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 3151: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments am reading Storyteller Storyteller by G.R. Grove . If the other two in the trilogy about Gwernin the Bard are as good as this one is so far, I'll be reading them too.


message 3152: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I am nearly finished The Ill-Made Knight by Christian Cameron
What a fun book it has been.


message 3153: by Chris (new)

Chris  | 419 comments Terri wrote: "I am nearly finished The Ill-Made Knight by Christian Cameron
What a fun book it has been."


I'm about half way through it. Took me a while to get fully into it, but now fully engrossed.


message 3154: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments Just finished Hadji Murad, a short, knockout novel by Tolstoy about a Chechen fighter against the Russians.
It's put me in the mood for The Horsemen which I've been scared to read again because I loved it so, so much in the Reader's Digest Condensed Books my parents had. Translated by Patrick O'Brian, I notice.


message 3155: by Gary (new)

Gary Ludlam (Gary_Ludlam) | 16 comments Treasure Island
Somehow I have never read it. Am enjoying it immensely.


message 3156: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Chris F wrote: "

I'm about half way through it. Took me a while to get fully into it, but now fully engrossed."


I can't remember...did you read Killer of Men?


message 3157: by happy (last edited Sep 26, 2013 02:22AM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2782 comments Finished Murder by the Book - not bad slightly less than 4 star so it is rounded up for Good Reads. This mystery is set against the opening of a common library for all the colleges in the University and the search for a lamp fuel. The Battle of Poitiers also figures into the plot

currently reading The Conquerors by Allan W. Eckert by Allan W. Eckert. While this is not fiction it is written like a novel.


message 3158: by Nate (new)

Nate | 416 comments Started The Long Ships earlier tonight. This is some of the most vikingest vikingery I've encountered, spiced with great names like Sven Rat-Nose and Red Serpent.


message 3159: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Nate wrote: "Started The Long Ships earlier tonight. This is some of the most vikingest vikingery I've encountered, spiced with great names like Sven Rat-Nose and Red Serpent."

This is the 'granddaddy' of all the viking novels!


message 3160: by Eileen (last edited Sep 26, 2013 06:40AM) (new)

Eileen Iciek | 553 comments I am reading/listening to Master and God by Lindsey Davis by Lindsay Davis. So far it is wonderful, even though she does sometimes use modern terms, which I don't generally approve of. The writing is brash and energetic, and learning about Romans other than the ever-popular Julio-Claudians is refreshing.


message 3161: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. Started at 4 am today.


message 3162: by [deleted user] (new)

Linda wrote: "Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. Started at 4 am today."

That's a favorite of mine, Linda. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


message 3163: by Darcy (new)

Darcy (drokka) | 2675 comments Do feel free to add your thoughts to the group read thread Linda for Gates of Fire.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...


message 3164: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Eileen wrote: "I am reading/listening to Master and God by Lindsey Davis by Lindsay Davis. So far it is wonderful, even though she does sometimes use modern terms, which I don't generally approve of. The wr..."

That's precisely why I prefer reading about other dynasties; I think the Julio-Claudians have been practically done to death.


message 3165: by Eileen (new)

Eileen Iciek | 553 comments Jane wrote: "Eileen wrote: "I am reading/listening to Master and God by Lindsey Davis by Lindsay Davis. So far it is wonderful, even though she does sometimes use modern terms, which I don't generally appr..."

Them and the Tudors - enough already! I love to read new books that do not involve (well maybe a little on the edges) those two families. Anyway, Lindsay Davis wrote another book about Vespasian which I loved - The Course of Honor.


message 3166: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Nate wrote: "Started The Long Ships earlier tonight. This is some of the most vikingest vikingery I've encountered, spiced with great names like Sven Rat-Nose and Red Serpent."

If only I could get my hands on that damn book. It is one I wanted to read for years.


message 3167: by Jane (last edited Sep 26, 2013 02:30PM) (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Eileen wrote: "Jane wrote: "Eileen wrote: "I am reading/listening to Master and God by Lindsey Davis by Lindsay Davis. So far it is wonderful, even though she does sometimes use modern terms, which I don't g..."

The Course of Honor is one of my favorites. Earlier Falco turned me on, but the later ones became formulaic. I also liked Master and God. I had checked it out from the library; a year or so after I read it, I wanted to reread, and someone had swiped it in the meantime.


message 3168: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Terri wrote: "Nate wrote: "Started The Long Ships earlier tonight. This is some of the most vikingest vikingery I've encountered, spiced with great names like Sven Rat-Nose and Red Serpent."

If only I could get..."


Terri, Is this any help or do these folks charge an arm and a leg?

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/10555505...


message 3169: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (last edited Sep 26, 2013 02:38PM) (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I had not asked for an inter library loan before. I am thinking I searched and could not find a library that had it nearby. (As i always feel guilty asking my library to get a book in from a long way away).

But it is too late now. I can't get to the library anymore. It is too far away and I used be able to get books there because my hubby used to drive passed on his way to work. With his new job. He doesn't go passed the library anymore. The party is over. :(


message 3170: by Nate (new)

Nate | 416 comments Terri wrote: "Nate wrote: "Started The Long Ships earlier tonight. This is some of the most vikingest vikingery I've encountered, spiced with great names like Sven Rat-Nose and Red Serpent."

If only I could get..."


I've had it on my to-read for like two years and I just kept checking the secondhand store I frequent. Eventually it popped up! I got lucky.


message 3171: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Fated (Alex Verus, #1) by Benedict Jacka very good so far.


message 3172: by Jane (new)

Jane | 3480 comments Started The Afghan Campaign this morning. So far I like it as well or better than the author's Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae. There's plenty of 'action', but to my mind, it's a more thoughtful book.


message 3173: by Paula (new)

Paula Lofting (paulalofting) Inceptio by Alison Morton This is not an historical novel - its alternative, fast paced and exciting


message 3174: by C.P. (last edited Sep 27, 2013 05:25PM) (new)

C.P. Lesley (cplesley) | 564 comments Finished The Blue Sky, which I had rated before based on the beginning but had not actually finished. It's a wonderful book about nomads in Tuva in the Soviet period and beautifully written. In the end, (view spoiler) which I hate, being a marshmallow where animals are concerned. But even I have to admit that the ending is crucial to the story.

I am now giving my full attention to The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas. More on that soon.


message 3175: by Bryn (last edited Sep 27, 2013 06:30PM) (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments C.P. wrote: "Finished The Blue Sky..."

The next of his three autobiographical books The Gray Earth, is tougher material and the kid's a bit older. Third is The White Mountain: A Novel -- I think this is out or out shortly.


message 3176: by C.P. (new)

C.P. Lesley (cplesley) | 564 comments Yes, I got that impression from the back of the first book. I don't know if I will read the second, as it was the nomadic experience I wanted to capture. Did you like "The Gray Earth," Bryn?


message 3177: by Bryn (new)

Bryn Hammond (brynhammond) | 1505 comments I did. I was a bit more impressed than with the first; although I know what you mean, I almost avoided because we're in a Soviet school. Um, if you want to read about the eradication of the nomadic experience in the kids' heads??


message 3178: by C.P. (last edited Sep 27, 2013 07:52PM) (new)

C.P. Lesley (cplesley) | 564 comments Well, maybe. I do like the way he writes, very simple yet powerful. Or perhaps that's the translator. Lots of other books on the TBR pile, though.

Thanks for the assessment, either way.


message 3179: by Lisa (new)

Lisa | 728 comments I've finished with Insurrection and tentatively started A History of Scotland, by Neil Oliver. I cannot find a link for this book, sorry.


message 3180: by Andy (new)

Andy | 1510 comments I saw the tv show that accompanied the book Lisa some whilst back, quite good actually despite it's bias at times, i did spend 5 years North of the wall so there history of certain subjects is maybe a tad thistle-tinted at times :)


message 3181: by Darcy (new)

Darcy (drokka) | 2675 comments Here's the link to the book Lisa A History Of Scotland

I think there's a link to the shows on the Insurrection group discussion. If not on the first page, then on the second.


message 3182: by Lisa (new)

Lisa | 728 comments Thanks Andy and Darcy. I have seen the show he did on Ancient Britain, and enjoyed that. I missed the Scotland one. I have all 3 of his books. What I like is his passion for history and it translates well in his book. You can hear the passion rather than a history lesson . I prefer his style over Brian Schamas, who is too much like a school lesson for me.

Interesting note on the bias Andy. How do you think it effects the story? Is it the narrative or factual?? Just curious.

Thanks for the link Darcy it must be past my bed time, haha.


message 3183: by Andy (new)

Andy | 1510 comments Bias (the narrative element at times) was said tongue in cheek a little, having lived up there with the sweaties they're version of history (I did scots history as a child!) is slightly... different from the actual.... more passionate & romanticised at times & they tended to highlight their wins over England & skirt over the rest :)

It's actually quite a good series as I recollect & rightly from a Scots standpoint, it's jus Scots history always brings a wry smile to me face..... 5 years is a longtime as a nipper! lol


message 3184: by Linda (new)

Linda (ladylawyer8650) | 1702 comments Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. I am finding this book hard to get into. The author's lists of people, ranks, items in a mess kit, etc., are long. I think the author is laying a foundation for the battle to come. I read his Killing Rommel awhile back and it was a slow starter. It is one of those books that gets better mid-way and even after the reading is done. The present book reminds me of Azincourt by BC in its meticulous attention to detail.


message 3185: by Paula (new)

Paula Lofting (paulalofting) This ones for Darcy A History Of Scotland by Neil Oliver .
And theres also one by Magnus Magnusson which strangely I cannot find


message 3186: by Nick (new)

Nick Smith (RoguesNest) | 90 comments Andy wrote: "Bias (the narrative element at times) was said tongue in cheek a little, having lived up there with the sweaties they're version of history (I did scots history as a child!) is slightly... differen..."

So Neville's Cross doesn't feature heavily then?


message 3187: by Darcy (last edited Sep 28, 2013 07:49PM) (new)

Darcy (drokka) | 2675 comments Is this the one you're looking for Paula Scotland: The Story of a Nation?

Love me some Neil Oliver :D


message 3188: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Neil Oliver is very intense. :)


message 3189: by Lisa (new)

Lisa | 728 comments Andy wrote: "Bias (the narrative element at times) was said tongue in cheek a little, having lived up there with the sweaties they're version of history (I did scots history as a child!) is slightly... differen..."

Aaahhhh Andy, as they say never let the facts get in the way of a good story!! Lol, I will bear that in mind. I've read one review that was pretty damning so hopefully it won't be too bad.


message 3190: by Lisa (new)

Lisa | 728 comments Terri wrote: "Neil Oliver is very intense. :)"

Hopefully not too intense!! Haha! I can hear his voice and accent as I read, which is funny!


message 3191: by Andy (new)

Andy | 1510 comments Nick wrote: "Andy wrote: "Bias (the narrative element at times) was said tongue in cheek a little, having lived up there with the sweaties they're version of history (I did scots history as a child!) is slightl..."

Nay laddie, jus lashings of Bannockburn for sure! Och Aye the noo


message 3192: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Lisa wrote: "Terri wrote: "Neil Oliver is very intense. :)"

Hopefully not too intense!! Haha! I can hear his voice and accent as I read, which is funny!"


He has such a strong presence that I can hear his voice in my head whenever I see his name too. :)


message 3193: by Paul (new)

Paul Bennett (hooverbkreviews) | 51 comments Empires at War: The French and Indian War and the Struggle for North America, 1754-1763
Looking for background material for possible histfic novel :-)


message 3194: by Harold (new)

Harold Titus (haroldtitus) | 29 comments I've started "At Drake's Command" by David Wesley Hill, a fictional account -- the first of a series, it appears -- of Francis Drake's trip around the world. At Drake's Command by David Wesley Hill


message 3195: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments 1808 The Flight of the Emperor How a Weak Prince, a Mad Queen, and the British Navy Tricked Napoleon and Changed the New World by Laurentino Gomes picked this up at a carboot sale.


message 3196: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments I'm not sure if I mentioned this anywhere...I am reading The Pagan Lord (The Saxon Stories, #7) by Bernard Cornwell
;D


message 3197: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Mark wrote: "1808 The Flight of the Emperor How a Weak Prince, a Mad Queen, and the British Navy Tricked Napoleon and Changed the New World by Laurentino Gomespicked this up at a carboot sale."

Good find.


message 3198: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Terri wrote: "I'm not sure if I mentioned this anywhere...I am reading The Pagan Lord (The Saxon Stories, #7) by Bernard Cornwell
;D"


I dont how you have managed to keep that quiet Terri for so long.; 0)


message 3199: by Mark (new)

Mark | 1885 comments Terri wrote: "Mark wrote: "1808 The Flight of the Emperor How a Weak Prince, a Mad Queen, and the British Navy Tricked Napoleon and Changed the New World by Laurentino Gomespicked this up at a carboot sale."
..."


Yes, it was a bargain.


message 3200: by Terri, Wyrd bið ful aræd (new)

Terri | 19576 comments Neither do I. ;)


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