Celtic Warriors: The Raven Queen Preview + Giveaway

As Jules Watson said in her post yesterday, Celtic has many interesting legends on its warriors. Those warriors are not only male, but also female. One of the most popular is... Maeve; wife of King Conor of Ulaid, a strong powerful woman who had the determination even greater than most men.

Title: The Raven Queen

Author: Jules Watson

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Teaser: Breathing hard, she pulled her sword free and knelt before him. "I triumphed against those who opposed me, and won the loyalty of lords and warriors. The long dark was mild, and leaf-bud early. The crops are abundant, the flocks and herds swelling. All is fertile and unfurls with life."  p218

I haven't finish read this book due to work and my country's crappy post service but I've got to tell you so far I'm enjoying it. It got the action, the romance, and all that jazz. I'm going to post my review as soon as I finish reading it.

One lucky winner will be able to obtain a signed copy of The Raven Queen by Jules Watson. All you have to do is fill this FORM et voila, you're done!

Celtic Warriors: The Raven Queen Preview + Giveaway

The Fallen Blade by Jon Courtenay Grimwood (ARC) + Giveaway

Title: The Fallen Blade, Act I of Assassini Trilogy


Author: Jon Courtenay Grimwood


Publisher: Orbit Books


Rate: 3 and a half stars


Out of the darkness came an Assassino, his sword already drawn back to take the dying man's head. Blood pumped in a fountain and fell like rain. The battle was ferocious after that. Beasts and men hacking at each other. And then men lay dead in the dirt. Most in riveted mail, a few naked.


Venice in the early fifteenth century is at the height of its power. In theory Duke Marco commands. But Marco is a simpleton so his aunt and uncle rule in his stead. Within the Serene Republic, their word is law, but for all their influence, Venice's fate still lies in other hands . . .
Lady Giulietta is the Duke's cousin. She enjoys greater privilege than many can even dream of, but her status will demand a terrible price.
Atilo Il Mauros is head of the Assassini, the shadow army that enforces Venice's will - both at home and abroad.
Prince Leopold zum Bas Friedland is the bastard son of the German emperor and leader of the krieghund - the only force in Venice more feared than Atilo's assassins.
And then there is Atilo's angel-faced apprentice. Only a boy, Tycho is already stronger and faster than any man has a right to be. He can see in the dark, but sunlight burns him.  It is said that he drinks blood.

*********

 A warning must be presented for the misleading cover; this is not YA books or urban-fantasy. This is historical fiction with a twist of fantasy. This book is closer to Pillar of the Earth by Ken Follet or Imperium by Thomas Harris rather than Vampire Diaries or Mortal Instruments series. You'll find political intrigues, betrayal, conspiracy, and of course power struggle between Prince Alonzo and Duchess Alexa which affected every character in this story as they have to chose side to stay alive.


There are several things I like the most about this book; this isn't a clear-cut story. It's not a story where you can predict the ending. Lets face it, most vampire stories these days, no matter how awesome or complicated the stories were, usually ended up with Happy Ending (yes, I purposely write that with capital). In The Fallen Blade, it's hard to guess where the story with take you. In one scene after Tycho meets Prince Leopold, I thought they will bond together and do some kick-ass payback action. But it doesn't work that way, and more twist and turn were presented, keeping my eyes glued to my netbook screen.


Other thing is the way the author combine the beauty and bleakness of Venice in year 1400s. Venice with all the buildings and sculptures is consider as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but its just in the surface. While reading it you'll find many layers of Venice and not all of them have pretty face and it was true; brothels managed by patricians, young girl from rich family sold into a wedding for even more rich or powerful man, children roaming on the street used according to the needs of powerful parties. Those things really happened in the past and the author cleverly mixed it with fantasy and legend.

Overall there's nothing I dislike about this book although it doesn't make me think about it all the time. It's well-written story with interesting characters and events. This is gory, savage, bloody, sad and can be frustrating at times. But it also grand and awesome in various level. It will capture the fans of historical fiction whose not afraid of a little blood (okay, maybe not so little...).


GIVEAWAY! Check this post to enter our The Fallen Blade giveaway! Comment on this review for extra entries!

Lynossa

The Fallen Blade by Jon Courtenay Grimwood (ARC) + Giveaway

The Viscount Who loved me - Julia Quinn

Title: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Author: Julia Quinn
Pages: 376 pages
Publisher: Avon

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Reveiw:

Meet Katherine Sheffield in short Kate. A Strong woman who live with her Step Mother and sister after her father died last five years ago. She loves her family so much and they love her back. Even though they are not blood related they treated each other as one. Kate is an over protective sister to her younger sister Edwina who just debuted and became famous and suddenly have a tons of suitors after her. Kate would have considered the other suitors for her sister but not the rumored womanizer/playboy- Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. Anyone but him.

Viscount Anthony - Who decided to pursue Edwina and ask her hand to marry. Had a hard time when Edwina's older sister Kate appeared in the picture. And decided to stop him from his every plan.

Well Imagine what happen next.

When i picked this book in my near book store. I didn't know that there is another books. I was annoyed knowing that I picked the wrong book. I should have picked the first book of this and this after. But oh well. It's done. And im done reading this when I realized my mistake.

This story is not so good nor bad. The story isn't that appealing to me to the point where I get excited. Nor it isn't that boring. Though I have to admit. I skipped some pages (>.<).

I don't like how Kate thinks of herself every time she is compared to her little sister who is prettier than her. How everyone thinks of her. But I love it that she remained strong and confident of herself despite what everyone thinks of her. Yes. Edwina might be prettier or more beautiful than her. But she is far more smarter and sensible in someways. And she loves Edwina and Edwina loves her back. And nothing can break that bond they have. And Mary. I love how she remained and balanced her love to her daughters. You wouldn't think that she is just a stepmother here.

Anthony is............................................well i really cant say anything about him except that....well a liar is someways,

Over all. I think 3 is enough.

Kay-c <3

The Viscount Who loved me - Julia Quinn