Poetry of Reading

The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck

by Natasa Djordjevic - 6:17 AM

In the year 1544, José, a young man from Portugal, finds himself swept up in the tragic events of the Portuguese Inquisition, where six Jews are sentenced to a horrific death by burning for their alleged heresy. Accompanied by his affluent aunt Doña Antonia, known for her wealth and influence, and his spirited cousin Reyna, José is deeply moved by the injustice unfolding before him. Despite his desire to intervene, Doña Antonia physically restrains him, fearing for his safety. Later, in a moment of vulnerability, she reveals a devastating family secret: they are Jewish, including José’s parents, whom he has never known. This shocking revelation shakes José to his core, igniting a passionate determination to immerse himself in the teachings and traditions of his Jewish ancestry, which had been hidden from him for so long. As the Inquisition intensifies and their Jewish lineage is uncovered, the family faces grave danger, forcing them to flee for their lives. Their harrowing journey leads them to Istanbul, a vibrant and culturally rich city where the current Sultan offers sanctuary to Jews, allowing them the freedom to practice their faith safely. In this new and welcoming environment, José eventually marries Reyna, and they begin to build a life together. Their daughter, Tamar, possesses a spirit as fierce as her parents, and she falls in love with the charismatic son of the Sultan. However, José struggles with the thought of Tamar marrying outside their faith, fearing the loss of their identity and traditions. In a desperate and tragic decision, he banishes her to an uninhabited land, allowing the family and community to believe that she has succumbed to a fever. This heartbreaking act casts a dark shadow over José’s lineage, placing a generational curse upon his descendants that persists for centuries, only to be revealed later when readers meet the last Sultan of Istanbul. The intertwining stories of love, loss, and familial bonds across the generations stemming from José are captivating. Learning about the rich history of the Ottoman Empire and its role as a refuge for Jews during a time of widespread persecution is enlightening. It is a poignant reminder of how the Sultan’s generous hospitality offered hope when many other nations turned their backs. Unfortunately, it is disheartening to observe how the goodwill between these two cultures has waned in recent years, casting a long shadow over their shared history.

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Sovereign of Stars by Libbie Hawker

by Natasa Djordjevic - 4:50 AM

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Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik

by Natasa Djordjevic - 8:08 AM

“It seems to me after a fellow has been mutinied against three or four times, there is something to it besides bad luck.”

Captain Will Laurence, once celebrated for his bravery, now faces the harsh label of traitor for defying his country to save French dragons from a deadly plague during a time of war. Alongside his remarkable dragon, Temeraire, who is of both Chinese and British heritage, Laurence is exiled to the untamed and unfamiliar land of New South Wales. However, he never imagined that his new life would draw him into a fierce local conflict over the colony's governance.

In this tumultuous setting, the characters of the former royal governor, a man desperate to reclaim his authority, and a group of insurgents aspiring to overthrow him, clash violently. Both factions seek to recruit Laurence and Temeraire, understanding that the support of such a renowned dragon and his skilled captain could tip the balance in their favor. The political landscape is fraught with tension, as allegiances shift like sand.

The situation escalates when a valuable dragon egg goes missing, prompting Laurence and Temeraire to embark on a perilous quest over the rugged and towering Blue Mountains. The journey is filled with treacherous paths, hidden dangers, and stunning vistas that both challenge their resolve and test their bond as they race against time to recover the stolen egg.

This sixth installment of the Laurence-Temeraire saga takes on a notably darker tone than its predecessors, as the heroic pair navigates a grim and conflicted environment. Regrettably, the narrative misses a significant opportunity for interaction with the Aboriginal people, whose rich culture and understanding of the land could have provided an intriguing dynamic alongside the dragon’s presence.

The introduction of Bligh, infamous for his role aboard the Bounty, adds layers of intrigue and complexity to the plot, while Temeraire's unique and often insightful perspective lends a fresh voice to the unfolding drama. Fans of the series will find themselves engrossed in the unfolding turmoil of Australian exile, as Laurence and Temeraire grapple with their roles amid a chaotic struggle for power, revealing the complexities of loyalty, duty, and the unforeseen consequences of good intentions.

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My Lady Viper by E. Knight

by Natasa Djordjevic - 1:13 PM

While much is often discussed regarding the lives, marriages, tragic deaths, and courts of the notorious Tudor Queens, the story of young Queen Jane Seymour has remained largely overlooked—until now.

In "My Lady Viper," readers are finally granted a captivating glimpse into the intricate and turbulent Seymour reign. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Lady Anne Seymour, who offers a fresh perspective on a time marked by courtly intrigue and personal ambition, far removed from the serene civility and innocent purity often highlighted in historical records. Though Queen Jane's life was indeed tragic, the world surrounding her was rife with complexities and hidden depths in the lives of those at her court.

Lady Anne deftly maneuvers through an era where women were predominantly relegated to roles of being wives and mothers, yet she emerges as a multifaceted figure—serving as a spy, diplomat, courtesan, and historian. A woman who possesses a quiet strength and keen intellect, she embodies the saying, "walk softly and carry a large and very calculating mind." However, she is not without her flaws and insecurities. Against the backdrop of the ruthlessly competitive Tudor landscape, Lady Anne proves to be an invaluable ally to her husband and a true survivor in the perilous game of thrones played by those vying for power.

The storytelling is imbued with an intimate tone that draws readers in, allowing them to step into Lady Anne’s shoes and experience her joys, heartbreaks, failures, and victories firsthand. While the drama unfolds amid the opulence of the Tudor Court, it is the scheming courtiers and their Machiavellian maneuvers that take center stage, overshadowing the figures of the king and his queen.

The author, Knight, skillfully avoids inundating her readers with a myriad of names and titles. Instead, she masterfully narrows her focus to the central characters essential to the unfolding drama. The narrative flows seamlessly, with smooth transitions and plot developments that are easily digestible, even if a reader needs to step away for a while. The settings are brought to life through rich and vibrant descriptions—from the grandeur of royal palaces adorned with tapestries to the shadowy corners of courtly intrigue—yet these details enhance rather than overshadow the dynamic interactions and poignant dialogues between characters.

In essence, "My Lady Viper" is a beautifully woven narrative filled with all the hallmark elements of a captivating story. It is a sweeping account of one woman's remarkable journey through the perilous landscape of the Tudor Court, where loyalty can be fleeting, and true strength lies in cunning and resilience.

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Month of October: Best of Quotes

by Natasa Djordjevic - 8:20 AM

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Insurrection by Robyn Young

by Natasa Djordjevic - 1:10 PM

"Insurrection" is a gripping historical novel that follows the journey of Robert, starting from his idyllic youth in a tranquil and stable Scotland. The narrative delves into the chaos and devastation that follow the death of King Alexander, setting the stage for a turbulent era marked by fierce conflicts and rivalries, particularly with the Comyn and Balliol families. These deeply entrenched feuds ultimately compel Robert to ally himself with the English during the first wave of conflicts—an alliance that is fraught with moral dilemmas and personal struggle. While I won't spoil the unfolding events, I encourage you to dive into the book for a full experience. What’s truly compelling about this narrative is the way the author intricately weaves a creative and imaginative storyline alongside the historical framework. This masterful blend transforms what could have been a dry recounting of history into a vibrant and intimate novel that resonates with readers on many levels. As the narrative progresses, the reader encounters echoes of the Arthurian legends interspersed through Edward and Robert's unfolding saga. These legends, while not the main focus, play a significant role in shaping the characters' motivations and actions. By weaving these timeless tales into the fabric of the story, the author enriches the narrative, providing depth to the characters while also illuminating some of the historical ambiguities surrounding their choices and the motivations behind them. One of the most commendable aspects of "Insurrection" is the author’s commitment to presenting a balanced depiction of the various factions involved in this tumultuous period. In popular narratives, figures like William Wallace, Robert Bruce, and Edward, often dubbed the Hammer of the Scots, tend to be categorized into clear dichotomies of heroes and villains — the noble Scots depicted as valiant warriors suffering at the hands of merciless English oppressors. Yet, Robyn breaks from this tradition, providing a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the people involved. Robyn insightfully points out that many nobles on both sides of the conflict shared Norman ancestry, suggesting that they were often more alike than different. The Scottish lords are portrayed as a fractious group, frequently at odds with one another; half of them support the English against their own kin, and many harbor deeper resentments towards their fellow Scots than toward the English. Robert Bruce himself epitomizes this complexity, exhibiting traits that lead the reader to wrestle with their own feelings toward him—there are moments when his decisions elicited frustration and disappointment, underscoring the author’s talent for crafting complex characters. In "Insurrection," no one is purely good or purely evil, adding layers of intrigue to the story. Be prepared for a substantial read; "Insurrection" is not a brief book. However, the pacing is so engaging that the pages turn quickly, pulling you deeper into the unfolding drama. This thrilling and immersive story is exceptionally well-written and deserves a rightful place on your bookshelf.

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A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder by Dianne Freeman

by Natasa Djordjevic - 12:59 PM

Family is often best appreciated in small doses, a truth that Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, is coming to understand all too well. Since her sister’s wedding, her mother has been an unwelcome guest in her home, and now, her father and brother have joined the mix. With a lovesick brother making an emotional scene and feuding businessmen mingling awkwardly at the festivities, Frances finds herself anxious for her upcoming wedding to the charming George Hazelton, as well as their long-awaited honeymoon.

Just as the newlyweds are on the brink of departure, Inspector Delaney arrives—not as an unexpected celebrant but with urgent, somber news that sends a shockwave through the festivities: Frances’s brother, Alonzo, has been arrested for murder. It’s an unfathomable blow, but George, keen to defend his new brother-in-law, steps up to serve as Alonzo’s legal counsel. Determined to clear his name, Frances and George embark on their own investigation into the murder, understanding that the sooner they can establish Alonzo's innocence, the sooner they can escape to their romantic getaway.

The complexities of love are at the forefront of this narrative, manifesting in a variety of ways throughout the fifth installment of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series. Readers are treated to a vivid tableau of relationships, from the poignant love of couples on the cusp of marriage to those who have weathered the storms of time together. Some partnerships are blissful, while others are fraught with tension—arranged marriages, infatuations, and the myriad challenges that accompany them weave a rich tapestry of human connection. Secrets, the ruin of many relationships, lurk beneath the surface, adding intrigue to each interaction. The juxtaposition of these troubled dynamics with the steadfast love of Frances and George is particularly compelling. After enduring harrowing challenges to be together, their wedding day finally arrives, yet it seems fate has other plans for them.

In "The Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder," the mystery unfolds with tantalizing twists. The victim, a thoroughly despicable character, leaves behind a host of potential motives that keep readers guessing. Witnessing the clever interplay between Frances and George as they put the pieces together is a delight. Their playful banter, especially George’s humorous reactions to the idea of wives committing murder, adds levity to the tension. The characters are richly developed, each with their own intricate motivations, drawing readers into the narrative and keeping them engaged until the very last page.

Blending love and laughter within the context of a gripping mystery steeped in meticulous period detail, "The Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder" captivates from start to finish. As a devoted fan of this series, I find myself eagerly anticipating the next installment—wondering what adventures and dilemmas await Frances and George in the future!