Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5) by Nalini Singh

 

Summary:

 

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 337 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print/E-book/Audio

Publication Date: September 4th 2012 by Berkley

 

I love this series.

I really, really, really do.

So much so that you might even say that I fangirl over it.

Okay, so Mr. Turning the Pages is the one who said it but let's be honest. Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series is AWESOME.

 

Every time I pick up one of the books in this series I know I better warn people that I will be emotionally unavailable to them for long periods of time whilst I read and with Archangel's Storm I was so glad to see our dark winged angel Jason get his own story because he's always been such an enigma in the previous books so I was glad to learn about him in this one.

 

Jason was a great character to focus the fifth book in her Guild Hunter series on. While I do want to read a story with Ashwini and Javier, Venom, and Blue Bell but the way things led up to this one really made me curious about Jason's past and future.

 

One of the many things that I enjoy about the books in this series is that each of them has a mystery that needs solving by the main characters who were Jason and Neha's niece, Mahiya (whose name I just love) and the relationship between them. Jason we know has a dark past, however Mahiya is a newcomer to the Guild Hunter series so everything we learned about her was in this book and I thought the way that Singh wrote the story in such a way that both of the main characters stories were balanced.

 

As I've come to expect there was a lot of character development. Singh excels at creating strong independent heroines and dark heroes as well as romances that don't have the dreaded insta-love factor. That I think is one of the most enjoyable parts of her books because they take place over weeks and or months at a time so the relationships between the Jason and Mahiya was slow building which suited this novel. Both parties were jaded, traumatized and basically left to their own devices for so long in their pasts it was no wonder that they took time to figure each other out but when they did it was hotter than a volcano!

 

Also, I enjoyed seeing Elena and Raphael as well as Honor and Dimitri who are the characters from the preceding novels, because while Archangel's Blade and Archangel's Storm deal with members of Raphael the Archangel's team of elite warriors there is in fact events that tie all the books together. As with each book I feel much closer to finding out how things in the world Singh built will turn out.

 

With lots of adrenaline pumping action, mystery, intrigue, betrayal and hot romance between the characters I loved reading Archangel's Storm since I liked reading about another archangel (Neha) more in depth and getting to know Mahiya and Jason. I can't wait to see where things are going with this series and I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

 

I would recommend this to fans of the Guild Hunter series who haven't yet read this installment as well as recommending the first book in the series to newcomers. Fans of gritty, emotional and action packed Urban Fantasy novels with great characters and terrific plots should definitely give this series a try.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge
 

Loved It!
★★★★★

To "Like" Nalini  on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Nalini  on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Nalini  on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Nalini's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1) by Nalini Singh

 

Summary:

THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 334 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print/E-book/Audio

Publication Date: September 5th 2006 by Berkley Sensation

I've been a fan of Nalini Singh's since I first came across her Guild Hunter series back in 2011 and I've been wanting to try her Psy-Changeling series for just as long, and last week I finally bit the bullet and borrowed the e-book from my library.

And you know what? I loved it. I did, I really, really did. I was totally surprised by the fact that I loved it because of the sci-fi and paranormal blend which I thought was pretty unique compared to the other romances I usually read.

The book focuses on two people. First there's Sascha, a Psy. Someone who has had the emotion supressed in them, they have individual personalities, and powers but no emotion. Except something went wrong with Sascha and she does feel things, and that could get her killed if the wrong people found out. Then there's Lucas, the alpha of the DarkRiver pack of Leopard shifters, he's all emotion and can tell that there's something different about Sascha but it takes time to figure out just what that difference is.

I loved both characters, sometimes I struggle with alpha heroes but when it comes to Nalini Singh, I love them. She creates them in such a way that I can't help but adore them, even if they can be major pricks she always gives them redeeming qualities, and Lucas's most redeeming quality is his loyalty to those around them, plus he's a shifter. How could I not like him? I didn't always agree with him but I liked him a lot through out the whole book.

As for Sascha, I was really surprised to like her since I've read a romance like this before where I hated the heroine I loved Sasha. Unlike the other Psy we encounter in the book she's all emotion, even though she had to keep it under wraps around her kind, I enjoyed seeing her embrace her differences and use them for good.

As a couple, I loved this pairing of characters. Yes, Lucas is all macho but Sasha is able to smooth out his rougher edges and they went together so well both in and out of the bedroom. Singh has always been able to create a strong storyline that is both equally character and plot driven in her other series that I've read so it was nice to see that her ability to create scorching chemistry in one of her earlier novels was great.

The plot of the novel was a strong one. Both Lucas and Sasha are trying to find the Psy who is abducting and butchering other shifters, leopards as well as wolves and it becomes a game of cat and mouse, with both sides of the coin having much to lose if it comes to light that there's a rogue Psy in the world. At first I was very unsure about the whole Psy thing because of the sci-fi nature of them and race but in the end I enjoyed it and thought it was really refreshing. Yes, I have some questions about the Psy and the Changelings but I suspect many of those questions if not all will be answered in the subsequent novels in the series.

Overall, this turned out to be one of my favourite reads of this year. Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors so I'm glad that I finally gave her first series a try, though I am kicking myself for not starting it sooner. The plot was complex and the romance between the characters was able to build up before it bubbled over. I liked the angst and the way that she set up this first book in her series and I'm dying to read the second one.

I would recommend this to fans of Nalini Singh who haven't yet started her Psy-Changeling series for fears that it won't have strong characters like those in her Guild Hunter series. If you love shifter romances but want one with a twist where there isn't a case of insta-love and want something refreshing in the genre I highly recommend picking this one up and if you long your heroines with a strong personality grab it as soon as you can

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge

 

Loved it!
★★★★★

To "Like" Nalini  on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Nalini  on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Nalini  on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Nalini's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

.

Never Desire a Duke (One Scandalous Season #1) by Lily Dalton

 

Summary:

 

A secret from his past holds the key to their future...

A Marriage Beyond Hope

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, Lord Vane Barwick, the Marquess of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom—and a single touch—are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A Love Beyond Reason

Lord Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Lady Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he's ever truly loved. He'll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 416 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Expected Publication Date: September 24th 2013 by Grand Central/Forever

 

Yesterday I requested Never Desire a Duke via the publisher through NetGalley and since I'm on the publisher's auto-approval list I didn't have to wait to be approved which served me well since I loved Never Desire a Duke so much it would have sucked if I had had to wait.

 

I'm a huge fan of historical romances, I have been since I started reading the genre and I especially love historical romances that have lots of banter, wit and chemistry between the hero and heroine. Plus I love when the book centers on an already married couple like the one in this romance. It's one of my favourite themes in historical romances and it's one that I don't see that often which is what really prompted me to request it.

 

Never Desire a Duke is Lily Dalton's debut and I think she did a really fantastic job. Sophia and Vane (Lord Claxton) were absolutely marvelous together. The chemistry they had throughout the novel practically leaped of the screen of my iPad. Set during the holiday's we see the couple get reacquainted with each other after they've spent a year apart after a tragedy that struck them when they were in the early days of their marriage. We see the couple go through some tough ups and downs, come to grips with how they feel about themselves and each other as well as get a glimpse at a great love story all at the same time.

 

 The book was full of laughs and there were times I found myself laughing and other times when Vane irritated me with his lack of sensitivity and lack of thinking where I wanted to hit him. Vane was a bit of a conundrum for me. I liked him at first, and then I didn't like him and then by the end of the book I loved him. His complete and utter devotion to Sophia was really admirable especially when he owned up to his mistakes and admitted his wrong doings. He really did love her and that showed. As for Sophia, I liked her right from the beginning and my heart really went out to her. She was smart, funny, and witty enough that she stood out from a lot of heroines that I've read about in the past. I really liked how she was able to admit her wrong doings as well.

 

Lily Dalton did a very good job in creating likable, realistic characters that were not perfect and flaws in their personalities but that is exactly what I liked to have in my historical romance novels. The story line was very sweet and I liked the fact that the book was set during Christmas since I've always really liked holiday romances and this one is definitely my favourite Christmas romance by far. The pace of the romance was just right and I didn't feel as if the story line was rushed whatsoever and everything was done very well. The love scenes were spicy but they didn't take up the whole of the novel which I really liked.

 

Overall, I think Lily Dalton's Never Desire a Duke was a great historical romance debut and I can't wait to read book two in the One Scandalous Season series that deals with Daphne, Sophia's younger sister. I hope it's just as good as this one but Daphne and her man have a lot to live up to when it comes to the chemistry part.

 

I would recommend Never Desire a Duke to all fans of historical romance novels especially set during the holidays where the book is more about the characters. If you're tired of the dreaded influx of insta-love that has been plaguing the genre than this one is the perfect one to read, Lily Dalton is a fresh voice in the genre and she's definitely someone to watch out for.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Loved it!
★★★★★

To "Like" Lily  on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Lily on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Lily  on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Lily's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora by Stephanie Thornton

Summary:

Where Theodora went, trouble followed…

In sixth century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. But the woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was, in fact, a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told…

When her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can—first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage of the city’s infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector—only to face heartbreak and betrayal.

Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the Emperor’s nephew. She will thrive as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day, this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder—is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it?
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 448 pages (Paperback)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date: July 2nd 2013 by NAL Trade


This was another one of the novels that I finally had the chance to read while I was on vacation. I've had the book on my TBR pile since January when I first saw the cover on GoodReads and I had to wait awhile to get it from the library and the waiting almost did me in but it was well worth the wait.

Stephanie Thornton created an exceptionally well written novel set in Constantinople in the 6th century. The novel centers around Theodora the lowly street urchin who rose from meager beginnings to go on to be come one of the most influential women in all of history when she became Empress.

I started The Secret History at around 10 p.m. one night and stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it. It was written so beautifully that it sucked me into the story from the very first page. I've always been a fan of historical fiction especially those that center around strong female characters and I'm a firm believer that the quote "Well behaved women seldom make history" is true. While The Secret history is a fictionalized account of Empress Theodora's life, the amount of research the author did to write the story really showed, and she tried to be as historically accurate as much as possible but still took a creative license with it as well.

I loved how as soon as I began reading the book I felt that I was transported into the actual story. The way that Stephanie wrote the story and created such a rich historical back drop it was as though I could see the places that were being described as though I was there along with Theodora through out the entirety of the novel. For a debut author to bring a story to life as much as Stephanie did with this one I was really surprised and impressed.

I thought the way the characters in this story were just perfect. Good, bad and ugly I loved reading about all of them and I loved just how realistic they were. Their good qualities and their bad qualities as well as their personalities were really well developed, and they seemed as though I was watching living, breathing people interact.

Full of plot twists, adventure, and emotions The Secret History is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Theodora was a true underdog and I was rooting for her the whole time. Her ups and downs were triumphant and tragic. Stephanie Thornton made a fantastic debut with this novel and I can't wait to see more written by her and thanks to her I have a newfound obsession with historical fiction based on Theodora. This is definitely one of my top 10 favourite books of the year.

I would recommend The Secret History to fans of historical fiction that is equally character and plot driven as well as an immensely strong female character based on a real historical figure and one of the world's most prominent and important women.

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

 

Loved it!
★★★★★

To "Like" Stephanie  on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Stephanie on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Stephanie  on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Stephanie's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4) by Nalini Singh

Summary:

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 310 pages (Paperback)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Publication Date: September 6th 2011 by Berkley Sensation

I've been a fan of the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh for a long time now and since the books are released with quite a bit of time between them I've been reading the series slowly to lessen the waiting time between books for me. While I was away on vacation with Mr. Turning the Pages I finally had enough time to give Dimitri's book a try.

I was a little unsure of what to expect from this novel in the series since it veers away from the main characters of Elena and Raphael and instead focuses on Raphael's vampire second who is pretty much like his vice president when it comes to running Manhattan. I didn't really like Dimitri in the previous books so I was surprised to find how much I liked him in this installment in the series.

Dimitri is one thousand years old, and has turned cold and rather heartless, on top of having had more bed partners than you or I could imagine. However, when a bunch of grisly murders land on the Guild's doorstep it is recently reinstated hunter, Honor who heads the investigation with Dimitri, a vampire just months after she endured torture at the hands of other vampires.

What begins as nothing but cold detachment on both sides soon leads to chemistry between the two and some rather passionate encounters leaving both breathless and confused. The pace of Archangel's Blade was bang on. I've never had a problem with Nalini Singh's pacing in her writing but this one flowed so well, and so effortlessly, that I really was impressed.

As always, there was tons of action. There was murder, sex and some graphic scenes where Honor and Dimitri both recount some horrific scenes from their pasts that truly bind them together. Singh created yet another perfect novel in the series and she really does the urban fantasy genre justice with this one. While I was unsure of how I would feel about this in the beginning her ability to create characters that I can like, and respect won out and her writing style really stood out.

The way that Nalini Singh weaves together stories of those who have had trauma in their lives, action, adventure, fantasy and lots of hot romance together is fantastic and I always enjoy the books in this series. I loved that while Dimitri and Honor were the main characters in this novel I was able to see how the overall story line of the series was progressing as well.

Overall, Archangel's Blade was a perfect novel for me that had me on the edge of my seat laughing, cringing and rooting for Dimitri and Honor the whole time. I'm very glad that the author decided to write a story featuring the two of them because Dimitri has always seemed so dark and mysterious that even though I didn't care for him much when he was a side character I now know why he is the way he is and understand him and his position in Raphael's team. I am very much looking forward to reading the fifth book in the series as soon as I can.

I would recommend this to fans who have already started the Guild Hunter series but like I was, nervous about reading a story that drifts away from Elena and Raphael to try this one out. Perhaps it will surprise you like it did me. If you haven't started this series yet, than what are you doing? Get your rear in gear and get the first book!

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Loved it!
★★★★★

To "Like" Nalini  on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Nalini  on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Nalini  on Goodreads CLICK HERE

To visit Nalini's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh

 

Summary:

 

Having drawn comparisons to Gone with the Wind and Out of Africa, The Fever Tree is a page-turner of the very first order.
  In London she was caged by society.
In South Africa, she is dangerously free.

Frances Irvine, left destitute in the wake of her father’s sudden death, has been forced to abandon her life of wealth and privilege in London and emigrate to the Southern Cape of Africa. 1880 South Africa is a country torn apart by greed. In this remote and inhospitable land she becomes entangled with two very different men—one driven by ambition, the other by his ideals. Only when the rumor of a smallpox epidemic takes her into the dark heart of the diamond mines does she see her path to happiness.   But this is a ruthless world of avarice and exploitation, where the spoils of the rich come at a terrible human cost and powerful men will go to any lengths to keep the mines in operation. Removed from civilization and disillusioned by her isolation, Frances must choose between passion and integrity, a decision that has devastating consequences.   The Fever Tree is a compelling portrait of colonial South Africa, its raw beauty and deprivation alive in equal measure. But above all it is a love story about how—just when we need it most—fear can blind us to the truth.   

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 432 (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Available Formats: Print/E-book/Audio

Publication Date:  April 4th 2013 by Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam 

 

When I first saw the cover of The Fever Tree I was blown away and I have to say that each of the different are equally as stunning as this one which is the edition that I read. So I was so excited when this was selected for my book club's book of the month.

 

I love reading about South Africa so as soon as I saw this one I knew I had to read it. It isn't very common to find a lot of historical fiction set in South Africa so this one was a rare treat and shows that there are more and more authors adopting the theme of historical fiction set there as well as other places in Africa which is a nice change. I think Africa as a whole is a great place to write about and offers that sense of adventure many readers are looking for as well as reading about somewhere new and different.

 

Beginning in England in the 1880's we're introduced to our main character Frances and her soon to be husband Edwin and follow the circumstances that lead to these two distant cousins to marry, immigrate to South Africa and begin their lives together in a tumultuous time in the country's history.

 

I thought that the plot was very good. I loved the various settings in the novel. From Frances's childhood home in England to the month long boat trip to Capetown and finally living in South Africa I was completely enthralled with the story. I loved how realistic the places were, the plot, and the characters all turned out to be and I loved how the author aptly captured the time period and the ruggedness of the country.

 

I loved how this was not only a journey spanning continents but a personal journey for Frances as she comes to terms with her fathers death, being offloaded into a one sided marriage, being forced to move to a new country, falling in love with a man who wasn't her husband, betrayal and forgiveness. Frances definitely wasn't the easiest character to love. She's deeply flawed and self centered and definitely not prepared for living off the land in South Africa and having to learn to do the things she once had servants back in England for. However despite her selfishness towards her husband and others I felt for her. She truly was a victim of circumstances beyond her control in a lot of ways but I for one didn't agree with her affair before marrying Edwin.

 

Edwin was a great character but I wish we knew more about him. I wish the author would write a second book but this time telling the story from his point of view. He was a hard worker and a political man but he loved the people regardless of colour his duties as a doctor made him see everyone as equals. I loved how strong he was and he did have to put up with a lot but he made his own mistakes as well. The fact that the characters were battling their own demons made them very lifelike and that what really got to me. 

 

The depictions of how hard life was for everyone during this time in the country's history was amazingly vivid and I felt as if I were watching the tale unfold on the big screen. There was a lot of corruption, greed and betrayal happening not just with the main characters but with the powers that be in the country overall. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the past and am so glad that the author wrote such a wonderful piece of historical fiction.

 

Ultimately The Fever Tree was a story of love, loss and forgiveness and showed both characters coming into their own and learning to put differences aside and truly grow as individuals and as a couple even if fate hadn't dealt them the best hand.

 

Overall, I absolutely loved The Fever Tree and it's now one of my favourite books not only of 2013 but of all time. For me The Fever Tree was the whole package with great realistic characters, vivid descriptions and a unique back drop that is not often found in this genre. The writing swept me off my feet and the author's writing was fresh and new. I have to say that for this being the author's debut novel I am totally blown away and I can only hope and cross my fingers that the author continues to write historical fiction set in Africa because she has a real gift for it and you can tell there was a lot of research that had gone on in the writing process and it really paid off and I can see myself re-reading this time and time again in the future. It's just one of those stories that really resonated with me.

 

I would highly recommend this novel to all fans of historical fiction who are looking to read about a time and place that is under-represented in the genre and looking for something new and the author is definitely a fresh new voice in the genre.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

2013 Historical Reading Challenge

2013 Around the World Challenge

Loved It!
★★★★★

To "Like" Jennifer on Facebook CLICK HERE

To "Follow" Jennifer  on Twitter CLICK HERE

To become a "Fan" of Jennifer  on Goodreads  CLICK HERE

To visit Jennifer's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE

 

The Starlight Barking (The Hundred and One Dalmatians #2) by Dodie Smith

 

Summary:

 

Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians, later adapted by Disney, was declared a classic when first published in 1956. The Starlight Barking, Dodie's own long-forgotten sequel, is a thrilling new adventure for Pongo and his family. As the story opens, every living creature except dogs is gripped by an enchanted sleep. One of the original Dalmatian puppies, all grown up since the first novel, is now the Prime Minister's mascot. Relying on her spotted parents for guidance, she assumes emergency leadership for the canine population of England. Awaiting advice from Sirius, the Dog Star, dogs of every breed crowd Trafalgar Square to watch the evening skies. The message they receive is a disturbing proposition, one that might forever destroy their status as "man's best friend."

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 155 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: 1988 by Puffin (first published 1967)

 

A few months back I read the first book in this trilogy by Dodie Smith and I loved reading the original tale of the 101 Dalmatians. So when I decided to host the 2013 Pre-1960 Classic Children's Books Reading Challenge I immediately put this one on hold. Unfortunately for me the book was published 7 years too late to qualify for the challenge but I read it anyways.

 

This book centers around Pongo and Missis, the main characters from the 101 Dalmatians and a few of their pups plus some other beloved characters that appeared in the first book as well as the Walt Disney animated film of the same name. In this book the dogs wake up to a world filled with silence in which canines are the only animals  awake, well the dogs, and 3 honorary dogs which include two cats and a young boy named Tommy. 

 

I thought the characters were simply delightful. While the book is written at a bit of a hire level for young children nowadays, we simply forget that children's books used to be written a lot different compared to those we see more often. As I said the characters were delightful and it was lovely to see much of the original cast and to meet some new faces as well which included the dog version of the British parliament.

 

What I enjoyed most about the novel was the story itself which takes on a bit of a science fiction slant which I was not expecting at all and since I don't want to ruin it for anyone who may read it let me just say that I thought it was rather unique to have that in a child's book about dogs and I think Dodie Smith did a lovely job incorporating the science fiction aspects into her book in a way that wasn't to high brow for children to understand and like. I think the fact that the book offered something different was wonderful.

 

It's well known that Dodie Smith is a wonderful children's author and this book just adds to her repatoir. I loved the way she created her characters and gave them all different personalities and quirks to go along with them as well and I thought it was one of the most heartwarming novels with a great amount of adventure that I've read in a long and I think this is one along with the preceding book that should be in every child's library.

 

I would recommend this to anyone who has a child to include this in their child's library. While like I mentioned before it may be a little harder for toddlers to comprehend it would make for the perfect bedtime read for older children.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

What An Animal Reading Challenge VI

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

 

 

Really Liked It!

★ ★ ★ ★ 

 

To purchase the book via Chapters Indigo CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE