Tag Archives: Strong Women

Falling Pomegranate Seeds by Wendy J. Dunn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

falling-pomegranate-seeds

Title: Falling Pomegranate Seeds
Author: Wendy J. Dunn
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, History, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: MadeGlobal Publishing
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: The bells on the harness of Queen Isabel’s mount rang a discordant sound as her eyes searched the men at her husband’s back.

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Synopsis

Dona Beatriz Galindo.
Respected scholar.
Tutor to royalty.
Friend and advisor to Queen Isabel of Castile.

Beatriz is an uneasy witness to the Holy War of Queen Isabel and her husband, Ferdinand, King of Aragon. A Holy War seeing the Moors pushed out of territories ruled by them for centuries.

The road for women is a hard one. Beatriz must tutor the queen’s youngest child, Catalina, and equip her for a very different future life. She must teach her how to survive exile, an existence outside the protection of her mother. She must prepare Catalina to be England’s queen.

A tale of mothers and daughters, power, intrigue, death, love, and redemption. In the end, Falling Pomegranate Seeds sings a song of friendship and life.

Thoughts

I don’t often read historical fiction, it’s not a genre that I’ve ever been exposed to. But, when I met Wendy through Swinburne University and decided to read her book… just wow, wow. I’ve never read such a heart-rending and fascinating story. The fact that it is based upon something that truly happened just made every moment of tragedy and triumph all the more powerful and poignant.

Catalina, or Katherine of Aragon as many came to later know her, had an immensely painful and tragic upbringing. This not only brings forward the strength of an incredible woman and one whom is often forgotten due to her replacement by Anne Boleyn, but it also highlights the plight of women. The mothers and daughters throughout this story constantly fight for their sense of self and lives. Their relationships are pressured and pursued by the needs of the men surrounding them, and they are constantly upheld to an ideal that is structured by others’ needs.

Telling the tale of Catalina through the eyes of her tutor, Beatriz, was a beautiful way in which to tell of the Holy War and a child growing too quickly into her mantle of responsibility. Every moment of peace and happiness present within the beginning of the story and childhood is offset by the pain and suffering that quickly causes such a vibrant young child to grow into adulthood.

This is a fantastic look into the history of one of the Tudors, but it is far more than that. Falling Pomegranate Seeds is an insightful look into the rights of women, the relationships between mothers and daughters, and coming of age in a world that is harsh and difficult.

<- More Wendy J. Dunn reviews Dear Heart, How Like You This? Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Star of David by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

shifting-shadows

Title: Star of David
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #1.5, Mercy-verse #10
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Her father considered that.

Synopsis

Centers on David Christiansen, who was briefly mentioned in Moon Called. It’s a heartwarming story of how murder and deception can bring a family together.

Thoughts

For me, Christmas is all about family and love. It is about gathering together and being grateful for each other’s’ presence in our lives and hearts. And there are a lot of Christmas tales out there that focus on this, there are also a lot who focus upon the Christian understandings of this celebration. Briggs’ Christmas tale focuses on the aspects of Christmas that I love the most – love, family and reconciliation.

David Christiansen is a bit of a sad character in Moon Called – he was changed in the worst circumstances, and struggles constantly to accept his new place in life. The horror of his past constantly taints his future, and, through the incredible short story, The Star of David, you discover that he has lost not only his humanity, but also a part of his family. The resonating loss in Devonte’s position as a foster child in hospital at Christmas drives home the pain of this and the need of everyone to be constantly be surrounded by people who love and cherish you.

The spirit of Christmas hovers over the whole story, and the final, closing scene is a beautiful way in which to highlight the uplifting and beautiful message within this story. A great short story to read over this Christmas break, something that will make you happy and hopeful as you navigate the most hectic time of year.

<- Moon CalledBlood Bound ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

moon-called

Title: Moon Called
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #1, Mercy-verse #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Bran didn’t have a telephone at his home – or hadn’t when I left.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they’ll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I’m not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson’s sexy next-door neighbour is a werewolf.

She’s tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself… and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

Thoughts

Mercedes Thompson is one of my all-time, all-time favourite literary characters. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read Moon Called since I first bought it – it’s a great book to pick up when I don’t know what to read and every time I pick it up, I discover a new aspect of the story that I had previously missed. Mercy is a great mix of intrinsic toughness and independence, with a caring and compassionate centre.

The amount of detail that Briggs puts into her storyline and world is amazing. Mercy’s unique voice and way of explaining the world of werewolves slowly unfolds the complex social rituals of another species. The sass with which this information is delivered adds to the amusement and delight of this new world. The gradual unfolding of the world of werewolves alongside the greater story of death, mayhem and conspiracies was a great technique to impart a lot of knowledge without completely overloading my brain.

There are a lot of vampire and werewolf books out there these days – the literary world of paranormal fantasy and romance seems to have seriously expanded recently. So, finding a really independent voice and unique character is rare. So is finding a series that portrays vampires and werewolves as dangerous predators worthy of respect, instead of romanticised, misunderstood creatures.

<- Fairy Gifts ReviewStar of David Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

cry-wolf

Title: Cry Wolf
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #1, Mercy-verse #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: “Sure,” Sage said.

Synopsis

Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack… and became one herself. After three years at the bottoms of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer – and son – of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna’s inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf – a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack…

Thoughts

This is a great tale that reminds us that strength and power isn’t necessarily tied in with size and looks – sometimes the most fragile of us is able to overpower the strongest. Anna’s inability to recognise her own abilities and power are not only realistic – we often forget that our greatest strength sometimes lies in the ways that we are able to care for and love others. This is echoed in the trouble which Charles and Anna have with their mating bond – it is only when Anna accepts herself and her powers that she truly accepts their bonded love.

Love is an overarching theme within the story – Asil’s past and future collide beautifully with his love for his lost mate. These bonds that tie the gorgeous cast together help to highlight the great power that love holds over all of us. The ties of family, lovers and friends all coalesced in a way that not only highlights their importance to our fundamental being, but also the ways in which such relationships can be used against us.

More of Bran’s history and his pack is outlined in Cry Wolf, even the reason for his more bizarre choice in a mate is explained. As is his relationship to both his sons and the power that he keeps beautifully hidden under a cloak of ambiguity.

Cry Wolf is a fantastic beginning to the tale of Anna and Charles, and well worth the read. It carries you on a journey of fascination and fear.

<- Alpha & OmegaHunting Ground ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

on-the-prowl

Title: Alpha & Omega
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #0.5, Mercy-verse #7
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & On the Prowl (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Ace fantasy & Berkley
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Anna touched Alan Frazier’s smiling face with trembling fingers.

Synopsis

The werewolf Anna finds a new sense of self when the son of the werewolf king comes to town to quell unrest in the Chicago pack – and inspires a power in Anna that she’s never felt before.

Thoughts

Anna is one of the sweetest literary characters that I have read in paranormal fantasy in a long time. Her introduction in this short story bought out a new aspect of the Mercedes Thompson universe and ran beautifully alongside Moon Called.

And then there is Charles… I love Adam and Samuel, but I still think that Charles is my favourite werewolf. The mixture of his position as werewolf assassin and Native American medicine man (for lack of a better term) leaves a strong and intriguing character. Within the first few paragraphs, he leaps off the page and his silent presence engulfs you. Anna’s sweet vulnerability is a beautiful contrast to both his overbearing presence and unemotional role within the Pack is one of my favourite dynamics in Briggs’ books.

The idea of an Omega is something that I had never considered before, but there are certainly those that seem to fit this bill in our everyday lives. The idea of somebody who is protective, but not violent; dominant, but doesn’t require followers is a great change from the general leaders and followers structure of most societies and social systems.

<- Seeing EyeCry Wolf ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Seeing Eye by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Seeing Eye
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #0.4, Mercy-verse #5
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace fantasy & St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He was right.

Synopsis

In “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, a blind witch helps sexy werewolf Tom Franklin find his missing brother–and helps him in more ways than either of them ever suspected.

Thoughts

A great and fascinating short story – and a wonderful pre-introduction into the Alpha & Omega series. Moira and Tom’s meeting is a great way to not only introduce new characters into the Mercy-verse setting, but also provide more information to the world of witchcraft. The idea of White and Black Witches is a complex issue that is introduced in Cry Wolf, and, although the terror of a Black Witch is beautifully displayed, the ability of a very powerful White Witch such as Moira was a great new angle with which to explore Briggs’ intense and intricate world.

I love that both Moira and Tom are physically scarred and, to most, terrifying on the eyes – but, their ability to look past that (at least in Tom’s case) was incredibly sweet. This ability to love and care for one another in spite of all fits in beautifully with the rest of this series. I am actually disappointed that thus far they haven’t played a larger part in the Mercy-verse series – maybe something that will be rectified in the future.

<- More Patricia BriggsAlpha & Omega ->

Image source: Goodreads

Forked Tongues by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Kicking It

Title: Forked Tongues
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #3
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect),
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: And that was when the devil dog opened its red eyes and stepped out of the shadows ten feet ahead of us.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.

Thoughts

I would love for this short story to be part of a much bigger series – it caught me and fascinated me in the first paragraph. I thoroughly enjoyed the urban fantasy setting and the idea of witches each having his or her own type of power – they have limitations, just like everyone else. Caine was able to build a wonderfully realistic world that sat perfectly within our own.

Holly and Andy are a gorgeous, simplistic couple. I love the simplicity of their relationship in this story and their acceptance of one another – they are able to work side by side to overcome obstacles in a self-efficient, unassuming manner. Combine this wholesome relationship with a gun-toting man of the West who also has witch powers and you have a winning blend.

There are so many stories that remind us that the ‘us vs them’ mentality can have severe consequences and truly hurt the innocent. Caine’s third Holly & Andrew short story is no different. The chief antagonist is the embodiment of using others’ fear of the different to attack and vilify a minority group. Writing about this from the minority’s point of view is a great way in which to remind us that just because someone or something is different, it doesn’t mean that it is bad.

 <- Holly’s Balm Review Kicking It Review ->
Image source: Penguin

Holly’s Balm by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

hex-appeal

Title: Holly’s Balm
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #2
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I felt abandoned, nevertheless.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Holly and Andrew’s love is tested in the next instalment in this fantastic short stories series.

Thoughts

Another great short Holly & Andrew story, but this time, it’s their relationship that is tested. Hanging on to life for the sake of someone you love is admirable, but it also means that there can be some pretty severe consequences if something goes awry. Caine uses Holly’s Balm to test the limits of love and trust in a uniquely trialled way.

Caine showed in her previous short story, Death Warmed Over, that she has an amazing grasp on the ways in which death and legal legislation was able to work in a world where raising the dead is a reality. It is always a pleasure when such seemingly minor details are worked out so intricately and fully that it is incredibly fulfilling and satisfactory to read.

This non-ambiguity within Caine’s world further lends itself to the serial killer theme within this tale. The idea of re-killing the dead left goosebumps marching up my arms in uncomfortable anticipation of the story’s climax.

 <- Death Warmed Over Review Forked Tongues Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Death Warmed Over by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Death Warmed Over
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #1
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sam Twist wasn’t answering – not his phone, his cell, or his secret emergency number.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A witch with a penchant for raising the dead, raises an old cowboy witch from the West.

Thoughts

The overarching message in this short story is that love can conquer all – even death. That is, if you have enough power to try. The concept and the story itself is incredibly sweet, and enough to make anyone believe in true love again.

I love Holly’s quiet strength and integrity throughout the piece – she doesn’t wish to re-raise those who are already deceased because of their potential torture and pain. Her unerring ability to do what is right and take care of Andy and the victims of horrific crimes shows her steely resolve and courage. But, it is her compassion and morality which make her such an admirable heroine, one that has made me want to jump further into the worlds of Rachel Caine.

Caine uses this short story beautifully to remind us that death is an integral part of our lives – without death, life doesn’t have the vibrancy and beauty that makes it worth living. Not only is messing with death and somebody’s afterlife seriously frowned upon, but it also can have some serious consequences, not only for the deceased, but those who tamper with it.

 <- Strange Brew Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Fairy Gifts by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

naked-city

Title: Fairy Gifts
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #0.8, Mercy-verse #4
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Griffin Publishing
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Though there is no high court any longer.

Synopsis

Fairy Gifts deals with a vampire who finds some measure of redemption in the mines far below Butte, Montana.

Thoughts

Fairy Gifts is a really good mix between an origin story and a modern tale of caution against the fae. Although Thomas Hao doesn’t appear in the Mercedes Thompson books until much later in the series, Hao is a bit of an enigma when he eventually does – so discovering more about his past and the source of his unique condition was a thoroughly enjoyable journey to be swept away with.

Although this story is primarily about Hao and his honouring of a debt of gratitude, Briggs also beautifully highlights just why the fae can’t be trusted. Their ability to use half-truths and twist the facts to suit their means is emphasised, and even Briggs’ own words will lead you down one path, while you really walk up another.

I loved this short story, not only for the insight gained into Hao’s life, but also because it managed to surprise me at every turn. Which is something I always appreciate in a well-written story.

<- GrayMoon Called ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs