What I'm looking for in a historical novel
583405
The author is a master of keeping multiple plates spinning in the air. You will get the rich experience you are looking for...love, hate, ambition, class perspectives, social and inside look at history. I was utterly engrossed and savored every page.
3594757
Great book that got me interested in historical novels - I normally stick to horror and fantasy.  I did find it a tad bit longer than I felt it needed to be, but I can see how that can easily happen when wrapping up the lives of 4 very interesting women.  Not sure if this is the appropriate place but if anyone who normally reads these types of books has similar recs, Id love to hear em!
1105195
There are a few book series in my life that have caught my imagination to where it's not a question as to whether I'll read the rest of the series but rather a question of how fast I can get my hands on them and to be honest, it's been a long time since a book had that effect on me.  Books in the past that have done that are Hugh Lofting's Dr. Doolittle, Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and Frank Herbert's Dune.  Set aside against those high standards have been countless clunkers and many books that we're decent enough but didn't quite rise to that level.

When I was younger, I couldn't explain to you what the qualities were that made a book great and now that I am older and better read, I can do so but it doesn't suffice to explain how a book can grip you.

Imagine my delight to find that this was such a book.  What are the qualities that make it work?  This is a historical novel that has been very well researched with an intriguing twist.  What would the Napoleonic wars have been like with air power?  What if that Air Power were dragons instead of machines?  Add to that a very strong character development and themes that reflect the struggles of that day, many of which are still being wrestled with today and you have a multi-faceted novel with several hooks well-set and ready to catch any readers who cross its path.

The dialogue between characters is masterful and captures a quality that very few authors manage to develop.  I found myself reminded in places of the dialogue typical of David Eddings' fantasy that captures the natural, easy and affectionate relationship. Further, the flowing dialogue captures cultural nuances and differences that moves beyond what could easily become stereotypical and lands smack dab in the middle of believable and accurate for that day and age.

This book has been very strongly researched and considered on several levels and the hard work shows.  Historical fiction it is to be sure and the characters are fictional and even those historical figures referenced are put into fictional settings, but what is not fictional is the understanding of military tactics, cultural nuances and relationships that leave the reader feeling that if this story is not true, it should be!

I took advantage of downloading this book on my Kindle for free, thinking it might help to spend some time on a long commute.  It was calculated no doubt as a loss lead to entice readers to then download the next 4 books in the series and I cheerfully concede that they planned well as far as I was concerned.

An outstanding introduction to an outstanding series and it's nice to know that even in one grown older and far removed from some of the early magical reading experiences, that there are authors like Novic who can weave that magic and draw a reader in.

5 stars.

Bart Breen
833950
I so enjoyed this historical fiction, that I would like a copy for my library.
1014341
This was an interesting read to what I feel is going to be a promising series. Blending historical fiction with fantasy, McIsaacs book is one that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something new to try and/or has an interest in Irish history and mythology. I certainly plan on reading the next book in the series when it becomes available.

Nora was a character whom I both liked and found annoying at times. While I could easily understand where she was coming from as a teenager at the start of the book, I felt at times that she was a bit too stubborn and angry as the story progressed. Despite this I enjoyed watching her character grow and I suspect that as the series continues shell become one of those character whom Ill count amongst my favorites later on. Shes certainly strong-minded, willing to fight, and loyal, all of which are traits that I admire. I also have to applaud her focusing her energy on humanitarian aid missions in other countries.

While there may be those readers who would be put off by the focus on Irish history and politics within the story, I found it intriguing. Yes, I did feel that at times there was probably too much attention given to the political side of things, but I also felt that it needed to be discussed in order to fully understand both everything that was going on plot-wise and Noras character. Without the historical and political attention Nora would just come across as an angry teenager at the start of the book and any compassion that the reader would have for her would be minimal. Understanding the struggle and horror that was The Troubles, or the Irish Civil War is important for the success of the story. And yet, as I said there were times where I felt it was a tad overdone. It took too long to get to the heart of Noras story, which was why she is sent back in time, and that aggravated me greatly.

It isn't until the last 25% of the book that we start to learn why Nora was really sent back in time, and this was when the book truly started to pick up for me. Prior to this I felt that the book dragged greatly because there was so much focus on the politics and history, and regardless of how interesting I found it to be, I wanted to experience more of Noras interactions with Thomas instead. There are so many questions that I have now about his character and I was disappointed that McIsaac didn't delve much into his character. Heres hoping that in the next book well see and learn more of him.

Despite this one issue, I still enjoyed the story. I especially loved the Celtic mythology and hope that we get more of it as the series continues. And if Im to be honest, as soon as I finished reading this book, I pulled out a few of my books on Celtic mythology to read up more on Brigid and learn more about Fionn mac Cumhaill. Theres nothing I love more than studying myths and legends from other cultures, so I must give McIsaac some purrs of appreciation for including these in her story.

Overall I feel that there is a little something for everyone in this book, and it certainly is a good start to a series that holds a lot of promise, so I would encourage readers to give it a try and discover for themselves what the story has to offer. And yes, I will be reading book two when it becomes available. No way would I miss an opportunity to read about Grace OMalley, Irelands infamous Pirate Queen!
2181218
I like the historical aspects of this book. The main character is adventurous and naive. I liked it. I've read the second one too and plan to read the 3rd.
4165685
I looked forward to this book as the next and last of the trilogy, following several families through the times from before WWI almost to the present.  The characters of this book were less well-defined, though the era is familiar to many readers.  There were too many intersections of people to be believable.  It was almost as though the author had to cover some point, and so had one of the characters play a role in that event.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the novel.

The author's use of sex was criticized in a review I read before getting the book, and I can see that the degree of detail was sometimes more than seemed necessary, but I was not offended.  Some of the real-life characters, if still living, might have been.

I like historical novels, in part, for what I can learn about the time of the setting, and the culture.  If I learned about any culture, it was mostly that of the Communist countries.

But then, how long can a book be?
1472024
What can I say about this book that has not been said already?  A must for anyone that likes historical novels.
4974755
1) A deceptively quiet book that does more than tell a love story. Historical detail is succinct and well placed, and there is an overall tone of sweetness, despite the setting. In particular, I enjoyed Merrow's handling of George and Matthew's sexuality, and the equitable friendship that developed between them before they gave into mutual attraction.

2) Although a re-writing of an existing story, well done, wonderful characters, excellent writing.

3) Loved the historical details - very grounded and very well done.

4) I like historical novels, and the description of post Great War Britain is pitch-perfect, absolutely convincing to this Yankee.  It is a bit (too) reminiscent of contemporaneous "love-that- dare-not-speak-its-name" novels of the period, up to and including a suicide, so it doesn't feel as sharply original as other Merrow stories.  Still, a fine read.
2615354
This will be a good recommendation for the reluctant reader who must read an historical novel. Good storytelling, good characters. It is a quick read but has depth. Well done.
1535197
This is only the second book that I have read by Margaret Frazer but I was so impressed by the attention to historical detail that I will now be on the lookout for any others that I can lay my hands on. It is very refreshing at a time when a lot of the historical novels being churned out at the moment are mediocre in the extreme to find an author who loves her subject and is prepared to take the time to research it. Many authors think that the time taken to research their subject matter is better employed churning out another book. Some reader's may say that there is too much historical detail but I thought that it added more credence to the story.

The novel takes place in 1431 and has as the leading character Sister Frevisse who is soon called to hone her skills as a solver of mysteries. The arrivalo of the lusty blaspheming dowager lady Ermentrude is a shock to the system of most of the inhabitants of St. Frideswide convent, but before she can get what she came to the convent to retrieve, her niece, the novice Thomasine, the calm and tranquility of the convent is even more disrupted when she is found murdered.
4939566
If you are looking for a lovely historical fiction book for a teenager, especially one from a new author, The Queen's Soprano is definitely for you! As a fan of historical fiction, and a person interested in studying history in general, it is a disappointment that there aren't more books available in this genre for young adults.

This book was refreshing in subject matter, as Rome in the seventeenth century isn't something one learns about in school. I myself had never heard of virtually all the primary figures described in the novel, and am now glad that I have. It provides a sort of snapshot of a young girl's life, and is full of detailed descriptions as vivid and lovely as the dress on the cover. However, although the information included is interesting, the story is much more centered around the main character, Angelica Voglia, than it is historical facts. Don't read that the wrong way, everything is, to my knowledge, completely accurate. However, this book is first and foremost, written for the character and her story, and serves more to inspire further research on the topic rather than give all the historical information to the reader. All in all, the book is a snapshot of Angelica's life.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. The story and storytelling are highlighted more so than they would be if the book was written from the perspective of say, Queen Christine, who is an important figure in the novel, which would have probably shown more of a change over time of policies and rules. However, choosing to write the story from the perspective of Angelica allows a deeper look into the everyday culture of the time period, and makes the book seem more like a story of a struggling protagonist, with whom the readers can possibly relate to, that just happens to be occurring in a culture different from their own.

The pacing of the novel, I felt, was well done. As far as content goes, parents should know that there are several suggestive parts, and one section that is intense and could be especially upsetting (it is intentionally upsetting to any reader) to more sensitive readers, but nothing is explicit.

In conclusion, I would recommend The Queen's Soprano to lovers of historical fiction in at least 7th grade, especially fans of Susanne Dunlap, who are looking for a sparkling story that delves deeper into the personal side of a more obscure bit of history.
1931233
I like historical fiction that seeks accuracy in its settings and good writing in its plot and characterizations. This a good book with characters to love and hate.
1107152
As historical novel go, this is fairly good and interesting. Set during the reign of Elizabeth the First, when Spanish Empire tried in vain to subdue England and privateers and corsairs scoured the seas, this novel takes the point of  view of the eventual losers, the spaniards, through the eyes of an Irishman/spaniard nephew and assistant of the ambassador of Spain in England. In Ireland he will make acquaintance with a young disgraces son of an Irish Earl, Robin. They fall in love with eacxh other, but fate will separate them. They wuill see each other at sea, among battles, pirates and they will bot experience  picaresque adventures in Spain. The historical part is fairly accurate, and whilst I think that the novel would have used some more editing, it remains a very good work. I've loved the disenchanted  yet loyal Dermot channing and the brave, tender Robin. A great gay historical novel.
3438182
I liked this one - it was interesting and the time periods covered (most notably the Winter Queen portions) were new to me, which I always enjoy in historical fiction because I get to learn something while being entertained...  I am generally a fan of stories-within-stories, and found that the overlay of the three women's tales satisfied that quite nicely - particularly through the format of Lavinia's diary, which was a nice counterpoint to the more traditional narrative format of the other two sections.

The present-day mystery was enjoyable and well plotted and paced. I found all of the women to be engaging narrators of their lives and times, and despite their very different voices, think that their stories meshed well into a single book. This is a relatively new genre to me (a modern-day mystery, resolved through historical first-person accounts), and I must say that I find it very enjoyable. It's a nice twist on the more classic mystery, and I probably enjoy it so much because it satisfies my inner history buff as well as my interest in more traditional whodunits.

There was a little more steamy romance than I tend to prefer, especially in historical fiction, but that's a matter of personal taste and offered by way of comment rather than judgment, and should not be taken as a negative reflection in any way. All in all I quite enjoyed this book, and would look for more from the author.

My review copy was provided via NetGalley.
227431
It's an historical novel, so the ending is no surprise.  I found the main character well-developed, but others are not so much.  I'm glad she explains her interpretation of the historical facts.  Her ideas about the princes in the tower are interesting and make sense, as does her interpretation of Henry VIII's character.  If you enjoy historical novels and the period, you should enjoy this.
2802572
This is one of the best historical novels I have read.  It is told from a female view, as the protagonist is a woman, trying to survive in England in the mid-1600s.  It is hard to find in a print edition; I found it at a used book site, after some searching.  Amazon has it as a Kindle edition, but you're much better off with the actual book, as it is much easier to go back and forth.