Hello!
I am here with my December 2017 Wrap Up! These are the book I read in October.
I read a total of 6 books—2 YA, 3 Historical Fiction, and 1 Fantasy.
Onto the ratings!
★★★★1/2
The Constant Queen (Queens of Conquest #2) by Joanna Courtney
I love Elizaveta has a character. She is strong willed and determined to live beyond the societal restrains placed on women—it’s nice to know that women have been fighting for equality for a few centuries now. I will admit that this book does focus more on the romance side of things, which I think comes down to the fact that Elizaveta and Harald’s married was first and foremost a love match. So I would’ve loved to see more of the culture of Russ and the Norsemen along with this key events in Harald Hardrada life, but again he’s not the focal point of the books so it didn’t bother me too much.
The way Courtney handles Hardrada’s other marriage was something I was interested in. This had to be a tough situation without adding the stubborn and headstrong nature of Elizaveta’s personality. And I think Courtney does a wonderful job. While there is some jealously and power plays between the two women at the start of their marriages, overall they became close friends and learned to live in harmony.
With this series overall, I think Courtney does a fantastic job over portraying and giving life to historical figures who are remember predominantly for a) who their husband was, b) who their father was and c) who their children are.
The Conqueror’s Queen (Queens of Conquest #3) by Joanna Courtney
I love how this books seems to round out the whole series. Courtney has done an amazing job of showing us just how connected these three kings were are just how dangerous it can be for you when Fortune’s Wheel turns. I would love to see another novel that goes in William and Mathilda’s reign, but hey I greedy like that. Mathilda is an amazing character, she wasn’t the wilting flower that we seem to think of medieval women has. She chose her husband and ruled in her own right beside him. I think she’s amazing and would love to read more about her. Also I enjoyed seeing a slightly softer side to the Bastard Duke.
So many of the characters of the first book, The Chosen Queen, feature in this one that I almost want to start the series again so see what I missed the first time around. Overall I adore these books and they’re definitely ones I will revisit time and time again. The best thing about this series as since it’s so interconnected and runs over the similar span on time it doesn’t matter which you read first.
Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1) by Kerri Maniscalco
I have a full review for this one so I’ll keep my thoughts short here. This book was a big surprise for me. I’d originally planned on reading it just to get to the squeal. I enjoyed Maniscalco’s twist on Jack the Ripper. For me, since I’m not a mystery reader, I didn’t see who Jack the Ripper was until the big reveal and I was pleasantly surprised. If you love well-written historical fiction with strong female characters and a dash of murder I think this one is for you.
The Christmas Court (Queens of Conquest #3.5) by Joanna Courtney
This was the perfectly little story to rear on Christmas Day. You get a look into how we celebrated Christmas in the 11th century—a part form the no electricity and the mandatory church not too much has changed. This book focuses on the Christmas in 1051 where William Duke of Normandy is invited to Edward the Confessor’s court. And where it is claimed the English King names his Normand cousin as his heir. What I liked about this novella is that is told from the perspective of a English lady—who does make a brief appearance in The Conqueror’s Queen. I enjoyed seeing these events unfold from an outside and more bias point of view. I love Courtney’s writing and an very sad that I seem to have read everything she’s written. I can’t wait to see which era she tackles next.
Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco
Since this is a sequel I will keep this review short, I might do a spoilery review on it so I can talk about all the things I loved.
I adore this just as much as the first book. An Indian Jones styles mystery in Vlad the Impaler’s gothic castle is exactly what this reminded me of. Hells yes for kick ass females, I really hope we see more of Daciana and Ileana. Can’t wait to see what gothic adventure comes next!
★★★
Angels’ Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh
Since we all know just how much Singh’s other series I thought I would give this one ago and overall is was a pretty entertaining read. I really enjoyed the world, in particular how the angles created vampires and enslaved them. Overall there was something that didn’t quite gel with me. The romance between hunter, Elena and Archangel, Raphael, moved quickly from no-thank-you-I-am-not-interested-lets-keep-this-professional to I love you and didn’t work for me. I am not sure if I will carry on with this series.
That’s it for me. Comment down below and let me know what you’re favourite read in November was.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
