I’ve read many historical fiction books, particularly those set during World War II. This familiarity with the genre should have prepared me for the content of such books, but despite that, I still found myself surprised by what I encountered.
The appalling conditions of the camps, the torture of prisoners, and the relentless, pervasive, and unchecked hate were profoundly disturbing.
The beauty of this story lies in its theme of hope. Morris uses love as a source of hope for the lovers, the prisoners, and even some of the guards. I was particularly surprised by how the love story impacted the guards. The Nazis typically employed systematic hatred and bigotry to dehumanize both the captives and themselves. However, Lale and Gita’s love story compelled some of the Nazis to recognize them as human beings, if only for a fleeting moment.
This is an extraordinary story about extraordinary lives. I was truly swept away by it, even if I can’t say that I felt completely transported to that time and place. I am always in awe of anyone who attempts to describe a place like Auschwitz. Despite the overwhelming fear and death, this book is filled with hope, optimism, and faith. That serves as a true testament to the power of love and the talent of Heather Morris.
Love and War by John Jakes
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 10:29 AM
This is, without a doubt, one of the best books set against the backdrop of the Civil War that I have ever read. After finishing the first book in the trilogy, I immediately began the second installment, which exceeds 1,000 pages. The time flew by as I immersed myself in the lives of the Hazards from Pennsylvania and the Mains from South Carolina.
The story begins with the first shots fired in Charleston, South Carolina, as families send their members off to war. The inevitable occurs: Billy Hazard joins the Union, while Charles Main enlists in the Confederacy. Despite their differing loyalties, Billy and Charles manage to remain friends, even though they know they won’t see each other for some time. Their paths cross again when Billy is sent to Libby Prison, where he encounters Charles once more. I don’t want to reveal too much, but the suspense had me on pins and needles throughout.
The novel beautifully captures the sorrow of lost love, the joy of love found, the horror of mankind’s inhumanity, and the tragedy of war. "Love and War" is truly a stunning achievement.
War Lord by Bernard Cornwell
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 12:20 PM
“I had fought so long and so hard for my home. It had been stolen from me when I was a child, and I had fought the length and breadth of Britain to regain it.
And now I must fight for Bebbanburg again. We would ride for home.”
I enjoyed the last chapter of the Uhtred of Bebbanburg saga. Although Bernard Cornwell tends to repeat certain details, his focus on historical accuracy, along with his ability to create vibrant fictional characters within that historical context, is unparalleled.
I will always remember the tale of Uhtred, along with Finan, Sihtric, Berg, and the countless others who assisted him in reclaiming his birthright.
Bernard Cornwell masterfully wove Uhtred into the story. Uhtred served as the perfect "middle-man"—he was Saxon by birth but a Dane at heart, embracing his identity as a heathen. He thrived in that grey area, and this is where Cornwell truly excelled. Readers find themselves uncertain about Uhtred's decisions, recognizing the merit in both choices and experiencing the same internal conflict as he did.
Many thanks to Mr. Cornwell for writing this series. This is a story that needs to be told again. The tale of England's birth will always spark my imagination, and it is genuinely gripping and timeless.
Month of Septembert: Best of Quotes
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:28 AM
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Fall of Kings by David Gemmell
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 4:09 AM
''Trust your instincts, and make judgements on what your heart tells you. The heart will not betray you.''
This is the third and final volume of David Gemmell's trilogy about the Trojan War. It is also his last book, completed and published by his wife, Stella, after his passing before its completion. In this context, the final scene in the epilogue is particularly poignant. It features an aging Andromache, surrounded by her children, as she bids a final farewell to the love of her life. She sets fire to the Xanthos, the ship on which her recently deceased husband lies, as it embarks on its last journey.
The author introduces some unique twists to the traditional story. Both Achilles and Hector meet their end, but under different circumstances than those depicted in the Iliad, and after experiencing betrayal. Helikaon (or Aeneas), like in the Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid, is the only Trojan prince to survive and seek refuge in Italy. He had already been trading there and sailing with his old friend and near-father figure, Odysseus, long before the war reached its climax.
For fans of epic fantasy, this volume offers plenty of heroic battles and intense stand-off confrontations.
Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:55 AM
An instant love story featuring forced connections and a second chance, this historical romance includes delightfully well-developed and intelligent characters. It's a wonderful and fulfilling tale that keeps readers engaged throughout!
Elizabeth is beautiful, but she doesn't see herself that way. She is resourceful, intelligent, kind, considerate, and somewhat naive. She views the staff as her equals. When her brother reveals his plan to save their ancestral home, Havenhurst, through a profitable marriage, Elizabeth embarks on her first venture into society.
Ian is handsome and extremely intelligent. He holds grudges, doesn't care what others think of him, is half-Scottish, and has a keen business mind. When Elizabeth and Ian first meet, they feel an inexplicable attraction to each other but make assumptions about one another. After being tricked into their last meeting, disaster strikes, and Elizabeth is left "ruined," forcing her to retreat to Havenhurst.
With her brother, Robert, having disappeared, her uncle Julius becomes her guardian. Determined to marry her off, he sends out letters to her previous suitors, stating that he will reconsider their offers. Out of twelve letters sent, only three received favorable replies, and one of those was due to a clerical mistake.
What follows is a tale filled with elements of friendship, disgust, intimidation, resourcefulness, admiration, betrayal, reconciliation, vindictiveness, stubbornness, and an all-encompassing love. It unfolds into a wonderful and fulfilling love story that keeps readers engaged throughout!
Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:21 AM
''A lie is an affront to the soul, as well as an insult to the intelligence of the person to whom one lies.''
This story captivated me right from the beginning. I quickly found myself immersed in the characters' world and experiencing something new.
I truly loved the story of Jordan and Alexandra. You could say it was love at first sight for Alexandra. Perhaps her naivety played a role, but I like to believe it was because her heart was pure. In contrast, Jordan was somewhat jaded and cold-hearted. For him, relationships with women were straightforward: they served only a physical need. He didn’t know any other way to connect.
As these two worlds collide, we witness Alexandra's growth and Jordan's transformation. Alexandra grapples with fitting into Jordan's world and fulfilling his expectations, while Jordan starts to question everything he has learned about feelings and emotions. Just when their lives begin to align, tragedy strikes, leaving Alexandra devastated and struggling to cope.
As time goes by, everything changes… and so do people. However, what becomes clear to both Alexandra and Jordan is the beauty they bring into each other's lives. They share the pain and create special moments together. There are moments of happiness and heartache, along with feelings of lust, desire, and tenderness.
Month of August : Best of Quotes
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 7:51 AM
August 2024 Wrap-Up
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:49 AM
Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 12:31 PM
“I have learned all kinds of things from my many mistakes. The one thing I never learn is to stop making them.”
The First Law Trilogy ends with a captivating and stupendous conclusion, featuring gorgeous writing, an intriguing and unique setting, and gripping drama. In this volume, the characters return home from their grand adventures, only to find that home isn't always what they expect.
Logen Bloody Ninefingers has returned to surprise the people in the North, who had believed he was dead. Logen wants to start anew, but he has made many enemies during his time as the bloodiest and deadliest man alive. Despite this, his bloodthirsty spirit is needed to take out Bethod and his allies. However, in the North, people are not quick to accept new leadership, and civilized behavior is only temporary.
Luthar returns to Adua and his surprise is welcomed as a conquering hero. He still has it bad for Ardee but knows marrying her is out of the question. Luthar has a lot of growth as he rises to the occasion only to wonder whether having all his childhood dreams come true is ever going to make him happy.
Colonel West too has to rise to the occasion of leadership. It is to him that falls the ugly task of facing Bethod and surviving the complexities of modern army hierarchy. He may long to return to wandering with a handful of barbaric Northmen, but that's not where he's needed.
Glotka, the cripple, continues to be among the most fascinating of creatures in literature. Bitter, and self-pitying, but with an odd knack for survival, Glotka figures out what it takes with palace politics and who to trust - no one.
Last Argument of Kings is epic in every possible way from the hand-to-hand battles to the Union on the brink of survival nearly engulfed by overwhelming forces. What makes it work well is that every one of these characters is fully human, burdened by their past mistakes, thrust into roles they don't feel right for, and swirling in the mists of fate and strategy, often struggling not to be supported by more powerful forces.
The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 7:16 AM
Ling Suyin was the late Emperor's consort, known for her stunning beauty and reputation as the supreme seductress across the Empire. After years of navigating the treacherous Imperial Court, Suyin simply desires a peaceful place away from the palace's intrigue. Upon her former master's passing, she was granted a lovely home near the river, far from the Imperial Court.
Li Tao is a ruthless warlord who was raised on the streets of Luoyang. He rules a province and has the foresight and skill to understand the changing winds within the Empire. The Empire has fractured, war has breached the horizon, and Tao knows he will be forced to stand against Imperial forces.
Before Suyin could be granted her wish, an anonymous note sent to Li Tao led him to kidnap her and entangle her in palace politics. Aware that rival Governors want to eliminate the late Emperor's courtesan, Tao must determine if the secrets she holds justify her execution. As Imperial forces approach his province, Tao offers Suyin her freedom in exchange for a night in his bed. However, they soon realize that one night is not enough for either of them. What starts as a single night evolves into a love that has the potential to bring down an Empire.
"The Dragon and The Pearl" is Jeannie Lin's remarkable sequel to "Butterfly Swords". The story had me hooked from the beginning. It's a captivating and refreshing read. In this novel, Ms. Lin turns the villain from "Butterfly Swords" into a hero with a unique twist, and she delivers an engaging tale set during the Tang Dynasty. It's a must-read novel of the year.
Tombland by C.J. Sansom
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 3:41 PM
“Never in England were there so many gentlemen and so little gentleness.”
In 1549, after the young King Edward inherited his father Henry VIII's throne, there was an uprising against Edward's guardian, the Lord Protector Somerset. The rebellion was led by two brothers from Norfolk named Kett, and the story focuses on the city of Norwich, which was the second-largest city in England at that time.
In all of Sansom's Tudor novels, the story revolves around the hunchback lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, and his sidekick, Jack Barak. They are sent by Edward's older step-sister, Lady Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), to investigate a gruesome murder near Norwich at the time of Kett's Rebellion.
Shardlake's character continues to evolve and the plot is truly excellent. It's a gripping story filled with outstanding historical insights and detail.
Month of July : Best of Quotes
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:31 AM
Shield of Thunder by David Gemmell
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:20 AM
“Nothing of real worth can ever be bought. Love, friendship, honour, valour, respect. All these things have to be earned.”
The story takes place about a year after the events of the first book, focusing more on the characters Odysseus, Kalliades, and Banokles. It revolves around the events leading to the war between Agamemnon and Priam, and the years leading up to the siege of Troy. The plot also details how friends become enemies and enemies become friends. The book includes many battles, is vividly described for easy visualization, and features engaging and likable characters. There's a nice twist at the start of the book involving Helikaon and how he overcomes his predicament, demonstrating how knowledge can be seen as mysticism.
Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 7:33 AM
“None of us deserves the things we have been given. We can only spend the rest of our days earning them.”
During the journey to her arranged marriage ceremony, Ai Li learns shocking secrets about her betrothed, Li Tao, a powerful governor and war hero whom she has never seen. She discovers that he is plotting against her father and may have been involved in the murder of one of her brothers. Unable to become the wife of a warlord with malicious intentions, Ai Li decides to break tradition and escape to inform her father about Li Tao's betrayal. This decision puts her at odds with her family's expectations and risks dishonoring their name. As the only daughter in a family of warriors, Ai Li is determined to face the dangers and intrigues of imperial politics. On her way back, she encounters pursuit and attacks but is eventually rescued by Ryam, a barbarian warrior.
Ai Li and Ryam, two very different individuals, come together under unexpected circumstances. Unbeknownst to both of them, their destinies become intertwined the moment they lay eyes on each other. When Ryam first sees Ai Li, he is captivated by the brightness she brings into his dark world. Her kindness and beauty deeply affect him, marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. Despite initial mistrust, Ai Li and Ryam ally. Ai Li needs to return safely to the imperial city, and Ryam feels compelled to protect her, even from himself. As a foreigner, he is unlikely to be associated with her enemies.
There are a few plot elements that could have been improved, but overall, Butterfly Swords is extraordinary.
Lamentation by C.J. Sansom
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 3:43 PM
“This, I thought, was how the real power-play went: conversations in corners and gardens, nods, shrugs, inclinations of the head. But nothing in writing.”
Another fantastic Shardlake novel that skillfully blends historical facts with a complex yet compelling plot and storyline. This book is one of C.J. Sansom's best works and brilliantly sets up the next story for the post-Henry VIII era. As always, I appreciate the author's detailed descriptions of the fashion and attitudes of the time, as well as the vivid depiction of life in the medieval period - you can practically smell the streets after heavy rain with Mr. Sansom's descriptions! I also enjoy the human aspects of Master Shardlake's life during these times - it shows that human sensibilities existed even then, despite the harsh and politically charged conditions of the time.
The plot of this book is quite typical of the series, although its development is a bit slow and more complex, with many characters involved in various twists and scenarios. It can be hard to keep track of things as the story evolves and crime-solving options expand. However, Master Shardlake does a great job of handling plausible scenarios and keeping readers informed of his clear thinking. The ending is excellent and not entirely predictable, as it keeps you wondering and guessing right up to the end.
