The Crystal Cave – Mary Stewart

The Dramatic First novel in the classic Merlin Trilogy
A thrilling Adventure through the mystical age of King Arthur

Fifth Century Britain is a country of chaos and division after Roman withdrawal. This is the world of young Merlin, the illegitimate child of a South Wales Princess who will not reveal to her son his father’s true Identity.

Yet Merlin is an extraordinary child, aware at the earliest age that he possesses a great natural gift – the Sight. Against a background of invasion and imprisonment, wars and conquest, Merlin emerges into manhood and accepts his dramatic role in the new Beginning – the coming of King Arthur.

This story follows a young Merlin who at the age of six meets his uncle for the first time. Little did know that his uncle would change his life forever in the most unexpected way. Merlin is a solitude child he doesn’t play with the other kid not only is he weaker but he is also a bastard child so of course the other children pick on him. When Merlin is out one day he discovers a cave, which will one day become his home. There he meets a very good friend and advisor in Galapas. He is an old man who has been waiting for Merlin to arrive so he can teach him all he knows. Once Merlin grandfather dies and his mother enters a convent he realise he is now danger and he runs away. This is where the story really takes off but I can’t say to much as it will give away the many twist and turns. Merlin is a very gifted and smart child but never comes across as cocky if anything Merlin is a very modest character and if I was to plan a fantasy dinner he would be on top of my list of people to invite.

Needless to say I really enjoyed this book and I really hope that anyone that reads it enjoys it as much as I did.

This book is part of a 4 book series with The Hollow Hills next in the series. I will be reading and reviewing that book shortly.

In the Shadow of Lady Jane - Edward Charles

In 1551 the population of England and Wales was a meagre three million and, more than in any other period of English history, patronage by the nobility, and particularly by the King, could infinitely transform the life of an educated and opportunistic young man.
In April 1551, the arrival of Lady Jane Grey, together with her parents and two sisters, to the family property, Shute House, offers Richard Stocker this precious opportunity. As a reward for courageously saving his daughters in a storm, Lord Henry Grey, Marquess of Dorset, takes Richard into his employment. Richard embraces the rare chance he has awarded and ascends within the family to become the Duke’s personal secretary, encountering royalty along the way.
In 1553 Richard’s unwavering loyalty to the Grey family in tested when Lady Jane Grey is imprisoned in the Tower of London, having had her claim to the throne overturned by the ferociously Catholic Queen, Mary Tudor.
The book traces the impact on the life of an unassuming young man who gets caught up in a tide of religious and social conflict and a passionate and volatile romance.

Richard Stocker is an under steward for a small country estate owned by the Grey Family. One day they decide to come and stay at their new estate Shute House. Right before the family arrives, the cattle escape and as the under steward it is Richards job to round them up but of course it isn’t that simple. On the way back to the house the heavens open up and Richard gets drenched so Richard is in no state to met and greet the family. He goes in the Kitchen next to the big fireplace to dry off and there his life changes forever.

Richard describe the sea to the Grey Daughters and Catherine the middle daughter really wants to go see the sea so Lord Henry Grey, Marquess of Dorset allows all three daughter to go with Richard. Once at the sea Richard soon realises that there is a big storm brewing and he must get the sister back home before any one gets hurt. On the way back they have to cross a small creek and he slowly guides Jane and Mary across the river but when it is time for Catherine to cross the creek has become more like a river and Catherine finds herself being pulled down the river but Richard saves the day and Catherine life and becomes a permanent back of the Grey household shortly after.

Richard soon finds himself taken in by Lord Henry Grey, Marquess of Dorset, later Duke of Suffolk and becomes his Secretary. Which means he accompanies Lord Henry Grey, Marquess of Dorset to King Edward the VI court and soon becomes very good friend with a close servant and friend to the King. Richard soon finds out that this friendship becomes more and more important as the Kings life draws to a close. Within the Grey household Richard falls in love with Catherine though they soon realise that no matter how high Richard moves up the ladder it will never be high enough for them to marry. He also develop a very strong and powerful friendship with Jane. Jane takes time to teach Richard many things about religion and languages and many other things. But it through Mary that Richard really learns how to behaviour and what is happening within the household, because while Mary may be the youngest and the smallest she has a very keen eye and notices everything and through this she is wise beyond her years.
Once the King dies everything changes within the Grey household. On his deathbed Edward nominated his Aunt, Frances Brandon who then pass the crown to her daughter Jane. And this is when everything falls about for poor Jane. Lady Jane never wanted to be Queen as far as she was concerned Edwards sister Mary was the rightful heir to the throne, but as was the way Lady Jane had no choice in the matter. She was told it was God will and she must accept. So Lady Jane takes Richard as part of her household because she knows that he will be honest with her and not treat her as the Queen but as Jane. We all know what happens next Mary takes her crown, keeps Lady Jane as a prisoner and is later forced to executed her because of The Duke of Northumberlands, Lady Jane’s father in law actions.

I really enjoyed this book, I found the fact it was told through a Male Point of View refreshing often Tudor novels are told through the women point of view which I also enjoyed, but haven’t it told through a male point of view gave an insight into the more political events and other male bonding events. Richard Stocker is also featured in a new novel by Edward Charles called Daughter of Doge and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for that one. The more I think about this novel the more I like it, I found the character relatable and really interesting even though I knew Lady Janes fate I kept hoping that some how I was wrong and everything would turn out ok. I have had a look around the author website and it shows that the novel was really well researched not only did he make sure that is was possible for the Grey family to be in Devon at the time but he also look into family in the area so while Richard is a fictional character the Stocker are a real farmer family who had a son called John the oldest and could have had many more children and also Richard friend Doctor Thomas Marwood was a real character. I think all of this research really shows and makes for an excellent read.

Ivy – Julie Hearn

Ivy has been spotted in a rough part of London by Oscar Arentino Fosdick, a rich Pre- Raphaelite painter. He needs a muse and Ivy is prefect – a stunner.

But Ivy is also a girl with a past. No amount of laudarum can block her memories of being used to lure wealthy children down alleys so that Carroty Kate the ‘skinner’ can strip them of their clothes and jewels.

Realising quickly that Oscar has more money then sense Ivy’s greedy cousins order to sit for him – and to do anything else he might ask. But their ‘nice little earner’ has sinister consequences.

Oscar’s jealous mother is determined to get rid of her son’s beautiful model
Oscar’s famous neighbour wants her all to himself
And Ivy’s strange and troubled past is about to catch up with her…

Ivy is an orphan being brought up by her uncle and aunty in Victorian London. But she is different and by the age of 5 knows that life is not fair. Ivy life is change for ever when she bumps into the Children welfare women and her cousin sees a chance to make a quick buck. The story quickly races through the next 10 years leaving you scratching your head but it is explained later.

Ivy is now 15 and has caught the eye of a Pre – Raphaelite painter and the painter must have her as his model. This is when things get interesting for young Ivy & while she may wish to just escape from her relatives, Oscar and her past she can’t.

This book has an interesting plot but it felt rushed to me. I would have like there to be more about her time with Carroty Kate but I can understand why it was left out it wasn’t really need to help the story progress but it would have help understand Ivy a little more. Ivy annoyed me at time but generally I felt sorry for her. She doesn’t really belong anywhere, when she does find a place that accepts her she quickly discover that while she can make her relatives money they won’t let her go.

Overall I was left feeling a little unsatisfied with this book. I didn’t like the ending but I like my stories to be all wrapped up by the end and this one wasn’t and then there is a little bit which is set in 2004 which just didn’t really fit. This book is targeted for Young Adults and maybe that is where my problem lies. I’m now 23 and maybe that is too old for YA books, so maybe good for either a quick read or someone who doesn’t read very much. This book does not focus on real people and is only loosely based on fact which may also be the reason it just never felt quite right.

A Tapestry of Hope

A Tapestry of Hope
By Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Tapestry of Hope weaves together the heartrending and hope-building stories of two young women. Jasmine Wainwright is the sheltered daughter of a Mississippi plantation owner. When her father strikes a deal to sell his cotton to Lowell mills through businessman Bradley Houston, he throws an arranged marriage with Jasmine into the bargain. Kiara O'Neill and her brother escape starvation in Ireland by traveling to America as Bradley Houston's indentured servants. But Bradley has more in mind for Kiara than she wants to imagine. Both women suffer in the home of this unloving husband and merciless master.

This background is from Amazon.com as the library stuck a big sticker over the back of the book.

I found this book an easy read. It focuses on two women. One is born into a wealthy cotton growing family in the South and one born into a poor family in Ireland. They both end up in the North and in circumstances that neither ever imagined. I can’t really describe them much more then that because I never felt like I really got to know them. This book could have been an amazing book, the author briefly touch on slavery, fraud, rape, poor, unfair working conditions and survival but never really delves to deep into anything, which isn’t a bad thing but it meant that the story never really dragged me in. This book is quite predictable though not boring. I’m really struggling to review this book as it was just ok not bad or good just ok. I know that this is one of those books I won’t remember reading in 6 months time. I will quickly mention that there is a few religious references make throughout the novel though it does fit within the story and I never found it over powering.


There are two are books in the series
Book 2 – A Love Woven Tale
Book 3 – The Pattern of Her Heart

Harold the King by Helen Hollick

An Epic Retelling of the tide of Events that led to the Norman Conquest of England, through the Charismatic and compelling characters at its heart

England 1044, The Godwines are on the most powerful families in the country. As each of Earl Godwine’s six sons reach maturity, so they are rewarded with title and influence. Harold Godwin has inherited his father’s diplomatic skills – but none of his lust for battle.

In Normandy, William, bastard son of a duke, is trained to be a solider. A charismatic leader, he inspires those who pledge loyalty with the promise of ever greater victories.

King Edward both influenced and angered by his powerful mother Emma, is England’s reluctant monarch. His passions lie away from the tedium of government, as his ambitious wife Edith, soon discovers.

Meanwhile, Harold stature grows – and with it the pressure to abandon his love, Edyth Swanneck, and make an alliance of political advantage. William’s spirited young bride Mathilde has brought him land and wealth to further his cause – and a stormy partnership.

As a Power struggle begins to emerge, events take a dramatic and bloody turn. For the ultimate prize is England’s royal crown…

I got this book because one day at work I was bored so I decided to look at the library catalogue and this book grabbed my attention. There is one problem with ordering library books online, you never know how big there are until you pick it up. When I got this one I was quickly filled with dread, this book is just shy of 700 pages. I was concerned that the story would get bogged down with details. However once I started reading I was pleasantly surprise, yes the book is detailed and it involves a lot of character, however it flows really nicely.

This is the story of Harold Godwines battle to do what is best for England and what is best for his family. This story spans over 20 years and two countries, with many other countries making an appearance.

This story was set a long time ago yet the themes, Jealousy, Greed and Love in story a still very relevant and relatable today.

The Godwines are a very powerful family in England, and the King and his adviser Robert Champart do not always like this. There are many battles and many family problems through out the novel and this gives you the chance to get to know all of the important people. I felt that Harold really came alive through his love story with Edyth. He falls in love with Edyth shortly after he becomes Earl of East Anglia, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire however as Edyth is not of noble birth and Harold can not take her as a Christian wife but he can take her as a handfast wife which was the tradition of the old laws. While Harold is the main character the story also focuses on William the Bastard, King Edward and most of Harold family.

The following quote from Harold to his son I think sums up the struggle that Harold faced throughout out the novel

“Which takes precedence, danger to yourself and your immediate family, or to the wider spread of the people you hold responsibility for? You or Your Country”

Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it rich in detail and a compelling read. Also I really liked the fact the author included a note at the back of the book explaining how she came to some conclusions and also what she modified within her story.