A Bookworm's Book Reviews

The Siege – Arturo Pérez-Reverte

English Title: The Siege

Original Spanish Title: El Asiedo

Author: Arturo Pérez-Reverte

Translated from Spanish by: Frank Wynne

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Plot: The city of Seville is under siege by Napoleon’s army in 1811. The French navy is blockading the city. The ships send cannons on an almost daily basis to remind the citizens of Seville that they are there. Police Comisario (high ranking captain) Rogelio Tizón is chasing a serial killer. The killer is placing bodies where bombs have gone off in the city. With limited resources and no outside help, Comisario Tizón is charged with finding the killer. In a city where anyone could be a suspect, the story also follows a taxidermist (who’s also a French spy), a businesswoman looking for a ship’s captain brave enough to run the French blockade, a captain who’s falling for his boss, and an academic who’s studying the French navy’s tactics. All of their paths cross. All of them are connected to each other in some way. Time is running low for the Comisario. The bombings are becoming more frequently, and so are the bodies. When Comisario Tizón is close to catching the killer, the games changes. A body is found right before a bomb goes off, instead of after. Who is the killer? Will Comisario Tizón catch them? Or will they escape? And will the French ever end their siege? Will they get what they came for?

Rating: 3.2 – a slow and steady mystery with a fun twist and a sad one

Opinion: Artruo Pérez-Reverte loves his eloquent words and this book is no exception. I’m glad that I read it in English instead of Spanish. I know a fair amount of Spanish, but it would’ve taken me so much longer because of all eloquent words and long descriptions. It is a steady with twist in all of the right places. I enjoyed reading this book but some parts seemed to drag. Throughout the book, I had a few guesses of who I thought the killer was and a few characters I for sure knew who it wasn’t. Maybe I’m not good at reading mysteries, or maybe Arturo Pérez-Reverte is an amazing writer, or some combination of the two, but I didn’t guess who the true serial killer was. The Comisario’s explanation of why the killer did what they did made sense. Arturo Pérez-Reverte does an awesome job of describing what life looked like during the siege of Seville. He is an expert at researching what he needs to write an accurate book. This book is no exception to that either. If you’re looking for an eloquently written book than look no farther. This book is an accurately written book about history. It is also a great mystery that keeps you guessing.

The Masterpiece – Francine Rivers

Title: The Masterpiece

Author: Francine Rivers

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Christian Fiction

Plot: Roman Velasco is a handsome, well respected artist. But he keeps everyone at arm’s length. No one can be trusted. He’s been hurt too many times. He sulks about his grand house. Grace Moore is Roman’s newly appointed secretary. She’s been searching for a job for some time and this is the first one to come along. Grace is desperate to get on her own two feet. She relies on her friends and her steadfast faith in God. Roman trusts only in himself. Both Grace and Roman are hurting from the past. Neither know if they can trust each other. Both try to work out their differences. Roman offers Grace a place to stay when he learns she’s struggling with money. She reluctantly accepts. Slowly their walls come down. They learn to trust. Still they hide their feelings. Roman insists Grace go on a road trip with him so he can talk with people who want him to paint a mural. On the way down, they open up to each other. They talked of their troubled pasts. On the way back, they stop for food and Roman drops dead. Grace saves him with God’s help. Roman experiences during his stay give him perspective on faith. Will that be enough for Roman to become a Christian? Will he and Grace overcome their troubled past? What will become of their new found friendship?

Rating: 4.8 – a great book, pulls at your heartstrings

Opinion: I’ve always loved Francine River’s books. This book is no exception. I’ve always been a sap when it comes to romance. This book tugged at my heart numerous times. It deals with childhood trauma. As I work with children, it hit that much closer to home. There were many times that I was very caught up in the book and many times that I didn’t want to put the book down. The characters were well written and fleshed out. It can show people that Christians aren’t perfect. They make mistakes, the same as everyone else. The book can show that everyone can change. It may take a near death experience, but they can. Everyone is searching for something. Everything can be found in Christ. Will everyone accept the truth? There seems to be a good ending point but the story continues. In the end, everything is wrapped up with a pretty bow. Francine Rivers does a great job explaining how relationships work in the real world. She gives good reasons why the characters act the way they do. There are sappy moments, but it still rings with truth. If you love Francine Rivers, then I suggest this book. This book is also great for those who love sappy books but are realistic with relationships then this also a good book.

The Only Pirate at the Party – Lindsey Stirling

Title: The Only Pirate at the Party

Author: Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey

Genre: Autobiography

Plot: Lindsey Stirling is a well known violinist and dancer. She got her fame from America’s Got Talent and Youtube. In her book, Lindsey talked about her childhood and her rise to fame. She was originally from Arizona. She came from a family of four who often struggled to buy luxury items. Lindsey credit’s her inspiration for learning violin was to be a better instrumentalist than her sister. While she was happy to have violin lessons, she often noticed that that her parent’s sacrificed so she could have them. She often credits her faith for helping through a lot of her struggles. Her main struggle throughout her life was anorexia. It started while she was attending BYU. While it took control for a long time, she thankfully overcame it. Lindsey often times still struggles with it, especially when she gets stressed. While she talks about going on America’s Got Talent (and struggling with the loss), and working briefly with Andrea Bocelli (and his assistant asking her to leave), she talked of her family and friend’s unconditional love and support. As her fame grew, she talked about gaining new friends and going on tour. She also talked about meeting some of her fans and that it’s made her sad that it costs so much for fans to meet her.

Rating: 3.4 – an interesting read and I’m glad to know more about an amazing artist

Opinion: Lindsey Stirling is an amazing violinist and dancer. I’ve enjoyed learning more about her. Although we have similar, but different, faith I’m glad that she has kept her faith and that her fame hasn’t made her lose or compromise it. It’s nice to remember that stars are humans too, and have struggles, too. She has a spark and spunk that I admire. Although her bio wasn’t as amazing, I enjoyed learning about what makes Lindsey, Lindsey. I give her many kudos for overcoming an addiction as hard as anorexia. I applaud Lindsey for her violin playing, dancing, and staying true to herself. This is a good book for anyone wanting to learn about a well loved violinist. Or about someone who’s overcome anorexia. This is a good book for anyone who wants to learn about someone who’s stayed true to themselves.

Tell the Wolves I’m Home – Carol Rifka Brunt

Title: Tell the Wolves I’m home

Author: Carol Rifka Brunt

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Plot: June Elbus is a fourteen-year-old girl who’s just lost her beloved uncle, Finn Weiss. Uncle Finn was her one friend as more of a loner and outsider in school and home. Finn Weiss was also a famous painter and died too soon. A package arrives for June soon after his funeral from a mysterious sender named Toby. The package was a teapot that belonged to Uncle Finn which June admired along with a note from Toby. Toby wanted to meet with June. Defying her parents, June sneaks out of the house to meet with Toby. She tells her parents she is helping her sister with the school play. After meeting Toby, June decides that she likes him. They keep meeting in secret. Soon the secrets start to pile up, June learns of her sister’s after school activities besides the play. She learns more secrets that Uncle Finn kept. June starts secretly adding minor detail’s to her and her sister’s portrait that Uncle Finn painted for them. But someone else has been adding details of their own. But who else has been adding details? Will June be able to keep all of these secrets? Will they come to light? What will happen if they do?

Rating: 3.0 – A good story with good plot twists

Opinion: I’m not used to reading realistic fiction books, so this book was a little more boring for me to read. I thought the plot seemed interesting and gave the book a shot. I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. It was a good coming of age story. It may be for people a little older than me as it was harder for me to relate to the characters. The story takes place in 1987 and is a little before my time. But there were parts that I could still relate to. I struggled in some of the same ways as June and her sister. The ending did leave me with warm fuzzies after the usual worry after the usual amount of worry if all of the characters were going to be alright in the end. Overall this was a great coming of age story that will warm your heart. If you’re interested in realistic fiction with a happy ending, then I highly recommend this book.

Flight of the Sparrow – Amy Belding Brown

Title: Flight of the Sparrow

Author: Amy Belding Brown

Genre: History Fiction

Plot: Mary Rowlandson is a Puritan pastor’s wife in a frontier city in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1676. She and few of her children are captured in an Indian raid that leaves hers, and her neighbor’s, houses burned. Mary becomes a slave to a powerful Indian woman. She struggles to adjust to the Indian ways of life. She starts to feel for the Indians as she shares in their struggles. The tribe is starving. Mary’s tribe meets with other tribes in the area. She learns that the tribal elders are bartering with white men for her, and the other captive’s, freedom. The tribal leaders ask Mary what she think she’s worth. Mary asks for a high price. After some time, Mary is given back to her husband, who survived the attack. She is sad to be back with white people. She longs for the freedom that her captivity brought. Will Mary find her peace with her life? What will happen to the Indians?

Rating: 3.0 – an interesting story about Puritan vs Indian life

Opinion: This was a slightly different take on early American Colony life. The story talks about how hesitant someone is about being among Indians. The book also describes the horror and how scared many of the captives are. It also has some different points about the story. Mary didn’t get to stay with the Indians. She is torn and conflicted when she returns. The story is good in the fact that it clearly shows her conflict within. The world is clearly shown through Mary’s eyes. The author describes the difficulties in both sides of life. This was not the happiest book I’ve read. It is good showing the differences between the two conflicting lives. It seems very historically accurate, too. Though I wish so hard that Mary would have a happy ending, she eventually did, though not in the way I was expecting. If you’re looking for a quick read about early America Colonial life, then I’d recommend this book.

Stardust – Neil Gaiman

Title: Stardust

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

Plot: In England, there is a city called Wall. Named that because the city lies next to a wall. The wall divides England from Faire (a land of magical creatures). The story follows Dunstan and Tristran Thorn, father and son. At a market happens every 9 years, Dunstan meets a pretty servant girl. They have a night of passion that leads to the birth of Tristran. The story changes view points to follow Tristran. His heart pines for Victoria. He promises that he will get her a fallen star. He grows up knowing little of his heritage. Victoria grants him his heart’s desire. Off Tristran goes on an adventure in the land of Faire. There he meets many people and creatures that help or hinder him on his quest to find the fallen star. Others are seeking the star as well. But upon finding the star, he sees that the star is actually a person, Yvanne. The hardest part is bringing her back to the village of Wall. They meet more people who wish them harm and others who want to help them. Will Tristran and Yvanne make it back to Wall? What will happen to Yvanne if she crosses the wall? What is Tristran’s true heritage? Who is his mother?

Rating: 3.4 – a quick, easy, fun read

Opinion: This was a fun read. It took me a few pages to get into Neil Gaiman’s writing style. I do enjoy his style and plan on reading more of his books. It was a fun book to read. It was an easy read, but good. Neil Gaiman’s style of writing is unique and interesting. I enjoyed his style. Stardust was made into a movie. I watched the movie first. The movie used some of the exact quotes from the books, which made me happy. The movie also follows the book fairly well. But it Hollywood’s the ending. The book has a more realistic ending. I probably would’ve enjoyed the ending more if I had read the book first. One of my favorite parts of the movie is cut short in the book. But if you’re looking for a fun, quick read, and a great fantasy, I’d highly recommend this book.

The Underground River – Martha Conway

Title: The Underground River

Author: Martha Conway

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: May Bedloe is a seamstress for her cousin Comfort in 1838. They’re traveling down the Ohio River on a steamboat when it sinks. They’re separated but survive. They’re met, and taken in by Flora Howard, a notable abolitionist. Comfort is commandeered into Mrs. Howard’s trade and gives speeches to educate Northerners about slavery. May secretly finds employment as a seamstress again on a theater boat after using the money given by Mrs. Howard. May finally learns to be on her own after living in Comfort’s shadow for so long and learns about boating and show business. May’s contentment crashes down when she meets Mrs. Howard again. Mrs. Howard blackmail’s May into joining the Underground Railroad. She is to help slaves get across the Ohio River, to freedom. But that means putting her new friends at risk. Will she be able to do it? Can she keep everyone safe?

Rating: 3.0 – slow start but a good read

Opinion: This was an interesting read. It took a little too long for the plot to pick up. May doesn’t join the Underground Railroad until half way through the book. The book is more about May’s journey of self-discovery than the history. The author does do her research about the time period. She notes the subtle differences between the north and south along the Ohio River. I guess I never realized that few people knew the true nature of slavery. The punishments for those helping runaway slaves were steeper than I expected but not surprising. As slow paced as the book was, I enjoyed it. There were still a few good plot twists. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending but it still made me happy. This is a good book for those who want a steady read about self discovery and the Underground Railroad.

Year of Wonders – Geraldine Brooks

Title: Year of Wonders

Author: Geraldine Brooks

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: It’s 1665 and the black plague is running rampant. Ann Frith’s remote English village seems to be spared from the disease until a stranger visits. Her husband died some time before and she is struggling to care for her children while more and more people get sick. Ann works at the local parish for the priest’s wife. Together, they try their best to save those who are sick. The priest tries to keep the townsfolk’s faith strong while superstition runs rampant. Over the year the plague runs rampant, Ann turns to a healer that uses natural remedies. The townsfolk aren’t so sure of the healer’s remedies. Few trust her remedies and their superstition gets the healer killed. After a year, the plague ran its curse. Someone in town was nursing a grudge and kills the person she felt was responsible for her family’s death. Ann is overcome with guilt. Will they be brought to justice? What will Ann do?

Rating: 3.0 – a good read, a little sad, but good

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. As this book took place during the time of the black plague, I wasn’t sure which characters I could get attached to. I was slightly confused at one of the character’s fate as they hint at it at the beginning. It was one of those ‘what but this is supposed to happen, oh nope never mind, it happened’ moments. I enjoyed learning about life during the black plague time, and what locals did to ‘cure’ and ‘get rid of’ the plague. I’ve heard of the big city doctors, but haven’t really heard of what small towns did, especially if they couldn’t afford the big city doctors or didn’t want to risk the travels. The end strays too far from the original plot for my liking, but it wrapped everything up nicely. Overall this is a good book, and a quick read. It’s a short book so if you’re looking for a quick read, then read this book. It’s a sad book so be prepared for that, too.

Pride and Prometheus- John Kessel

Title: Pride and Primetheus

Author: John Kessel

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction

Plot: Mary and Kitty Bennett are approaching spinsterhood. Their other three sisters (Lizzy, Jane, and Lydia) have been married off (Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingly, and Mr. Whickam respectively). Mary has applied herself to natural philosophy (what we call science and biology) while Kitty still secretly hopes for a chance for marriage. At a ball, the Bennett family are introduced to Victor Frankenstein and his friend Henry Clarvel. The men are traveling through Europe and making their way to Scotland. Victor and Mary talk for most of the ball, talking and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company, until Victor suddenly disappears. A few weeks later, Victor and Mary meet again. After another engaging conversation, Victor tells Mary of his monstrous creation and what it wants. The creature it turns out has followed Frankenstein to England and is still demanding that Victor make him a companion. Soon after, Kitty takes ill and passes away. Kitty’s body goes missing, Mary suspects Victor, and his creature, had something to do with it. And to top it off, Victor has disappeared again. Will Mary find Victor? What has become of Kitty’s body? Will Frankenstein’s creature have his companion?

Rating: 3.2 – a good read that combines Frankenstein with Pride and Prejudice

Opinion: I enjoyed this book. I thought it was an interesting combination of two well known books. Though, the hopeless romantic in me was hoping for a happier ending. This book changes point of view every chapter. This is one of the few books where I don’t mind where it does this. Usually there’s one point of view, or character, I don’t particularly enjoy reading, but not so in this book. This book is well written, and follows the style of writing of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein. It started out well, but ended up sadder than I was expecting. It started more like a Jane Austin book and ended more like a Mary Shelley book. The back made me think it’d be a happier ending book. Nevertheless, it was still a good book. If you enjoy the classics, then I’d recommend this book.

The Book of Speculation – Erika Swyler

Title: The Book of Speculation

Author: Erika Swyler

Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Plot: Simon Watson was a research librarian in a small town who just lost his job. Now he has no way to save his house that’s slowly crumbling into the ocean he lives above, and that was his childhood home. A book appears on his doorstep on that same day. It tells of a traveling circus, two star crossed lovers, and ‘mermaids.’ All the woman who’ve been ‘mermaids’ have died in the same way, drowning, and on the same day as Simon’s mother. As Simon digs deeper into the story, his fortune telling sister, Enola, comes to visit. Enola becomes increasingly agitated and drawn to the ocean they live next to. Is it because they’re losing their cherished childhood home? Or is there some connection to the mysterious book? Simon is running out of time to find out. As the day draws closer, Simon becomes more and more obsessed with figuring out the connection between the book and his family and trying to save his sister. Will he be sucessful? Will he save his sister and his house? And can he save himself?

Rating: 3.0 – a steady read with a good plot twist here and there

Opinion: This was an interesting read that jumps back and forth in time. I thought it would be a little more whimsical than it really was. It was a little darker than I expected, but still a good read. I got to learn a little more about the times of the traveling circuses and the superstitions surrounding them. I enjoyed learning about circus life, too, in a more modern time. The plot was slow and steady with a few twists and turns. There were one or two points that I should’ve seen coming, but I was paying closer attention to other details of the book’s plot. There were a few times the book got a little tedious to read, but it picked up again. Though it does a good job of holding on to a sense of foreboding. This would be a good book to read if you want a cozy book to read about a small town mystery that jumps back and forth in time, and if you like books with a little suspense.