CHRIS DAVIES' 50 BOOKS READ IN 2015

[Chris]

43. by Joseph O'Loughlin (no picture available)
Finish date: 4/24
Genre: Historical Fiction (Adventure)
Rating: ★★★★✩
Review: Excellent high seas adventure in 1812. With good detail about the beginnings of the Irish Rebellion, the Napoleonic Wars, and the War of 1812. Very good descriptions of life aboard ship, ports of call in Ireland, the Canaries, Brazil and United States.

Interesting conflict between brothers, Spanish treasure, and the quest for freedom. I liked the global scope. Well done!

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Chris, you need to correct the citation in #43. You always need to add the author's link whether or not there's a photo. And I'm not sure about replacing a letter with stars.
by Joseph O'Loughlin (no photo)

[Chris]

44. by Freda Lightfoot
Finish date: 04/28
Genre: Historical Fiction (Mystery)
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Review: This was a multi-generational mystery against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and 1963 England. It was an enjoyable read. The descriptions of life in an aristocratic household during the revolutions from the perspective of an English governess were very interesting. A mixture of mystery, romance and family saga.

[Chris]

45. by Herbert Paul (no photo available)
Finish date: 04/29
Genre: Historical/Non-fiction
Rating: ★★★★✩
Review:A very detailed look at the politics and social mores of the 14 years of Queen Anne's reign. This was an excellent explanation of how she became Queen and the Act of Settlement which secured succession of George I. The religious tenor of the times dominated the political parties and many of the decisions made.

The Duke of Marlborough and Godolphin dominated the leadership of the country during the Wars of Spanish Succession, but gave way to the Tories in 1712.

The book was divided into sections; the War of Spanish Succession, Politics, Literature, and Society and Manners.

It was not a favorable look at Anne herself, but pointed out the lasting impact of her reign, including military victory, the Act of Settlement, the dominance of the Church of England, The Act of Union and the advance of Literature.

[Chris]

46. by Walter Scott
Finish date: 4/30
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. Having never seen the movie or previously read it, I had no idea it who or what the character Rob Roy was. I was looking for a book describing that time period (1700-1715) and this, was interesting adventure into the Highlands.

[Chris]

MAY

47. by Bernard Cornwell
Finish date: 5/2
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Review: This wasn't my favorite Bernard Cornwell. It didn't have the "charm" of some other Arthurian tales, and I found the level of detail boring. I listened to this book rather than reading, and perhaps that was the source of my dislike.

[Chris]

48. by Hilaire Belloc
Finish date: 5/3
Genre: History/Non-fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
Excellent description of the purpose of Marlborough's 'March to the Danube', the detail of the Battle of Blenheim and the repercussions of the French/Bavarian defeat.

The explanations of the strategy and the logistics was very clear as well as the descriptions of the personalities involved.

Very readable!

[Chris]

49. by Deanna Raybourn
Finish date: 5/5
Genre: Historical/Mystery
Rating:★★★★½
Review: A very good Victorian murder mystery with great characters, a peculiar family and interesting themes.

[Chris]

50. by C.S. Quinn
Finish date: 05/07
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Review: Gruesome look at 1665 London plague. Some interesting history about the Restoration. Properly researched and written; just wasn't my cup of tea.