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 1451: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Yes he did and Robert Jordan's wife helped as well.


message 1452: by Simona (new)

Simona | 1453 comments I'll have to try it


message 1453: by Jane (last edited Jan 16, 2013 06:35AM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Right now I'm rereading Ruth Downie's Semper Fidelis, #5 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso series, about the Roman Army doctor (i.e., Medicus) in Legion XX in Britannia during Hadrian's time. It might not fully meet your criteria, but there's a cracking good story, plenty of that wry British humor, but no tearjerking. It's a great read for something lighter. I wouldn't be surprised if the author used the Vindolanda Tablets as an inspiration for the core story.
Also: I'm reading (for the 1st time) Cornwell's Archer's Tale.The Archer's Tale Semper Fidelis (Gaius Petreius Ruso, #5) by Ruth Downie


message 1454: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) Semper Fidelis (Gaius Petreius Ruso, #5) by Ruth Downie Semper Fidelis is most definitely in our prevue. I have book #1 on my TBR and I will get to it sometime. :)


message 1455: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Dawn wrote: "Semper Fidelis (Gaius Petreius Ruso, #5) by Ruth Downie Semper Fidelis is most definitely in our prevue. I have book #1 on my TBR and I will get to it sometime. :)"

Read them all -- in order. I personally have liked best #1, #3, and this new one, #5.


message 1456: by Benjamin (new)

Benjamin Van Allen (benvanallen) Currently reading "The Burning Land" by Bernard Cornwell -- Book #5 in the Saxon Stories. I read the previous 4 in the past month and a half. When I started "Burning Land", I decided I needed a change of pace and bought "Master and Commander" by Patrick O'Brian. Holy shit! Talk about a change of pace. It was really jarring switching to O'Brian's writing. Where Bernard Cornwell is a super easy read in first person, O'Brian is all over the place in third. I find myself re-reading a bunch of pages trying to figure out what just what the fuck he's talking about. Thank god for the Kindle's dictionary. I know nothing about sailing equipment, but I love a good adventure on the high seas, and I've always wanted to read his books. I will probably finish it before I go back to Cornwell.


message 1457: by Gentian (new)

Gentian | 41 comments The Gaius Petreius Russo books sound fun- I have not come across them before.


message 1458: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Benjamin wrote: "Currently reading "The Burning Land" by Bernard Cornwell -- Book #5 in the Saxon Stories. I read the previous 4 in the past month and a half. When I started "Burning Land", I decided I needed a cha..."

Read your O'Brian book through. Get what you can out of it, then reread, a few pages slowly at a time. I had to do this with both Eagle in the Snow and Legate's Daughter. So much was between the lines.
O'Brian has a lot of nautical stuff. Is there a glossary or other explanation of nautical terms? This dates me, but I read the Forester Hornblower books many years ago, and the nautical stuff threw me until I went slow.


message 1459: by Jane (last edited Jan 16, 2013 06:32AM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments I finished recently Shipway's Imperial Governor. It was quite interesting how Paulinus planned the battle against Boudicca, how he carried it out and its aftermath -- you could call it "ethnic cleansing". Paulinus was quite a hateful, brutal person, but I'd say he was just following the mores of that period.
Imperial Governor is a great read! Imperial Governor The Great Novel of Boudicca's Revolt by George Shipway


message 1460: by Monica (new)

Monica Davis I just started this one: A Kingdom's Cost (The Douglas Trilogy, #1) by J.R. Tomlin Several of us here grabbed it as a freebie ebook, so I'll be interested in what others think about it as well.


message 1461: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Jan 15, 2013 07:43PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Hi Jane and Benjamin,

When posting comments in the threads please try and include links to the book or the author.
This is helpful for other members so they can easily see which books or authors you are talking about. Which not only assists others, but assists in the evolution and momentum of discussions.
People are less likely to use your recommendations in comments if they have to try and find them themselves.

Please include links to a book or an author if you think it may be the first time it is mentioned or it has been a while since the last time it has been posted. Eg if the book or author hasn't been linked in the last 4 or so posts.

Here is a thread to show you how to add book/author links in your posts.

thanks muchly
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...


message 1462: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Thanks, this has been helpful.


message 1463: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Monica wrote: "I just started this one: A Kingdom's Cost (The Douglas Trilogy, #1) by J.R. Tomlin Several of us here grabbed it as a freebie ebook, so I'll be interested in what others think about it as well."

I loved the two books of that series that I have read so far. The prequel and first book about James Douglas were free. I bought the next book, COUNTENANCE OF WAR, for $4. Sorry, but the book/author feature is not working on ASUS today. I reviewed those books on Amazon and Goodreads (ladylawyer8650@gmail). My profile is messed up, so you might need to use the email address to find me. If you find me, would you tell me where I am.
Just finished HIGHLANDER, Zoe Saadia, author/book won't work, and that review did not post. HIGHLANDER was a free book by a young author and well worth your time to read. I liked that book too. Am I the only one having trouble posting on Goodreads?


message 1464: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Don't You Forget About Me is the book I started yesterday. Notice the book author button worked. It is a discriminating button. The book is not hf but not a bodice ripper either.


message 1465: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) My reading plans for the first couple months of the year seem to include only classics and fantasy. :)

I'm currently reading War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy War and Peace, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins The Moonstone and Stronghold (Dragon Star, #1) by Melanie Rawn Stronghold
I'm finding all of them very good which is a good sign for the start of the new year.


message 1466: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr by N. Gemini Sasson

This is on order from Book Depository and is overdue from the date they quoted me, so I've written them.
I've always admired Glyndwr and am eager to read anything on him. He should be better known. Maybe this is a fatuous comparison, but I'd consider him kind of a Welsh Wallace or Bruce. Wales had been under England since Edward I and Glyndwr led a long-running but ultimately unsuccessful rebellion against Henry IV in the 1400s.


message 1467: by Benjamin (new)

Benjamin Van Allen (benvanallen) Terri wrote: "Hi Jane and Benjamin,

When posting comments in the threads please try and include links to the book or the author.
This is helpful for other members so they can easily see which books or authors y..."


Oops! New here. :)

Currently Reading these two.

The Burning Land

Master and Commander


message 1468: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments stronghold is part of a great series, was dispointed when it finished.

one of best of the late 8os and early 90s.


message 1469: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) Mark wrote: "stronghold is part of a great series, was dispointed when it finished.

one of best of the late 8os and early 90s."


I read my first Rawn book last year and thought it was great, when I realized I owned this one I thought I better give it a try.


message 1470: by Monica (new)

Monica Davis Linda wrote:If you find me, would you tell me where I am.

Thanks, Linda. I found you just fine by clicking on your name in the message line (#1487 above). I read your Goodreads review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I'm 20% through the book. It's a fairly quick read, so I should finish it in a few days.


message 1471: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments I finished 1356 (The Grail Quest, #4) by Bernard Cornwell - good book! I think it is vintage Cornwell. Lots of fighting, a mild love story and well researched. 4 stars - but on the high side (4 1/2).

It isn't fiction, but staying with the 100 yrs War, I'm reading Ian Mortimer's 1415 Henry V's Year Of Glory by Ian Mortimer next.


message 1472: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) With all the good comments on 1356 it makes me wish I liked that series. :)


message 1473: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Benjamin wrote: "oops new here..."

Thanks Benjamin. :-)


message 1474: by Chris (new)

Chris  | 419 comments happy wrote: "I finished 1356 (The Grail Quest, #4) by Bernard Cornwell - good book! I think it is vintage Cornwell. Lots of fighting, a mild love story and well researched. 4 stars - but on the high side (4 1/2).

It isn't fiction,..."


I'm about 3/4 of the way through 1356 and agree with your comments on it so far. Have had my eye on 1415: Henry V's Year Of Glory, so please keep us up to date with what you think of it.


message 1475: by Lia (new)

Lia (lia_mb) | 638 comments hmm... I am reading The History of Rome, Books I-V The Early History of Rome by Livy ; Aztec (Aztec, #1) by Gary Jennings and Hammer of God by Arthur C. Clarke


message 1476: by Margaret, Sherlockian Sheila (new)

Margaret (margyw) | 3341 comments Lia wrote: "hmm... I am reading The History of Rome, Books I-V The Early History of Rome by Livy; Aztec (Aztec, #1) by Gary Jennings and Hammer of God by Arthur C. Clarke"

I enjoyed Aztec. Haven't read the others.


message 1477: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments That Aztec has done the rounds. Very popular choice.


message 1478: by Lia (new)

Lia (lia_mb) | 638 comments Margaret wrote: "Lia wrote: "hmm... I am reading The History of Rome, Books I-V The Early History of Rome by Livy; Aztec (Aztec, #1) by Gary Jennings and Hammer of God by Arthur C. Clarke"

I enjoyed Aztec. Haven'..."


This book is huge! Not sure if I'll finished it on my library due date. I am contemplating to stop at used book store and see if they have it... but if I do, I'll exit with two baskets full of books :(


message 1479: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Yeah, that is the problem with used book stores. Go in for one, come out with ten.


message 1480: by Chris (last edited Jan 16, 2013 02:14PM) (new)

Chris  | 419 comments I fail to see that as a problem Terri, unless of course you spend the food money on them.


message 1481: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) Who needs food.... :)


message 1482: by Margaret, Sherlockian Sheila (new)

Margaret (margyw) | 3341 comments I don't have any second hand book stores in my area. :(


message 1483: by Dawn (new)

Dawn (caveatlector) That is tragic. :(


message 1484: by Marilee (new)

Marilee (hatchling) | 77 comments Margaret wrote: "I don't have any second hand book stores in my area. :("

I'm sorry to hear that. At least you can check out the used books for sale on Amazon. I've had very good luck finding inexpensive volumes in good condition. It costs $3.99 for mailing.


message 1485: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 797 comments Marilee wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I don't have any second hand book stores in my area. :("

I'm sorry to hear that. At least you can check out the used books for sale on Amazon. I've had very good luck finding inex..."

I have received 1 cent books from Amazon sellers which are in quite goos shape. Still have the covers.


message 1486: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Chris F wrote: "I fail to see that as a problem Terri, unless of course you spend the food money on them."

That's my problem. All my money is keyholed for bills and food before I even get it. Can't often buys books. :(


message 1487: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments I don't need cash money at the main second hand bookshop I use the most.

They operate a barter system. They give you a credit note on books you fetch in to them.


message 1488: by Betty (new)

Betty (betty30554) Terri wrote: "Chris F wrote: "I fail to see that as a problem Terri, unless of course you spend the food money on them."

That's my problem. All my money is keyholed for bills and food before I even get it. Can'..."


In my case, it's a lack of space in my tiny apartment!


message 1489: by Sherry (new)

Sherry | 145 comments Jane wrote: "Right now I'm rereading Ruth Downie's Semper Fidelis, #5 in the Gaius Petreius Ruso series, about the Roman Army doctor (i.e., Medicus) in Legion XX in Britannia during Hadrian's time. It might no..."

I just finished "Semper Fidelis" and loved it - the best so far of an excellent series. I admire the way Ruth Downie's characters fully inhabit their world. They're not 21st century people plunked down in a Roman setting. Plus, she has a great sense of humor!


message 1490: by Betty (new)

Betty (betty30554) Terri wrote: "Betty wrote: "Please help - I'm technologically challenged. And it seems ya'll are the right group to beg assistance from. I have Kindle for PC that I got from Amazon. I also have Kindle for And..."

Have downloaded. Have a number of my books now set up on it.


message 1491: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Mark wrote: "I don't need cash money at the main second hand bookshop I use the most.

They operate a barter system. They give you a credit note on books you fetch in to them."



They do that at all the used bookstores I could go to (although none of them are very close to where i live so i don't get to them very often).
But I always feel guilty just exchanging books for books. I always wonder how they pay their store rents etc and make a profit if everyone exchanges books for books, so I always try and get some credit and pay half cash.


message 1492: by Nate (new)

Nate | 416 comments At my local used book chain there's a lady who sells homemade tamales by the door, so i get to blow my food AND book money in one fell swoop.


message 1493: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Oh, nicely done.
I bet all the books have tamale stains at that library.


message 1494: by Linda (last edited Jan 17, 2013 06:27AM) (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Linda wrote: "Don't You Forget About Me is the book I started yesterday. Notice the book author button worked. It is a discriminating button. The book is not hf but not a bodice ripper either."

Don't You Forget About MeDon't You Forget About MeDon't You Forget About Me
Hit the button mor than once. Finished the book yesterday.


message 1495: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Monica, Thank you for finding me on Goodreads net. Goodreads Apps shows no friends or groups. They show four books read and the wrong address. Still, thank you.


message 1496: by Jane (last edited Jan 17, 2013 01:56PM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments I'm still reading Archer's tale The Archer's Tale

but will be starting Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr next. I was glad to see it has a map of Wales of that time period, guide to Welsh pronunciation and also an informative bibliography in the back.
As a former librarian, I always appreciate the last item.:)


message 1497: by Bobby (new)

Bobby (bobbej) | 1375 comments Almost finished with Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch . Not for the faint of heart. Whew!!


message 1498: by Ncjeffrey (new)

Ncjeffrey | 2 comments Hello, group newbie here. Big fan of Cornwell's Saxon series, Ejii Yoshikawa, and Oliver Potzsch. Currently reading his latest, "The Beggar King." About 1/4 way through and it's every bit as good as his first two in the translated hangman series. Hoping to get other ideas here.


message 1499: by Gentian (new)

Gentian | 41 comments A View of Delft: Vermeer Then and Now Not quite sure what I think of it. Good in parts but decidedly not excellent.


message 1500: by Deb (new)

Deb Omnivorous Reader Gentian wrote: "A View of Delft: Vermeer Then and Now Not quite sure what I think of it. Good in parts but decidedly not excellent."

I like books about painters generally but not all are gripping. What is less than excellent about this one?


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