Book Of The Week: The Memoirs Of Cleopatra

5 Stars

This book is such a treasure, and I am so glad that I was able to sit down and read it.

The latest novel to join the few in the five star category is ‘The Memoirs of Cleopatra’, by Margaret George. A great historical novel (if not the best I have yet to read), and so well done, that even after the weeks I have finished it, I find that I still think about it. That is the mark of a good author.

While it has flown under the radar for a while, this is a magnificent novel, both in size, historical accuracy, characters and the plot. All very, very well done.

While I love historical fiction, the reason that this tops the list is the sheer depth; this novel explains everything, yet is historically accurate, the characters well developed, and everything in place. And, of course, my favourite was the fact that it was in first person.

I also liked the ideas presented. The facts put together. And the emotion that was poured into it. Everything is very vivid, which includes the emotions, characters, descriptions. You feel like you are actually there.

The only thing that could possibly bring this down to 4 ½ stars would be that towards the end, you almost put it down. However, once you persevered through, it was worth it. That and the ending, which was a slight bit off, but I still really enjoyed it; it was not a complete turn off like some of the other novels I have read.

What originally caught my eye about this novel was the size. That and I had heard about it from who knows where about how well written Margaret George’s novels were (this was before I remembered that I had read a novel of hers already…). The cover is nothing special I admit, but I have always wanted to know about Cleopatra; she is linked to famous names, and has quite the history, after all. She lived in interesting times.

Overall, a tremendous work, where the effort in writing shines through to make a novel that once read, will make it’s mark.

Cleopatra. Julius Caesar. Marc Anthony. Written about countless time, from novels to plays. There is something about these people, especially Cleopatra that has a strong hold on our history, and the love for dramatics.

In a tale that tells of love, power, and a deadly combination of the two, this is a novel that glittering with mesmerizing writing.

Because Cleopatra was not just a queen of Egypt. She was the Queen of Egypt.

Author: Margaret George

Published: May 15th 1998 by St. Martin’s Griffin

Page Count: 976

ISBN: 0312187459    (isbn13: 9780312187453)

Mulling On Monday #16/Mission Re-Read The YA Book Shelf

Overall, 3 Stars

So, now that things are more back to normal, I am going to be able to write more often. Yay. 

  Anyways, so for my first re-appearance, Monday Mulling is back! (This is also technically the Young Adult Mission, but for now it’s mixed) And the best part is, it’s back with a new series. Well, technically, the last book in the series, but nevertheless, it’s a new book with quite a buzz about it.

  Any guesses?

  So this series. I loved the first novel. Absolutely, without a doubt, loved it. Caught my attention and brought me to the dystopian genre. It was dark, it had a sense of ‘what-if’ reality, the characters shone. It was a great thing. So I was very excited for the second one.

  The second one, I disliked. Almost extremely so. I was less than impressed with the writing and character development. I found the plot too rushing, with little time to breathe- and not in a good way.

  As for the third one. There was so much hype and excitement for it. I thought the author would redeem themselves and fix everything that they had done wrong in the second one. After all, I waited anxiously for a year +.

  Did that happen?

  Quite frankly, no. I was actually really upset with the author, and felt that the third one was no where near redeemable. The first one was the best and the author couldn’t touch that. Which is sad to say, and I really hate to say it.

  Overall, the series is a great idea, and the first book makes it to the five star list. But the other two left me feeling so disjointed and disappointed that the series, overall, only gets three stars. That’s saying something.

  How did I even find this series?

  I admit, I saw it on Stephanie Meyer’s site. This was when Twilight was low-key and not as over-the-top as it is now. It was a good suggestion, and I am glad that I have read this series, I’m just disappointed with the last two.

  Anybody figure out what series this is?

  It’s The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

   On that note, here is the rest of the review, book by book.

  The Hunger Games

5 Stars

  This novel I was over the top impressed with. Great characters, a good pace, amazing story idea that is very haunting. Everything about this novel was lovely. I really liked the idea of the dystopian world. It’s changed my way of thinking, quite literally.

  What I thought was so great was the set up. Everything was well paced, the timing impeccable, and she knew how to get the readers on the edge of their seats.

  And while I wished the book was longer, just for more reading time, I feel that the novel was the right size for what Collins wanted to give us. Everything was nicely in it’s place, and she knew what she was doing.

  What I didn’t like in this novel was the ending. I was surprised to see such a cliff-hanger, but I took it in stride and immediately looked up when the next novel was coming out.

  Other than that, this book is highly enjoyable and I would recommend it.

Katniss is a sixteen year old girl living in a world of danger and foul-play. But it’s not from the foreboding woods and the people she lives with ; it’s the Capitol, a pro-apocalypse controlling government that has taken over the ruins of North America and turned it into a running, controlled Panem, where all is restricted.

But to get respect for what they have so graciously done, and to put down any rebellions like District 13, who has been blown to bits, The Capitol holds games. The Hunger Games.

Twenty four kids, two from each district are sent into a world-simulated area to kill each other. The rules are simple; be the last to survive. And that is Katniss’ plan.

In a novel raw with emotion and power, The Hunger Games is sure to please, and make you think about true government corruption.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 14th, 2008

Page Count: 384

ISBN: 0439023483    (isbn13: 978-0439023481)

Catching Fire

3 Stars

  This novel, I had to read and re-read about four times to finally even enjoy it.

  There is just something off about this novel, which I feel, is the beginning of the downfall of the series. It’s fast-paced, yes, but, too fast, where it feels like you don’t even have time to process what has just happened two pages ago. Things appear and disappear randomly. It feels disjointed and not properly planned out.

  The characters undergo some development, but I feel like there was not enough for this sequel.

  What I did like was the introduction of the threat of Snow. He was a major threat before, but in this her seems even more frightening. He’s not a nice guy, to be sure.

  What I also liked was that the Quarter Quell was involved. However, this one is a mixed case for me, because I feel like it was too set up, to ‘on-purpose’. It just annoyed me a little.

  Overall, disappointing for me, but alas, these things happen.

In the next book of the Hunger Games series, this novel goes through the ‘after-life’ of the two winners of the Hunger Games. However, winning is no longer just a luxurious home, food on the table, and money in your hand. The Capitol is not exactly pleased with how the last Games turned out, and they are determined to  let the two winners know.

In a fearful, fast paced sequel to the first novel, this is one novel that will answer some questions; and pose some more.

 

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 1, 2009

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023491   (isbn13:978-0439023498)

Mockingjay

2 1/2 Stars

  In the highly anticipated final novel to end The Hunger Games series, this novel is fast paced with unexpected twists and turns that are compelling. It wraps up the series and answers many of the questions posed after finishing the last novel. Who will Katniss end up with? What happened to everybody? What will the Capitol do?

  And that is probably the nicest thing I can say about this novel. Perhaps I’m just bitter about being disappointed again with this series, but I was actually angry with the novel. I spent how long waiting for it, and then how long reading it? I give up my time and money to read an author’s work. If they don’t give, then I believe I have a reason to be a little upset.

  Endless killing. Hopeless suspense. An ending that suddenly stops the blurring of action. What???

  The characters that had been so meticulously developed ending up meaning little to nothing because they change so much in this novel.

  Which brings to the the idea that this is a pure war novel. And that Katniss’ life and her feeling mean next to nothing in this. They could have killed her off for all I care, I was so upset.

  So. Here is the novel that I am extremely disappointed in. Collins, I am very upset with you, and expected so, so, SO much more from you. The story had such potential, everything had amazing potential and something that could be so useful, but I felt you threw it away. And thus, I am both saddened and angry.

  Overall, a major disappointment.

In the final book of the series, this novel is fast paced and desperate. With enough power to answer the remaining questions, and enough creativity to give new life to the characters, the last novel is a rocky and emotional ride.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: August 24, 2010

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023513   (isbn13:978-0439023511)

So that is that. Hope that you had a better experience with these novels.

Quick Series Review: Earth’s Children

4-5 Stars

Alright, so I have finished this series for the second time, and I have decided that this series is a keeper, and absolutely magical, even if it is really for adult only, due to the adult content.

It is the series that started in the 80′s, by Jean M. Auel, and continues through to now, with another book, possibly two, coming out soon.Thus far, the novels that have come out are

They are an epic series (yes,I used the word epic) of great magnitude full of beautiful landscapes, people and problems. It is a very unique series in the way that it is presented, even if the idea of cavemen and people in prehistoric time has been used before. However, the information is apparently very accurate, and these novels are considered to be very informative.

What I love about this series is that information. The way it is applied, and the way that when it is put together, it makes up for a great series that you can learn from.

But it is just not the information that makes it; it is the lovely descriptions that encapture you and you can almost see wherever they are around you, and you are in the story. It is beautiful, and I applaud any author that can accomplish this feat.

It is the characters that top this tall totem pole of compliments. They are the head of it, and they control the story with such command that it is hard to believe that they were not actually people, becuase they are so rounded out, so defined that they are a constant that makes the story flow with ease. They control the reader’s emotions without flaw.  Especially the two lead characters, that have the most control over a reader that I have trouble finding in other novels.

I also love how they can make emotions run so high, so quickly, and ultimately make you want to jump right in the story with them.

What I do not like about parts of this series is that it can lull a little in some parts, lagging and dragging, but this is not a huge issue, and other factors soon make up for this. I also do not like that sometimes I want to throw the book across the room when emotions run high and I hate what the characters are doing, but again, this is contradictory to what I have liked. The emotions are part of it, and it is a love/hate thing.

Overall, a very, very good series. However, this is not for anybody under sixteen I think, becuase it is a very mature series.

The Clan of the Cave Bear

Ayla is five when the devastating earthquake hits home and kills her family. Not that she remembers any of that. When the same earthquake hits the Clan, a different type of people, they have to find a new home, and they just happen to find Ayla.

She seems like a strange child, with noises coming out of her mouth, and she cannot ‘talk’ properly; that is, with her hands.

Ayla struggles to fit in with the Clan, but they have trouble accepting her and her powerful, male totem of the cave lion. But acceptation of her is almost all she asks.

Can Ayla survive the trials that are given to her, including the Clan accepting her tall frame and blonde hair? Or will she always be on the fringe?

Published: June 25th 2002 by Bantam (first published 1980)

Page Count: 480

ISBN: 0553381679    (isbn13: 9780553381672)

The Valley Or Horses

Ayla is alone, and desperate. With everything she knows gone, she struggles to move on, and survive, though the ways of the Clan still nip at her.

On her quest to find people like her, the ‘Others’, Ayla finds a valley of horses where she decides to winter. Using her skills and forbidden prowess of a hunter, Ayla is able to fend for herself. In doing that, she ends up living with a horse, and strangest of all, a cave lion.

But when a stranger man is injured Ayla has to overcome barriers…and the shock of meeting one of the ‘Others’.

Can Ayla break down the walls of language and differences?

Published: June 25th 2002 by Bantam (first published 1980)

Page Count: 512

ISBN: 0553381660    (isbn13: 9780553381665)

The Mammoth Hunters

Ayla has now completed her quest of finding one of the ‘Others’. But how will she cope will a whole cave of them? With new people, customs, and ways, the Mamutoi hold a whole new challenge in the way of meeting people like her.

Customs are not the only thing that Ayla has to struggle against. Between her worries once renewed about acceptance, and her strange ways that are hard to understand, Ayla is an outsider once more.

Will Ayla ever find a place to fit in? Or is she destined to always be on the fringe?

Published: June 25th 2002 by Bantam (first published 1985)

Page Count: 656

ISBN: 0553381644    (isbn13: 9780553381641)

The Plains of Passage

Ayla’s journey continues, and she has made her choice. Leaving the culture that she was beginning to understand behind, she travels into the unknown, and the unknown is starting to take it’s toll, as is the constant strain of travel.

Worn by the unforgiving journey, Ayla is beginning to question all that she knows, as well as the unknown.

Ayla soon learns that the vast and unknown world can be difficult and treacherous, but breathtakingly beautiful and enlightening as well. The people she meets, both enemy and friend are different, but nothing has yet shown to be somewhere to stay forever.

The long journey for a home is a strain. Will Ayla ever find that place she can call her own? And will the man she loves ever settle?

Published: June 25th 2002 by Bantam (first published 1990)

Page Count: 768

ISBN: 0553381652    (isbn13: 9780553381658)

The Shelters of Stone

With a home in the horizon, the dangers of travel are also overlooked. But Ayla soon learns that perhaps the most frightening part of the end of the journey is just that…the end.

With a place to stay forever, and the chance to meet the man she loves parents, she is once again worried about acceptance and her strange ways.

With plenty of danger and thrill, any step towards home could soon be their last, with the dangers that llay between her and their final destination.

Will Ayla finally find a home and a place where she belongs?

Published: April 27th 2004 by Bantam (first published 2002)

Page Count: 789

ISBN: 0553382616    (isbn13: 9780553382617)

I highly recommend this book to people who love historical fiction, or any adult who has the time to sit down for lenghly periods of time to enjoy such an immense novel.

Alright, so that is it for that so called quick review. Enjoy.

Book of the Week: The Heritic Queen

5 Stars

Alright, my ducks. This is the beginning of  the book of the week. I chose a book that I like, and it becomes the book of the week. It is usually a very good novel that I think deserves to be put on a special shelf. In this case, it is another Michelle Moran novel. This time, it the the sequel to Nefertiti. I have to say that I like this book even more than this one, because this one is so deeply rooted in intrigue and is just so good! Thus, earning it a position on the Book of the Week shelf.

I think the reason I like this book so much it because of it’s idea, and because of the setting itself. Egypt is/was a very sophisticated place, and their dynasties and legacies are remarkable. Let alone the fact that Michelle was able to take history and turn it into a magical work of fiction. I also love the characters, and the way that the story is presented. And, I loved the motivation to win what she wanted in the court.

What I did not like was the ending…I tend to be very picky with how author’s end their novels, and have, well, standards for how they should end. The ending of this fell just short. Sure, it was a great ending, just not what I was expecting…and not the way that I wanted the sequel to end. But other than that, I have very little to nit-pick.

Nefertari is the forgotten princess. Wild, pretty, and very clever, she seems to be quite the catch for any man. But there is one condemning factor to her; her name, and her relatives.

Nefertari is the niece of the heretic queen…the one who almost brought Egypt into ruins. And now she has something she wants more than anything else; her best friend and the prince’s love.

With a plan and a hidden agenda, the Priestess of Hathor  swoops in to help the princess. But winning the prince’s heart is not the only obstacle.

In a novel that is just as compelling as the one before, The Heretic Queen is sure to keep you turning pages.

Author:  Michelle Moran

Published:  September 16th 2008 by Crown

Page Count: 383

ISBN:  0307381757    (isbn13: 9780307381750)

Quick Review: The Book Of Negroes

5 (Yes, 5. This is a rare occasion)

So I meant to write this a few days ago, but I totally forgot, so, here is a quick review of `The Book of Negroes’ by LAWRENCE HILL, which I found to be such a great literary work that I think everybody should really read it or at least glance at it.

It is a breathtaking account of a young woman’s tale fighting through her slavery and what she does to make her life worthwhile to her.
While I admit that I was slightly hesitant to read this book at first, because somebody told me it was horrible (how wrong they were…I should have known better anyways, they hate books like this),  I read it.
How glad am I that I have!
The writing is great, the plot (for the most part) fast paced as well as descriptive. It was perfectly researched and written with such care and ability that it was a book that I know for a fact I will be reading again.

I would recommend this book for those that like history-like novels, but also to those who are ready for a combination of love, pain, as well as bitter action.

All I can say now, is read it, and enjoy great Canadian writing!!!

I think what I liked the most about the novel was the fact that it was based on a piece of history, and that we got to grow with Meena, got to see what she had been through and understand that this had actually happened to some people.  We got to experience a woman’s trials and know that somebody had probably gone through something similar. I also liked that it was done in first person; if you know me, then you know that I love fist person narration.

The one thing that I partially did not like in the novel was the fact that you would go back to Meena writing her account. I would have preferred that it had just gone straight through, but, it was nothing big.  Nothing that would really bug me.

Aminata Diallo is a eleven-year old girl when her world is shaken roughly. She watches when her parents are killed, her village burned, and she is put into a slave coffle to walk three months across Africa to be put on a slave ship. There she is forced to grow up quickly and learn how to survive in a rough world where white men dominate. She quickly learns the ways of the white men, and of the South Carolina Negroes alike. It all falls apart on one mistake, and Meena, as she is know to others, is forced to change once more. Soon she has changed owners once more, leaving her lover and husband behind to the unknown. Eventually Meena  ends up in places she never thought she would go.

In a novel that is filled with true facts and history, this work will make you ponder; what would you do?

Author:  Lawrence Hill

Published:  October 4th 2007 by Harper Collins Canada (first

published 1993)

Page Count:  486

ISBN:  1554681561

http://www.lawrencehill.com/the _book_of_negroes.html