Marillier's prose is easy and elegant, and I was quickly caught up in the lives of the characters. Escapism? Yep. Warriors, bards, spies, a mission involving a missing harp required for the investment of a new king, myth, magic, and otherworldly creatures.
The story is told through the voices of the three main characters: Liobhan, Brocc, and Dau. The three are training and hoping for places with the Swan Island Warriors.
Although they have not completed their island training, the three are chosen for a mission because each has qualities that would be useful.
I love a good story and found myself entertained and involved in The Harp of Kings. Ready for the next book!
Purchased.
Fantasy. 2019. Print length: 464 pages.
From description: A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.
So, yeah, not much about the beach. At all. Not a fit for me, although I did finish it. The premise has so much potential, but the result was a lackluster experience for me.
NetGalley/Berkley Pub.
Romance? May 19, 2020. Print length: 361 pages.
I must admit, however, that I will dutifully forget much of this book in favor of the imaginary creation. I quote the Duchess frequently and believe in her fervently. She amuses, amazes, scolds, celebrates, and praises her readers. Her Grace delights me time and time again.
Having never been much of a follower of celebrities (or politicians), it came as a surprise to me that I joined the multitudes who worship Her Grace.
"Search your heart. If you can say you did your best today, you may have popsicles for dinner.""I'm trying to be quiet and gather strength to be a voice of encouragement for you loons, who somehow need me and somehow found me."
"As a fictional utopia, Crooked Path doesn't have any police to defund. Much like heaven, this town is run by librarians in sensible shoes who make house calls."Enough said. Enjoy.
NetGalley/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Memoir. July 7, 2020. Print length: 240 pages.
I didn't know that Juliet Marillier has a new book out! I loved her Blackthorn and Grim trilogy, too! :) And I'm curious about Beach Read. I'll get to it though not sure when. Our libraries are still closed.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this new book by Marillier. The Goodread reviews varied on it, but I found it to be just what I needed, taking me away from current problems and into the adventure. :) Beach Read was a dud for me. I didn't even think it was good for that sort of book. :(
DeleteI always thought that the term "beach read" was some kind of code for lightweight fiction that you don't really mind trashing at the end of the day. I have to admire the author for actually giving her book that title, I suppose. But it does sound as if she lived up to my personal stereotype for that phrase.
ReplyDeleteThere are books in the category that are fun and entertaining. We all like different genres, but there are levels of quality. Beach Read failed for me. I'm winking as I say this, but Sam, you can skip this one. ;)
DeleteYeah, some of those "beach reads" are way too fluffy for me too :)
ReplyDelete:) It wasn't exactly fluffy, and I liked the idea of the two authors. Oh, well, the majority of the reviews were extremely positive.
DeleteSorry Beach Read didn't work for you. I enjoyed the predictable romance and unexpected humor of it, but then I was in the mood for that kind of book when I picked it up. :)
ReplyDelete:) I'm glad you enjoyed, Lark. As you say, being in the mood has a lot to do with what you think about a book!
DeleteI am glad The Harp of Kings did not disappoint! I started following Duchess Goldblatt because of you. :-) I've been hearing mixed things about Beach Reads and am curious about it, but we'll see. There's so many books I want to read ahead of it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the Duchess! Her humor and her whimsical posts appeal to me and leave me smiling. :)
DeleteI haven't read Juliet Marillier, but you definitely make me want to -- especially from your description of her easy and elegant prose.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed her books--they pull me in. :)
DeleteI have Beach Read waiting for me but I'll keep my expectations in check. Becoming Duchess Goldblatt sounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDelete