Thursday, August 29, 2013

HFVBT: Review of Mother Earth, Father Sky by Sue Harrison

Chagak enters her womanhood and finds herself betrothed to Seal Stalker. Violence, however, takes her happiness and village away from her. As the only adult survivor, she takes her infant brother and sets out to start a new life.

While I haven't read much Prehistoric HF, I enjoyed Mother Earth, Father Sky.  Chaguk, though young, was a strong character. I really enjoyed Shuganan and Kayugh's characters and side stories. Harrison spins a gorgeous story. I loved how descriptive she was in her story without making it feel forced or stiff. This book would be good for YA, but is still readable by adults. Very good book.

Praise for MOTHER EARTH FATHER SKY

“Mythic storytelling.” —The Washington Post Book World

“Sue Harrison joins the ranks of Jean Auel and Linda Lay Shuler.” —The Houston Post

“Memorably great . . . in between the satisfying details of an ancient culture, you smell the sweet heather, taste the wind, hear the roaring surf and sense the joy of primeval love.” —Ruth Beebe Hill, author of Hanta Yo

“A book of haunting beauty and emotional power. I became the Aleut girl-woman in Ice Age Alaska, and the carver, the seal hunter, the shaman . . . A remarkable book of passion, tenderness, and the indomitable human spirit, masterfully researched and beautifully written.” —Linda Lay Shuler, author of She Who Remembers

“A moving and credible story . . . Harrison expertly frames dramatic events with depictions of prehistoric life in the Aleutian Islands.” —The New York Times Book Review

Praise for SONG OF THE RIVER


 


“Harrison once again displays her first-rate storytelling talents, here in a rousing tale of murder, revenge, and internecine warfare . . . A warm yarn from the frozen North as authentic as all get-out.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Sue Harrison joins the ranks of Jean Auel and Linda Lay Shuler.” —The Houston Post

“A remarkable storyteller.” —Detroit Free Press
“Lyrical . . . compelling . . . a timeless tale of the best and the worst of humankind in a land where the mundane mixes naturally with the mystical.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

About the Author

Sue Harrison grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and graduated summa cum laude from Lake Superior State University with a bachelor of arts degree in English language and literature. At age twenty-seven, inspired by the cold Upper Michigan forest that surrounded her home, and the outdoor survival skills she had learned from her father and her husband, Harrison began researching the people who understood best how to live in a harsh environment: the North American native peoples. She studied six Native American languages and completed extensive research on culture, geography, archaeology, and anthropology during the nine years she spent writing her first novel, Mother Earth Father Sky, the extraordinary story of a woman’s struggle for survival in the last Ice Age. A national and international bestseller, and selected by the American Library Association as one of the Best Books for Young Adults in 1991, Mother Earth Father Sky is the first novel in Harrison’s critically acclaimed Ivory Carver Trilogy, which includes My Sister the Moon and Brother Wind. She is also the author of Song of the River, Cry of the Wind, and Call Down the Stars, which comprise the Storyteller Trilogy, also set in prehistoric North America. Her novels have been translated into thirteen languages and published in more than twenty countries. Harrison lives with her family in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. 

For more information please visit Sue Harrison's website.  You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.


Link to Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/sueharrisonvirtualtour/
Twitter Hashtag: #SueHarrisonTour


Interview with Sue Harrison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYs9Y4WoggM

































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Friday, August 23, 2013

Vlad: The Last Confession

Vlad the Impaler's story is told by the three people who knew him the best. His confessor Brother Vasile, his mistress Ilona and his right-hand man, Ion Tremblac recount Vlad's life, hoping to restore his honor. Beginning with his imprisonment by the Turks and ending with his death, Vlad's story unfolds.

I loved this book. The beginning is odd. Three witnesses questioned in the same room, but curtained off from each other. They replay the past; weeping, rejoicing and praising the Prince of Wallachia. The mystery at the beginning creates a suspenseful setting. Once the memories begin to flow, readers are intrigued by Vlad. He is merciful and vengeful. Loving and heartless. I can understand his actions better, and Humphrey shows how Vlad wasn't any crueler than others. In the end, Vlad is mysterious, not only to readers, but the three who knew him best.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Forbidden Queen by Anne O'Brien

Katherine de Valois is a queen won in battle. Given to Henry V of England after the battle of Agincourt, Katherine is smitten with her groom. As a forgotten child, she longs for love and a purpose. Her purpose, according to Henry, is to provide an heir and nothing more. Heartbroken, Katherine learns to live alone and unloved. When she is widowed young, Katherine feels her youth end. Destined to be the Queen Mother, Katherine must give up her wants for the good of her son and England's future king. But life has other plans for The Forbidden Queen.

This book was my first book by Anne O'Brien, and my first book about Katherine de Valois. Anne is a wonderful author, who brings Katherine to life. I enjoyed how Anne even displayed her flaws, including her insecurity and mood swings. Though some thought Katherine's indecision made the book stall, I found it strengthened it. I love how both Katherine and Owen fought hard for their love, even after they married. This is an awesome book. I loved it! Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Selene, the twin daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, lives at the pinnacle of culture in Alexandria. When Octavianus defeats her parents and gains control of Egypt, Selene knows that  life will never be the same. Taken to Rome as captives, she is placed in Octavianus' household. Selene hopes to go back to Egypt, but soon realizes that is she is to survive she must learn to play the game of politics. Two suitors present two different lives- and Selene must choose to make herself happy and her mother proud.

Selene's story begins when she is a child whose life has been turned upside down. Sheltered by her mother's enemies, she is full of hatred and the desire to be rescued.As Selene ages, her grasp on her future comes into her view. Realizing she can never have her beloved Egypt back, Selene must determine how to make the best of her life. I loved how protective she was over her brothers, and her parent's memory. I also loved how the author included a lot of little details, like the different languages Selene and her brothers spoke and Octavia's reaction to Ptolly. I loved the evolution of Alexandros and Selene. Highly recommended, even for adults!!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Mistress to the Crown by Isolde Martyn

Jane Shore, the gorgeous merchant's wife, is swept off her feet when King Edward's counselor William Hasting's shows up at her husband's shop. Eager to be rid of her impotent husband and her loveless marriage, Jane becomes Hasting's lover. Things change when she meets the King. Jane finds herself drawn into Edward's Court. As she rids herself of her husband, she finds other problems. Her family has disowned her and the Queen's family hates her. But Jane is determined to be happy. When Ned becomes sick, Jane's life quickly changes. Left without a friend in London, Jane is brought low.

I had heard about Jane Shore, but never had a chance to read about her. And 2013 is her time to shine!! Not one, but two major books being written about the merriest of Edward's mistresses. Jane is a generous and kind woman. Though she becomes a rich and almost powerful woman, she never abuses her power or forgets those less fortunate. Nor does she lose her sense of adventure. As a lover and friend to Edward, Jane thrives. When Ned dies early, Jane is lost and loses all her friends and stability. Jane displays true strength and never stops searching for happiness. I really enjoyed being able to read about one of England's famous mistresses!! Martyn does a wonderful job bringing this vivacious woman to life!


Thank you to NetGalley and the  Publisher for providing me this book!