Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion
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What Are You Reading Right Now? ( Hwæt béon ðu bocrædung?)
Ace wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Although I did get to read the eARC of Bernard Cornwell's upcoming Sharpe book Sharpe's Command. That was fun!"Michelle I grabbed this from another thread, I have just started th..."
I know, I never get tired of them :)
Michelle wrote: "I'm just started the new Anthony Riches book, (#14 I think), in the Empire series: Clash of Legions."Good choice!
I've recently begun reading "The Ancient Queen," which delves into the life of Queen Tomyris. After watching a movie about her, I'm eager to learn more details about her fascinating life.
Currently reading The Letter of Marque by Patrick O'Brian and also The Forgotten Daughter by Caroline Snedeker. Third time for Letter of Marque (can't get enough of the O'Brien books. The Forgotten Daughter is set in late Republican Rome--more for a YA audience, but I'm enjoying it.
Ellen wrote: "Im reading The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper- book 1 of a trilogy"I read that earlier this year. Currently reading the second book The House with the Golden Door. I will definitely read the 3rd!
Ellen wrote: "Im reading The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper- book 1 of a trilogy"I absolutely loved this series!
The Bright Sword-A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman, a new telling of what happened after Arthur died, with the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue, and young Collum to avenge Arthur's murder and save Camelot.
Pamela wrote: "The Bright Sword-A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman, a new telling of what happened after Arthur died, with the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue, and young Collum to avenge Art..."How are you liking this, Pamela?
Michelle wrote: "Pamela wrote: "The Bright Sword-A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman, a new telling of what happened after Arthur died, with the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue, and young Collu..."Well, I gave the book 100 pages and quit for two reasons. First, the author tells the story in the present, then has half a chapter in the past with Arthur alive, then jumps back to Collum's story. The second reason is stronger for quitting the book. The author has chosen to tell both Arthur's story and Callum's with long passages of hoped for and erotic love between men. This spoiled the legend and story totally for me.
Pamela wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Pamela wrote: "The Bright Sword-A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman, a new telling of what happened after Arthur died, with the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue..."Gotcha. Thanks for answering!
I was reading Napoleon's Spy, but I paused it about a quarter of the way in. I just couldn't stand the immature imbecile of an MC.Instead I'm reading Douglas Jackson's Blood Roses.
Emperor's Spear from Alex Gough. Part 4 from a serie about a member of the Roman Arcani during the reign of Caracalla.
May wrote: "THE DIAMOND EYE by Kate Quinn. Not medieval, nor historical… so should I be mentioning it here??"Sure, why not!
Just finished “My Name Is Resolute” by Mancy E. Turner, a fascinating look at the early American colonies through a young woman who keeps reinventing her life and goes on to make friends with General Gage’s wife. This leads to her learning of the British plan ahead of time and warn Paul Revere.
I started The Man With Two Names last night, and...I don't know...it's just not what I was hoping it would be. It's my fault for my lack of due diligence I guess. It seems to be centered on the politics of the Republic and I've never been a fan of that aspect of ancient Rome. I prefer the legion-based stories. I'll soldier on (😉) a little longer to see if things change.I should add that if one enjoys reading about the political climate back then, this might be a good fit.
Sorry to hear that. I’ve dumped books like that at times only to pick it up again and devour it later. Who knows!?
Marilyn wrote: "Sorry to hear that. I’ve dumped books like that at times only to pick it up again and devour it later. Who knows!?"I might just throw it in my "paused" pile, rather than the DNF pile.
I'm rereading Pompeii by Harris. Visited Italy for the first time this year and have a better understanding of the geography and Roman engineering. I loved this book years ago but am getting more out of it this time around. Also as others have noted the Wolf Den series is very good. Spoiler alert! The volcano blows up at the end.
Tod wrote: "I'm rereading Pompeii by Harris. Visited Italy for the first time this year and have a better understanding of the geography and Roman engineering. I loved this book years ago but am getting more o..."That would be so cool, Tod!
Tod wrote: "I'm rereading Pompeii by Harris. Visited Italy for the first time this year and have a better understanding of the geography and Roman engineering. I loved this book years ago but am getting more o..."Ooh yes, one of my favourite things when reading historical fiction is being able to place the story in a geography I know and understand. I also visited Pompeii for the first time this summer. I could have spent days exploring, but sadly only had an afternoon (we were actually driving from the UK to Greece for a reenactment event, using the trip as an opportunity for a bit of a whirlwind tour through France and Italy as well, but on a tight schedule).
Seeing Pompeii would have been an amazing experience on its own merits of course, but I did really enjoy being able to orient myself in the world inhbited by the charcters in the Wolf Den series. I kind of knew ahead of time that seeing the lupanar itself would be an emotional experience, but it was later in the afternoon that I had one of those thrilling moments where something suddenly falls into place: I had been wandering around the back streets, aiming at nowhere in particular, and suddenly realised I was approaching the same spot again from a different direction and the bar in front of me must be the one referred to as the 'Elephant' in the novels.
I haven't read Harris's Pompeii. I'll have to check that one out.
I agree with the comment that being familiar with a setting helps bring a historical book alive. Currently reading Morgan is my Name by Sophia Keetch and I am thankful we have walked around Tintangel on the Cornish. We even walked down the long staircase so we could venture into the mysterious Merlin’s cave at beach level, which in the right light provides an aura color above your head. Yes, the odd colors even showed up in a couple of long exposure photos.
I’m reading The Handfasted Wife by Carol McGrath, the first in the Daughters of Hastings trilogy. Very well done novel from the perspective of Edith Swanneck, Harold’s common law wife.
I just finished Harris’ CONCLAVE. My copy had been kicking around the house for years. Decided to read it before I saw the movie. Both the novel & the movie were outstanding!!
I’ve moved on to The Swan-Daughter by Carol McGrath, which is the second book in the Daughters of Hastings trilogy. It features King Harold’s daughter, Gunnhild, and her marriage to the Breton knight, Count Alain. I’m loving it!
Donna wrote: "I’m reading The Handfasted Wife by Carol McGrath, the first in the Daughters of Hastings trilogy. Very well done novel from the perspective of Edith Swanneck, Harol..."Just added to my tbr, thanks!
Books mentioned in this topic
M*A*S*H: A Novel About Three Army Doctors (other topics)A Court of Betrayal (other topics)
Imperium (other topics)
The Handfasted Wife (other topics)
The Swan-Daughter (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert Harris (other topics)Carol McGrath (other topics)
Carol McGrath (other topics)
Carol McGrath (other topics)
Ken Follett (other topics)
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Michelle I grabbed this from another thread, I have just started this one last night, so good being back with Sharpe and his guys, plus one useless officer 🤣