Books matching: historical fiction blend
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- #1
Save:In "In The Name of the Family" by Sarah Dunant, readers are taken on a journey to the final days of the House of Borgia, portraying them as a ruthless and notorious family. The story revolves around Pope Alexander VI, a politically corrupt womanizer, who manipulates his daughter, Lucrezia, and his son, Cesare, as pawns. The narrative is enriched by the different perspectives presented, with much of the story being told through the eyes of Machiavelli. The book is a well-written piece of historical fiction, blending fact with fiction seamlessly, and giving a different perspective on Lucrezia, showcasing her poise and grace.
The author, Sarah Dunant, is praised for her storytelling skills, allowing readers to see a more relatable and human side of the Borgia family. The book is commended for its careful research on the Borgia family, steering away from scandalous gossip and instead focusing on the intricate relationships and power dynamics within the family. The multiple points of view might make it challenging to follow at times, but the effort is deemed worthwhile as readers become deeply immersed in the intrigue and deceit surrounding the Borgias, especially Lucrezia.
It is late afternoon and papal galleys are becalmed under a scrubbed blue sky. They had left Piombino with the dawn, pushed on by a temperamental wind that changed its mind too often for comfort, unti... - #2
Save:"Lancelot" by Giles Kristian is a bold and imaginative retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Lancelot, the warrior who betrayed his King and best friend, Arthur. The story delves into Lancelot's early years, his relationships with Arthur and Guinevere, and the events that led to Britain's downfall. The writing style is described as passionate, gripping, and emotional, with a focus on character development and humanizing the legendary figures.
The plot of the book revolves around Lancelot's internal struggles, his loyalty to Arthur, and his forbidden love for Guinevere. The narrative is praised for its depiction of love, friendship, honor, and loss, as well as its exploration of the complexities of the characters. is set in fifth-century Britain, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Arthurian world, with vivid battle scenes and emotional depth.
I STILL REMEMBER my father’s smell: leather and steel. The wool grease which was in his cloak and on his trews and on his blades, keeping the water out but stinking of sheep. The sweet hay scent of th... - #3
Save:The Garden Intrigue, the ninth installment in the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig, follows the story of spy Augustus Whittlesby and American widow Emma Delagardie as they collaborate on a masque during a house party in France. Set during the Napoleonic wars, the book intertwines historical details with a contemporary storyline involving a movie being shot at Selwick Hall. The characters navigate love, espionage, and misunderstandings, all while uncovering secrets and making decisions that will impact their futures.
The plot races along with fun hijinks, stolen submarine plans, and romantic entanglements. The writing is clear and engaging, featuring witty humor and impeccable research. The book seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, including the historical romance between Emma and Augustus and the modern-day dilemmas faced by Eloise Kelly and Colin Selwick. Overall, The Garden Intrigue offers a blend of romance, intrigue, and historical details that captivate readers and keep them eagerly turning the pages.
One was tall and graceful, garbed simply but elegantly in a white dress that fell in the required classical lines from a pair of admirably shaped shoulders. Her pale brown hair was gathered in a simpl...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pink Carnation ) - #4
Save:An old Appalachian mountain woman, Nora Bonesteel, has the gift of the sight, and policewoman Martha Ayers is determined to prove herself. They try to resolve rumors of a ghost woman walking again, and try to prevent a convicted murderer from returning home for vengeance. The book is a mix of mystery, historical fiction, and ghost story, with multiple storylines and characters that intertwine seamlessly. The writing style is lyrical, with cliffhangers at every character point of view change, making it a quick and captivating read.
- #5
Save:Dragon's Keep is a captivating tale set on Wilde Island, where a young girl named Rosalind, a princess with a dragon's claw for a finger, finds herself entangled in a world of dragons and prophecies. The story unfolds as Rosalind navigates her unique identity, dealing with the consequences of dragon magic and a prophecy that ties her fate to the Pendragon line. As she forms an unexpected bond with a dragon, she is faced with challenges that test her courage and resilience, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and sacrifice.
The book is praised for its imaginative storytelling, intricate world-building, and the way it blends elements of fantasy with historical fiction. Readers are drawn into a world where dragons roam freely, prophecies shape destinies, and characters grapple with complex emotions amidst a backdrop of medieval intrigue and magic.
Mother placed her knife on the table and bared her hands. Queen Gweneth’s fingers were finely tapered as candles, her skin milky as the moon. It was a shame for her to wear golden gloves, but she’d do... - #6
Save:'Here Be Dragons' is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1100s to early 1200s, focusing on the lives of Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. The narrative intricately weaves political allegiances, complex family dynamics, and the tumultuous relationship between England and Wales. Through Joanna's perspective, the story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggles faced by the Welsh against the backdrop of English dominion. The author, Sharon Kay Penman, immerses readers in a richly detailed historical setting, bringing to life the characters and their motivations while depicting the socio-political landscape of medieval times.
Penman's writing style is characterized by its vivid character development and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Readers have noted her ability to create a compelling narrative that balances romance and political intrigue, making the historical events both engaging and relatable. The novel's pacing allows for a deep exploration of its characters, particularly Joanna and Llewelyn, capturing their emotional journeys amidst the larger historical context. Despite the book's considerable length, many readers found it to be a captivating read that drew them into the lives of its characters and the complexities of their world.
He was ten years old and an alien in an unfriendly land, made an unwilling exile by his mother’s marriage to a Marcher border lord. His new stepfather seemed a kindly man, but he was not of Llewelyn’s... - #7
Save:'The Last Neanderthal' by Claire Cameron is a novel that alternates between the past and present narratives of Girl, a young female Neanderthal, and Rosamund, a modern-day archaeologist. Girl's story follows her struggles to survive in a harsh environment, her family dynamics, and her interactions with a Homo Sapien child named Runt. On the other hand, Rosamund's story revolves around her discovery of two skeletons in a cave, one Neanderthal and one Homo Sapien, and her quest to unravel the mystery behind their burial together. The book delves into themes of survival, family, compassion, and the complexities of human evolution through the parallel narratives of Girl and Rosamund.
It was the warmth that Girl would remember. The night, the specific one she often thought about later, the one that turned out to be among the last they had together, had been filled with warmth. Spri... - #8
Save:In 'Babel, or The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution', R.F. Kuang presents an alternative history fantasy set in a Victorian Britain where the city of Oxford is the center of knowledge and progress. The story revolves around Robin Swift, a bright boy plucked from Canton, who is taken to England by Professor Richard Lovell to study languages at Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. As Robin befriends a group of misfits, they find themselves embroiled in a revolution that challenges the foundations of the Empire, all while dealing with themes of colonialism, language, and power.
Kuang's writing style intricately weaves together elements of history, fantasy, and language, creating a detailed and immersive world where the power of the Empire is tied to the magic of enchanted silver inscribed with untranslatable words. Through a diverse cast of characters and a unique magic system, the author explores complex themes of colonialism, empire building, exploitation, and prejudice, offering a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the dark corners of history and society.
The air was rank, the floors slippery. A jug of water sat full, untouched by the bed. At first the boy had been too scared of retching to drink; now he was too weak to lift the jug. He was still consc... - #9
Save:The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer is a thriller that delves into a conspiracy theory involving a secret group founded by George Washington to protect the Presidency of the United States. The story follows Beecher White, an archivist at the National Archives in Washington and a member of the Culper Ring, as he uncovers a plot to assassinate the current President by recreating the crimes of past assassins. The narrative weaves history and fiction together, introducing a complex mystery that keeps the reader engaged with its suspenseful plot twists and surprises.
The book is set in Washington, D.C., and follows Beecher White as he navigates through a web of secrets and conspiracies involving two opposing groups - the Culper Ring and the Knights of the Golden Circle. As Beecher races against time to save the President, the story unfolds with layers of intrigue, character development, and historical references. The Fifth Assassin keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced narrative, intricate plot, and a blend of thriller, suspense, and historical elements.
(Also, see 19 recommendations for the series Culper Ring ) - #10The Aeneidby:
Save:The Aeneid by Virgil is an epic poem that follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who escapes the fall of Troy and embarks on a quest to find a new home in Italy, ultimately leading to the founding of Rome. The story is filled with heroic adventures, battles, and encounters with gods, all woven together to give Romans a legitimate claim to an ancient heritage that could rival the Greeks. The writing style is described as gripping and vivid, with detailed descriptions of war comparable to Homer's work, but with a unique literary style that includes imagery and scene setting.
10 Till he could found a city and bring home His gods to Latium, land of the Latin race, The Alban lords, and the high walls of Rome. Tell me the causes now, O Muse, how galled In her divine pride, an...
