Brenna's 2011 Booklist

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Sun April 3rd, 2011, 1:49 pm

[quote=""Misfit""]I've noticed that in Vanora Bennett's books originally published in the UK, particularly Figures in Silk. You would think the editors would give things a good going over though.[/quote]

One would think but I've noticed it more and more in recently released novels. Perhaps the economy is forcing fewer editors to review more books which will obviously lead to things being missed. I almost picked up a copy of the Figures in Silk as it was in the bargain section of Barnes and Noble, but ultimately decided to spend my money on something else.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Sun April 3rd, 2011, 2:15 pm

[quote=""Brenna""]One would think but I've noticed it more and more in recently released novels. Perhaps the economy is forcing fewer editors to review more books which will obviously lead to things being missed. I almost picked up a copy of the Figures in Silk as it was in the bargain section of Barnes and Noble, but ultimately decided to spend my money on something else.[/quote]

I've noticed that as well, and I suspect editors may be a dying breed. Unfortunate. Some people really enjoyed Figures, but there were a lot of story issues that really ticked me off. Can't say without spoiling, but Bennett really threw a couple of plot twists at the end that were just too bizarre and unbelievable. And I'm not talking historically accurate or not, I'm talking common sense unbelievable

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Tue April 5th, 2011, 5:17 pm

Finished G.R Grove's Storyteller last night and I am undecided on how I feel about it. What I thought I was getting when I purchased the book was a storyteller's version of what 5th and 6th century Wales was like. Instead, I got a lot of confusing names that I couldn't keep straight and an interesting plot surrounded by the storyteller. I have to admit that the characters (the ones I could keep straight anyway) caught me and I will likely purchase the next one in the series sometime. A character list, especially for someone unfamiliar with the Welsh language, would have been helpful. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book. 3.5/5

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Wed April 13th, 2011, 2:08 pm

Finished Susan Fraser King's Queen Hereafter. While I really enjoyed Lady MacBeth, I had a really hard time with Queen Margaret. I knew before reading the book that she was considered a "saint" and was very religious. However, every page was filled with her praying or begging for forgiveness and it just got to be too much by the end. I am curious as to what Ms. King is working on next as Lady MacBeth and Queen Hereafter seemed to flow easily from one then to the other. 3/5

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Tue April 19th, 2011, 1:23 pm

Finished Born of the Son by Joan Wolf last night. This time period is difficult as there is so much going on and authors have a hard time because of the lack of written history. However, I really enjoyed Wolf's take on Wessex and the Britons vs Saxon battle. Very well done! 4.5/5

I also finished her Edge of the Light novel about King Alfred and again, stellar book! I'm so glad these books were recommended to me on this forum because I was seriously missing out! This book also helped me to understand Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Series which I started last night. 4.5/5!

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Mon May 2nd, 2011, 10:20 pm

Finished Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom, book One in the Saxon Series. I liked it, but it certainly was a different portrayl of King Alfred than the one proposed by Joan Wolf.

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Sun May 8th, 2011, 12:05 am

To say I enjoyed Elizabeth Loupas's The Second Duchess would be an understatement. Some have classified it as gripping and I'm not sure I agree. I certainly thought it was quick moving and I enjoyed the storyline to be sure, but I wasn't really on the edge of my seat. That being said, this author will certainly be added to my favorites list!

P.S I bailed on As Meat Loves Salt. Wasn't what I thought it would be and I couldn't get into the storyline. I even skipped a few chapters to see if it got better and nope!

SonjaMarie · Post by **SonjaMarie** » Sun May 8th, 2011, 2:10 am

Oh yes, a sequel to "Duchess" would be stellar!

SM

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Tue May 10th, 2011, 12:34 pm

[quote=""SonjaMarie""]Oh yes, a sequel to "Duchess" would be stellar!

SM[/quote]

I just read an interview she did, and I don't think she has any plans for a sequel!

I could just google to find out what happens next, but darnit, I'd have so much more fund reading her version!

Also, I finished Bernard Cornwell's The Pale Horseman, second in the Saxon series. Waiting on my hubby to finish the third one so I can get to it!

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Mon May 16th, 2011, 1:20 am

I finished Sandra Gulland's "Mistress of the Sun" yesterday. It was ok, not as good as her Josephine B trilogy. The story seemed to lack direction and character development. 3/5 stars