Shomeret's Affecting August Reads 2/2

[Shomeret]

5)The Book of Esther by Emily Barton (alternate history) Source: Edelweiss Started: 8/13 Finished: 8/17

Why Read: I love alternate histories, so I considered myself fortunate to come across two of them so close together. There was a medieval Jewish kingdom in our world called Khazaria. It was destroyed during the medieval period. In this alternate world it survived to 1942 and Germany is about to invade. It sounded very imaginative and compelling.

Comments: I loved it, but unless you like researching your reads as you read them, you probably won't. If you have a background in Orthodox Judaism and have read about the Khazars, then you'll have no problems. I don't think this describes most readers, however. The author explains nothing about Judaism or the Khazars. There is no glossary. For me it was a wonderful book about a 16 year old girl who is determined to save her people. It's definitely one of my best reads of 2016. Rating A. See my review at http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...

6)Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (Chinese children's fantasy) 280 pages. Source: Library
Started: 8/20 Finished: 8/21

Why Read: This book was being discussed in the GR group Into The Forest which is a myth, folklore and fairy tale group. I wanted to read about Chinese dragons and this is the only book containing Chinese dragon folklore that members of this group could find.

Comments: This is a charming fantasy quest and I learned some things about Chinese folklore. Rating B+

7)Roses and Rot by Kat Howard (fantasy) 307 pages. Source: Library Started: 8/21 Finished: 8/25

Why Read: This is a debut novel with lots of buzz in fantasy circles. It's about two sisters who go to an artists' retreat.

Comments: The retreat isn't what it appears to be. This isn't a book that I would normally read, but I'm glad I did. It questions whether there is such a thing as happily ever after. Rating A See my review at http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...

8)A Study in Sable by Mercedes Lackey (historical paranormal mystery) 313 pages. Source: Library Started: 8/27 Finished: 8/28

Why Read: This is a novel in which Sherlock Holmes' companion Dr. Watson is a magician and so is his wife, Mary. Together they investigate the paranormal cases that Sherlock Holmes won't touch. Very interesting idea.

Comments: The MCs are two girls with paranormal powers who have been sent to assist the Watsons. The case involves the disappearance of a woman. The disappeared woman's sister is being haunted by ghosts. There were a couple of unexpected characters who I thought were very interesting even though the resolution of the mystery was predictable. Rating B+

9)Stealing Fire: A Novel by Win and Meredith Blevins (historical Native American mystery) 335 pages. Source: Library
Started: 8/29 Finished: 8/31

Why Read: This is the second book in the Yazzie Goldman series. Yazzie is three quarters Navajo and one quarter Jewish. It takes place post WWII. I really liked the portrayal of the real actress Linda Darnell in the first book in this series.

Comments: In this book, Yazzie is guarding the architect Frank Lloyd Wright who is having some mob problems. The resolution of the mystery comes totally out of left field, so readers wouldn't be able to figure it out on their own. I enjoyed the book, but didn't love it. Rating B.

There were some amazing books in August, but I started a book in September that is even more extraordinary. Wow !

[Melodie]

Yazzie Goldman sounds interesting! I found a cheap copy of the first book on half.com.

[Carol/Bonadie]

Interesting reads, Shomeret!

[Ann]

Lots of good looking fantasy in these selections, Shomeret! Ill have to see if I can squeeze a coupleof these into my toppling tbr!