In this historical fiction Ms. Chardwick sweeps us to medieval Jerusalem where William Marshal will go to save his soul but the greatest danger he will faces there is losing his heart.
The story moves back in forth between England, 1219, with William Marshal lying on his death bed looking back upon his long-ago pilgrimage with his brother Ancel to the Holy Land then it smoothly switches to Jerusalem, 1183, where the brothers get embroiled in deadly politics, devious scheming and lusts of the powerful people ruling the kingdom. Back and forth we go.
Although this is a glossed account of the time spent in Jerusalem during the calm before the death of King Baldwin, the author’s stunning grasp of historical details of this particular period of time has definitely helped to virtually fill the gaps in a time nothing is actually known. “Templar Silks” is probably more a fiction than anything else but is richly and brilliantly written nonetheless.
The style is formal but in modern English and to be authentic to the era and the court the author leaves the names of people and place in their original French. The factual and factious elements sit together with ease giving the feel that what you read has actually happened. Although this book is set during the Holy Wars, the story is not filled with battles but more with small personal ones. Religion at that time was the backbone of Marshal’s world and he truly believes he will be damned for his actions. He needs to atone for his sins and find his path for the future….this is his final story, he died at age 72. The author is at her best describing Marshal himself and his relationship with his brother, in the ways she depicts the Templar as men of God, how she sets the political situation and plunges her protagonist in a dangerous romance…..
“The Templar Silks” is well said but I found it to be long and the many repetitive scenes did not move the narrative forward…..much too slow for my taste but an excellent read nevertheless.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalleys for this ARC.
This title was previously released by Sphere (Feb.27,2018)
This historical novel is an epic tale of romance and adventure about two people who must let go of the past not only to be together, but also to survive. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush we are swept into a drama of love, tragedy and redemption.
In 1897 gold rush has reached the Canadian wilderness and thousands of prospectors swarm to the North seeking riches. Dawson City, Yukon was their destination but to get there was not an easy endeavor. This story will bring our main protagonist, Liza Patterson, and her family to establish their business in this terribly cold city overrun with guns, liquor, prostitutes and thieves. As for our second main player, recent recruit Constable Ben Turner from North-West Mountain Police will uphold the law….”At the Mountain’s Edge” tells how in order to reach Dawson City they all had to climb harsh trails and survive an excruciating journey for weeks before reaching their destination. But most of this entire exhausting story will tell us how they faced every form of catastrophe and managed to survive in a crude and hostile environment.
The author has combined historical events along some thrills with a wee bit of romance for our enjoyment. Vividly written with a modern twist to it, this story dives straight into the time of the Klondike Gold Rush and propels us in the middle of the action with expert knowledge. The events are accurately recounted showing Ms. Graham spent enormous time researching her subject matter but unfortunately the descriptions just scratched the surface. “At The Mountain Edge" is somewhat of a fluffy story but one that could pique some to look deeper into those who dreamed of making big ….The story is well played out by two charming characters…..awe and there is love in the air….
This is a good story but it wasn’t the page-turner I had wished for.
I received this ARC from the Publisher Simon and Schuster via Netgalleys for my thoughts.
Post war Germany 1945, this epic historical fiction brings us to Graufeld Displaced Persons camp where we follow Klara Janowska and her daughter Alicja, they along with thousands others who needed to navigate through dangerous conditions and do anything to find a safe home. Klara and Alicja were the lucky ones.
Klara and Alicka are the heart in this sad tale. The story highlights how far a mother would go to protect her child and how deep the love of a daughter has for her mother. Both had endured the horrors of war before fleeing their native Poland walking for weeks to get to Graufeld , a camp where they found themselves in a grim situation, with basic rations and where they will be plunged in a cat and mouse game with an old adversary….. Oskar Schotz.
The story is narrated by Klara, Alicja and Davide Bouvier, the camp administrator.
The characterisation is superb especially when Klara and Oskar circle each other amidst the confines of the camp. The story also moves beyond the camps’ walls where the cost of war is revealed in heart wrenching depth. Cruelty and kindness and simple human compassion are poignantly explored. Ms. Furnivall particularly knows how to emotional engage us with shocking events in the darkest days of wartime and by vividly bringing to life the uncertainty and desperation of the displaced.
“The Survivors” although brutal is beautifully written, full of tension, thrills, and historical details. This is another cleverly plotted historical fiction which explores the resistance of human against adversity.
Well-done
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalleys for this ARC
The Queen’s Privateer #1
“A-hoy”
Based on true historical events, this is an epic story and a swashbuckling adventure of a young girl who grew up to be an influential 16th century seafarer. This tale is filled with gripping scene of murder, sea battles, sex, piracy, treasure galore and a lot of pirate lingo.
“Avast Ye”
This story is certainly an attention grabber. It starts with Mary, the heroine, discussing her father’s murder then the narration moves along for more than half the book recounting her life on the high sea till she was captured. I would say, this story fits different genres: it is a bit romantic, has strong adventure with pirates and smugglers, is quite educative in some ways with maritime language but most of all it will appeal to those who has a sense of adventure and are passionate for a plot full of thrilling action and love to be plunged into intense drama.
“Man-O-War”
Recreating life in the “wild west” days of the West Indies is very well done and most captivating. Mary managed to command ships and with her loyal crew has prowled the Caribbean and prospered in the New World. ….the joy of open sea….This is definitely a delicious spin to the old boys club of male captains….Mr. Mc Millan pulls no punches, the story flows with period of tensions intercepted with peaceful interludes where I was able to regain my breath. This book is very well- done. For those seeking the history behind this fiction Mr. McMillin has included relevant odds and ends of historical facts in the last pages.
“Hearties”
The cast of lively characters includes a cameo appearance by an historic figure, Queen Elizabeth 1. The protagonist Captain Mary is human and credible as well as original. The men are authentic and passionate, their life was cheap but their courage was golden…..
ARRR!
Transport yourself back to the 16th century and you will find this novel to be a very entertaining and captivating read.
Book #1, Soho Noir series
This is a good mystery that transports us back to the dark streets of London during the time Nazi were bombing the East End. For those not familiar with the lingo this story may be challenging “The Black Mile” uses a lot of period slang to add the feel of the time.
The story is told from three perspectives: police officers, brothers Frank and Charlie Murphy and newspaper reporter Henry Drake. All three are looking for “The Blackout Ripper” a serial killer murdering prostitutes in the seedy side of London. The setting during the Blitz is recreated very well as well as the atmosphere during that time: Freemason influence at the forefront, police corruption, brother’s feuds, ripper murders, journalists making up stories and the usual scandals. The plot moves quite fast with plenty of twists and turns to derail us and keep us interested. Seemed the real life Jack the Ripper was the inspiration behind this novel but Mr. Dawson did his thing and shown us he is a true master of suspense giving us just enough to pique out attention then leaving us hanging wanting to find out the next move. Although some parts are quite graphic it is nevertheless a gripping story with all the violence, sexual references, description of autopsies and many more gruesome descriptions we expect in such a mystery. “The Black Mile” is a roller-coaster ride of a novel and a page turner.
It may take a while the get a handle on the various characters but as the story moves on and we are able to place them we are into a story that flows smoothly and grabs all our attention. Unfortunately, by the end all threads do not tie down neatly leaving the door open for a sequence. Since this books was first out in 2012, of course by now there is one for us to grab…. Next on my TBR list: ”The Imposter”.
