Murder Most Royal by Jean Plaidy

Synopsis

At the decadent French court of King Francois, the young Anne Boleyn grows into an enigmatic and striking woman, a temptation to many courtiers. But whilst Anne's ambitions are high, she has learned from her sister's unfortunate reputation. Unlike Mary, Anne refuses to become even a King's mistress. So when Anne returns to the English court of Henry VIII, it is the King who is led a dance by this mysterious young beauty. Before long Henry is lured away from his stale marriage to Katharine of Aragon. But the new Queen Anne is not loved by the people, and it is only a matter of time before Henry's patience runs out...

My View

This period with Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard is in my opinion one of the most fascinating in history and they are definitely two of my favourite of Henry's Queens.

I was rather expecting this to be a little different as in Anne's story seperate to katherine's but, we see Katherine appear from quite a young age and I really liked that, I've only in the past read books about Katherine shortly before she became Queen.

This is a riveting read but, there are some inaccuracies with saying that Anne slept with Henry before they married and Ms Plaidy's descriptions of Jane Seymour were a little bit much (IMO).

I am leaving the Tudors behind for a while as much I love this era I have saturated this part of Tudor history but, of courtse shall return!

The King's Secret Matter by Jean Plaidy

Synopsis

The personalities and intrigues of the English royal court are brought to vivid life in this tale of Katharine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. The twelve-year marriage of Henry and Katharine has declined from an idyllic union into an uneasy stalemate.

The king's love for his aging queen has grown cold, and he is angry with her failure to give him the heir to the throne he desperately wants. When the seductive Anne Boleyn arrives at court, the king is captivated by her dark beauty and bold spirit, and becomes obsessed with his desire to possess her. With his chief advisor, Cardinal Wolsey, the king devises a secret plot to declare the marriage with Katharine null and void. But Katharine refuses to surrender to his wishes and fights desperately to retain her title and safeguard her daughter, Mary.

My View

The fourth in the Tudor series and I really start to feel for Katherine in this one, I loved the scenes of Mary with her mother, Katherine and how she doesn't want to be parted but, after a while she does seem to come across very clingy and also a tad annoying (I haven't read an awful lot about Mary Tudor so will have to soon!).

There seemed to be a lot going on in this instalment and I did find certain scenes rather drawn out in places, this being the final instalment in the Katherine trilogy I have to say I was not overly impressed I still did not get any involvement or feel I could get to know the characters (although of course we know much about the characters from history).

I have heard some say that Jean Plaidy's Tudor books can be a little dry and I would have a tendency to agree with that.

The Shadow of the Pomegranate by Jean Plaidy

Whilst the young King Henry VIII basks in the pageants and games of his glittering court, his doting queen's health and fortunes fade. Henry's affections for his older wife soon stray, leaving the lonely Katharine to instead use her marital sway to dangerous foreign advantage. Overseas battles play on Henry's volatile temper, and whilst many his power, rumours of his fruitful affairs are notorious. With no legitimate heir yet born, Katharine once again begins to fear for her future...

England loved the young lovers, but hardly were they wed when powerful people in Henry's court were spinning webs of intrigue around the innocent royal pair.

Spanish spies, the Pope's men, the Queen's seductive ladies-in-waiting, and especially the King's brilliant advisor, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey--all were obsessed with one question: Would Queen Katharine be able to give Henry the healthy son he so desperately needed? Everything depended on the answer, especially the destiny of Queen Katharine herself.

Jean Plaidy has never written more brilliantly of history's great women and men than in the bittersweet true story of young King Henry and his dear Kate, who wanted only to please her beloved husband but seemed fated to be thwarted at every turn. . . .

The second part of Katherine of Aragon's trilogy - I felt Katherine's personality coming through more in this book and of course this is the famous part of the story where Henry starts to cast Katherine aside after only having provided him with one healthy daughter.

But, of course there is more to the story than that - for me Katherine of Aragon is not one of the queen's I have very much fascination with, possibly because I liked Anne Boleyn and maybe saw Katherine as being in the way but, the more I read about Katherine the more I feel for her how scary it must have been coming from Spain to marry a man (boy!) she had never even met.

I did not enjoy this as the previous one, I do find with Jean Plaidy's books that you don't seem to get to know the characters as well as perhaps you could do and for me this book seemed to have a lot of flitting from one scene to the other but, that said still essential to read if your reading the Katherine trilogy.

Katherine, the Virgin Widow by Jean Plaidy

The young Spanish widow, Katharine of Aragon, has become the pawn between two powerful monarchies. After less than a year as the wife of the frail Prince Arthur, the question of whether the marriage was ever consummated will decide both her fate and England's. But whilst England and Spain dispute her dowry, in the wings awaits her unexpected escape from poverty: Henry, Arthur's younger, more handsome brother - the future King of England. He alone has the power to restore her position, but at what sacrifice?

This is the first book in the Katherine of Aragon trilogy, and second in the Tudors series. As I decided to read the Tudors series in order this one slightly back tracks on 'Uneasy Lies the Head' and covers a little of what was covered there but, thats no problem, as this could also be read alone.

Arthur dies shortly after becoming married to Katherine, leaving her a virgin widow as the marriage was never consummated, or was it? This must be one of the most debatable parts of our history as to whether Katherine and Arthur really did consummate their marriage. I would not like to say whether they did or didn't but, I more lean to the fact that they did or didn't.

Of course as we know Katherine then goes on to become Henry's wife, and also we see a glimpse of Katherine's sister Juana and life at Spanish and English court which was quite different as I found most of the books concentrate mainly on the English court.

Overall a good read, I don't think the book showed as much of Katherine's character I much preferred Philipps Gregory 'The Constant Princess' but, still a good read and whetted my appetite for the next 2 books.

Uneasy Lies The Head by Jean Plaidy

In the aftermath of the bloody Wars of the Roses, Henry Tudor has seized the English crown, finally uniting the warring Houses of York and Lancaster through his marriage to Elizabeth of York.

But whilst Henry VII rules wisely and justly, he is haunted by Elizabeth's missing brothers; the infamous two Princes, their fate in the Tower forever a shrouded secret. Then tragedy strikes at the heart of Henry's family, and it is against his own son that the widowed king must fight for a bride and his throne...

This was another interesting view for me for life with the Tudors, there was more here on Henry VIII's parents and life then something I have not really read a great deal on, most of my Tudor reading surrounds life from Henry VIII's rule, It was nice reading something different.

This is not the first Jean Plaidy book I have read but, this was the first from this particular Tudor series and also being book 1 in that series. Not only did this concentrate more on Henry's parents but, also on Henry's sisters, I think we know most of Arthur's story - and how tragically short that was - the only thing I think could have been done better was how quickly Ms Plaidy described what happened around Arthur's death one minute he was ill the next gone but, I wouldn't say it detracted from the story at all.

Another way of looking at Katherine of Aragon too - I can't say she is one of my favourite of Henry's wives but, I really felt for her here being sent to England to marry a future king must have been so daunting.

I found Henry's mother, Elizabeth of York a little bit of a walkover, she didn't seem to have any control over Henry VII, although he seemed quite a dominant figurehead. I would like to have seen more of Henry & Elizabeth's marriage written about as again this was, I wouldn't say skirted over but, maybe a little rushed.

This was a really good book and very easy to read. I have the whole of the Tudors series and the way its going I will be reading them all one after the other, I don't think I will ever tire of reading about the Tudors!

The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George

Synopsis:

Much has been written about the mighty, egotistical Henry VIII: the man who dismantled the Church because it would not grant him the divorce he wanted; who married six women and beheaded two of them; who executed his friend Thomas More; who sacked the monasteries; who longed for a son and neglected his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth; who finally grew fat, disease-ridden, dissolute.

Now, in her magnificent work of storytelling and imagination, Margaret George bring us Henry VIII's story as he himself might have told it, in memoirs interspersed with irreverent comments from his jester and confidant, Will Somers. Brilliantly combining history, wit, dramatic narrative, and an extraordinary grasp of the pleasures and perils of power, this monumental novel shows us Henry the man more vividly than he has ever been seen before.

My view:

I think we must all know the story of Henry VIII and his famous six wives only too well, personally I have only mainly read the story fom the view of his wives or from the third person, this was so different to read it as though Henry was himself writing how he saw things.

I put off reading this for quite some time mainly crazy as thought it may sound it got such good reviews I thought I might not enjoy that much, which is what invariably happens to me (I tend to like the ones that don't get such good reviews for some bizarre reason ...)

Starting from when Henry was a young boy right up to almost the end of his life this was a fabulous account, almost as if you was reading Henry's own memoirs. I thought before reading this that I might find the notes by Will Somers a little boring as I wanted to read Henry's story but, no I think I added an interesting view to the story overall.

I do think it was written sympathetically towards Henry although I guess it would do as it was written by him! As an Anne Boleyn sympathiser I found the scenes of Anne being beheaded quite graphic but, also the scenes with Catherine Howard I really did feel for Henry, I think with that storyline for me I never really saw the 'Henry ' side of things and just that Catherine was beheaded and the reasons behind that.

Overall this was a brilliant account of Henry's life and possibly one of the best Tudor fiction books I have read!

Vengeance is Mine by Brandy Purdy

There was room for only one woman in George Boleyn's heart-his sister, the mercurial and fascinating Anne Boleyn, who was destined to change history and wear a crown. To his adoring wife, Lady Jane Rochford, he was cold and indifferent. When Anne failed to give Henry VIII the son she had promised him, and he was tiring of her tart tongue and tantrums, false charges of adultery were hastily concocted.

Lady Rochford provided the crowning touch when she accused her husband and his beloved sister of incest. Both died upon the scaffold. Lady Rochford paid dearly for her treachery. She was left alone, shunned and friendless, until wild, sweet, wanton Katherine Howard danced into her life and became Henry's fifth queen. When Katherine, disgusted by the obese and impotent King's fumbling attempts to make love to her, took a lusty young lover Lady Rochford helped them meet.

And when the truth came out, she was the first to betray them. As she sits in the Tower of London, being tormented by the ghosts of George and Anne Boleyn, and awaiting her own appointment with the headsman's axe, Lady Rochford takes up her pen. Vengeance Is Mine is her story.

This book bears similarities to Philippa Gregory's The Boleyn Inheritance in that it tells the story of Anne Boleyn and katheirne Howard but, this time the whole book is told from the whole viewpoint of Jane Rochford rather than the 3 different viewpoints.

Going from previous books I have read I always found Jane Rochford to be rather cold and calculating at her involvement in bringing the deaths of Anne & Katherine but, hear I sympathised with her to some degree, how George Boleyn was portrayed he was really quite horrible, at least to Jane there is a particular part where he makes love to her and then in the morning when he says it was you was really horrible and I quite felt for Jane, quite why he married her in the first place I don't know!

And then there is poor Katherine Howard, I'm rather fond of Katherine and really felt for her although she could at times be quite silly I do find her amusing so Jane's part in Katherine's downfall I did not sympathise with! Hearing Katherine practice putting her head on the block was awful, I just can't imagine what must have been going through the poor girls head.

And Anne of Cleves also plays a small part in this book as does Jane Seymour, there is little about Jane Seymour but, as it is told by Jane I guess that is why. There was a little more about Anne of Cleves and the part of Jane cutting her stinky armpit hair was quite gross! I'm so glad I wasn't eating while reading that!

I really really enjoyed this book, if you have read and loved The Boleyn Inheritance you will enjoy this and it was nice to see things through Jane Rochford's eyes.

Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes

A beautifully written account of the life of Anne Boleyn, a story we know only too well and despite having read different authors accounts of her life I never tire of it, I never fail to be shocked at her ending, this was one of the most beautiful accounts of her life I have read.

The story goes right back to her life at Hever right to her grisly end at Tower Green. The book does have some historical inaccuracy but, this is a novel if historical fact bothers you that much then maybe this is not the book for you but, I would say it didn't bother me, it does weave between fact and fiction.That said this book was originally published in 1949, so maybe that should be taken into account too.

This novel, was I felt a little sympathetic to Anne so would appeal to those who like Anne more than they do Henry, despite what she done I did feel for her so possibly abnother reason why I liked this book so much. It elaborates quite a bit on Anne's relationship with Henry Percy whereas other books I have read in the past have perhaps skimmed over this part of her life.

Without going in to the storyline, which I am sure many know so well this is a brilliantly written story that anyone who loves historical fiction, and most especially Tudor fiction will love.

The descriptions of life at court are quite vivid and help you to set the scene in your mind.

A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands

That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau’s bed? He’s not dessert—he’s the main course!

Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. But there’s another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sign of blood… an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Her mother thinks she has the perfect solution, and serves up the therapist on a silver platter (or at least a wrought iron bed). Of course it doesn’t hurt that this psychologist has a delicious looking neck.

What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that? Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger’s bedroom pretty quickly—once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor find true love with a hemophobic vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal?

That’s a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into… if he can just get Lissianna to bite.

This is the fourth book but, should have been the first, sounds confusing? But, it does not detract at all from the story in fact I think if you wanted you could read this first to get Lissiana's story before reading the others but, I really think it doesn't matter.

Every inch as good as the other three I have so far read although, Etienne's story is my favourite so far.

Tall, Dark & Hungry by Lynsay Sands

New York hotels cost an arm and a leg, and Terri had flown from England to help plan her cousin's wedding. The new in-laws offered lodging. But they were a weird bunch. There was the sometimes-chipper-sometimes-brooding Lucern, and the wacky stage-actor, Vincent. (She couldn't imagine Broadway casting a hungrier singing-and-dancing Dracula.). And then there was Bastien. Just looking into his eyes, Terri had to admit she was falling for him - someone even taller, darker and hungrier than the other two. She was feeling a mite peckish herself. And if she stayed with him, those bloodsucking hotel owners wouldn't get her!

Bastien is a workaholic and lives in the gorgeous penthouse over the top of the Argeaneau offices. Kate has to go out of town and so it is left to Bastien and his brother to pick Terri up from the airport and she will also be staying at his gorgeous apartment!

Terri has no idea Bastien is a vampire, in fact she has no idea any of the Argenau's are vampires. So Bastien has to try and keep it from her for the 2 weeks she is staying. Just to make matters worse, Chris - Kate's editor colleague also has to stay at Bastien's apartment (apparently Chris is based on Lynsay's own editor).

I loved this one and despite the not so favourable reviews on Amazon this was a brilliant instalment in the Argenau's. Of course the end is fairly predictable but, its all nice and sweet!

Love Bites by Lynsay Sands

Etienne Argeneau's three hundred years of bachelorhood were at an end. Either that, or he'd be forever alone. He could only "turn" one human in his lifetime, and most of his kind reserved that power for creating a life mate. If he turned the wrong woman . . .

But what choice did he have? He had to save Rachel Garrett. He didn't know her very well, but the beautiful coroner had saved his life. To save hers he would make her immortal.

We first met Etienne in Single White Vampire but, this time its his own story. While Etienne is in the morgue, after having been shot and as Rachel prepares Etienne for a post mortem when Etienne wakes up sending Rachel into shock and subsequently fainting.

After having a week away from work Rachel returns and Etienne is back in the morgue again, only to find a madman trying to kill Etienne but, Rachel saves him and in turn Etienne saves Rachel by turning her into a vampire.

This was another hilarious romp in the life of the Argenau vampires, slightly different in that Rachel didn't really have much choice in being turned. All the great characters from SWV are back here although of course, we don't see them as much because this is Etienne's turn to take centre stage.

I'm beginning to like this world of Vampires even more than Charlaine Harris's!

Is it Spring yet?

After reading Margo's blog I thought I would change my template too! Nice and fresh and springlike, the other template was a bit stale and boring and not being too techie minded I was never too sure how to change the templates, and din't want to mmuck it up so I am very pleased it works!

I've also created a new blog! One of my other passions is photography and here's a link to the new one

http://clare-aphotographersblog.blogspot.com/

There's not much on there at the moment but, will be adding stuff over time.

Angels by Marian Keyes

The Walshes starred in a previous Keyes novel, the delightful Rachel's Holiday; Maggie is Rachel's older sister, (one of five) and the only one who "never did any of that nasty sleeping around business". Instead she got married to her first boyfriend Paul Garvan and everything was fine, until they suffered a couple of "setbacks". Unable to face sorting out the difficulties, Maggie hightails it to Los Angeles to stay with her old pal Emily. Emily is a script writer, her short film A Perfect Day was a big hit in Ireland, but her working life is a little tougher in the land of sunshine and fat-free Pringles. The two girls, along with a supporting cast of wannabes, scary film studio folk and slacker next door neighbours, get on with sorting out their emotional issues in a stylishly witty, wonderfully warm fashion. Maggie's devilish ex-boyfriend and the commitment phobic Troy add in a delightful frisson of sexual tension.

I think this must be the second in the series about the lovable Walshes, so looks like I've read them in totally the wrong order but, anyway ....

This was a fabulous funny feast as is the norm with Ms Keyes what Maggie gets up to in LA is pretty much hilarious for someone who was so settled before she left her husband. And Maggie's family feature quite a lot here which is great I think they are one of the funniest families in bookland!

However, this also touches on the very sensitive subject of miscarriage and thought it was so well done, although I'm lucky to have never suffered such a fate I thought it was very well done and Marian always has the brilliant way of dealing with issues like this while injecting a little light-heartedness, albeit sensitively.

This is not my favourite book from the Walshes, Watermelon still remains my favourite but, this was fun and a definite for anyone who loves chick-lit!

Changeling by Yasmine Galenorn

Meet the D'Artigo Sisters-three half human, half-Faerie, wild and sexy members of the OIA-the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Camille, a witch, Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, an acrobat extraordinaire turned vampire, are sent Earthside to keep them out of trouble by their superiors, but the girls find themselves smack in the middle of Demon-Central when Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms, decides to attempt a coup on both Earth and Otherworld. Now, with their erratic powers, the sisters must use their collective talents to prevent the demons from taking over and to save two worlds, one monster at a time.

Delilah:
"Someone’s been slaughtering the Weres of the Rainier Puma Pride, and my sisters and I have been enlisted to investigate by Zachary Lyonnesse, golden boy of the werepumas. Right away we smelled demon trouble, and we tracked it directly into the snare of the Hunters Moon Clan, sworn enemies of Puma Pride. But there’s more than Were rivalry at work. It’s that old demon Shadow Wing who’s setting a deadly snare for the pumas. We have to find out why, which means a visit one to of the Immortals. Unfortunately, for my sisters and me, our half-human blood is just enough to put us in mortal danger."

This is the second (of what I thought was three but, no apparently there is more) of the Sisters of the Moon series and Delilah ius a shapeshifter and to be honest I prefferred the character of the first book but, Deliliah was still very interesting!

So we have 3 sisters, which may sound similar to another well known series of 3 sisters, although they were all witches but, YG vehemently denies these have been influenced by any of those characters and if you read the books you will see that's true, the fact that there are 3 sisters and one is a witch is where the similarities end, and this is also classed as Paranormal Romance but, YG also vehemently makes another claim that this is Urban Fantasy which I would agree with it does not have some of the elements as PR which isn't a bad thing as I've read many excellent PR's.

As (what I thought was) the middle book this was good not fantastic but, a brilliant and addictive read, there are so many books of this type of genre out there at the moment and its easy to get overloaded and I'm sure I am missing out on some great series similar to this but, for now this one does for me, looking forward to reading Darkling!

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

This is the first in Lynsay Sands Argenau vampires series, although it can be a bit confusing as the website has book 3 listed as the first but, apparently this one is, but anyway ...

This is the story of Lucern Arganeau, from a family of vampires consisting (so far) of a mother, two sons and a daughter. Lucern is over 400 years old so has seen a lot and lived through many eras! Lucern is also a vampire firstly writing historical books and now onto Vampire romances.

Because of his books he meets Kate who is his book editor and she is trying to convince him to go to book signings etc which he is very reluctant to do and finally she gets him to agree to go to a book convention which is where the fun starts.

Of course at first he doesn't want to go but, is convinced to go not only by Kate but, also by his Mother and his family, they like Kate and think she will be perfect for Lucern. And so of course, Kate & Lucern nenture on a romance which isn't as easy as it seems. Lucern isn't exactly up on all the things of the 21st century.

The trouble starts when Kate discovers Lucern is a vampire, she doesn't know at first, he only told her he had problems with the sun (haw haw) and when she sees him taking some blood from her colleague Chris then he just has to own up!

This was a very funny feast! Every vampire series I think has to be compared to Anne Rice's vampires and you couldn't get further from lestat and his crew than these, it was so funny and I loved every minute!

I hope to read them all there are 9 so far I think!

Shopholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Becky's life is blooming! She's working at London's newest fashion store The Look, house-hunting with husband Luke (her secret wish is a Shoe Room)...and she's pregnant! She couldn't be more overjoyed - especially since discovering that shopping cures morning sickness.

Everything has got to be perfect for her baby: from the designer nursery...to the latest, coolest pram...to the celebrity, must-have obstetrician. But when the celebrity obstetrician turns out to be her husband Luke's glamorous, intellectual ex-girlfriend, Becky's perfect world starts to crumble. She's shopping for two...but are there three in her marriage!

I have to say I love Becky! I can identify with her on so many levels, probably a lot of us could, whilst I love a good old shop I'm nothing as bad as her but, anyway ... reading a few reviews about this book I wasn't expecting the greatest thing but, I think this is one of the best after Shopoholic & Sister!

As this is now book 5 some may think Sophie should put the Shopoholic world to bed but, no! I love these books and hearing what Becky gets up to next is hilarious its just like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in ages!

If you haven't read this book ... STOP HERE!

I absolutely hated Venetia and could really have punched her, the horrible things she said about Becky but, the part in the hospital just before she goes into labour was so cute when Luke said all the fantastic things about her but, my favourite part was when she thinks Luke is having an affair with venetia and she writes him the letter and he appears at the house just as Vogue get there, aww that was soooooo sweet!

Anyway, loved it loved it loved it and hope Becky is back soon with her daughter for some more hilarious adventures!

Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

'What secrets lie shrouded in darkness?
Okay, so jogging through Central Park after midnight wasn't a bright idea. But Margrit Knight never thought she'd encounter a dark new world filled with magical beings-not to mention a dying woman and a mysterious stranger with blood on his hands. Her logical, lawyer instincts told her it couldn't all be real-but she could hardly deny what she'd seen...and touched.

The mystery man, Alban, was a gargoyle. One of the fabled Old Races who had hidden their existence for centuries. Now he was a murder suspect, and he needed Margrit's help to take the heat off him and find the real killer. And as the dead pile up, it's a race against the sunrise to clear Alban's name and keep them both alive.

This is the first in a new series the Negotaiator Trilogy by C E Murphy and what a fantastic new world she has created! Margrit is a very interesting character and this book is told from both Margrits and Alban's point of view which puts an interesting view on things.

The world created here is drawn up quite slowly that said this is far from a slow book it was just a great way of getting you to understand the world that has been created. The beginning I felt Margrit seemed a little different to the character she turned into, not sure if that was intentional.

This being a trilogy of course the ending leaves you wanting more so can't wait for the nxt book out next month!

If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Aherne

Everything in Elizabeth Egan's life has its place, from the espresso cups in her gleaming kitchen to the swatches and paint pots of her interior design business. Order and precision keep life under control - and Elizabeth's heart from the pain and hurt she has suffered in the past. The only cloud on the horizon is her sister Saoirse, a red-haired whirlwind always leaving behind pieces, which Elizabeth struggles to pick up - including her six-year-old son Luke.

Being a reluctant mother while trying to keep her business on track is a full-time job, one which leaves little room for error - or fun. Until, one day, a stranger unexpectedly comes into their lives. Ivan is carefree, spontaneous and always looking for adventure - everything that Elizabeth is not. In no time at all, he has crept under her skin and started to change her life in ways she could never have . She knows barely anything about Ivan - who he is and whether he is everything he seems. And, if there is a future for their blossoming relationship!

This book is slightly different to Cecelia's other books but, equally as addictive to read. At first Elizabeth thinks her nephew, Luke just has this imaginary friend until he becomes Elizabeth's friend too!

I think this is one of those books where you either love it or hate it because, Ivan isn't exactly real per se it could be quite hard for some people to like him but, I loved this book because it was different and you can in some way relate to him because I think pretty much most of us had an imaginary friend when we was small or at least what other people thought was an imaginary friend but, who knows?

The Wildwood by Charles De Lint

A young artist returns to her cabin in the deep woods of Canada to concentrate on her illustrations. But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help--and she may be its last chance for survival.

This is (I Think!) Charles De Lints first book and its a delightful read, based on Brian Froud's faerie drawings and is part of Brian Froud's faerieland series.

Eithne who is an artist who sees whats around her without seeing it, if that makes any kind of sense! One day when drawing a sketch she looks and sees magickal being coming from the branches and trees. But, it doesn't stop there these magickal beings seem to step out into her world and she sees them all around her.

Having read some reviews some do not rate this book too highly and maybe because it was Charles's first book it is not as good as some of his others, so yes compared to his other works this perhaps does not live up to those but, compared to other authors this book is simply excellence!

Charles de Lint is an author I would highly recommend especially if you have a love of the world of Faerie.

Girl in the Shadows by Virginia Andrews

April Taylor isn't a little girl any more - but who is she really? The home she once shared with her parents and her older sister Brenda might have been filled with turmoil, but it was the only home she had ever known. Now, with nowhere to go in the wake of losing her mother and father, April has to grow up fast as she embarks on an odyssey of heartbreak and betrayal.

It is mere chance that leads her to the secluded home of a kindly elderly woman and her deaf teenage granddaughter, Echo. Here, April finds a refuge from her mixed-up life, and from the confusion that severed her relationship with Brenda, after an encounter with Brenda's girlfriend, Celia. But when a dangerous couple arrives with greedy intentions, April discovers they will take advantage of her very special friendship with Echo to get what they want. Now, April's survival depends on being true to the one person she's never fully accepted: herself.

Following on from April Shadows the central character once again being April Taylor, taken in by the kindly old lady and then there is Echo a deaf girl who is being tutored by Tyler, who at first seems quite un-friendly especially towards April and Echo takes a liking to him.

April still has quite a low opinion of herself in that she is overweight and that just adds to her problems, and that would seem the least of her problems when the elderly lady's daughter, Rhona arrives. Rhona, is also Echo's mother who left her daughter 10 years ago and has barely contacted her in all that time and arrives with her boyfriend, Skeeter in tow.

Overall a good read, as good as April Shadows I think and not as disturbing as the last series by VA I read.

You Make My Day

Rhinoa from http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/ tagged me forthis award, which I thought was very sweet and flattered she thought of me, now I am supposed to tag 10 other bloggers but, as I said in my previous post I don't know that many bloggers so I have included a couple of people I know online too, hope thats OK!

The first would have to be my good friend Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/. Margo is a very very dear friend of mine, we first met online two days bfore Christmas 2003 where she had her own faerie based forum, from the first moment she spoke to me I knew she was different to a lot of people I had come across online in that she was honest, genuine and seemed to have lots in common. Whilst we have both grown in many ways one thing that has never changed is our friendship she has helped me discover lots of things and I too for her she is an amazing woman and if you haven't come across her online please visit her blog she is a very friendly, genuine woman with a heart of gold!

Now onto someone who does not have a blog (that I know of!) her name is Michelle and she lives in Canada I met Michelle firstly on Margo's forum and we have remained friends since. Like me Michelle is Pagan and is a true animal spirit whenever I see any animal I immediately think of Michelle, whenever I feel down Michelle has this wonderful way of making you smile and feel so much better. One of my lifetime ambitions is to visit Polar Bear's in Canada in their natural environment, Michelle lives near to where this trip is and in winter is a very very cold part of the world and the things she tells me makes me more determined to visit, when I do finally make my dream a reality I will also be visiting Michelle which will be as special as meeting those precious bears too!

Another person who has no online blog is Sao again someone I met on Margo's forum, Sao is an absolutely wondrous person she helped me to discover Reiki and also attuned me on 2 levels of Reiki something I will be forever in her debt to, she truly is amazing for helping me discover this beautiful gift. She is a very kindly person who never judges but, listens and I am so glad to call her my friend.

Next Rhinoa who nominated me for this award, I met Rhinoa some years ago initially on a Witchcraft forum and discovered we shared a big passion - books! She has introduced me to many books, one series that sticks in my mind is Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, if you ned to know anything about this series Rhinoa is your gal!

Next I have to nominate Marg from http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/ I 1st came across Marg on Phillipa Gregory's forum before historicalfiction.org was born, if ever there is a book I want to find out more of I will often go to Marg's blog there aren't many books she hasn't read and she writes fantastic reviews!

Next is Kailana from http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/ pretty much for the same reasons as Marg. Kailana writes brilliant and informative reviews and first came across Kailana on the Historical Fiction forum, she hs many books that share the same taste with me and the some, I often look at Kailana's blogs for new recommendations.

Finally, Daphne from http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/ Daphne is one of my premier choices for Hitorical Fiction reviews, whilst I consider myself a fan of HF Daphne has read books I have never even heard of and consequently have found myself hunting down books she has reviewed, really honest and down to earth.

Sorry I did't get to 10 people but, as I said before I don't know that many bloggers, I really should get out more :-))

Book Meme 123

I was tagged by Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/

The rules of this particular meme are:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences
5. Tag five people

OK, I just reached for the nearest book to me, which is, The Cipher by Diana Pharoah Francis:

dispatched him to greet their father and elder brother.

"Tell them to wash and change quickly" she ordered.
"And tell Soames we'll dine in half a glass".

and now I tag:

http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/
http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/
http://bookisland.blogspot.com/ (not sure if I can tag someone who tagged me but, I don't have that many blogging friends :-(( )

Kitty & The Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn

Kittys radio show is a popular as it ever was she has written a book "Underneath Your Skin" which is just about to be released and a boyfriend to boot - Ben who is also Pack.

But, her Dad calls with news that her Mum has been diagnosed with breast cancer so she and Ben head straight back to Denver to be with her family.However, her old Pack headed by Karl & Meg is in Denver and Kitty's appearance in Denver is not taken too well by Karl. Not only that Kitty's friend Rick, a vampire is planning to take over the city from another vampire, Arturo.

This is the fourth book in what is one of my favourite Vamp/Were series and I was happy to discover that there at least another 3 books planned.

Kitty is a brilliant character and all the books, so far have been written in the first person so you get a real feel for Kitty, her boyfriend, ben is great but, I don't feel his character has been fully developed yet so will be good to see what happens to him in the future.

There are a lot of novels out there based on vampires/were's and its easy to get overloaded with them and think this series is just another jumping on the bandwagon but, it really isn't the whole radio show for the Supernatural is quite unique, or at least I haven't found another series like it and this series is just brilliant!

Eva's Book Meme

I was tagged by Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com who was tagged by Rhinoa from http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/

Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
The one that springs to mind is Child of the Phoenix by Barbara Erskine, I read Lady of Hay by her and was frankly bored to death and it really has put me off readong anymore of her books, even though I have read others of hers and enjoyed them.

If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
Ooh great question! It would have to be Sorcha from Juliet Marilliers Sevenwaters Trilogy, Saban from Bernard Cornwell's Stonehenge and Gandalf from LOTR for dinner - what a great night that would be!

(Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realise it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?
Hmmmm that would have to be To The Tower Born by Robin Maxwell about the Lost Princes, it was totally 101% boring!

Come on, we've all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you've been nowhere near it?
The first 2 Harry Potter books, at my old job everyone and I mean EVERYONE was talking about them so just had to say I read them LOL although the reality is I only read the first one a couple of years ago, and the worst thing is when everyone was talking about them I had to pretend to know what they was going on about when in fact I didn't have a clue!

As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realise when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you haven't? Which book?
Don't think thats ever hyappened to me.

You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you'd recommend and why? (if you feel like you'd have to know the person, go ahead of personalise the VIP)
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, because it is set in an era I'm very familiar with and is such a brilliant read about one of historys most interesting people in my opinion!

A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with? Spanish


A mischievious fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, the book that got me into Fantasy!

I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What's one bookish thing you 'discovered' from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)?
Definitely books I would never have looked up otherwise like Stephenie Meyers Vampire series.

That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leatherbound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free.
Definitely prsitine trade's I much prefer those over hardbacks.

And the final portion of this assignment is to tag four others:

Kailana's Written World http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/
Marg at http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
Daphne at http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/

*And, for extra credit, if you leave a comment letting Eva know you've done the meme with a link to the post, she will give you some link love via a big list of who's participated. Additionally, if you link back to her original post, she will enter you in a drawing to win The House at Riverton. If you're an American, this is especially exciting since it isn't going to published until April. ;) To be in the drawing, you must have posted the meme (and commented) by February 5th, which is when she is holding the drawing.

Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell

Four thousand years ago, a stranger's death at the Old Temple of Ratharryn-and his ominous "gift" of gold-precipitates the building of what for centuries to come will be known as one of mankind's most singular and remarkable achievements. Bernard Cornwell's epic novel Stonehenge catapults us into a powerful and vibrant world of ritual and sacrifice at once timeless and wholly original-a tale of patricide, betrayal, and murder; of bloody brotherly rivalry: and of the never-ending quest for power, wealth, and spiritual fulfillment.

Three brothers-deadly rivals-are uneasily united in their quest to create a temple to their gods. There is Lengar, the eldest, a ruthless warrior intent on replacing his father as chief of the tribe of Ratharryn; Camaban, his bastard brother, a sorcerer whose religious fervor inspires the plan for Stonehenge; and Saban, the youngest, through whose expertise the temple will finally be completed. Divided by blood but united-precariously-by a shared vision, the brothers begin erecting their mighty ring of granite, aligning towering stones to the movement of the heavenly bodies, and raising arches to appease and unite their gods. Caught between the zealousness of his ambitious brothers, Saban becomes the true leader of his people, a peacemaker who will live to see the temple built in the name of salvation and regeneration.

This is a fantastic book, if you have any interest in Stonehenge you will love this, nobody truly knows how Stonehenge came to be built and this story was so beautifully told I would like to think there is some truth in the story and the real story of Stonehenge. I have never been to Stonehenge but, have been to many stone circles and the energy you get from them is so unreal so I can only imagine what Stonehenge can bring.

If you love Historical Fiction I am sure you will really enjoy this and Bernard Cornwell is a fantastic writer and really done a brilliant job of bringing the beginnings of Stone henge to life.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling

Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

So the final book in the long running Harry Potter series and I am sorry to say I was very disappointed, the storyline was good but, it didn't have me as engrossed as the other books had. I did feel some of the plots appeared to be a little rushed.

I have seen some people quote this book as being the best book they have ever read, well I am really sorry but, if that is so then they really can't have read very many books! I know primarily this book is aimed at children/young adults but, I think as the series went on it seemed for me more aimed at "older" adults.

Now I'm probably giving this book a really rough deal and that is only because personally I felt it was not as good as others in the series, it just seemed as though it had been rushed too much but, overall still a good book.

I'm not going to reveal any spoilers in case no-one has read it yet, I felt like I was the only person in the world who hasn't read this book, it felt that way anyway, I'm sure it isn't! Anyway overall, a good read not an engrossing one but, I am glad the series has finished now and think it was the right time for J K Rowling to finish this.

Where she will go now I don't know and whilst I don't think she is the greatest author in the world, far from it, she has brought reading to a great many people who may not have otherwise been interested in picking up a book and she should be highly commended for that.

Holder of Lightning by S. L. Farrell

Bringing home the sheep one evening, Jenna idly picks up a stone that feels good in her hand. She pockets it, and her life is never the same thereafter. The stone is Lamh Shabhala, a cloch na thintri that gathers and holds the mage-lights from the sky. Indeed, it is the master such stone, capable of waking the others, and by choosing Jenna, it makes her First Holder.

Although that is a painful, disfiguring, emotionally challenging responsibility she doesn't particularly want, many others whose motives are entirely self-serving do. Already, other cloch are waking, and since, throughout history, the stones have been used as instruments of war and destruction, their holders intend to battle for all the power they can grab. Yet previous holders, who live on in Lamh Shabhala, want an era of peace and prosperity to begin with Jenna.

Billed a celtic fantasy and being a fan of Kate Forsyth's series I thought this would be a lot better than it was, I know there were moments when I thought I just can't be bothered and then it would pick up and seem more interesting.

Jenna is a very interesting character, at times she seems so likeable and you really want the best for her and then sometimes she could be so annoying, a bit like the book I guess, and I suppose that goes hand in hand.

Some of the characters were fine, unfortunately I didn't getto know the characters enough to really get involved and like them. Mac Ard was one I just couldn't work out why he wanted Lamh Shabala so bad, unless I missed something along the way?

Overall it was a fairly mediocre fantasy which on the outset has good potential but, I do think it wasn't all that well written. It was S.L. Farrell's first book I have read and not sure if it was his/her first novel overall if so for a first novel it was fine, I wouldn't say it was a bad novel , I have certainly read worse but, I am afraid I won't be in too much of a hurry to read the sequels.

The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer

Firstly I am not a Druidess nor do I practice druidry, what I am is a pagan and like to learn as much as I can about other paths, that said I am very drawn to Druidry and my online name, Cerridwen is my patron Goddess (oor Ceridwen) who has very strong links with Druidry.

It has been such a long time since I have read a non-fiction book, mainly a lot of Pagan texts go over the same ground, especially Witchcraft & Wicca books, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy reading non-fiction!

This book I feel is more aimed at the new druid or someone wanting to learn more about the Druid path, the book does state that it can be used by experienced Druids but, I am not sure there is anything here that someone who has been on the path a long time would find of use.

You can read through the book end to end as I did, or you can just read sections as you go through. It has a very good section on the Ogham and there are some excellent methods for meditation, this would be a really good reference book as well.

The first part of the book looks more at the history of Druidry and its roots which was very fascinating and also very useful was at the end of each section a list of useful other recommended reading material.

The final two sections was more on the practical part of druidry and it was very interesting, the author I found seemed quite flexible in how he feels the reader could practice Druidry given where they may live etc. Obviously any path of Paganism is a nature path and the best place for ritual is outisde although as we know this is not always possible so some good alternatives are listed here.

Overall,this was a really good insight and for someone just getting into druidry I think this would be an excellent first book, its not comprehensive of course I don't think any book could be burt, this would definitely help with that first toe in the water into Druidism.

The Gemini Trilogy by Virginia Andrews

Book One - Celeste

Warning: Contains spoilers!!!

He was her mirror image. Now the mirror has cracked. Celeste and her identical twin brother, Noble, are as close as can be - until a tragic accident takes Noble's life. It's a loss that pushes their mother, a woman obsessed with New Age superstitions, over the edge. Desperate to keep her son 'alive', Celeste's mother forces her to cut her hair, wear boys' clothes - and take on Noble's identity. Celeste has virtually disappeared - until a handsome boy moves in next door, and Celeste will risk her mother's wrath to let herself come back to life.

This book was in some ways quite disturbing, Celeste is the least favourite from her Mother's point of view so losing her son Noble is truly devastating, by turning Celeste in to Noble is quite traumatic, the one part was when Celeste was on the toilet doing well what girls do! But, then her Mother tells her she must stand up to have a wee!!! It makes you wonder if she truly believed Celeste was Noble and just what went through the womans head.

Losing a child is traumatic for any Mother (and Father) but, I felt really no pity for her by what she done to Celeste and practically ruining her life by making her be someone she wasn't.

However, a family move in next door, a man with 2 children a boy and girl. The boy tries to befriend Celeste/Noble hlthough he doesn't seem terribly friendly but, anyway finds "Noble" and his Mother quite strange until one day he discovers that "Noble" is a girl, the upshot is Celeste/Noble becomes pregnant and has a child called Celeste setting the scene for the next book.

Though this book may seem strange and at times disturbing it is so gripping, never a dull moment to be had.


Book Two - Black Cat

She hid her true self. Now the truth will be revealed ...Living a life of lies under the thumb of her widowed, spiritually obsessed mother, Celeste has been forced to take on the identity of her dead twin brother Noble. She's almost forgotten what it's like to be Celeste - except for the one thing that keeps her sane: caring for her darling daughter, Baby Celeste. But when Celeste's mother marries a kindly neighbour, a new breed of poisonous secrets and vicious enemies will force Celeste to do what she must - to survive the darkness ...

So now baby Celeste has arrived and some things she does seems to make her as strange as her Grandmother. Celestes mother passes baby Celeste off as her own and also marries the man who used to live next door who bizarrely is Baby Celestes Grandfather.

So Dave, the man next door and father to Elliott, Baby Celeste's father marries and moves in with Celeste's Mother, he also has a daughter betsy who is such a wild child and causes havoc, she eventually finds out that Celeste is not really Noble and is in fact Noble and then all hell breaks loose.

This episode was even more eventful than Celeste and I haven't even mentioned half the story here!


Book Three - Child of Darkness

As a child, she was Baby Celeste, the one thing that kept her mother in touch with reality. But now her mother is in an institution, and sixteen-year-old Celeste Atwell is alone in the world. Adopted by a wealthy couple, Celeste has everything a girl could desire: designer clothes, luxury cars, even a handsome boyfriend. But her indulgence may come at a steep price -- because the secrets hidden within her new family are too dangerous to keep under wraps....

Baby Celeste is growing into an adult and stays in her home until one day a young couple come along wanting a young girl to foster, Baby Celeste has lierally everything she could ever want, her own bedroom when she has been sharing with other girls all the colthes and make-up she could ever want and a rich boyfriend to boot.

This book was so disappointing, Baby Celeste's real Mum, Celeste makes practically no appearance in this book which is such a shame, it would have been better for Baby celeste to have spent the time trying to find out more about her past than the life she spent with her foster parents, and her foster mother did seem quite shallow and didn't really add much to the story.

I really enjoyed the series but, the last book was a bit of a letdown, but all in all highly gripping!

The Magic Cottage by James Herbert

"We thought we'd found our haven, a cottage deep in the heart of the forest. Charming, maybe a little run down, but so peaceful. That was the first part of the Magic. Midge's painting and my music soared to new heights of creativity. That was another part of the Magic. Our love for each other - well, that became the supreme Magic. But the cottage had an alternative side - The Bad Magic." "What happened to us there was horrendous beyond belief. The healings, the crazy sect who wanted our home for themselves, the hideous creatures that crawled from the nether regions, and the bats - oh God, the bats! Even now those terrible things seem impossible to me. Yet they happened..."

This book was impossible to put down! Every time I did I just wanted to know what was going to happen next, so much going on and never a dull moment!

Mike and Midge are a couple living in a flat in London and find their perfect little cottage in the country, the cottage is being sold as the former owner died. Midge absolutely falls in love with it and although Mike sees the flaws they inevitably buy the cottage.

There is something very strange about the cottage with the animals coming to visit and Rumbo,a red squirrel he is so darn cute! Then they meet some people who appear at first nice but, later find out they are a cult, and the cult wants the cottage.

This was quite scary in places and the most disturbing for me was the bats, that really did make my flesh crawl - urgh!

This was only my third James Herbert book, my favourite is still Once but, this comes a close second.

April Shadows by Virginia Andrews

APRIL HAD ALWAYS FELT LIKE AN OUTSIDER. Her older sister Brenda was tall, athletic, competitive, and sure of herself. But April Taylor was short, sensitive, and overweight -- and she couldn't bounce back from their father's cutting criticisms the way Brenda did.

April didn't know why their once-loving dad had become a coldhearted monster, but she was sure it had something to do with her. And she could see how his cruel behavior was tearing away at her gentle mother. But a glimmer of happiness returns when Brenda brings home her college roommate: beautiful, bewitching Celia. And April wonders if she might not be so different from Brenda after all.

It has been soooooooooo long since I read a Virginia Andrews book but, was in Books Etc and they had a 3 for 2 offer, I just couldn't find the last one so picked this up. The only others I read was the Dollanganer series and My Sweet Audrina.

This was quite different from the last series I read so nothing to compare, which is good. I found some of the characters a little irritating to start off with but, I guess that is just the way of them, I felt for April though but, Brenda was such a whinger!

The whole family for me seemed so pitiful but, there was something here that just wanted me to keep reading, the ending of the book was quite sad and I really felt (again!) for April so going to have to read the next one to find out what happens.

This book also dealt with homosexuality issues quite sensitively I thought, I have heard some reviews claim shock and covering this issue in this series but, Viriginia's past books cover incest and rape but, that's OK? Go figure ...

Its not a book I would highly recommend its quite an easy seemed almost a Young Adult read but, I like those so no complaints there, and it could also be quite depressing in parts so not one to read if your feeling down in the dumps!

Reading Challenge for 2008

I have signed up to do a reading challenge in 2008! this is my first one ever ~woo hoo~ and you basically have to:

1.Read a minimum of 8 books published in 2008. (Library books are acceptable!)
2. No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
3. At least 4 titles must be fiction.
4. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
5. Titles may be changed at any time.

On the outset I think it may be quite easy for me as I buy lots of books through the year but, thinking on it a lot of books I buy are paperbacks and as hardbacks usually get published first will just have to see what happens!

Copy & paste the link below to sign up:
http://1morechapter.com/pub/

High Noon by Nora Roberts

Police Lieutenant Phoebe MacNamara found her calling at an early age when an unstable man broke into her family's home, trapping and terrorising them for hours. Now she's Savannah's top hostage negotiator, defusing powder-keg situations and has a talent for knowing when to give in - and when to jump in and take action. It's satisfying work - and sometimes those skills come in handy at home dealing with her precocious seven-year-old, Carly, and her agoraphobic mother, still traumatised by the break-in after all these years. It's exactly that heady combination of steely courage and sensitivity that first attracts Duncan Swift to Phoebe.

After watching her talk one of his employees off of a roof ledge, he is committed to keeping this intriguing, take-charge woman in his life. She's used to working solo, but Phoebe's finding that no amount of negotiation can keep Duncan at arm's length. And when she's grabbed by a man who throws a hood over her head and brutally assaults her - in her own precinct house - Phoebe can't help but be deeply shaken. Then threatening messages show up on her doorstep, and she's not just alarmed but frustrated. How do you go face-to-face with an opponent who refuses to look you in the eye?

This was a fantastic book from Nora, although I have only read one of Nora's In Death series under her alter ego as JD Robb I got the feeling this was quite similar just not futuristic like In Death.

The characters were all great, for me I didn't find any of them weak and Phoebe was great I just wanted everything to go for her, I was a little disappointed with the ending as the final part was so nail biting for me then wham! it all seemed to be over but, I think that was more because I really liked the characters of Phoebe and Duncan and would loved to have known what happened afterwards.

Although lots of Nora's books always seemed to be tagged under the romance section I think her books are far more than that and find romance to be just a small part of her books, for me she is by far the best in her genre, I'm a huge Nora fan can't you tell!!

If you love 'In Death' I feel sure you will love this, personally I prefer her stand alone books to her trilogies as she seems to cram so much into them which makes them so much more interesting and absorbing.

Brilliant!

Witch Fire by Anya Bast

Mira Hoskins is the heroine of this book and the story begins with a warlock, William Crane sacrificing the lives and magicks of four elemental witches; each with power over fire, earth, water or air. This was the night twenty five years ago that Mira's mother & frather died ...

Mira has been raised by her aunt and is working as a waitress when one day a customer gves her some grief about wearing a pentacle, step in Jack McAllister, a fire witch, who defends Mira and later helps her to discover that she is a witch too, an air witch.

But, the magickal world wants Mira dead but, Jack has been sent to protect her but, they find themselves passionately drawn to each other which just wasn't mean't to happen! All the while Jack is keeping a massive secret from Mira one that will she ever find out?

This book was fantastic, you don't often find books about modern day witches, not in my experience anyway, Vampires and Weres yes ... anyway it was the Witch element that initially drew me to this book and it was a fun read, if you like paranormal romance books with a tiny smattering of sex, don't bother with this LOL! There is lots of sex but, it did not detract from the book in any way in fact it probably added to it.

This was the first book I read by Anya Bast and I loved it! This was the first in a new series and I will definitely be getting the rest, just hope the rest of the series holds the story as well as this one.

Septimus Heap by Angie Sage

Book One: Magyk

This is the story of the Heap family and the basis of the story is one sad night they lose their newborn son Septimus and then bizarrely acquire a new baby girl as a kind of replacement but, this is not just any ordinary girl, the girl they call Jenna is heir to the throne! However, there is an evil necromancer and he wants Jenna dead, this makes for the Heap family having to split up and hide and to somehow find how to get the throne back!

The Heap's 'lost' son is in fact the seventh son of a seventh son, and does he remain lost forever? Hmmm, well the series title probably explains he doesn't, and how he re-appears is very interesting!

This is a brilliant beginning to what I hope is a great trilogy, there is a wide cast of characters each added their own to the book, a brilliant easy young adult series which has sprinklings of similarities to another well known magical series ....

Book Two: Flyte

It's been a year since Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, discovered his real family and true destiny to be a wizard. As Apprentice to ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, he is learning the fine arts of Conjurations, Charms, and other Magyk, while his best friend Jenna (the adopted girl who lived with his family for ten years until it was discovered that she was royalty!) is adapting to life as the Princess and enjoying the freedom of the Castle.

But, as is the way with all good fantasy stories, something sinister is still afoot. The evil necromancer DomDaniel may have been has been disposed of, but something Darke is undeniably stirring. A Shadow pursues ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, following her every move, growing stronger every day. Septimus realises the danger but, before he can act, Jenna is snatched, taken by the most unlikely kidnapper. Could it really be his jealous brother Simon who is responsible? Septimus must rescue his sister but does not, at first, realise the nature of the threat apparent.

The second book in this series sees yet more characters and this one I found a little slow to begin with but, it soon picks up and with the Heap family growing up and branching off and with so many twists and turns and with DomDaniel believed to be dead Jenna is enjoying a peaceful life, for now. And with Simon (one of the Heap's sons) believing he is the apprentice of DomDaniel he goes to the Palace to upset Jenna's peaceful life.

A fabulous second book, though not as good as the first but, still brilliant!

Book Three: Physik

When Silas Heap unseals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself ever-lasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then dark adventure awaits.

The third instalment from Septimus Heap deals with more Dark issues but, with the usual humour elements from Angie Sage it keeps it not too dark and yet again we see even more new characters making things more interesting. One of the new characters is Queen Ethelredda which while though maybe not one of the nicer characters of Septumus Herap I certainly found her very fascinating and amusing.

Overall a really good series, which I understand is far from finished with apparently at least another 2 instalments planned.

This series has drawn some similarities to a certain other series of magical books all I can say is if you enjoyed Harry Potter I am sure you will love this but, if you are a die hard HP fan you man not enjoy this as much. You may think the Heap are similar to the Weasleys, I personally didn't think they were that similar but, anyway read this and make your own decision.

To The Tower Born by Robin Maxwell

This is a fictional account of the famous story of what happened to the princes in the Tower. With the sudden death of King Henry, the first in the Tudor line, and the ascension of his eldest son, 13-year-old Prince Edward, insidious power plays and conspiracies roil England. Before young Edward V can be crowned, Lord Hastings and Harry Buckingham lose their heads and the Duke of Gloucester connives to become Richard III. In the midst of the struggle, the two princes are abducted.

The sad story of the Princes is seen through the eyes of Nell Caxton, daughter of William Caxton, and Elizabeth (Bessie), oldest daughter of King Edward IV and is told as narrated to Bessie's son, Henry, who was to become Henry VIII. Nell was Henry's Godmother.

I think most of us know the story of the lost princes, and probably have our own idea of what may have happened, and I guess we will never fully know, as a murder mystery this is a great book but, as a historical fiction (and a big fan of historical fiction) this book was sadly lacking.

I didn't get a great deal of feel for the time period, and whilst historical fiction does not always have to be entirely true (hence the word fiction I guess!) there were just some parts that just didn't seem right.

I do find with some historical fiction of era's I am not too familiar with that I don't like them as much as era's I am familiar with and because I do not know a huge amount what happened other than the basic facts I think possibly that could be another reason why I wasn't too enthralled with this. It would probably have been better if I had read a factual book on this first, so will probably read Alison Weir's account and read this again some day.

Voice of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready

This is the follow up to the fantastic Eyes of Crow and this one did not disappoint, the worst thing about this book was finishing and having to wait a few months for the next instalment!

Reading Eyes of Crow before this book is essential as you may not be able to follow the book and may get confused, the visualisation in this book is fantastic and you really can picture everything that is happening.

Rhia is the main character and as someone who can hear the dead is such a full of life character, Jeri has created an immensely likeable character, and as we follow Rhia and Marek we see them enhancing their powers during a very unsettled time. In Asmersos the battle has left survivors behind, and Filip and Kiril as two of those survivors.

Rhia gives birth to Marek's child (Marek being a man of Wolf) and this is where the main story picks up, although unlike Eyes of Crow the main focus is not always on Rhia and we see some new characters introduced, who all add their own appeal to this fantastic story.

This book, as the series is set in a Post Acoloyptic time and with the whole theme of this book similar to Native American beliefs, anyone interested in that will love this book, the basis of this particular book is the invaders who have lost their magical ability. This is mainly due to them living in the city.

If you have spiritual beliefs in connecting with animals you really will love this, and even if you don't it might just make you think!

This truly is a fantastic story, one of my favourites of this year!

The Secret of Crickley Hall by James Herbert

There is an old, empty house in Devils Cleave, a deep gorge that leads from the high moors down to the harbour village of Hollow Bay. The house is Crickley Hall and its large and grim, somehow foreboding. Its rumoured to be haunted. Its thought to hold a secret. Despite some reservations, the Caleighs move in, searching for respite in this beautiful part of North Devon, seeking peace and perhaps to come to terms with whats happened to them as a family.

But all is not well with the house. They hear unaccountable noises. A cellar door they shut every night is always open again in the morning. They see things that cannot be real. The house is the last place the Caleighs should have come to, for the terror that unfolds is beyond belief. Soon they will discover the secret horror of Crickley Hall . . .

The Caleighs are a really nice family, you end up wanting everything to be OK for them they also recently had their young son Cameron go missing and the pain of this is all too fresh. Of course, everything is not going to be alright for them this is a horror book after all! The cast of characters were really good too from the 70 year old caretaker to the young psychic (scared to do readings, go figure!)

This is only the second book of James Herberts I have read and found this to be your typical haunted house story, I love horror books that really scare me but, sorry to say this didn't do that for me, I haven't found an author to beat Graham Masterton on that yet but, having said that it was a horror story and I'm sure if whilst reading this one of your locked cupboard doors comes flying open then it might give you the heebie jeebies!

This was a good story it just didn't have the horror factor I would have liked but, I will be reading more from James Herbert.

Birthright by Nora Roberts

When five-thousand-year-old human remains are found at a construction site in the small American town of Woodsboro the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger and romance.

Callie's ex-husband Jake is also on the dig which doesn't make for great news for Callie, and when Callie is interviewed on TV Suzanne Cullen recognises and thinks she is her baby, Jessica who was kidnapped almost 30 years ago. She approaches Callie and asks if she was adopted, and as far as she is concerned she isn't but, is that really true ...

I picked this one up after having immense difficulty getting into a book, Nora usually hits the spot so thought this would be a good one, and it was although the ending was pretty predictable.

The characters were pretty OK not the best characters we have seen from Nora but, mostly likeable and I didn't find anyone there I took a disliking to, there were many twists to the story too and not just the story of Callie's dig and her possible kidnapping.

Jake was a very interesting character although her ex-husband I didn't dislike him at all, and without wishing to spoil the storyline there were other characters within the story that although I liked the characters could have been more well-developed.

A good read but, far from one of Nora's best.