Insurgency - Michelle Diener

The tiny moon of Cepi is on a countdown to destruction, and while Nyha Bartali has been persuaded to take her four wards for a final look at the archaeological wonder, now she's eager to leave. The only problem is, someone has other plans--plans to exploit Nyha and her girls' status as the betrayed orphans of the Verdant String in order to give them time to steal Cepi's secrets.

Nyha and her wards' value as survivors of the destruction of Halatia means it would be political suicide for any leader of the Verdant String to endanger them again--something the hostage-takers know very well. What the hostage-takers don't know is that Nyha and her girls have more help than they realize.

Mak Carep knows his team's presence on Cepi is the last flex of Arkhor's muscle before the moon is blown to bits. Arkhor has interfered on Cepi since it discovered the ruins four hundred years ago, but sometimes, interference can have unexpected consequences. When Nyha and her girls are taken hostage, Mak and the rest of his special forces team are the only ones who have any hope of rescuing them, and they're ready and willing to do what Arkhor does best . . . Interfere.

Insurgency (Insurgency is a 45,000 word short novel set in the Verdant String series)

The Parnian city of Var is under siege. Buildings are being targeted by insurgents whose only aim seems to be destruction. Nick Bartega is part of the Protection Unit team investigating the explosions, but with no discernible pattern, and no one taking responsibility, he and his colleagues have hit a blank wall.

That is until his neighbor, Tila, is caught up in the first real mistake the insurgents have made. Cornered, forced to take Tila's whole office hostage, the insurgents are surrounded and out of options, until they use Tila as their shield.

Tila sees herself as Parnian first, Halatian second, but her dark blue hair, and the strong emotions her very existence provokes in others means the insurgents see her as the perfect hostage. No one on Par wants to give the order that might catch her in the crossfire. They'd rather let the insurgents get away.

But Nick, and his commander, Drake, see the first glimpse of a pattern in the insurgents behavior. Not that long ago, Halatians were used as hostages in another incident on the tiny moon of Cepi, and the parallels are hard to ignore. So is this attack on Var an isolated incident, or is there a bigger conspiracy at play?

Whatever the truth, Nick isn't prepared to leave Tila in the insurgents hands. And he's prepared to break any rule, and disregard any order to do it. 

Kindle Edition, 264 pages
Published January 14th 2018 by Eclipse
Sci.fi, romance
Review

My thoughts:
This is just a review of Insurgency, Interference was not for me at this time. I could not get into it

Bad guys are blowing things up and taking hostages. And honestly when I learned why, well, yes I understood, even if it was the wrong way doing it.

Tila is from a planet that is no more (now that seems like quite the story, and a sad one.) Also the whole origin of everyone, I totally want that too.

But, I was talking about Tila...ok blue hair, Halatian of birth, now like everyone else. Presently in danger.

Nick, "cop", then one who will deal with the danger she is in

Neighbors, falling in love. The end. Interesting beginning

Sky Raiders and Calling the change - Michelle Diener

Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.

Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.

She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.

My thoughts:
Taya and Garek live in some corner of the universe on a planet that has not discovered technology. They do have magic though where they call upon the elements. Anyway they are not the most advance society and when the skyraiders come, sure magic is good, but hey those other guys have ships and guns.  The Ily can hold their own, but, there is always a but, the guardians can not be everywhere at once. And that takes us to this book.

Taya was taken and is now a slave in a mine. Why the raiders want that stuff she does not know. She is smart, resourceful and I liked her from the start. 

Garek comes home to find almost everyone gone. No wonder he is pissed since not one word was sent to him. He is brave, loyal and smart. He will do anything to get her back. Awww. Good guy there.

I want to know more about the raiders and I hope the next book tells me more. Right now I just see them as evil.

"Magic" versus tech. An advanced society against one that would not stand a chance were it not for the guardians, and certain other things.

I enjoyed it. It was light sci-fi and was very character driven. I do wonder what truly is going on though. It ends well, but something more is going on, I can not wait to find out what.

Kindle Edition, 380 pages
Published December 15th 2016 by Eclipse
Sky Raiders #1
Sci.fi
for review

He rescued her despite impossible odds—Garek has rescued Taya and the rest of his village from the sky raiders, but their return home doesn't bring easier times. The sky raiders aren't simply going to go away—they still need the shadow ore they came for, and they want the ships Garek stole from them back. But they aren't the only threat . . . 

First she was in danger from the aliens who abducted her, now she's in danger from her own people—Taya's been rescued, but she isn't home a week before she's taken again, this time by men who walked the walls with Garek. They've taken her as a consolation prize of sorts, having failed to get hold of Garek himself. They think Taya's value to the people they're working for is her relationship to Garek, but they are wrong . . . 

Garek and Taya never gave up on each other before, even when the distance between them was impossibly far, and they aren't giving up on each other now. As Garek searches for her, and Taya engineers her escape, they discover the motivations behind the new attacks on them are darker than the endless reaches of space they've just escaped from. 

My thoughts:
In the last book Garek rescued Taya (and a bunch of other slaves) and brought them back to their planet. Dang, he sure loves her, he stole a ship and went to the baddies and got her back. That is love, foolhardy love but still.

But things are not good back home. The ruler from where they are from is weak, other countries are looking to take over. People want Garek because he is powerful and now she is too.

In this one she gets taken...again. But she was never weak, and it shows, she is constantly thinking of ways to escape. And Garek is thinking of ways to rescue her too, and he never gives up, that silly man is so much in love.

It did feel a bit too long at times, but that was mostly cos it took me aaaaaaaaaaaages to finish it (baby wont sleep, there is just no time to read *cries* )

This was not the last one either, silly me, I thought so in my haze. Things end well like it did in book 1, but as you can see things are not that simple so stuff is going down. There are still things to be put right. Conspiracies to unfold and kings to topple. But these two can take care of themselves so that will be an easy match for sure.

Kindle Edition, 341 pages
Published July 17th 2017 by Eclipse
Sky Raiders #2
Sci-fi
For review

Carole's Sunday Review: Mistress of the Wind - Michelle Diener

Author: Michelle Diener

Title: Mistress of the Wind 

Genre: Fantasy, YA, and Retellings

Pages: ebook

Published: December 2013

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Bjorn needs to find a very special woman . . . 

The fate of his people, and his own life, depends on it. But when he does find her, she is nothing like he imagined, and may just harbor more secrets than he does himself.

Astrid has never taken well to commands. No matter who issues them . . . 

She's clashed her whole life with her father, and now her lover, the mysterious man who comes to her bedroom in darkness and disappears to guard his mountain by day as a bear, is finding it out the hard way. And when he's taken by his enemies, no one is prepared for Astrid's response. 

It is never wise to anger the mistress of the wind . . . 

A captivating and magical adult retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

I've heard so many good things about this and then it became an Amazon freebie. 

What an amazing and fun adventure this was. It was so magical and whimsical...I could hardly put this down. I finished this story after a couple of sittings. I for sure want more. 

The story follows Astrid and Bjorn. Astrid is a peasant girl who has a strange connection with the wind. Bjorn is a lord who is cursed by a troll and must find his true love in order to save himself and his people. 

The best part of this book was the fact that Bjorn saved Astrid, but Astrid saved him. No damsel in distress and that made it even better. In the end, they are equals. I do think that Astrid's journey was the best and her story was the best I think. 

I loved the world and characters. I want to learn more about this world and what it has to offer. I especially want to learn about the other Hags in more detail who helped Astrid master her gift. 

This was a good one and I do recommend this one. It is a very good retelling and it is written well. The characters and world was fun. Out of five stars, I'll give this 5 stars. 

Dark Deeds - Michelle Diener

Fiona Russell has been snatched from Earth, imprisoned and used as slave labor, but nothing about her abduction makes sense. When she's rescued by the Grih, she realizes there's a much bigger game in play than she could ever have imagined, and she's right in the middle of it. 

Battleship captain Hal Vakeri is chasing down pirates when he stumbles across a woman abducted from Earth. She's the second one the Grih have found in two months, and her presence is potentially explosive in the Grih's ongoing negotiations with their enemies, the Tecran. The Tecran and the Grih are on the cusp of war, and Fiona might just tip the balance. 

Fiona has had to bide her time while she's been a prisoner, pretending to be less than she is, but when the chance comes for her to forge her own destiny in the new world she's found herself in, she grabs it with both hands. After all, actions speak louder than words. 

My thoughts:

I found myself wanting more romance, what? Come on! Oh me. I am never happy, well except for in romance, then there is enough romance. But when it comes to books walking that line between being romance or not being romance I am always too little! Too much!

I did not have anything to say about that in book 1, hmm, maybe enough romance there then? Or maybe I just did not feel that Fiona and pointy ear alien got enough time together. There could be another book, ohh, nah, a short story, where Fiona and her pointy ear elf, I mean alien, find the romance.

Instead we have Fiona being rescued. Oh these aliens, kidnapping human women *head shake*. She meets pointy eared aliens (and other ones.) She meets her own Class 5 space ship. People are trying to silence her, see it's not good going around kidnapping sentient beings. The others frown upon that. So yes there is action and some snark and laughs thrown in.

But the romance, eh, that was lacking. I could have it cut out entirely, since I did not feel they had enough time to fall in love, or even fall in lust. I need to feel they belong, here, eh, maybe they will have fun and then not see each other anymore. I am fine with that.  But if you want romance, yes, not even any tension in here before way at the end.

Still a good space opera.

Kindle Edition, 1st. Edition, 340 pages
Published January 4th 2016 by Eclipse
Class 5 #2
Sci.fi
NG

Dark Horse - Michelle Diener

Rose McKenzie may be far from Earth with no way back, but she's made a powerful ally--a fellow prisoner with whom she's formed a strong bond. Sazo's an artificial intelligence. He's saved her from captivity and torture, but he's also put her in the middle of a conflict, leaving Rose with her loyalties divided.

Captain Dav Jallan doesn't know why he and his crew have stumbled across an almost legendary Class 5 battleship, but he's not going to complain. The only problem is, all its crew are dead, all except for one strange, new alien being.

She calls herself Rose. She seems small and harmless, but less and less about her story is adding up, and Dav has a bad feeling his crew, and maybe even the four planets, are in jeopardy. The Class 5's owners, the Tecran, look set to start a war to get it back and Dav suspects Rose isn't the only alien being who survived what happened on the Class 5. And whatever else is out there is playing its own games.

In this race for the truth, he's going to have to go against his leaders and trust the dark horse.

My thoughts:

Please tell me where I can find sexy aliens with pointy ears...please? Pretty please with sugar on top? I want a Dav of my own.

Rose was kidnapped, tortured and experimented on by creepy claw aliens. But she found one friend. One who will do anything to free him and her. And then she is rescued....by pointy eared aliens! Yay, elves! Lol, well sort of.

Before I say more, I must say that yes I am a bit afraid of sci-fi. I always thinks it's all space, ships and guns. Cold somehow. Which is silly. There are all kinds of sci-fi. And yes there was space, there were ships and even guns. But there were awesome interactions. A great heroine. Interesting world (well corner of space), and a good story. It did make me want to read more sci-fi.

Back to the story. She is rescued. She is a strange sentient being they have never encountered. Friend or foe? Who else is out there? And when the aliens who took her finds out they will surely be mad. So it's building and building. And in the mean time I enjoyed getting to know her and this world better.

And when it ended I would have loved to read more. I do hope she will write more too. It does seem I need more aliens in my life, more aliens on ships, hopefully with pointy ears (oh I do not have a weakness for pointy ears, what a thing to say...fine I admit, they are hot).

Conclusion:

More adventures in this world would be fun.

cover

meh

ebook, 468 pages
Published June 15th 2015 by Eclipse
Sci-fi
Own

The Silver Pear - Michelle Diener

Kayla is determined to master her new-found abilities as a wild magic witch. She's learning everything she can so she and her betrothed, Rane, can put a stop to the sorcerers who are recklessly gathering their power, building up their magic to take each other on in a war that will destroy the countries of Middleland.

Mirabelle's father was one of the greatest sorcerers in Middleland, but when he used the magic in the silver pear to bespell his pregnant wife to give birth to the greatest sorcerer who would ever live, he never thought that child would be a girl. Mirabelle is nothing like a usual sorcerer, confounding every expectation, and when she comes to the rescue of Rane's brother, Soren, she makes a decision few sorcerers would. She saves him, rather than herself, losing the silver pear in the process.

With war not just a possibility but simply a matter of time, there are no neutral parties and no fence-sitters in Kayla and Mirabelle's new world. Everyone is either an ally or an enemy and there is a price to pay for everything. The question is, how high will it be?

My thoughts

In this book we have two couples and their POVS.

First there is Kayla (the heroine of book 1) and Rane. And they are on to the sorcerers that are trying to take over the land(s). Kayla is a princess, a witch, and very much in love with her not so noble fiance.

Rane collects and sells magic objects. And feels he is not worthy his princess (why the two are together you have to read book 1 to see.)

We also meet the only female sorceress in the world, Mirabelle (magic made her) and she is going to meet Rane's brother Soren. Soren who HATES magic, lucky for Mira she is pretty and might sway him. Oh and she is nice, something not said about the rest.

Right. So we have couple nr 1 learning about magic and wanting to take down baddies.

While couple nr 2 will meet, and flee baddies while looking for a magical object.

Which means we have a bit of suspense, fantasy (since this is fantasy, duh), and romance with the old and new couple. And then they will all live happily ever after. Because that is all we want in the end after all :)

Conclusion:

'Magic, romance and danger.

Cover

Nice

Paperback, 364 pages
Published September 29th 2014 by Michelle Diener
The Dark Forest #2
Fantasy romance
for review

A Dangerous Madness - Michelle Diener

The Duke of Wittaker has been living a lie. He’s been spying on the dissolute, discontented noblemen of the ton, pretending to share their views. Now he’s ready to step out of the shadows and start living a real life...but when the prime minister of England is assassinated, he's asked to go back to being the rake-hell duke everyone believes he still is to find out more.

Miss Phoebe Hillier has been living a lie, too. All her life she's played by society's rules, hiding her fierce intelligence and love of life behind a docile and decorous mask. All it's gotten her is jilted by her betrothed, a man she thought a fool, though a harmless one. But when she discovers her former fiancé was involved in the plot against the prime minister, and that he's been murdered, she realizes he wasn't so harmless after all. And now the killers have set their sights on her...

The only man who can help her is the Duke of Wittaker--a man she knows she shouldn't trust. And she soon realizes he's hiding behind a mask as careful as her own. As the clock ticks down to the assassin's trial, the pair scramble to uncover the real conspiracy behind the prime minister's death. 

My thoughts:

Now what did I call this series again..romantic historical suspense? It's a historical fiction novel, with romance, spies and suspense. What's there not to like? :)

The PM has been murdered! Wittaker is on the trail to find out the truth and caught up in all this is Phoebe. I actually did not know the English Pm back then had indeed been killed but the conspiracy here is all the author's, and it worked very well. Perhaps it was the truth after all. 

I met Wittaker in book 2, but you do not have to read book 1 or 2 to follow along. It works perfectly as a stand alone. Still do read book 1 and 2 as they were awesome. Anyway, he is quite the character and hiding his true self, I liked him.

Phoebe wants to live a bit more, so yes of course I like her too. As the case pushes them together sparks starts to fly. All why the danger comes closer and closes.

Conclusion:

A case to be solved. Romance to be had and suspense as the conspirators are not happy. Come along for the ride.

Cover

nice

Paperback, 326 pages
Published May 19th 2014 (first published May 18th 2014)
Regency London #3
Historical romantic fiction
For review

The Golden Apple - Michelle Diener

Kayla's father has made her the prize in a deadly, impossible tournament, and Kayla has retaliated in the only way she knows how; by choosing her champion beforehand. But taking control of the outcome changes the game completely, and when the real reason behind the strange test becomes apparent, Kayla realizes not just her life, but her entire kingdom is at stake.

In order to save his brother, Rane will do whatever he has to--including deceive and betray a princess. He knew nothing about this tournament would be easy, but when it turns into a deeper, far more sinister game, Rane is forced to see it through to the end, or leave his brother at the mercy of their enemy.

Now their fates are entwined, and they must venture into the deep, dark forest together . . . 

Kayla and Rane are bound to one another by an enchantment and Kayla's actions. But the sorcerer forcing them to do his will may have miscalculated, because no-one comes out of the Great Forest unchanged. No-one.

My thoughts:

This story is loosely based on The Princess on the Glass Mountain, I read that story, and I do not remember if I have come across it before. Perhaps long long ago. But like with everything, Diener makes the story her with all it's twists and turns.

Kayla is a princess, but she wants to choose her own destiny and so she does. Afterwards she is put on that glass mountain for a man to win her.

Rane wants to save his brother, and the princess is just a way to it. They have both lied and used each other. But they both also know it. Romance? Well it takes time, they need to trust each other as they are bound together on a journey. And I do like slow-building romance. Considering this is more fairy-tale in my mind than fantasy, I like that is builds, that they need to be friends, or sort of, and to watch each other's backs.

There are dangers, magic, wicked wizards and an enchanted forest, that is not kind to travelers. 

Even if the book does reach somewhat of a conclusion to this story, more is to come. The might have won the battle but not the war. I do wonder how they will over come certain things... ;) I can't wait to read more.

Conclusion:

A fairy-tale like fantasy.

Cover
nice

Paperback, 298 pages
Published March 24th 2014 by Michelle Diener
For review
Fairy-tale remake / Fantasy romance

Early review: Mistress of the Wind - Michelle Diener

Bjorn needs to find a very special woman . . .The fate of his people, and his own life, depends on it. But when he does find her, she is nothing like he imagined, and may just harbor more secrets than he does himself.

Astrid has never taken well to commands. No matter who issues them . . . She's clashed her whole life with her father, and now her lover, the mysterious man who comes to her bedroom in darkness and disappears to guard his mountain by day as a bear, is finding it out the hard way. And when he's taken by his enemies, no one is prepared for Astrid's response. 

It is never wise to anger the mistress of the wind . . . 

A captivating and magical adult retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

My thoughts:

I have always liked this fairy tale,  my earliest memory of it was the Psyche one, or the Swedish version (something prince hat under the mountain). They are both different but East of the Wind became my favorite of them. I guess when I heard it. I connected to the fairy tale better than any other.

And Diener sure made it her fairytale too, I do love remakes and this one stays very true and still not. It's the story about an enchanted prince named Bjorn, poor thing can't do much. Astrid, the poor woodcutter's daughter could be a savior, but as the story go, something happens. Maybe that is why I like the story, there is no damsel in distress. Instead it is Astrid who sets off on a journey to save her prince. It's not always easy but she does not stop before she is reunited with her love. So she is the hero of the story. Poor Björn is under his enchantment and even though he does get to fight a few fights, the stage is Astrid's.

The book is light and I read it fast. First, when I start a Diener book I always read 200 pages in a go, and then I have to do something else. Same thing this time, 200 pages and the rest later. The pages sure fly by fast.

Conclusion:

A delightful story with heartache and pain in it too. I'd love to read more.

Would I read more

Yes

Cover

Might be my fav cover of the year

Paperback, 342 pages
Expected publication: December 19th 2013 by Michelle Diener
Fairy tale
Own

Review: Banquet of Lies - Michelle Diener

LONDON, 1812: Giselle Barrington is living a double life, juggling the duties of chef with those of spy catcher. She must identify her father’s savage killer before the shadowy man finds her and uncovers the explosive political document her father entrusted to her safekeeping.

Posing as a French cook in the home of Lord Aldridge, Giselle is surrounded by unlikely allies and vicious enemies. In the streets where she once walked freely among polite society, she now hides in plain sight, learning the hard lessons of class distinction and negotiating the delicate balance between servant and master.

Lord Aldridge’s insatiable curiosity about his mysterious new chef blurs the line between civic duty and outright desire. Carefully watching Giselle’s every move, he undertakes a mission to figure out who she really is—and, in the process, plunges her straight into the heart of danger when her only hope for survival is to remain invisible.

My thoughts:

I finished the book in a day, I just read and read, and then I read some more. I almost did it in one sitting too if I had not had to go grocery shopping ;)

There is a lightness over the writing that makes the pages fly by. And then there is the suspense/mystery/drama that just makes it impossible to put it down. Here it's cos the heroine, Giselle is hiding from the man who killed her father and she has important information too. It's a cat and mouse game, and it's thrilling.

If I compare it to the other regency book she has written then yes I did love The Emperor's Secret a bit more. But that was cos of the heroine's past and the heartache it left me in. Still this book was awesome and it was not as dark when it came to certain things. It also made me want so much more, and I already know someone she totally should write about. But then that is how ES left me too. Wanting so much more, so please, write more :D

Honestly I had the best sentence in my head, it would have made the review. Alas now it's gone but that is how a good book usually leaves me unable to write a coherent review.

Giselle was great, brave and even if she said she was a mouse, then she certainly was a courageous mouse. Jonathan was in a way a sort of beta hero, dunno why I say that really. But in the best possible way. She was the heroine in the book after all.

Conclusion;

A cat and mouse game in a rich setting. Danger and romance is promised. And it makes Michelle Diener the go to woman for these sort of books. A good book makes you want more, but a great book makes you crave more. And this one was great.

Paperback, 352 pages
Published October 22nd 2013 by Gallery Books
Historical fiction / romantic fiction /suspense /spy games
For review

Author Interview and giveaway: Michelle Diener

Today I have Michelle Diener over for an interview and there will also be a giveaway of her new book.

Welcome to my blog again Michelle. What is new in your life?

Thank you for having me! My life is not that exciting, :) so at the moment it's the same old same old. But that's good for my writing!

Your new book is called Banquet of Lies,  how did you think of using the backdrop of a certain treaty in this book?

I've always been extremely interested in the secret diplomacy between the nations of Europe. It was a topic I studied in history at university, and while I focused more on Bismark and a slightly later period than the Regency in my degree, I knew there had been a lot of secret deals and back stabbing going on during the Napoleonic Wars as well. For someone like me, who loves intrigue, I didn't have far to look to find the deal that would work for this book, and the deal was negotiated only a few months after the events that take place in The Emperor's Conspiracy, which worked perfectly time-wise for me, as well.

And before I die, pleeeease tell me there will be more regency "spy" books.

LOL, of course there will! How could I possibly stop? 

On to the next question then, are you working on something right now?

I'm working on another connected book. Lord Durnham and Lord Dervish appear in this new book, along with Lord Aldridge and Giselle, but the main characters are the Duke of Wittaker and a brand new heroine. Because the Duke of Wittaker is the hero of this book, of course his chef, Georges Bisset, is in this one, too.

I liked how you put in some folklore in this book. Is that something that has always been of interest?

Folklore and fairy tales are a passion of mine. I have been under their spell since I could first read. I have a great many collections of fairy tales and folk tales on my shelves and I've read everything I can about them, from their origins to what they are trying to say. I love reading books by experts on fairy tales like Marie Louise Von Franz and others. I actually have a fantasy novel based on a fairy tale that I'm putting the final touches on right now. I absolutely loved weaving folklore into this book. It made it even more fun to write.

Have you tried the dishes that Giselle cooks in this book? I certainly want to taste them :)

I've made them all, as I love baking and cooking! And my readers can, to, as I have created a page on my website with all the recipes:  I can promise they are all delicious.

Until next time, thank you!

Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed Banquet of Lies. Thank you for your always thoughtful and well-written reviews.

Giveaway.

1 copy of Banquet of Lies

1. Open to ALL

2. Ends Oct 31st

3. Just enter :)

Review: In Defense of the Queen - Michelle Diener

An artist never betrays her patron . . . especially one of the world's most powerful kings.

Susanna Horenbout has learned this lesson from the cradle. But when she receives a letter from her father telling her to do just that, she faces a dilemma. Betray Henry VIII, or carry out the request of her father’s employer, Margaret of Austria, and pass secret information to Henry’s queen, Katherine of Aragon.

Caught between the machinations of her husband and her nephew, the Emperor Charles, Queen Katherine needs all the allies she can get. But what can Susanna really do to help her, and even if she does, will it be enough?

Susanna and her betrothed, Parker——one of Henry's most trusted courtiers——balance on the knife’s edge of treason as they try to make sense of both international and domestic conspiracies. Sometimes, it's better the enemy you know . . .

My thoughts:

Sometimes a series just keep on getting better and this one certainly did. This book never let go of me, the suspense was always there. Susanna was truly in trouble. I like it.

This is the third book in the series about Susanna and Parker. Still not married ;) but it's coming. There is a message for the queen, but the question is deliver it or not? Treason? And then there again is a plot that needs to be uncovered and dangers for both of them. There is lots of running, spying and hiding.

Now why was this book the best one so far? I always have a hard time putting the finger on what. It just was. The pages flew by, the characters were awesome, the punches kept on coming and the writing was excellent. So, it just was the best one so far :D And I want more. Mostly cos I want them to get married and I could see them getting into a lot of trouble at the wedding.

Conclusion:

An interesting series set in Tudor times. Suspense, secrets and spies.

Paperback, 355 pages
Published August 1st 2013 by Michelle Diener
Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #3
Historical fiction /mystery
From the author for an honest review

Review: Daughter of the Sky - Michelle Diener

The sole survivor of a shipwreck off the Zululand coast, 15 year-old Elizabeth Jones is taken in by the Zulus, the people of the sky. Six years later, her white skin becomes useful to the Zulu army as they try to work out why the Victorian Empire has pointed their war-machine at the Zulu nation. Elizabeth is suddenly Zululand's most important spy.

While infiltrating the British camp, Elizabeth's disguise as a young soldier is uncovered almost immediately by Captain Jack Burdell. However, he believes the tale she spins of searching for a missing brother and shields her from discovery, allowing her to bunk in his tent and giving her a job as his batman. Burdell is war-weary and disillusioned - no longer willing to follow regulations at all costs.

But as Elizabeth and Jack explore their growing attraction to each other, the two armies move towards their inevitable clash. Elizabeth is torn between the guilt of betrayal and her fierce loyalty to her Zulu family, and when Zulu and British meet on the battlefield, both she and Jack find their hearts and their lives caught in the crossfire.

My thoughts:

I can't say that I have ever read anything in this era in this place. All new to me, but new is good.

It's about a young girl who grows up to a young woman among the Zulus. Elizabeth has no love for the British (and it's totally understandable) and she gets a new home and family threw a horrible accident. But for her it's all the better. A new way of life, and a new look at life. She was strong, she felt real, because even if she is strong she is also afraid.

All good things must come to an end and the British Empire was not exactly known to be nice all the time. War is on the horizon and in comes our hero of the book. And it felt totally refreshing for him to actually notice that she is a woman! Yes I know the rest did not but like it was said, sometimes you do not see the obvious. Especially not if it's sun burnt and has learnt not to walk like your petticoat will show by accident. So yes they did not see, but Jack takes a closer look at does notice. And in comes a bit of tension as they get to know each other, and to want each other. Jack was real too, he was tired of war, and things just did not make sense anymore. Of course, he was nice too, always a plus.

It was interesting to read about, as I have not read anything about this war before, or anything set near it. I also liked to see her free spirit, to see if they ever would let go and just fall in love, and to see how it all would play out in the end.

Conclusion:

An interesting book, historical fiction with a  romantic side to it.

Cover

I like it

Historical fiction
Paperback, 340 pages
Published March 1st 2013 by Michelle Diener
For review

Review: Keeper of the King's Secrets - Michelle Diener

A priceless jewel. A royal court rife with intrigue. A secret deal, where the price of truth could come too high .  The personal artist to King Henry Tudor, Susanna Horenbout is sought by the queen and ladies of the court for her delicate, skilled portraits. But now someone from her past is pulling her into a duplicitous game where the consequence of failure is war. Soon, Susanna and her betrothed, the King’s most dangerous courtier, are unraveling a plot that would shatter Europe. And at the heart of it is a magnificent missing diamond. With John Parker at her side, Susanna searches for the diamond and those responsible for its theft, their every step dogged by a lethal assassin. Finding the truth means plunging into the heart of the court’s most bitter infighting, surviving the harrowing labyrinth of Fleet Prison—and then coming face-to-face with the most dangerous enemy of all.

Series: Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #2, Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery, Pages: 304, Publisher: Gallery Books, Published: April 3, 2012, Source: For review

My thoughts:

This book is a mix of things, first we have historical fiction, and it feels to be on the lighter side, then we got a bit of romance. But most of the book is suspense/mystery. And it certainly works well, set in Tudor England as it is and filled with court intrigues. The book is part 2 of a series and sure it could work on its own, but still it would be better to read book 1 and see how they met. But yes I guess it could be read on its own too, they way its made up should make that possible.

In this book Susanna and Parker is resting after their ordeal in book 1. They are in love and hope to marry. Susanna still paints and Parker is snooping around keeping the king safe as always. I like how Susanna does not back down, she stands her ground, she is still very much a woman of her time, but just as some dared to do more so does she. And Parked does his best to keep his lady from harm as she made a few enemies (and so did he). So him I like.

The Duke of Norfolk is still a baddie but more in the background because this book belongs to Woolsey. A good fitting bad guy who is plotting for his own agenda. Just like they all are. And behind things we see more plots, The French, Norfolk, those irritating Boleyns. They will sure become a problem in later books as in this one Henry is still married to Katherine. And Susanna has already had her run-ins with them.

The suspense is high as an assassin is running around, as people try to hide what they are doing and there is danger and action plenty. The plot is well done and keeps the suspense high, along with the mystery.

I do think I liked this one even more than book 1, I can't say what made it so, it just was. I liked how things never slowed down, how light the book still was and how I practically read it in one sitting. 

Conclusion:

This one is for fans of historical fiction and for those who want mystery and suspense. The best of two worlds all in one. It's light and good. So easy to read and a book you can finish in one day. The plot will have you coming back for more.

Cover:

Gorgeous!

Joint Review: Entangled (anthology)

Genre: Paranormal romance/historical romance/paranormal suspense etc

Pages: 335 Ebook

Published: September 7, 2011

Source: for review

All proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Lis: Alrighty, I’m not a big fan of anthologies. The stories are always too short, underdeveloped and usually focused on one thing. In short, they are not as fleshed out as I like to be and for me to read an anthology there have to be some damn good authors in it who know what they are doing. 

Blodeuedd: I am with Lis on this one. I am not a big fan of anthologies, because I always want more and everything is so rushed. But lately I they have surprised me and I have found myself liking short stories.

Lis: I was pleasantly surprised by Entangled. Not only does it revolve around my favorite themes: ghosts, werewolves, vampires and other creepy crawlies, the stories were well written. (yes I ate my hat!). To top it off, the proceeds for this anthology go to the breast cancer foundation. 

Blodeuedd: Some of the stories I liked and some clearly suffered cos I was in a hurry. All in all it was a  nice little anthology with many authors to choose from, and many different subgenres. I do think everyone would find something to choose from.

Lis: The foreword is a tear jerker and very fitting for this anthology. 

So without further ado: the reviews:

Halloween Frost by Jennifer Estep

It’s Halloween at Mythos Academy, but Gwen Frost and her friends are in for more tricks than treats when they run into a mythological monster intent on killing them.

Lis: This story is set in the Mythos world. Since I’m not familiar with this world as I have not read any other work by this author, I felt a little left out. Yet, it wasn’t so bad. It’s about Gwen Frost and her friends. They are in some trouble when they encounter a mythological monster hell bent on killing them. It was a good YA story and I’m now intruiged by this world

Blodeuedd: This story is a short from her Mythos Academy world. I have not read book 1 and this story took place after that, but I still could read and enjoy this story (perhaps it came from reading tons of reviews). I liked Gwen who is the heroine, we got to see her fight and we got to hear about her doomed crush. All which made me interested in this world.

The Fat Cat by Edie Ramer

In a battle for the souls of seven women, a wizard has the god of war on his side; all the witch has is a fat, black cat.

Lis: Edie Ramer never manages to disappoint me and she sure didn’t with this wiyty, fun story about a witch, a talking male cat and a pretty but rotten warlock. I really loved Tory and her comments. It’s an awesome story with a surprising ending. 

Blodeuedd: A witch adopts a fat cat and together they try to bring down a warlock. What a cute story about Tory and her adopted cat Samson. He is really old and ugly looking, but he talks to her so she had to adopt him. And as a catlover I approve. And the end was the best thing about this story.

Medium Rare by Nancy Haddock

What’s spooking the spirits of St. Augustine? As the witching hour of Halloween approaches, ghost seer Colleen Cotton must team with a by-the-book paranormal investigator to locate the one ghost who can save the city’s specters. If she fails, her own great grandfather’s spirit may be lost forever.

Lis: Even ghost gets therapists in this story. As well a team of ghost hunters as there is something up in the city of St. Augustine. The ghosts are spooked (pun intended) and it’s up to Colleen Cotton to find out what as she teams up with a ghost hunter. Very enjoyable story with a sweet story. One of my favorites in this anthology!

Blodeuedd: I liked this one. It had a good heroine, a good story and there was some tension between her and Brock. All in all making it an interesting story. Freaky ghosts too and it worked really well as just a short story. 

Sweet Demon by Misty Evans

When Chicago’s vampire king insists Kali Sweet join his empire, the vengeance demon must rely on her ex – the half-human, half-chaos demon who left her at the altar three hundred years ago – in order to escape the vamp’s clutches.

Lis : What are exes for if not to help you out? Kali Sweet is in a bind when a big bad vampire asks her to join his empire. She must rely on her ex, the half chaos demon, who left her at the alter some 300 years ago, to help her out. Very nice story that felt like a prelude to so much more. It’s filled with intriguing characters. 

Blodeuedd: I like the setting of this one. A demon named Kali who has her own practice and who also runs errands for a council. She deals in vengeance and her she has to deliver it to an evil vampire and she also meets an old lover. I did like the evil vampire, but then I always like the baddies.

Sian‘s Solution by Dale Mayer

When a vampire discovers the human man she loves has been captured and hung in a blood farm, she goes against her own kind and risks everything to save him.

Lis: Love conquers all, even between a vampire and a human. She’s willing to do anything to get her human lover back, even if it means exposing herself. Not my favorite story, but not bad either. 

Blodeuedd: I liked this one too, I think it was the world that made it so. Vampires and humans share the earth but stay on their sides. I do think I’d like more of this world, yes I would. I always like the dark ones.

A Bit of a Bite by Cynthia Eden

A killer is stalking the streets of Crossroads, Mississippi, and it’s up to Sheriff Ava Dushaine to stop him. But when suspicion falls on werewolf alpha Julian Kasey—Ava’s ex-lover and the man who still haunts her dreams—Ava knows that she’ll either have to prove his innocence…or watch the whole town go up in flames.

Lis: Wooooweeeee, this story was hot!! And one of which I would have loved to see more of. Note to self: see to more of author’s work. It’s a world in which the supernaturals are known to humans. Now a killer prowls the street and it’s up to sheriff Ava to catch him. Things become complicated when suspicion falls on her never forgotten one night stand, the werewolf alpha Julian. 

Blodeuedd: I do like a good werewolf story. I was not blown away, but then I was kind of tired when reading it. At least you got Lis' happy thoughts on it ;)

Sinfully Sweet by Michelle Miles

When Chloe bakes a little magic into her pastries, she attracts the attention of Edward, the sexy half-demon, half-witch, who’s come to warn her those who murdered her sister are now after her.

Lis: Be careful who you bake what for, you might get a hell of a lot more than you bargained for. That’s what happens when Chloe bakes some goodies for sunfully hot Edward. Nice story, loved the set up!

Blodeuedd: A nice little story about a witch and the incubus that show up. A little passion, a little fighting, and a story that made me crave cupcakes!

A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton

Who is Aidan Callaghan? Mary Ellen James is intent on uncovering the truth about the mysterious man, but as she soon finds out, some things are best left buried in the past.

Lis: Some things are better left deep in the closet. Of course, Mary Ellen doesn’t listen and sets out to find out who Aiden Callaghan is. He is definitely not the quiet, boring man she thought he was. Dayaaaam this story was hot and I found myself like this one despite the setting. 

Blodeuedd; A nice little love story set in the 1800s in England and dealing with, oh yes vampires.  Lori has previously also written a story about Mary’s sister and this story was just as good. Enjoyable. Lol, I like how I said it was sweet and Lis said it was hot, I better mentioned passion too then ;) 

Feel the Magic by Liz Kreger

Jenna Carmichael’s magical attempt to rectify Jessica Manfield’s birth identity takes an unexpected turn when the past comes back to haunt her.

Lis: Some mistakes come back to bite you in the ass. This is what happens to the witch Jenna. Funny little story that never quite managed to catch my attention. 

Blodeuedd: This one was fun. Jessica wants to become a cat, yes you heard me. And Jenna is the witch to do it.

Breaking Out by Michelle Diener

Imprisoned in a secret facility, powerful telekinetic Kelli Barrack and two other ‘special’ inmates grab a chance to escape, only to confront their worst nightmares on the outside.

Lis: This story reminded me very much of Christine Feehan, but didn’t make it any less bad. A powerful telekinetic and two other special ability inmates make a daring escape from the facility they are held in. All the while something is brewing between them!

Blodeuedd: I am afraid this one and the last were the ones I read quickly since I was pressed for time. It did make it hard to focus and to know if I liked it or not.

Ghostly Justice by Allison Brennan

Demon hunters Moira O’Donnell and Rafe Cooper are dragged into the dangerous world of nocturnal predators to find “Ghostly Justice” for a virgin sacrificed to an ancient blood demon.

Lis: Time to get justices in this short story that is set in a series I’m not familiar with. Moira and Rafe try to get justice for a virgin sacrificed to a blood demon. That justice doesn’t come easy of course and there are many obstacles to overcome. Good story, hot too with lots going on. Very black and white too!

Blodeuedd: It was ok, but this one was another one that I was not blown away by.

Come back tomorrow when Lis and I interview Lori Brighton and Edie Ramer and give away several books :D Open to all too.

Review: In a Treacherous Court - Michelle Diener

1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping her safe. As further attacks are made, Susanna and Parker realize that she unknowingly carries the key to a bloody plot against the throne. For while Richard de la Pole amasses troops in France for a Yorkist invasion, a traitor prepares to trample the kingdom from within.Who is the mastermind? Why are men vying to kill the woman Parker protects with his life? With a motley gang of urchins, Susanna’s wits, and Parker’s fierce instincts, honed on the streets and in palace chambers, the two slash through deadly layers of deceit in a race against time. For in the court of Henry VIII, secrets are the last to die.

My thoughts:

It is always interesting to read about real people in history that are relatively unknown. Susanna and John did live and meet. But all the intrigues made up around this story are the works of imagination, perhaps and who knows.

This book is a nice mix of romance and intrigue. Susanna is sent to the court as a painter until her brother gets there, but she is a good artist on her own (though sadly nothing seems to be left of her work, we have only 2nd story sources). There she gets involved by accident in a dangerous plot to usurp the kingdom. Poor Susanna, she loved to paint and I liked how she saw the beauty in everything and just wanted to sit down and catch it in a sketch. She also had a good head on her shoulder and that is truly needed here. She is a damsel in distress, but at the same time not because she will fight back.

But she would have been dead at once if it had not been for our hero John Parker. He saves her from murder attempts while he tries to figure out who is behind the scheme to take the throne. John is strong, smart and in the end I like him because I know he would do anything to protect the woman he is falling for, even go against a king if necessary.

The plot thickens and makes this a real adventure. Because even if you catch one guy you still gotta find the man to controls everything. And trust me, they do not have it easy, because they will fight for their lives. I did mind one thing though, I felt at one time that enough was enough. There was no point in trying to kill poor Susanna any more since she had truly said all she knew.

There are also more books coming and that makes me intrigued. First, there is a good ending so do not worry about cliffhangers or anything like that (and it is a happy one too). But I guess there will be another court intrigue to come since there sure were a lot back then. And especially with a king like this. 

Conclusion:

I enjoyed the intrigues and the look at this court we all know so well. The romance was good and it was just a very short, easy and enjoyable book to read. A very good debut.

Rating:

Nice

Cover
I'd like to see the rest of her head but otherwise good

Series: Susanna Horenbout and John Parker 1

Genre: Historical fiction/mystery/romance

Pages: 320

Published: August 2nd 2011 Gallery Books, Simon and Schuster

Source: Author