Historical Fantasy Archives

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Posted on November 15, 2017December 23, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(4 / 5)

The Wrath and the Dawn #1
The Wrath and the Dawn is an enchanting retelling of ”A Thousand and One Nights.” Sharhzad enters the Caliph’s palace with one objective in mind, to kill the man who murdered her friend and so many countless other young women. But even more than revenge, I think Sharhzad longs to understand “Why? Why did they all have to die?” As the reader, we get clues and insights that our heroine does not, but that still doesn’t quite exonerate the self-proclaimed “monster” that is Khalid. So how do you make a murderous king likeable? I’m still not quite sure, but somehow Ahdieh did.

Khalid is a puzzle that we slowly get to unravel with Sharhzad as the story progresses, and I have to admit that I think this is what kept me the most intrigued with the story. I really enjoyed the many layers to our characters and Sharhzad’s struggle with her changing feelings. I’m still not totally convinced of their love story (what he’s done truly is reprehensible), but I know longer feel Khalid is the monster he paints himself to be. More of a man that has been heavily burdened by the terrible choices he’s had to make, ones that have crushed him to his very soul. I’ve always had a thing for “broken” characters, and Khalid is one if I ever saw one.

We have some fun and plucky side characters in this story that I loved a lot: Despina is sassy and fierce, Jalal is roguish but loyal to a fault, and Tariq is so wonderfully devoted, its hard not to root for him just a little bit. Overall I really enjoyed The Wrath and the Dawn and look forward to continuing the series.

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

Posted on September 26, 2017December 30, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(3 / 5)

Kingdom of Fire #1
A fun and magical regency adventure, I enjoyed A Shadow Bright and Burning, though the author’s writing style felt a bit novice. I found the idea of the Ancients quite interesting and unique, but felt the concept of them (as well as witches, magicians, and sorcerers) was thrust at us a bit too quickly. I felt like the character’s could have had a bit more depth, especially Blackwood. His sudden decision to confide in Henrietta seemed awkward and out of place. I wish that the relationship between them was explored a bit more. And I can hardly tell the difference between Dee, Wolff, and Lambe.

Despite my criticisms, I did enjoy the story. Hargrove in particular was an unexpected delight; I hope we see more of him in the next novel. I very much enjoyed the mythology that emerged, and I will always adore a regency setting. I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here. And considering this is Cluess’ first published novel, I anticipate that her writing style will mature with time. My last criticism cannot be said without spoilers, so my thoughts are hidden below.

Spoiler

I do have to say, that I was a bit disappointed in Magnus’ character. For all his talk of being raised by women and forward thinking, his treatment of Henrietta seems hugely disrespectful and out of character. I’m really not quite sure why the author chose to do this with him, as I feel it really detracted from his character. Maybe she was trying to turn him into the philandering flirt that was respectful of women, but it didn’t come off quite right. Especially with his little “I can’t let you go,” at the end. There was so much that could have been done with his character, and I felt like this turn did not do him justice.

The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman

Posted on August 1, 2017September 3, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(4.5 / 5)

Lady Helen #2
Helen grows by leaps and bounds in this book, and I love it! While The Dark Days Club was full of Helen’s struggle between her duties as a lady and her duties as a reclaimer, The Dark Days Pact is much more about Helen becoming the reclaimer that she was always meant to be, and making all the sacrifices that that entails. While its predecessor was slow to start, this novel picks up the action quickly with Helen being thrust into secret missions and webs of lies. Starting out still unsure of herself, she is soon forced to take matters into her own hands. And by the end of the novel, Helen has transformed into the fearsome leader that she needs to be.

There was some great character development, particularly with Mr. Hammond. He’s quickly turning into one of my favorite characters. And I’m happy that Duke Selburn played a larger role in this novel, I was hoping that there would be more of him. I was a little disappointed with Delia, however. For me she just fell a little flat. I loved the added complications (and in someways uncomplications) of Helen venturing out into society in disguise as Mr. Amberly; it was so fun and entertaining to read. The ending was breakneck and exciting, with too much happening for Helen to even slow down and process it all. This book sets us up for what I expect to be an awesome and explosive conclusion that you won’t want to miss.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

Posted on May 6, 2017September 3, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(3.5 / 5)

Lady Helen #1
The Dark Days Club was a fun, supernatural romp through regency London. I particularly enjoyed the author’s meticulous detail in regards to the regency period, which led an incredible amount of authenticity to the novel. Though our characters were not quite as full bodied as I would like, I loved how this novel looked at the dichotomy so oft missing in these supernatural period pieces, between maintaining one’s place in proper society while still dealing with the secret, supernatural world.

At first the Reclaimer mythos was hard to wrap my head around, but Goodman explained it well in stride. My main complaint is that the book was a bit slow to start, taking about 150 pages to really gain momentum. I have to admit at the end that I have a little bit of a soft spot for Duke Selburn, who just seems inherently too good to be true. I do hope that he ends up being pulled into the fold somehow (though I fear instead he will end up as an imposter instead). Looking forward to reading more!

A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin

Posted on March 5, 2017August 1, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(3.5 / 5)

Stranje House #1
A fun concept and an engaging story, which to me was reminiscent of a mix between Carriger’s Finishing School series and Rigg’s Peculiar Children series (the later of which I have yet to read, so take that with a grain of salt). In the beginning I was a little put off, it just seemed like the author was being a little too elusive about the goings on at Stranje House and the mystery seemed forced (it just didn’t make sense as to why no one would tell Georgie anything!) but I got over it. The story really picked up about halfway through, and a whirlwind adventure commences. I wish we got to explore the goings on of the “school” a little bit more, we got it mostly in glimpses and not direct instruction, but I feel like this will come with the next books in the series. Overall fun when you don’t want something too in-depth or dramatic.