What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?) Showing 8,051-8,100 of 10,105

[Allison]

Just finished I'd never read from Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury's view before.

[Allison]

Laura wrote: "I've just started Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession by Alison Weir. It's been a few years since I've read any of Alison's historical fiction, but I recently enjoyed Alison's biography of Queen Isabel..."

Added! Thanks :)

[Simona]

The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins. It is the 2nd in a series of 3 (until this moment) and the one I missed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the other two, it's Historical Mystery in England.

[happy]

I finished The Great Revolt: A Mystery Set in Medieval London - fun read. Dr. Doherty has a way of making 14th century London come alive. Set during the Peasants Revolt of 1381, Brother Athelstan has a couple of mysteries to solve - what happened to the men of his parish and at he same time a deputation for the Holy Father in Rome has arrived to look into the canonization of Edward II and promptly start dying. Fairly short just over 200 pages. I thought it was a good way to pass a couple hours - solid 4 star read

Currently reading #4 of Edward Marston's Home Front Detective Series

[Tamara]

After finishing The Whale Road, I delved into a couple of really great novels (neither one was ancient or medieval historical fiction) and I re-read a feminist book I first read years ago about women and myth. I loved all three. So now I am ready to take another plunge into historical fiction.

Based on Terri's recommendation, I am diving into Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle by Manda Scott. It's a mighty hefty book, and I am anxious to get my teeth into it. The library couldn't get me a copy. But my youngest son was able to find it for me on Amazon for $5. Yeah!

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Wonderful! I do believe this is a good match up. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it, Tamara.

[Allison]

Thanks, Happy! Added both those books.

[happy]

I finished Deeds of Darkness

I found it a bit uneven, the first 100 pgs or so,really dragged. There are also a couple of really dislikable and somewhat cardboard characters (not the villian). However it did pick up and I ended up liking it. They mystery is a couple of young ladies are murdered, the first in a movie theater (hence the title). Set against the beginnings of the Battle of the Somme and its affect on the home front. 3.75 stars rounded up

Currently reading a NF look at the relationship between Gen MacArthur and Pres Truman during the Korean War and the question of using Nukes after the Chinese intervention.

[Alice]

Finished Katherine by Anya Seton. I've given it 3.5 stars. It's a well researched and well written historical romance about Katherine Swynford, third wife of John of Gaunt. But some parts are too drawn out and contrived. Too much of a "Cinderella" story.

My review:-

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

[Lariela]

I'm reading Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick.

[Jane]

The Traitor's Niche / Ismail Kadare
The Enchantress Of Florence / Salman Rushdie

[May]

I love Elizabeth Chadwick. Looking forward to your review!!

[Allison]

May wrote: "I love Elizabeth Chadwick

Me too!

Although I haven't read that one yet.

[Alice]

I've started Azincourt, my first Cornwell novel.

[Ace]

I've started Wolfsangel by Aussie Author Liza Perrat set during the WWII Nazi Occupation of France.

[Paul]

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. I know. It's not ancient, but so far it's good.

[Allison]

Alice wrote: "I've started Azincourt, my first Cornwell novel."

That was the first one I've read of his too....and I thought it was just "ok" :/

[Alice]

Allie wrote: "Alice wrote: "I've started Azincourt, my first Cornwell novel."

That was the first one I've read of his too....and I thought it was just "ok" :/"

Allie, which one did you like best?

[Sherry]

Just finished reading "The Eagle and the Dragon" , the tale of a Roman voyage to China circa 100 AD. It's quite an odyssey -- and makes a great read for a long rainy day. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Ace]

Sherry wrote: "Just finished reading "The Eagle and the Dragon" , the tale of a Roman voyage to China circa 100 AD. It's quite an odyssey --..."

Sounds really good Sherry, thanks.

[Dor]

Started "Battle for Empire" set in 3000BC and about the first walled cities and the start of ancient civilisations. Book 5 of 6, a decent series and it makes a change from my usual Rome type HF books.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Dor wrote: "Started "Battle for Empire" set in 3000BC and about the first walled cities and the start of ancient civilisations. Book 5 of 6, a decent series and it makes a change from my usual ..."

That's the Eskkar series by Barone? A series that gets quite up and down reviews that one.

[Dor]

Terri wrote: "Dor wrote: "Started "Battle for Empire" set in 3000BC and about the first walled cities and the start of ancient civilisations. Book 5 of 6, a decent series and it makes a change fr..."

It certainly is, along with Trella. I just found the period quite unusual for HF and I haven't come across many any others that are set before the more popular ancient civilisations.

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Not wrong there. There is a dinstinct lack of the 'very' ancient. Stonehenge is one of very few (non fantasy hist fic) that comes to mind.

[Allison]

Alice wrote: "Allie wrote: "Alice wrote: "I've started Azincourt, my first Cornwell novel."

That was the first one I've read of his too....and I thought it was just "ok" :/"

Allie, which one did..."

Sorry Alice, just seeing this now.

At the risk of having tomatoes thrown at me...I haven't read much Bernard Cornwell, even though I own quite a few of his books. I started with "Azincourt" and the first of his Archer's quest trilogy. I think I liked this one a bit more than if I remember correctly.

I know everyone raves about his Uhtred series but so far I'm unimpressed :/

[Alice]

Thanks for your views Allie. I picked "Azincourt" because I wanted to learn about the historical background to the battle and about Henry V. I myself am not a fan of series. I'm more interested in well-researched historical fiction with mostly real historical characters.

[Allison]

I picked that to read first too Alice for much of the same reason as you. I can't remember why I disliked it so...it's been at least 5 years since I've read it. I just know I was disappointed because everyone's always carrying on about BC.

[Allison]

Ha! Just saw that I gave it 3 stars....hmmm. I remember being extremely disappointed though...

[Alice]

I'm about one-quarter through, and am reminded of Conn Iggulden :)

[Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd]

I hated Azincourt. Gave it 2 stars. I quite liked that Archer series. But not his best. Liked Stonehenge a lot. Have no interest in his Sharpe books.
Love the Saxon series. Really, love it.
So, definitely have a like/dislike with his books despite my love of the Uhtred books.
I don't think Azincourt is a good introduction to his work.

[Ace]

Allie wrote: "Ha! Just saw that I gave it 3 stars....hmmm. I remember being extremely disappointed though..."

Allie, you may have been too afraid to give it 1 or 2 stars because we may have actually thrown tomatoes at you :):):)

I'm trying to get through Wildtrack but it doesn't seem to grab me being a modern day story. Give me swords, riflemen and bows anyday.

[Jane]

Bread and Wine / Ignazio Silone

A reread after some 50 years.

[Jane]

Allie wrote: "Alice wrote: "Allie wrote: "Alice wrote: "I've started Azincourt, my first Cornwell novel."

That was the first one I've read of his too....and I thought it was just "ok" :/"

Allie,..."

All but me! :)

[Simona]

And me. I didn't start Uthred's saga for a good while because Azincourt convinced me that I didn't like Cornwell's books....

[Allison]

I have lots of hope for the Uhtred books :)
I also own his King Arthur trilogy.

I should get back to the Archer trilogy.

Sigh. Too many books.

[happy]

Currently reading #6 of Edward Marston's Home Front Detective Series

[happy]

Finished "Enemy Within"

4 Stars- I thought it was one of the better ones of the series. I liked the subplot of MC's, Inspector Marmion, son, who has shell shock from the Somme, and is having trouble adjusting.

[Tamara]

I finished Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle by Manda Scott.
Although the novel had its shortcomings, I thought it was a compelling read. I enjoyed it and plan to read the rest of the series. I picked up the second book in the series but will probably read a couple of other books before delving into it.

My review on goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and on my website at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com

Many thanks go to Terri for the recommendation.

[Dor]

Tamara wrote: "I finished Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle by Manda Scott.
Although the novel had its shortcomings, I thought it was a compe..."

I also really enjoyed this series and they're one of the most memorable sets I've read. The author said a while ago that she was writing a screenplay for BBC with a view to the series being dramatised on TV. I have a suspicion that the Uhtred series was given priority.

[Tamara]

Dor wrote: "The author said a while ago that she was writing a screenplay for BBC with a view to the series being dramatised on TV..."

That should be wonderful.

[happy]

I just started #7 in Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Cronicles

[Alice]

Long time ago I tried two of Jeffrey Archer's novels (The Fourth Estate and False Impression) and enjoyed them both. But since then I've devoted my reading time to historical fiction, classics and history.

[happy]

that is my primary interest also, but I seem to have to read anything he releases - his short story collections are pretty good. Not may authors write them any more.

BTW, the Clifton Cronicles could be considered HF, although, this last one is not quite set 50 yrs ago - it is in the era of Maggie Thatcher (late 70s early 80s)

[May]

Wow !! How time flies!!

[Alice]

happy wrote: "that is my primary interest also, but I seem to have to read anything he releases - his short story collections are pretty good. Not may authors write them any more.

BTW, the Clifton Cronicles cou..."

Archer is definitely one author I would love to read more from, if only I'm a faster reader...

[Tamara]

I finished Bright Air Black by David Vann. Based on Euripides' play, it is Medea's story told from Medea's point of view. All I can say is wow! It is an astounding work of imagination.

Vann takes us inside Medea's mind as we follow her thoughts and watch her perform her diabolical deeds. But it isn't a book for everyone because the descriptions are very graphic.

I thought it was a brilliant novel. I gave it five stars and listed it as a favorite.

My review on goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and on my website at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com

[Alice]

I finished Azincourt. I've given it 3 stars. A bit disappointed at the lack of historical background details.

My review:-

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

I did find the protagonist Nicholas Hook more likeable than Conn Iggulden's Derry Brewer in Stormbird.

[Paul]

Finished: A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt And Why They Shouldn't. This is a book about an aspect of Stoicism. If you want to learn what made the Romans tick, start with Stoicism. Here's my review; https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alice]

Paul wrote: "Finished: A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt And Why They Shouldn't. This is a book about an aspect of Stoicism. If you want to learn what made the Romans tick, start with Stoicism. Here's my rev..."

It seems our societies have a need to turn to ancient sages (in the West as well as in the East) for lessons in social behavior. Laozi's philosophical concept of humility and simplicity would be a nice complement to Stoicism.

[Paul]

Alice wrote: "Paul wrote: "Finished: A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt And Why They Shouldn't. This is a book about an aspect of Stoicism. If you want to learn what made the Romans tick, start with Stoicism. ..."

Hi Alice, I agree.