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 9601: by Henry (new)

Henry Millstein | 17 comments Just finished Roman Blood. Saylor does a good job of depicting the Roman world of the first century BC, though at times the dialogue strikes me as being a bit too contemporary. The mystery also is very well constructed. I'll be reading more of his work. Also just finished Heart of the World by Cecelia Holland (not on Goodreads). She has remarkable skill at plausibly depicting the mind-set of ancient and medieval characters far removed from us culturally and psychologically.


message 9602: by Mike (new)

Mike | 6 comments May wrote: "Reading A YEAR OF WONDERS by Geraldine Brooks"

I loved that book. I read it after reading Minette Walters two book series on the Black Death, The Last Hours (Black Death, #1) by Minette Walters The Last Hours and The Turn of Midnight (Black Death, #2) by Minette Walters The Turn of Midnight which are excellent.


message 9603: by Mike (new)

Mike | 6 comments I just finished The Sicilian Method by Andrea Camilleri The Sicilian Method which is part of one of the best detective series around. Now I'm reading Conspiracy by S. J. Parris S.J. Parris


message 9604: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments THE OTHER WOMAN by Daniel Silva


message 9605: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments Have just finished “A Dish of Spurs” by Robert Low. A good, atmospheric story set in the Scottish border country in Tudor times. Worth four stars in my opinion. I found it particularly fascinating as it was set in countryside that I know well and he really captured the feel of the area. Looking forward to the next in the series.


message 9606: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis


message 9607: by A.R. (new)

A.R. Bredenberg (aroyking) Bobby wrote: "The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis"

I really like these time-travel books by Connie Willis. One thing I've noticed is that she doesn't necessarily write them all using the same style. "The Doomsday Book," for example, is pretty dark, but "To Say Nothing of the Dog" is rather comic.

Roy K.


message 9608: by J.A. (new)

J.A. McLachlan (janeannmclachlan) | 8 comments J.A. wrote: "Mike wrote: "May wrote: "Reading A YEAR OF WONDERS by Geraldine Brooks"

I loved that book. I read it after reading Minette Walters two book series on the Black Death, [bookcover:The Last Hours|354..."



message 9609: by J.A. (new)

J.A. McLachlan (janeannmclachlan) | 8 comments I Liked Year of Wonders, too. I'll have to try to find Walters' books, they sound great. Thanks for mentioning them, Mike.


message 9610: by J.A. (last edited Nov 07, 2020 03:26PM) (new)

J.A. McLachlan (janeannmclachlan) | 8 comments A. Roy wrote: "Bobby wrote: "The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis"

I really like these time-travel books by Connie Willis. One thing I've noticed is that she doesn't necessarily write them all using the same style..."


Connie Willis's book, The Doomsday Book - one of my all-time favorites (There are, admittedly, a lot of books in this group, but Doomsday Book is definitely in there!)


message 9611: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments So, I bought GRANT by Ron Chernow for Bill’s birthday. The book is literally 4” thick. It sits on the bookshelf daring us to take it on... maybe this winter??


message 9612: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments Yes, it’s well worth reading. I read the Kindle version. Much easier for me to handle.


message 9613: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments If only he would!! Bill will only read printed books. Thus, any author or novel we both want to read is a paperback. :( I'll let you know how we do!!
Be well! Stay safe!!


message 9614: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I haven't been reading the last few months. I left Michael Connelly's The Night Fire half way through in September even though I was quite liking it.
Picked it up again last night.


message 9615: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Terri wrote: "I haven't been reading the last few months. I left Michael Connelly's The Night Fire half way through in September even though I was quite liking it.
Picked it up again last night."


I've been taking forever to read another one in German about the Romans in Germania: Marcus - Tribun Roms. Schicksal an Mosel und Rhein.: Band II: Schicksal an Mosel und Rhein 2 set at the time of the future Emperor Julian, middle 4th century. I can only read so much at one time but it's getting a little easier.


message 9616: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments May wrote: "So, I bought GRANT by Ron Chernow for Bill’s birthday. The book is literally 4” thick. It sits on the bookshelf daring us to take it on... maybe this winter??"

I loved Grant. It really gave me a new appriation of his presidency. I think Chernow is one of the best biographers writing right now.

I recently finished Thomas Penn's recent book on the Brother's York

The Brothers York An English Tragedy by Thomas Penn

This is more than just a recounting of the "Wars of the Roses". :Penn looks at the relationship between the three brothers, Edward, George and Richard. Two who became kings and the other who thought he should be. The way Edward played Burgandy and France against each other is also gone in to in depth. I tought it was a solid 4 star read by not as good as the authors previous book, a biography of Henry VII

Winter King Henry VII and the Dawn of Tudor England by Thomas Penn


message 9617: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments happy wrote: "May wrote: "So, I bought GRANT by Ron Chernow for Bill’s birthday. The book is literally 4” thick. It sits on the bookshelf daring us to take it on... maybe this winter??"

I loved [book:Grant|3423..."


Did you see the History Channel's miniseries on Grant, Happy and May? Or should I say the mostly non-History channel!


message 9618: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments No, I didn't. I rarely watch THC any more, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it when it is reaired :)


message 9619: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments I think we saw some of it. We also caught part of an older interview with Ron Chernow about GRANT on “InDepth”. Between the 2 sources, we realized we knew very little about Grant. Thus, the book.
I agree, Happy, that Ron Chernow is an outstanding author. As I’ve said before, reading his historical biographies always leaves me feeling like I have just completed a PhD!!


message 9620: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments I agree with you, happy, re Chernow’s GRANT. I had read his autobiography but Chernow really added a lot of nuts and bolts I never knew about. He added a depth that school history never touches nor THC which only skims. I am so glad I read it.


message 9621: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments happy wrote: "No, I didn't. I rarely watch THC any more, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it when it is reaired :)"

Goodness, how the mighty have fallen! THC and Bravo both. I don't watch either, as a rule.


message 9622: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Reading a historical fantasy set in the of the first crusade.

A Wind from the Wilderness (Watchers of Outremer, #1) by Suzannah Rowntree

It’s self published and it’s well written so far.


message 9623: by Jaime (new)

Jaime (goodreadsjaime_contreras) | 38 comments I am finishing up two books for 2020: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Windswept House by Malachi Martin .


message 9624: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Jan 07, 2021 12:14PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I just finished reading a non fiction Glenrowan: The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation
Glenrowan The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation by Ian W. Shaw

Now reading the thriller The Woman in the Window


message 9625: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Is no-one reading? lol :-)

I am really impressed with The Woman in the Window. Which I am nearly finished. Excellent writing which is refreshing in the crime and thriller genre. I read The Silent Patient a couple books ago and thought it was awful. The writing really basic.

My last read, Glenrowan: The Legend of Ned Kelly and the Siege That Shaped a Nation, I reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 9626: by Allison (new)

Allison | 1704 comments Terri wrote: "Is no-one reading? lol :-)

I am really impressed with The Woman in the Window. Which I am nearly finished. Excellent writing which is refreshing in the crime and thriller genre. I ..."


Sadly, not really :(


message 9627: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments I am reading ... 1 non-fiction, a mystery and a new author. I’m just not reading any historical at the moment!!!


message 9628: by Laura Tenfingers (new)

Laura Tenfingers | 178 comments I sadly haven't read much historical fiction lately, but I did just get my hands on Ben Kane's latest, Lionheart. I'm really looking forward to it.


message 9629: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Jan 11, 2021 09:29PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I must confess I also was not reading much late last year and the only historical I was reading was non fiction.
But my news years resolution was to read more, so I've a got a stack of books on my shelves ready to go. :-)

Only one historical fiction in them, however, which is War Lord all the rest are crime or thriller (and a non fiction which I've already read this year, Glenrowan)


message 9630: by Michaela (new)

Michaela | 98 comments I also plan to read more historical fiction, but it would be easier for me to read it with others, the group or as a buddy read. :)


message 9631: by Jerry (last edited Jan 12, 2021 08:27AM) (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments For the past few months it’s been a case of grabbing a short reading spell whenever I can. All writing has come to a complete stop for the moment Will my workload ease in the coming weeks? I really don’t know. The Black Friday/Christmas period was always the peak season, but it hasn’t relented yet and maybe it won’t. Workloads doubled with the first UK lockdown, and they seem to be going up again with these new restrictions.

Reading has been a welcome escape, albeit nothing too heavy. I have just finished The Dead of Winter by S.J. Parris, and prior to Christmas I caught up with of couple Cato and Macro adventures. I’m currently reading The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron. I know it’s not historical but I’ve always enjoyed stories set in wilderness America.

I’ve got a wish list a mile long, so I’ll always be able to dip into something. I’m just not switched on enough to handle non-fiction again yet.


message 9632: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments Jerry, Paul Doiron is a “local author” by our standards... he lives just up the road a piece into Maine. My husband & I have thoroughly enjoyed his novels. Hoping you do as well!


message 9633: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments Thanks May. I will certainly be reading more of Paul’s stories. I thought that first one was really good.


message 9634: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Reading my first historical fiction for a few years, apart from a historical fantasy I read last year.

Black Andrew War, treachery, honour and love during the defining years of English and Scottish Medieval History 1314-1315 (The Lords of the High Country) by Jerry Bennett

Don’t much about the western side in this period, know more about my side.


message 9635: by Andy (new)

Andy | 1510 comments Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.... about as far away from hf as you can likely get I'm afraid.


message 9636: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments The mighty oakThe Mighty Oak


message 9637: by Jitesh (new)

Jitesh I am reading valour by John Gwynne


message 9638: by Jitesh (new)

Jitesh it's going good


message 9639: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments Valour (The Faithful and the Fallen, #2) by John Gwynne Jitesh wrote: "I am reading valour by John Gwynne"


message 9640: by Jerry (new)

Jerry Bennett | 147 comments Hi Mark. That book is currently being revised in my spare time, and there’s not much of that at present. I chose to keep working through the pandemic after seeing the cost of good quality editing, but I hope to complete that revision soon. Future books will be released after they have also been edited, and they certainly contain action from your side of the country, with the shambolic attempt to recapture Berwick in 1319 in the next book.

Like my m.c., I come from Cumbria, and I have long been intrigued by his life and it’s tragic end. The siege of Carlisle was where he first rose to prominence, but later he was active all over the North of England.


message 9641: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I'm reading Good Girl, Bad Girl (Cyrus Haven, #1) by Michael Robotham
Good Girl, Bad Girl
The author, Michael Robotham, is Aussie, I'm pleasantly surprised. Don't know why I didn't try his stuff before. He's very good.


message 9642: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I've also been reading a lot, just not HF, mainly regular history


message 9643: by Marilyn (new)

Marilyn (mbk1857) | 415 comments Currently, I’m reading about the conflict between Truman and MacArthur. After that I will probably read about Cadfael and his mysteries. Except for the first in the series, I’m finding them very entertaining!


message 9644: by May (new)

May (mayzie) | 968 comments I’m waiting for Bill to finish GRANT by Ron Chernow. Meanwhile, I’m reading an older Daniel Silva, THE NEW GIRL


message 9645: by Bobby (new)


message 9646: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I just started the latest Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Shores novel

War Lord (The Last Kingdom, #13) by Bernard Cornwell


message 9647: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Feb 18, 2021 07:26PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Good luck! But then maybe you won't need it. Maybe its only me who'll be weeping myself to sleep when I close that last Uhtred and put it in my bookcase. lol.

(hence why I'm in no hurry to read it!)


message 9648: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I'm currently reading a one volume book of Peter Carey's short stories. Collected Stories

And I am also reading (but have put it aside for the moment to read the Carey book), Hermit by SR White.
Hermit by S.R. White


message 9649: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments I'm a Jo Nesbo fan so I'm reading The Kingdom by Jo Nesbø


message 9650: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Feb 26, 2021 04:44PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I've finished Peter Carey's Collected Stories and I still have Hermit on the go. But because Hermit isn't even remotely interesting to me, I am starting something else.

I said in the Random Thoughts thread a month or so ago that I would never read The Yield by Tara June Winch by Tara June Winch because I don't like reading novels that make me too sad. But my Auntie gave it to me as a present and now I feel I must read it.
It won all the major literary awards here in Australia, so I probably should read it. Give it the respect it deserves.


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