This was a good summer read. A young girl in the 8th century yearns to read and learn everything she can. The problem is very few people, especially girls, are educated during these dark ages. A series of circumstances allows Johanna to become recognized as a scholar and healer – but only because she is posing as a man. While the events leading to her becoming Pope are hardly plausible, I did find the premise interesting. The romantic story line allows the book to end like the legends of Pope Joan did, but I won’t spoil that here.
Much Ado about Masonry
The Lost Symbol by Dan BrownMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was curious to read this book, since my father was involved in the Masons, the Shriners and the Scottish Rite. It was a little bittersweet actually, because this is the type of book my father would have enjoyed reading, but I couldn’t share it with him since he passed away 3 years ago.
The book itself was a good read. It lived up to Dan Brown’s penchant for providing a lot of well researched information, often in an almost lecturing tone by different characters. There is a lot of action, a little mystery (some of which is pretty easy to guess before the end of the book), and it left me wanting to visit all the sites in the book to see things for myself.
I listened to the audio version of this book, which is well read by Paul Michael. He sets a good reading pace, and provides enough different voices that the characters are easy to distinguish.
I’d recommend this as a good read (or listen) when you’re in the mood for something fast paced and engaging.
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Not an Urban Fantasy
The Sacrifice by Kristine Kathryn RuschMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I listened to the audio version of this book, read by David DeSantos. It was part of a marketing campaign where Audible.com offered the first book in a series for free. I was a little reluctant to read this because I thought it would be like the urban fantasy type stories so trendy today. Thank goodness I decided to give it a try. It’s sword and sorcery fantasy, and would appeal to readers that like that genre. And Audible did a smart thing, giving away the first book – because they’ll definitely get my money for the rest of the series.
The story takes place on an island country called Blue Isle that is invaded by "The Fey" – brutal, beautiful, fighting people using sorcery to take over every country they come across. They’ve been successful, until they reach Blue Isle. The island is home to a people that are peaceful, devoted to their religious beliefs.
The Fey are amazed that these simple people seem to have a magic greater than their own; strong enough to create a poison that will kill the Fey instantly.
The poison is really the holy water used in religious ceremonies by the islanders. Their religious leader is appalled that this symbol of their belief has become a weapon of murder.
One review I read said that the characters in this book were inconsistent and kept changing. I think the author was just very adept at creating a first impression and then exposing the motivations and depth of the characters through the plot.
The audio presentation of this book was very well done. David DeSantos conveyed each character’s voice, making it easy to follow who was speaking and who was the focus.
I have four more books to look forward to in this series, and can’t wait to get into them.
Filed under Books
Who knew Mark Twain wrote about Joan of Arc?
Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve heard stories about Joan of Arc, usually in European history classes. But I never knew the real story, and all the politics involved. This book, presented as a novel, gives life to the people involved and the political climate of the times. Mark Twain’s reflections on the judges that try Joan of Arc are witty and sarcastic, but in a subtle way. But they do lighten up a very emotional, riveting tale.
The tale is told from the point of view of a childhood friend of Joan’s. As her scribe, he goes with her through all her adventures, right up to her trials. His personal point of view about Joan puts you there with her as she meets with nobility, royalty and church officials.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, stories of women with strong characters (Joan of Arc is the original female heroine to me) and stories about battle strategy and wars. As for me, I plan to read other books by Mark Twain that are not necessarily based on great rivers in America.
Filed under Books
Maybe Young Readers will enjoy it more
Legacy by Cayla Kluver
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I had high hopes for this book when I started reading it. The author is still in her teens and I’d heard good things about the book. It started out okay, but didn’t seem to maintain it’s momentum. The protagonist, a princess who will soon have to marry so her new husband can be crowned the king of her realm, was not a very deep character. I’m sure the author was trying to make a statement about women being as capable to rule as men are, and tries to show the princess trying to change the system. But in the end she fails to thwart the rules, and seems to give in to the powers that be. Maybe subsequent books will change the story, but I didn’t find myself wishing I had the next book in the series so I could find out.
This seems like an okay first effort, hopefully the author will develop her skills and write a truly amazing story. She’s young and has time to learn her craft.
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