Tag Archives: Romance

The Enchanted by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Enchanted

Title: The Enchanted
Author: Cecilia Dart-Thornton
Series: Bitterbynde Companion
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fae, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I wish that your coming-of-age would befall tomorrow, Mistress Blythe,’ said Hawkmoor as they strolled.

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Synopsis

In the enchanted and magical world of Erith, danger comes to Kelmscott Hall as the trows seek to claim Mazarine’s baby. But it is Thrimby, the mysterious servant of the master of Kelmscott who will save them all from the most dangerous of bargains …

Thoughts

Stories that feature the fae are always something that I enjoy sinking my teeth into, and this three-part journey was one such beautifully constructed novella. I also really enjoyed that, for me at least, there were three distinct parts of this story, each with its own mini beginning, middle and end. It, would, theoretically make it easier to put the story down after each point of conflict passed. It didn’t. But, maybe for one less geeky it would.

Starting with Miss Blythe’s quiet brownie friend, her trials and romance are impacted by the presence of the fae throughout her battles against her guardian. The fact that she falls for the man’s son just seems to compound the difficulties that she is forced to face in an attempt to find her happily ever after. Yet, as with all stories, it is her position as an heiress that seems to get her (and her loved ones) in the most trouble. Alright, so some of the story line is a little predictable, but it still has this beauty and sweetness to it that made me fall in love within the first few pages.

After our sweet, and somewhat unassuming chief protagonist loses the man she loves, is forced into an unwanted confrontation with her guardian and leaves her temporary home, she has a whole new set of circumstances that become difficult to face. Again, the grey ones are lingering on the edges, but it is her strength and willingness to see justice that helps to carry her through the second trial of the novella. And, of course, when all seems lost, her love comes to the rescue. At the risk of his own demise.

It is in the third bit of this story that Dart-Thornton really plucks at my heart strings. There is an overarching feeling of the happy ending, everything seems right, and everyone is alive and healthy. And then a baby is due to arrive and the guardian again rears his ugly head. Now is the part of the story that really draws upon fae folklore, and it is the humorous, intriguing way in which this is dealt with that has stuck with me, even days after I finished this story.

I can’t recommend this novella enough – it combines folklore, love and tragedy in one neat package. And although some of it is a little predictable, it is still incredibly enjoyable.

 <- The Battle of Evernight ReviewThe Ill-Made Mute Review ->
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A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

OverviewA Song for SummerTitle: A Song for Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 1997
5th sentence, 74th page: For a moment Marek let his mind dwell on Nausicaa, the golden girl at the heart of the Odyssey, who had left her maidens to bring help and succour to the weary Ulysses as he came from the sea.

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Synopsis

Ellen never expected the Hallendorf school to be quite so unusual. Her life back in England with her suffragette mother and liberated aunts certainly couldn’t be called normal, but buried deep in the beautiful Austrian countryside, Ellen discovers an eccentric world occupied by wild children and even wilder teachers, experimental dancers and a tortoise on wheels. And then there is the particularly intriguing, enigmatic, and very handsome Marek, part-time gardener and fencing teacher. Ellen is instantly attracted to the mysterious gardener, but Hitler’s Reich is already threatening their peaceful world, and only when she discovers Marek’s true identity and his dangerous mission does Ellen realize the depth of her feelings for him – and the danger their newfound love faces in the shadow of war.

Thoughts

A good romance always includes a guy (or girl) that makes one humungous fuck up, and potentially ruins everybody’s lives. After all, boy meets girl, they fall in love, nothing happens isn’t exactly the greatest of stories. And, this is one of the best ways in which a man completely ruins everything, and yet, you are left gunning for the fantastic characters. And that’s just one part of the plot.

One of the aspects of this story that I love is the history of Ellen’s family and their acceptance for one another. Her mother and two aunts are feminists who burnt their bra and organise rally after rally for the rights of women. They fight tooth and nail to not have to be a housewife, so the fact that Ellen chooses this avenue for her own life is completely shocking to them. partnered with the fact that she is incredibly smart and university educated just seems to drive that knife deeper for her matriarchal family. But, when Ellen makes her desires clear, they accept it and continue to love her. It is little wonder that Ellen herself is filled with so much love and kindness throughout this entire story. After all, this is what family and caring about one another is truly about.

Set in Austria as WWII is breaking out, there is a sense of beauty, innocence and the looming tragedy of war. But, really, what I love the most is Ellen’s capacity to love. She loves the silly teachers at the school she moves to; the unruly children; and the unorthodox family from which she comes. But, it is the fact that she continues to love and accept after tragedy takes her future away. She continues to find a way to take care of her people and those who matter to her, even as her heart continues to shatter into a thousand pieces. And, through it all, she finds a way to have a life that, while it may for a while be devoid of exactly what she wanted, she creates something that matters. Although that sounds a little bereft, there is a happy ending that literally bought a tear to my eyes.

 <- The Secret Countess Review A Company of Swans Review ->
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The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

The Secret CountessTitle: The Secret Countess
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Young Picador
Year: 1981
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘She’s new,’ he said.

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Synopsis

Anna, a young countess, has lived in the glittering city of St Petersburg all her life in an ice-blue palace overlooking the River Neva. But when revolution tears Russia apart, her now-penniless family is forced to flee to England. Armed with an out-of-date book on housekeeping, Anna determines to become a housemaid and she finds work at the Earl of Westerholme’s crumbling but magnificent mansion. The staff and the family are sure there is something not quite right about their new maid – but she soon wins them over with her warmth and dedication.

Then the young Earl returns home from the war – and Anna falls hopelessly in love. But they can never be together: Rupert is engaged to the snobbish and awful Muriel – and anyway, Anna is only a servant. Or so everybody thinks . . .

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this novel, I fall in love every single time. After all, it’s the most beautiful love story set in picturesque England. Kind of Downton Abbey-ish, but with one of the best love stories I’ve ever read. It is simple, subtle and sneaks up on both you and Anna as you read. Honestly, you can’t help but smile as you turn the last page of the book. And, sometimes all you want to do is go back to the beginning all over again.

I’ve always struggled with reading historical fiction – I’m not really all that knowledgeable about it, and quite often, I get so bogged down in the details that I lose the story. Maybe I should really just do some research into the periods I’m reading about, but that would just take away from my time spent in the story… but I digress. Ibbotson’s work doesn’t get so bogged down about the details (in this case the years surrounding World War I) that you can’t find the story anymore. Instead, the history around World War I is just a great back drop to a story that expands the ages – like all good love stories.

So far this makes it sound like I love romances. But, mostly, I find them kind of tedious and frustrating to read. Boy meets girl, girl meets boy, love, sappy, bleugh… and, although this novel does mostly follow that pattern, there’s just that something extra that makes it interesting enough to read. Interesting enough that I have read this at least once a year since I got given it for Christmas.

 <- The Morning Gift Review A Song for Summer Review ->
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Pride and Prejudice

Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Series: World Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Vintage Books
Year: 1813
5th sentence, 74th page: If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, November 18th, by four o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se’nnight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occassional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day.

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Synopsis

Elizabeth Bennet is young, clever and attractive, but her mother is a nightmare and she and her four sisters are in dire need of financial security and escape. The arrival of affable Mr Bingley and arrogant Mr Darcy in the neighbourhood, both single and in possession of large fortunes, turns all their lives upside down in this witty drama of friendship, rivalry, enmity and love.

Thoughts

No matter how many times I read this book, I am caught anew by the beauty of Austen’s words and the excellent story that is shaped by them. There’s a reason that this is such a well-known classic. Regardless of the quote, there are so many moments in this story that people immediately know, whether they’ve read it or not.

Although this is set in a time when people courted, danced and never touched until they were wed. And women only had matrimony to ensure their future happiness, much of this storyline is still relevant today. Which is honestly, probably why it’s still such a potent story today. The follies of both pride and prejudice litter the romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from the very beginning. Both are proud, stubborn creatures, and Mr. Darcy’s prejudice against Elizabeth’s inferior social position, leads to her own prejudice against his own standing and view of the world. Luckily for us all, they eventually find a way past this and one of the most epic love stories of classical literature wins its way into our hearts again and again.

Although Pride and Prejudice is a great story about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, I also love the storyline and romance of Jane and Mr. Bingley. Such innocent and sweet souls are completely meant for one another, and honestly, that simplicity and sweetness is completely unfathomable to me. It’s a fantastic way in which to balance out the more satirical and proud natures of their counterparts. And a nice way in which to balance out the tedious, frivolous antics of the rest of the Bennett family.

As soon as I’ve put Pride and Prejudice down, I’m always at a loss for what to do. Sometimes I want to pick it straight back up and read it again. At other times, I flip through book after book looking for something new to read. Something that can be comparable, I’m yet to find such a story.

<- PersuasionSense and Sensibility ->

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Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Sense and Sensibility

Title: Sense and Sensibility
Author: Jane Austen
Series: World Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Vintage Classics
Year: 1811
5th sentence, 74th page: They contained a noble piece of water; a sail on which was to form a great part of the morning’s amusement; cold provisions were to be taken, open carriages only to be employed, and every thing conducted in the usual style of a complete party of pleasure.

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Synopsis

Elinor is as prudent as her sister Marianne is impetuous. Each must learn from the other after they are forced by their father’s death to leave their home and enter into the contests of polite society. The charms of unsuitable men and the schemes of rival ladies mean that their paths to success are fraught with disappointment but together they attempt to find a way to happiness.

Thoughts

I’ve read this novel twice now, and even on the second reading, I haven’t lost my pleasure or joy in following the Dashwood sisters in their journey to marriage. Although I am a strong believer in the idea that marriage isn’t everything (in this day and age), there is something thoroughly enjoyable about watching these two girls become women and attempt to find the man with whom they shall spend the rest of their lives. The contrast between the two under such similar circumstances only helps to promote this love as it is a great reminder of the contrast between myself and my sister.

Sense and Sensibility isn’t just about coming of age in a society that I can’t even begin to fathom, it is also about two sisters learning from each other and caring for one another. Marianne is completely driven by her emotions, she is unable to sensor herself, and speaks before she thinks. Yet, although wearing one’s heart on their sleeve seems to be an open and honest way of living, not withdrawing and thinking before speaking led Marianne into strife more than once. Yet, Elinor, her polar opposite is unable to truly grieve the potential loss of her beau, and holds her emotions inside so thoroughly that even her own mother is unaware as to the depth of her regard for another person. It isn’t until both sisters are able to control and show their emotions a little better, respectively, that they are able to find their happily ever afters.

Although I have read many, many, many, many books in the past, Sense and Sensibility has one of the most anger-inspiring villains. Mrs. Fanny Dashwood encompasses selfishness and an ability to manipulate others with a sense of right that is often ignored by her consciousness. Her constant interferences with the lives of Elinor and Marianne and her inability to let their brother (her husband) to do anything to assist them may not lead to all of the evils throughout the story, but she certainly helps them along. It is her ability to ignore what she knows is right that makes her spine-tinglingly maddening.

<- Pride and PrejudicePeter Pan ->

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Emma by Jane Austen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Emma

Title: Emma
Author: Jane Austen
Series: World Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Feminism, Romance
Pace: Slow in part I, but picks up in part II
Format: Novel
Publisher: Vintage Classics
Year: 1815
5th sentence, 74th page: She must abide by the evil of having refused him, whatever it may be and as to the refusal itself, I will not pretend to say that I might not influence her a little; but I assure you there was very little for me or for anybody to do.

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Synopsis

Emma is young, rich and independent. She has decided not to get married and instead spends her time organising her acquaintances’ love affairs. Her plans for the matrimonial success of her new friend Harriet, however, lead her into complications that ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.

Thoughts

I can remember reading Emma for my major assignment in Year 12 English Studies. And I’m sure that I wrote many fancy things about the techniques, and the hidden meanings to the story. And just a whole hoop-la of technical jargon that showed what a great piece of writing Emma is. But, honestly, that doesn’t actually tell you if it’s a good story to read or not. After all, something can be technically brilliant, but completely boring (and tedious) to read. But, I digress, rereading this story not only left me thinking about and reminiscing on the joys of English Studies and the hours spent comparing and contrasting very random texts, but it also reminded me of just how much I love the word of Jane Austen.

We are all victims of our own presumptions, and quite often pride, in one way or another. Emma’s journey of blunders and mistakes is on the one hand incredibly entertaining, but on the other, it is startlingly familiar. There are moments in all of our lives that we look back on with regret, and not a small amount of shame – and Emma’s tale just heightens this sense. She is constantly making presumptions and acting under her own volition, without thinking about her own fallibility, or the genuine needs of others. Yet, luckily, as with all good stories, the happy ending of the story leads to the incredibly naïve heroine to recognise her flaws, realise her blunders and find a way to move forward in life as a new, complete woman.

Although I love Emma madly, I do find the story to be a little heavy as far as dialogue is concerned. Especially in those moments when Miss Bates is running off on one of her fancies. Although I’m sure that this was purposeful on the behalf of Austen, it does make the first two volumes of this novel a little more tedious and difficult to stick with. However, as the story progresses, it is easy enough to understand what is happening when the many principal characters decide to have long, and rambling conversations.

Although this story was written in the 1800s, and the idea of marriage for a woman and class systems were very intense, I still find this to be a story about a strong woman and her independence. Emma is determined not to marry, and when she does eventually find someone to whom she can see herself spending her life, it is still done to her terms. Emma’s strength of character and the ability to find a man who loves her all for herself is a really enjoyable read, and a reminder that although there has been over 200 years since this book was published, some of the themes and messages are still relevant today.

<- Hans Christian Andersen TalesMansfield Park ->

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The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-empire

Title: The Assassin and the Empire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.5
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That musky, strange –

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Synopsis

Celaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . .

Thoughts

Arobynn’s trap is drawn so neatly in The Assassin and the Empire, and honestly, it will make you cry. His petty feelings of ownership over a girl at least half his age lead to a complete destruction of two peoples’ worlds. Although I knew that it was coming, having read the first three Throne of Glass books, I was still left with a pit of despair sitting deep in my gut. A feeling of hurt at the pain and suffering that a sixteen-year-old girl suffered at the hands of the man who was supposed to be her mentor and saviour.

The flashback which Maas utilises to tell this story adds to the potency of this short story. Although throughout the story you are fighting for Celaena to succeed and truly become independent of the court of assassins, the prologue is a constant reminder that this isn’t going to happen. Yet, in spite of Celaena’s world turning to ash, you just hope that it isn’t as bad as it seems in the beginning. But, alas, it is. This is a short story that is about loss and suffering, pain that most of us won’t have experienced before, and certainly won’t have experienced so young. Or at least, for the sakes of others, I hope that it is a pain and suffering that won’t be experienced until much later in life.

<- The Assassin and the Underworld Review Throne of Glass Review ->
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The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-underworld

Title: The Assassin and the Underworld
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.4
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Even after her fourth bath – which had been immediately after her liquor-bath – she felt like grime coated every part of her.

Synopsis

When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer–and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

Thoughts

Although for me, this story was mostly about the beginning of Celaena’s change to Aelin, it also finally gave an insight into just why Celaena and Sam became an item. Although his death and their love is a driving factor for much that she does, I never quite understood what a reportedly sweet man could be doing falling head over heels for a thorny, indulged assassin. Yet, finally, with The Assassin and the Underworld, this made sense.

While falling for Sam was the true reason Celaena was eventually betrayed, her future betrayal and bitterness at Arobynn was laid out within this tale too. His maliciousness and ability to set Celaena and Sam up in the most excruciating of ways begins in this way, and it is this long-term foresight and possessiveness that creates a truly terrifying villain in the King of Assassins. The inklings of what he is truly capable of and the uncaring way in which he is willing to pit members of his own court against one another sent goosebumps down my spine. There is something truly horrifying about a villain who has no conscience and is driven purely by their own needs.

 <- The Assassin and the DesertThe Assassin and the Empire ->

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The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-desert

Title: The Assassin and the Desert
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.3
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: After so many hours of silence, the word was jarringly loud.

Synopsis

The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive.

Thoughts

This, by far, is my favourite of the five prequel stories in The Assassin’s Blade. The idea of a society of assassin’s based out in the middle of the desert is very poetic and the picture that Maas paints of the landscape in which Celaena finds herself is so tranquil and isolatingly beautiful. Her quick friendship with Ansel is another echo of this isolation – a great deal of symbolism for Celaena’s life up until this point. She is isolated and beautiful, unable to open herself to the hearts of others.

The teachings which Celaena undergoes are not in the slightest what are to be expected. They leave fluidity, flexibility and peace as the true trophies of the art. Not brutality and violence. Those within the community are taught with kindness and care, although, it is an incredibly abstract way of teaching – much of the time, it is difficult to understand what the lesson even is until it is finally explained. Maas is able to use this to remind us that we are constantly learning, changing and shifting, but it isn’t always clear what the outcome of these life lessons will be until we have come out the other side.

<- The Assassin and the Healer ReviewThe Assassin and the Underworld Review ->

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The Assassin and the Healer by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin and the Healer
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.2
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Yet there, deep in her gut, was a small but insistent tug.

Synopsis

Meet the Assassin: beautiful, defiant, destined for greatness. Celaena Sardothien has challenged her master. Now she must pay the price. Her journey to the Red Desert will be an arduous one, but it may change the fate of her cursed world forever…

Thoughts

Although The Assassin and the Healer is a short story between Celaena’s adventures (literally), it helps to further her character development and cast shadows across her relationship with Arobynn. Her willingness to do what is right, and even to suffer the punishment for this (as she is now doing after her actions in The Assassin and the Pirate Lord) shine throughout the story. Even amidst the loathing and self-righteousness she feels at her self-imposed exile.

Yrenne Tower also appears, albeit allusively in later stories, and it is the one small act of kindness which Celaena performs in this short story which leads to her future actions. Likewise, this story is a reminder of the lack of power which the women in this society often hold. Their inability to find their own reality and fight for themselves in an often cruel world. The Healer’s ability to finally stand up and fight for herself shows a mass of gumption and inner strength that not only helps her find her own way in life, but is also what inspires Celaena to act on her behalf.

<- The Assassin and the Pirate Lord ReviewThe Assassin and the Desert Review ->

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