Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

2137 views
General Discussions > What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?)

Comments Showing 8,951-9,000 of 10,106 (10106 new)    post a comment »

message 8951: by Allison (last edited Oct 12, 2018 03:04PM) (new)

Allison | 1704 comments ^^^Just added it to my TBR. Thanks ladies :)


message 8952: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments I am reading BEFORE SUNRISE by Rick Mofina. I have read several of his crime thrillers and liked them all. He is a steady 'good read' author.


message 8953: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Nearly forgot to tell you that the book was either 99 cents or free on Bookbub yesterday


message 8954: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments I’ve been on a crime thriller track, too. Typically, I’m behind like the cow’s tail. First, I read Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow. Now, I’ve just finished Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver - and that one was published in 1958 and a movie in 1959! No matter. They were excellent! Oh, what fun it is to read a really good book! And then two in a row!


message 8955: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Great, Marilyn! That does not happen often.


message 8956: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments I have ventured into non-fiction, with ‘The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici’ by Christopher Hibbert. Just got back from my first visit to Tuscany, and I wish I had read this before I went there. I could have used my time in Florence that bit better.


message 8957: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments There’s something to be said for the merits of non-fiction. Maybe you can schedule a trip for next year.


message 8958: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I finally finished Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Good read. I thought it was an interesting look at how Adam's and Jefferson's friendship grew during the Continental Congress, started fraying during their time in France and finally ruptured during Adam's Presidency, and how they rekindled after both had left office. Solid 4 star read.

Current reading the 7th entry Jeri Westerson's Crispin Guest Medevial Mystery series

The Silence of Stones A Crispin Guest Medieval Noir by Jeri Westerson

In this one, the disgraced Knight has to recover the "stolen" Stone of Scone in three days or his sidekick will be executed. Katherine Swynford (John of Gaunt's third wife) shows up.


message 8959: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments Another series I need to get to 😭

Hmmm I just may need to add that Jefferson & Adams book...


message 8960: by Adrian (new)

Adrian Deans (adriandeans) | 293 comments Currently reading the best book I've read in some years - I say that despite being only three quarters through, but can't see it letting me down (the writing and storytelling being that strong).

It's a little outside my usual favourite periods but what a great book...

Cold Mountain


message 8961: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments It was popular as a movie, too, although the book is probably better.


message 8962: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments I am reading The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd. The book is over 700 very readable pages. My book allowance is depleted, but I will get gift cards come Christmas. Then I will buy and read Russka: The Novel of Russia. When I die, I hope my heirs will appreciate the small fortune I have invested in books on my e-readers and tablets.


message 8963: by Linda (last edited Oct 19, 2018 07:09PM) (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Cold Mountain is a good book but a better movie because of the actors, especially Renee Zellweger. Some scenes are crude, but fitting. I agree with you, Adrian, that the storytelling is strong.


message 8964: by Patricia (new)

Patricia | 103 comments I'm almost finished with Time and Chance. I've enjoyed it but the last fifty pages or so are dragging for me. Maybe I'm just impatient but a lot of it has been conversations where one person is telling others what has been happening in the kingdom. I think some of it could have been cut, but I admit I'm in "editor mode" with my own writing.


message 8965: by Bobby (last edited Oct 22, 2018 04:24PM) (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments Just finished The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg and what a touching tale. A different take on what makes a “family”! Now onto Things Fall Apart


message 8966: by C.P. (last edited Oct 22, 2018 04:41PM) (new)

C.P. Lesley (cplesley) | 564 comments I've been reading too fast to post, but recent titles I've enjoyed include The Greenest Branch by P.K. Adams, an ARC of Yangsze Choo's The Night Tiger, Across the Great Lake by Lee Zacharias, and (just starting) Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva.

Not to mention Bernard Cornwell's War of the Wolf. I know this group would have no interest in that. ;-)


message 8967: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I finished The Silence of Stones, fun quick read - (view spoiler)
I didn't think this was a the best entry in the series, but still a fun way to kill a few hours. weak 4 stars.

Currently reading the next entry in the series

A Maiden Weeping (Crispin Guest, #9) by Jeri Westerson


message 8968: by Adrian (new)

Adrian Deans (adriandeans) | 293 comments Finally finished Cold Mountain, which was amazing. My review for those interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 8969: by Laura Tenfingers (new)

Laura Tenfingers | 178 comments Patricia wrote: "I'm almost finished with Time and Chance. I've enjoyed it but the last fifty pages or so are dragging for me. Maybe I'm just impatient but a lot of it has been conversations where one..."

I'm with you Patricia, I didn't love Time and Chance as much as When Christ and His Saints Slept and have been meaning to read the next one, Devil's Brood, but haven't quite got the oomph. I thought her Welsh Princes trilogy was stellar from beginning to end though.


message 8970: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments Adrian wrote: "Finally finished Cold Mountain, which was amazing. My review for those interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

One of my favorite Civil War stories and a debut novel as well. I believe i read that the movie was filmed in Romania.


message 8971: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments A Letter From America by Geraldine O'Neill is the book I am reading now. It was free on Bookbub this past week and may still be free. It is shaping up the more I read. I finished The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd yesterday. He is a good author, and I was delighted with the read. That book was also on sale at Bookbub, but the sale has probably run its course by now. Mr. Rutherfurd is comparable to Mr. James Michener and Mr. Leon Uris but writes with a dry wit. My review is posted on Goodreads and Amazon. I highly recommend the book!


message 8972: by Patricia (new)

Patricia | 103 comments Laura Tenfingers wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I'm almost finished with Time and Chance. I've enjoyed it but the last fifty pages or so are dragging for me. Maybe I'm just impatient but a lot of it has been conver..."
Oh, yes, I loved the Welsh Princes as well. Maybe next year I'll get to Devil's Brood


message 8973: by happy (last edited Oct 29, 2018 08:10PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I just started #19 in Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbet medieval mystery series. Set in the early 14th century

Devil's Wolf (Hugh Corbett #19) by Paul Doherty


message 8974: by Adrian (new)

Adrian Deans (adriandeans) | 293 comments Just about to start The Harrowing. Quite looking forward to it - not least as I've started mapping out the sequel to my own Hastings novel, so it's research.


message 8975: by Jorge (new)

Jorge Williams Enjoying War of the Wolf at the moment, so far so good as always!


message 8976: by Jane (last edited Oct 30, 2018 05:46AM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments The Queens of Innis Lear The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton : fantasy retelling of King Lear by William Shakespeare King Lear


message 8977: by happy (last edited Oct 30, 2018 05:17PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Adrian wrote: "Just about to start The Harrowing. Quite looking forward to it - not least as I've started mapping out the sequel to my own Hastings novel, so it's research."

I really liked it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

It's kind of Canterbury Talish in its structure.


message 8978: by Margaret, Sherlockian Sheila (new)

Margaret (margyw) | 3341 comments happy wrote: "I just started #19 in Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbet medieval mystery series. Set in the early 14th century

Devil's Wolf (Hugh Corbett #19) by Paul Doherty"


I quite enjoyed that one.


message 8979: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments Five-Carat Soul by James McBride and The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1) by Bernard Cornwell for the second time!


message 8980: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S. by Taylor Caldwell is book I am reading. It is about Genghis Khan, and I got it a dollar on Bookbub, yesterday. It might still be available.


message 8981: by Tamara (last edited Nov 08, 2018 04:23PM) (new)

Tamara Agha-Jaffar Bobby wrote: "Five-Carat Soul by James McBride and The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1) by Bernard Cornwell for the second time!"

I'm reading Three Day Road about a Native American fighting in the trenches in WWI. The Last Kingdom is next in line to read.


message 8982: by Reeda (new)

Reeda Booke (book-wizard) | 18 comments Linda wrote: "THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S. by Taylor Caldwell is book I am reading. It is about Genghis Khan, and I got it a dollar on Bookbub, yesterday. It might still be available."

I can't believe I missed out on this deal. That book is on my wish list!!


message 8983: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments I read that years ago and it is so good.


message 8984: by Tamara (new)

Tamara Agha-Jaffar I finished Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden.
A difficult book to read because of the graphic description of fighting in the trenches during WWI. I thought it was well done and posted my review in the WWI thread.


message 8985: by Megan (last edited Nov 13, 2018 09:04AM) (new)

Megan (oreodont) | 29 comments I'm reading Fall of Kings by David (and Stella) Gemmell. This is a very realistic retelling of the Trojan War (though perhaps I should say it's inspired by the Trojan War stories -- lots of changes and anyone can die). I enjoyed the first two books of the trilogy and will be sorry to see it all end. (ETA - the first book is Lord of the Silver Bow)


message 8986: by happy (last edited Nov 13, 2018 08:28PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments happy wrote: "I just started #19 in Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbet medieval mystery series. Set in the early 14th century
Devil's Wolf (Hugh Corbett #19) by Paul Doherty"


I finished Devil's Wolf and a short Novella that immediately precedes it chronologically

The King's Writ (Hugh Corbett, 18.5) by Paul Doherty

Both are pretty good way to pass a few hours.

Devil's Wolf has it's origins in Edward I's sack of Berwick, but takes place some 17 yrs later. The novel is set in the Scottish Marches against the backdrop of Robert the Bruce's growing power and border incursions. The mystery is who is killing 5 Scottish prisoners that are supposed to be exchanged for English ones and just what happened to the "Lily Crown" part of the booty Edward took at the same time as the Stone of Scone.

As always, Prof Doherty paints a fascinating picture of life in the late 13th and early 14th century. Edward II favorite is a major supporting character in the novel. Surprisingly to me at least, he is portrayed rather sympathetically. Good mystery, I rated it 4 stars.

The novella is set at the Tower of London and show Sir Hugh in a more martial light. As it opens he is taking a turn at Jousting (view spoiler). There is two mysteries - who killed a servant of Lord Mortimer and put him down a well and why are there 3 writs signed and sealed by Edward I (dead some 5 yrs) giving certain estates in the Welch Marches to 3 different men.

Again good mystery, but because of it's length (60 pgs or so) the background stories are somewhat truncated

I rated it 4 stars for what it is - it could have easily be fleshed out to a full novel
also posted in the Historical Mystery Thread

I'm currently reading the 9th entry into David Weber's Safehold series

At the Sign of Triumph (Safehold #9) by David Weber

While this is a SF series, it is a sort of a retelling of the Wars of the Protestant Reformation set in the far future. In the first books of the series the technology is pre industrial. By this novel it has advanced to post American Civil War. There are some good naval battle scenes (actual sailing vessels) ala C.S. Forester or Alexander Kent. This novel focuses more on strategy than tactics so it is a bit talky. I've enjoyed the series, but Mr Weber could us a good editor - the last few books have felt a little bloated.


message 8987: by Lariela (new)

Lariela | 187 comments I'm re-reading The Winter Crown by Elizabeth Chadwick.


message 8988: by Adrian (last edited Nov 15, 2018 09:09PM) (new)

Adrian Deans (adriandeans) | 293 comments happy wrote: "
I really liked it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

It's kind of Canterbury Talish in its structure."


Well, sorry to say I really struggled to finish this book. I know some on here loved it so it just goes to show how different taste can be. Reminded me of Waiting for Godot - should have been titled Waiting for Normans...


message 8989: by Laura Tenfingers (new)

Laura Tenfingers | 178 comments I'm enjoying The Sea Queen by Linnea Hartsuyker. I thought the first one, The Half-Drowned King, was OK and this one's a bit better. Vikings and the uniting of Norway.


message 8990: by Jane (last edited Nov 16, 2018 06:23AM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Laura Tenfingers wrote: "I'm enjoying The Sea Queen by Linnea Hartsuyker. I thought the first one, The Half-Drowned King, was OK and this one's a bit better. Vikings and th..."




sorry to say #1 did not impress, so I have no desire to read any sequels. But... diff'runt strokes, etc.


message 8991: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I've seen a few people in our book group now who didn't like #1 in that series. Seems to be one that is very split on whether it is a good read or not.


message 8992: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Adrian wrote: "happy wrote: "
I really liked it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

It's kind of Canterbury Talish in its structure."

Well, sorry to say I really struggled to finish this book. I know some ..."


I like your alternate Title - some truth in that

I'm sorry you didn't care for it - as you say everyone has different tastes - that's what makes life interesting :)


message 8993: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments I agree with Adrian & Happy that THE HARROWING was very much like The CANTERBURY TALES. I did enjoy the novel, but I did not think it was as powerful as Aitcheson’s earlier trilogy.


message 8994: by Renata (new)

Renata (rderis) | 236 comments Reading the Sea Queen also. I didn’t care much for number 1, so I’m not sure why, it must be my incurable love for all things Viking lol...it is better than the first tho!


message 8995: by happy (last edited Nov 22, 2018 12:08PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I've finished a non fiction look at one of the movers and shakes of the Cold War CIA

The Ghost The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton by Jefferson Morley

Angleton was involved with most of the excesses of the 50s/60s CIA. These included, opening other peoples mail, domestic spying on US citizens, the LSD exspiriments, lieing to the Warren Commission about Oswald, various coup attempts and last but not lease a never ending search for KGB agents inside of the CIA.

To sum up his life - he was one of those people who fervently believed the "Ends Justify the Means"

4 stars

Currently reading Nathaniel Philbrick's new NF look at Geo Washington and the Battle of Yorktown

In the Hurricane's Eye The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my nook I am currently reading
Germanicus (Marcus Corvinus, #2) by David Wishart


message 8996: by Allison (last edited Nov 22, 2018 12:34PM) (new)

Allison | 1704 comments Oooh will have to take a look at that one, Happy. Sadly, this American is lacking in American History. Too busy studying and loving England! When I have a chunk of time, I really need to root out some good NF on Washington, the Founding Fathers, and the Revolutionary War in general.


message 8997: by Laura Tenfingers (new)

Laura Tenfingers | 178 comments I'm enjoying The King's Witch by Tracy Borman. Takes place in the court of James I, a time period I haven't read much about. So far so good.


message 8998: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Allie wrote: "Oooh will have to take a look at that one, Happy. Sadly, this American is lacking in American History. Too busy studying and loving England! When I have a chunk of time, I really need to root out s..."

So far, Philbrick has never disappointed. A very good bio of Washington is Ron Chernow's

Washington A Life by Ron Chernow


message 8999: by Allison (last edited Nov 22, 2018 07:23PM) (new)

Allison | 1704 comments ^That I know is already in my tbr!! Thanks!


message 9000: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments I’m on a mystery/thriller crime bent these days having discovered Ian Rankin recently. His newest is out in December. Meanwhile another writer of the same ilk: Peter May. His novels take place in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. His writing is fantastic!


back to top