What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week Part I . . . 

 The Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede -- Young Adult Historical/ Fantasy Fiction

Set in an alternate America, or Columbia, as it is called,in the 19th century, this book is a coming-of-age tale about Eff Rothmer, the thirteenth child in a family of fourteen children. Eff's twin brother Lan is a "double seven," the seventh son of a seventh son. In their small, magical community, Lan is revered for his natural magic and extra special good luck. Eff is not so lucky. Being the 13th child is considered unlucky and it is assumed the child will "go bad" one day. Eff lives in the shadow of Lan and is forced to put up with the taunting and tormenting of her cousins and the hatred of her uncle while Lan is held up and revered. When Eff and Lan are five, their Papa accepts a position at a new land-grand college in The North Plains Territory, just east of the Great Barrier that protects humans from the dangerous magical creatures that inhabit the West. In Mill City no one knows Eff and Lan or what they are and their parents ensure that their upbringing as as normal as possible. As they get older and their magical training begins, Eff Eff wonders if whether she really is unlucky and blames herself for anything that goes wrong. She confides in her favorite teacher, Miss Ochiba, who teaches Eff different types of magic and ways of seeing things that are different from the traditional Avrupan way. Still, Eff worries though her friend William thinks she's pretty special. A crop-eating grub crises in the settlements brings the Rothmers to the Rationalist Settlement, where people rely on hard work to get by, rather than magic. There Eff figures out her own magical dilemma and discovers just who she really is and what she is meant to be.  This story is told in the first-person past tense, which makes it difficult to read. Eff tells her story from age five to age eighteen as a summary of her life. Unfortunately, it takes the entire book to get anywhere and achieve anything like a plot. As a result, the ending feels rushed and summarized. The magical world isn't as charming and fully fleshed out as Harry Potter's world and creates a lot of confusion. I would have also enjoyed learning more about the strange beasts before they enter the story. This book lacks Wrede's characteristic humor and features a heroine with such little self-esteem that she's not very enjoyable to read about. I much prefer Wrede's stories about 19th century England in a world that is much like our own to this far flung fantasy. I wouldn't recommend this book to adults but I think 8-12 year olds who haven't read much fantasy will enjoy it.

Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein -- Young Adult Historical Fiction 

Lady Catherine Archer's father dies for his Queen and his country, leaving Catherine an orphan thrown on the mercy of poor, unfeeling relatives. When a summons from Queen Elizabeth (I) arrives, Catherine is thrilled to join the Queen's court as a maid of honor. Catherine soon learns that life with Queen Elizabeth is not as fun as it sounds. The aging queen is much troubled and her mood changes by the minute. Some of the other maids are not quite friendly. Still, Catherine enjoys her new life, especially the handsome Walter Ralegh who captures the Queen's eye and becomes her new favorite. Walter, too, is smitten by the bold, beautiful young maid. As Walter Ralegh becomes elevated in the Queen's favor, he dreams of settling a colony in the New World in a new land he will name Virginia after the Queen and a land in which he will be ruler. After some setbacks, an initial party returns with tales of an Eden on earth and friendly "savages." They even return with two Indians to show the Queen: Wanchese, an older, cynical Roanoke leader and Manteo, a young Croatoan man with big dreams. Catherine is fascinated by the tales of adventure in the wilderness and longs to see it for herself. She dreams of being by Sir Walter's side as they rule Eden in peace. Catherine's dream is shattered when the jealous Queen discovers Catherine and Sir Walter's secret love. Catherine is betrayed and banished; banished to the new land they call Virginia. Life in Virginia is not quite what Catherine, now called Cate, had dreamed of. Her beloved Walter remains in England and Eden is nowhere to be found around Roanoke. The English quarrel with each other, worry about attacks from the Spanish and the Indians as they try to make their new home in this strange land. The Indians are not thrilled to have the English settle on their lands but Cate manages to make a fragile peace with the women, while Manteo works on the male leaders of neighboring tribes. The colonists wonder if Manteo is trustworthy and whether ships will return with the supplies they desperately need. Manteo dreams of honor and glory for his people, but questions the best way to do it. Should he side with the antagonistic Wanchese or  help the English who have become his friends, especially the beautiful "ladi-cate"? Meanwhile, back in England, Sir Walter struggles to maintain the favor of the Queen so that he can sail to Virginia, become wealthy and return with Lady Catherine. Strong-willed, opinionated and brave, Catherine is ready to face any challenge that comes her way.  

This book is an attempt to explain what may have happened to the Lost Colony of Roanake using alternating viewpoints of Catherine Archer, Sir Walter Ralegh and Manteo. It blends fact with fiction to create a compelling story rich in detail. As you know, I adore historical detail and this book is full of wonderful descriptions of life in Elizabethan England and in Roanoke. I really felt like I was right there all along. I could quibble about Cate being a very modern character and transitioning too quickly from shy girl to bold woman, but I won't complain because she really is a great character and a good role model for teenage girls of any century. The only real problem I had with the story was Sir Walter Ralegh. His story is uninteresting and I didn't care for the unlikely romantic pairing of Sir Walter and Lady Catherine. The chapters from his point-of-view contain letters and memorandum that bog down the otherwise exciting plot. An author's note explains the known facts about the mystery of Roanoke and provides sources to learn more, which is always a plus for me. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults. 

What I've Read Lately

What I've Read Lately . . .

I apologize to my readers (if there are any? Please comment if you are reading this so I know I am not talking to myself) for being so behind on my reading. I've been too busy and burned out from school to do any pleasure reading but without further ado, I bring you a post in which I review the last few books I have read.

Legacy by Cayla Kluver -- YA Fantasy
Sixteen years ago, the kingdoms of Hytanica and Cokyri were at war. Sixteen years ago, forty-nine newborn boys disappeared from Hytanica and only forty-eight bodies were returned. Since that time, hostilities have ceased and life has gone on as normal in Hytanica, where Princess Alera is celebrating her seventeenth birthday and her last before she must chose a husband who will take over her father's crown and rule the kingdom. Alera's father, the king, has hand-picked the handsome Steldor, a member of the King's Elite Guard, as his hair and Alera's husband-to-be. Alera has little say in the matter, for women are not highly regarded in Hytanica. However, Alera's independent nature rebels against a match with the cocky young man and she strives to make her voice heard. The only person who listens is her bodyguard, London. When a Cokyrian is found in Hytanica, a teenage boy with a mysterious past, Alera is immediately drawn to him. The boy, Narian, begins to show Alera how to find her voice because in his country women are regarded as better than men. Soon danger threatens the kingdom and Alera is faced with the difficult decision of whether to carry out her duties or live her own life.

This is the same old fantasy story you've probably read 100 times already and not a very original take on the prophecy plot (see Harry Potter and Firebringer by David Clement-Davies for examples of how the story is done right). Nothing much happens in the book and it took a long time before I could even get into it and then when I couldn't put it down, it ended unsatisfactorily in the middle of the story with nothing resolved. Some reviewers are calling the book's ending a cliffhanger, but in order for it to be that, there needed to be a plot. I would say the book stops in the middle of the story rather than it being a cliffhanger. None of the characters were particularly remarkable. Alera is the usual independent princess being forced into a marriage she doesn't want and experiencing a coming-of-age journey that will help her face her future. Narian is sufficiently mysterious enough to capture my attention, at least until the mysterious surrounding him are revealed. Steldor comes across as disgusting and despicable most of the time but it's hard to tell what he's truly like. The King is benevolent but unyielding and totally clueless and most of what's actually happening. The Queen only has a few lines until she retires early to bed and is nothing more than a vehicle for introducing some of the mystery. Overall, this book is not a great effort though I am dying to read the sequel but probably won't because by then I will have forgotten all about this unremarkable book.

Mairelon the Magician by Patricia C. Wrede -- YA Historical Fantasy
Kim has lived on the streets her whole life and is sharp and cunning as they come. Disguised as a boy, she lives by her wits, doing what she can to survive. When a wealthy gentleman offers her a large sum of money to case a street magician's wagon, Kim thinks it will be an easy job. She gets more than she bargained for when she becomes involved with Mairelon the Magician. Soon, Kim is on the run with Mairelon as they search for the magical Saltash Set of dinnerware and uncover a plot that could threaten both Kim and Mairelon. This book is filled with excellent period details about the gritty realities of 19th century London. There are also good descriptions of upper-class life, as seen through the eyes of an outsider. Kim and Mairelon make a good team and I enjoyed their witty dialogue. There are many light moments in this novel, including a screwball comedy scene that will have you laughing out loud. My biggest complaint with this book is that there are way too many characters. I had a really hard time following who they all were and what they wanted. Another problem for some readers may be the excessive use of street slang. For someone who isn't experienced in reading it, it could be difficult, but I've read that type of slang before and can usually understand the meaning from the context. This book is set in a world just like the one Wrede and Caroline Stevermer created in Sorcery & Cecilia. If you've read that and you're looking for more of the same, then you should definitely pick up this book.

The Magician's Ward by Patricia C. Wrede -- YA Historical Fantasy
In this sequel to Mairelon the Magician, Kim is back, this time as Mairelon's ward, and facing the previously unknown horrors of London Society! Kim enjoys her magic lessons with Mairelon but dreads Society. Chaperoned by Mairelon's strict aunt and eccentric mother, Kim is unprepared for Society's reaction to their newest debutante. She tries to appeal to her guardian, but he is mostly interested in the mysterious nighttime prowler who is attempting to steal a rare, magical book from his library. When something terrible happens, Kim must draw on her newfound magical knowledge, as well as her old street smarts to solve the mystery and save her guardian. Romance lovers will also be delighted to learn that there's time in her busy schedule for courtship and perhaps romance as well. This sequel is every bit as good as the original. It's more of a straightforward period/fantasy mystery than screwball comedy, but there are lighthearted moments. Kim is even more interesting now that she's a wizard and Mairelon is just as charming as ever.

Favorite Regency Romances

Favorite Regency Romances

Jane Austen is of course incomparable, but since she had the misfortune to die

after only writing 6 complete novels, one must look elsewhere for something new to read!

The following authors and novels try to emulate Miss Austen in wit and style.

Georgette Heyer was considered the 20th century answer to Jane Austen. She wrote lively, adventurous and humorous novels set against the backdrop of the upper crust of Regency London Society. Her world was meticulously researched and recreated from authentic sources and it really shows in her writing. I learned a lot about Regency England while being entertained.

My favorites include:  Black SheepLady of QualityFredericaVenetiaGrand Sophy All of the above feature older heroines who think they know it all and rakes who think they are hardened to love. The combination results in amusing twists and turns in love.


Clare Darcy comes close to matching Heyer for wit and style. My favorite is Georgina even though it follows the Pride and Prejudice model. It was a little more serious in tone and the setting and style were a little different from all the rest. Clare Darcy seems to be out of print but she's well worth reading!

If you prefer classic Regencies with adventure I recommend Patricia Veryan. I read the Sanguinet Saga and couldn't put them down though I prefer the witty comedy of manners stories better.
 

Crossed Quills by Carola Dunn - Regency Comedy The hero and heroine's gender roles are reversed in this novel. The gentleman writes Gothic Romances and the lady writes political articles. When the story opens, the hero has recently inherited a title and estates and wants to take his seat in the House of Lords to address the evils of Society. When he tries to write a speech, flowery images pop into his head and onto the paper. He seeks advice from political writer Prometheus, with the heroine as a go-between. The story was fun to read and it was one of the few NOT based on Pride and Prejudice, which was a nice change. I really liked the heroine, but she lost points from me for swooning. The hero also lost points for a drunken proposal, but overall, I enjoyed this book.


All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) by Jane Orcutt - Adult Christian Regency
It's considered a Christian novel but given the time and place, the message isn't too heavy handed and I enjoyed it. Isabella Goodrich is the type of witty, intelligent heroine I enjoy. The plot is a little unrealistic but Isabella's actions always suit her character. When she decides it's her mission in life to be a missionary rather than a wife, she stows away on a ship bound for China and gets more adventure than she ever dreamed of.

The Season by Sarah MacLean - YA Regency Romance
I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah at a book signing and she is a lovely person and lots of fun to talk to. I had high expectations for this book and she didn't disappoint! Romance, intrigue and a trio of spunky heroines make this a fun read. I can't wait to read more!

 Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle - YA 19th c. romance
Though technically not a Regency, it follows the same rules as teenage twins move in and out of London Society. This book contains a twist: the Misses Leland have magic powers and their governess has gone missing and it's up to the twins to save her and rescue the country from potential disaster.It sounds kind of silly the way I wrote it but this novel is incredibly good at the magic elements are subtle and believableThere's humor (a pesky little brother), two lively twins, a hunky boy next door and intrigue. I'm eagerly awaiting Betraying Season. Though technically not a Regency, it follows the same rules as teenage twins move in and out of London Society. This book contains a twist: the Misses Leland have magic powers and their governess has gone missing and it's up to the twins to save her and rescue the country from potential disaster

Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer - YA Regency/Adventure/Fantasy

Jane Austen meets Harry Potter! What could be better? This is a novel in letters told from the alternating point of view of two cousins - one in London for The Season (and hating it) and one stuck in the country (and hating it). Cece and Kate are interesting and appealing heroines. I especially like CeCe, who refuses to act like a lady and sit idly by while something dangerous is happening. Loads of fun and adventure! The sequels are not as good, unfortunately. The Grand Tour is worth a read for the interesting cultural details and the sweet beginnings of married life.

La Petite Four by Regina Scott - YA Regency
Adventure novel about an unconventional girl who refuses to be married before she's had her grand come out party. Together, with her equally spunky friends and a mysterious young man, they work to solve a mystery surrounding Emily's fiance. Emily also struggles to be taken seriously as a painter and be noticed for something other than being an heiress. I found the ending to be very abrupt and I can't wait to read more about Emily's friends to learn what happens next!

I have also read and liked, but not loved novels by:
Fiona Hill, the best of which are The Country Gentleman and The Stanbroke Girls
Seila Simonson: Lady Elizabeth's Comet,The Bar Sinister, Love and Folly