books

Fantasy Mystery Romance Comics Non-Fiction

The Tropic of Serpents

The Tropic of Serpents (2014) Marie Brennan The second novel in the Lady Trent series finds Isabella preparing to go on another scientific journey–this one to Eriga, where they hope to document other types of dragons. The warnings delivered in my first foreword continue to apply: if you are likely to be deterred by descriptions […]

A Dangerous Madness

A Dangerous Madness (2014) Michelle Diener Set in England in 1812 The third (and sadly, it seems) book in this series. Phoebe and Sheldrake’s engagment came at the insistance of their families, which is why despite her many misgivings, Phoebe acquiesced. “Sheldrake?” She peered at the man taking up most of the small space. “Good […]

Banquet of Lies

Banquet of Lies (2013) Michelle Diener Set in England in 1812. Giselle Barrington has spent her life following her father around Europe, collecting folklore and working secretly for the Crown. She’s developed her own strange passion: food, recipes, and cooking. “What do you do with the recipes?” The woman looked genuinely interested now. “I’m compiling […]

Lord of Emperors

Lord of Emperors (2000) Guy Gavriel Kay The sequel to Sailing to Sarantium. The second half of this story opens in Bassania, with the King of Kings suffering an arrow to the shoulder. Had any other patient been shown to them in this state, the physicians would all have spoken the words of formal withdrawal: […]

A Dangerous Madness

A Dangerous Madness (2014) Michelle Diener Set in London in 1812 Phoebe Hillier has been jilted. Consider that it was a match that was forced upon her by her father on his deathbed, she isn’t as distraught about this as she could have been, but for many she will be ruined–obviously something must be wrong […]

Banquet of Lies

Banquet of Lies (2013) Michelle Diener Set in London in 1812 Giselle Barrington is the daughter of a folklorist with a fascination for cooking. “What do you do with the recipes?” The woman looked genuinely interested now. “I’m compiling a reference work of dishes from the cultures of Europe. But mainly I follow them.” “Follow […]

Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand

Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand (2012) Carla Kelly Set in England in the early 1800s (after the war) Mrs. Drew is a young widow, and after an improper proposition from her brother-in-law needs to find a home for herself and her two young daughters. She ends up in the dower house of one of Lord […]

Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress: A captivating and hilarious Regency Romance

Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress: A captivating and hilarious Regency Romance (2015) Theresa Romain Set in Bath, England in 1817 I’m not sure about captivating and hilarious, but it was enjoyable. Augusta Meredith is the heiress to Meredith Beauty, and as she is from the Trades, she can never truly be part of the Ton. […]

The Dream Thieves

The Dream Thieves (2013) Maggie Stiefvater Right. Now I know why I put off reading this, even though I pre-ordered it. It’s book two in a projected four book series. (sigh) However, once I started listening to Raven Boys, I had to finish re-reading it, and then I had to read The Dream Thieves, because […]