Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

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General Discussions > What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?)

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message 6852: by Andrew (new)

Andrew Pengelly | 51 comments Flashman on the MarchFlashman on the March
Historical fiction or farce? I love Flashman anyway.


message 6853: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I just started John Norwich's non fiction

A History of Venice by John Julius Norwich


message 6854: by Kimber (new)

Kimber (kimberlibri) | 785 comments The Garden of Earthly Delights about Hieronymous Bosch but more of a historical mystery than a straight historical fiction. Seems like Ol' Heiro is just a character rather than a historical figure but it still talks about his painting and motivations behind his triptychs for the church so I'm happy. :D


message 6856: by Lariela (new)

Lariela | 187 comments Currently reading Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka.


message 6857: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Also reading Tyger A Kydd Sea Adventure (Kydd Sea Adventures #16) by Julian Stockwin Tyger: A Kydd Sea Adventure by Julian Stockwin-- a departure for me--a nautical novel set in the Napoleonic times. So far it reminds me of the Hornblower novels I loved as a teenager.


message 6858: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments Lovely to come across a fellow "Flashman" addict. I know the hero gets into some rather unlikely scrapes, but the historical background is usually pretty accurate.


message 6859: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments Currently reading The Invention of Fire by Bruce Holsinger.


message 6860: by Eileen (new)

Eileen Iciek | 553 comments happy wrote: "I just started John Norwich's non fiction

A History of Venice by John Julius Norwich"


Norwich is wonderful! It was his A Short History of Byzantium by John Julius Norwich A Short History of Byzantium that got me first interested in the Byzantines.

I wish more historians could write as entertainingly as Norwich does.


message 6861: by happy (last edited Sep 17, 2015 08:52AM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend his his complete trilogy on Byzantium. A Short History is an abridgement of it

Byzantium The Early Centuries by John Julius Norwich
Byzantium The Apogee by John Julius Norwich
Byzantium The Decline and Fall by John Julius Norwich

I also really enjoyed his

Shakespeare's Kings The Great Plays and the History of England in the Middle Ages 1337-1485 by John Julius Norwich

(view spoiler)


message 6862: by Monica (new)

Monica | 23 comments Lariela wrote: "Currently reading Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka."

I really liked that book. I also enjoyed Autumn Bridge which is a part of the same story.


message 6863: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments ***cricket cricket***

Where is everyone? I must be the only loser with no weekend plans :(

Well its cold here in Michigan so I've been snuggling with a blanket, my cat and a large cup of tea, reading away.

Finished Henry IV The Righteous King by Ian Mortimer excellent. You forget its NF.

Halfway thru Pines (Wayward Pines, #1) by Blake Crouch and its got me hooked!


message 6864: by happy (last edited Sep 22, 2015 09:39AM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Mortimer is excellent - I've totally enjoyed everything of his that I've read.


message 6865: by Kimber (last edited Sep 21, 2015 01:42PM) (new)

Kimber (kimberlibri) | 785 comments The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra. Medieval mystery about Da Vinci's The Last Supper and a Dominican Inquisitor attempting to interpret the hidden symbolism so he can advise his superiors whether or not they should prosecute Da Vinci as a heretic. Like a Da Vinci code set in the lifetime of the painter and not as pretentious or wordy.

Added the Byzantium trilogy to my TBR. I'm drowning in books. I love it!


message 6866: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments ^^Just added it! Thanks :)


message 6867: by Ace (new)

Ace (aceonroam) | 19 comments Allie wrote: "^^Just added it! Thanks :)"

Me too.

Thanks Kimber


message 6868: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments If you have a Kindle Ace, its on sale for $1.99 :)


message 6869: by Linda (last edited Sep 23, 2015 06:19PM) (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments because by Jack A. Langedijk is the book I just finished and posted a review on goodreads and Amazon. It isn't showing in my list of read books on Goodreads for some reason I cannot fathom. It is a good book. It runs a gamut of emotions for every character involved. I recommend reading it. The book is right around 400 pages unless you read on an ereader. After I adjusted letter, spacing and margin sizes, it went up to 1700 pages! Lol
I am reading The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick about King Arthur's history. The question readers ask is if he was really real. I think so.


message 6870: by Lariela (last edited Sep 23, 2015 07:12PM) (new)

Lariela | 187 comments Monica wrote: "Lariela wrote: "Currently reading Cloud of Sparrows by Takashi Matsuoka."

I really liked that book. I also enjoyed Autumn Bridge which is a part of the s..."


I'm reading that one now. And also Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal.


message 6871: by Ace (new)

Ace (aceonroam) | 19 comments Allie wrote: "If you have a Kindle Ace, its on sale for $1.99 :)"

Thanks Allie, I did check this out when you first posted, but on the Aussie site, it wasn't reduced.

There are 5 copies in the Library system here, so I will borrow the book soon....


message 6872: by Gretchen (new)

Gretchen (eab2012) Started and finished An Incomplete Revenge. Best book of the series so far.

Starting Edwin: High King of Britain

Still working on Night of Sorrows. This book is challenging. I'm getting really annoyed with all of the author's descriptions and discussions of male genitalia. Cortes is destroying an entire civilization and all you can focus on is his codpiece?

Also still working on Arbella: England's Lost Queen. What a tragic story.


message 6873: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments Ace wrote: "Allie wrote: "If you have a Kindle Ace, its on sale for $1.99 :)"

Thanks Allie, I did check this out when you first posted, but on the Aussie site, it wasn't reduced...."


Oh sorry! I always forget that it might not be on sale in other countries :/


message 6874: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments Started the third book in the John Shakespeare series: Prince (John Shakespeare, #3) by Rory Clements


message 6875: by Monica (new)

Monica | 23 comments Gretchen wrote: "Started and finished An Incomplete Revenge. Best book of the series so far.

Starting Edwin: High King of Britain

Still working on Night of Sorrows. ..."


I have never heard of Arbella. I just added that book to my "to read" list. Thanks!


message 6876: by Louise (new)

Louise | 1 comments I was checking out the medieval section of the Historical Novel Society and came across a positive review for this book: And Tomorrow Is a Hawk by Kathryne Finn. I'm about 70% through and really enjoying it. Reminds me a bit of the books by one of my favourite authors, Judith Merkle Riley.


message 6877: by Histolicious (new)

Histolicious Histolicious I started with The Boleyn King (Boleyn Trilogy, #1) by Laura Andersen I love the idea of this book, but it´s such an absurd Teenage Drama ... I´m in love :D


message 6878: by happy (last edited Sep 28, 2015 02:13PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I'm starting
What Angels Fear (Sebastian St. Cyr, #1) by C.S. Harris

It's the first volume of a historical mystery series set in the early Regency Period


message 6879: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) happy wrote: "I'm starting
What Angels Fear

It's the first volume of a historical mystery set in the early Regency Period"


I didn't really like this one myself but my Dad loves it and says it's still really good even at book seven.


message 6880: by Gretchen (new)

Gretchen (eab2012) Nadine wrote: "I started with The Boleyn King (Boleyn Trilogy, #1) by Laura Andersen I love the idea of this book, but it´s such an absurd Teenage Drama ... I´m in love :D"

The books get less absurd and more dramatic (if that makes sense) as the series continues. I must confess, I was fascinated by the idea of these novels but extremely disappointed by the end of the third.


message 6882: by happy (last edited Sep 30, 2015 04:32PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I finished What Angels Fear

It really was a quick read and I liked it - enough to eventually continue on with the series. The subject matter was a little unsettling (view spoiler), but it really wasn't explicit. I rated this 3.75 stars - rounded up for GR.

Since it is a two week check out and I've already had it out from the library once and had to give it back before reading it, my next read is David McCullough's new book on the Wright Bothers

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough


message 6883: by Histolicious (new)

Histolicious Histolicious I started with River of Ink by Paul M.M. Cooper it´s so good :)


message 6884: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments The Quiet Game (Penn Cage, #1) by Greg Iles My first venture into Greg Iles land and so far, so good.


message 6885: by Monica (new)

Monica | 23 comments I'm over half-way through I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Conde and translated by Richard Phileox. I'm enjoying it.


message 6886: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Nadine wrote: "I started with River of Ink by Paul M.M. Cooperit´s so good :)"

Thanks for the recommendation.


message 6887: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments I just finished I AM THE CHOSEN KING. I loved it!!
Where do I find the discussion on this novel?
Thank you.


message 6888: by happy (last edited Oct 08, 2015 03:34PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I finished McCullough's The Wright Brothers

McCullough once again has written a very well reasearched, readable and informative biography. It mainly covers their lives from about 1895 or so when they got interest in flight through to about 1910 after there successful European Tour.

One thing I found interesting (view spoiler)

4.25 stars rounded down because it is so short - about 260 pgs or so.

Currently reading a guilty pleasure -David Drake's

The Road of Danger (Lt. Leary, #9) by David Drake

While this IS a space opera, to give it a HF twist, Drake says series was inspired by O'Brian's Aubry/Maturain Napoleonic Wars British Naval Series


message 6889: by Ace (new)

Ace (aceonroam) | 19 comments May wrote: "I just finished I AM THE CHOSEN KING. I loved it!!
Where do I find the discussion on this novel?
Thank you."


Good to know, I haven't started yet, but the discussion is here May:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


message 6890: by Kimber (new)

Kimber (kimberlibri) | 785 comments Finished up my Fourth Brother Cadfael which I loved, of course and have started a Historical Mystery series based in Vienna. The Max Liebermann series by Frank Tallis. I purchased Death and the Maiden at a discount on Bookbub.com and realized it was the sixth in the series. I just couldn't read it cold so I went back and started with #1 - A Death in Vienna. So far, so good and I absolutely love an Austrian setting!


message 6891: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments The Sword of the Banshee by Amanda Hughes. It may still be free or nearly free on Amazon. Check it out.


message 6892: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY by Louise Penny. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.


message 6893: by Flatenchilada (new)

Flatenchilada | 2 comments I just keep going back to Kathryn Le Veque. Currently, I am finishing The Gorgon. [ author:Kathryn Le Veque|5989639] I have read eight or ten of her medieval romances and still want more. They are beautifully written with good character development and sense of setting. When I am walking, cleaning house, or driving, I listen to her novels on audible/whispersync. When they are read by Tristan Hunt, Tim Campbell, Brian Gill, or Guy Veryzer, they can't be beat. What a great escape.


message 6894: by Kimber (new)

Kimber (kimberlibri) | 785 comments The Gorgon by Kathryn Le Veque for Flatenchilada's link. BTW I love that name lol.


message 6896: by Shannon Elizabeth (last edited Oct 10, 2015 11:07PM) (new)

Shannon Elizabeth Heffner (thepinkroseoftexas) | 571 comments Just finished Enchantress of Paris A Novel of the Sun King’s Court by Marci Jefferson Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court by Marci Jefferson. It was pretty good (I'd rate it at a 3.5) but would've been so much better if the main character wasn't written in at the beginning of the novel as a strong and independent woman, but she was (which I loved...I like a strong female lead). Because of that, watching her descend into a somewhat pathetic love struck girl was disappointing. But she gets her business together near the end, so that saved it. Still worth a read, though.

Now I'm onto The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner. Enjoying it so far. Always thought Juana of Castile got a bad rap. I've never bought into the idea that she was insane.


message 6897: by Laureen (new)

Laureen (laureenandersonswfcomau) | 133 comments Please forgive me if I am posting this question in the wrong thread. I don't know hoe to make a new thread.

So much has been written about historical England, America, The Vikings, Italy & most of the Mediterranean countries, middle Europe, the great Wars; even Africa & India.

I would like to read some books about little known countries and their history. I.e. Burma, Nepal, Rumania, Poland, Latvia, the Balkan states, the more southern states of South America, and I am fascinated about North Korea. The wars I would like to know more about are the Boer War and the Korean War.


message 6898: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments Flatenchilada wrote: "I just keep going back to Kathryn Le Veque. Currently, I am finishing The Gorgon. [ author:Kathryn Le Veque|5989639] I have read eight or ten of her medieval romances and still want more. They are ..."

I love Katherine LeVeque's books. I have read some and have many on my Kindle that I haven't read yet.


message 6899: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments Edward wrote: "Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell by Bernard Cornwell"

Edward,did you enjoy this one? My husband & I have read several Bernard Cornwell, so I'm looking forward to your review. Thanks


message 6900: by Edward (new)

Edward | 50 comments May, I was wondering how Cornwell was going to make a. novel out of Stonehenge but he pulls it off as a great story teller that he is. The novel got a little slow in the middle, but over all I enjoyed it, only one thing I missed was that it lacked his style of descriptiveness but it's worth reading. I hope this helps. One more thing: hello fellow Cornwell lovers.


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