Time Enough for Drums
    by: Ann Rinaldi

Publication Date: May 9, 2000
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Purchased
Page Count: 256 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Sixteen-year-old Jem struggles to maintain the status quo at home in Trenton, New Jersey, when the family men join the war for independence.There are signs of rebellion in the Emerson household several years before the actual American Revolution hits in 1776! Brought up in a relatively liberal household, Jemima Emerson is quite a challenge for her tutor, John Reid, who is known as a Tory with strong ties to England. How could Jem's parents be friends with a man who opposes American freedom? Jem longs for freedom on every level, in the home and her homeland— and John represents the forces that restrict her. Jem and her family soon find themselves fighting for freedom in whatever ways they can in the Revolutionary War. Before long, Jem discovers that there is much more to Mr. Reid than she ever imagined. Her feelings about him change when Jem realizes that John shares her love of freedom— and will risk his life to defend it.

 

 

I remember reading this book when I was younger, and I just LOVED it. I have always been a historical fiction girl and read tons of it when I was younger. Since I am all about Hamilton the musical right now, I found myself wanting to reread this one as it is set during the Revolutionary War.

 

Jem isn't an easy character to like at first. She's stubborn as all get out and can be quite childish. There are times when I wanted to shake her because she would say things that proved her immaturity. I think that's what I like best about this book though. She might start out that way, but the war, her lessons with her tutor, and the changing world force her to grow up and she ends up being a resilient, strong young woman.

 

I will be very honest. The romance in this book is absolutely my favorite part. I love reading the scenes between Jem and her beau. Hate to love romances are always a favorite of mine, as are forbidden romances. I won't say much more but watching it unfold definitely had me feeling giddy.

 

I adored Jem's brother, Daniel, and their relationship with one another. Jem's relationship with John Reid is quite strained, as it is abominable to her that her family is such good friends with a Tory when they clearly support their right to independence. John could be quite hard on her, but it is his firm hand that really aids in Jem's growing up and learning how to handle future trials.

 

This book does read more juvenile than a normal young adult book, but that didn't bother me too much. I did feel the transition from the last chapter to the epilogue felt a bit off to me though, and I wish that had been fleshed out a bit more.

 

The Girl with the Windup Heart (The Steampunk Chronicles #4)
    by: Kady Cross

Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Steampunk
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 396 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

 

 

I have really enjoyed the books in Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles, so I don't know why I waited so long to start this final book in the series. While books 1 and 2 were good, I absolutely LOVED these last two. Part of it has to do with Finley and Griffin's relationship and seeing how that has progressed into so much more. They balance one another so very well and I loved seeing them together. I desperately wanted more of them!

 

Each story follows the same set of characters, but features a different character's overarching storyline. This one follows Mila and Jack Dandy and I have to admit I really enjoyed those two. Mila is part automaton like the synopsis says and she is still learning the ways of the world. She may start childlike in essence, but she is incredibly smart and learns quickly. Her and Jack's relationship really surprised me, considering what a cad Dandy is. He likes Mila, but knows he's a scoundrel and she would do better to find someone honorable that could provide her the life she deserves. I liked seeing Mila go off on her own, as it really knocked some sense into Jack. He has his own demons to face and when it came down to it, he finally does what he needs to in order to put those demons to rest.

 

Meanwhile, we have Finley and the gang dealing with The Machinist, who is more dangerous than ever because now he has managed to take Griffin. Griffin has been growing weaker for awhile now and it's not too difficult for the Machinist to use the Aether against him. I admit I thought there would be a bit more action when it came to this storyline, but it ended up getting resolved in the last 10% of the book, which seemed a bit fast. For as much trouble as he had given them, it seemed like it was wrapped up rather easily.

 

I really enjoyed this final book in the series though and am quite happy with how everything played out.

 

 

Always
   by: Lynsay Sands

Publication Date: Nov. 24, 2015
Publisher: Avon Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 400 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns with the unforgettable story of a reluctant bride and groom who soon find common ground in the bedroom . . .

Bastard daughter to the king, Rosamunde was raised in a convent and wholly prepared to take the veil . . . until King Henry declared she would wed Aric, one of his most valiant knights. Suddenly she found herself promising to love, honor, and obey.

Rosamunde's education had not covered a wedding night, but the handsome warrior she was now bound to seemed intent on giving her a lesson in the art of pleasure. In no time, Aric was certain she would surrender to the irresistible passion he promised.

And while Rosamunde's spirited nature often put her at odds with her new husband, his mastery in seduction was quickly melting her resolve—and capturing her heart.

 

 

I have been excited to dive back into historical romance and I've heard great things about Lynsay Sands' books. Sadly, this one just didn't really do it for me. I never once felt connected to the characters or the story.

 

Rosamunde is King Henry's illegitimate daughter and has been grown up living in an abbey after her mother passed away. She is all set to take her vows, when her father comes and marries her off to Aric, who has just cancelled his own engagement after finding his betrothed with another man. Things get off to a rather awkward start for them, and while the situations were meant to be humorous, they just felt forced and over the top for me.

 

I also felt Rosamunde and Aric's connection was a bit lacking as well. Despite it being an arranged marriage, I would have liked a bit more build up between them. Aric is a gruff, grumpy hero and his constant asinine behavior with Rosamunde, while fun, was a bit much. I hated how he treated her. I understand he'd been burned in the past, but he should have just told her his fears instead of making her feel incompetent.  

 

Overall, this just didn't enthrall me like other historical romances I've recently read have, and I don't think it was one that had an overly spectacular storyline. The sexy times were sizzling though, so I have to say I did enjoy those. I'll try a different Sands book in the future and hope I have better luck with it.

The Song of Achilles
   by: Madeline Miller

Publication Date: Sept. 20, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre: Mythology, Historical Fiction
Age Group: Adult
Source: Borrowed from library
Page Count: 352 pages
Order Links:  Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

I wasn't originally going to review this one, because I honestly don't even know how I could attempt to do justice to such a beautiful book. But I really wanted people to know how much I enjoyed this one and to put it on their radar if it hadn't been already. So. We'll give this a go.

Most of you know the story of Achilles, whether you've read The Iliad or seen the movie Troy, or having studied him in school. Having been born to a goddess and a King, he is obviously more. He is an extremely fast, skilled fighter and his destiny lies in greatness. I can't imagine the burden he must feel to know he is different than the others in his life. That is why it was such a surprise to see him befriend Patroclus, who has been exiled to his father's court. There is seemingly nothing special about Patroclus at all. He doesn't fit in with the others and keeps to himself. However, he and Achilles end up forming a friendship that transcends all others. It was such a beautiful thing to witness, as both end up being exactly what the other needs.

Their friendship turns into something more and while it was common for young boys at this time, most ended up marrying and growing out of their desire for one another. It wasn't the case for Achilles and Patroclus. Neither was interested in seeking attention from women and despite being pushed to do so, their hearts clearly belonged to one another. Patroclus might have always stood in Achilles' shadow, but to Achilles he was the light in a world of prophecies and expectations. I loved that so much.

So much changes for these two as they embark to fight in the Trojan War. It's impossible to go back to being the two young boys who were able to enjoy life to the fullest while they trained with Chiron or spent time in the palace. They have become men and as we all know Achilles' fatal flaw is his hubris, which is always frustrating to witness no matter how many times I read about him. I think it's because I know the outcome and had he not been so stubborn, so much could have been avoided. My heart hurt as it always does when I read the end, but Miller put her own twist on what happens after, that literally had my heart crying out. While I despised Thetis, Achilles' mother, for most of the book, I can't help but respect her by the end for what she did.

Besides Achilles and Patroclus, I loved Briseis. Seeing what Achilles did for those women really warmed my heart and, as you feel the story turning darker and to the inevitable, Miller inserts these beautiful scenes of love and camaraderie among the Greeks and I just loved reading about them.

There is a reason these are Greek tragedies my friends. You don't get a happy ending. But I promise you, The Song of Achilles, will leave you satisfied and hopeful amidst your grief. If you love Greek mythology and are looking for a beautiful, quiet romance- get this one.

Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
   by: Rae Carson

Publication Date: Sept. 22, 2015
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 432 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Gold is in my blood, in my breath, even in the flecks in my eyes.

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

She also has a secret.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.

The acclaimed Rae Carson begins a sweeping new trilogy set in Gold Rush-era America, about a young woman with a powerful and dangerous gift.

 

 

Having been a huge fan of Rae's debut fantasy series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I love the whole westward movement and manifest destiny ideals and let's be real: The Oregon Trail was one of my favorite games ever as a kid. Naturally, when I saw that Carson had added a bit of magic to this time period about a girl who could sense gold, I HAD to read this one. While I'm glad I did, I felt this one read a bit slower than I would have liked. Don't get me wrong, I was still engaged, but there was a lot of traveling and build up and not enough action and fantasy.

 

I really liked Lee's character though. She is resilient and does what she must in order to survive. She disguises herself as a boy and heads West to meet up with her best friend Jefferson, who already left town to hopefully find gold in California like so many others. She does not have it easy though. She has to deal with thieves along the way, as well as always keeping an eye out for her uncle who will undoubtedly come after her for her gift. Seeing her make her way to her friend was pretty impressive because she had to do everything on her own. She meets all kinds of people- some kind, some not.

 

Carson certainly surprised me with some characters' development though. I ended up really liking and respecting characters I never thought I would and the ending scenes were really heartwarming to see especially after everything Lee has lost.

 

While this book focused primarily on the journey, I am looking forward to seeing how things will go now that they have reached their destination. I am also hoping we will see some more development in the romance area, as this book doesn't really have one. It alludes to a potential one in the future, so my fingers are crossed that it happens because I think it would be precious.

 

Overall, I did enjoy this one despite it not being what I expected. I liked the journey west and seeing all the gritty details that went along with traveling at this time. But I am really looking forward to seeing how things will go with Lee's gift and her uncle's determination to use her for his own selfish gain. And of course, I'm looking forward to seeing how the relationships and friendships that were developed in this book evolve and continue in the next book.

 

Vengeance Road
    by: Erin Bowman

Publication Date: Sept. 1, 2015
Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genre: Western/Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 336 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

When Kate Thompson’s father is killed by the notorious Rose Riders for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice. What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate.

In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.

 

 

I have to admit. This book completely blew me away. I didn't really know what to expect going in, except that it was a western. This is my first book by Erin Bowman and she definitely hit the mark for me. I loved everything about this one: the writing, the storyline, the characters, the romance... I did NOT want to put it down.

 

I really enjoyed Kate as our protagonist. She is fierce and unapologetic, taking on a more traditional male role during this time period with her thirst for vengeance. She doesn't even think twice about it either. She vows to avenge her father, after the Rose Riders hung him and burned their home down. She has no other family and really doesn't have anything else to lose, so she saddles her horse, gets a few necessities, and heads out. Her father always said if anything ever were to happen to him that she should go see a man named Abe in a nearby town. She does so, only to find Abe has passed as well, but his family knows to expect the child. However, Kate is not going by Kate. She has cut her hair and has disguised herself as a boy named Nate. It is here that she meets up with Abe's two sons, Jesse and Will Colton, who end up accompanying her on her way.

 

I liked Jesse a lot. Jesse and Kate are both pretty stubborn and tend to knock heads, but I liked seeing that between them. Jesse is a good guy even though he could be hot and cold with Kate, especially after he discovers she's really a girl. He makes mistakes and ends up regretting some of them. On this type of journey, there is always a significant level of danger and you have to be prepared for anything and expect the unexpected. Bowman does not hold back and we get to experience betrayal, grief, happiness, and we certainly get some surprises thrown in as we go.

 

This book was non-stop action for me. I had a hard time finding a stopping place because one thing would keep leading to another! I was a little fearful that I wouldn't get the ending I wanted, but I thought Bowman did a great job and I thought it was quite fitting. It's refreshing to read a stand alone for once, but I honestly did NOT want this book to end and I certainly didn't want to leave the West!

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke (Prisoner of Night and Fog #2)
    by: Anne Blankman

Publication Date: Apr. 21, 2015
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 406 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

The girl known as Gretchen Whitestone has a secret: She used to be part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle. More than a year after she made an enemy of her old family friend and fled Munich, she lives with a kindly English family, posing as an ordinary German immigrant, and is preparing to graduate from high school. Her love, Daniel Cohen, is a reporter in town. For the first time in her life, Gretchen is content.

But then, Daniel gets a telegram that sends him back to Germany, and Gretchen’s world turns upside-down. And when she receives word that Daniel is wanted for murder, she has to face the danger she thought she’d escaped-and return to her homeland.

Gretchen must do everything she can to avoid capture and recognition, even though saving Daniel will mean consorting with her former friends, the Nazi elite. And as they work to clear Daniel’s name, Gretchen and Daniel discover a deadly conspiracy stretching from the slums of Berlin to the Reichstag itself. Can they dig up the explosive truth and get out in time-or will Hitler discover them first?

  

 

 

This dualogy completely took me by surprise! I haven't had the opportunity to read a lot of historical fiction lately, so I was so glad I stumbled across these books! There are certain time periods that just fascinate me and this is one of them. The fact that we get to see Germany pre-Hitler's rise to dictatorship was something I'd never really known much about, so I was completely immersed in these books. Blankman has done her research and we really get to see that in her Author's Note. She has done such a great job of creating a fictional story among such a difficult time period where there is so much sadness and grief, so I applaud her for handling Daniel and Gretchen's story with such poise and beauty.

 

I adore Daniel and Gretchen. They have to be one of my favorite new YA couples. They have had such a difficult journey and as you can see, it's not over yet. There were times where my heart felt absolutely broken for these two and I felt such despair for them and their situation. They love each other so much so to see them struggle over an uncertain future was absolutely gut-wrenching. I didn't like seeing them distance themselves from one another, but I loved seeing how much they would sacrifice for the others' happiness and well-being. That's true love right there.

 

I didn't quite love this one as much as the first book, but I still really liked it. We got to see a different side of what was going on in Germany, what with the Ringvereine and the criminal underworld. We do get to see a few familiar faces from the last book though and I have to say a few ended up surprising me.

 

I want to keep this review short, as I definitely don't want to spoil this book for anyone. All I can say is that I thought this dualogy was awesome. Blankman has really done an incredible job with it and I can't wait to read what's next from her. I hope you take the time to read these and fall in love with Gretchen and Daniel just as I have.

 

Prisoner of Night and Fog
    by: Anne Blankman

Publication Date: Apr. 22, 2014
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from e-library
Page Count: 401 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 5/5 stars

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

From debut author Anne Blankman comes this harrowing and evocative story about an ordinary girl faced with the extraordinary decision to give up everything she's ever believed . . . and to trust her own heart instead.

  

 

 

Upon finishing this one, I didn't even have to think about my rating. It was an instant 5 star read (err, listen) for me. I decided to listen to this one on audiobook and I am so glad I did. I thought the narrator was so good and I felt she did a great job of differentiating between the characters. I will forewarn you though. There are some scenes that were incredibly difficult to hear due to their nature and I remember walking my dog while listening, shaking my head and repeating 'No' over and over. Then, I listened to one while I was at the gym and I almost had to stop on the elliptical because I was so horrified. Do not let me scare you away from this book. It's AMAZING. Even with those hard to hear scenes, there is still such beauty in this book and that comes in the form of Daniel and Gretchen.

 

I have always been interested in this time period, so to read about the days leading up to Hitler's rise to power, was pretty fascinating. Blankman does an amazing job of turning the tide with him, as in the beginning, he is Uncle Dolf to Gretchen and she looks up to him as a father figure. However, as the book goes on and certain events unfold, Gretchen realizes that everything she's ever believed... is based on lies and deceit and that Uncle Dolf's duplicitous nature isn't one she should cross. 

 

I really liked Gretchen. While she may be ignorant of what's really going on, she isn't a spoiled little German girl. She seeks the truth and wants answers to the information that has been brought to her. She never expected to have the assistance of a Jewish reporter by the name of Daniel. Oh Daniel. I really loved him. He ended up being so patient with Gretchen, even knowing how she perceived him, he still sought her out. The romance is very slow building, as it should be, since Gretchen has some deeply rooted prejudice to overcome. He ends up being the one person she can turn to and trust and I loved seeing that develop.

 

My heart broke so many times for Gretchen, as her life is completely turned upside down. People she thought she knew end up not being the people she believed them to be, her best friend completely shocks her in her actions and what she chooses (when you hear her name, you'll probably figure it out), and she can't even look to her family for help. She is resilient though and I was so proud of her. She is definitely a favorite new heroine.

 

I am so excited/nervous to read Conspiracy of Smoke and Bone! I want to read more of Daniel and Gretchen's story, but nothing better happen to them! :D If you like historical fiction, this is one to pick up. I loved it so much and I cannot sing it's praises enough!

 

So this year Readers Live A Thousand Lives, Corrie The Book Crazed Girl, and Lovin' Los Libros have teamed up to host the Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge! For this challenge, the goal is to mix up the genres/categories we read. We have all had those times when we have gotten stuck in the genre/category we are currently reading and read nothing else for a while. The goal here is to mix that up! Each month we will feature a different genre/category and the goal is to read and review one book or more in that genre/category during that month. This month we are focusing on Historical Fiction. If you want to find out more and join in, go sign up here.

I don't read much historical fiction sadly, but I have enjoyed the following:

 

 

 

Dark Triumph and Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

 

(I might even reread the first book Grave Mercy if I have time too!)

Born of Illusion (Born of Illusion #1)
 by: Teri Brown

Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received from Edelweiss and publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Anna Van Housen is thirteen the first time she breaks her mother out of jail. By sixteen she’s street smart and savvy, assisting her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, and easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums and mentalists in 1920’s New York City. Handcuffs and sleight of hand illusions have never been much of a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her true gifts secret from her opportunistic mother, who will stop at nothing to gain her ambition of becoming the most famous medium who ever lived. But when a strange, serious young man moves into the flat downstairs, introducing her to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, he threatens to reveal the secrets Anna has fought so hard to keep, forcing her to face the truth about her past. Could the stories her mother has told her really be true? Could she really be the illegitimate daughter of the greatest magician of all?

                                                  -goodreads.com description

I am so beyond disappointed in this book! I read the synopsis and fell in love! Magic, love, intrigue? Set in the 1900's? I was SO in! Unfortunately this book did not live up to my expectations.

The first issue I had was the pacing. I was interested in getting to know Anna and her lifestyle as a magician working with her 'mentalist/medium' mother in a stage show. I was also interested in meeting all the secondary characters. But once that all happened, the book just kept dragging its feet and was very slow going. It wasn't until the last part of the book where the action actually picked up and even then it was a bit anti-climactic because you can see what direction its going to take.

Secondly, I took issues with the characterization. I liked Anna well enough but I didn't form any kind of attachment to my characters. They were just kind of... there. Anna is a talented magician who doesn't have the best relationship with her mother. Her mother is very much in charge and does not want Anna stealing the limelight from her. In fact, her mom kind of reminded me of Cinderella's step-mother, with Anna always taking care of her and so forth. She just wasn't a very motherly character and the way she treated Anna really bothered me. You see some of her reasons at the end, but it still doesn't eliminate the pettiness.

The romance was quite bland if you ask me. And there was an attempt at a love triangle, that I did not feel worked at all. One minute Anna would have feelings for one guy and the next she'd be questioning his every motive and what he was hiding. Then guy #2 enters the picture and drove me freaking crazy with his over exaggeration and 'showy' personality. And yet she fell for that! At least our first interest, while having secrets, actually expressed a true interest in her and seemed a bit more genuine in his affections, not 'falling to his knees on the ground with a single rose in his hand'.

Finally, I had plot issues. I just felt like something was lacking in this book. Again, I think with the combination of the pacing and the characterization, the plot just fell short. It was a bit too predictable for my tastes and I ended the book kind of thinking, "That's it?" There are also scenes that I felt weren't finished or explained. I know this is the first in a series, but those scenes should have been wrapped up in this book, because I know they won't have anything to do with the next.

I did like Anna's interactions with Mr. Darby, her neighbor downstairs, as well as with Houdini. Those scenes definitely perked the book up a bit. Mr. Darby is a crotchety old man at first glance, but really is an inventor, who ended up warming up to her and helping her out later on in the book. Houdini as you all know, is a very famous magician, but I won't give away how he relates to this story.

I also liked the historical aspect. I liked reading about the types of dresses Anna and her mom would wear, I liked the going out to the theater and learning about the magic shows. So those were all positives for me.

Overall, unfortunately, while there were some aspects I did like, for the most part this was a miss for me.

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
   by: R.L. LaFevers

Publication Date: Apr. 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from Library
Page Count: 549 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

                       -goodreads.com description

When I first read the summary I knew this book was a must-read. A young girl who escapes her brutal upbringing and an arranged marriage, trained to be an assassin at a nun convent? UM, YES! Oh, did I mention it's set in 15th century France?

I'm always nervous about historical fantasy fiction because some authors get so caught up in their describing and world-building that they lose me. This book didn't do that. I felt I understood enough and was able to still feel immersed in the book with no problem. The pacing went fine for me and I didn't think the political aspect was too irritating, but rather fascinating.

Ismae is our female protagonist and we are introduced to a girl who has been hardened by a rough childhood. Her future is not boding well either as her husband-to-be is a worthless scrap of a man. Lucky for her, fate intervenes in the form of priest, who takes her away to a convent. Ismae is special though. She is the daughter of St. Mortain, the patron saint of death. She is trained by the other nuns to be an assassin, killing those who bear the mark of death.

I loved Ismae's character. She does not let her past turn her into someone to be pitied. She is proud, but has also learned to rely on no one but herself. She truly believes in her work as an assassin and serving Mortain, therefore she does not question her duties.

She is sent to work with (and keep tabs on) the nobleman Duval, who is sarcastic, proud and quite irritated that he is forced to work with her. However, he is still quite the gentleman and is civil to her. Even though Duval has a proud exterior, I loved seeing the beginning glimpses of kindness and vulnerability that he shows to Ismae.

Even though you knew they would inevitably fall for each other, their romance is slow-building and believeable. Theirs is based on trust and I love that Ismae didn't hold back when he confronted on her certain issues. (I hate when females make it worse by not just admitting their issues)

Duval's loyalty to his half-sister Anne, the duchess of Brittany, is also wonderful to read about. Ismae also becomes close to her and is held in high esteem, despite her common upbringing.

Ismae does change throughout the story and it is fun to watch. She has been trained to follow orders without question. However, by being around Duval and her new surroundings, she begins to question that and starts to follow her heart. She realizes that she doesn't have to just kill without mercy, but she can also use her gift to bring peace as well. She realizes the convent is just an institution, and that she lives to serve St. Mortain.

I'm big into characterization and I really think LaFevers did a great job. Looking forward to the next book!

Legacy (Legacy #1)
    By: Cayla Kluver

Publication Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed from Library
Page Count: 496 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder— a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy— Alera is alarmed… and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.

                 -goodreads.com description



After reading countless books about vampires, werewolves, shifters, faeries, I must admit this was a welcome change of pace. Cayla Kluver did a great job creating a new world and everything that went with it. Out of the trilogy, this one was probably my least favorite, however. Cayla is very detailed and descriptive and this book sets the stage, introduces you to the characters, explains their daily life and routine. The second and third books are where the action really comes in and keeps you reading.

This was also the first book where I really didn't like either male lead. Steldor was your typical arrogant, cocky, jackass and Narian was a bit immature and aloof for my tastes. I don't feel like his character showed any kind of depth... until you got more towards the end.

Alera, the book's protagonist, was ok for me. Again, I like her better in the other 2 books, where she really has to come into her own.