Set against the dramatic backdrop of America's second war for independence, Beverly Swerling's gripping and intricately plotted sequel to the much-...
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reviews
Mar 28, 2008
Lacy
rated it: 
I totally love Beverly Swerling. This book isn't as epic or, really, quite as interesting, as City of Dreams, but it's still extremely entertaining, with a great cast of characters and huge external forces at work, basically everything I want in my historical fiction.
Storywise, I wish that some of the characters from the first book (mostly Jonathan and Molly Devrey) had really carried over more, instead of focusing so much on Joyful Patrick, and I wish that this novel had done more More...
Storywise, I wish that some of the characters from the first book (mostly Jonathan and Molly Devrey) had really carried over more, instead of focusing so much on Joyful Patrick, and I wish that this novel had done more More...
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Dec 21, 2007
Marcie
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This story was unfulfilling, though well researched. I was amazed at the depth of the author's historical information interwoven into the story from so many different cultures (pirates, cantonese, blacks, medical profession, boudoirs, trade and mercantile, to name a few. Despite the historical component, I was extremely repulsed by some of the graphic and gratuitous violence and sexual overtones, which I felt took away from the characters development and the story. It appeared that the author
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Nov 17, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
What intrigued me about Swerling's previous book, City of Dreams , was lacking in this follow-up. In the first book, we read about the branches of a family as they live through the beginnings of New York through the Revolution. City of Glory deals with only a few members of the family, and most of these are secondary characters. Interesting details about medicine and surgery, which dominated the family's professional interests in the first book, are all but gone in the second. Finally, the fi
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Jun 13, 2008
Amy
rated it: 
Interesting, pretty engrossing, mildly trashy historical fiction. The last 100 pages were ri-di-cu-lous but I had fun reading this one, set in 1814 Manhattan with an imagined NY secessionist threat thrown in for dramatic effect.
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Oct 01, 2011
Loved it, as I loved City of Dreams. Was looking for more historic tidbits.. as City of Dreams was full of it-- esp. the medical kind..
Swerlings characters are wonderful and inspiring. Just love curling up with her books. They are educated, and full of a love of history.
When I walk the city of NY, I often look for the landmarks in the book. Next stop, Astor Hotel.. if it's even still there. There is one building that looks like an old 18th Century house on Broadway More...
Swerlings characters are wonderful and inspiring. Just love curling up with her books. They are educated, and full of a love of history.
When I walk the city of NY, I often look for the landmarks in the book. Next stop, Astor Hotel.. if it's even still there. There is one building that looks like an old 18th Century house on Broadway More...
Dec 29, 2008
Alena
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This is a great historical novel. It's set in New York in 1817 or so, during the war between England and America. It involves jewels, pirates, trade with China, brothels, and so much more. This is a period I'm not very familiar with, so I appreciated the historical context. The author does a very good job of weaving historical facts in with a gripping plot and characters you'll care about. All the plot twists come together nicely at the end for a very satisfying finish. I definitely recomm
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Aug 07, 2010
Sue
rated it:
Good historical fiction set in old Manhattan. This is the second in a series after "City of Dreams". I enjoyed both books, but not raving about either one. I think it is because her main characters are men, with all the competition, plotting to get ahead, etc. that is inherently male. Female characters are secondary. However, the history is interesting and it was a good read.
Mar 28, 2009
Lana
rated it:
Both City of Dreams and this one are page turners. Swerling brings the time period alive. If you know anything about Manhattan, or even is you visited only once, you will enjoy this read. It also is heavy on medicinal practices at the time, a fascinating look. Her characters live and breathe. Read City of Dreams first. I plan to read Shadowbrook also.
Jul 24, 2010
Erin
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New York City, War of 1812, political intrigue, jealous lovers, family squabbles...and then the author throws in pirates! This book snares you opening with a vivd account of a naval battle during the War of 1812 and continues to a secession crisis in 1814. History is more a backdrop than the forefront, which works well here. Highly recommend it to anyone who reads historical fiction like me. It was a different time period than what I usually read, but it was great. Learn more about a war that is
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Apr 11, 2009
Dena
rated it:
I love Beverly Swerling! Her books combine a great story, history, and my favorite city. Although I think her first book, City of Dreams, was a better read, this book was about a time in history that I'm not that familiar with, so it thoroughly entertained me.
Dec 05, 2010
Bryce
rated it:
City of Glory takes place in New York during the War of 1812, although the war isn't the main focus of the action in the story. Instead, the plot focuses on love, pirates, treasure, betrayal, slave snatchers, diamonds, and treason. The action is so fast-paced and full of high melodrama that it makes the book hard to put down.
Which more than makes up for the fact that the historical research here seems pretty casual. I would recommend this book and all of Swerling's books to people who More...
Which more than makes up for the fact that the historical research here seems pretty casual. I would recommend this book and all of Swerling's books to people who More...
May 02, 2009
Mindi
rated it:
Sequel to City of Dreams. Some of the same characters return. As opposed to City of Dreams, the major portion of City of Glory takes place over a very short period of time. Not as much emphasis on the medical aspects in this book. Entertaining.
Mar 18, 2011
Maureen
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The amount of research to write "City of Dreams" and then "City of Glory" is remarkable but I couldn't read another history book. Started to read it and then had to return it, it became a chore to read. I gave it two stars because of all her research. Again, wish it were a trilogy.,
Jul 10, 2011
Holly
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New York City. War of 1812. Action occurs within 11 days. Dr. Joyful Turner (who we met in City of Dreams) cares for injured. The author seems even more fixated on surgical procedures and sex in this novel, which detracted from the character development for which she is known. Read to prepare for review of City of Promise, which released August, 2011.
Jun 15, 2009
I just started this book, but I have not read CITY OF DREAMS, so I'm hoping even without that information, I'll still be able to enjoy the book
Jun 22, 2009
Erin
rated it:
Really engrossing history oriented book. A good story to drape historic facts and events and the evolution of NYC in its early stages.
Oct 04, 2011
Kathleen
rated it:
Great second historical novel in a series by Swerling. I love her writing and great research that informs all her stories.
Jan 18, 2011
I didn't think this was good as City of Dreams, which is the first book in the series.
Feb 18, 2009
Annie
rated it:
Very enjoyable historical fiction. Tough to picture Manhattan as part rural.
Aug 06, 2009
Ann
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I just started this and think I am going to like it. I definitely like her writing style. The story is set in New York in the early 1800's around the time of the War of 1812.....
Jul 29, 2008
Michaela
rated it: 
This started out slowly, and it took a little while to refamiliarize myself with the characters' names (this is a sequel), but it was a phenomenal book. There were so many times reading this book where I had "Aha!" moments about something to do with NYC history. All of a sudden, names of places made sense. The characters were good, the story was good, lots of intrigue. This is the best way to learn history!
Jul 24, 2009
Damian
rated it:
I didn't enjoy "City of Glory" as much as the original for two main reasons. 1.) It focuses far less on the Turner/Devrey feud than the original. (What can I say?...I'm a sucker for family vendettas.) 2.) The original had a far more epic feel to it considering its cast of characters and long timeline. Nonetheless, "City of Glory" was an entertaining read.
Jul 31, 2009
Nancy
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I loved the 1st one so am very excited to read more about New York City in the early 1800's.
Nov 11, 2011
Laurie
rated it:
An easy read, somewhat trashy historical novel. The history info is really interesting and trying to imagine "old" New York was my favorite part of the read. (especially since I have lived in NY and was trying to envision the old locations based on my knowledge of the new locations).
Nov 12, 2008
Missy
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This is the third book. I like books of historical fiction. Beverly Swerling's are well written and deal in part w/ the medical field in early times. Great characters and story line.
Mar 22, 2010
Jen
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I loved the first book but this one was a chore for me. It was all I could do to connect with the main players in the story. No in depth review - just not a book I'd recommend.
