"Diana" by RF Delderfield

10-2-11 to 11-25-11 This book reminded me a little of Jane Austin's Emma. Throughout the reading I really never liked her, Diana. I didn't trust her not to hurt John. I didn't like the fact that she called him Jan from the Lorna Doone character. I didn't like her scheming and self-centeredness. I felt protective of John.

I don't know if Delderfield expected us to feel that way or if  I am a snob for the working class and don't trust that people with money and power ever fall for love. She was raised in a station above John and I only saw trouble and hurt for him. I also felt that she didn't deserve the loyalty and trust bestow on her by John and Drip, her governess.

Don't get me wrong, I did like the book but I am not sure if I was supposed to like Diana and forgive all the things she did to John. The book is written from John's perspective as a series of recollections that at moments give a somber feel. I do wish that Delderfield had ended the book more definitely rather leaving it some what unfinished.

Read the book...

"Honored Enemy" by Raynmond E. Feist and William Forstchen

01-22-11 to 01-29-11 I love these books! I stumbled on to Fiest's books a while back. I have read all the ones prior to "Honored Enemy" and have all the ones following it. I don't know how Fiest does but I am hooked from page five and find myself reading when I should be doing other things.

Oddly, I usually don't like stories that are one long battle or chase and yet this one worked. The relationships between the two opposing captains and the delimma of what do with a mutual enemy chasing them both worked in building relationships around battle and running. The ending worries me a little because I do want more of Dennis Hartraft and Asayaga. While more could be written, this book seemed to wrap up and finish these characters. Nothing was left hanging, which is good - but I want more!

I always know when I want the story to continue the writter has done well with the characters. I found myself yelling at Dennis to be nice or knock it off - it made him true for me. I loved Asayaga dealing with a known spy in his ranks from headquarters and dancing the political dance we've all danced to in our life.

Great characters, great book!

Read the book!

"The Lance Thrower" and "The Eagle" by Jack Whyte

08-03-10 to 11-07-10 What awesome two months! I love Jack Whyte's books. I have complete the Camulod Chronicles and I am a bit sad. These two books focus around Clothar the Frank, Seur Clothar, Clothar of Gaul or in more recent lore Sir Lancelot.

Whyte has a marvelous way of taking fantasy and lore that we know of the King Arthur legend and wrapping it around history. I liked the way he tells this story in a way that you could see actually happening and he also used the myths to show how history can distort. It is full of heroes and villains but most of all deep and real friendship and the loyalty that goes with.

If your are a fan of Camelot and magic and lore - try this on for size. You will not have your magic or witches or wizards, what you will have is a unique view of the Arthurian Legend. It is well grounded in reality, he explains how Merlyn becomes known as a Sorcerer while the reader is fully aware of his humanity. I will never give up on my myth and the fun that ensues but all the same, I would encourage all to read the entire chronicles as they are well written and very engrossing!!!

Read the books - start at the beginning and read them all.

The Skystone
The Singing Sword
The Eagles' Brood
The Saxon Shore
The Fort at River's Bend
The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis
Uther
The Lance Thrower
The Eagle

"I miss them all."  - From "The Eagle" by Jack Whyte

"The Bonesetters Daughter" by Amy Tan

06-06-10 to 08-01-10 As usual Amy Tan created a fascinating read but it was tough for me. Unbelievably my parents where in the middle of a difficult care taking position. My 96 year old great-aunt had come live with them until they could get her in an assisted living home. She was clear minded and cruel, and that was hard.

I use books to escape but this on mirrored something that were happening to us. This book is a story within a story and I loved the twists and turns of LuLing's life before immigrating to America. What was also magnificent was the mother / daughter conflicts and undeniable love and loyalty even when she frustrates you more than anyone else can.

The human dynamics in the book are real and wonderful.

Read the book.

"A Feast In Exile" by Chelsea Quinn Yarbor

05.31.10 to 06.07.10 - Another vampire book from Ms. Yarbro and another fun ride! I really like these series and must find more. The ever so considerate Sanat Ji Mani began to wear though, at some point when he and Tulsi were traveling I wanted him to just scream "I want this" or "I want that" - the "whatever you want" got old. I didn't want him to take her blood without consent just more assertive and Tulsi neediness was agrevating but I did enjoy the book.

I prefer the points were Sanat Ji Mani and Rojire were together. Even though its a master/servant relationship its much more that all knowing of Rojire's made and how he took care of Sanat Ji Mani was the portion of the book I enjoyed the most.

IF you like vampire books without the horror, and struggles of the heroes who have are running from evil Sultan out to conquer the world then this book is for you.

Read the book!

Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

05.15.10 to 05.17.10 "Eargon"
05.17.10 to 05.12.10 "Eldest"
05.21.10 to 05.27.10 "Brisinger"

More than 1,800 pages later, I emerge from Paolini's wonderful dragon, elf, dwarf and yeah human adventure. I thought I bought a complete series but just my luck another book in to go [write Paolini write!]. With Tolkien-ist fashion, we go on the adventure to defeat the evil all the while endure what seems impossible.

I loved the fact that Eargon, the dragon rider, was real and stupid on occasion - one has to learn how to be a hero. I love that Saphira, the dragon, can be snippy and playful. I love that Roran is an unassuming and accidental hero. I love Angela most of all! The characters in this book come to life with such vibrant colors that you see and feel the story unfold.

Prepare yourself before you read this book for hours on hours of read for you can't put the books down. Read the books!

"Sorcery & Cecelia" by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

01.24.10 to 01.30.10 - "Sorcery & Cecelia" was a little disconcerting when I first started reading it. I did not like the fact that the entire story was written in letter form. Cecy's letters to Kate; Kate's letter to Cecy. I was wrong. If you pick up this book, hang in there the story developes and it is a fun ride.

I have read other books by Stevermer and loved them and this is no exception. I loved it that smacks of Jane Austin with a magic twist. I also loved how the reader could see the love interest developing but the young girls couldn't - it just rang true for me.

Read the Book!