The Witch of Babylon - D.J. McIntosh - Blog Tour Review & Guest Post

The Witch of Babylon features John Madison, a New York art dealer caught up in the aftermath of the looting of the Baghdad Museum. It includes an elaborate puzzle that must be solved in order to locate a missing biblical antiquity and a spectacular lost treasure, as well as alchemy, murder, and the Mesopotamian cult of Istar. Alternating between war-torn Baghdad and New York, with forays into ancient Mesopotamian culture, The Witch of Babylon takes readers deep inside the world of Assyriology and its little-known but profound significance for the modern world.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: The Witch of Babylon

Author: D.J. McIntosh

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical, Religious Thriller, Suspense

Publisher: Penguin Canada

Publication Date: June 7, 2011

Format: ARC

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Bronwyn from Penguin Canada for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Tour: Penguin Book Tour. 

Look for it: Amazon, Penguin

My rating: 3.5/5

John Madison is still reeling from the death of his brother, Samuel, when suddenly, Hal, one of his longtime friends, is murdered. Madison is pulled into a terrifying game of historical and Biblical proportions when he realizes that Hal stole an artifact from his deceased brother, Samuel. When an arcane group comes after John for the artifact, he will have to track it down to save not only himself, but those around him. With danger lurking ever closer, he will have to solve the riddles left to him by Hal before he is pulled in too deep. What follows will unveil a complex yet famous myth hidden within the annals of history.  
John is a complex character. He lives his life in shades of gray, but he is not all bad. He is quite knowledgeable about certain elements pertaining to art and archaeology, however when tasked with figuring out the riddles given to him by his deceased friend, he struggles. He reaches out to certain people and entrusts the riddles with them, but they still take a while to figure things out. I found that dragged for me. 
However, the history used, and the amount of research that went into this book is phenomenal. I am an avid fan of anything historical and I love reading up on it. Though The Witch of Babylon does not necessarily have as staggering a reveal as The Da Vinci Code, it still has an excellent theological, and mythological premise. I was hooked when it first opened up and we started to get to the meat of the story. I loved reading about the history, as well as the action that follows as John races against time to save his life and the lives of those closest to him.
With complex characters, and an intricately woven plot, this is a fast-paced read. The mythological and theological ramifications just add to the story. Though The Witch of Babylon starts off slow, it ramps up speed as it keeps the reader invested in the outcome.
All in all, a thrilling race against time as John travels half-way across the world to find a hidden and stolen artifact. Those who enjoy religious thrillers, or thrillers in general are sure to enjoy The Witch of Babylon. 

Guest Post

Bad Guys Volume Two

By D.J. McIntosh

The clear split between good and evil in many thrillers makes for heart-pounding suspense but is a world carved into clear lines of black and white, hero and villain, the most satisfying  kind of read? On another blog I argue that a “bad guy” (or lady as the case may be) can be one dimensional, that is without any apparent redeeming features or an explanation of their motives other than being driven by “pure evil”, provided the author makes that character fascinating to us and unique. And we like to be scared out of our shoes by a really bad apple and then see the hero deliver the coup d’etat in the end.

It takes a very talented writer to deliver a villain who may be entirely blackhearted but captures our imagination all the same. Often, though, “bad guys” are cartoonish because we’ve seen them so many times before. You could almost list them: the greedy developer, the serial killer who embodies “pure evil”, the mean dowager fiercely hiding a family secret. The constant portrayal of some of these stock-in-trade bad guys can actually do harm in the real world. In political thrillers for example, villains frequently come from Arabic countries and the heroes from the west. We read almost nothing that reflects the great cultural and intellectual heritage of the Middle East. Another common “bad guy” is the eco-terrorist – the over zealous animal rights activist or despot who stdardly acts in order to save the planet. These characatures cast a pall over all environmental activists.

I think this is why novels where the lines of black and white merge to grey stand out so well. In his superb novel, The Meaning of Night, Michael Cox gave us a masterful portrait of a protagonist who commits fearful acts but whom, we desperately with hope will survive. I believe Cox achieved this because the “bad guy” has himself been grieviously wronged and the author makes us vividly aware of the man’s emotional pain.

Ian Rankin does a brilliant job of turning one of his lead characters, an assassin, into a compelling figure we have compassion for by telling his story in the first person and the “good guy” police detective in third person. Rankin adds the final touch by giving his protagonist a life threatening illness that draws us onside.

So what do you think? Do you like your villains to be thoroughly bad or is a touch of humanity more to your liking?

Sara Curran-Ross Guest Posts about Knight of Swords, and Her Inspiration.

INSPIRED BY THE TAROT: KNIGHT OF SWORDS

I had a lot of fun writing Knight of Swords. I had wanted to write a vampire story for a long time but after many false starts I decided that I didn’t have the confidence to finish one. It wasn’t until I began looking into tarot cards that I found the inspiration for Knight of Swords.

As the title suggests, my novel is based on the tarot card, Knight of Swords. I’d had a couple of tarot card readings and this one kept coming up in the spread. There were also a few others that persisted in appearing, usually swords, which meant I was facing some kind of challenge in my life. They all began to play upon my writer’s imagination. After all, there are many characters and stories in the tarot. My emotions and quite often frustrations at the continued manifestation of these cards in my readings began to form into a story, giving me the ability to express the meanings I have personally attached to them. If you read Knight of Swords you will find many scenes and characters that resemble the tarot cards.

When I write I see my story visually. I often think of it as a movie that gradually develops providing me with scenes that I will eventually link together in a coherent piece of writing. Knight of Swords and my main character Nathan were very vivid in my mind. At times I felt as though I was inside my movie watching and recording all that transpired. I felt the snow on my face and loudly heard the clash of swords around me in the battles and duels Nathan fought to save his Queen of Swords.

I was still in the middle of writing my book when I went on holiday with family to a cottage in Exmoor in the UK. The whole holiday and picturesque area with its rolling hills, jagged coastline, sea caves and quaint old nineteenth century villages brought more scenes for my movie thick and fast. The images became intense and more vivid. One early morning my husband and I decided to walk the dog at Saunton Sands. The moment I stepped onto the beach I was treated to a vision of a large group of sleek black horses charging across the sand out of the blue haze towards me. All of their swords were drawn and Nathan was at the front leading his men into battle. I could almost feel the rush of air as they passed by me and faded into the distance.

Another huge inspiration for Knight of Swords was the music I listened to when I wrote. I can’t seem to write without music. It always helps to conjure up images, scenes and more importantly a character’s feelings and emotions. I couldn’t stop playing 30 Seconds to Mars and their ‘This Is War’ album. In particular, my favourite tracks, ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Stranger in a Strange Land.’ It was ‘Hurricane’ that helped me write down the scene with the charging horses. Their music and words just seemed to fit Nathan’s emotional temperament and the mood I wanted to create in Knight of Swords.

Quirky stuff, I know, but writers end up doing all kinds of strange things to stimulate the muse. Looking back over the story I can’t help wondering if it isn’t a personal tarot reading for myself, and not just the influence of watching too many dodgy black and white swashbuckling movies with Errol Flynn in them as a child. I recently went to see a very good tarot practitioner who told me I was writing from a very deep place and that it was no wonder I felt a strong connection with my characters, I had known them all before in past lives!!!

Scary! But there are stranger things in heaven and earth…. Let’s just hope they weren’t vampires as well.

Very interesting, Sara! Love the gorgeous and picturesque setting that brought KNIGHT OF SWORDS to life! Thank you so much for being here today! 
For more information on Sara, you can visit her at her website, or her blog. You can also view her previous guest post on Lost For Words here.

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Lord Nathan Valancourt is stinking rich, a darling of London's social set in 1893 and a notorious womanizer. He had never believed in the supernatural but when a vampire killer masquerading as a clergyman begins haunting his dreams and forcing him to endure visions of the murder of his previous female conquests, Nathan determines to amend his frivolous ways.

When the killer turns his attention to Nathan's beautiful ward, Juliet, Nathan is anxious to protect her. As they battle the monster, Nathan and Juliet gradually realise that they share a psychic connection. This close bond triggers the discovery of their true heritage as descendents of human-vampire unions and leads to the gradual revealing of powers beyond their imagination that offer them hope of victory.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Side Jobs - Jim Butcher

As Chicago's only professional wizard, Harry Dresden has had cases that have pitted him against insane necromancers, power-hungry faerie queens, enigmatic dark wizards, fallen angels--pretty much a "who's who" of hell and beyond--with the stakes in each case ranging from a lone human soul to the entire human race. 

But not every adventure Harry Dresden undertakes is an epic tale of life and death in a world on the edge of annihilation.

Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher--a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. With tales ranging from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious--including an all-new never-before-published story--this is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan. 

Title: Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files

Author: Jim Butcher

Genre: Adult Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Roc

Publication Date: October 26, 2010

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Laura from Penguin Canada for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

My rating: 5/5

Side Jobs encapsulates the short stories and novellas taken throughout Harry Dresden's career. Most of the short stories have been released in other anthologies, or are available on Butcher's website, however it does include one gem that hasn't been published before. Many fans will jump at the chance to read this new story as it is set a few hours after the finale of Changes. 

I'll break down this review into short segments for each story. 

A Restoration of Faith: This is the first story with Harry, and it is a little rough around the edges, but having read this one, and having read the series throughout, it is nice to see how Butcher's writing has evolved. I quite enjoyed this story, and loved the sneak peek we get of Harry, and Murphy. A Restoration of Faith was previously released on Jim's website. 

Vignette: This is a short piece that showcases a discussion between Harry and Bob. It takes place between Death Masks and Blood Rites, and was also previously released on Jim's website. It was a quick read. I loved the fact that Bob was showcased in this one. 

Something Borrowed: This one was previously released in the anthology, My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding. It takes place between Dead Beat and Proven Guilty. Georgia and Billy  play a central role, however Harry's help is needed when the unexpected happens. It is classic Dresden, and I thoroughly enjoyed the re-read.

It's My Birthday, Too: This story was released in the anthology, Many Bloody Returns. It takes place between White Night and Small Favor. I enjoyed this story as it brought together several of my favourite characters, Harry, Thomas, and Molly, in a birthday celebration that I don't think they'll be forgetting anytime soon. 

Heorot: As with most of the others, this one was included in the anthology, My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon. It also takes place between White Night and Small Favor. When fire extinguishers, mead, virgins, and the supernatural collide, you know you are in for a treat. It is interesting to see what dilemma Harry has gotten himself into this time. 

Day Off: Also included in an anthology is this light-hearted story. First published in Blood Lite, and taking place between Small Favor and Turn Coat; hilarity ensues when Harry actually has a day off, and ends up juggling more than his share of work-related chaos. 

Backup: Previously released as a novelette, this story is told from Thomas' perspective. While I enjoy the stories told from Harry's point of view, I do like that Thomas played the lead in this one. We get to see another side to the vampire world, and consequently, Harry. Backup also takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat.

The Warrior: This one is my absolute favourite in this anthology. I absolutely love Michael's character, and love reading this story. It was previously published in Mean Streets, and it also takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat. I love the idea of the law of unintended consequences, and really enjoy reading, and re-reading The Warrior. It gives us a few gems of wisdom as well, and is overall, brilliant. 

Last Call: This one was previously published in the anthology Strange Brew. It also, like its predecessors, takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat. Mac returns in this one, and Harry is involved in the case when he realizes that Mac's business has been sabotaged. Full of fun, this is a quick and humorous read. 

Love Hurts: This one is taken from the anthology Songs of Love and Death, and it takes place between Turn Coat and Changes. This may be the only anthology that I don't own from all of those listed. When Harry and Murphy are working on a case where love spells abound, things are bound to get amorous. I mean, it's only a matter of time. A fun, light read that brings about the best of the two as they work together. 

Aftermath: The novella that everyone has been anticipating since the stunning conclusion of Changes. It takes place a few hours after the end of Changes. In an effort not to give anything away, all I'm going to say is that fans of The Dresden Files are going to want to read this original novella. Some questions are answered, but there is still a lot left in the open. It is a bittersweet tale that showcases Butcher's phenomenal talent. 

Overall, I think that this anthology was superb. I know I was ecstatic when I learned that all of Butcher's short stories were going to be published in one anthology. It is definitely a must have for those wanting to round out their collection. With tales ranging from bittersweet to serious, and intense to tongue firmly planted in cheek, there is something for everyone. Butcher shows us exactly why he is a master of the urban fantasy genre. 

Sizzling Sixteen - Janet Evanovich

Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a "lucky" bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn't specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck...

BAD LUCK:

Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs. 

GOOD LUCK:

Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Connie, and Lula have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the catch.

BAD LUCK:

Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie's messing up local stoner Walter "Moon Man" Dunphy's vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in security expert Ranger's apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.

GOOD LUCK:

Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner's Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip's lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save Vinnie and the business from ruin. 

BAD LUCK:

Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a Turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.

GOOD LUCK:

The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip's lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky--the only question is. . . with whom?

Sizzling Sixteen. . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust! 

Title: Sizzling Sixteen

Author: Janet Evanovich

Genre: Adult Fiction

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: June 22, 2010

Source: Borrowed from library.

My Rating: 3/5

Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she needs to rescue her cousin, Vinnie, before things end badly. He has accrued a gambling debt and is being held in lieu of the money. If Stephanie wants to keep her job, and her cousin alive; she needs to come up with the money, fast. She still has a job to do, and with Vinnie missing, her hands are full. Luckily, she has Ranger and Morelli to rely on for help.

This is the sixteenth installment in the Stephanie Plum series, and like it's predecessors, it does have several laugh out loud moments. Stephanie still gets into some pretty crazy predicaments, and Ranger is more often than not, running to her aid. It is a light-hearted, fun read, but Stephanie still hasn't decided what to do with her life, or whether or not she wants to be with Morelli or Ranger. Things just seem to be in stasis. Stephanie's character isn't progressing at all. I wish she'd choose one man, or the other, just to make a choice. I did find that the storyline was better in this book though when compared to some of the previous installments in the series. 

Overall it was a lighthearted, fun, and engaging read with many humourous moments, however it doesn't live up to the first books in the series. It is definitely worth a read, though long time fans of either Ranger or Morelli will probably not be impressed with Stephanie's continued indecisiveness.

The Red Queen - Philippa Gregory

The Cousins' War

Book Two

Heiress to the red rose of Lancaster, Margaret Beaufort never surrenders her belief that her house is the true ruler of England and that she has a great destiny before her. Her ambitions are disappointed when her sainted cousin Henry VI fails to recognize her as a kindred spirit, and she is even more dismayed when he sinks into madness. Her mother mocks her plans, revealing that Margaret will always be burdened with the reputation of her father, one of the most famously incompetent English commanders in France. But worst of all for Margaret is when she discovers that her mother is sending her to a loveless marriage in remote Wales.

Married to a man twice her age, quickly widowed, and a mother at only fourteen, Margaret is determined to turn her lonely life into a triumph. She sets her heart on putting her son on the throne of England regardless of the cost to herself, to England, and even to the little boy. Disregarding rival heirs and the overwhelming power of the York dynasty, she names him Henry, like the king; sends him into exile; and pledges him in marriage to her enemy Elizabeth of York's daughter. As the political tides constantly move and shift, Margaret charts her own way through another loveless marriage, treacherous alliances, and secret plots. She feigns loyalty to the usurper Richard III and even carries his wife's train at her coronation.

Widowed a second time, Margaret marries the ruthless, deceitful Thomas, Lord Stanley, and her fate stands on the knife edge of his will. Gambling her life that he will support her, she then masterminds one of the greatest rebellions of the time--all the while knowing that her son has grown to manhood, recruited an army, and now waits for his opportunity to win the greatest prize.

In a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, number one bestselling author Philippa Gregory has brought to life the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history.

Title: The Red Queen

Author: Philippa Gregory

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

Publisher: A Touchstone Book, Published by Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: August 3, 2010

Source: Received for review from publicist. Many thanks to both Loretta and Michelle from Simon & Schuster for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4/5

Margaret Beaufort is a cold, pious, and calculating woman. She has given birth to the Lancaster heir, and knows that she will be known as the mother of the future King of England. She believes it is her destiny to bring her son, Henry to greatness. However, the York family has grasped the throne from her hands. King Henry VI has succumbed to madness, and has been locked away in the Tower. Margaret's plans for the moment have been halted. However, she never stops working towards bringing Henry closer to the throne, as rightful heir. She walks a fine line, bringing people over to her cause, yet maintaining the appearance of remaining faithfully loyal to the York family.

At first glance, Margaret has known a hard life. Her mother only sees her as a vessel to be used to bear an heir and marries her off at an exceptionally young age. She then, having fulfilled her duty, also becomes a widow. She is wrenched away from her young son after his first year, and is married off again. She at this stage in the book, is a character that I pitied. She was shipped off from one place to the next, and gained the knowledge that her mother didn't care for her. She was mocked by many as she proclaimed she had "saint's knees" from praying so much, and for having visions of Joan of Arc. As I continued reading, I found that she evolved into a very radical, and stubborn woman. The circumstances of her early years may have caused her to become more zealous, but she also grew into a disagreeable and unlikeable woman. However, she also became one of the most influential characters in this time period, as she created the rebellion that ultimately led to her son being crowned King.

I applaud Gregory's skill at weaving history with fiction. She creates a thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere with the blend of history and fiction, making the story come to life as opposed to the dryness of a textbook. I enjoyed the perspective given in this book, however, having read both The White Queen and The Red Queen, I have to say, that I found Elizabeth of York an easier character to like. Regardless, Margaret was a strong woman, and she didn't let anything get in the way of procuring the throne for her son.

All in all, this was an excellent read, and Gregory's fan are sure to love this installment in the Cousins' War. It has left me wanting to read the next book, all the more.

Hemingway Cutthroat - Michael Atkinson

There were no bullfights in 1937 Madrid, just bombs, freedom fighters, journalists, and plenty of corpses. Ernest Hemingway, covering the Spanish Civil War for the American press, came looking for stories and danger, and found something else: a friend murdered amid the ruins.

With a new novel stirring in his head and his veins pumping with booze, Hemingway sets out to find who killed José Robles Pazos, a bureaucrat in the Popular Front, and who's covering it up. There is, after all, nothing like risking death in a war zone if it means living fast, nailing the bastards, and avoiding a deadline. With the writer John Dos Passos at his side, Hemingway wades into the darkness, discovering that his old WWI buddy is no mere casualty of war--but a victim of something far more terrible.

Boisterous, bare knuckled, and stewed to the gills, Hemingway Cutthroat captures the writer at the height of his career and in a Europe teetering on untold cataclysm, struggling to find out not just for whom, but why the bell tolled.

Title: Hemingway Cutthroat

Author: Michael Atkinson

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: July 20, 2010

Source: Received for review from publicist. Many thanks to Dana from Kaye Publicity for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating: 4/5

Hemingway is in Spain covering the Spanish Civil War for the American papers back home. While there, he satiates his need for women, and booze. He certainly is nursing ideas for his next novel as well, however he finds out that a friend of his has disappeared, and is presumed dead. His interest is piqued, and he immediately sets off to get some answers.

Hemingway is a bawdy, larger than life character. He carouses with women, drinks booze as if it's water, and he manages to get into a large amount of sticky situations. He will stop at nothing to figure out what happened to Robles, even if it ends up killing him. He ends up flirting with death throughout the novel. He gets out of one situation to immediately fall into another, and somehow manages to pull through every time.

Atkinson has created an uproarious, and witty representation of Hemingway. Life in Spain during the Civil War certainly wouldn't have been easy, especially for someone searching for answers. Atkinson's vision of Spain circa 1937 is authentic, and though this novel does have its tongue-in-cheek moments, it also has a darker side. It is a quick read, though it will stick with the reader once finished.

All in all, fans of Hemingway's novels, or mystery lovers will love the thrill ride this author will take you on.

The White Queen - Philippa Gregory

The Cousins' War

Book One

Philippa Gregory, "the queen of royal fiction,"* presents the first of a new series set amid the deadly feuds of England known as the Wars of the Roses.

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another bestselling classic series from this beloved author.

*USA Today

Title: The White Queen

Author: Philippa Gregory

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

Publisher: A Touchstone Book, Published by Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: August 18, 2009

Source: Borrowed from library

My Rating: 4/5

This book chronicles the tumultuous reign of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen and her husband, King Edward IV. She was a woman of astounding beauty, a widow, and young mother who wanted to claim the land and fortune taken by her mother-in-law after her first husband's death. She broached the subject to the young King of York, and he granted her wish, and then some. They married secretly, and once he was officially pronounced King of England, he announced that he had married, and so the reign of Queen Elizabeth Woodville, and King Edward IV began.

This was my first historical fiction read by Philippa Gregory, and I quite enjoyed it. The history from this era was recreated vividly, and plausible explanations were given for certain scenarios in history that are still unsolved. The Princes in the Tower being one of the unsolved mysteries of said time. I love history, but haven't read that much historical fiction. That said, this isn't a time period that I know much about, so I really enjoyed reading Gregory's version of Plantagenet life.

Elizabeth was an intriguing character. She was very much a mother, and cared for her children, but she also cared for her throne. She quickly arranged marriages for her siblings to those in higher positions, therefore securing her position as queen. She was a loving, yet ruthless and bitter woman. She held lifelong grudges, and she apparently was a witch who also had the Sight. The only thing I didn't find "real" in this book, was that key points in battle hinged on Elizabeth's use of witchcraft, and the resolution of said "crafting". It just didn't feel plausible that every spell, or working cast provided results. However the mystery generated with the disappearance, or death of the princes in the Tower was captivating. I know even now, that I am left wondering what actually happened to them.

All in all, Gregory deftly weaves a brilliant tale of history merged with fiction, bringing the characters, and era to life with just a few words. A plausible explanation of the mystery surrounding the princes in the Tower, and a tale of Houses divided, which will resonate with readers for some time. An excellent start to the Wars of the Roses.

The Sisters From Hardscrabble Bay - Beverly Jensen

A tale of two sisters over seventy years that recovers the vibrant and unforgettable voice of Beverly Jensen.

In 1916, Idella and Avis Hillock live on the edge of a chilly bluff in New Brunswick-a hardscrabble world of potato farms and lobster traps, rough men, hard work, and baffling beauty. From "Gone," the heartbreaking story of their mother's medical crisis in childbirth, to the darkly comic "Wake," which follows the grown siblings' catastrophic efforts to escort their father, "Wild Bill" Hillock's body to his funeral, the stories of Idella and Avis offer a compelling and wry vision of two remarkable women. The vivid cast includes Idella's philandering husband Edward, her bewilderingly difficult mother-in-law- and Avis, whose serial romantic disasters never quell her irrepressible spirit. Jensen's work evokes a time gone by and reads like an instant American classic.

Beverly Jensen died of cancer at the age of forty-nine without publishing her work. Since her death, her fiction has been championed by a dedicated group of supporters, including Stephen King and Joyce Carol Oates.

(Synopsis taken from goodreads.)

Title: The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay

Author: Beverly Jensen

Genre: Adult Fiction

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: June 24, 2010

My Rating: 4/5

The Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay chronicles the lives of both Idella, and Avis Hillock. The book is sectioned off into snippets, and there is a span of 4 to 5 years, or longer between each story. The book itself spans roughly 70 years. It primarily follows the life of Idella, but we do get to read from Avis' viewpoint from time to time.

I found myself immersed in the story at the beginning. I really enjoyed the writing style and found that I was reading fairly quickly. I loved how independent Idella was, and how she wanted to get away from the life she was living. However, midway through, the book started to drag a bit. I'm not sure if it was anything in particular, or if circumstances in the book warranted the story to slowly unfold. It then picked up again closer to the end. I found that I enjoyed the stories more so when the sisters were together, though I didn't particularly like Avis' character. I found her too crass, and didn't always appreciate how she treated Idella. Such is sisterly love though.

This book was published posthumously, and is a tribute to Jensen's writing and family. It's a shame that she couldn't see her dreams realized. However, her family will always be able to hear her voice through this novel.

All in all, an interesting read. The trouble that Idella and Avis get into make this a heartwarming and sad read. Some may not enjoy the slow pace, but the antics that the girls get up to will have your head shaking, and your lips turning up into a rueful smile.

Disclaimer: I won this book through Penguin Canada's Exclusive Reads program.

The Red Queen Giveaway

Hey all, I have received an extra copy of The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory and would love to give it away to someone who would enjoy reading it, and is willing to review it. The review can be on your blog, amazon, or goodreads, as long as it is posted somewhere. If this is a title that interests you, feel free to contact me at my email address or through the comment section of this post.

The copy that I will be sending out is the ARC of this book. It is in paperback format. I would like to make this available to those in the US or Canada only. (Sorry to those of you who are international.)

A little bit of information about the book--taken from goodreads.

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all of those who have entered. I appreciate it. :)

The Castaways - Elin Hilderbrand

With rumors of infidelity straining Greg and Tess MacAvoy's marriage, the couple head out on their sailboat one early-summer day to celebrate their wedding anniversary, hoping the roughest waters are behind them. But in an accident off Nantucket, they mysteriously drown, leaving behind two small children as well as the three couples who have long been their closest friends. Tragedy brings to the surface long-simmering conflicts and emotions, and the MacAvoys' six grieving friends find themselves unprepared for the revelation of secret upon secret as they struggle to answer the question: What happened to Greg and Tess?

The Castaways probes the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness as it tells a page-turning story of passion, betrayal, and suspense, filled with the perfect details of summer island life that have made Elin Hilderbrand's novels beloved bestsellers.

Title: The Castaways

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Genre: Adult Fiction

Publisher: Back Bay Books, Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: July 1, 2009. Paperback edition published June 8, 2010.

My Rating: 3/5

Tess and Greg are at the center of a close-knit group of friends. When they die unexpectedly in a boating accident, their friends are left to pick up the pieces and carry on with their lives. They leave behind two children, whom the group of friends has decided to raise. The three couples are left to deal with their grief in some sort of fashion, all the while uncovering secrets, betrayals, and the truth.

The characters were all well-developed. I enjoyed some more so than others. They all remember different memories throughout the book. We get to enjoy all of these flashbacks courtesy of the 6 remaining friends. The story deftly weaves a sense of mystery, and suspense throughout the book as certain secrets are revealed. The one thing I didn't find enjoyable, was the fact that these characters all seemed to pine after, or have illicit affairs with another member of the group. I found the plot dragged a bit. I would have enjoyed it more, had some of the characters reacted to the uncovered secrets. They seemed to show no emotion, and took everything in stride. The book also wraps up smoothly. Everything is accounted for, and explained fully.

It was interesting to see what actually did happen, though I wish that there had been more of a mystery to the novel.

All in all, this would be a good beach read. It isn't too heavy, but there is a lot of back and forth between the 6 remaining friends. Their voices are distinctive, and it was intriguing to see how the story unraveled.

Many thanks goes to Valerie from Hachette for sending this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

The Left Hand of God - Paul Hoffman

"Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers on Shotover Scarp is named after a damned lie, for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary...."

In the Redeemer Sanctuary, the stronghold of a secretive sect of warrior monks, torture and death await the unsuccessful or disobedient. Raised by the Redeemers from early childhood like hundreds of other young captives, Thomas Cale has known only deprivation, punishment, and grueling training. He doesn't know that another world exists outside the fortress walls or even that secrets he can't imagine lurk behind the Sanctuary's many forbidden doorways. He doesn't know that his master Lord Bosco and the Sanctuary's Redeemers have been preparing for a holy war for centuries--a holy war that is now imminent. And Cale doesn't know that he's been noticed and quietly cultivated.

And then, Cale decides to open a door.

It's a door that leads to one of the Redeemers' darkest secrets and a choice that is really no choice at all: certain death or daring escape. Adrift in the wider world for the first time in his young life, Cale soon finds himself in Memphis, the capital of culture--and the den of Sin. It's there that Cale discovers his prodigious gift: violence. And he discovers that, after years of abuse at the hands of the Redeemers, his embittered heart is still capable of loving--and breaking.

But the Redeemers won't accept the defection of their special subject without a fight. As the clash of civilizations that has been looming for thousands of years draws near, a world where the faithful are as brutal as the sinful looks to young Cale to decide its fate.

Title: The Left Hand of God

Author: Paul Hoffman

Genre: Adult Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: June 15, 2010

My Rating: 4/5

The first words or feelings that come to mind when reading the first several pages of this book, are those of desolation, loneliness, and cruelty. Cale has not had an easy life, and nobody seems to care about him. He is only good for being trained in the art of war. He is not allowed to make friends, lest he be punished. He has been made an example of, many times, in his young life. Sadly, he can't even tell anyone how old he is, as he doesn't know. He thinks that he is either 14 or 15, but doesn't honestly know for sure, and he can't ask anyone because they either don't know, or don't care. This book definitely captured my interest.

I really enjoyed Cale's character. He is multi-faceted and although he has had a rough start to his life, he still has a lot of depth. He learns about foreign emotions that had previously been withheld from him. He never knew that there were other emotions or feelings that he could feel, and it is interesting to see him explore these emotions, and therefore learn more about himself.

I enjoyed the world-building, and thought it was quite well done. The only drawback that I really found, was that certain places, or names were mentioned. These names are not "fantasy" based, and are more "real world" based, so I found that quite distracting. However, other than that, the book was quite well done. It was a fast-paced, engaging read, and I can't wait to read the next installment.

All in all, a great read. It had some distracting qualities, but overall, it was a really good debut fantasy novel. It has the markers for being the start of an epic story.

Many thanks goes to Bronwyn from Penguin Canada for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Out of Sight - Stella Cameron

Psychic master talent Sykes Millet can vanish at will, read minds and control others with hypnosis. What Sykes cannot do is escape his destiny—an ancient curse foretelling the misery his dark beauty may bring to everyone he loves.

Poppy Fortune knows all too well the burden of having paranormal talent. The supernatural world has fractured her entire family—now it's keeping at bay the one man she wants more than life.

Driven by hatred for the Millets, a killing force has attacked New Orleans. The evil Embran race has no conscience and intends to terrorize the city into submission. Sykes and Poppy must set aside old distrust and use their bonded talents to save their families, themselves...and New Orleans.

(Synopsis taken from goodreads.)

Title: Out of Sight (A Court of Angels Novel)

Author: Stella Cameron

Genre: Adult Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Mira

Publication Date: May 1, 2010

My Rating: 3/5

This is the third novel in the Court of Angels story arc. The storyline was okay, though I had a hard time figuring out who or what exactly the "Embran" were. They never were fully explained, but that could be because they were probably explained more fully in the first book.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Sykes and Poppy, and I liked the secondary characters, however some of the scenes weren't quite believable. Specifically one between Poppy and Sykes. Poppy doesn't argue about something I think she should have raised more questions about.

Other than that, the story was okay, I just had a hard time connecting with it and the characters.

Overall, not a great read for me, but I'm sure fans of Cameron's works will enjoy it.

Disclaimer: This book was obtained through netgalley, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Harlequin Teen for sending me this copy to review.

Promises to Keep - Jane Green

Successful photographer Callie Perry thinks she has a perfect life, although it may not be everyone's idea of happiness: a great job, lots of time with her children, but a workaholic husband. She couldn't be more unlike Steffi, her younger sister, who has never held down a job--or a boyfriend--for more than six months. Walter and Honor, their divorced and perpetually feuding parents, have almost given up hope that Steffi will ever learn what it is to be responsible... until they all receive a shocking message that changes their lives forever and brings them together one extraordinary summer in Maine.

Promises to Keep is about the hard choices we sometimes have to make, about having to be your parents' child long after you've grown up--and about the enduring nature of love.

Title: Promises to Keep

Author: Jane Green

Genre: Adult Fiction, Chick-lit, Women's Fiction

Publisher: Viking Canada

Publication Date: June 5, 2010

My Rating: 4/5

We start out following Steffi through her day to day routine, or lack thereof, and are introduced to the main character, her sister, Callie. We get to see all the joys and hardships of a mother with two young children; a husband who is always traveling for work, her work-from-home part time photography business, her children's extra-curricular activities, as well as her book club meetings. Callie's life is hectic, but she loves it that way.

We follow the lives of Steffi, Callie, and of Callie's best friend Lila. The humour, candid openness and genuine life obstacles make this a thought provoking novel. Callie is elegant throughout and is the epitome of a survivor. She is strong, family-oriented, and she definitely is a match-maker. I also enjoyed watching Steffi persevere through bad relationships, and hoped against hope that she'd actually find someone good for her. As the book progresses you see how much family and friends mean, and how much love, and support they have to offer.

The recipes were an added bonus, and I know I'll definitely be trying some of them myself. The characters were all well defined, and watching them interact with each other and the passersby in their lives makes this book well worth the read. There are so many elements that come together to make this book so heartbreakingly enjoyable. You will definitely need to keep some tissues handy.

All in all, an engaging and thought provoking read. Many of us have at one time or another had to deal with similar circumstances in our lives, and it truly is wonderful to see this family meld together to help and support each other through the obstacles that life has handed them.

Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Barbara from Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review.

Bullet - Laurell K. Hamilton

The music came back up and the next group of little girls, slightly older, came out. And there was a lot of that in the next hour and change. I liked dance, and it was no reflection on the kids, but my will to live began to seep away by about the fifth group of sequined children...

Anita Blake is back in St. Louis and trying to live a normal life--as normal as possible for someone who is a legal vampire executioner and a U.S. Marshal. There are lovers, friends and their children, school programs to attend. In the midst of all the ordinary happiness, a vampire from Anita's past reaches out. She was supposed to be dead, killed in an explosion, but the Mother of All Darkness is the first vampire, their dark creator. It's hard to kill a God. This dark Goddess has reached out to her here--in St. Louis, home of everyone Anita loves most. The Mother of All Darkness has decided she has to act now or never, to control Anita and all the vampires in America.

The Mother of All Darkness believes that the triumvirate created by master vampire Jean-Claude with Anita and the werewolf Richard Zeeman has enough power for her to regain a body and to immigrate to the New World. But the body she wants to possess is already taken. Anita is about to learn a whole new meaning to sharing her body, one that has nothing to do with the bedroom. And if the Mother of All Darkness can't succeed in taking over Anita's body for herself, she means to see that no one else has the use of it, ever again. Even Belle Morte, not always a friend to Anita, has sent word: "Run if you can..."

Title: Bullet

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton

Genre: Adult Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Berkley Books

Publication Date: June 1, 2010

My Rating: 3/5

This book starts with Anita, and everyone she loves, watching a children's recital. We are re-introduced to many of the characters from the previous novels at this time, as they are either in the audience, or are participating in the show. From there, things get a little more intense.

If you, like me, are a fan of the first Anita Blake novels, this one might be a bit too much for you. It has a lot of sex, BDSM, m/m, m/m/f, f/f/m, and any other situation you can think of. A lot of the sex was for political means but it was still too much.

I found that this book was more of a transitional book, and I think everything was being laid out for the next book to be a plot and action driven book. This book takes place largely in the Circus of the Damned. Anita does receive a work-related call, but unfortunately she doesn't go to the area, she only is asked for her thoughts on a video feed. I really would have liked to see her out working some cases rather than watching her on her back or in other various positions throughout the book. With that said, I did like that we got to see more of the inner workings of the triumvirate, both Jean-Claude's and hers. I did find that the mens' personalities took a back seat to Anita. They seemed to be going to her for advice, rather than sticking to their opinions, or being themselves. Meanwhile, they were reassuring her about her emotional baggage. There was a lot of talk of feelings as well.

The book was not big on plot, or action, so it didn't seem that things were really going anywhere. Near the end of the book things were getting interesting, and the old Anita was starting to emerge, but she went back into hiding, and the crisis of the book was summed up in only a few short pages. Fleshed out, they would have pulled the old Anita out of hiding, and I think the book would have been more enjoyable if that had happened. However, we'll have to wait and see what will happen in the next installment.

All in all, the book was okay barring the fact that it bordered on erotica. If you are a die-hard Anita Blake fan and loved the first books, you probably won't enjoy this one as much, but if you are fine with erotica you should like it. It was a transitional book, so there was not a lot of action and that might deter readers as well. Some old characters have re-emerged, though some (say Edward) are still notoriously missing. I'll definitely be waiting for the next book in the hopes that it has a lot of fast-paced action like the early Anita books.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks goes to Bronwyn from Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review.

Wind Warrior - Cynthia Roberts

Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.

Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivates their hearts.

Title: Wind Warrior (The Iroquois Series)

Author: Cynthia Roberts

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Romance

Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises

Publication Date: June 15, 2010

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was an engaging and fast paced book. I found myself immersed in the world almost immediately, and was drawn into the lives of the characters. I think that Roberts has a real talent, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the series. The characters were well done, and they were very personable. The explicit scenes were dealt with tastefully and weren't overpowering. I enjoyed the chemistry between Leslie/White Dove and Winnokin. I found that they played off of one another well, and I couldn't help but want things to work out for the two of them. Leslie has had a lot of hardship in her young life, and she deserved a chance at being happy. Both she and Winnokin are spiritual people, and it was interesting to see the different belief systems.

The words seemed to flow off the page quite fluently, and I loved the descriptions in this book. Everything seemed to mesh coherently, and the plot never dragged. I enjoyed the suspense, and mystery and found that it added another dimension to the book.

All in all, I'd say that this book definitely deserves to be read. You'll be transported back in time, and will become invested in the outcome for all involved. It is an easy, engaging, and descriptive book depicting life set in the 1800's. Roberts is definitely one to watch.

Just as a side note: Wind Warrior released today, and Roberts second novel, Captive Heart, is set to be released later this year.

Many thanks to Cynthia for sending me a copy of this book for review. This book was obtained free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

The 9th Judgment - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

DETECTIVE LINDSAY BOXER CHASES A JEWEL THIEF, A MURDEROUS MOVIE STAR, AND A KILLER WITH A VENDETTA AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

THE MOST PERSONAL

A young mother and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down while returning to their car in the garage of a shopping mall. There are no witnesses, and Detective Lindsay Boxer is left with only one shred of evidence: a cryptic message scrawled across the windshield in bloodred lipstick.

THE MOST DANGEROUS

The same night, the wife of A-list actor Marcus Dowling is woken by a cat burglar who is about to steal millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. In just seconds there is a nearly empty safe, a lifeless body, and another mystery that throws San Francisco into hysteria.

THE MOST EXCITING WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB NOVEL EVER

Lindsay spends every waking hour working with her partner, Rich--and her desire for him threatens to tear apart both her engagement and the Women's Murder Club. Before Lindsay and her friends can piece together either case, one of the killers forces Lindsay to put her own life on the line--but is it enough to save the city? With unparalleled danger and explosive action, The 9th Judgment is James Patterson at his compelling, unstoppable best!

Title: The 9th Judgment (Women's Murder Club)

Author: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: April 2010

My Rating: 4/5

The book starts out with three seemingly unrelated crimes. We get to see Detective Lindsay Boxer, as well as the rest of the Women's Murder Club, interact and help solve these crimes. This book really goes to show you how small the world really is. All of the key players are present and accounted for; however I found that this installment seemed to be lacking in the "Women's Murder Club" details, and seemed to focus more on following Lindsay around as she tries to solve these crimes with her partner, Rich Conklin.

The plot was fast paced and engaging. The chapters were short and to the point. They jumped from one case to the next and back again rapidly, however you are kept up to speed and can follow along easily. I enjoyed the scenes where we saw more interaction between the 4 women.

I am finding that I enjoy the Women's Murder Club series more so than the others that Patterson has written. I really like the personalities of the 4 women, and think they all play off of one another quite well. However, courtesy of the TV show, the only thing that I am having an issue with now is picturing Lindsay with blonde hair.

All in all, this is definitely one of the better books in the series, and it is well worth the read. The only disclaimer I'll mention is some might find the murders particularly gruesome as they are aimed at, as the tagline says, "women and children first".

Blood Oath - Christopher Farnsworth

Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he's partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the president. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. A vampire bound by a special blood oath, Cade has spent more than 140 years in service to the president, battling nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream.

Immediately Zach and Cade receive their first joint assignment: one that uncovers a shadowy government conspiracy and a plot to attack the United States with a gruesome new biological weapon. Zach soon learns that the world is far stranger, and far more dangerous, than he ever imagined. . . and that his partner is the least of his problems.

Title: Blood Oath (The President's Vampire #1)

Author: Christopher Farnsworth

Genre: Adult fiction, Paranormal Thriller

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

My Rating: 5/5

I love the idea that the author took a true historical moment and thought, what if? I enjoy reading about history, and I love the liberties that Farnsworth took with this book.

The book starts off with Zach Barrows being relocated to a new position in the White House. He doesn't enjoy the idea that he is now "stuck" in this position, as he had plans to further his career in the White House. He attributes his career change to his relations with the President's daughter. However, all is not as it seems.

This book grabbed me immediately. I devoured this book, and could have read it primarily in one sitting. However, I didn't want to read that fast, as I wanted to savour the book. I loved the characters; Cade, Zach, Griffin, etc. I really enjoyed their personalities and found myself laughing out loud at several junctures in the book. I found the characters were very strong, and their witticisms were appropriately tongue in cheek. This was an excellent paranormal thriller. It was fast-paced, engaging, and extremely toxic to my social life. I couldn't put this book down, and re-read passages several times as I found them so well written. Honestly, I probably read the book twice with all of the back and forth I did because I didn't want to miss a single thing. With that said, I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

I definitely would recommend this book to fans of supernatural thrillers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. In fact, I have already been recommending it to others. I found that I enjoyed it immensely, and I know that this is definitely a book that I will be re-reading. I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't read it yet, so I won't go into more detail. However, I will say that it was a real treat to sit back and read this book, so I highly suggest checking it out. You won't be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks goes to Bronwyn from Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review.