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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Reviews by Tim: Fall is calming and a time for contemplation, part 2

Review written by: Tim

As the days move on toward the end of the month, they become shorter and since I live on the U.S. east coast, we have that whole daylight savings time change thing with which to contend. As surely as Monday follows the weekend, the days get shorter and the nights get longer. I do most of my reading at night, so this means for me at least, that I have an extended reading time each day and I’m fine with that. Just keep the good ones coming, like this first title:

Sienna Nealon was a 17 year-old girl who had been held prisoner in her own house by her mother for twelve years. Then one day her mother vanished, and Sienna woke up to find two strange men in her home. On the run, unsure of who to turn to and discovering she possesses mysterious powers, Sienna finds herself pursued by a shadowy agency known as the Directorate and hunted by a vicious, bloodthirsty psychopath named Wolfe, each of which is determined to capture her for their own purposes..

My Review

I'm never exactly sure what I'll find when I select a new title to read and/or review. That was the case this time. What is also true is that even after reading this really well written tale, I'm still not sure what to expect. For starters, the story isn't yet done. But what I have read so far is totally in a world of its own and the characters are solid and believable. I found my attitude even changing about one or two of them as the time passed. I'll give you warning: Do not pick this book up unless you have the time to read it all in one sitting. That's how good it is ... strange … but good.

My Rating:

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Abandoned by her parents at a young age, Cate Claremont becomes the poor relation of a cruel aunt and a condescending cousin. When she is twelve years old, the ruggedly handsome Harrison Foster defends her from neighborhood girls. Then Harrison leaves, returning her life to its usual dormancy.

Eight years later, Cate meets Marcus Watson, the third son of middle class parents. Just like Cate, Marcus yearns for a better life. When Cate receives the gift of a diamond from her estranged parents, she and Marcus decide to marry and use the diamond to fund their own dig in Kimberley, South Africa. Only Cate doesn’t realize that once in the diamond fields, Marcus’ ambition will turn to greed or that she’ll be reunited with Harrison when her husband mysteriously disappears. Soon Cate finds herself torn between forbidden love for Harrison and loyalty to Marcus, and she wishes she’d never seen the diamond that has brought her such misery.

My Review

This well written story gives the reader not only a glimpse into the Victorian society of England with all its rules and expectations, but allows the rare opportunity to vicariously experience the risks and drudgery of travel during that period. From stodgy English formality to the totally different world of South Africa with harshness the norm of the day is truly eye opening. Through the central character’s eyes, we see the potential for genuine horror that surrounded any adventurous souls. It is seldom that the reader is allowed a broad exposure that is more believable than this tale.

My Rating:

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small blueThank you for visiting and reading my reviews, I hope to see you again soon!
Tim small blue

4 comments:

  1. These both sound really cool thanks for sharing.

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  2. They both sound really good and I will add them to my to-be-read list (a list that is seriously out of control, LOL)

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  3. These look like great books to read and I am a big reader!
    Thank you for the reviews! Coming over from karma bloggers :)


    Lanaya
    www.raising-reagan.com

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  4. These definitely sound like books i need to add to my TBR pile!

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