Books with... Great Villains

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)

This book features my favourite villain of all time: Captain Jonathan Wolverton Randall. Also known as Black Jack Randall. Randall is the ultimate villain, with a twisted mind, a love for breaking people, a fan of rape, pedophilia, and violation. He is a sadist and a misogynist. What makes it worse is that he bears a striking resemblance to the main character, Clare's, husband. Jonathan Randall is the kind of villain that makes you feel sick and have to close the book for a moment just to allow oneself to swallow what one's just read. All boxes ticked for a great adult villain. If you wish to read my full review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon you can find it here.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling (1997 - 2007)

He doesn't actually fully make an appearance until book four: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but Voldemort is a constant villain throughout the books. He is a reminder of Harry's dead parents and the terror that took place in the Wizarding World until he disappeared thanks to Harry's survival. He has no mercy what so ever and his obsession with living forever has no boundaries, so that he willingly kills men, women and children of all ages and has such a strong negative influence that people cannot even say his name but refer to him as 'He Who Must Not Be Named'. A timeless villain for all ages. For my full review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone click here.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (2017)

Veronica Roth made a step up on her villain from her debut trilogy Divergent. This time it's much worse. Not only is the villain, Ryzek Noavek, the brother of the female lead, Cyra Noavek, but he feels happy to torture her as he sees fit. Not only that but he also exploits her powers to use against her enemies, against her will. He also has no problem with holding Akos Kereseth, the male lead, and his brother Eijeh Kereseth hostages, but worse brainwashes Eijeh to turn him against his own brother. It's twisted. On top of that he also has the annoying habit of cleaning his finger nails with a blade.  A new villain with a twisted mind. A review of this book is coming soon.

If you liked THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING...

Yep, I'm not mentioning The Queen of the Tearling but the second instalment in the Tearling because this is where a theme is introduced which is very to similar to... The Handmaid's Tale.

Spoilers ahead. If you've read The Invasion of the Tearling you know of the references to Lily and the time before the Crossing. These flashbacks fit into quite a dystopian theme. Personally I found it hard to get accustomed to this at first but very much enjoyed it further into the book. If you were a fan of this dystopian element to the book then I suggest you take a look at The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood that includes flashbacks to a time before the dystopian current setting of the book and the crossover to between the past and the present. 

I personally listened to audiobooks of both of these books and highly recommend the audiobook versions from Audible. If you are interested in my full review of The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen you can read it here. A review of The Handmaids Tale is coming soon.

ESTRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Estrid

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan om Valhalla

Pages: 524

Published: Oct 21st 2015

Publisher: Forum
Language: Swedish


After having nicked the prequel to this book from my grandma's bookshelf she brought this new sequel with her on her visit to England. I read is straight after Sigrid. This book takes place 15 years later and although still following the love story between Sigrid and Svend, now includes the story of her daughter Estrid. Estrid is said to have been chosen by the dark Norse God Hel and hallucinates and coughs badly along with her sickness. She has only one friend, and guardian, Katla. Katla, one of my favourite characters, has an unknown nature however and while her ending in this book made me happy it also very much upset me. Estrid goes through an internal battle between Christianity and the Norse beliefs in the Gods of Asgård. Sigrid, however, still remains faithful to the Norse Gods and is convinced that she is chosen by Freya to do her bidding on earth.

Like the previous book, Sigrid, this book is based on true characters of the Viking Age and cleverly interweaves Norse mythology and a sense of magic. It is a perfect book if you are interested in Vikings, Scandinavian history, fantasy and mythology. Even if you would just like to try something new. It is gripping and includes several perspectives of the wars going on in Scandinavia. Would strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of the TV series Vikings. It is mostly classified as a book aimed at women, and I believe that my grandma found it more enjoyable than my grandpa. Great historical fantasy.

Plot Summary:

In Estrid, the latest instalment in loved Saga about Valhalla, the love story between the Viking Age's most legendary queen and king: Sigrid Storråda and Svend Tveskägg, continues. Follow us to the Viking Age of the 900's when Scandinavia was born from legendary kings' battles, and Valhalla's gods still stand strong against the Christians. Two children can save the world from falling into war and chaos but the battle for their lives and souls are hard, and only with the forces' help can they survive.
- translated from Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.

SIGRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Sigrid (alt. The Unbroken Line of the Moon)

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan on Valhalla #4

Pages: 451

Published: Jun 17th 2015

Publisher: Månpocket
Language: Swedish


As I am always allowed to help myself from my grandparents bookshelf I found this one and naturally was allowed to take it with me home. Six months later I feel this incredible urge to read it. This book is written in Swedish, but it is available in English under the title The Unbroken Line of the Moon. Sigrid is about a young Viking girl who is chosen by the Norse Godess Freya to do the God's will on Earth (or Midgård as they call it). She gets visions and dreams to guide her along the way, but her duties as a Viking girl want to lead her down a different path. So battled between what her family wants and what the Gods want her to do she struggles to satisfy both.

This book is brilliant if you have a love for Vikings or if you feel like you'd like to try it. Hildebrandt weaves in some Norse mythology facts so that even if you don't know anything about the Norse Gods you don't struggle to keep up at all. She includes some supernatural moments that are so subtle it's believable and I didn't question any plot devices at all.

Sigrid Storråda (aka. Sigrid the Haughty) is a known queen in Norse sagas and the character is therefore based on a real woman. However, the sagas about Sigrid sometimes contradict themselves and this book is vaguely based on them. Sigrid was known for her extreme faith in the Norse Gods, Freya in particular. She refused to acknowledge the Christian Gods even when Christianity was starting to take over Scandinavia and the Nordics. The book mentions other well known vikings such as Harald Blåtand, Svend Tveskägg and more. If you watch the TV series Vikings I highly recommend this as it is a combination of history, fantasy and mythology.

Plot Summary:

In this grand saga of love, war and magic set in the tenth century, young Sigrid is destined to be the mother of the king of the Nordic lands that would become Sweden, Norway, Denmark and England.
A devout believer in the old Nordic gods, Sigrid is visited regularly in her dreams by the goddess Freya, who whispers to her of the future. Though Sigrid is beautiful, rich, arrogant and matchlessly clever her uncanny ability to foresee the future and manipulate the present guides her through dangerous politics as a bloody war between Vikigns and Christians rages on.
Sigrid father wants her to marry Erik, a local king, to secure the peace between Goths and Swedes, Thinking she is doing Freya's will she accepts the marriage offer, only to find that her destiny leis with Svend, a warrior who dreams of dethroning Harald Bluetooth, the legendary ruler of Denmark. Will Sigrid sacrifice her for the greatest Viking kingdom of all time, or will she follow her heart at the risk of loosing everything?
-Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.

OUTLANDER by DIANA GABALDON (1991)

Title: Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series: Outlander #1
Pages:850
Published: Jun 1st 1991
Publisher: Dell Publishing Company

Yes, it is a big book. It’s daunting and intimidating. It’s a task to take on and read but it very rewarding. And it’s hardly a slow and boring book. It’s filled with action, history, romance, politics and adventure.

Diana Gabaldon takes her protagonist Claire Randall back in time through a ring of standing stone from 1945 to 1743. With her versatile knowledge of botanical healing and nursing from her time in WWII, Claire manages to survive the Scottish Highlands despite accusations towards her of being an English spy as well as a witch. But in order to escape arrest, rape and assault, Claire is forced to marry and leave her husband Frank alone in the present.

Talk about an original plot. Not only is this book a modern classic, but it deserves it’s own genre. Nothing like this has been seen before. Not in this way. Not too much magic is involved. Only enough to make the story possible. There is just the right amount of politics and history to keep you interested but not too much to make you bored. All characters are necessary for the story and given enough time to truly become memorable.

As much as I’d like to express my love for Claire and Jamie as characters, I do not wish to spoil their story as it is better experience amongst the pages of Outlander. But it is worth mentioning that their relationship is masterfully done with a genuine tinge of human complexity, closer to real life than most books. The development of their relationship and feelings and expressions are very skilfully woven into the story. Their characters are explored and exposed to the reader through the help of each other. However, I shall leave that up to the reader to fall in love with. 

What’s really worth mentioning is characters like Dougal MacKenzie, Murtagh Fraser and Jonathan Randall. Dougal is the character you love one second and hate the next. Two-faced and only interested in his own agenda and the Jacobite’s cause. he is a very interesting and strong character. A scene with Dougal is never disappointing. And his relationship with his brother Colum MacKenzie is so well developed and executed that it can be seen as it’s own story. As for Murtagh I do not think the story would work without him. He is impossible to hate and his presence is so loved. Everyone deserves a Murtagh and I think he is under appreciated. Nonetheless let’s talk about Gabaldon’s villain. Jonathan ‘Black Jack’ Randall is by far the worst villain I have ever encountered. It’s as if though Gabaldon has thought of the worst, most bizarre, absurd, and disgusting things no one in their right mind would do and she makes sure Randall finds a way to do it and go there. If you want to be truly disgusted by a villain and feel physically sick by a personally entering a scene, this is the book for you.

I cannot express my love for this book enough. Not only does it have a wonderful love story, a disgusting villain and takes place in Scotland. It is so well balanced, that I would argue that it'll satisfy every reader somehow. I highly recommend this book and although long and daunting it is a hundred percent worth it. I have met people my age reading it as well as older ladies at the library asking for the next book. 

And even if you find it too long to read and you know you cannot take on a book of this size at the moment I encourage you to watch the STARZ TV Series adaptation of it. It is incredibly accurate and has treated this series with such respect. Each season is the equivalent of a book and even if you may find the first episode slightly slow (as you may find the book) I suggest you keep watching because you’ll find that you can’t peel your eyes of the screen.

I urge you all to become your own outlander and get lost in such a vibrant, historically fascinating, sometimes terrifying yet beautiful world of the past. 

I’ll see you at Craigh na Dun.

Plot Summary:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon - when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach - and "outlander"- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a young gallant Scot warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

My Rating:

10/10

Unlike anything I've read before.

Other Books in Outlander:

Outlander (Outlander #1)

A Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2)

Voyager (Outlander #3)

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4)

The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6)

An Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7)

Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander #8)

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Home (Outlander #9)

Virgins (Outlander novella)

The Space Between (Outlander novella)

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (Outlander novella)

A Trail of Fire (Outlander novella)

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall (Outlander novella)

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE by J.K. ROWLING (1997)

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneAuthor: J.K. RowlingSeries: Harry Potter #1Pages: 223Published: Jun 26th 1997Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Uhm. Favourite series. Favourite book in series. Don't know what else to say. I love the ghosts and the part with Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback and I think it's a shame that it's not included in the films. I absolutely love this book because although half of the book is not even taking place at Hogwarts that much half of the story is about how Harry gets to Hogwarts in the first place and I love that part. I also absolutely adore the friendship that builds up in this book. I don't think I have more to say. You know it all.

I read it first in Swedish when I was nine. We had the first three ones at home and when I picked it up I was like: WOW, what I challenge, this is gonna be solo cool!! I was so proud of myself when I finished the first page I had to call on my mum. Then I finished a whole chapter. I finished the book late at night a few weeks later (I don't know how long it took me). I have finished all of the books late at night. Just a coincident you know.

Plot Summary:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

My Rating:

10/10

Favourite Quote:

You're a wizard, Harry! - Hagrid

Other Books in the Series:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter novella)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Harry Potter novella)
Quidditch Throughout the Ages (Harry Potter Novella)

Other Books by J.K. Rowling:

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - The Original Screenplay
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald - The Original Screenplay
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1)
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeist (Pottermore Presents #2)
Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3)
J.K. Rowlings Wizarding World - The Dark Arts
Harry Potter: Magical Skies: Enchanted Scene with Transfers
Harry Potter: Night Journey
Harry Potter: Magical Tales about the Wizarding World
The Sorting Hat
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Magical Congress of the United States of America
The Casual Vacancy
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and Importance of Imagination
Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing up Female
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1) as Robert Galbraith
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) as Robert Galbraith
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) as Robert Galbraith
Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) as Robert Galbraith

THE FATE OF THE TEARLING by ERIKA JOHANSEN (2016)

Title: The Fate of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #3

Pages: 478

Published: Nov 29th 2016

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press


The finale to the Queen of the Tearling trilogy was truly interesting. I was listening to this while painting our gate at home and I can truly say that it made it far more enjoyable.

Many secrets where revealed and questions answered. Who knew about Kelsea's mum? Or her dad? The visions got more and more interesting. I did miss listening to Lily's story but I understand that her story was told and we had to learn Katie's story. Katie's story made me question my initial interpretation of the Tearling. In my review of The Queen of the Tearling I said that I had chosen to imagine the Tearling in a Victorian style world. But I know started to question this. Katie's world is after the crossing and as far as I understand (although their lack of technology) it is very similar to our world today. They wear our type of clothes, live in our style of houses etc. And there's only a matter of years between Katie's tearing and Kelsea's Tearling, where no incredible advances in technology has been made (as far as I understand), so why should it be any different. And (SPOILER ALLERT) at the end, when Kelsea has changed history, her world seems to be very similar to today's world, but happier. I need to reread these book with a new look at the world I built up for myself.
Although I was happy with the ending, and it was satisfying as the issue was resolved and the Tearling was saved. Kelsea saved it. I still feel like there is more to tell. What happens now? Sure, Kelsea is no queen anymore (which is heartbreaking because no one will know how she saved the Tearling) but she has a new life and I feel like there could be more. The last line broke me. It gives the idea that not all is lost (when she's lost everyone she knew and loved) and I need to know what was said after "where have you been?" Give me more!! I understand why the book ended where it did, and as a plot, this was satisfying, but as a story I CRAVE MORE!!

This trilogy was such a unique take on fantasy and one of the best audiobooks I've read, even though each book was narrated by a different lady. Strongly suggest this if you crave fantasy but need something beyond castle, knights and dragons.


Plot Summary:

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has grown from an awkward teenager into a powerful monarch and a visionary leader.
And as she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, she has transformed her realm. But in her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - chief among them the evil and feared Red Queen, who ordered the armies of Mortmesne to march against the Tear and crush them.
To protect her people from such a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - naming the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place, she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.
So, the endgame has begun and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will be revealed...
- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Trilogy:

The Queen of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #1)

The Invasion of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #2)

The Fate of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #3)

The Boy (Queen of the Tearling novella)

THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING by ERIKA JOHANSEN (2015)

Title: The Invasion of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #2

Pages: 515

Published: Jun 9th 2015

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press

Having a certain love for the audiobook of Queen of the Tearling I was quite disappointed when I found out that it wasn't narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Instead it was performed by Davina Porter and I was pleasantly surprised that she was just as good. These audiobooks are truly amazing.

This sequel is taking The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy one step further. This series is different from the usual high fantasy with its references to 'The Crossing' and a Land referred to as New England, New London and Europe. As if though England as we know today once existed.

And it did. In this book we get to see more of Kelsea's visions, about a young woman called Lily who lived in the United States, pre-crossing. At first, I wasn't too keen on these sections of the book, but I quickly got hooked. The bigger picture started to make itself clear and I wanted to know more and more. This is such an interesting take on fantasy where a new dystopian sci-fi sub genre is introduced and one can almost relate to the world, because it is becoming more and more similar to our own.

Kelsea herself is growing as a character as well. Strong as a queen, brave and her visions make her more interesting. It is slowly changing her appearance, strangely, and I am not quite sure what it adds to her characters apart from the fact that it doesn't change people's initial opinions of her (no matter how beautiful she becomes). Apart from visions, the sapphires have also allowed her powers which she is now experiencing - pain. And it makes her scarier to read about as it is a part of her that I do not enjoy as much - the Queen of Spades. The enemy of the Red Queen. I will leave it at that as I do not wish to spoil anymore for you.

All in all, this series has truly developed and as more things are revealed of the Tearling the more I want to know. And also, who doesn't like Pen? I quite like their relationship as it adds a subtle romantic interest but Kelsea stays true to her throne rather than love.

Plot Summary:

Kelsea Glynn is the Queen of the Tearling. Despite her youth, she has quickly asserted herself as a fair, just and powerful ruler.

However, power is a double-edged sword, and small actions can have grave consequences. In trying to do what is right - stopping a vile trade in humankind - Kelsea has crossed the Red Queen, a ruthless monarch whose rule is bound with dark magic and the spilling of blood. The Red Queen's armies are poised to invade the Tearling, and it seems nothing can stop them.
Yet there was a time before the Crossing, and there Kelsea finds a strange and possibly dangerous ally, someone who might hold the key to the fate of the Tearling, and indeed to Kelsea's own soul. But time is running out...

- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

THE QUEEN OF THE TEARLING by ERIKA JOHANSEN (2014)

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #1

Pages: 448

Published: Jul 8th 2014

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press

This book was recommended as an audiobook by Sasha Alsberg on her YouTube channel Bookutopia and having struggled to find a good audiobook I quickly downloaded this one.

At first I didn't truly get into it but after an hour or so of listening I quickly became dependant on it. I brought it with me everywhere. First of all, the narrator of the audiobook is so good. She reads with such a soothing voice and puts on voices for all the characters so its really played out for you. I would fall asleep to this, listen to it when I did computer sketching on my course. All the time!

Kelsea is a truly strong female protagonist. She lives in a world which dominated by men, and the women who have ruled have either been vain and stupid, or sorceresses. But Kelsea is a nineteen year old girl who has been brought up alone by two servants, with a love for books and strong opinions. She will have her way, and although she will take advice from her right hand man the Maze, she will listen to her own voice. She is a good ruler because she questions her ability to rule. She is unsure and has to make hard choices but she is just and fair and has a love for her people. She reminds one of a certain Elizabeth Tudor.

Fantasy, I feel, is often set in a world inspired by medieval times, with a lack of technology and a love for royalties, knights, religion and a lack of technology. However, with the constant reference to 'the crossing' this book took fantasy to a new level. There were references to printing presses, cigarettes, authors that we know of today. In my struggle to place this book in a historical culture or society I decided to go with Victorian. Mainly because Victorian culture allows for romanticism, dresses and a historic influence. But it is also new to technology - hence a bit of steampunk. The sequel and the final book questioned my interpretation even more (everything is not as it seems) and I suggest you go into it with an open mind.

I am tempted to relisten to the book as it was so gripping and enjoyable. I also, of course, crave physical copies of the book, but this is truly an experience to listen to. Highly recommend. You will find that although this book is categorised as a YA book by many, it is actually in the Fantasy section on Waterstones and it is not for younger readers. It's quite graphic and blunt at places and covers some gruesome topics.

Plot Summary:

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut - the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdoms haunted past... or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend... or destroy her.

- Goodreads

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY by KAZUO ISHIGURO (1989)

Title: The Remains of the Day

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Pages: 258

Published: 1989

Publisher: Faber and Faber

Last year I read this as part of my AS exam in English Language and Literature. I have to admit that this is not my favourite novel. But it did have something about it. They way it's written is very capturing and you are forced to continue reading.

The book is based on memories and the majority of the book is about Steven's memories rather than his journey, which I found disturbing at first. I started to wonder when we would get a glimpse of the trip rather than all these snippets of his life. It wasn't until I'd gotten half way through that I realised that the book was simply about his past life and only driven by his journey as the narrator. This was satisfying, although I would've needed to know it before because I felt that I was waiting for something that was never going to happen for quite a while. 

It is not about the story as much as the writing style. Ishiguro writes in a way that makes you connect with the character and you wish to know more merely because of it.

There is a film of the book with Emma Thompson, and Anthony Hopkins with the same name.

Plot summary:

"'After all what can we ever gain in forever looking back and blaming ourselves if our lives have not turned out quite as we might have wished?' In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that will take him deep into the English countryside and into his past...A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's beautiful and haunting evocation of life between the wars in a Great English House, of lost causes and lost love. The Remains of the Day is now available as a Faber Modern Classics edition. "

- Waterstones.com

My Rating:

5/10
Perhaps because I was forced to read it for English.

Other Books by Kazuo Ishiguro:

Never Let Me Go
The Remains of the Day
The Buried Giant
When We Were Orphans
An Artist of the Floating World
The Unconsoled
Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
A Pale View of Hills

THE CONSTANT PRINCESS by PHILIPPA GREGORY (2005)

Title: The Constant PrincessAuthor: Philippa GregorySeries: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor NovelsPages: 501Published: 2005Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers


This book is about Henry VIII's first wife Katherine of Aragon. I usually saw Katherine of Aragon as the boring older wife who he divorced, because Anne Boleyn came along, and the mother of Mary Tudor (not a big fan of Bloody Mary). This book, however, looked at Katherine of Aragon in a completely different light. She was an ill treated princess for a lot of her teen age years and overlooked by the court.

Katherine of Aragon married Henry VIII's older brother Arthur first, but he died before he could become king. It is said that she married Henry because he insisted and she claimed that her marriage with Arthur was not consummated. That is what history has believed however, Philippa Gregory, as a historian has her own theory; that the marriage was consummated but that Katherine lied in order to marry Henry and become Queen, as she believed she was destined to be.


Kathrine's relationship with Arthur in this book is fictional; it is romantic and sweet and everything you could ever dream of. This novel was not about the old, boring queen that got divorced for a more exciting young queen. This novel is about a young princess from Spain, fighting for her place in court, falling in love, loosing her love and falling in love again. This queen rules and she is loved by her people.

If you have a love for historical fiction I highly recommend this book, or any of Gregory's books. It's based on historical characters and events but mixed with a perfect amount of fiction to spice things up a bit.

Plot Summary:

Katherine of Aragon is betrothed at the age of three to Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII of England. She is raised to be Princess of Wales, and knows it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. Unexpectedly in this arranged marriage, a tender and passionate love develops.

But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty?

My Rating:

8/10

Favourite Quote:

"This bride would give her a grandson, a Spanish-Tudor king for England, and a son after him, and after him: and so lay down a dynasty of Tudors that would be never-ending." - Margaret Beaufort
This couldn't be further from the truth.

Other Books in the Series:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover

These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.

HALF BAD by SALLY GREEN (2014)

Title: Half BadAuthor: Sally GreenSeries: The Half Bad Trilogy #1Pages: 380Published: Mar 4th 2014Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers


This book was such a page turner that I read it in a day and a half. It is written in such a captivating way you truly can't help but wanting to know what's happening next. Green is not in a hurry to tell the story but moves forward at a relaxed pace. Each part of the book is introduced, experience and then moved on from. It allows for a new equilibrium to be set in each new setting or part before it's disrupted. It's very cleverly planned out to hold onto the readers attention.

I don't have much to say other than this is quite different from what I've read before. It's a lovely interpretation on witches which I cannot wait to know more about. The plot doesn't follow the classic turning of sixteen or seventeen when one's life suddenly means life or death. It's more about Nathan's life as a whole, his childhood and upbringing until his seventeenth birthday when he officially becomes a which. It's pre-birthday, rather than post-birthday.

The relationships in this book are so amazingly developed. Nathan's relationship with his older brother Arran is one of the best sibling relationships I've read about. And in such contrast to his relationship with his sister Jessica. If you can't think of another reason to read this book read it because of that. And Celia of course. Although haven given me a bad first impression (as I'm sure she did with plenty of other readers) she actually doesn't appear to be the monster she's made out to be towards the end and the banter between her and Nathan truly lightens the mood at times.

A truly enjoyable book about witches in the modern world England. Quite a light read but plenty to keep you entertained.

Plot Summary:
You can't read, can'r write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.
You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.
You hate White Witches but love Annalise, who is one.
You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.
All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys.
And do that before your seventeenth birthday.
Easy.

My Rating:


7/10

I really did enjoy this book and it had me captivated.


More in this Series:

Half Bad (The Half Bad Trilogy #1)
Half Wild (The Half Bad Trilogy #2)
Half Lost (The Half Bad Trilogy #3)
Half Lies (The Half Bad Trilogy novella)
Half Truths (The Half Bad Trilogy novella)

More by Sally Green:

The Smoke Thieves (The Smoke Thieves #1)