Rebecca Hill
A colorful and engaging biography!
Robert Dudley was a very enigmatic figure and one that knew how to circulate and navigate the sticky rules of the court. Through his friendship and supposed love affair with Queen Elizabeth I, he rose to greater heights. This was surprising to many, as his family had the taint of traitors, his father having been put into the Tower for treason.
Robert Dudley was more than just a plaything for the queen. He was an intellectual, he was a thinker who would go to any lengths to get where he wanted to be, and what he wanted.
Although part of the book deals with Elizabeth I, the rest deals with Robert himself, and the full life that he lived. Although the taint of murder still lingers over his head, with the death of his wife, there are so many other aspects to Robert.
For a great biography on Robert Dudley, then you need to grab this book! Perfect and full! Robert Stedall has written the ultimate book, which will go down as one of the best books on Dudley in the future.
The best book on serial killers yet!
If you love reading about serial killers, then you are going to LOVE this book! I was drawn in from the first page and could not stop reading! Nigel Blundell goes into the crimes of the selected serial killers, giving a complete rundown, to the arrest and trial of each killer.
The many different killers that are profiled in this book are among some of the worst that we have ever seen, and they are drawn from all over the globe. In this book, you can travel from one end of the globe to the other, getting insights and some of the processes of each of the killers.
This book was seriously beyond amazing, and I honestly loved it. I have long been interested in serial killers, and what pushed them into becoming the monsters that they are. This book is one of the best that I have read on the subject, and I look forward to seeing what this author comes out with next!
Antigonus was a character that had more drive than he was given credit for. In his book, Jeff Champion walks us through the life of Antigonus, and the decisions that led to his decisive victories over the Asian holdings after the death of Alexander the Great.
While I was expecting more of a biography, this compilation of information gives a decent look into the life of Antigonus, and the different routes that he took to get to his desired goals. When the death of Alexander changed the course of the known world, many of the generals took what they could, and scattered.
If you enjoy military history, then this is a book that you are going to really enjoy! I did enjoy the read, but there were times where I felt completely bogged down and had to push to continue.
King Arthur has been the basis for legends and myths for years. There have been thousands of books, movies, and theories on who the real King Arthur was, and if could have really existed.
Andrew Beattie takes on the myth and goes in-depth to each story, movie, legend, and location that has been associated with Arthur over time. From the murky beginnings to the modern re-tellings, Arthur is stripped from the dark and brought forth in a series of locations and places. Each chapter deals with a different theme, and each time you are going to be dreading the chapter coming to an end. The book is full of great information and has a thorough breakdown of the entire story, from its creation to modern.
If you are an Arthurian lover, then you are going to LOVE this book! Definitely worth the read, and a chance to retrace the story in the Footsteps of King Arthur.
Ron Ripley never disappoints, and these five stories will keep you entertained and scare the pants off you as you read through.
Each of the five stories takes you through different scares and thrills, and some don't end the way that you expect them to! It will keep you guessing throughout, but man, what wonderful stories!
Cannot wait to read more by Ron Ripley!
Thomas Howard is a name that you will hear repeatedly in English history. He was the grandfather of queens, a friend of kings, and one of the most powerful magnates in the land.
His story spans the life of a man who lived longer than most - reaching eighty years of age. During his lifetime, he would be involved in one of the most active kings' lifetimes, and span the reign of more than SIX kings. His life was far from easy, having to rebuild and reestablish himself after being arrested for treason.
The life of Thomas Howard was fascinating. I found myself having a hard time putting this book down to get anything else done! To image what he must have seen, after reading through his life, I am awed by the man that he was, and the legacy that he left behind.
For those who love history, this is a MUST READ! Kirsten Claiden-Yardley did not disappoint with her work, and this book is a true gem!
If you or your child enjoy a good ghost story - this is a great book to read together! Full of different stories from different continents, this will be one book to leave you feeling a little spooked - and yet intrigued with the many different ghost stories from across the world.
I read through this in a few hours, and I will let my son read it as well. Perfect for an evening read!
My first thoughts are, there is no way this is meant for young adults! Oh my goodness. As I was reading through the book, this thriller is one that is going to give anyone nightmares. I definitely recommend reading with the lights on. Try reading in the afternoon, so that you can give yourself some time to get over the crazy that is wrapped up in these pages.
As Lola is investigating the disappearance of her mother and navigating through the days at her grandmother's house, she is struck by many things. She and her mother look a lot alike. This leads many of the townspeople to think that she is her mother, at least at first. As she tries to untangle the mystery surrounding her mother's disappearance, she is struck by how many people do not want to know what happened, and why young ladies are still disappearing, at an alarming rate. They are all tied back to the movie that her father directed in the small town.
She befriends Carter, and together they begin to look into her mother's past. There are so many unanswered questions, and the questions continue to pile up. Lola is doing her best to unravel the mystery, but she seems to be unraveling as well. The deeper she digs, the more danger she seems to be in, and there seems to be something lurking the shadows...
There were a few things that really struck me about this book. First, I felt that the writing was really choppy. There needs to be a good editor to go through this and smooth out a lot of the scenes. It just feels as though there are things missing, and to many unanswered questions at the end. I felt it dropped off rather suddenly, with no real answers being given.
I had some high hopes for this book, but other than giving me nightmares of the things in the dark, I just didn't feel the book did full justice.
If you enjoy military history, you are going to LOVE this book! I have always been a fan of many of these figures, and getting a good in-depth view of their beginnings, their backgrounds, and what drove them to become the top dogs in their field was more than I could have ever dreamed.
Charlemagne, Alfred the Great, Richard the Lionheart, and Robert the Bruce are just a few of the big names that are talked about in this book!
I enjoyed this read, and look forward to what else this author will have to share!
If you were curious about the lives of the not so rich and famous, then you have found the right book! Kathryn Warner goes into great detail with the lives of ordinary citizens of Medieval England, with a little royal drama thrown in for reference.
While the reign of Edward II has been dominated by the She-Wolf, or Queen Isabella and her not so secret affair with Roger Mortimer, there were still the everyday people, just trying to survive during the royal tumbles. From fisherwomen, carpenters, and those who waited on the royal couple, this book will keep you engaged from the start.
I really enjoyed this one, as it was a nice look into what was going on while the royal couple was hashing out their differences (with the use of armies, of course), and the daily goings-on of those who were living, and dying, during the tumultuous year of 1326. While the war drug out much longer, this brief look into this year gives us an idea of what happened, who was getting married, and the different prices for goods, death investigations and more,
A great read for those interested in social (and some royal) history!
I am going to be honest about being torn on this one. I read through the book, and it was filled with personal and uplifting memories of Christina, the young girl who passed way to soon from cancer. This young lady sounds like a fabulous person, and someone who was taken way before her time.
This was a hard one for me to get through, as it was very personal, almost something that is more therapeutic for the author to write, but it has me oddly conflicted. Much of this seemed so personal, things that I would not want to share with the entire world.
I applaud her for writing the book - it was just an uncomfortable read in a lot of different ways.
Women in history, especially as far back as this book goes, have often been overlooked. Many of them were not documented, past a few footnotes here and there. There are some notable exceptions, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Empress Matilda - both of these women were more then mere footnotes - they stomped their way into the pages of history with gusto and determination.
However, women were just not considered essential. Now, we want to know more. We know that they were more involved than just running the households and pumping out babies for their husbands. They were strong, determined, and often very stubborn beings, who could influence and manipulate the events around them (and if you don't think that is the case - go back to Rome, and the manipulations of the royal women - that will raise a few eyebrows).
As we read through Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England - I both enjoyed and disliked it. There were aspects where the information was great - it was real, tangible history. But then there were the parts where it felt the author was stretching just a little to much.
I get it, history was written by men (cause if women had written it, it would have been a lot more detailed in some aspects - and not just the military history - no offense to our ancient historical writers). Women were not seen as integral parts, or worth noting their contributions, mainly because, if they had a decent idea, it would be told to a husband or father, and claimed as that persons brilliant idea.
This book was both fascinating and disastrous. I loved that there were some historical evidences to lead back to these women and the lives that they lead. But there were the pitfalls, and had the feelings of “I am not sure where to go with this here... so lets throw this in.” I felt that it rambled in areas, where it could have been more succinct, and left the reader with a more concise narration, instead of trying to draw out to make the book longer.
I think these are some of my favorite stories to date. The story about the chess board was by far the best in this book! It was one of those OH MY GOODNESS stories that leaves you wanting much more than what you got!
Fabulous and spine-tingling all at the same time! If you enjoy things that go bump in the night, then you are going to love this book! Easy and quick read - perfect for right before bed!
The Scare Street team has done it again! These stories are among the bizarre, and will make you think twice about ordering or buying something second hand.
What if that perfect collectibles piece was not quite what you thought it was? The three stories in this book all follow a pattern - collectible and second hand items that are not quite what they seem, or what they might appear at the first glance.
If you are looking for a good quick thrill, then you need to read this book! It was amazing!
We all know how the royals lived in Ancient Egypt, but what about the regular, everyday people? Their lives are often overshadowed by the larger than life figures of their leaders.
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt dives into the lives of the everyday Egyptians - their food, poetry, death, and clothing. It was a fascinating read, and one that had little quips of humor and jokes throughout. Charlotte Booth takes their lives, and breaks it down into easy to read sections, leaving nothing out!
I enjoyed reading through this! It was a fun look into the way that everyday Egyptians lived. Getting a glimpse into some of their poetry, foods, and more was eye opening and enlightening! This is a great book for those who enjoy history!
Calling all history lovers! When it comes to finding and dissecting information on The Royal Tombs of Ancient Egypt, there have been so many different theories thrown around. There are some huge names in the field of Egyptology, and although they may not always agree on everything, their information helps those who are interested in the history, especially ancient history, can give a lot of insight and steps into learning.
When I started reading The Royal Tombs of Ancient Egpyt, I was completely hooked! I have been a fan of Egyptian history since I was a young child, and this book was an Egyptian history lovers dream! The tombs, especially those of the ancient pharaohs, have a lot of draws. The most famous, of course, is that of Tutankhamen, as it was the most intact tomb that was ever discovered. But there is more to a tomb than just the treasure. The art, the craftsmanship, and the overall majestic nature of the tombs are works of art in themselves. The hieroglyphs included in the tombs, as well as some of the pieces that were found inside, have given us so much information and glimpses into the lives of those who lived thousands of years ago.
Publication Date:
Available Now
Publisher:
Pen and Sword Books
Star Rating:
5/5 stars
My review of The Royal Tombs of Ancient Egypt
Overall, this book was amazing. I felt as though I was walking through the tombs myself. Having some prior knowledge of the history and lives the ancients went a long way into making this book more understandable. In order to really enjoy this book, you have to have a working knowledge of Egyptian history. This is not for those who are just diving into the work. However, whatever level of history you are at, this book was amazing.
There are more to the tombs than just the enclosures. There are temples, monuments, and so much more! The Royal Tombs of Ancient Egypt brings this long romanticized world into a more historical focus, giving a lot of insights into the burial practices, the hopes for the afterlife, and even the details that went into the work on the tomb. Grab your virtual archaeological tools, and dig into this amazing book!
If you are familiar in any way with medieval history, then Simon de Montfort is a name that you will have heard, at least once. In the Rebellion Against Henry III, the life of Simon de Montfort, and his role in the rebellion against the king becomes much more clear.
With the many nobles who raised arms against the king, Simon was at the forefront. The rebellion though is a bit misleading. It was more than one, it was long, and it was bloody. There was not a simple ruling that put it down or nobles who simply had their feelings hurt and were placated by lands, money or promises. These were nobility out for blood, and it was blood they got. For the Marcher lords wanted much more than empty promises and royal favors...
David Pilling goes through the entire rebellion - from the threads that began to pull to the bloody end. I was able to learn so much more, and gleaned so much information from this book! For those who love medieval history, military history, or royal history - then this is a book that you are going to want to pick up. It is laid out in a way that no matter the level of learning you have in medieval studies, it is understandable, easy to follow, and informative.
A quick rundown: When Philip returns to Hell, he is not sure what he is going there for. Death needs his help, and while Philip has remembered a lot of his past lessons from the first time he was there, there are many different dynamics going on in this book. Philip is going to have to face some truths that are hard to swallow. As he works with his friend Satina to help Death find the Die of Death, they are going to find an adventure beyond their wildest imaginations.
I absolutely LOVED this book! It was one of those, really hard to put down, oh my goodness I have a book hangover books. Once you start reading, you do NOT want to stop. There is something about Philip's character that just resounds with everyone, and he is a very relatable character.
When I first started to read, I was not sure if this book was going to follow the fabulous storyline from the first book, but I was not disappointed at all. It does not drag, and the story keeps you moving, engaged, and want to find out what is going to happen next. You cannot turn the pages fast enough to figure out what is going to happen next.
This book is one that you are going to love! While we are all on quarantine, this is the perfect series to pick and read through!
If you are remotely scared of the dark, then you might want to read these during the day, and not while you are alone.
From a patient in a mental hospital, to a cemetery with sinister goings on after dark. These stories are among the best that I have read. Ron Ripley never disappoints with his writing, and these are some of the best stories that I have read.
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, then you need to pay attention! While we do not have Sir Arthur Conan Doyle any longer, there are many who have undertaken to write and maintain the character of Sherlock.
Now if you are anything like me, you have gobbled up the BBC series on Sherlock (and have probably watched them multiple times). But a new Sherlock Holmes book hit the scene, and this is one that you are going to want to read! Get ready to fall in love with Sherlock all over again!
My Review of Five Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The five stories that were included in this book were in short - awesome. I enjoyed the stories immensely. As I was able to engage and felt as though I was reading through an actual Conan Doyle book. I have to admit that I was not sure what to think - so many people have tried to write Sherlock and have failed - so I was a bit tepid about jumping in. However, the book met and exceeded all my expectations.
Each of the stories included were well done, and they fully flesh out the characters, without giving to much of the who dun it away. Here are the premises of the stories - as stated on goodreads.com:
1-Extreme danger. Children's lives are at risk.
2-Holmes prevents an injustice and triumphs over a greedy family.
3-A train arrives 3 years late. Only Holmes can solve this one.
4-Holmes battles blundering politicians and a master criminal.
5-An elaborate crime with a strange motive.
You are going to want to grab this book and read it! It only took me about an hour to read through, but it could have been longer and I would not have minded. This is a perfect time to be reading and staying away from people, so grab and read!
Get a look at the real inside story of the history of Magic and Witchcraft. The many different areas, folklore, and history can be blurred at times - with fiction overtaking fact a lot of the time.
In this book, Frances Timbers goes through everything - the myth, the legends, and the real history behind witchcraft. While Christianity had a huge effect on the practice, driving much of it underground, there were some horror stories that emerged during this time.
King James of England wrote a book on witches, and sadly, many took it to extremes that rocked Europe to its core. Innocent people were put to death over the rumor, and communities turned on each other as they battled to find the “witches” and save themselves in the process. Witchhunters and inquisitors came in, and the issue grew to epic proportions.
This was an amazing book and one that I really enjoyed. I loved reading the different stories, the history, and getting a more full story of what was going on, and why it happened.
You might want to eat before you read this book - because so many of the recipes in here sound scrumptious! Sabine Winn, leaves behind a treasure trove of recipes and remedies. As the book states, many of the remedies are dangerous, so these are NOT to be attempted at home, however, they are fascinating to read - as it gives an insight into the time and the “healing” that was going on at the time.
The book begins with a nice little history - and then dives into the recipes and remedies. I am going to admit, I was not really sure what to expect, but I found myself giggling at some of the ingredients, as well as some of the remedies and what they were used for. Sometimes the cure is actually worse than the disease!
For the recipes - there are so many that I want to try! I am a foodie, and you have to wonder how different the recipes will be today, as compared to their original baking (and I am sure ingredients that were not added to the recipe), as well as baking methods.
I love that this was broken into sections, so you have like items together - and ohhh you can almost smell some of them from the pages! If you enjoy cooking, or trying new things, you need to check this out!
Please do not try the remedies at home.
If you enjoy military history, then this book is for you! Dive into facts, theories and so much more! The author, Constantinos Lagos brings a new perspective to the many different theories that have been thrown around for centuries.
The Persians were a force to be reckoned with, masters of war and defense, But the Greek force managed to route and defeat the Persian military. The back and forth among historians has often led to heated debates, and many different thoughts as to how the Greek military could unseat such a heavy favorite of the ancient world.
Lagos dives deep into history, bringing the backgrounds to the forefront, and giving a fresh perspective of this age old battle. For military historians, this is a must read book! It is one that is going to have you scribbling notes, and running to the library looking for documentation and more information. One of the best books of the year! His findings might just surprise you...