The Life & Times of a Book Addict: Teen Historical Fiction

Showing posts with label Teen Historical Fiction. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2013

The Rose Throne by Mette Ivie Harrison

Synopsis:

Richly-imagined fantasy romance from the author of Princess and the Hound, a tale of two princesses--one with magic, one with none--who dare seek love in a world where real choice can never be theirs. For fans of Megan Whalen Turner, Catherine Fisher, and Cassandra Clare.

Ailsbet loves nothing more than music; tall and red-haired, she's impatient with the artifice and ceremony of her father's court. Marissa adores the world of her island home and feels she has much to offer when she finally inherits the throne from her wise, good-tempered father. The trouble is that neither princess has the power--or the magic--to rule alone, and if the kingdoms can be united, which princess will end up ruling the joint land? For both, the only goal would seem to be a strategic marriage to a man who can bring his own brand of power to the throne. But will either girl be able to marry for love? And can either of these two princesses, rivals though they have never met, afford to let the other live?

Historical fiction with princesses, magic, and a very pretty cover were all the ingredients I needed to be sold on this book.

Unfortunately even though I liked the certain aspects of the story, I didn’t like it as much as I hoped I would.

The story is told from both princesses point of view. The world building was really good and the two princesses Ailsbet and Marissa were both interesting in their own right. Marissa of Weirland and Ailsbet of Rurik are sixteen years old.

They are both strong young women that come from completely opposite worlds, but even though they may be different, they share a common goal. To rule the new kingdom. Well one wants nothing to do with ruling a kingdom, but as a princess, it is pretty much expected of her.

There was quite a bit of anticipation in regards to what would happen to the two kingdoms. But by the end of the book there is still much to resolve.

I would have liked to know the history of the magic and how it came to be. Maybe the author will get more into that in the second book of this series..

The story was interesting, but I was not hooked on it like I was hoping. I wish it had more depth and details, but again maybe it will in the second book of the series.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

**I received this book on behalf of Egmont USA in exchange for nothing, but my honest opinion. Thank you.**

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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Spotlight & Sneak Peek: Cinders & Sapphires by Leila Rasheed

From Goodreads:

One house, two worlds...

Rose Cliffe has never met a young lady like her new mistress. Clever, rich, and beautiful, Ada Averley treats Rose as an equal. And Rose could use a friend. Especially now that she, at barely sixteen, has risen to the position of ladies’ maid. Rose knows she should be grateful to have a place at a house like Somerton. Still, she can’t help but wonder what her life might have been had she been born a lady, like Ada.

For the first time in a decade, the Averleys have returned to Somerton, their majestic ancestral estate. But terrible scandal has followed Ada’s beloved father all the way from India. Now Ada finds herself torn between her own happiness and her family’s honor. Only she has the power to restore the Averley name—but it would mean giving up her one true love . . . someone she could never persuade her father to accept.

Sumptuous and enticing, the first novel in the At Somerton series introduces two worlds, utterly different yet entangled, where ruthless ambition, forbidden attraction, and unspoken dreams are hidden behind dutiful smiles and glittering jewels. All those secrets are waiting . . . at Somerton.

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I was able to get a sneak peak of Cinders & Sapphires thanks to Disney-Hyperion. It was a thirteen chapter preview, so my shot review is based on that and not the complete book.

It was a little hard to remember and keep track of the different characters introduced in the story at beginning. But once I got over that minor bit of confusion, the story was pretty easy to get into.

With the wedding between Lord Westlake and Fiona Templeton suddenly approaching soon after the Averley’s arrive home from India, things become very hectic in the household. Changes are occurring for everyone including sister Georgiana and Ada, who now have step-siblings to contend with.

The lives of the servants like Annie, Rose, and Rose’s mother are shown as they help prepare Somerton for the Averley’s arrival and the wedding.

So far the characters seem pretty likable and the story was a fun quick paced read.

It’s like a cross between Gossip Girl and Downtown Abbey or Upstairs/Downstairs. If you are a fan of historical fiction filled with secrets, scandal, lies, drama, and of course romance then check out Cinder & Sapphires when it releases Tuesday, January 22, 2013!