#resolvetoread19

[squigglyreads]

Book Nineteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. . Strong, female protagonist? Historical fiction based on real events and real people? If you nodded to both of these questions, then I would suggest you have a gander at this novel. . Queen of the North is set in a point of history that would one day lead to the Wars of the Roses: the 1300s. Harry Bolingbroke (soon to be Henry IV) challenges Richard II for the right to the throne, supported by the Percy family of the north. All except for Elizabeth Percy. Her family, the Mortimers, believe that her nephew should be on the throne instead- and she intends to do something about it. . I've always had a curiosity surrounding the Plantagenet and Tudor families, so naturally I was attracted to this novel like a fly to honey. I knew very little of Elizabeth Mortimer, wife of Henry Hotspur, and have researched more about her since reading this book. . I found the novel to be engaging and well paced, containing all the political weaving and scheming you would expect from families of power and influence. #bookish #bookstagram #books #bookreview #bibliophile https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Rb2xKnxpA/?igshid=1i711w2x3xqb7

[squigglyreads]

Book Eighteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. . Alexandria, 47BCE: Cleopatra shares the throne with her brother Ptolemy under the auspices of Julius Caesar, by whom Cleopatra is heavily pregnant with child. A shipment of new coin meant to reset the shaky Egyptian economy has been stolen, the Queen’s Eye has been murdered and Queen Cleopatra turns to childhood friend Tetisheri to find the missing shipment and bring the murderer to justice. . I found this book at a local newsagent, and as all books on the outdoor table were $4.95 each, naturally I could not resist having a browse. Among the other books I purchased that day was this one, and I was very much looking forward to sinking my teeth into it as soon as I could. . Alas, I was disappointed. I felt the book was very lacklustre, and the attraction of the Egyptian setting and Cleopatra didn't retain my interest, unfortunately. Normally a book of this length doesn't take me long to read through, but this was a struggle to pick back up when put down. I'm sure others may enjoy this, but not for me I'm afraid. #bookish #bookstagram #books #danastabenow #bookreview https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RaJ45n1AJ/?igshid=1045x8ugy33fi

[squigglyreads]

“The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. Still, the struggle itself is worthwhile. Knowledge is the root of power, after all.” . Book Seventeen of my #resolvetoread19 list. . The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is the first instalment of the First Law Trilogy. If dark, gritty fantasy novels are your cup of tea, you will not be disappointed. . The Blade Itself revolves around three protagonists; Logen Ninefingers, an infamous barbarian from the North who just wants to stay alive. Captain Jezal dan Luther, a proud and selfish man who desires nothing more than to fleece his friends at card games and win within the fencing circle. Inquisitor Glokta, a cripple turned torturer cutting out treason within the Union one confession at a time. . Little do they know that their lives will be intertwined. War is coming, and with the entrance of the mysterious mage Bayaz, their lives are about to be made just that bit more difficult. . This is not the first time reading this novel for me, and just like the first time I could not put it down. It is primarily a character driven novel, each with their own point of view. This is not a negative aspect, as each character is brilliant within their own right, and they make quite the ensemble cast. This book will not disappoint, and I very much look forward to re-reading the rest of the trilogy in the very near future. #bookish #bookstagram #books #joeabercrombie #thebladeitself #firstlawtrilogy https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RXoxkH06A/?igshid=1ssgvzhmyv4gu

[squigglyreads]

“All the diversity, all the charm, and all the beauty of life are made up of light and shade.” . Book Sixteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. Anna Karenina was a book that was on my 'to-read' list for quite a long time, probably years. I think the vast size of the novel made me overlook it so often, due to lack of time etc. But, I finally read it this year and overall I'm glad I did. . Anna is a sophisticated woman who abandons her empty existence as the wife of Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfil her passionate nature - with tragic consequences. Levin is a reflection of Tolstoy himself, often expressing the author's own views and convictions. . I did struggle a little with the first quarter of the book, and toyed with putting it down and trying again at a later date. However, I persevered, and it paid off. The rest of the book flowed beautifully, and now that I've finally read it I can understand and appreciate why this novel has been declared a masterpiece. #bookish #books #bookstagram #annakarenina https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RVpU2HWue/?igshid=1cz37e2pg0fet

[squigglyreads]

"I believe that the reader will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history." - Arthur Miller. . Book Fifteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play based on historical people and events , being the witch-hunts and trials in 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts. When Elizabeth Proctor is accused of being a witch, it is demanded that she be brought to trial by self-righteous church leaders and townspeople. . This play is still relevant even to modern times, and is a classic example of the fear in front of something we cannot understand, and the need to create witch-hunts in order to cover up our own faults as human beings and as members of our societies. #bookish #bookstagram #books #thecrucible #bibliophile https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RTAOLHEjp/?igshid=1u3mkhzwbanr4

[squigglyreads]

Book Fourteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. • In Northern Iceland, 1829, Agnes Magnúsdóttir is condemned to death for the brutal murder of two men. She is sent to wait out the time leading to her execution on the farm of District Officer Jón Jónsson, his wife and their two daughters. Horrified to have a convicted murderess living in their home, the family avoids her like the plague. Thorvadur (Toti) Jónsson (a young assistant reverend appointed as Agnes’s spiritual guardian) attempts to redeem her soul. This novel is based on a true story. • This book is so well written, that I had quite honestly forgotten it was based on a true story until I reached the Author's Note at the end. I could gush over this book all day, but I shall sum up my feelings of it in three words: Bleak, haunting, beautiful. #bookish #bookstagram #books #bibliophile #burialrites https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OtIhunuvw/?igshid=1dko83r5cwb6o

[squigglyreads]

"Often, for undaunted courage, fate spares the man it has not already marked." • Book Thirteen of my #resolvetoread19 list. The Old English epic poem, Beowulf, is one of the most important works of Old English literature, in my extremely humble opinion. Set in Scandinavia, it tells the story of Beowulf, hero of the Geats, who comes to aid the King of the Danes, Hrothgar, from attacks by the foul monster known as Grendel. (There is much more in its 129 page stature, but I shall not spoil it.) • If you haven't read it and enjoy stories of battle, warriors and monsters, please pick up this poem and give it a try. Also, and again in my extremely humble opinion, the 2007 movie was pants. #bookish #bookstagram #books #bibliophile #beowulf https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OsB3qn5jn/?igshid=qgrjyrcz6cwf

[squigglyreads]

Book Twelve of my #resolvetoread19 list. • Oh, how I wanted to adore this book, I really did. The physical book itself is BEAUTIFUL. When I saw it in the store, it immediately caught my eye and I had to hold it. Bookbinding? How could I resist? Alas, it was not meant to be. I found myself struggling to warm to the protagonists, and the book felt very slow in parts. I guess I expected more of a fantasy novel, not a coming of age love story. Given the hype upon its release etc, perhaps I was the wrong reader for this book. #books #bookish #bookstagram #bibliophile #thebinding https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OqA5InObo/?igshid=3f21eq8q5bzf