Book Review: Had the Queen Lived

Had the Queen Lived: An Alternative History of Anne Boleyn
Author: Raven A. Nuckols
Published: Authorhouse, 2011
Genre: Alternative Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.5/5

Sometimes an individual wonders what life could have been like had an incident been different or if  he had made a different choice. Sometimes we wonder about the life of another person and how his or her life could have been different. As writers, we know that past events will shape the future for our characters. We know in this intricate world we call life that the present has been determined by events of the past. At times I have wondered how the world would be different had Elizabeth I not become queen of England.

In her novel Had the Queen Lived Raven A. Nuckols explores the what if in history. What would England be like had Anne Boleyn had not suffered a miscarriage in January of 1536?  Had this baby lived it is certain that Anne would have lived as well beyond her execution date of May 19, 1536. In this alternative historical fiction novel Nuckols weaves together a life of what could have been for Anne, Henry VIII and Elizabeth had the baby boy lived. In a world where is is not loved, despite the deliverance of a healthy heir, Anne pushes for the education of the poor. She pushes for her hold to remain on the king as she ages and pushes to bring England to glory for her son.

This novel is written in a biographical style and overall was well done in most aspects. At times, though, the author inserted lines such as "Anne felt" or "Anne believed" which distracted me from the author's chosen writing style. As it was meant to be a false biography the writer should have kept true to the form. It might have been in Nuckols' interest to have written her book in novel format with dialogue and scene as she felt the need to convey Anne's feeling and thoughts through statements rather than through imaginative accounts.

While this novel was rich with false history I felt the author was unable to convey the deep relationship Anne would have had with her children. At the end of the reading the novel I felt the sense of Anne's death still a stronger impact on Elizabeth versus had Anne lived. I even felt the relationship had would have had with a son skimped on the surface and left me wanting to experience the love she would have had for these children.

I would recommend this novel to a die hard Tudor fan looking to expand their Tudor reading genre. I am willing to try reading any future books from this author as well.  I just hope she is able to bring emotion to the page where vital relationships need to be experienced by her readers.

Book Review: Battle Royale

Battle Royale
Author: Koushun Takami
Published: 1999
Genre: Dystopian Thriller
Rating: 5/5

Last March, I went to see the first movie installment of The Hunger Games. I hadn't even heard of the book series before then and planned on reading them in future. During a conversation with my friend, Chris, he recommended I read Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. I was soon to discover, in my personal opinion, The Hunger Games trilogy stole (or borrowed) it's main plot setting from Battle Royale.

Shuya Nanahara is a third-year student at Shiroiwa Junior High. He is fifteen-years-old and expected to murder his own classmates. The year is 1997 and Shuya's class has been selected to participate in the government's  Battle Royale. Only one student shall live. Driven by instinct, fear, and perhaps natural evil, Shuya watches as some of his classmates begin to participate in the game. On an island where he has no access to those he called family, his best friend dead, and all his beliefs challenged, Shuya must decide who he can trust. With his injured classmate, Noriko, and the unexpected friendship they forge with the loner Shogo Kawada, they press forward with the goal that their will be more than one survivor in this Battle Royale.

What I enjoyed most about this novel was the detailed descriptions Takami uses to portray the world of horror his young characters are forced into. Many times I could imagine the bloodied, mutilated bodies of Shuya's classmates and the exact wounds from which they died. The dark tone of this novel was carried through with each chapter, scene, sentence that Takami intentionally or subconsciously chose as he wrote. For those looking for a dystopian horror novel I recommend this novel without any reservations.

While I still have yet to read The Hunger Games I must admit that I have a preconceived negative bias towards the books now. I am hoping Suzanne Collins will challenge my opinion when I do finally read her novels.

(#23 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Novel Travels

I am headed back to the land of the rising sun in five more days! This time I will be in Tokyo as a vagabond writer as I search for the story of a horse. Or should I say stories? There are several ideas flowing through my brain. One novel idea simply will not go away: horse racing.

Japan has been purchasing some of the best stock in the racing industry in the past years. America's almost Triple Crown Winner, I'll Have Another (IHA), was sold to Big Red Farm. He arrived to his new home on Hokkaido Island on August 7, 2012. The area of Japan I will be staying in is home to prominent racetracks such as Tokyo racetrack and Nakayama in Chiba.

Growing up, I was introduced to the word of racing through the Black Stallion novels by Walter Farley. Since then I have enjoyed reading books, both fiction and nonfiction, about the heroes of racing. A year and half ago as I was reading Jane Smiley's Horse Heaven while researching Japan's racing industry.

I had a writerly epiphany. The kind where you jump up and say out loud, "I must write you!".

One of the best things about being a writer is the research. I have never been to racetrack in my life. I have only seen Thoroughbreds flying down the track on the television. There is nothing better in my life than being part of the equine world both in reality and fantasy. I am looking forward to seeing where my passion for horses and writing leads me in Japan.

Meanwhile, Skye will surely miss me, but she has her friend Hairy Potter to keep her company! Actually, my friend Maria and I call him Skye's husband as they are always together. They are simply adorable. Regardless, I am happy my horse is happy in her home and her herd.

Book Review: The Kingmaker's Daughter

The Kingmaker's Daughter
Author: Philippa Gregory
Published: 2012,Touchstone
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

After struggling to read Gregory's first YA novel Changeling I thought about waiting a bit to read her newest release The Kingmaker's Daughter. However, I found myself unable to resist as I have loved all her other The Cousins' War novels. My temporary lapse in my adoration of Gregory's work was quickly restored after consuming the first few words of this novel.

Anne is the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, "The Kingmaker." He has placed Edward IV on the throne but begins to fall from King's ear as Edward's beautiful queen, Elizabeth Woodville, enchants her husband to her will. Anne and her sister, Isabel, soon find themselves the political pawns of their father as he tries to replaced Edward IV with a new king. When her father is beheaded and his children are left in disgrace, Anne escapes the ruins she is left in by marriage to Richard Neville, brother of Edward IV. While Anne is loved by her husband his connection to the royal house sends their lives on the crash course of ambition and power. In the end, power will destroy all that Anne has.

What I loved about this novel was how beautifully Gregory wove the plot together with her novel The White Queen. Throughout this whole novel I was reminded of powerful scenes that took place in The White Queen. The reader learns how the two lives of these royal women were paralleled through the misunderstandings and tragedies of the royal house. While The Kingmaker's Daughter can be read as a stand alone novel I would recommend reading The White Queen for the dual experience I enjoyed.

(#22 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: The Vampire Lestat

The Vampire Lestat (Vampire Chronicles)
Author: Anne Rice
Published: 1985
Genre: Fantasy, Vampire
Rating: 5/5

Continuing my reviews of The Vampire Chronicles I first encountered the character of Lestat from the movie Interview with a Vampire. I had a hard time buying into the evilness Lestat portrayed in the movie. I was glad when I discovered the second book expanded into making him an overall, major character throughout the series.

After Louis releases the tale of his life in the form of the novel Interview with the Vampire his creator, Lestat, is inspired to share his own story. Lestat releases a biography and becomes a popular rock singer in which he challenges those that know of the origin of vampires to come forth. From his youth, transformation, world wanderings and pursuit for answers Lestat's flamboyant and passionate personality is one the reader will love.

Once more, I cannot stress how much I love Rice's use of narration. Lestat's complex character offers a more desirable narration for a broader audience. I sincerely wish this novel had also been turned into a movie.

(#21 of the 100 Book Challenge, which I won't be making)

Book Review: Changeling

Changeling (Order of Darkness)
Author: Philippa Gregory
Published: May 2012, Simon Pulse
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5

Many of my blog readers know I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's novels. My fascination began back when I was in high school with the release of The Other Boleyn Girl in 2004. I was drawn to Gregory's ability to weave together amazing stories based on the idea of "what if?". I continued to read her novels during my years at  university and even wrote my MFA third semester critical essay about her work. When I saw she had expanded into the YA market I was a bit surprised and pleased. Regrettably, the story and writing was not the quality I expected from Gregory.

Luca Vero is a novice priest who is uprooted from his monastery and recruited into a secret sect called The Order of the Dragon. He will investigate evil across Europe and determine if it the work of Satan or of man.  His first investigation is at nunnery where a 17-year-old girls has recently been named Head Abbess. Isolde never wanted the life of a religious woman. She was to be an heiress with her own lands until her father dies and her brother claims differently. As their paths cross the embark on a journey that will take them and their companions across Europe.

While I feel Gregory has a very good premise for this book series she did not bring this novel to quality it should have been. The pacing at times was awful with some scenes too short in which the reader should have been allowed to linger with the character. I felt as if the characters were cliche and two-dimensional with a promise of depth that never came. Plot-wise the novel felt a bit too predictable at times and the characters seemed to get out of danger almost a little too easily. There was ample opportunities to bring the both plot and characters to a higher plane the author never took.

I would only recommend this book to true Gregory fans. I struggled to make it through this 272 page novel but continued in hope Gregory would change my disappointed thoughts. Unfortunately, I had to start reading her newest release The Kingmaker's Daughter to heal my aching muse. I will read the next book in the Order of Darkness series and hope it proves much better than the first.

(#20 of the 100 Book Challenge)

Book Review: Interview with the Vampire

Interview with the Vampire
Author: Anne Rice
Published: 1976
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5/5

Several years ago I remember somebody recommending Anne Rice's novels to me when they learned I was a Twilight fan. Yes, I admit it, Stephanie Meyer's books are on my list of guilty pleasure reading. Since then, I have moved on from being a Twilight fan but I never lost my fascination with vampires. After watching the movie I knew it was time to plunge into the greater literary works of vampire novels.

Louis de Pointe du Lac is a young plantation owner is New Orleans, Louisiana. After his pious younger brother tragically dies Louis wishes for nothing except death himself. The vampire Lestat offers him a different option and he accepts. Even though he knows what he has become Louis is unable to let go of his mortal values and passions. He wants to know the meaning, the source, and the purpose for his immortal existence. With his vampire child, Claudia, they embark on the journey to find vampires in the old world of Europe. Are they evil, spawn of the devil, or do they merely exist?

What I simply loved most about Rice's writing was her ability to create such a strong narration through Louis.  From the first opening paragraphs I fell in love with this character and my ability to trust him. While Rice's writing is filled with a powerful place of setting, rich descriptions and a highly risky plot none of these compare to her strong talent for narration. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in The Vampire Chronicles series.

The first three books in this series can be purchased in a lovely hardbound edition from Barnes and Noble. I purchased my copy while visiting a friend in Buffalo, NY earlier this year.

(#19 of the 100 Book Challenge)