Arc Review ~ An Untimely Frost

An Untimely Frost (Lilly Long #1)

by Penny Richards
published by Kensington
expected release date: July 26, 2016
genre: Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction

**Received e-galley from netGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): In 1881 Chicago, the idea of a female detective is virtually unheard of. But when famed crime buster Allan Pinkerton opens his agency's doors to a handful of women, one intrepid actress with her own troubled past is driven to defy convention and take on a new and dangerous role. . .

Since the age of eleven, when her mother was murdered, the life of the theater is all Lilly Long has known. Now twenty-two, she has blossomed into an accomplished Shakespearean actress. But after her innocence--and her savings--are taken from her by a seductive scoundrel, Lilly vows to leave the stage, enter the real world, and save others from a similar fate. Following in the footsteps of the country's first female detective, Lilly persuades Allan Pinkerton to take her on.

Lilly's acting skills are a perfect fit for her real-life role as a Pinkerton operative. But her first case is a baptism by fire as she is sent to the small town of Vandalia to solve the mystery of a pastor who disappeared with his family--and the church's funds. When Lilly arrives, she finds the mere mention of the reverend's name provokes enmity or suspicious silence. Shadowed by a second Pinkerton agent with an agenda of his own, Lilly begins to uncover Vandalia's sordid secrets. But she'll have to deliver the performance of a lifetime to survive the final act of this drama.

My Thoughts: This is our introduction to Lilly Long. The newest agent for the famous Pinkerton Agency. Lilly decides to pursue this job after her husband's true nature is thrown in her face.  Using her acting skills, she convinces (sorta) the Pinkerton brothers that she is the one they want.
The first assignment in Vandalia is not as easy as it would appear. Stories about a pastor with ulterior motives, missing money, and a haunted house greet Lilly once she arrives in town. I liked Lilly's ability to kept moving forward with her inquiries not matter how off putting the locals are. This did lead to some rather uncomfortable situations where Lilly ended up needing rescuing, usually by the mysterious boxer that Lilly keeps running into.
There were enough surprises and twists to keep you reading to find out what was going to happen next. Added into the mix is Lilly's memories of her mother's murder that tied in to the current story while also setting up for future books. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.

Rating: 4 

Book Review ~ The Alchemist of Souls

The Alchemist of Souls 

by Anne Lyle
published by Angry Robot
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction.

Summary (Goodreads): When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods--and a skrayling ambassador--to London. But what do these seemingly magical beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?

Mal Catlyn, a down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador's bodyguard, but assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new ally--and Mal his soul.

My Thoughts: I didn't enjoy reading this as much I enjoyed the overall story.
There was too much of Coby and the actors for me. Whenever the story veered away from Mal and his story I lost interest. I didn't care about the plays or who won the competition or even the fact that there was a competition. All the side characters stories felt the same and didn't add anything to the overall picture. I can see where the author was trying to take it all and get all the characters in the same place.
The other thing that was weird/off was the relationship between Mal and Coby. She is a young girl pretending to be a boy so she can work in the theater. Based on how her character is presented and how Mal's character is presented they don't make sense to me. She seems too young and based on other things that happened during the book not someone that he would normally take a notice of.
All of that said, I did like Mal and his story with the skraylings. Finding out about Mal and his brother's past and how it related to his getting the job of the Ambassador's bodyguard.
Overall, I'm still interested in the world that the author created and Mal's place in it. I'm hoping that the second book, that will not have so much focus on the theater, will keep my interest more.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review (Arc) ~ Chivalrous (DNF)

Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2)

by Dina L Sleiman
published by Bethany House
genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Lit, Fantasy

**received e arc from publisher and netGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads): Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

My Thoughts: DNF: Unfortunately this just wasn't working for me. I really liked Gwendolyn. If it had only been her story told from her POV I might have been able to finish it but Allen's POV is what turned e off.
First, I didn't know this was a second in a series. It would not have been a problem if Allen hadn't been part of some love triangle in the first book. Knowing this and the fact that Merry was all he talked about in the part of the book I read made it difficult to see him as someone for Gwen. Also, I know it is christian lit, but Allen's POV was very preachy. The author did a good job of being subtle but still showing the other characters faith without over doing it just not with Allen.
Others will enjoy this. It has a great fantasy setting and Gwendolyn really is a great female lead. I just couldn't get past Allen's voice in the part of the story I read.

Book Review ~ India Black and the Widow of Windsor

India Black and The Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage #2)

by Carol K Carr
published by Berkley Prime Crime
genre: Adult, Historical, Mystery

Summary (Goodreads): Black is back! Her Majesty's favorite spy is off to Scotland in this new adventure to ensure the Queen doesn't end up getting killed.

When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen-and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.

French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...

My Thought: There were a few problems with the first book but I decided to give this one a chance. I liked this one much more. It might have been because this was filled with more court intrigue rather than just political ones.
India is no longer happy just being the owner of a brothel. She is ready for an adventure and Dizzy and French pull her into another one. This time they are trying to find out who is trying to assassinate the Queen while she is taking holiday in Scotland.
While French covers the royal court, India is stuck as a lady maid to a Marchioness ( I messed up this title every time I read it). The Marchioness might have been my favorite side character. Her need to stick any powder close by up her nose created some very interesting situations. She was also one of the smarter members of the court, figuring out what was going on before anyone else.
Overall, this had everything I was looking for in this cross genre. Scandalous rendezvous, randy royal princes, servant gossip, and of course some really bad (and one good) assassination attempts on the Queen. I'm looking forward to seeing how much trouble India, French, and Vincent can get into next.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ India Black

India Black (Madame of Espionage Mysteries #1)

by Carol K. Carr
published by Berkley Trade
genre: Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction,

Summary (Goodreads): When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.

Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator.

My Thoughts: This was a nice mix of two genres that I wish I read more of. I enjoy both mysteries and historicals but am picky about what I read in each.
India was a humorous, straight forward lead. Whether talking about her running of Lotus House or trying to recover a case that seemed to be important to a lot of people, she had something to say even when it would be better if she didn't.
I wanted to like the team up of French, India and Vincent more but at times it seemed disjointed. We are lead to believe that there could be some type of attraction between India and French but most of the time they seemed to be occupying the same space  but not aware of each other. There was more interaction/affection from French towards Vincent (not in a bad way) than towards India. They also seemed to have the tools and abilities to end this chase much sooner but when they were in the moment they seemed to forget about their guns, swords, etc.
Overall, even with some of the problems it was a good introduction to a series. There was plenty of action and enough twists and humor to keep me entertained throughout. I am looking forward to reading more about India and how much trouble she can get into with help of French and Vincent.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Falconer

The Falconer (The Falconer #1)

by Elizabeth May
published by Chronicle Books
genre: YA, Historical Fantasy, Steampunk

Summary (Goodreads): Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

Edinburgh, Scotland, 1844

Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.

Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.

But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge?

My Thoughts: I so wanted to like this book. I loved the cover, the summary sounded like it had a lot of promise, and everyone was raving about it. The last one should have tipped me off. For some reason whenever there is a lot of hype about a book I don't fall in line with the rest.
The world building was well done, incorporating small steampunk details without hitting you over the head with them. For me I didn't feel like I was reading a book set in Scotland, it felt more British, until the author reminded you they were in Scotland. This did not take away from the story at all just something I noticed.
The characters. This is where I had the most problems with the book. Aileana starts off as a broken young girl who has recently lost her mother and just wants revenge against the Fae that killed her. Not only does she want to kill the specific one but she is out to get everyone she can find. If the author had stuck with this and kept her as a strong female character, even making the hard choices, I would not have disliked this book as much as I did. Enter Kiaran, the cliche YA boy (I can't even call him the bad boy, he didn't have enough personality for that). Everything you just learned about Aileana and liked about her goes out the window. Instead of being the strong female she is reduced to the simpering schoolgirl who can focus on nothing but his lips and how he makes her feel. This would have almost been fine if he wasn't the very thing that we are told she hates with all her being.
Needless to say the story went downhill from there. We also have a Gavin, who is just trying to do the right thing, saves Aileana's life and ruins his own in the process. I've mentioned before how much I dislike love triangles and this is no exception.
The ending. I'm not sure how I felt about the cliffhanger (ish) ending. I will say it showed that the author could write great characters in a short time. Sorcha and her brother were two of the most interesting in the book. Their personalities were solid (even if they were evil) and more there than Kiaran's who we had been reading about since the beginning of the book. The seal, Kiaran's sister, the reason that Sorcha can't be killed, these may be reasons to read the next book but I'm just not sure. I'll have to wait and read some reviews from bloggers I trust before I decide.

Rating: 3.5

Review ~ Templar

Templar

by Jordan Mechner
illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Alex Puvilland
published by First Second
genre: Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction

Summary (Goodreads): Martin is one of a handful of Templar Knights to escape when the king of France and the pope conspire to destroy the noble order. The pope and king aim to frame the Templars for heresy, execute all of them, and make off with their legendary treasure. That's the plan, anyway, but Martin and several other surviving knights mount a counter-campaign to regain the lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

With gorgeous illustrations by LeUyen Pham and Alexander Puvilland and lush coloring from Hilary Sycamore, this 480-page, full-color, hardcover graphic novel by Jordan Mechner is itself a treasure.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story and the fact that it was a graphic novel even though it was 480 pages. The graphics fit with the feel of the story and added another dimension to it. They kept the story going and kept me interested even when there would have been a lag for a book this long.
The setting of Templar trials was something I am not as familiar with so don't know how accurate this is. Using it as a backdrop was perfect for the criminal/treasure hunter story, mixed in with a little romance and a group of men that have a strange sense of loyalty given everything that is happening around them.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It had a great premise and graphics that went along well with the story.

Rating: 4

Review ~ The Exile

The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel (Outlander 1.5)

by Dianna Gabaldon 
illustrated by Hoang Nguyen
published by Del Ray 
genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Historical

Summary (Goodreads): After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland—but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie’s late parents he’d watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There’s already a fat bounty on the young exile’s head, courtesy of Captain Black Jack Randall, the sadistic British officer who’s crossed paths—and swords—with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew’s loyalty—or his life—and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, who’d sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum’s heir.

And then there is Claire Randall—mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie’s life to stir his  compassion . . . and arouse his desire.

But even as Jamie’s heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she’s been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can’t believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices—a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.

My Thoughts: This was a difficult one for me. I love this series/book and have really been enjoying graphic novels of late. This is story takes part during the first part of Outlander but is told from Jamie and Murtagn's POV.
I was expecting something different from this story. Even though it was told from different POVs it was really just a rehash of the story we've already read. I didn't feel like I learned anything new, if there were some new points it didn't jump out at me.
The other side is the illustrations. I loved the fact that this was full color throughout but that was mainly it. The biggest problem for me was Jamie. I don't know how to describe it other than his character drawing just seemed very vague to me. For being the main character in this story he never seemed very defined. Claire was distinct where Jamie just looked like the rest of the men, a little taller and with red hair. It may be a case of having a definite picture in your head and knowing the artist is never going to get it just right.
Overall, this just fell a little short for me. It didn't feel there was anything new and while the drawings overall were well done the actual characters did not work for me.

Rating: 3.5
 

Book Review ~ Palace of Spies

Palace of Spies (Palace of Spies #1)

by Sarah Zettel
published by HMH Books
genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Spy

Summary (Goodreads): A warning to all young ladies of delicate breeding who wish to embark upon lives of adventure: Don't.

Sixteen-year-old Peggy is a well-bred orphan who is coerced into posing as a lady in waiting at the palace of King George I. Life is grand, until Peggy starts to suspect that the girl she's impersonating might have been murdered. Unless Peggy can discover the truth, she might be doomed to the same terrible fate. But in a court of shadows and intrigue, anyone could be a spy—perhaps even the handsome young artist with whom Peggy is falling in love...

History and mystery spark in this effervescent series debut.

My Thoughts: This was a hard book to write a review for. I really liked this book but thought there were many things wrong with it. I kept putting it down and it took me a lot longer to read than usual. Even though I put it down, something made me keep picking it back up.
I liked Peggy, she was stronger and more independent than you would think of a girl in this time period. All this was needed once she was working for the three and ended up at court. Everybody at court was a very different type of the lady in waiting. You had the smart, the pretty, the manipulative, and the airhead. All together they worked and made for an interesting read.
Two things that bothered me. One, there was a sexual assault early in the book and it bothered me the way it was handled and everybody including the person assaulted moved on by the next chapter and it wasn't really mentioned again. Two, the story of the girl that Peggy was taking over for. It just seemed to keep going around and around. Every time someone said something the whole story would change. I was happy with what seemed to be the final story, it just took too long to get there.
Overall, there were problems with the story but I still enjoyed reading it. I'm looking forward to how the author handles what they are wanting Peggy to do next.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review ~ Daughter of the Sword

Daughter of the Sword (Fated Blades #1)

by Steve Bein
published by ROC
genre: Adult, Historical, Urban Fantasy, Asian

Summary (Goodreads): Mariko Oshiro is not your average Tokyo cop. As the only female detective in the city’s most elite police unit, she has to fight for every ounce of respect, especially from her new boss. While she wants to track down a rumored cocaine shipment, he gives her the least promising case possible. But the case—the attempted theft of an old samurai sword—proves more dangerous than anyone on the force could have imagined.

The owner of the sword, Professor Yasuo Yamada, says it was crafted by the legendary Master Inazuma, a sword smith whose blades are rumored to have magical qualities. The man trying to steal it already owns another Inazuma—one whose deadly power eventually comes to control all who wield it. Or so says Yamada, and though he has studied swords and swordsmanship all his life, Mariko isn’t convinced.

But Mariko’s skepticism hardly matters. Her investigation has put her on a collision course with a curse centuries old and as bloodthirsty as ever. She is only the latest in a long line of warriors and soldiers to confront this power, and even the sword she learns to wield could turn against her.

My Thoughts: I loved this book more than the time it took me to read it shows. I've been in a reading slump and this made a large dent in pulling me out of it.
I often read and enjoy crime and mystery books and the additional of historical Japanese storytelling mixed in just put it over the top.
Mariko was a great lead. She is a strong female in a world where anything else would not work. As the only female detective, in a culture that is not very accepting of females in that position, she has no choice but to be tough. That said, she is not an emotionless robot. There were a couple of times were you could tell her heart was overruling her discipline.
My favorite parts were the chapters that went back in time and told the stories of the three swords. I could have read a book just on their history and been happy. The author did a great job weaving the old and new together in a way that when they meet up, it was seamless.
Overall this book worked on many levels. It kept my attention at a time when I was having trouble keeping any interest in a book. It was a great mix of old and new where the swords as much a main character as Mariko is. Another plus, book two comes out next week and I am looking forward to reading more.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Cinders & Sapphires

Cinders & Sapphires (At Somerton #1)

by Leila Rasheed
published by Disney-Hyperion
genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Romance

Summary (Goodreads): One house, two worlds...

Rose Cliffe has never met a young lady like her new mistress. Clever, rich, and beautiful, Ada Averley treats Rose as an equal. And Rose could use a friend. Especially now that she, at barely sixteen, has risen to the position of ladies’ maid. Rose knows she should be grateful to have a place at a house like Somerton. Still, she can’t help but wonder what her life might have been had she been born a lady, like Ada.

For the first time in a decade, the Averleys have returned to Somerton, their majestic ancestral estate. But terrible scandal has followed Ada’s beloved father all the way from India. Now Ada finds herself torn between her own happiness and her family’s honor. Only she has the power to restore the Averley name—but it would mean giving up her one true love . . . someone she could never persuade her father to accept.

Sumptuous and enticing, the first novel in the At Somerton series introduces two worlds, utterly different yet entangled, where ruthless ambition, forbidden attraction, and unspoken dreams are hidden behind dutiful smiles and glittering jewels. All those secrets are waiting . . . at Somerton

My Thoughts: This was one of those books that had everything you would expect but it was overdone. Instead of just one or two bad things happening to Ada and her family, every plot device for a historical romance comes into play.
We have the evil stepmother and stepsister (only one), the drunk nephew that squandered the family money, falling in love below station, the maid with a daughter the same age as the sisters, etc. Surprisingly even with all this there was a part of me that couldn't look away. I had to keep reading to find out how much more could be heaped on (and there was more).
I actually liked Ada and her sister Georgiana. I also liked Rose. Everyone else I could have done without.I dislike insta-love and that is what this whole book revolves around. There is nothing that makes you believe there is anything real between Ada and Ravi. Even Lord Fintain seemed better suited to Ada and her dreams than Ravi did.
Overall, this book had a little too much going on but still made me want to read until the end. While there were more bad than good people in this story, the ones I liked were worth the read. I don't know if I'll continue  the series even with the sorta cliffhanger ending.

Rating: 3