ARC Review: The Seeds of Power

Her unique skills keep her safe. Until her greatest strength becomes her fatal weakness.

Princess Christal of Larrochar learned long ago that to marry was to risk her life. At twenty-eight she’s resolutely unwed, trusted assistant to the King’s Cultivator and an expert in rare plants.

Then, to her horror, she receives a marriage proposal she can’t refuse. All Prince Daire of Caldermor cares about is elan—the mysterious golden beans that bring his family untold wealth and power. If Daire wants Christal, elan must be at the root of his interest.

Christal’s father would sacrifice her to discover elan’s secrets. The Calderrans would kill to keep them secure. To save herself Christal will need every kernel of knowledge she’s ever gleaned. And the support of Kiran Randsen, elite soldier turned Calderran bodyguard, who may be something even rarer than elan—a man she’d trust with her life.

The Seeds of Power is the first book in the Elan Intrigues fantasy romance series. If you like strong heroines, chivalrous heroes, natural magic, and life-or-death stakes, then you’ll love this powerful historical fantasy by award-winning author Jilly Wood.

Review

I received a free copy of this bookvia booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book would be more fantasy based, so if you go into looking for magic, and a book full of fantasy you will be disappointed. But if you looking for a book that a historical feel, that has great characters and lots of court intrique, you will be pleased.

It was an intriquing take on a plot that seems to be quite common these days. A princess who is set to marry off for advantage, yet she doesn’t want to. I liked that this did not follow the normal set of rules, although I had worked out early on what was going to happen. It did not stop me enjoying it any though.

Christal was a great main character, she let her past get in her way sometimes but it gave her depth. I want to know more about the Elan plant/ seed, that is the part I was really interested in.I am guessing it will be explained more in the next book, although I do not think I will be reading it. I found that for me ending was good enough.

This book is heavy on romance and lots of love for family. There was a little bit of friendship but Chrital didn’t seem to have any friends, which I didn’t find odd until now, it wasn’t like it was because she was a princess, it was just never mentioned in any context.

Overall a slow paced book full of interesting characters.

4 out of 5 stars

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Winter by Winter

When the enemies of King Ragnar destroy Ladda’s village, she’ll do anything it takes to lead the survivors to safety—even agreeing to marry the king himself. But Ragnar and Ladda both quickly discover that there’s more to her role than that of queen. As she assumes the burden of shield maiden and admiral of the Swanfleet, guiding her own ships among Ragnar’s, her calling to battle becomes clear. She’s been chosen, blessed by the goddess Skathi, and her enemies will fall before her blade… Winter by Winter brings to life Hladgertha, the historical teenage Viking pirate queen from the Chronicles of Saxo, and presents a heroine whose cunning and heart resonate across the centuries.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netalley in exchange for an honest review.

Netgalley had labelled this as fantasy and historical fiction. There was not any fantasy. Lots of historical fiction though. There were some myths and legends, not any that I was familiar with, they were quite interesting but if you not familiar with them there wasn’t much detail.

The story was good but a little bland for me. There was some action but it fell a little flat. There was no proper exciting description. It just felt rushed and a little contrived.

Ladda was a little odd for me. She was young, yet without really doing much she became the leader of the tribe and at times left her 12 year old sister to lead. Just felt very odd to me. The setting was good but I never really felt I knew where we were. There were lots of nationalities and countries mentioned, that it were just jumbled together (that might have been just me though).

I did enjoy the story but I was never excited to go back, I only finished it because it was a review book.

3 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

Tags

historical fiction

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although this book is the third in a series, it can be read perfectly well as a stand alone. It is listed as historical fiction and although it is set at least 100 years ago, there wasn’t much history in it. It was much more about the romance, usually I am not a fan, but this was quite enjoyable.

The story was sweet and full of secrets, although some were pretty predictable. I liked getting to the characters, it was done in a very clever way, we got to see all sides of the characters by getting to know them through how other characters saw them. It’s a very clever way of knowing characters in all ways possible.

Cecily was a good main character, she had her regrets but she grew and eventually let herself have fun and fall in love. Nathanial, had a great life, he worked hard, had his problems but he had his family who supported him in everything. I loved how his character grew and gave into the prospect that there was more to life than work.

I wish there was a little more history in it. I wasn’t even sure of when it was set, just more references to historical events, who was on the throne etc.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I would read more by this author.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: The Silver Witch

A year after her husband’s sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat’s death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she’s near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water.

On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew.

In her own time, Tilda’s grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake’s ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each others, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren’s prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was everything I wanted from it and more. It had history explained in an interesting not boring way yet still feeling fully explained for the story purposes. The history kept me hooked, I liked learning with the characters, snippets of information were released like little nuggets of gold, each more adding a little more sense to the story until you have a full golden wonder.

I sometimes struggle with adult paranormal books in our world where the main character has no previous interaction with the paranormal element since most adults would freak if something like that really happens and characters often accept it too readily for my liking. But Tilda and the characters handled it just well enough for me cope, they freaked out a little, but dealt with the issues like adults and tried to put logic to it.

The setting was beautiful, a secluded lake in Wales, it sounded almost mystical. The contrast between the present and the past, it made the setting even more realistic. There is something so serene about a small lake with cottages round about, just makes the setting so idyllic.

The parts about making pots and archeology were really interesting. I loved how it was woven in to the story, not just to fill out the story a little but as integral plot points.

The main thing I didn’t like was how sometimes Tilda would suddenly know a fact or a name that I had no recollection of her finding out, especially where there was no possible way for her to have done so, happened a few times, which did get on my nerves a little.

But with only really one fairly small issue with this book, I think it was a beautifully crafted masterpiece that I recommend anyone who likes historical fiction try.

4 out of 5 stars

Similar books in my opinion

ARC Review: Lions in the Garden

Prague, 1610

Ludmila Novakova–Mila–has barely set foot outside Prague Castle in her seventeen years. But with the choice between braving the bandits and wolves of Bohemia’s uneasy roads or being married off to a disgusting old baron, she’s taken what she can carry and fled.

Escape won’t be easy. Even Mila has heard the rumors of a rebellion coming against the court. The peasants are hungry. The king hasn’t been seen in months. Mila’s father, the High Chancellor, is well known and well hated.

But Mila can’t sit behind a stone wall and let fear force her into a life of silk gowns and certain misery. Her mother’s death has taught her that much. She has one ally: Marc, the son of the blacksmith. A commoner, a Protestant–and perhaps a traitor, too. But the farther she gets from the castle, the more lies she uncovers, unraveling everything she thought she knew. And the harder it is to tell friend from enemy–and wrong from right . . .

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A historical fiction novel with a great premise. I did not know much about the history of this time before reading it, but after reading this great book, but it really intrigued me. I am not a big fan when the main theme is romance so I was glad that there were plenty of other themes running through the book. But there was a enough romance for romance fans.

I loved the action and all the plotting and scheming. The characters were great, really in depth, even found myself feeling for some of the smaller characters. Because of this book I would be interested in reading more books set in this time.

Often when books deal with religion, I find that it can be preachy, samey or just feels like a sermon. But everything about religion in this book was fact/ history, no long sermons, it was all integral to the plot.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I think it will be even more up my allet with it being more focused on rebellion, (I hope).

4 out of 5 stars.

It’s out on the 1st of March. Want to pre-buy you’re copy, click here.

ARC Review: Silk

It is the time of Jack the Ripper, the widowed Queen Victoria sits on the throne of England. The whole of London is on edge wondering when or where Jack will kill next. The Palace, Parliament, and the press are demanding the police do more to find him.

In another part of London, rough-around-the-edges war hero, Metropolitan Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone has his own serial killer to find. Inter departmental rivalries, politics, and little evidence to go on hamper the investigation at every turn. In a battle of wills, Bloodstone presses forward following his instincts in spite of the obstacles.

Adding to those problems, away from the strains of the investigation, he is engaged in the ups and downs of a new relationship with a lovely hat maker.

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderfully written crime novel with plenty of intrigue and suspense. I lapped up every page. I liked reading from numerous points of view, William, a Lord who is used to having the best things in life and Bloodstone who is a copper married to his job.

I thought the characters were well written and I found myself liking them. The setting was exactly what I think it would be in Victorian London. There were points that made me laugh and points that me angry that the characters were being slow and not working them out quicker. All of which I love.

My main downer on this book is that I expected it to be about Jack the Ripper and it isn’t he comes up in the last chapter but that’s all. That was a big disappointment for me. If it’s in the synopsis it should be in the book. Misleading, trying to people to read it for the wrong reasons. Which is a shame since it’s a perfectly good book that does not need that gimmickry. I will read the next one in the series but if it does the same thing, it will be the last time I read this author.

4 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Gallows Curse

A vengeful King John has seized control of the Church, leaving corpses to lie in unconsecrated ground, babies unbaptized in their cradles and the people terrified of dying in sin. And in Gastmere, the consequences grow darker still when Elena, a servant girl, is dragged into a conspiracy to absolve the sins of the Lord of the Manor.

This is the first book I have managed to finish for 20 books of summer, shocking I know. I have been a little put off by how terribly my first two attempts went and I have been trying to read as many review books as possible. I am still going to try and read more from this list though. I will get there (I hope).

I love this author, this is the third book I have read by her and I own two more.

The story is complex and riveting. You start with one mystery and before you know it, you have 20 expertly woven into the story and you cannot stop until you know all the answers. I was hooked from the prologue, trying to work out who the little girl was, it made perfect sense when I found out but I was way off in my guessing.

The setting was life-like and felt like I had jumped straight into a history book. The characters were great and very relatable. Elana especially was a great character to follow the story with. She never stopped fighting no matter how much trouble she was in.

The ending was good, it wrapped things up nicely but left some intrigue, not a ambiguous ending like the author usually does, for that I was grateful.

I am looking forward very much to reading more from this author.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: Tangled Webs

London, 1725. Everybody has a secret. Lady A will keep yours—for a price. This sumptuous, scandalous YA novel is wickedly addictive.

Lady A is the most notorious blackmailer in the city. With just a mask and a gown to disguise her, she sweeps into lavish balls and exclusive events collecting the most valuable currency in 1725 London—secrets.

But leading a double life isn’t easy. By day Lady A is just a sixteen-year-old girl named Arista who lives in fear of her abusive master, Bones, and passes herself off as a boy to move safely through the squalor of London’s slums. When Bones attempts to dispose of his pawn forever, Arista is rescued by the last person she expects: Jonathan Wild, the infamous Thief Taker General who moves seamlessly between the city’s criminal underworld and its most elite upper circles. Arista partners with Wild on her own terms in the hopes of saving enough money to buy passage out of London.

Everything changes when she meets Graeden Sinclair, the son of a wealthy merchant. Grae has traveled the world, has seen the exotic lands Arista has longed to escape to her whole life, and he loves Arista for who she is—not for what she can do for him. Being with Grae gives something Arista something precious that she swore off long ago: hope. He has promised to help Arista escape the life of crime that has claimed her since she was a child. But can you ever truly escape the past?

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am not used to books in this time period, but I really enjoyed it. It was fun and exciting, not at all what I expected.I loved the idea of Lady A trading secrets for more secrets and power. The setting was gorgeous and full of wonder. I had myself forgetting it wasn’t a fantasy setting at times.

Arista/Ana was a great main character, I liked how she grew and developed as a character. I loved Becky, I just wish she was around more. I didn’t like Nic, he was a little bit of a flat character and I never really trusted him. Bones was a nasty piece of work. He really is a cruel man. I like Grae, he was sweet and very caring of his family.

The ending was good, it finished it all up nicely. Although I cannot see where the second book is coming from. Just about everything was wrapped up. I am not sure I will be reading the second book just because I do not know where else it can got that wouldn’t spoil it for me.

4 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Medea Complex

Tags

fiction, historical fiction, insane

A deep and riveting psychological thriller inspired by true events of the Victorian era, The Medea Complex explores the nature of the human psyche: what possesses us, what drives us, and how love, passion, and hope for the future can drive us to insanity.

1885. Anne Stanbury wakes up in a strange bed, having been kidnapped from her home. As the panic settles in, she realizes she has been committed to a lunatic asylum, deemed insane and therefore unfit to stand trial for an unspeakable crime. But all is not as it seems….

Edgar Stanbury, her husband as well as a grieving father, is torn between helping his confined wife recover her sanity and seeking revenge for his ruined life. But Anne’s future rests wholly in the hands of Dr. George Savage, chief medical officer of Bethlem Royal Hospital.

The Medea Complex is the darkly compelling story of a lunatic, a lie, and a shocking revelation that elucidates the difference between madness and evil….

Straight out the gate, this book was awesome. I really liked Anne and her story, I really felt for her and was completely engrossed and intrigued by what had happened to her.

Than about a quarter of the way through, it got really bad. The story turned completely sexist (I know it was like that in this time, but it still felt really wrong). The ending made the story fall apart and the beginning then did not make any sense. I only finished because I have promised myself to try harder to finish books, because I could be pleasantly surprised by the end. This was not the case with this book.

I can find something wrong with each character, that made me dislike them and the way they were written.

The author apparently wrote this so people would understand Post Partem depression more, because she herself had it. Well she failed spectacularly on that count, if anything she will make people think she thinks it’s a joke.

I always try and find something good to say about a book so – the setting was fairly well done. I really have not disliked a book so much in such a long time. Especially one I was so looking forward to.

2 out of 5 stars.

ARC Review: The Copper Witch

“Ambition or Love” Adela Tilden has always been more ambitious than her station in life might allow. A minor nobleman’s daughter on a failing barony, Adela’s prospects seem dire outside of marrying well-off. When Adela catches the eye of the crown prince, Edward, however, well-off doesn’t seem to be a problem. Thrown into a world of politics and intrigue, Adela might have found all the excitement she ever wanted-if she can manage to leave her past behind.

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I love the cover it is beautiful.

The premise of the book was exciting and engaging. I was a little disappointed there was no reference to where and when it took place.

The story was intriguing, I had no idea where it was going most of the time, which was a good thing. I felt drawn into the story and I wanted more, I always wanted more. Unfortunately I wanted more at the end too. I have no idea what happened to the characters. I know it’s a series but each new book has a different main character and it would have been good to know what happened to these ones.

Adela was a good main character, although she acted too old for her 15 years. She was very sexually forward and promiscuous. She had an allure that some thought was magical, I would have liked to find out if that was the case or not. I know it is called the Copper Witch, but it was never confirmed or even hinted at strongly that she was a witch.

Edward was a good character, not really a great King since he put his own feelings above his countries, although it seemed to work out for the kingdom.

Antony was interesting. He was one of the only constant characters throughout the whole book, he kept popping even when he shouldn’t of. He seemed a good character at first but then he got careless and let his sexual instincts drive him.

This was beautifully written, with great characters and a great storyline, but more setting was needed. I like my historical fiction but I like to know when and where it is set. If it had this I think I would have given it 5 stars.

If the next story focused on the same characters I would read it, the way it is, I am not sure I will.

4 stars out of 5.