Review: Realm by Alexandrea Weis

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Summary:

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

History tells his story. This is hers.

Review

Based on a true story, Realm gives the reader an exciting perspective that focuses on the wife of Alexander, Roxana. I haven’t come across any books that give us something to takeaway that leaves such a strong imprint of her fierce loyalty to Alexander. This was one page turner that I had to take my time because I didn’t want to miss anything.

In the back of my mind, as I was reading this book all I could think about was how this would be a great movie. You know those books where you can visualize the action playing out, well this was one of those experiences. We all know how much Olympias had a role in his life, so it was refreshing putting the spotlight on Roxana. She was fierce, bold and while endured humiliation and suffering remained strong and authentic.

Without a formal education or nobility, she earned the respect that would’ve been denied based on her heritage. We see her from a young woman with no interest in marriage, learning to love, thrown in a life of war, revenge, deadly plots to earning her right as queen despite the stigma of where she came from. This book has action, drama, love, family and plot that keeps on turning. The ending left me feeling a little torn but overall, I found this a really wonderful interpretation of this period in history and hope you add it to you tbr.

Review: Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets A Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins

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For the week, I wanted something different. I had read a lot of fiction books recently wanted a change. Since I was in middle school, I've always had this dream to write a book. I've started several stories but unfortunately I have not finished any. 

I randomly stumbled upon Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors and I hoped that it would bring me much closer to actually finishing a book. 

After finishing, I realize that I'm no where near ready to complete a book but I know where and how to start. I have a new sense of motivation  to write. 

Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors has great and useful tips that any inspiring writer would appreciate. The book isn't rushed and it clearly explains each section. And it also provides examples, incase the reader may be confused. 

I've learned a lot by reading this book. There's a lot of information in this book. So it is a lot to remember. It would be useful to keep a pen and a paper handy while reading it so that the information can be sorted through quickly when the writing process actually begins. 

This is a book that I could see myself returning to because of the vast information present. 

I think one of the most interesting thing about the book is how the author used lessons that actors use. I had not really realized how similar writing a character and an actor "finding" a character are. 

Final Analysis 

Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors is for anyone who is writing or struggling to write a book. 

Review: The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout

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Summary

In this unforgettable novel, perfect for fans of An Unexpected Grace and A Dog’s Way Home, a single mom and her chronically ill child receive a valuable lesson from an unlikely source—a very special dog who unexpectedly enters their lives and shows them that one person’s lost cause can be another’s greatest gift . . .

Dr. Kate Blunt will do anything for her son, Jasper. Well, almost anything. Since Jasper has the incurable lung disease cystic fibrosis, Kate’s always told him he couldn’t get a dog. It’s a tough call, but she’s a single mom taking care of a kid who fights for every breath he takes. The daily medical routine that keeps Jasper alive is complicated enough. Worse still, Kate’s personal resolve runs contrary to her work as the veterinarian in charge of a Cape Cod animal shelter, where she is on a mission to find forever homes for dogs in desperate need.

The scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog that turns up doesn’t stand a chance. Named Whistler, he’s too old, too ugly. But the dog forms an instantaneous bond with Jasper. Whistler never makes a sound, yet he speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways. The clock’s ticking, the dog’s future hangs in the balance, and Jasper would do anything to find him a home; but Whistler has chosen them—for a reason.

Review

This one will definitely appeal to those who love dogs. Books that blend friendship between children and their fury friends always have a nice appeal.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Kate and Jasper. Their relationship was touching. Those out there with a kid that has an illness, I’m sure you will relate to her. Jasper was a nice read because even though he has some strikes against him health wise, he didn’t let that define his life.

Here’s where I have to be a little critical. The overall plot of the book I thought was sweet. For me, there was a shift somewhere in the book that I felt disconnected. I’m not sure if it was the pace of the book or it how it played out. During the book, I got the sense of the finality of Jasper’s life and then when I read the epilogue, I was really surprised. It just seemed to contradict the implications in the book based on the progression of what was happening to him. Despite that, I’m glad there was a positive outcome.

Overall, I think the intention of the book was good. The characters were memorable. It was a nice read.

Review: Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

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Long Shot was darker than I had imagined. It tells an emotional & dark story that is all too familiar for some. This story isn't going to be for everyone. It centers on a story of abuse, rape, and violence. And it doesn't hold back. 

I will admit it was tough to read and emotionally draining. But very hard to put down. I wanted to see if these characters got their happy ending. 

As much as I liked the book, I will say I felt the ending to be rushed. I understand the impact that the author wanted to have but unfortunately it didn't necessarily work for me. 

Characters

Iris and August randomly meet one night at a bar. And although they were complete strangers and spoke for a short amount of time, the impact that they had on each other was huge. 

From the moment, they begin to speak to each other, I could feel their connection. It was undeniable and obviously that these two characters needed to be together. The chemistry was amazing and the fact that they were able to easily talk and open up to each other was wonderful. 

Unfortunately, for them a huge obstacle would keep them apart. And it was hard watching them be apart.

I'm normally put off by characters who meet once and have completely fallen in love. However, the author did a wonderful job of really showing the characters attractiveness to each other and curiously about each other. 

Although I loved August and Iris' relationship, I will say that it wasn't my favorite relationship. My favorite relationship was between Iris and her cousin, Lotus. Some bonds are unbreakable, and some people will always have your back no matter what. Lotus and Iris have been through a lot and their commitment to each other never wavered. 

Final Analysis 

Long Shot was a good book. It was very dark at times, but it did have it's soft beautiful moments. 

Review: Fleeting (Nash Brothers Book 1) by Carrie Aarons

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This was a sweet, soft, romance. And for the most part, I enjoyed Fleeting. I wasn't overwhelmed with drama nor did the romance feel rushed or inauthentic. It was impossible to not enjoy the characters and feel intrigued by the romance. It was all very unexpectedly charming. 

Fleeting tells the story of Presley who arrives in town to help her grandmother with her book shop. Presley has not had the easier adult life, she's a little unsure about what she wants to do with her life. After an unfortunate event with her grandmother's dog, Presley meets the local vet, Keaton Nash and isn't immuned to his charm. 

Like mentioned previously, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was nicely paced and featured a lovely and healthy relationship. 

It was impossible to not root for this relationship. Both Presley and Keaton were likeable characters. Together and separately they really worked. I really enjoyed the progression of these two characters falling in love. It felt honest. 

The only issue I particularly had with this book was how the book handled secrets. A secret (or important moment in someone's life) would be  mentioned and the character would gloss over it. In several chapters later, the revelation would eventually be made but it was annoying information was sort of baited. 

Final Analysis 

Fleeting was a nice refreshing romance with two characters were lovable. 

Review: I'm Fine & Neither Are You by Camille Pagán

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I found I'm Fine & Neither Are You to be heartbreaking and real. It's a story of addiction, loss, and marriages. 

I'm Fine & Neither Are You is about friendship woven with a story about the duality & complexity of marriages. It's told in the POV of Penelope Ruiz-Kar, who is barely keeping it together in terms of her family & marriage. Jenny, Penelope's best friend, seems to have it all together. That is until tragedy strikes and Penelope learns that Jenny's life isn't as perfect as she had thought it was. To cope with the recent events, Penelope starts making changes in her own life- starting with her marriage. 

I think one of the most interesting thing about this book is that although we may feel close to someone, that doesn't mean that we are entitled to all their secrets and that doesn't mean that there still is a part of them that isn't unfamiliar to us. It was interesting to see Penelope cope with the idea that she didn't know her best friend as well as she had thought. 

I thought the pacing in this book was decent. There were times were it sort of dragged on and other times where it was perfect. Overall, the pacing isn't a huge disadvantage of the book. 

Characters 

I didn't have any major issues with the characters in this book. They all felt three dimensional. 

And I actually found each relationship to be fascinating in their own way. For example, Penelope and her husband, Sanjay. It was far from perfect. And it was interesting to see hints of what could have possibly cause them to each up the way in which they did. 

Final Analysis 

I'm Fine & Neither Are You tells a story that feels all too real about relationships and trying to keep yourself from falling apart.