Review: Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire by James Lowder

After recently re-reading A Game of Thrones, I couldn’t help but crave more of the epic story!

I’ve read all the books at least once and after this recent re-read I’ve been scouring the discussion forums for more theories and insight into A Song of Ice and Fire.

So needless to say, reading this book was a no brainer. I’ve read a lot of reviews about this anthology, and most people say that you can find better material online in the discussion groups for free.

While there is a plethora of material online, a lot of it isn’t structured or supported by research which was what I was looking for….something a little more organized.

This novel had a broad selection of essays about A Song of Ice and Fire and Westeros. Some were interesting and thought provoking while others left me wanting.

Continue reading “Review: Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire by James Lowder”

Take Two Review: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R. R. Martin

I’ve been nerd-ing out these last few weeks. I saw a co-worker with a copy of A Game of Thrones and she asked me a few questions about the prologue.

It’s been two years since I read the first novel so I gave her a recap from memory.

Well I went home and thought I wonder if I gave her the right answers…I’ll re-read just the prologue. Well the next thing I know I’m 100 pages in!

I love this series. It’s so rich, textured, and character driven. I can’t say enough good things. You don’t have to be a fantasy reader to enjoy this series. It’s one of the best books and series I’ve ever read hands down.

But thinking back to my first review two years ago, I don’t think I thought that about the book. I decided to do a re-review on A Game of Thrones to see what all I picked up this reading that I perhaps didn’t on the first go around.

So I am not going to give a lot of background on this book since you can see it all from my first review.

Continue reading “Take Two Review: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R. R. Martin”

Review: The Lincoln Myth (Cotton Malone #9) by Steve Berry

All is not as it seems. A simple phrase that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Abraham Lincoln must make a choice, keep the secret or not. He could save thousands or have the country torn apart…..Lincoln alone holds the power.

Retired agent, Cotton Malone is asked by his former boss to do a favor.

It sounds relatively cut and dry, but as soon as he agrees he realizes this is a bit more involved than he originally expected.

Unbeknownst to him, his girlfriend is also being recruited for this ‘favor’. This only complicates matters further as she is in deep cover.

Continue reading “Review: The Lincoln Myth (Cotton Malone #9) by Steve Berry”

Review: Dark Aemilia: A Novel of Shakespeare’s Dark Lady by Sally O’Reilly

The story of Aemilia Bassono and William Shakespeare is wrought with passion, love, poetry, and a little magic.

While the story is about both William and Aemilia, the main protagonist of the novel is Aemilia herself.

She is an illegitimate child raised in the court of Queen Elizabeth.

She was taken in by the Countess of Kent who made sure she was educated and prepared to eventually become part of the Queen’s household.

While at court she becomes the mistress to Henry Carey but when he tires of he she is married off to Alfonso Lanyer–a lowly court musician. But not before she meets William and begins an affair with him as well.

Continue reading “Review: Dark Aemilia: A Novel of Shakespeare’s Dark Lady by Sally O’Reilly”

Review: Time and Again (Time #1) by Jack Finney

It’s not very often that I see a book on Goodreads that has over 7000 ratings and it still carries over a 4 star average!

When I got this book for review, I had read so many wonderful reviews that I couldn’t wait to start reading it!

It would be hard to put this book into a specific category as there are so many wonderful elements to it: mystery, time travel, sci fi, romance, and historic fiction!

Si Morley is working as an artist in an advertising firm when a visitor makes him a mysterious offer. Si’s life is pretty dull and he longs for something different and exciting.

This strange visitor promises more than just excitement…..he promises the greatest adventure of man kind!

Continue reading “Review: Time and Again (Time #1) by Jack Finney”