Sequels and Prequels :)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Discuss sequels and prequels ;)

[Irene]

I posted this comment even in "Starting a new thread". Answer where you prefere :-P

As promised, some information about Abigail Reynolds.
This is her goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
She wrote, and she is still writing, a series called "Pemberley variations". She starts from a crucial point in Pride & Prejudice and take a completely different path from the original. Substantially her novels are "what if...?"

The first one I read was "The last man in the world". I read it in one day, I started in the morning and by dinner time I finished it. I was on the train when I begin reading and I nearly miss my station!
This one begins at Hunsford, when Mr Darcy declare his love to Elizabeth for the first time. What if she can't refuse him, due to some circumstances? Will Elizabeth be able to learn to know and to love Darcy in any case?

Another one I really liked was "Without a reserve", recently re-pubblished as "Mr. Darcy's undoing". In this case Mr Darcy has to face a rival, because Elizabeth accepts the proposal of a childhood acquaintance before she meets Darcy again, after his first proposal.

"Impulse and Initiative" is the variation I liked less, because there's too much sex for my taste. However is an entertaining reading.

My favourite variation is "Mr. Darcy's obsession". Despite the title, in this one there isn't even one single scene of sex, just a lot of attraction. In this novel Elizabeth is forced to work because of Mr. Bennet death. Her condition in society is worst than ever when she meets Mr Darcy in London. But...
I'll tell you nothing more :-P

There are many others and a new one, "Mr Darcy's refuge", will be released on September 1th.
You need to pay attention when buying Abigail Reynolds novels because severals have been published with different titles but the content is the same.

I hope this will be useful!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Ohhhh this sounds interesting! Has it not ruined it for you? Reading tales like that...

Any others you have read?

(When I am back from Holiday and have a computer I will post about Amanda Grange)

[Irene]

You have to read this novels in the way you would read a fan fiction, with open mind and not expecting to read a masterpiece.
Abigail Reynolds writes in a way I find absorbing and I think I would like her even if she wrote about other characters.

Another author I really appreciate is Monica Fairview. This is her goodread page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

I read "The other Mr.Darcy" and "The Darcy cousins". In this two novels, that are connected, you can find Elizabeth and Darcy but the story developes other characters story.

The first one, "The other Mr Darcy", Fitzwilliam Darcy's cousin arrives from America and, for a series of circumstances, finds himself with Caroline Bingley. At first sounds weird, doesn't it? An American cousin? But I assure you it's worth the reading and Caroline Bingley comes out very well.

"The darcy cousins" is the sequel of "The Other Mr Darcy" and in this case Georgiana is the center of the action.

If you liked "Sense and Sensibility", I'll suggest this sequel: "Willoughby's return" by Jane Odiwe:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65...
I've found it to be well written and enjoyable. As the title suggest, it's mainly about Marianne. I hoped for some more Eleanor but it's a good reading anyway.

Others authors soon!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Thank you so much for this!! Sounds nice to have stories about the other characters!!

Which (of the ones you have already mentioned) has Been your favourite?

Can't wait for more!! I will be posting soon!! :)

[Irene]

As I sad, "Mr Darcy's obsession" by Abigail Reynolds is one of my favourite. "The other Mr Darcy" is also very entertaining.
For what concerns "Sense and Sensibility", the sequel by Jane Odiwe is the only one I read (beside "Colonel Brandon's diary by Amanda Grange, that's not a sequel but a retelling) so I can't compare it with other sequels.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Nice. Oh I should have added that!

Sequels prequels and re-tellings!!
I loved the Amanda Grange series and I will write about them when home from holiday :)

[Nicole(thereadingrebel)]

I have only read the Amanda Grange retellings of the novel form the PoV of the hero and really enjoyed them.I am playing to read by the same author soon.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I can't wait to read that either! It doesn't come out here until September!!

[Stephanie]

I think I have that one on my list as well. Will need to check when I get home.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

It looks good!!

[Irene]

Today I'm a bit troubled.
A few days ago I finished reading "Darcy's Temptation" by Regina Jeffers. It's the sequel to "Darcy's Passion", that's a retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

I was eager to read "Darcy's Temptation", because I loved "Darcy's Passion" so much, but I was a bit disappointed. I found some fault in the plot as well as in the characters development.

As I often do, when I finshed reading, I wrote a review here on goodreads about my feelings about the book. It was not a positive one, however I gave the book 3 stars.

A few days later, I received a mention on Twitter by the author, saying she is sorry that I felt that way about the book and that her novel was a Boksellers Best Award finalist.

I think it's great that readers can get in touch with author so easily. However I don't think that we should be influenced in reviewing by the thought that the writer might take offense.

Don't misunderstand me. Regina Jeffer was kind and polite in her writing to me, but I feel bad all the same.

Should I regret my review? Take a look at it, if you want. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63...
I'm sure it's not the hardest review about this book. Other users have been far more harsh and sometimens even rude.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Well don't regret it. As long as the author didn't seem to take too much offence then everyone is entitled to there own opinion and they are bound to know that sometimes it will go down better with some people than others. :) it's the way of the world! :)

[Irene]

Today I received two new Austen-related books I ordered (a review soon!) and while I was making some room for them in my book-shelves, I found tow novels I read some times ago.
I almost forget about them but, if you want a break from Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, these are the right thing to read.

I'm talking about "Charity envieth not" and "Lend me leave" by Barbara Cornthwaite. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

They're a two-parts retelling of Emma, told through George Knightley's eyes. It's an amazing and insightful story. A real pleasure to read. I assure you you won't them to finish.

It's one of the best Austen retelling I've read, with "Darcy's Passion" by Regina Jeffers (that's a retelling of P&P).

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Ohh sounds interesting! Thanks!

[Julie]

I'm more into "Persusion" and I love "None But You (Part 1)" and "For You Alone (Part 2)" by Susan Kaye. It tells his side of the story. the only thing I had a problem with was the ending. I didn't think it was in Jane Austen style.

[Irene]

I plan to buy Susan Kaye novels. Are they worth the reading?

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I also was wondering about those. Good then?

[Sarah]

I've just recently purchased Death Comes to Pemberley - anyone read that? I'll let you know if I enjoy it! :)

[Stephanie]

Sarah wrote: "I've just recently purchased Death Comes to Pemberley - anyone read that? I'll let you know if I enjoy it! :)"

Sarah, i have that on my nook to read. let me know what you think. i have not read it yet.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Haven't read it! Interested to know your opinions!!

[Irene]

The new Pride and Prejudice Variation has been released!
Here is my review about "Mr. Darcy's Refuge"
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Good then?
It looks intriguing! I don't want it to ruin P&P for me though...

[Irene]

I like Abigail Reynolds style and I think this one is among the best "what if" I read about P&P.

About ruining Pride and Prejudice I can say this: I've read many sequels, what if and retellings, some were quite good and others were really bad, but not one of this novels, not even the worse, ruined Pride and Prejudice in my opinion.

It's still the unequalled masterpiece!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Well that is reassuring then!! Thanks :)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I share your feelings!! I am so weary of them!

[Irene]

In order to begin well this 2013, I started reading a P&P sequel by Jane Odiwe: Mr. Darcy's Secret.
Full review as soon ad I finish reading it!

[Mary]

Not really sure if this counts as a sequel but after reading P&P for the 200th anniversary I am going to read Death Comes to Pemberley by the wonderful mystery novelist P.D.James.

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I would love your thoughts, both of you!

[Carolyn]

most of the sequels have low ratings maybe bc no one can meet austen's standards :D

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

That's true!

[Irene]

Of course, no One can write as Jane Austen did and some Sequels, prequels and retellings are quite bad. However I found some very enjoyable and a few really good.
What is important is to aproach these novels without The hope to finde another JA.
She'll be the best forever!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

That's the way to go about it!

[Marren]

I like your reasoning in your one before your last line Irene...

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Anyone read Falling for Mr Darcy? I was recommended it and although I am weary of sequels of the classic I really want to read it. :)

[Carolyn]

lol actually no i was going to read mr darcys diary

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Doo!! That is GREAT! It doesn't change the story and just fills in gaps! I loved it!

[Carolyn]

kk!!

[Irene]

Jane Odiwe is not a disappointment! 4 stars to "Mr. Darcy's Secret". This is my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Louise Sparrow]

I looked up Mr Darcy's Diary on Amazon and there appears to be two? Who is the author of the one I should be looking for?

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

Thanks Irene!
Go for the Amanda Grange one I reckon! That is the one I read :) she has done 6 diaries Amanda Grange (well 7 actually - 6 hero ones and a novella of Wickham's diary)

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I am LOVING Falling for Mr Darcy! The story is great and how it is all panning out it great. We see the charming, playful and caring side of Darcy much sooner than we do in the original, which is nice actually!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

I thought I would do a little update on which pride and prejudice fiction i have read/have bought!

So I loved Falling for Mr Darcy (KaraLynne Mackrory) and she has her next one coming out in a few days!! And after her first story i cannot wait for the second one!

Review here...
http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co...

I have also read and loved The Houseguest by Elizabeth Adams. It was a really interesting take!
(Review of the Houseguest, or more accurately, a few of my thoughts :P here....

http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co... )

I have bought ....
Only Mr Darcy Will Do and Mr Darcy's Voyage by Kara Louise

The Journey and An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn

For more details on these stories in one place here...

http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co...

And I have literally this evening just bought...
A Fair Prospect (a story in three novels) By Cassandra Grafton
I have ...
- Disappointed Hopes
- Darcy's Dilemma
And the last part ...
- Desperate measures
... is coming out in May :)

Anyone read any of these?
I was also looking at Brenda J. Webb's 2 variations, has anyone has read hers?

[Carolyn]

i should try some of those! i loved the lizzie bennet diaries finished all of em in a day!!

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

All of these aren't modern day adaptations (which I don't like) but yes you should try them :) the two I have read of the ones listed have been great :)

[Carolyn]

aww you dont like modern day adaptations??

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

No.. I haven't got on With the stories being translated to today's time... I think that is because my regency world I imagine and read about is my escape from this world and time so i don't want my escape world to be brought to real life (as it were) does that make sense?
Also I just prefer having the regency set stories remaining in the regency era!

[Carolyn]

yes that makes sense. they are never as good anyways lol

[Sophie, Your Lovely Moderator]

That's very true!

[Carolyn]

they can never capture jane austen's style. i like julie klassen she's christian and takes some austen aspects but has her own storyline