hold them together. But as a mutual attraction between her and Father Alec grows, Mirabella becomes plagued with jealousy and she starts a chain of dramatic events that threaten to destroy them all...

 

First Line:

"Lincolnshire, England. Summer, 1527 -

She hid in her mother's wardrobe."

 

Review:

This was definitely my favourite of the Tudor Court Trilogy. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot, everything. For me, this book gave me a more emotional response then the others. Again, this was due to Darcey's beautifully created characters. She can create a lead character you can route for from the start, a romance that makes you heart ache and a villain you actually want to punch in the face. The villain in this book is what made this book the best of the trilogy in my eyes. To have such an emotional reaction to a character is rarely something I experience, so when I experience it (with a character/plot) I know I'm holding a truly fantastic book in my hands.

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone whose over 18, or a history fanatic, or anyone looking for a new book.

 

Book Review: Paranormalacy by Kiersten White

 

About the book:

 



Image from Google

Book One in the Paranormalacy Series

 

 

Rating: Great 

Pages: 335

Released: August 31st 2010

Published by: Harperteen

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Evie is surrounded by paranormals: her best friend, her ex-boyfriend...and she's got a talent of her own - she can see through other paranormal's glamour's. When paranormals start dying and Evie starts having prophetic dreams, she starts to believe her abilities may be connected to the murders. Even worse, she is at the centre of a dark prophecy which promises the destruction of all paranormal creatures.

 

First Line:

 "Wait - did you - You just yawned!"

 

Review:

I liked the uniqueness of the plot. The idea of their being an organisation that polices paranormal races as an intriguing idea. One that I'd like to have read more about. But alas the story was centred (rightly so) on Evie and her life. Evie is a great character to read about, she'd witty, feisty and she can kick ass - she really is one of the better parts of this book. I also enjoyed Lend and Peth's characters, together they make the perfect 'good boy', 'bad boy' sides of the love triangle and both are attractive in their own ways - Evie's a lucky girl. The only problem I have with this book is that I found it sort of anticlimactic. A good portion of this book is spent building up to this showdown but in the end it just fell flat. The ending almost felt sort of rushed. All in all it was an enjoyable read. I hope to continue the series.

 

Recommended Audience:

Any YA lovers, especially those who love all things paranormal and who love a good love triangle.