The Witchwood Crown - Tad Williams

Now, twenty-four years after the conclusion of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Tad returns to his beloved universe and characters with The Witchwood Crown, the first novel in the long-awaited sequel trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard. 

Thirty years have passed since the events of the earlier novels, and the world has reached a critical turning point once again. The realm is threatened by divisive forces, even as old allies are lost, and others are lured down darker paths. Perhaps most terrifying of all, the Norns--the long-vanquished elvish foe--are stirring once again, preparing to reclaim the mortal-ruled lands that once were theirs.... 

My thoughts:

I do not remember anything from the previous books (except this great cover). So for me it was no problem jumping in, and no, I still did not remember anything. So for that reason I could say yes it works like this. Honestly it must have been 20 years since I read them 0_0 I read the translation since I did not read English then, ugh, those were never good back then.

30 years have passed since the war. Simon and Miri rule, but tension is growing under the lesser kings. And the Norns wants to take their land back from the filthy humans.

No, we should not start there...think...ok so Simon and Miri had one child, who fathered two. I still do not know how that works. See I can not remember anything, so when was that prince born? The war ended 30 years ago....their grandson (a total wastrel) is 17, yes we are told the prince married young but HOW young? The things I wonder about. So the wastrel prince Morgan has a LOT of growing up to do. I guess he gets to prove himself in the coming book.

Miri did have this uncle...who is missing and so is his kids. One mystery right there.

I feel like I am rambling, I just want to get to the best part. See there was this prequel novella about the norns, and I found myself liking them. Yes they are total racists...or is that speciesist? But I enjoyed reading about them, they totally were the best part. We follow V (yes I forgot the spelling) and his half blood daughter who is a member of the queen's guard. Since in the prequel novella they decided that they need more people and why not mate with filthy humans. Their story was so the best one in the book.

And at the end there was this other POV that was totally Boom! Ha, did not see that coming...that was good.

And yes Miri and Simon was the boring part, I rather read about the rest. So they made it rather long to be honest.

I know the norns are bad but they just want their land back!

Hardcover, 721 pages
Published June 29th 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton
The Last King of Osten Ard #1, Osten Ard Saga #4
Fantasy
Library

TMST: Horror

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October 3rd: Best Horror Books

Right, horror *looks at goodreads* I have 6 books placed in horror. Huh, not my favorite genre by a long shot. But at once one of those 6 books screams at me. Damn, it was good.

I recall the claustrophobic feeling I had while reading. It was Fall, dark outside and I was creeped out and turned the blinds since I did not want anyone looking in. That is how a good horror book should be!

The rest, well they were horror, but not scary to me so why even mention them. If you want to feel like there might be something outside in the dark then read this one. And now it is dark outside and I get that is something outside?! feeling again.

Monsters outside?

A talent for temptation - Sabrina Jeffries

Widow Meriel Vyse is stunned speechless when someone tries to abduct her on her way to a ball. Fortunately, Quinn Raines, her secret beau, shows up to foil the attack. Unfortunately, as the two of them are struggling with her abductor, Meriel accidentally stabs Quinn with a knife.

Unbeknownst to Meriel, Quinn set up the fake abduction so he could play the hero and win her hand in marriage. But now that his plan has gone disastrously awry, can he convince her that he’s still the man for her?

My thoughts:
So this was just a short novella.

Meriel has been flirting and seeing Quinn for months. Not daring to tell her brother in law, and not daring to wish for more. Quinn's mum is a count's daughter. Meriel is nothing. Better not go there.

Then she gets kidnapped ..well almost

Quinn to the rescue, of course he planned the whole thing cos he really wants her.

Aye, one of those he wants, she is afraid ones. I may not approve of the way he wanted to show that he is the one for her, but it all worked out.

Conclusion:
A nice little romance, that gives us a a look at a 3rd person. The hero in the next book ;)

Cover

Eyes please

ebook, 100 pages
Expected publication: October 2nd 2017 by Pocket Star
Sinful Suitors #4.5
Historical romance
NetGalley

Carole's Sunday Review: Two journeys home - Kevin O'Connell

Author: Kevin O'Connell

Title: Two Journeys Home - The Derrynane Saga

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 295

Published: Not Published

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given an advanced reading copy for my honest and unbiased opinion.)

It’s now 1767. Eileen O’Connell has availed herself of a fortuitous opportunity to travel back to Ireland. In Two Journeys Home, the O’Connells encounter old faces and new—and their lives change forever.

Her vivacious personality matched only by her arresting physical presence, Eileen returns to Derrynane this time not as a teenaged widow but, rather, as one of the most recognised figures at the Habsburg court. Before returning to Vienna several months later she experiences a whirlwind romance, leading to a tumult of betrayal and conflict within the O’Connell clan. 

Abigail lives not in the shadow of her sister but instead becomes the principal lady-in-waiting to Empress Maria Theresa.

Hugh O’Connell, the youngest of the large family, leaves behind waning adolescence and a fleeting attraction to the youngest archduchess when he begins a military career in the Irish Brigade of the armies of Louis XV. But more royal entanglement awaits him in France…

Such an honor to be given the advanced reading copy! I enjoyed the first part of the saga a while back and I liked it. I couldn't wait to continue the story of Eileen and her family, so when the author counted me about reading this...I could NOT say no! 

I really must say this here and now....this author really does have a way with words. The world and the characters are so vivid. The writing style reminds me of the old style. Very eloquent and sure some things are over explained, but it is done in a way where it is beautiful and not annoying. 

In the past book I liked Eileen, but that was it. In this one, I really connected with Eileen and I grew to adore her more. I think after all her trials in the last one helped made her a stronger character. She knows her mind and knows what she wants in life.

Abby is still one of my favorites and I am glad we got to run into her again. She is a doll.  

Ooooo Art. I fell in love with him the moment I meant him. Eileen didn't stand a chance honestly ;) His sister though....I feel like she is going to be a problem in the future. We shall see. 

The best part of the book was when Eileen and Art went back to Vienna so Eileen. I may be biased because I do love Marie Antoinette and even as a side character, she fascinates me. It was good to see more of her and the others. I do want to see more. I hope Eileen goes back someday to Vienna and then to Versailles. 

My one and only issue with the book was the sudden POV switches. It was a little jarring for me. I did get used to it, but when there were the switches I had to reread the paragraph or page. Other than that, no others issues I can think of!  

Overall, I was hooked from page one. I honestly think this was better than the first book...which that is rare. The characters and world building was done in such a beautiful manner. I can't wait for the next one to see what is next for the clan. I am going to be sad because sooner or later Marie Antoinette will meet her fate and I know Eileen will be sad. I do recommend this saga. You should read the first one first. I shall stamp this with...5 stars.