Muse's Song

Oh Chantal how perfect. I was channel hopping after Willy Wonka and The Mummy had just started on ITV2.

Seeing Evie (Rachel Weisz) is so much fun and recalling her romance with Paul Graves as well as all the other fun I had with her in various Harry Potter RPGs.

I think I did bring her into my NaNoWriMo stories but will have to go back and search 'Lilith'. Looking forward to November though may end up re-writing my last one that became such a muddle.

Lilith Drachenstein (Dragonstone)- who does live in my head sometimes - sends her love to Paul Graves.

For those not familiar with the Hogwarts RPGs, Lilith was an original character I played over a number of on-line RPGs. She had an account on livejournal in which she explained her various roles. When we needed actors for our characters I chose Rachel Weisz for a number of reasons, including that her role in The Mummy allowed me to have many images of her dressed as I wanted her to be. Her motto is "Original and Proud of It"

Lilith's Live Journal - http://dragonstone.livejournal.com/

Book 30: Childhood's End.
Author: Arthur C. Clarke, 1953, 1990. Introduction Adam Roberts, 2009.
Genre: Science Fiction. Future.
Other Details: ebook. 226 pages.

When the silent spacecraft arrived and took the light from the world, no one knew what to expect. But, although the Overlords kept themselves hidden from man, they had come to unite a warring world and to offer an end to poverty and crime. When they finally showed themselves it was a shock, but one that humankind could now cope with, and an era of peace, prosperity and endless leisure began. But ..... - synopsis from UK publisher's website.

The official synopsis gives major spoilers so will omit for those who are not aware of the Overlords' actual mission.

With the recent TV mini-series I decided to read this classic work of science fiction. It is a interesting novel though quite pessimistic in terms of humanity's evolution and a different take on the alien invasion theme.

While elements in terms of technical and other advances seem predictive this perhaps were less so given that the opening chapters were revised in 1990. It was also interesting to compare the original with the adaptation, which was fairly faithful though had a more dramatic ending.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 29: Blood Defense (Samantha Brinkman #1).
Author: Marcia Clark, 2016.
Genre: Legal Thriller.
Other Details: ebook. 400 pages.

Samantha Brinkman, an ambitious, hard-charging Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, is struggling to make a name for herself and to drag her fledgling practice into the big leagues. Sam lands a high-profile double-murder case in which one of the victims is a beloved TV star—and the defendant is a decorated veteran LAPD detective. It promises to be exactly the kind of media sensation that would establish her as a heavy hitter in the world of criminal law. Though Sam has doubts about his innocence, she and her two associates (her closest childhood friend and a brilliant ex-con) take the case.

Notorious for living by her own rules—and fearlessly breaking everyone else’s—Samantha pulls out all the stops in her quest to uncover evidence that will clear the detective. But when a shocking secret at the core of the case shatters her personal world, Sam realizes that not only has her client been playing her, he might be one of the most dangerous sociopaths she’s ever encountered. - synopsis from author's website.

Looking over April's offerings on Kindle First I focused on this first because I enjoy crime thrillers and then realised the author's background as I have been watching The People vs O J Simpson, which sold it further as she clearly had extensive experience of the USA legal system.

The story certainly held my attention and while there were a few WtF! moments it held together well and kept me guessing until the final reveal. There were a few elements that felt unresolved in terms of characters but spotted that this is the first in a series and these aspects left me curious for more so will be keeping an eye out for the follow-up.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 28: The Golden One (Amelia Peabody #14).
Author: Elizabeth Peters, 2002.
Genre: Adventure. Historical Mystery. Egyptology.
Other Details: ebook. 641 pages. Unabridged Audio (17 hrs, 51 mins). Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat.

Risking winter storms and German torpedoes, the Emersons are heading for Egypt once again: Amelia, Emerson, their son Ramses and his wife Nefret. Emerson is counting on a long season of excavation without distractions but this proves to be a forlorn hope. Yet again they unearth a dead body in a looted tomb - not a mummified one though, this one is only too fresh, and it leads the clan on a search for the man who has threatened them with death if they pursue the excavations. If that wasn't distraction enough, Nefret reveals a secret she has kept hidden: there is reason to believe that Sethos, master criminal and spy may be helping the enemy. It's up to the Emersons to find out, and either prove his innocence or prevent him from betraying Britain's plans to take Jerusalem and win the war in the Middle East. - synopsis from UK publisher's website.

After a slight slump with the last novel here the story and characters picked up the pace again. Multiple plot lines including more about the Great War in the Middle East were woven together and came to a satisfying conclusion.

I have been listening to this series while driving but early into this one I received the news that due to increasing eye problems I am no longer permitted to drive until the issue is corrected. As a result I elected to transfer this to my MP3 player and listen to it while waiting for buses and at odd moments during the day. I expect to continue and complete the series this way as well as to access the Kindle edition..

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 27: The Lie Tree.
Author: Frances Hardinge, 2015.
Genre: Historical Fiction. Gothic. Horror. Young Adult.
Other Details: ebook. 417 pages.

Faith's father has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, and as she is searching through his belongings for clues she discovers a strange tree. The tree only grows healthy and bears fruit if you whisper a lie to it. The fruit of the tree, when eaten, will deliver a hidden truth to the person who consumes it. The bigger the lie, the more people who believe it, the bigger the truth that is uncovered.

The girl realizes that she is good at lying and that the tree might hold the key to her father's murder, so she begins to spread untruths far and wide across her small island community. But as her tales spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter . . . - synopsis from UK publisher's website.

I knew very little about this novel when it was chosen for our reading group apart from it having won the Costa Award. I found it a haunting tale with a strong underlying ethical theme of the insidious nature of lying. It also had a very compelling lead character in Faith with her quest to uncover the truth about her father's death. The tree itself presented an atavistic horror as it exerted its influence upon Faith and others. There were some interesting twists to the tale that proved very satisfying.

I was surprised when it was not as well received by some group members who said that they did not get drawn into the tale. Perhaps the element of magical realism that gave a somewhat fantastical aspect was the issue? However, those of us who did read it all were full of praise.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 26: The Awakening.
Author: Kate Chopin, 1899. Introduction by Barbara Kingsolver, 2014.
Genre: Classic. Relationship Drama.
Other Details: ebook. 141 pages.

Over one long, languid summer Edna Pontellier, fettered by marriage and motherhood, becomes acquainted with Robert Lebrun. As the days shorten and the temperature drops Edna succumbs to Robert's devotion. But as her desire grows so too does her discontentment - with the role society has forced her to play and with the bonds that hold her fast - and her world begins to unravel with devastating consequences...

The Awakening is widely regarded as one of the forerunners of feminist literature alongside Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Flaubert's Madame Bovary. First published in the United States in 1899, this radical novel sent shockwaves through American society and continues to speak to readers over a hundred years later. - synopsis from UK publisher's website.

Written over a hundred years ago, this novel has echoes of the novels cited above though notable for being written by a woman. It is easy to see given the subject matter why it was so controversial. Barbara Kingsolver provides an enthusiastic introduction, which also points out those aspects that dates it to the late nineteenth century such as the anonymity of the servants and now unfashionable names.

I found the writing elegant and lyrical. I felt that she brought Louisiana of the period to vivid life. I admit that I have a sort spot for New Orleans and this setting was an added feature for me.

While I enjoyed it and felt that it deserved Barbara Kingsolver's praise it was not well received by the library reading group. The main issue seemed to be that Edna's character was perceived as too self-absorbed, which I also felt but it did not prevent my having empathy for her situation. Still, it generated discussion, which is always a good aspect for any selection no matter how it was received.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 25: Burial Rites.
Author: Hannah Kent, 2013.
Genre: Historical Fiction. Iceland 19th Century.
Other Details: ebook. 337 pages.

In northern Iceland, 1829, Agnes Magnúsdóttir is condemned to death for her part in the brutal murder of two men. Agnes is sent to wait out the time leading to her execution on the farm of District Officer Jón Jónsson, his wife and their two daughters. Horrified to have a convicted murderess in their midst, the family avoids speaking with Agnes. Only Tóti, the young assistant reverend appointed as Agnes’s spiritual guardian, is compelled to try to understand her, as he attempts to salvage her soul.

As the summer months fall away to winter and the hardships of rural life force the household to work side by side, Agnes’s ill-fated tale of longing and betrayal begins to emerge. And as the days to her execution draw closer, the question burns: did she or didn’t she? - synopsis from author's website.

I first read this novel when it was short-listed for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction (2013 Book 96) and when it was selected for our library reading group welcomed the opportunity to re-read. It proved well worth a second read as it allowed me to experience again this powerful tale based on true events.

It was very well received by the entire reading group and generated plenty of discussion of its plot, characters and setting. It is rare for everyone to give a thumbs up and I would again state how engaging a novel this is.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 24: Furious (Faith McMann #1).
Author: T. R. Ragan, 2016.
Genre: Crime Thriller.
Other Details: ebook. 318 pages.

Faith McMann comes home to a nightmare: her husband is killed and her son and daughter are taken. Although the intruders leave her for dead, she survives. Crippling grief and fear for her children make life unbearable. Until her anguish turns to anger…and she trades victimhood for vengeance.

Frustrated with the law’s efforts, she takes action to rescue her children—and wreaks havoc on the brutal criminals who tore them from her. With her family and newfound allies at her side, Faith descends into the hellish underworld of human trafficking, determined to make those who prey on the innocent pray for mercy. - synopsis from author's website.

I had enjoyed the Lizzy Gardner series and so pre-ordered this novel, the first in a new series. The subject matter of human trafficking of children and young teens does make for disturbing reading though once started it was hard to put down as Faith's seemingly hopeless quest was so heart-breaking and compelling.

Aside from this dark theme I would warn that this is not a stand alone; something i suspected as we neared the last chapters. I have already ordered the sequel that is due in September.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 23: Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2) .
Author: Diana Gabaldon, 1992.
Genre: Historical Romance. Period Fiction. Time Travel.
Other Details: ebook. 976 pages. Unabridged Audiobook (39 hrs, 28 mns). Read by Davina Porter.

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to the majesty of Scotland's mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones, about a love that transcends the boundaries of time, and about James Fraser, a warrior whose gallantry once drew the young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his.

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful daughter as Claire's spellbinding journey continues in the intrigue-ridden court of Charles Edward Stuart, in a race to thwart a doomed uprising, and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves. - synopsis from UK publisher's website.

The first book ended at a pivotal moment for Claire and Jamie in the 18th century and this second book in the series opens in 1968 with an older Claire who had clearly returned to her own time. This raised many questions that were addressed by the close of the novel though with plenty more to encourage me onward.

This is a clearly popular series and I enjoyed it very much and did it as a dual read/listen. Davina Porter did an excellent job of narration including the Scottish accents, which could have proved difficult to any but a gifted voice actor. I expect to continue the series.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.

Book 21:The Secret World of Christoval Alvarez (Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez #1).
Author: Ann Swinfen, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction. Adventure. Spy Thriller.
Other Details: ebook. 293 pages.

It is the year 1586. England is awash with traitors, plotting to assassinate the Queen and bring about a foreign invasion. The young physician Christoval Alvarez, a refugee from the horrors of the Portuguese Inquisition, is coerced into becoming a code-breaker and agent in Sir Francis Walsingham’s secret service. In the race to thwart the plot, who will triumph – the ruthless conspirators or the equally ruthless State? - synopsis from author's website.

This proved a wonderful find. What I appreciated very much was the restraint with which the young protagonist is introduced to the intrigues of the times and how Christoval (Kit) is quite a reluctant spy. Walsingham comes across in a much more favourable light than in some fiction of the period. I was certainly eager for more and moved on to the next in the series.

Book 22:The Enterprise of England (Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez #2).
Author: Ann Swinfen, 2014.
Genre: Historical Fiction. Adventure. Spy Thriller.
Other Details: ebook. 308 pages.

Facing the threat of King Philip’s Enterprise of England – Spanish invasion and annexation of the country – Sir Francis Walsingham’s secret service spreads a network of agents across Europe. After caring for hundreds of maimed and wounded soldiers returning from the fall of Sluys, young physician and code-breaker Christoval Alvarez is sent on two dangerous missions to Amsterdam, where, amongst the friendly Hollanders, treason and treachery lurk. Christoval’s ship, sailing home, plays its part in the great sea battle in which the small and inexperienced English navy must confront the most powerful sea force in the world. - synopsis from author's website.

This series continues to impress as Kit is once more drawn into the service of Walsingham. Here the main issue is the attempted invasion by the Spanish. Kit's medical duties are also quite central to the story and the descriptions can be quite disturbing making me glad to be living today. An excellent series.

Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.