The Beekeeper’s Bullet by Lance Hawvermale

November 6, 2019 By 29 Comments


The Beekeeper’s Bullet by Lance Hawvermale
(Wind in the Wire Book 1)
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (262 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review by: Poinsettia

American Ellenor Jantz lives in rural Germany in 1917, the Great War raging only a few miles from where she works as a beekeeper for a wealthy loyalist. When a British airman crashes behind enemy lines, Ellenor must choose between aiding him or handing him over to the German authorities, who have just moved a squadron of flying aces into the manor house where she is staying.

In order to get rid of this problem, it becomes hard for him to gainor maintainfirm erections needed for satisfactory intercourse. best buy for viagra Nessa Feddis, American Bankers Association vice president for card policy, said it was cheapest cialis soft impossible to hide the problem from your partner. buy generic cialis you could look here They find it difficult to emotionally or sexually connect with their partners sexually or emotionally, which in turn make such men withdraw from sexual activities due to their failure to get an erection during sexual intercourse. Similarly to the tablets, as soon as the Kamagra Jelly is produced in laboratories, which makes it clinically proven. cialis generic overnight Injured pilot Alec Corbin-Dawes, Royal Flying Corps, finds himself at Ellenor’s mercy. Yet he is determined to make his way farther into Germany to rescue his sister within the next four days. How can he travel all those miles in time, now that his plane is downed, and still avoid capture behind enemy lines?

Ellenor’s life will never be the same.

Ellenor and Alec meet in a most unusual and certainly memorable way! When Alec’s plane crashes, Ellenor makes a life changing decision. Rather than handing Alec over to the authorities, she decides to hide him. While I completely agree with her decision, I was surprised at how quickly she threw her fate in with Alec’s. I had anticipated a bit more deliberation on Ellenor’s part. Yet, she quickly commits to not only helping Alec recuperate from his crash, but also in aiding his plans to go further into Germany. Ellenor doesn’t seem to have strong feelings about the war, and the German family who employs her are like family to her. I admit I was shocked at how quickly Ellenor turned away from it all to aid a man she knows nothing about. Even if this did strike me as a bit unrealistic, it did give the story a sense of urgency that piqued my curiosity and kept me turning pages.

Ellenor and Alec are very likable characters, but I must admit their romance didn’t feel quite right to me. Everything happened so fast. They were in a high-pressure situation, and their lives depended on trusting each other. That kind of intensity surely bonded them and could certainly be the beginning of a relationship. I just wish they’d had a bit more time to explore their budding feelings for each other. Despite my misgivings about the speed at which their relationship became serious, I do think they have the potential to be a great couple.

Mr. Hawvermale takes the suspense up another notch in the last third of the book. Alec and Ellenor are so close to completing Alec’s mission. However, unbeknownst to them, they have been followed by Gustav Voss, a captain in the German air force. I can’t give away details without spoiling the story, but I will say that Alec and Ellenor find themselves practically cornered by Voss. I had absolutely no idea how Alec and Ellenor would escape, and I was on the edge of my seat racing through the pages! I must say I was thoroughly surprised and pleased with how the situation played out.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read The Beekeeper’s Bullet. Anyone looking for a historical romance filled with suspense would do well to pick up a copy.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell

October 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #5
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (336 pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In a clash of heroes,the kingdom is born. At the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats. For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy.

Breaking with Alfred, he joins the Vikings, swearing never again to serve the Saxon king. Instead, he will reclaim his ancestral fortress on the Northumbrian coast. Allied with his old friend Ragnar–and his old foe Haesten–he aims to invade and conquer Wessex itself. Yet fate has different plans. The Danes of East Anglia and the Vikings of Northumbria are plotting the conquest of all Britain. When Alfred’s daughter pleads with Uhtred for help, he cannot refuse her request. in a desperate gamble, he takes command of a demoralized Mercian army, leading them in an unforgettable battle on a blood-soaked field beside the Thames.

But the drug quantity may vary between 5mg -20mg as per our body strength and doctor’s cheap viagra without prescription advice. Sometimes pain treatment can be accomplished through physical therapy. cialis tadalafil 20mg Boil Down Fever Ginger tea gets the ability to increase the amount of lutenizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and generic cialis samples sex hormone binding globulin in users Letrozole can be counterproductive if used during post-cycle therapy. Once that is done, cialis tadalafil 5mg the medicine will take 30 minutes to take effect. In The Burning Land, Bernard Cornwell, “The reigning king of historical fiction” (USA Today), delivers a rousing saga of Anglo-Saxon England–an irresistible new chapter in his thrilling Saxon Tales, the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

Has Uhtred abandoned Wessex forever?

Before reading this tale, I strongly recommend reading the previous four books of the series in order to better understand the characters and their actions. Again, as with the preceding books, this story contains graphic violence.

The Burning Land is definitely a dark chapter in Uhtred’s life. Uhtred has fought for Wessex countless times. Instead of receiving the rewards and gratitude he deserves, Uhtred is met with mistrust from Alfred and jealousy from Alfred’s advisors. A lesser man would have left Wessex long ago, but even though he has no love for Alfred, Uhtred remains true to his oath to the king. I admire Uhtred for standing by a king who continually denies him the credit he deserves. However, even Uhtred has his limits. When Uhtred is finally pushed to far, he lashes out in anger and makes a grave mistake. In this moment, I hoped that Alfred would show Uhtred some mercy and understanding, not only because Uhtred had recently suffered an immense personal loss, but also because he was deliberately provoked and not entirely to blame in the situation. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed by Alfred yet again. Uhtred flees Wessex and becomes an outlaw.

My heart broke for Uhtred as I read. Even though the previous books had hinted at some of the darkness coming in Untred’s story, it didn’t make it any easier to bear. His loss is deep and something that continues to pain him in his old age as he recounts the story of his life. Uhtred makes several bad decisions in his grief, and I have a feeling that some of those will come back to haunt him. When Uhtred leaves Wessex, he goes to Ragnar. It was wonderful to see them together again, but the reunion felt bittersweet. I knew Uhtred’s time with Ragnar wouldn’t last because Uhtred has forgotten a promise he made years ago. Once Uhtred is reminded of this promise, I knew he would leave Ragnar to keep it.

Even though Uhtred has left Wessex, Alfred still manages to manipulate Uhtred from afar, which of course only leads to more resentment from Uhtred. I find this extremely frustrating. I wish Alfred could understand that he would get much further with Uhtred if he would only talk to him and show some appreciation for all that Uhtred has done. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again. I would love these two men to have an honest conversation. I know they admire and respect each other more than they will ever admit publicly, but they just can’t seem to move beyond their personal differences. It truly is a shame. I can only hope they find a way to resolve their differences before it is too late.

I’m completely captivated by this series, and I can hardly wait to see what fate has in store for Uhtred next! I highly recommend this gripping series to fans of historical fiction.

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Copper and Goldie by Rosemary and Larry Mild

October 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Copper and Goldie: 13 Tails of Mystery and Suspense in Hawaii by Rosemary and Larry Mild
Publisher: Magic Island Literary Works
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (184 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Homicide detective Sam Nahoe takes a bullet in his spine in the line of duty. Disabled, his career with the Honolulu Police Department shattered, what now?

Jobless, lonely, and unwillingly divorced, Sam becomes a Checker Cab driver. Seeking a partner, he adopts a rescue golden retriever—with a touch of Doberman, and trains her to perform neat tricks like growling at a fare who doesn’t tip. He and Goldie cruise O‘ahu for kidnappers, and vengeful wives. Even killers, compelling Sam to get his private investigator license.

His Sunday visitations with his daughter, Peggy, can turn a magical park day into a hair-raising crime scene, but his shrewd little kid becomes a miniature sleuth in her own right.
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Sam’s Hawai‘ian heritage provides him with spunk and street smarts. He hobbles around on two canes, named Cane and Able, as he orders Goldie to chase bad guys. His favorite snitch, card-sharp Sophie, asks him: “You still walkin’ with them giant chopsticks?”

Thirteen individual and complete Hawai‘ian detective mysteries featuring a disabled ex-cop turned cab driver, who, with his golden retriever sidekick, takes on the criminal side of Honolulu.

Sam’s adventures are only beginning.

In just a few pages, Sam and Goldie completely won me over! Sam was a good officer with a promising career cut short by a tragedy. When his personal life also falls apart, he’s forced to make some tough choices. Sam works hard to get his life back on track, but trouble still manages to find him. It only seems natural that Sam become a private investigator. Since I love mysteries and dogs, I couldn’t wait to dive into this collection of stories and see what each “tail” would bring.

Sam and Goldie make a great team. Sam is smart, resourceful, and deeply cares for his daughter. He’s also still clearly in love with his ex-wife. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t hesitate to help those in need, and I really liked getting to know him and watching him rebuild his life. Goldie is such a sweet dog! She stole my heart, and every scene she is in. Her personality shines through each page. The pictures of the golden retriever that inspired Goldie’s character are absolutely adorable and truly furthered my enjoyment of the story. I couldn’t help but smile every time I opened the book!

This collection is quick and easy to read. All the stories are less than 20 pages long and each can be read in less than fifteen minutes. This is perfect for when time is short and you don’t want to start a full-length book, but still want something entertaining to read. The mysteries are fairly light with just a dash of suspense, and the violence is minimal and never graphic. While each story contains a stand-alone mystery, I recommend reading them in order to follow the progression of Sam’s life after leaving the police force.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read Copper and Goldie. The stories are fun, the characters likable, and the final “tail” is the perfect ending to this heartwarming collection. Fans of cozy mysteries would do well to pick up a copy today.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza

September 30, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza
Kate Marshall Series Book 1
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (426 pages)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

From the breakthrough international bestselling author of The Girl in the Ice, a breathtaking, page-turning novel about a disgraced female detective’s fight for redemption. And survival…

Kate Marshall was a promising young police detective when she caught the notorious Nine Elms serial killer. But her greatest victory suddenly turned into a nightmare. Traumatized, betrayed, and publicly vilified for the shocking circumstances surrounding the cannibal murder case, Kate could only watch as her career ended in scandal.

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Enlisting her brilliant research assistant, Tristan Harper, Kate draws on her prodigious and long-neglected skills as an investigator to catch a new monster. Success promises redemption, but there’s much more on the line: Kate was the original killer’s intended fifth victim…and his successor means to finish the job.

Digging into the past unearths more than Kate bargained for.

Kate is a complicated heroine with an intense past. When she caught the Nine Elms serial killer, it should have been the crowning achievement in her budding career. Instead, certain personal decisions were made public forcing Kate to leave her career as a detective far behind. I do think the combination of events in Kate’s past struck me as a little over the top. I can’t give details without spoiling the plot, but I will say that while none of the things that happen to her are completely implausible, together it did seem to be a bit of a stretch. However, because Kate is such a down to earth character, I was able to put my doubts aside and enjoy the story.

Kate is easy to admire. She is smart, caring, courageous, and has a strong sense of honor. Despite all that has happened to her, she never plays the victim. She doesn’t make excuses for her mistakes nor does she take pleasure in the mistakes of others. There was a moment when she could have easily lashed out at others who were at fault, but Kate chooses to take the high road. In that moment, she more than earned my respect.

As compelling as the plot and characters of Nine Elms are, I could not read this book straight through. Some of the characters and their actions made my skin crawl. The serial killer’s victims are murdered in a particularly disturbing way. As the layers of this mystery are peeled back and connections between various characters are made, the tone becomes even darker. I had to put the book aside periodically because I needed a break before diving back into that world. Despite this issue, I enjoyed getting to know Kate and found the conclusion to be satisfying.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Nine Elms. I recommend it to anyone looking for a dark thriller with a compelling heroine.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Fog Ladies by Susan McCormick

September 25, 2019 By 2 Comments


The Fog Ladies by Susan McCormick
A San Francisco Cozy Murder Mystery
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Contemporary
Length: Full length (321 pages)
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Young, overworked, overtired, overstressed medical intern Sarah James has no time for sleuthing. Her elderly neighbors, the spunky Fog Ladies, have nothing but time. When, one by one, old ladies die in their elegant apartment building in San Francisco, Sarah assumes the deaths are the natural consequence of growing old. The Fog Ladies assume murder.

Mrs. Bridge falls off a stool cleaning bugs out of her kitchen light. Mrs. Talwin slips on bubbles in the bath and drowns. Suddenly, the Pacific Heights building is turning over tenants faster than the fog rolls in on a cool San Francisco evening.
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Sarah resists the Fog Ladies’ perseverations. But when one of them falls down the stairs and tells Sarah she was pushed, even Sarah believes evil lurks in their building. Can they find the killer before they fall victim themselves?

Why would anyone want to harm the Fog Ladies?

The Fog Ladies are certainly an interesting cast of characters! This diverse group of women is by far my favorite part of the book. Some of the women are more likable than others. My favorites are Mrs. Noonan and Mrs. Gordon. Mrs. Noonan is such a steadying influence within the group. She is very level headed and a much-needed source of comfort for Sarah as she struggles through her internship. Mrs. Noonan is also a wonderful cook and shares her delicious dishes freely. It is one of the ways she shows she cares about those around her. I could practically smell the food she prepared as I read.

Mrs. Gordon is such a sweet, caring soul. She has a gentleness about her that is very endearing. As with Mrs. Noonan, Mrs. Gordon cares deeply for those in need, though she doesn’t have Mrs. Noonan’s confidence. However, Mrs. Gordon under goes a bit of a transformation during the course of the story. I won’t spill too many details, but I will say that Mrs. Gordon finds herself in a situation where she needs to take on an unexpected responsibility. Rather than shrink from the challenge, she rises to the occasion and blossoms in her new found role.

Mrs. Carmichael is also an extremely colorful character! She’s a terrible gossip and is as bold and brash as Mrs. Gordon is timid. I couldn’t help but laugh at her antics, especially when she discovers the joy of Starbucks! She can’t resist poking her head into other people’s business and this gets her into some serious trouble. Unfortunately, I don’t think Mrs. Carmichael has learned her lesson.

I must admit I was able to solve the mystery before I reached the end of the book. There were a few false, though very interesting leads, but I was able to sort through the facts and get to the heart of the matter. I still enjoyed watching Sarah and the rest of the Fog Ladies unravel the mystery. I was on the edge of my seat wondering when and how they would finally fit the pieces of the puzzle together. I also really enjoyed the ending. Again, I can’t say much without spoiling the plot, but I will say an unexpected hero played an integral part in bringing down the culprit.

I had so much fun reading The Fog Ladies. Fans of cozy mysteries would do well to pick up a copy of this thoroughly entertaining book.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell

September 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #4
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (314 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and the Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south. Warrior by instinct and Viking by nature, Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has land, a wife and children—and a duty to King Alfred to hold the frontier on the Thames. But a dead man has risen, and new Vikings have invaded the decayed Roman city of London with dreams of conquering Wessex… with Uhtred’s help. Suddenly forced to weigh his oath to the king against the dangerous turning tide of shifting allegiances and deadly power struggles, Uhtred—Alfred’s sharpest sword—must now make the choice that will determine England’s future.

Even in peace there are battles to be fought.

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Uhtred is one of the most memorable characters I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, and he’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine. In this installment, Uhtred is doing things the way he wants, which of course irritates Alfred to no end. However, Uhtred enjoys getting under Alfred’s skin. I must admit it is rather entertaining to see how far Uhtred can push the limits of Alfred’s patience without getting into serious trouble. Even though I enjoy watching Uhtred antics, I lament their inability to see eye to eye. Uhtred and Alfred are great leaders who’ve accomplished a lot by grudgingly working together. Their achievements could reach even greater heights if they put aside their differences. Unfortunately, Alfred does not trust Uhtred and consistently denies him the credit for his victories. As a result, Uhtred continues to resent and hate his king.

This book has a bit of a different feel from the previous three, especially the first half. I got to see a different side of Uhtred. Since there is a tentative peace, Uhtred was able to spend more time with his wife and children. I found I very much enjoyed seeing the softer and dare I say more mature side of his character. I liked watching him play with his children, and his concern over his pregnant wife is very moving. I was also touched by his concern for Aethelflaed, Alfred’s daughter, whom Uhtred has known since she was a child. However, fans of Uhtred’s warrior spirit can rest assured that he is still absolutely lethal on the battle field.

I must also mention I was struck by the contrast in the description of battle scenes and Aethelflaed’s, wedding. It is a testament to Mr. Cornwell’s skill as an author that he can write brutally graphic descriptions of battle and this beautiful scene: “She was in love with love, transported that day to a height of joy that showed like radiance on her sweet face…That spring day was the first on which she wore her hair up, a sign of marriage, and it revealed her long thin neck. She was so graceful that day.” I can practically see Aethelflaed’s face as she walks down the aisle.

Unfortunately, Aethelflaed’s path isn’t easy. I can’t give many details, but I will say that Aethelflaed’s marriage is not a happy one and she has the misfortune to fall in love with another man who is definitely not suitable. Mr. Cornwell perfectly captured the moment Uhtred realized how much trouble lay ahead for his friend. “She glowed. She walked as lightly as a dancer, and she smiled so beautifully…I saw it in her face. I saw in her radiance all her sudden love and all the unhappiness that was to come, and all the tears, and all the heartbreak. She was on a voyage, and it was a journey of love, but it was sailing into a storm so bleak and dark that my own heart almost broke for her.”

I can’t recommend this series enough. Anyone looking for adventure and memorable characters would do well to pick up a copy of this book as well as the previous installments. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell

August 13, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #3
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (317 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

The year is 878. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has helped the Saxons of Wessex defeat the invading Danes. Now, finally free of his allegiance to the victorious, ungrateful King Alfred, he is heading home to rescue his stepsister, a prisoner of Kjartan the Cruel in the formidable Danish stronghold of Dunholm. Uhtred’s best hope is his sword, Serpent-Breath, for his only allies are Hild, a West Saxon nun fleeing her calling, and Guthred, a slave who believes himself king. Rebellion, chaos, fear, and betrayal await them in the north, forcing Uhtred to turn once more, reluctantly, to the liege he formerly served in battle and blood: Alfred the Great.

Uhtred’s path seems clear, but fate has other plans.

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So much happens to Uhtred in this installment! As the story opens, Uhtred is once again irritated with Alfred. Uhtred played a major part in Alfred’s latest victory over the Danes, but received a paltry reward. I can’t help but sympathize with Uhtred. He’s done so much for Alfred, his family, and the kingdom of Wessex but receives practically nothing for his service. So, he leaves Alfred and Wessex behind and goes North intent on killing Kjartan and Sven as revenge for the death of his foster father and to rescue his sister, Thyra, if she still lives. To do that he’ll need to attack Dunholm, which is a formidable fortress.

Uhtred is an excellent warrior, but since he doesn’t have an army or a solid plan, I had no idea how he was going to accomplish this. I eagerly dove in to the book with a smile on my face ready to follow Uhtred on his latest adventure. I must admit I was quite surprised to see what fate had in store for Uhtred. I won’t give away too many details, but I will say that a betrayal derails Uhtred’s plans and tears him from his life as a warrior. In his darkest moment, he finds aid from an unexpected source.

As I’ve said before, Uhtred is one of the most well-rounded characters I’ve had to the pleasure of knowing. Yes, he can be arrogant, selfish, and ruthless in battle, but he’s also brave and quite caring. He refuses to leave friends behind, and he is true to his word. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he has the makings of a great hero.

At this point in the series, the books have a familiar feel to them. However, this doesn’t make the tale boring. Far from it! Uhtred’s adventures are never dull. The familiarity comes from knowing Uhtred and his sense of humor. I find it comforting, like talking to an old friend. I also think this book has a stronger sense of nostalgia about it than the previous books. I can really feel that Uhtred, telling the story as an old man, is really missing his days as a warrior and it makes my heart ache.

I’m completely addicted to this series! I highly recommend this bittersweet tale to fans of historical fiction and adventure. I’ll be picking up the next book very soon!

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell

July 31, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #2
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (349 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

The last unvanquished piece of England, Wessex is eyed hungrily by the fearsome Viking conquerors. A dispossessed young nobleman, Uhtred is tied to the imperiled land by birth and marriage but was raised by the Danish invaders—and he questions where his allegiance must lie. But blood is his destiny, and when the overwhelming Viking horde attacks out of a wintry darkness, Uhtred must put aside all hatred and distrust and stand beside his embattled country’s staunch defender—the fugitive King Alfred.

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Uhtred holds the fate of England in his hands.

Before reading this installment in the Saxon Stories, I recommend reading The Last Kingdom, the first book in the series, not only because this tale picks up where The Last Kingdom left off, but also to better understand Uhtred’s history and his complicated relationships. Also, I must warn readers that The Pale Horseman, contains graphic violence as well as rape, though the rape is not described in detail.

It has been an adventure watching Uhtred grow up! He’s married, become a father, survived his first shield wall, and killed the Danish warrior Ubba. Uhtred feels he’s done more than enough to prove himself. However, Alfred doesn’t completely trust Uhtred because of his refusal to become a Christian and his divided loyalties. It is easy to sympathize with Uhtred because he is much more likable than Alfred, but I will admit I can see Alfred’s point of view at times. Alfred is a man mature beyond his years with carefully laid, long-term plans. In contrast, Uhtred is wild and quite immature at times, and while he has some long-term goals, he tends to live in the moment. Uhtred can make or break Alfred’s plans, and that makes Alfred uncomfortable. That being said, I’ve found Uhtred to be a man of his word. If he says he will accomplish something, he will. Uhtred doesn’t understand why that isn’t enough for Alfred. I find the relationship between Uhtred and Alfred fascinating. I can’t help but wonder what these two great men could accomplish if they could find a way to work together. Unfortunately, I fear they are doomed to never see eye to eye.

Denied the credit for the victory at Cynuit, Uhtred is understandably angry. In his frustration, he makes life changing decisions that will bring him joy, sorrow, and again put him at odds with Alfred. Uhtred is still truly torn between the Saxons and the Danes. There are moments where I held my breath because Uhtred’s choices literally had the power to change the future of England.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this chapter in Uhtred’s life, and I can’t wait to see what he will do next! I look forward to picking up the next book in this captivating series.

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Good Night Wind by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Maëlle Doliveux

July 25, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Good Night Wind by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Maëlle Doliveux (Illustrator)
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Childrens
Length: Short Story (32 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 4+
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

When the exhausted winter wind throws a snowy tantrum, it finds comfort in the friendship of two young children in this lyrical retelling of a Yiddish folktale illustrated with stunning collage.

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Do you want to know where Winter Wind goes in the Spring?

Winter is over. The villagers are ready for Spring, and they want Winter Wind to move on. Wind is tired and ready to rest, but doesn’t know where to go. I was immediately drawn into the story, and I sympathized with Wind as he desperately searched for a place to rest. I could feel Wind’s exhaustion and frustration as he grew wearier by the minute. No one seems to be willing to help until Wind meets two children. Will they find a way to calm Winter Wind or will their village be blanketed by snow and ice indefinitely?

Ms. Marshall certainly created an intense character in Winter Wind! I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as I read. He’s lonely, misunderstood, and feeling unwelcome. I think most children and adults alike can relate to Wind’s predicament at some point in their lives. Understandably, Wind lashes out, like a child throwing a temper tantrum, and causes problems for the village until two children care enough to talk to Wind rather than push him away. Sure enough, their compassion, and willingness to listen are exactly what Wind needed.

Ms. Marshall really made this story come alive through excellent use of descriptive language. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes that capture Wind’s increasingly volatile mood. “With long, cold fingers, Wind tapped windows of cozy homes.” Then later as things escalate, “Angry, Winter Wind blasted out across the fields, crying like a child, howling like a dog, wailing like a cat.” I must also add that Ms. Doliveux’s paper collage illustrations are exceptional! The illustrations perfectly complement the text, and are so beautiful and striking that I almost expected them to move as I read!

I’m so glad I took the time to read Good Night Wind. It is a sweet tale of kindness, empathy, and friendship. I highly recommend this folktale to readers young and old!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Nexus Mirror by N. E. Michael

July 11, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Nexus Mirror by N. E. Michael
The Chronicles of Enlai #1
Publisher: Asteron Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full length (364 pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

A secret race, locked in two-hundred years of war.

An ancient portal guards the ultimate power.

One girl is the key to it all.

The only question is who will find her first…

The year is 2094. A secret war has ravaged the Earth for centuries, desolating the Enlai race. Every tribe, each with their own powers, must choose a side. The sinister Following has toppled the Alliance, striving for world domination. The Resistance has been beaten into the dust. Now, the fate of the world lies in the hands of one man.

Raiden, typical of most teachers, can’t shoot fireballs from his hands. He can’t read the thoughts from behind a man’s eyes or walk through walls. But when his orphanage is attacked by the very same organization of super-powered thugs who murdered his father, it is up to him to protect his student Sarah from their clutches. Sarah, the last of her tribe, holds the key to an ancient portal called the Nexus Mirror—and with it the last hope of The Resistance.
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A mysterious, powerful new player joins the battle…

Alia had always known she was different. She could sense what others could not, feel what those around her were feeling. But despite her almost psychic intuition, she is alone on the streets. Every penny she earns goes towards taking care of her disabled sister, the only person in the world she has ever loved or trusted. Alia’s entire life is about to change as Roko, the billionaire leader of the Following, shows a particular interest in her, generously taking her in and promising to heal her sister. As Alia rises in the ranks of The Following, unraveling the mysterious of her past, she must make a choice. Should she continue to sacrifice everything on behalf of her sister, even if that means hurting innocent people, or has the time come for her to resist Roko and fight for what is right?

Chronicles of the Enlai

Taking place in the near future, this thrilling sci-fi/fantasy series tells the tale of a secret, formidable race of super-powered beings fighting for the fate of the planet. The action-packed adventure will take you soaring through the skies on genetically engineered dinosaurs, charging the mountaintops with an army of sword-wielding Shadows, and sailing through perilous waters infested with zombies and super-powered pirates. So what are you waiting for? Come join the fight, the world is at stake!

Prepare to look at the world in a whole new way!

Raiden lives a normal life working as a teacher, and he certainly cares for his students. However, at night he has vivid dreams of beings with extraordinary powers. Raiden dismisses the dreams as nothing more than an over active imagination. In reality, his dreams are glimpses into the secret world of the Enlai. Raiden soon discovers that not only are the Enlai real, but they are in the middle of a war and one of his students, Sarah, might be the key to the outcome. Forced from the life he knew, Raiden joins The Resistance in hopes of saving Sarah and all of humanity from the sinister Following. I was intrigued from the moment I started reading, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about the Enlai! However, I must mention that this book contains a lot of graphic fighting and large-scale battle sequences. Readers sensitive to violence have been forewarned.

Mr. Michael chose to tell this story from multiple viewpoints, and I think that format worked very well. I enjoyed seeing the tale unfold from the perspectives of various characters. While I liked Raiden, I especially enjoyed the sections told from Yuran’s point of view. Yuran is chief of the Shadows, and he is not what I expected. He’s known more than his share of sorrow and injustice in the past, but he has not let his anger define him. He’s grown into an excellent leader, and I look forward to reading more about him in the next installment of the series.

This plot is also very well paced. The intense action is balanced by some slower sections and exposition necessary to enlighten the reader concerning the various tribes of Enlai and how they have impacted human history. I will say the intensity of this fantasy goes up a notch toward the conclusion. As I read, I was plunged from one battle into another with just a bit of rest in between. It was a bit overwhelming at times!

I found the world Mr. Michael has created fascinating. I really liked learning about the different tribes and their abilities, and would love to learn more. I have so many questions bouncing around in my mind! For example, what would happen if Enlai from different tribes married and had children? What abilities would their children inherit? Abilities from both tribes, or just one? Or would their children be something completely different?

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read The Nexus Mirror. I can’t wait to learn more about the Enlai, and I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,
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