Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time

• Rated 4 stars

“In Burned, the seventh instalment of the House of Night series, the reader is given insight into the point of view of six characters: Zoey, Stevie Rae, Aphrodite, Rephaim, Heath and Stark and Kalona.

The novel opens with the gang in shock and grief as a result of Zoey's Heath's death and the shattering of Zoey’s soul. Zoey awakes in the Otherworld with Heath and is overwhelmed with grief as well as guilt over Heath’s death. The Council warn that unless Zoey can face what has happened, pull her shattered pieces back together, and return to her body within seven days, her body will die.

Neferet finds Kalona recovering from the side effects of being blasted by Zoey with Spirit and feeling her soul shatter and is in despair over the loss of her. Neferet takes advantage of his incapacitated state to bind him with Darkness and forces his spirit to pursue Zoey in the Otherworld (Nyx only banished his body) to prevent her return. If Kalona fails in his mission he will have to pay the price ascertained by Neferet.
When they discover that Kalona’s spirit is also missing from his body they guess Neferet’s scheme and realise time is of the essence. After some research into ancient-forgotten vampyre legends and religion, the Nerd Herd finds out about the eternal struggle between Light and Darkness personified by a Black Bull and a White Bull respectively. Aphrodite enlists the help of Stevie Rae by telling her about the two bulls and their possible link to helping Stark enter the Otherworld. Aphrodite fails to mention that it is the white bull who is evil and not the black one, something which Stevie Rae discovers to her cost when she accidently summons the white bull. The bull gives Stevie Rae a poem and as payment for giving that knowledge, the white bull extracts his payment with her pain and her blood. Through their imprint, Rephaim feels her agony and races to save her and upon arrival offers himself in her stead. As the black bull shreds and feeds on Rephaim’s blood and pain, Stevie Rae summons the black bull to save them both at the price of always staying connected to Rephaim's humanity. She speeds up Rephaim’s healing by using her earth element and their bond is strengthened as a result of their experience.

With the help of Stevie Rae’s poem, Stark, Aphrodite and Darius are able to travel to the Isle of Skye to enlist the help of Sgaich, an ancient Warrior Queen who once trained the best warriors but distanced herself from mainstream society when the Vampyre Council refused to grant her a seat on the Council. Sgaich agrees to help them and with the help of her Guardian, Aphrodite’s visions and Kramisha’s prophetic poems, Stark undertakes a perilous journey to the Otherworld where he slays his Warrior self to become a Shaman bringing him one step closer to Zoey.
Aphrodite warns Stark that Heath is the key to persuading Zoey to return. Upon sighting Heath, Stark explains the danger facing the world if Zoey fails to return and stop Neferet and Kalona. Heath realises he must make the ultimate sacrifice and move on so that Zoey will embrace the remnants of her soul and return with Stark. He tells Stark to look after her and sets out to find Zoey. In his farewell speech Heath tells Zoey, ““I want you to remember something. Zo. It's important, and it'll make more sense when you have yourself together again. I'm gonna leave here and get another chance at life. You're gonna be a big, famous vamp High Priestess. That means you're gonna live like a gazillion years. I'll find you again. Even if it takes a hundred of those years. I promise you, Zoey Redbird, we'll be together again."

Stevie Rae struggles with being bound to Rephaim and her growing feelings for him, eventually trying to break the Imprint by sleeping with Dallas. Sensing that their imprint is in danger of breaking, Rephaim arrives in the tunnels to stop her. Before Stevie Rae can explain, the arrival of the rogue Fledgling’s further complicates matters and when the rogues refuse to join Stevie Rae a vicious fight it breaks out. Half of the rogues die while a few become buried in the earth. Feeling betrayed after discovering Stevie Rae’s bond with Rephaim, Dallas lets Darkness come into him and becomes the third red vampyre, with an affinity for Electricity.

Having seen Heath’s departure, Stark approaches Zoey who is initially afraid. To motivate her, Stark goes out of the sacred grove to fight Kalona. Realising that she can't allow another one of her friends to die, she calls out to the remnants of her soul to realign with her. However, before she can intervene, Kalona manages to kill Stark. Enraged, Zoey attacks Kalona and overpowers him, demanding the life debt owed to her for Heath. When Kalona refuses, Nyx intervenes causing Kalona to share a part of his immortality with Stark and bring him back to life. Nyx banishes Kalona's body AND spirit from the Otherworld. Zoey fully accepts Stark as her Guardian and lets him drink from her so he could heal, the elements fill her again and all her tattoos come back.

Stevie Rae and Rephaim share their feelings for each other when suddenly Nyx reveals an image of Rephaim's human form in a fountain. Totally immersed in their reflection, they become aware of the sky darkening and a winged figure rises out of the water, signalling Kalona's return. A sad Rephaim departs claiming he can't abandon his father.

Zoey comes back from the other world before Stark and then brings his soul back to his body in the real world, and Zoey tells Stark that it's all over. She hears Nyx laugh and say that "No daughter, it's only just begun."

The most interesting development of the series for me has been the Stevie Rae/Rephaim arc and this instalment in particular is heavy on their relationship. Zoey’s character as well as her relationship with Stark doesn’t hold the same interest for me so it’s probably the series saving grace to have introduced this plot twist when the series was in danger of fanning out.

Another aspect which I found intriguing was being shown Heath’s death from Kalona’s point of view as well as insight into his true feelings for Zoey, Nyx as well as Neferet.

One of the downsides to the book was the coarser language used especially by Aphrodite which I felt was completely unnecessary. Aphrodite’s development throughout the series has been a revelation as we’ve seen the softer vulnerable side to her. To have her revert back to her bitchiness was disappointing at times as I’d prefer to see a more mature, contemplative side to her as a result of her visions and additional powers.

I’m giving this book a four for the breathtaking white/black bull summoning scene and Stevie Rae ‘s and Rephaim’s (who I have a soft spot for) developing love story.
”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Thursday, September 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Renowned in her time for being the most beautiful woman in Europe, the wife of two kings and mother of three, Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the great heroines of the Middle Ages. At a time when women were regarded as little more than chattel, Eleanor managed to defy convention as she exercised power in the political sphere and crucial influence over her husbands and sons. In this beautifully written biography, Alison Weir paints a vibrant portrait of this truly exceptional woman, and provides new insights into her intimate world. Eleanor of Aquitaine lived a long life of many contrasts, of splendor and desolation, power and peril, and in this stunning narrative, Weir captures the woman— and the queen—in all her glory. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, she recreates not only a remarkable personality but a magnificent past era.
”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Wednesday, August 29, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Daughters of The Grail covers the brutal Catholic Crusade to wipe out The Cathars in 13th century France. Bridget has grown up mastering the mystical gifts of her ancestor, Mary Magdalene, whose unbroken female lineage has kept a legacy of wisdom alive for a thousand years. But the all-powerful Catholic Church has sworn to destroy Bridget for using her healing talents and supernatural abilities.

Bridget's duty to continue the bloodline leads her into the arms of Raoul de Montvallant--a Catholic. But when the Church's savage religious intolerance causes Raoul to turn rebel, a terrible vengeance is exacted by Simon de Montfort, the unstoppable Catholic leader of a crusade against peaceful "heretics."

As war rages on, it is the children of these passionate souls, Magda and Dominic, who must strive to preserve the ancient knowledge for future generations, and find the love and courage to endure.

Having no previous knowledge of this part of history, I was neither the less distressed reading many aspects of this book. Readers should be warned that this is not your average happy ever after novels.
”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Wednesday, August 29, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This is a unique account of the fabled love between Lancelot Du Lac and Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse, replete with all the beloved characters of the Camelot legend.”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Saturday, August 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“The Conquest opens shortly before the Battle of Hastings in 1066. In the aftermath, Saxon housewife Ailith loses her husband, brothers and new born child and attempts to take her own life, but is stopped by womanizing Norman knight Rolf de Brize. Feeling strangely responsible for the woman whose life he has saved, the normally unreliable Rolf installs Ailith as chatelaine of Ulverton, his English estate. Despite his wife and daughter in France, he and Ailith eventually fall in love and have a daughter, Julitta. But can love truly conquer all - even Rolf's wife's decision to take her rightful place as mistress of Ulverton, and Ailith's discovery of a betrayal at the Battle of Hastings that she can never forgive?”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Saturday, August 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“‘She has greatness within her.’

Lady of the English is set during the 12th Century and chronicles the epic Civil War between the Empress Matilda and Stephen of Blois. It also tells the story of the poignant friendship between Matilda and her stepmother Adeliza, the former Dowager Queen of England who were both ‘Lady of the English.’

Henry I finds himself in a dilemma when his son and heir William, is killed during the fatal White Ship voyage. His second wife Adeliza’s one sorrow in life has been her inability to conceive a child and give her husband his much needed legitimate heir. As insurance, Henry summons his recently widowed daughter Matilda in an attempt to marry her off and gain a male heir.

As a young girl, Matilda, the only daughter of Henry I is married to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V. Following his death however, she is summoned back from Germany and finds herself being used as a political pawn to further the machinations of her father. Upon her arrival, Henry names her as his successor. In an effort to unite the Angevin empire, Matilda (to her horror and indignation) finds herself betrothed to Geoffrey, the Count of Anjou who happens to be only 14 yrs old in contrast to her 26 years.

Matilda and Adeliza are closer in age and become fast friends despite their differences. Adeliza is sympathetic to Matilda’s plight when her marriage to Geoffrey takes off with a rocky start. Henry is oblivious to Matilda’s protestations and both father and daughter become estranged as a result.

When Henry dies suddenly of food poisoning, Stephen seizes the crown and despite the barons swearing fealty to Matilda thrice under Henry’s reign, they now flock to support Stephen rather than a female heir to the throne. Matilda and Geoffrey must put aside their differences to work together to take back England and Normandy for their young son, Henry.

Meanwhile Adeliza has found new joy in her life after marrying William D’Albini and goes on to bear him six children. Adeliza finds herself torn between her obligation to her husband (who is a staunch Stephen supporter) and her stepdaughter Matilda who she sees as the true heir to the throne.

The rest of the novel chronicles the wars, strategies and game plans of both sides to reclaim the crown and the rule of England. Having read about Matilda in other books by Elizabeth Chadwick, I have always been curious about this complex enigmatic woman and the reasons behind her cold exterior and aloofness. Chadwick's research gives the reader an insightful understanding of this strongly motivated medieval woman who feels trapped by her circumstances. One paragraph in particular remonstrates this:

They saw her as a member of the weaker sex, too soft to rule; yet when she showed a hard face and acted in a stern manner, they muttered that she was going against nature. Whatever she did, she was damned, and it led her to think damn them all too.

One could argue that in a world where her feminine traits may have been used to her advantage (Eleanor of Aquitaine’s charismatic charm comes to mind) Matilda saw her femininity as a weakness and felt she had to be a man in a man’s world to survive. As a result she failed to win the barons over, and made fatal mistakes that eventually cost her the crown. I think both Chadwick and Adeliza summon her up quite well when they describe her as being her own worst enemy.

"She can look after herself," he muttered, remembering her wide grey eyes on him in the moment before she climbed into the wain. The contempt. The pride. The anger. "No," said Adeliza. "You are wrong, my husband. She cannot, because she is her own worst enemy."

The characters of Adeliza and Henry II stood out the most for me. I found myself sobbing at the end at Adeliza’s fate just as she had found contentment in her life. Henry’s boyish charm, shining energy and audacity made for some fun reading particularly when he waltzes into King Stephen’s camp to ask for money to pay his mercenaries after his failed attempt to seize some of Stephen’s border castles.

Once again Chadwick has provided great insight into this time era and the struggles faced by both sides during a tumultuous time in English history. Recommended.
”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Saturday, August 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“The Winter Mantle consists of two parts, one covering the marriage between Waltheof and Judith and the second part covering the marriage between their daughter Matilda and Simon De Senlis. It's set during the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings with the triumphant William the Conquerer returning to Normandy after defeating the English in 1066. Accompanying him are hostage English nobles whom William deems too dangerous to leave behind and one of these happens to be Waltheof of Huntingdon. From the very first time he sets eyes on William's niece Judith, Waltheof is torn between making his peace with William and pressing suit for her hand or participating in further rebellion against the Norman conquerors. When an attempted rebellion in the north fails, William forgives Waltheof in a politically motivated move to keep him in line and allows the marriage between him and Judith to take place. However he continues to have Waltheof watched. Marriage to Judith proves to be Waltheof's undoing as the two are hopelessly unsuited from the start and as different as chalk and cheese. Waltheof is resentful of his limited freedom and Judith torn between pride in her Norman ancestry fails to understand her husbands bitterness. This eventually leads to discord in the marriage despite the birth of their two daughters Matilda and Jude.

When Waltheof saves the life of the young Simon De Senlis after he's almost trampled by a horse, the two become fast friends. After one rebellion too many, Waltheof finds himself on trial for treason and with more than one enemy at court including his own wife, is sentenced to death. Judith is horrified on learning of Waltheof's beheading as she had assumed that William would banish Waltheof. She lives with the guilt of her actions for the remainder of the book.

In the second half of the book, thirteen years have passed since the death of Waltheof and Judith has been in sole charge of Huntingdon. Simon is now in the service of William Rufus and has been awarded the earldom of Huntingdon. A bitter Judith refuses to marry him, but a chance meeting between him and Waltheof's daughter Matilda changes their lives forever when she consents to be his wife. The pair go through many trials as Matilda has never really recovered from the loss of her father. When Simon expresses his desire to go on Crusade, all her fears and doubts come to the surface. Will their marriage survive the folly committed by Simon while he's away?

The books biggest strength lies in it's characterisation and relationships. All of the lead characters have their own flaws - strengths and weaknesses which make them all the more real. As much as I loved Waltheof, he was guilty of making some severe errors in judgment that not only affected him but also his family. His beheading halfway through the book came as a huge shock as I had thought he was the main character.

Judith was the most complex character for me. Growing up without affection has caused her to create a hard shell of pride to protect herself from being hurt. At times I wanted to shake her. I was exasperated at the way she treated her own daughters especially after the way she had been treated by her own mother. I loved the way the author humanised her towards the end. Her sorrow and regret that she had loved Waltheof 'but not enough' and the way she had missed out on great happiness was lamentable.

For those that can handle the odd setback and a surprise or two, this is great read and highly recommended.”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Sunday, July 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“The Falcons of Montabard is not one of Chadwick's best but contains enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The book begins on the eve of the sinking of the White Ship in which King Henry's son lost his life with countless others. Sabine FitzSimon was supposed to be on that ship but is caught dallying with King Henry's mistress and is beaten and imprisoned as a result. When news of the disaster spreads, Sabine feels responsible for the tragedy and in an effort to redeem himself, agrees to taking the Cross and going on pilgrimage to The Holy Land in the service of Edmund Strongfist.

Sabine finds himself attracted to Strongfist's daughter, Annais but holds fast to his vow to Strongfist that he will keep his distance. In the Holy Land Edmund and Annaise both enter into marriage, but their unions are short-lived. Sabin leaves his life of lust and folly behind and proves himself to be trustworthy and reliable. King Baldwin of Jerusalem is kidnapped and imprisoned, Sabin and Annaise must draw on all their strengths and resources if they are to come out of the repercussions unscathed. As the story unfolds, the author skillfully shows how the events of their lives in the Middle East change them both. By the time they do get together - over two hundred pages into the book - they seem to be made for one another. ”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Wednesday, July 11, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Shields of Pride is set amidst the ill-fated rebellion of the young king Henry against his father, Henry II. The story focuses on Joscelin de Gael, illegitimate and oldest son of William de Rocher. After the death of his mother when Joscelin is only four years old, he's sent to live with his father and step family who deeply resent his presence. He runs away at fifteen to join his Uncle Conan and fight as a mercenary. He returns seven years later to his father's delight, but the relationship between him and his half brothers and step mother remains strained.

Returning from a mission Joscelin comes across a broken cart and the ungrateful Giles de Montsorrel. While offering his assistance Joscelin meets Linnet and her son Robert and takes pity on their predicament.

When Giles later falls from a horse and dies, Joscelin is asked to escort Linnet and her son Robert home, and soon finds himself nominated as Roberts warden and offered Linnet's hand in marriage. Linnet has spent the past six years of her life in an abusive marriage and is hiding a dark secret of her own but gradually she comes to trust and love Joscelin.

Joscelin has had his own heartache in the past, having lost a young son to the bloody flux as well as his beloved mother Morwenna. His father William has never gotten over the death of Morwenna either and as a result his wife Agnes and sons have harboured ill intentions towards both William and Joscellin. When Ralf finally makes his move to get rid of William and Joscellin once and for all, Linnet must use all her wits to save them all.

I almost didn't read this book as I was put off by the abuse suffered by Linnet at the hands of Giles at the beginning of the book as well as the other unpleasant characters i.e Ralf and Agnes. I'm so glad I persevered however as once the marriage between Joscellin and Linnet took place the book really took off. The last half of the book was particularly hard to put down as the book reached it's climax.

The books biggest strength lies in the flawed, complex characters. My favourites were Joscellin, William and Conan. William's relationship with Linnet was especially interesting to read and poignant at times as she saw underneath the gruff exterior. The added bonus was the presence of the ghost of Morwenna which I though was a stroke of genius. Even Morwenna's gown at the end played a crucial role during the scuffle with Ralf and seemed like Morwenna was reaching out from beyond the grave! A must read.”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Wednesday, July 4, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This is the third installment in the Ravenstow trilogy, this time focusing on Renard, the son of Judith and Guyon and future heir to Ravenstow. Having been betrothed to the ten year old Elene at the end of The Running Vixen, Renard has gone on crusade to Antioch until Elene comes of age. As a mercenary, Renard has adapted well to mideastern culture but when he receives a summons urging him to return home because his father is seriously ill, Renard wastes little time.

Although he is expected to marry as soon as he arrives on Welsh soil, he is manipulated into bringing with him his mistress Olwen, a half Welsh dancing girl he finds in Antioch, who dupes him into thinking she's carrying his child. They share a tempestuous relationship which threatens to destroy them both. Upon his return, Renard sets Olwen up financially and decides to marry Elene and take on the responsibilities of the Ravenstow.

Renard and Elene begin their marriage amidst the backdrop of England's Civil War, as the Barons waiver between taking sides with Stephen or Mathilda. A division of family loyalties ensues with Renard supporting Stephen and William supporting the Empress. At the same time the couple are constantly under threat from Ranulf the Earl of Chester who is determined to conquer the Ravenstow lands. Renard has always believed Elene to be an adoring devoted mouse of a girl, and is soon surprised at the depth of her intelligence and business acumen. Their marriage suffers a blow, however, when Elene finds out about Olwen.

When Renard is captured and imprisoned after the Battle of Lincoln, his future lies in the hands of two women: one his former mistress, now in the bed of his deadliest enemy, and the other his wife, frightened and alone, holding his earldom together in the face of terrifying odds.

Renard was one of my favourite characters in The Running Vixen, ofter making me laugh out loud at his audacity and tenaciousness as well as his incorrigibility. I was looking forward to reading about him further in The Leopard Unleashed but struggled to reconcile with the Renard from The Running Vixen with the Renard from The Leopard Unleashed. The latter came across as impetuous and most of the time full of rage with little explanation given to why or what has happened to make him be this way. Olwen was an interesting and complex character whom I found myself admiring and sympathising with on more than one occasion. I didn't feel that her relationship with Renard got the right closure. She helped him and his family from behind the scenes, which kept the link between them, but they never made peace or got to say goodbye. Elene's growth into a strong and resourceful woman was a pleasure to read. Guyon's death along with Henry's was heartbreaking. This one is the last part of a trilogy and concludes a story about a family living on the English edges of Wales.”

Nisareen - So Much To Read So Little Time wrote this review Wednesday, July 4, 2012. ( reply | permalink )