Review from the Archive: The Witch of Painted Sorrows by MJ Rose

This review has been reposted in lieu of the upcoming release of the sequel, The Secret Language of Stones (Daughters of La Lune 2) by MJ Rose. I read this book July 7th, 2015. I thought it was funny to go back and read my review since now I am reading the sequel… lol :D My goodreads status updates are funny too … 

Apparently I read this in 2 days! Much faster than I am currently reading the sequel, oops. :| Have any of you read this one? Do you like MJ Rose? 

I know I don’t read as much adult historical fiction as I would like, but I love LOVE when adult (or YA) historical fiction adds fantasy elements (I mean c’mon! that shit is gold :star) lol. 

Diamond’s Review Repost

 July 2015

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars :star :star :star

Review originally posted on my blog here —> Dee’s Reads

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Witch of Painted Sorrows was on my kindle for awhile after I got the eARC. I figured it would be on there for awhile, because although I wanted to read it I knew I wouldn't pick it up until I was in an 100% historical fiction mode. Fortunately, that came quickly and I needed a book to read that would satisfy my historical / romantic / fantasy mood.

Why this book goes onto my “guilty pleasure” shelf

So when I was in high school (about ten years ago) >.< my friend and I were listening to some pop music on the radio and looked at each other and laughed because we both really loved whatever songs was playing. My guy friend said—hey I like ____*whatever artist was playing*__ her songs are my guilty pleasure! Right then and there an important saying was born. Ever since then I refer to things that I love/like that way, even though for one reason or another society/other people may think them less than worthy of my enjoyment.

Do I care what society/other people think? 

No

…. YET… 

it’s not something that I would go shouting from the rooftops. I LIKE _____ ! Usually that is just because usually I don’t like ___ , and because it doesn’t fit into that “usual” aspect of my taste I call it a guilty pleasure.

Regarding The Witch of Painted Sorrows, this is a book I would call a BIT of a guilty pleasure. I am not guilty about liking it.
I am just a little embarrassed (with myself).

You may be puzzled by this, so let me explain a bit further.

There were parts of this book that had me rolling my eyes repeatedly, groaning and just wanting to smdh so hard i’d hit my desk. While it was one of those books that you shake your head at and grumble at so many little annoying things, yet you realize you did just spend hours reading past your bedtime.

The main thing that really kind of just…made the book feel less than genuine was the language and references. It felt like a modern woman/character telling the story. It didn’t feel like she was of the age the book was written. Most of this was due to the language. Things like “__ was the biggest artist of the day” was said over and over and I couldn’t help but think that that wasn’t the sort of thing you would say. It’s hard to pinpoint because a lot of it was just in little phrases or words, but it was everywhere in the novel. That sense of not being fully of the past, but instead of the present. That is definitely fine but it didn’t have that quality of a great piece of historical fiction where you completely slip into the past and don’t remember anything else.

You know what though? That’s okay.
 I still was up late at night reading this book in a period of time where I haven’t been doing that anymore. I have been saddened by book slump after book slump and I realize now that any book can get me out of it. Even the most unexpected one! I know that going for what you’re craving helps.. so

The Witch of Painted Sorrows is a juicy historical novel with bits of fantasy and romance, a woman with a “secret” is running from her terrifying husband all admist the lovely backdrop of Belle Epoche Paris.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski | Book Review

Title: The Winner's Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski 

Pages: 355 pages 

Published: March 4th, 2014

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Source: Won at a giveaway (signed)

Rating: 

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love...

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him-with unexpected consequences. It's not too long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined world, The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head of lose your heart. 

Grab it here! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes &amp; Noble 

Generals, destinies, and political intrigue? Hell to the yes! Everyone- and I mean everyone- has been talking about The Winner's Curse and it's everlasting glory in the book world. The synopsis has set me in the right direction, and I'm really interested in seeing where the romance between a royal and a slave goes. Buckle your seat belts because I have way too much to say about this book!

I'm the kind of person who likes to read the acknowledgements at the back of the book. Marie Rutkoski said that she was inspired to write a story around the concept of the "winner's curse" mentioned by her economist friend, Vasiliki. "Winner's curse" is quite simply translated into how the winner of an auction has also lost because he/she has won by paying more than all other bidders, but the aftermath and value of the item in the future is unknown. The way Marie was able to weave that concept into her story and book really astonished me. Instead of auctioning with an item. Marie decided to use people. 

In a world where Valorians, or the wealthiest of the people that live under the emperor, live safe inside the empire's walls and living luxiorious lives, there are a group of slaves called the Herrani who wish to overthrow the emperor and take away the lives of Valorians who they find are greedy and useless. Kestrel, the daughter of the finest general, is expected to enlist in the army with her father or be married off to someone she doesn't love, and either way she loses. In the markets one day when she strolls around the slave auction, everything changes with just one glance from the slave who's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. The slave, Arin, is bought at the market for a heavy price and it all starts out with just a few Bite and Sting games, but something else blossoms underneath. Forbidden romance and political conflict for power ensue. 

Kestrel is one of the strongest built characters to hit the shelves. She's intelligent with battle strategies and wise when it comes to making a plan. She knows when and when not to reveal too much about herself. She's loyal to her duties as a Valorian, and she is in disapproval of betrayal. Overall, we see Kestrel's character progress and become more vulnerable throughout the book. I think vulnerability is one of the most beautiful things a person can shed light on. I know Kestrel is supposed to represent the girl on the front cover of the book, but that's not exactly what I think of when I first imagine her. Instead, I think of her as a girl in armed combat suits, fighting for her life. 

Arin is our slave, and just like Kestrel, he has a real knack for coming up with battle strategies on the spot and he's great debater/politician. He's the slave with mysterious eyes that hold both trouble and wonder, something Kestrel is excited to discover. Arin is such a sweetheart and what every girl looks for in her book boyfriend or OTP match. He understands the best in Kestrel and sacrifices just about all he can to protect her. Flattery never get's you anywhere, but sweetness... well, I don't know about that. Along with his admirable traits, he's also somewhat of a bad boy! I like the perfect balance of sweet and charismatic with rebellious and spontaneous. 

It's true that, like many authors (Sarah J. Maas, Cassandra Clare), Marie Rutkoski creates characters that you begin to grow a sticky spot for over time. I'm a sucker for greatly portrayed male characters but even though Arin may just be fictional, he just renders me speechless sometime. 

A slave and the daughter of a royal general. I really don't think YA romance can get any more entertaining. With the almost-forbidden romance kind of thing going on, it contributed to the conflict of the story and caused much trouble. I mean surely this must seem intriguing to you! The story is built around romance and the more and more I think of it, the more I realize that love (in this book) has started wars and blood to be spilled. 

The romance learns towards that cat-and-mouse-kind-of-thing. It's very persuading and sucks you into see how the romance will end- in love or in flames. I'm always up for a intriguing cat-and-mouse game. It just made the romance in the story more compelling, and not in the annoying kind of way. The slow and gradual build-up of romance was truly amazing- even thought you'd never expect a royal and a Valorian to be together! 

READ THE WINNER'S CURSE. Don't be like me and wait till the last minute, haha. Okay guys, thanks for staying for this review. I'm off to read the second book ASAP. JK I'm already done reading it!! 

Have you read the Winner's Curse? FANGIRL WITH ME!

Book Review: Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley 

Source: Paperback from my collection

My Rating: 3 of 5 stars :star :star :star

Publication Date: 2012 (originally in 1994)

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

From the winner of the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, this mesmerizing, suspenseful, and richly atmospheric tale of time travel draws us into the heart of a heroine we won't soon forget...

The first time Julia Beckett saw Greywethers she was only five, but she knew that it was her house. And now that she’s at last become its owner, she suspects that she was drawn there for a reason.

As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love.

Each time Julia travels back, she becomes more enthralled with the past...until she realizes Mariana’s life is threatening to eclipse her own, and she must find a way to lay the past to rest or lose the chance for happiness in her own time.

My Review

While it took me a little over a month to finish this book, it was more my short attention span and getting derailed by other review books that accounts for it. The story itself was really something. I enjoyed the characters so much! I especially liked the serious plot twist and how things sort of creeped up on you. But, more about that later.

The Winter Searemains my favorite Susanna Kearsley book, I'm so happy to have read another one of her lovely books. Even though this one isn't my favorite I feel more confident that she is an author that will be on my "auto-buy" list from now one. 

As always, I like to talk a little about HOW / what made me choose this book out of so many hundreds of others on my shelf. I feel like there's always a bit of a winding road I have to take to finally choose a book to read that isn't a review book, you know? :O 

When I found myself in a serious historical fiction / time travel / laced with romance mood, I knew I need a novel set in an adult world setting. I was/am sick of middle grade books at the moment. I instantly looked up and down my bookshelves and came upon this (ok and several others). But I just felt like I wanted to read this before I read Firebird, to get a different story and different character rendering to better appreciate and understand the author. Seriously. I've been in such a YA and middle grade kick this past year that my recent venture back into adult historical has really been fun and exciting!

So: What can you expect from this stand alone historical time travel-- Mariana?

Our main character: Julia Beckett

and the figure of her in the past, Mariana.

Mariana was at first a bit dull. I didn't look forward to those brief glimpses back in time to be honest. Blah blah she was in a household where she had an uncle who was very strictly religious and mean and just a big fat jerk. Fortunately the handsome hottie lord-of the area took an eye to her and their romance blossomed. Although the romance didn't seem forced, it did come quickly!
What didn't trouble me about the romance though, was that it did seem to develop naturally and by the end…wow I really felt their connection and when it contrasted to the present day and who our beautiful Julia was to love, I felt like something was missing.

PLOT TWISTS, GALORE in this book! 

And I loved that SO SO MUCh. 

TOO MUCH to tell you, like, anything else about the end or even anything more than just…this book has ana amazing plot. Amazing setting. Amazing characters.

Flaws?
I felt a little miffed just because it was one of those books where everything was a bit too "perfect" you know? The woman of course has money, and has a great job as an illustrator for children's books (she paints) (color me green with envy :g) She has a fantastic brother, parents who are happy and away all the time. She is able to buy this house that calls to her and she just sets up there from London.

I just felt like … ugh, I guess a bit envious? She immediately fell into place with people of the town and formed bonds and friendships.

Of course this happens in real life, right? No, seriously I am asking. Does it? I am her age, and she had what I wanted and what I dream would happen to me So in short, I was wistful and a bit envious of the main character all the time. Does that make me petty? Probably.

But who wouldn't want to just up and move to the middle of England…in the middle of the moors…and come upon a beautiful house that calls to them from time and then fall in love with a gorgeous man and make a best friend. *sigh* :L

You can see how this book is just set up beautifully — you will want to live there.
You will want to be the character (if you are at all like me, anyway).
I like that in a book though, you know why? Because it transports me. It makes me imagine things I usually am too wrapped up in to let myself dream of and imagine.

Ah, fiction, this is why I love you! 

I recommend this novel for fans of historical fiction novels with a touch of romance, time travel, and a glorious setting that will transport you back in time. 

If you're already a fan of Susanna Kearsley's work at all, then this is an auto-add for your TBR.

Book Review: Blood Magick (Cousins O'Dwyer #3) by Nora Roberts

Blood Magick (Book 3 of Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy) by Nora Roberts

My Rating: 2 of 5 stars :star :star

Source: Paperback, owned (used from bookstore)

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Date of Publication: October 28th, 2014

County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch.

Branna’s strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family—along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love…

She had it once—for a moment—with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion.

Branna and Fin’s relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear. It will be Fin’s power, loyalty, and heart that will make all the difference in an age-old battle between the bonds that hold their friends together and the evil that has haunted their families for centuries.

My Review 

*Warning: Minor spoilers regarding storyline of previous books contained in this review*

I was excited to say I have finished my first Nora Roberts series. The Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy was a series that really changed my mind about the romance genre. It also helped eliminate all those preconceived notions I had about Nora Roberts. 

Although some of what I was expecting was met in these books, I did find myself surprised by a few things.  Most of all, I am surprised by how little I liked this book. It was the least likable of the whole trilogy, and a major disappointment. I felt like it was boring, had too much dialogue, and the characters didn't have the passion or flare that the other books had with the main romance/love interest. 

There aren't a lot of sex scenes or anything of that nature, if you're wondering. I know I thought Roberts books would always have a lot of that and that is why I was always not sure about reading her books. I was shocked by how calm everything was and non-erotic. A little disappointed, at least lol. Definitely kind of a "wholesome" book if you catch my drift.


The romance that is featured in this book is between Branna and Fin. If you read any of this series so far, you know that this is pretty obvious since all the others in the group are paired off. Fin, or Finbar Burke, is a descendant of Calahan. Calahan is the evil warlock who has been hunting the O'Dwyers for hundreds of years to gain their magical powers ever since their ancestor cursed him. This curse has transferred to Fin and marked him forever, thus delivering a perfect reason why Branna and Fin cannot follow their feelings of love and be together. *le sigh* 

Angsty books are always a bit annoying to me, unless the couple has a legitimately clear and established reason why they cannot be together—I tend to get really annoyed. I think that was my major problem with this book. I didn't fully "buy" the reasons that Branna and Fin couldn't be together.

I kind of feel like this book was just churned out because she had to finish the series. Kind of disappointing, to be honest. We have all read those series enders that just end with the reader not wanting more from the characters. That is what happened to me when I read this finale to the Cousins O'Dwyer series.

I won't say that I would not read Nora Roberts again, because I would. I liked the other two books and have heard her other supernatural romance books are good so I will sometime read those and hopefully they won't disappoint in the end.

Dusting Off Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier: Teaser!

Dust off your classics is a feature created by myself and Trish @ Between My Lines. Read the startup post here and join in if you want! It's not a yearly challenge, nor is it a challenge that requires any certain number of books or check ins. This is probably why it's become so successful! At least for Trish and myself, we find ourselves reading more and more classics as we go along :L

So while most of you are familiar with my sporadic classics posts after I finish reading a classic, I have something new to share! Instead of waiting a few months to complete a classic; I decided (since the classics I've been choosing to read happen to be really enjoyable) to share some sort of post with you while I'm reading these classics. This time it's a teaser, but it will be anything from a 

I got the idea a few weeks ago while reading Rebecca. I have never read this book before and even though everyone raved about it, and it's the favorite book of many a woman I respect, I just didn't know how I would react. Anyway, I started and within the first few pages I just had to get out my pencil and start underlining quotes. I don't do that often, and I just am so excited! 

It's the type of book that has so many excellent lines, I thought it would be perfect to do a teaser post! :D So here's my teaser for Rebecca, (all of the quotes are from the beginning portion of the book, due to the fact that I haven't finished yet! xP It's starting to get very chilling..although I can't help but feel sorry for the main character (whose name we do not yet know); I also feel a bit bad for her passivity of character.

A little bit about Rebecca….

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…" With these words the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten— a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house's current occupants. With an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim's first wife— the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca. 

My Teasers

"His face was arresting, sensitive, medieval in some strange inexplicable way, and I was reminded of a portrait seen in a gallery I had forgotten where, of a certain Gentleman Unknown. Could one but rob him of his English tweeds, and put him in black, with lace at his throat and wrists, he would stare down at us in our new world from a long distant past— a past where men walked cloaked at night, and stood in the shadow of old doorways, a past of narrow stairways and dim dungeons, a past of whispers in the dark, of shimmering rapier blades, of silent exquisite courtesy." [page 15]

 This is just one example of the beautiful prose that I have (so far) encountered in this book. I mean…c'mon. This is just divine. I bolded the part that I  actually took a pen out and underlined my book. I very rarely do this—that's how much I wanted to mark this passage and keep it tucked away so that I would always refer to it when I thought about this book.

The teaser, by the way, is describing Maxim, the mysterious and dark man / newly found husband of our heroine. He is also the man who was married to Rebecca, of which we only have hints at her identity (so far)..

My shyness fell away from me, loosening as it did so my reluctant tongue, and out they all came, the little secrets of childhood, the pleasures and the pains. It seemed to me as though he understood, from my poor description, something of the vibrant personality that had been my father's, and something too of the love my mother had for him, making it a vital, living force, with a spark of divinity about it, so much that when he died that desperate winter, struck down by pneumonia, she lingered behind him for five short weeks and stayed no more. [page 24]

In case I hadn't convinced you of the beauty of this novel's prose— I had to include another teaser. I just read this and felt what the author was describing. It also—not gonna lie— made me tear up a bit. At 24 pages in I can't say enough that this is pretty insane! ^_^ 

I can't wait to slowly devour this classic gothic romance. :h 

Have you read Rebecca? What did you think of the quotes I picked? 

-Diamond

ARC Review: Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars :star :star :star
A copy of this book was provided to me by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

I don't subscribe to many magazines, but Cosmopolitan is one that I do and I enjoy it. I remember reading an excerpt in the magazines few months back and really enjoying it. It made me remember that while erotica novellas are not something I read regularly-- it's something I love to read from time to time. I saw the "Cosmo Red Hot Reads" logo by the excerpt and then saw it again on Netgalley. I immediately requested it and was happy to start it soon (novellas aren't as intimidating so I tend not to put them off as I sometimes do for other ARCs).

Misbehaving is a delightful story about a sex toy/book reviewer who is reunited with the one man who spurred her advances back in college (they never got over each other). While it was sometimes hard for me to get over the cheesy-ness of the story, it was still cute. It had a good amount of sex scenes to story/plot. Actually in my experience there's usually less plot in novellas like this, so I was surprised at the little twists. It kept my interest. It's definitely cliche and has a happy ending-- but sometimes that's just something you need.

If you're looking for a hot novella with a fierce, independent woman who is so confident in her own sexuality that it would give hope to feminists worldwide-- read this story. Expect a lot of cheese, eye rolling, giggles, and steamy scenes. I look forward to more Cosmo Red Hot Reads. 

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Book Review: Dark Witch (Cousins O'Dwyer #1) by Nora Roberts

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
Source: My Collection (paperback)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars :star :star :star :star


Actual Rating: 4.5 stars.

Believe it or not, this was my very first Nora Roberts book. (Thank you Holly for recommending it to me!) It won't be my last, that's for sure. If you want a good solid story about witches, family, friendship, and a great romance to boot - I recommend you read this book. I read it in one day and loved it. The story was compelling and the characters lovable. I loved Iona's personality. She was so cute, full of love and just wanted to be loved in return. She was a strong, capable woman and so was Branna and Meara.

The imagery was amazing. The most surprising thing was the romance aspect. I was shocked that there wasn't much sex involved (way less than I was expecting-- only two scenes I think). The romance was very clean. I guess perhaps I've been reading more hardcore romance and not knowing it. I don't know what I was expecting, but I had this picture in my mind that Nora Roberts books were romance/erotica. All I can say is this one wasn't. It was super clean -- could've used a bit more dirt even, if you ask me ;) lol but it was a great book!

I can't wait for the next book in this series! This is definitely a series I plan to devour. I can't recommend it enough! 


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Book Review: The Angel Stone (Fairwick Chronicles #3) by Juliet Dark

The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark
Source: My Collection (paperback)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars :star :star :star :star :star

Excellent ending to a wonderful series! I think it's actually my favorite book oft he entire series. I was glad to have a lot of action and see Callie as a full witch and doorkeeper. 

I really enjoyed the time travel. The only thing I wish is for a little more steamy scenes! But the story was so beautifully crafted that I really can't begrudge anything. Full five stars. I am so glad I bought it because I. Know I'll be rereading this series over again!

It makes me appreciate what a well written time travel romance can do to me! I think I'm going to start to purposely look for similarly great time travel romances (paranormal / fantasy / historical). I'll also be looking into the authors other work under her real name. Although, I'm bummed they're not paranormal. 

If you want a suggestion from me I'd recommend indie book Fair Weather, or best seller The Witching Hour. (See photos below of covers). 

Click to read my review of Fair Weather by Barbara Gaskell Denvil

Book Review- Hetaera: Daughter of the Gods by J.A. Coffey

HETAERA: Daughter of the Gods by J.A. Coffey
Source: ebook copy provided by author
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 2.5 stars

I'm a big fan of Greece and Egyptian stories. I love learning about the culture and ancient times in those fascinating and colorful countries. This is what attracted me about reading Hetaera: Daughter of the Gods the most. Although I heard it was the "original" Cinderella story; I wasn't too sure what that meant because as much as I love historical fiction, I don't know that much history.

I had a difficult time getting into the story. In the beginning, Doricha is a child but she's narrating the story. The thing is, the narration wasn't like from a 10 year old, or even most 20 year olds; it was very complex. There were many times I had to look up complicated words that were coming from a child's subconscious. It really only bothered me in the beginning-- although throughout the story it was difficult to gauge the age of Dori. The narration did gain a lot of smoothness about 1/3 of the way in; and from then on I didn't have a problem with it and easily slipped into the story.

Doricha had a really tough life. I feel I really need to remark upon the sadness of the story. I tend to stay away from stories that are super sad and that don't have many positive events/outcomes or happiness filtered throughout. Its not that stories like that are not good; its that i need to mentally sort of prepare myself for them. If not I feel like I get sucker-punched. Unfortunately, Hetaera was one of those stories. I was so sad and felt so bereft on Doricha's life journey I had to take breaks of several days at a time and force myself to go back to the story. It was very difficult to do. Bad things happened to her, she as miserable...and then she got even more miserable. I need positivity! I need happiness! Even just a "life sucks, and it's hard but a tiny moment of sunshine redeems all" would've been great. Alas, I did not get any happiness until the end. By end I mean literally the last 3% of the book. So for 97% of the book I mostly felt frustrated, miserable, sad, lonely, and angry at/with Doricha/Rhodopis.

I did love the character building. Aesop was so awesomely written and I loved him. (view spoiler)[ But then, when Doricha responded to his offer in the way she did I wanted to slap her face! What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she just try to be happy and how could you be angry at someone who is your friend but says he loves you?! WTF, girl. Seriously. Don't even get me started on her idiotic behavior with her master. (hide spoiler)]

I feel like I learned a lot about history, without it being shoved down my throat. This was a big plus. I loved learning about Egypt and I felt I could picture the surroundings so vividly. The imagery was just amazing. I think this is important too because (at least for me) I know so little about that period of Egyptian history / Greek history that it was refreshing to feel included. I very easily could've felt left out with this historical details, but I didn't.

The ending redeemed the book in my eyes, but it was still too depressing for me. It was an excellent story, full of picture perfect details. The beginning was rocky, but the story picked up and left me increasingly engaged and invested in the characters.

I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction, Egyptian and Greek stories, strong female characters, and historical romance lovers.


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