A Bookworm's Book Reviews

The Unquiet Grave – Sharyn McCrumb

Title: The Unquiet Grave

Author: Sharyn McCrumb

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Zona is a young woman in the late 1800’s. She’s a flirt and too trustworthy. At a young age she marries Erasmus “Trout” Shue, a man she barely knows and won’t share much of his past. Her mother cautions against it, but Zona won’t hear any of it. After their married, Trout won’t let her mother visit and Zona starts taking ill. Then, almost three months after their married, Zona dies. Trout swears she fell down the stairs, but he won’t let anyone else near her body. He also doesn’t seem too bothered that she’s gone. Zona’s mother is suspicious. Not long after she dies, Zona’s mother claims to have seen Zona’s ghost. Zona says her husband killed her. Her mother believes it and gets a lawyer to press charges. The corner finds some evidence to back up the charges. Will it be enough to convict Zona’s husband? Or will get away with it? If he even did anything?

Rating: 3.5 – interesting tale of a murder charge

Opinion: This was an interesting book. It wasn’t one of my favorites. While this story was interesting and had lots of interesting facts about West Virginia and some of the real people from there shortly after the Civil War, I didn’t love it. I understand why the author included some of the details, but there were too many irrelevant details and side stories. The author did do a good job switch back and forth between the lawyer and the mother. I thought the story would’ve focused more on the story leading up to the trial instead of side stories that provided details about the characters and how the court case was going to go. Instead the author focuses more on telling stories about some of the characters and the court proceedings. It’s a good story that has lots of details, too much for me though. I’d recommend this book for anyone who loves a book based on a real trial case and loves stories rich in detail.

White Shadow Trilogy – Paula Brackston & Trevor Brackston

Title: Book 1 – The Witch’s Knight

Authors: Paula Brackston, Trevor Brackston

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Plot: Lady Gwen loves her people. When the Norman’s invade her Welsh town, she tries her best to protect them. It’s not enough for a lot of them. A village elder, Magmi, starts to tell Gwen of her unique heritage after the attack. Gwen learns she’s a witch and of her powers. On their way into town, her and her people meet a knight, known as Tudor. He offers her people protection. They sorely need it after a Norman lord wants to see Gwen dead. Tudor helps teach Gwen’s people how to defend themselves. One of Gwen’s guards was captured, then released. He shows his Norman captors they way to their hideout on the promise no one is hurt if he brings them Gwen. But he wishes to save them. Can he save them? Can Gwen and her people defend themselves? Can she and Tudor find a way to stay together?

Rhys Tudor is a former soldier turned bodyguard for a rich family’s kid. He helps the kid move into a hard to get into (even for a rich family) apartment. But a string of unusual murders has everyone on edge. Rhys’s charge’s family asks him to return home. When Rhys and his daughter are attacked, he brings her to the safety of the now empty apartment. Rhys thinks there’s a connection between the attacks and murders and looks into it. But is there a connection? Can Rhys keep everyone he loves safe? Of will whoever wants to harm him, kill him?

Rating: 4.3 – a fun blend of magic and historical fiction

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I like the idea of reincarnation and the book does a good take on it. I still love this author’s take on historical fiction, realistic fiction, and magic. This book kept me interested throughout the book. Everything was well paced. It’s a trilogy so not everything was explained fully. I wish one or two things in the first book were explained a little bit better. But I’ll have to wait until the next one comes out. No date has been announced yet. But I can’t wait until it comes out because the book it ended on a cliffhanger. Everything in the book did a good job leading up to the ending. Hopefully I’ll get the answers I need with the next two books.

Piranesi – Susanna Clarke

Title: Piranesi

Author: Susanna Clarke

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: The Other calls me Piranesi, but I know that’s not my name. My job is to explore the halls of the house and write down what I’ve seen. For as long as I can remember I’ve been in this house by myself unless The Other comes to visit twice a week. Then someone else starts visiting. I’m not sure who they are but they’ve been leaving me hints. The Other says not to trust the new person. But then I found something that says otherwise. Then I find evidence of a flood that’s going to flood the house. Who can I trust? Can I save the house from the flood?

Rating: 3.3 – an interesting take on reality versus fantasy

Opinion: This was an okay book. While I enjoyed the idea and how the author used the journal style plot, for some reason I couldn’t get into the book. Maybe because I thought the book wouldn’t have ties to reality and be completely based in fantasy. While I did enjoy the mystery style of the book, it was a slow starting book. Maybe I don’t love the book because I felt like I couldn’t connect with Piranesi. It does give the reader some things to think about, fantasy versus reality and living in a fantasy world too long. While I can see why so many people enjoyed this book, it wasn’t one of my favorites. I recommend this book for anyone who loves a different style of fantasy versus reality books.

Upgrade – Blake Crouch

Title: Upgrade

Author: Blake Crouch

Genre: Science Fiction

Plot: Logan Ramsay is a member of the GPA, Gene Protection Agency. His job is to track down and arrest genetic scientists who are creating any sort of genetic alteration. After a genetically altered locus created a genetic problem with the world’s food, every scientist is now under suspicion. When a scientist gives the location to a drop point, Logan and his partner Nadine go to investigate. Then an ice bomb goes off, Logan is caught in the blast. At first, everything seems normal. After a few weeks, every for Logan starts to change. Memories come back clearer, chess against his champion daughter is easy, and he’s stronger and faster. Now he’s on the run. The government wants to know who’s behind his ‘upgrades.’ Logan wants to know how to stop the person responsible so they won’t be able to do it again. Who will win?

Rating: 4.0 – an interesting take on humanity

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I picked it from a monthly book subscription I’m a part of. This book looked the most interesting. I was pleasantly surprised on how good this book was. It’s a different take on what it means to be human and what makes us human. I liked the idea that the author posed at the end of the book. He talked about kindness versus intelligence versus apathy. It made sense in the world we live in today. It was more thought provoking than I expected. I do agree with what the author said at the end. There are some technical parts but are explained immediately and easily. I enjoyed seeing both sides of the argument presented in a more logical manner. This is a great book for anyone looking for something different to read. I recommend this book for anyone who likes science fiction and a more thought provoking ideas.

With Every Breath – Elizabeth Camden

Title: With Every Breath

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Kate Norton is a brilliant and super competitive student. But in the late 1800’s, the only way she can truly go to college is on a scholarship. But she loses the chance during a academic contest with equally brilliant and competitive Trever McDonough. Years later, Kate is working as a clerk when she earns an interview for a data analysts at a hospital. When she arrives, she learns that she’d be working for Trevor. He challenges Kate to put their old rivalry in the past and work for him. Trevor goes on to explain she’d be inputting data collected for tuberculosis patients. He wants to find a cure for them. Kate tries to befriend the patients but Trevor maintains a cold distance from everyone. But someone is trying to defame and discredit Trevor. Can the person be caught and stopped in time? Can Kate and Trevor learn to work together? Or will their differences drive them apart?

Rating: 4.0 – a sweet historical fiction

Opinion: This was a sweet and sappy historical fiction book. I love this author for this style of book. This book was no exception. I loved learning about the history of the doctors who where trying to cure tuberculosis. I was thinking that doctors cured the disease about the time they cured during the time of the book. But I learned it wasn’t until much later, after the events of the book. I enjoyed the stubbornness of Trevor and Kate and brought them together and made each other better. I had no issues with the book. I loved the book and would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction books.

Where the Crawdad Sing – Delia Owens

Title: Where the Crawdad Sing

Author: Delia Owens

Genre: Mystery

Plot: Kya has grown up in the swamps of North Carolina. The local townspeople of Barkley Cove call her the Marsh Girl, and trashy. Her mother left her family when she was young. Slowly her siblings left until it was only her and her father left. Even her father left one day. A neighbor, Mabel and Jumpin’, take pity on her and give her odd jobs in exchange for food, clothes, and gas. Then a man, Chase Andrews, turns up dead. Kya and her dated for some time. The town of Barkley Cove are quick to blame Kya. But did she do it? Or did someone else? What will the jury decide?

Rating: 4.3 – an interesting murder mystery

Opinion: This was an interesting book. Everyone I talked to loved it and highly recommended it. I thought I’d give it a try since there’s a movie coming out soon. This book was as good as everyone said. It had me hooked the whole time. I really thought the murder would be a certain character but was a little shocked when it was someone else. It took me back for a second. But when I thought about it more, it made total sense. I think you’re not supposed to think that though. Good plot point by the author. It’s been a while since I’ve read a really good book, and this was a really good book. I highly recommended this book for anyone looking for a great mystery.

The Hidden Child – Louise Fien

Title: The Hidden Child

Author: Louise Fien

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Edward and Eleanor Hamilton are part of the eugenics movement in the 1920’s in England. They believe that intelligence in inherited and those with disabilities, criminals, and those of the lower classes and different races are not as intelligent. Those who are classified as less intelligent should be put away and not be allowed to reproduce. But when Edward and Eleanor’s child, Mabel, develops epilepsy, they’re world is rocked. Standard treatment at the time isn’t helping Mabel. So she’s sent to an asylum and they’re treatment isn’t helping either. Eleanor’s thoughts on eugenics begins to change. She abandons the ideas to help Mabel get proper treatment. But Edward forbids any change in treatment for Mabel and is staunch in his beliefs with eugenics. Can anything be done to help Mabel? Will Edward see what his beliefs are doing to others?

Rating: 4.0 – an different side of history

Opinion: This was a great book. It pissed me off that people believed, and probably still do, the ‘facts’ of the eugenics movement. Which was probably the point of the book. I looked into that movement and learned that England’s eugenics movement helped give Hitler is ideas for his Third Reich. I was glad that Edward and Eleanor began to question their beliefs in the eugenics movement. It took some time but I’m glad that they saw that eugenics has flaws in it. This book helped me learn about a different part of history. I’m glad it did so I could see another point of view. This is a great book for anyone who loves historical fiction.

The Sandsea Trilogy – Chelsea Abdullah

Title: Book 1: The Stardust Thief

Author: Chelsea Abdullah

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: Loulie al- Nazari is known as the Midnight Merchant and known for selling magical items. One of her buyers introduces her to the sultan of Medinne. One of the sultan’s sons, Omar, asks her to bring him a magic lamp. Omar says he’ll go with but tricks his brother, Mazen, and magic relic thief, Aisha, go with Loulie in his place. Loulie brings her jinn bodyguard, Qadir. Together, they travel to find the land of the jinn, where the lamp’s supposed to be hidden. But there are others who are looking for them. Jinn who know about what Omar and Aisha have done to their kind. Other humans seek to betray them or get the lamp for themselves. Who will get the lamp first? Or will the jinn capture the group?

Rating: 3.5 – an interesting take on Middle Eastern mythology

Opinion: This was an interesting book. I really liked learning more about Middle East mythology. The book focused on jinn, ifrit, and ghoul (different kinds of ghosts). I found it interesting that interesting that Middle East stories start with “not here or there, but long ago” instead of “once upon a time.” I also enjoyed picking up on some Arabic words and phrases. There is no English translation after the words but most of them are easy to pick up on what they mean with context. The one thing that bugged me about the book was that when new or different characters enter the scene it takes a little bit to figure out who’s there. It also kind of felt like the author wasn’t sure how the book was going to end. It felt a little rushed, too. Overall, I really did love this book. The characters are well written and different. This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy and mythology.

Adorned – Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Title: Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together

Author: Nancy DeMoss Wulgemuth

Genre: Christian Living

Plot: This is a way we, as women, can live alongside each other. Nancy uses Titus 2 to encourage older and younger women to come together and mentor each other. Nancy talks about different ways we can share life with each other and encourage each other. She gives good advice on how to mentor and invest in other people. Titus 2 great way of looking at the world around us and how we can navigate this world with a Godly focus. Nancy talks about how to model and mentor with a God centered life, how to have a cleaner look at your own life, and how to have a God centered home. Throughout all of this there’s a theme of doing life together and how we’re not meant to live life alone.

Rating: 4.0 – a good look at living life together as Christians

Opinion: This was a good book about living life together. It’s so easy to try to live an independent life your own way. This book is a great reminder on how to live a Godly life with one another. It talks a lot about finding a mentor and/or being a mentor. It’s not talked about a lot in churches, at least not the ones I’ve attended. Bible studies, living life together, and discipleship, yes, but not about mentorships. It’s easy to put those things on the back burner because our lives get busy and complicated, but it’s important to take time out of your day, or week, for these things. I do like that the book talks a lot about deeper things and wanting the reader to talk with other trusted members of the church about these things. I liked that the book talks about what certain things don’t look like as well as what they should look like. Though the one thing I wished this book talked about was what mentorships looks like. It gives a vague look into them, but focuses more on what to talk about in mentorship relationships. Overall this book is great and I loved seeing another woman’s opinions about the gospel and living life together. This is a great book for a women’s bible study.

The Colonel’s Lady – Laura Frantz

Title: The Colonel’s Lady

Author: Laura Frantz

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Roxanna Rowan is on her way to surprise her father at a Kentucky fort during the Revolutionary War. But her boat is attacked and her possessions gone on her way there. On top of that, Roxanna learns that her father was killed on a campaign days before she arrived. Now without any family or money, she’s asked to stay at the fort as a scrivener for the fort’s colonel. Roxanna reluctantly accepts. Soon she learns of a spy at the fort, but who is it? There is also the threat of attack from Native Americans and the British. Can Roxanna survive at the fort? Or will she ever escape it? Will the spy be found out? Or will he bring ruin to everyone at the fort?

Rating: 3.5 – a good historical fiction

Opinion: This was a good book. I enjoyed learning more about the frontier life during the Revolutionary War. I didn’t know that the Kentucky wilderness was a part of the colonies. I’d always thought the colonies stopped at the Appalachian Mountains. This was a different kind of sappy romance. It made me want to smack one of the characters because they didn’t want to admit their feelings for another character. While I like this style, it was a little annoying how long it for them to admit their feelings. One of the other things that kind of annoyed me was that it took a while to get an explanation of how or why Roxanna got to the fort. Overall this was a cute story and I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the history and slight mystery. This is a good book for anyone who loves historical fiction.