Elements by Aprilisa
Review: The Ripper’s Wife
Please join Brandy Purdy and HF Virtual Book Tours for The Ripper’s Wife Blog Tour from October 27-November 14.
A suspenseful, spellbinding novel of love, jealousy, and murder, The Ripper’s Wife re-imagines the most notorious serial killer in history through the eyes of the woman who sealed his fate.
“Love makes sane men mad and can turn a gentle man into a fiend.”
It begins as a fairytale romance–a shipboard meeting in 1880 between vivacious Southern belle Florence Chandler and handsome English cotton broker James Maybrick. Courtship and a lavish wedding soon follow, and the couple settles into an affluent Liverpool suburb.
From the first, their marriage is doomed by lies. Florie, hardly the heiress her scheming mother portrayed, is treated as an outsider by fashionable English society. James’s secrets are infinitely darker–he has a mistress, an arsenic addiction, and a vicious temper. But Florie has no inkling of her husband’s depravity until she discovers his diary–and in it, a litany of bloody deeds…
My Review:
The Ripper’s Wife is a compelling look into how a repressive society can completely turn people into fiends and psychopaths. On it’s face, Victorian society is all manners and civility. However, behind closed doors you have addiction, affairs, violence and abuse. It is hypocrisy at its best.
I found all the characters in this book to be completely insane; but at different levels. Florie lives in her own little girl world; she wants to grow up but no one will let her. In my opinion she really doesn’t want to face reality. However, she is forced to when she has to face what her husband has become. At times, I found it hard to reconcile the young Florie with the woman who narrated the story. They seem to be two completely different people. But leading a life full of death and regret can do that.
James Maybrick makes for a very believable Jack the Ripper. Furthermore, his entire family are completely depraved and insane. Edwin is such plain creepy without any moral sensibility. James complete break from reality is pure hypocrisy. He can philander all he wants but God forbid that his wife does the same. However, he must maintain the illusion of his sweet and innocent wife. In the end, he created a woman that could take his own fate into her hands.
The Ripper’s Wife is a riveting tale of the dark side of Victorian life. It is dark, depraved and completely insane. Getting a glimpse into Jack the Ripper’s mind is not a pretty experience; but it makes for a wonderful story.
Praise for the Novels of Brandy Purdy
“Recommended for readers who can’t get enough of the Tudors and have devoured all of Philippa Gregory’s books.” —Library Journal on The Boleyn Wife
“Purdy wonderfully reimagines the behind-the-scenes lives of the two sisters.” —Historical Novel Reviews on The Tudor Throne
“I love Brandy Purdy’s books, she does thorough research into the lives of the people in the Tudor era and it shows in her writing style. Very descriptive, engaging characters makes The Queen’s Rivals a page turning novel. If you are a fan of the Tudor era like I am, then this book is a must.” -CelticLady’s Reviews on The Queen’s Rivals
“The writing is inviting, intense and flawless, rich with the flavor of English country life as well as court life. The political machinations, the tragedy to befall the Dudley family and the mystery surrounding Amy’s death were weaved to captivating detail and the end result is a mesmerizing work of historical fiction that puts Brandy Purdy on my “must read” list.” -Psychotic State Book Reviews on The Queen’s Pleasures
Buy the Book
About the Author
Brandy Purdy is the author of several historical novels. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading or watching classic movies. She currently lives in Beaumont, TX. Visit her website at http://www.brandypurdy.com for more information about her books. You can also follow her via her blog at http://brandypurdy.blogspot.com/ where she posts updates about her work and reviews of what she has been reading.
The Ripper’s Wife Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, October 27
Review at A Bookish Affair
Tuesday, October 28
Review & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession
Interview & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, October 29
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook
Review at The Maiden’s Court
Thursday, October 30
Review at Book of Secrets
Friday, October 31
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Feature at Passages to the Past
Monday, November 3
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Interview & Giveaway at Mina’s Bookshelf
Tuesday, November 4
Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book reviews
Interview at A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, November 5
Review at JulzReads
Thursday, November 6
Review at History & Women
Friday, November 7
Review at A Book Geek
Monday, November 10
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Tuesday, November 11
Review & Giveaway at Historical Tapestry
Wednesday, November 12
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Thursday, November 13
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews
Friday, November 14
Review at Girl Lost in a Book
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It’s Monday! What are you reading?!
Welcome to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well…you never know where that next “must read” book will come from! Hosted by Book Journey.
Last Week:
The Vintner’s Daughter by Kristen Harnisch
The Stuart Vampire by Andrea Zuvich
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (Audiobook)
This Week:
City of Ladies by Sarah Kennedy
It’s midwinter in 1539, and former nun, Catherine Havens Overton, has just given birth to her second child, a daughter. The convent in which she was raised is now part of her husband’s lands, lands that once belonged to Catherine’s family. With a son, Robert, and her new daughter, Veronica, her life as the mistress of a great household should be complete.
But Henry VIII’s England has not been kind to many of the evicted members of religious houses. And in order to protect her old companions from the hostilities, Catherine has gathered about her a group of former nuns in hopes of providing them a chance to serve in the village of Havenston, her City of Ladies.
Catherine’s past haunts her. Her husband begins to suspect that Robert is not his child. Then the women of Overton House begin to disappear and one of them is found brutally murdered nearby. Seizing the moment, under the pretense of ensuring her safety, William forces Catherine to enter service at Hatfield House where the young Elizabeth Tudor lives.
Reluctantly, Catherine obeys, only to find herself serving not only the Protestant Elizabeth but also the shamed Catholic Mary Tudor. As the murders in Yorkshire continue to mount and her loyalty to the Tudor sisters grows more complicated, Catherine must uncover the secret of the killer and save her City of Ladies.
Audiobook of the Week
Ash You Wish Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.
The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets, backstage stories, and answers to lingering questions about off-screen romances that have plagued fans for years!
With a foreword by Rob Reiner and a limited edition original poster by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film.
What are you reading this week?
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Review: The Stuart Vampire
Please join Andrea Zuvich as she tours with HF Virtual Book Tours for The Stuart Vampire, from October 13-24.
Publication Date: October 31, 2013
Self-Published
eBook; 215p
Genre: Historical Fiction/Horror/Paranormal
Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester, the youngest brother of King Charles II is a handsome man with sound principles. When the twenty-year-old prince contracts smallpox in 1660, however, his life takes a decidedly sinister turn. Obsessed with Henry from afar, Contessa Griselda di Cuorenero – one of the Devil’s concubines – turns him into a vampire and plunges him into the world of night. But Henry soon discovers that not all horrors are of the paranormal kind…
In the unnaturally close village of Coffin’s Bishop, Henry encounters a severely abused young woman – a woman who has suffered under humans who are more monstrous than vampires. Could love save them from the evil they have known? And at what cost?
Henry must choose between his humanity and his monstrous, insatiable desire for human blood.
From the author of “His Last Mistress,” The Stuart Vampire is a dark gothic tale in the vein of The Monk.
My Review of the Stuart Vampire:
The Stuart Vampire is a nice blending of historical fiction and supernatural fiction. It is, also, a really good start to new series of books that I really look forward to reading. It is dark and full of vampire lore. However, the author, Andrea Zuvich, has put a unique twist to the traditional vampire story.
In Ms. Zuvich’s vampire world, vampires are initially begotten by the Devil himself. But the Heavens don’t give up and reclaim many who have been unjustly begotten. I really enjoyed the conflict between the two sides. It is a true good versus evil story. This sets up a really interesting battle that will evolve in future books.
Henry and Susanna are a wonderful hero and heroine. They represent all that is good; but human flaws as well. Henry was turned against his will and must try to overcome what he has become. Susanna reminds him is humanity and what he must do to reclaim his soul. Susanna is an incredibly strong character who has faced and survived some serious horrific acts. But her love for Henry keeps her alive and strong.
The true villain of this story is Griselda. She is a nasty piece of work. She is psychotic and perfect for this book. She’s obsessive and truly insane. She will do anything to keep Henry to herself.
If you like supernatural fiction, then this book is a must read. It is dark, brooding and romantic. It will keep you engaged until the very last page; which I might add is quite the cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get the second installment. Thank you Ms. Zuvich for giving us a new vampire series that we can really sink our teeth into.
Praise for The Stuart Vampire
“An intriguing historical with a darkly gothic twist, I enjoyed The Stuart Vampire and would recommend it to anyone with a taste for period horror.” – Erin Davies, Flashlight Commentary
Buy the Book
About the Author
Andrea (aka The Seventeenth Century Lady) is a 17th-century historian, historical consultant, and historical fiction authoress. His Last Mistress – a biographical fiction novella about the Duke of Monmouth and Lady Henrietta Wentworth was published by Endeavour Press, London in 2013. She received double BA degrees in History and Anthropology from the University of Central Florida, and continued her History studies with the University of Oxford and Princeton University. Zuvich has been filmed for NTR television in The Netherlands, talking about William III, and was recently on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour discussing Queen Anne. She was one of the original developers and leaders on The Garden History Tours at Kensington Palace, London. Zuvich lives in Windsor, England.
For more information please visit Andrea’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
The Stuart Vampire Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, October 13
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, October 14
The Stuart Vampire Launch Party @ 12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Wednesday, October 15
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook
Interview at Flashlight Commentary
Thursday, October 16
Review & Guest Post at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book
Friday, October 17
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Monday, October 20
Guest Post at Historical Tapestry
Tuesday, October 21
Review at The True Book Addict
Wednesday, October 22
Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Friday, October 24
Spotlight & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages
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Book Beginnings: The Stuart Vampire
My Book Beginning:
The Stuart Vampire by Andrea Zuvich
Prologue: 1886
It was a dark evening in London; the streetlights seemed like ghostly orbs of pale light, floating in the midst of the city smog. Plumes of smoke obfuscated with what little moonlight crept out from behind the many layers of grey cloud.
I’m a big fan of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction and that’s why I decided to participate in this blog tour. Currently, I’m half way through this book and I’m totally immersed in it. I have high hopes that it will be a tremendous read!
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Review: The Vintner’s Daughter
The Vintner’s Daughter
Written by Kristen Harnisch
Published on August 5, 2014 by She Writes Press
342 pages
Historical Fiction
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis:
Loire Valley, 1895. When Sara Thibault’s father is killed in a mudslide, her mother sells their vineyard to a rival family, whose eldest son marries Sara’s sister, Lydia. But a violent tragedy compels the sisters to flee to America, forcing Sara to put aside her dream to follow in her father’s footsteps as a master winemaker.
Meanwhile, Philippe Lemieux has arrived in California with the ambition of owning the largest vineyard in Napa. When he learns of his brother’s death in France, he resolves to bring the killer to justice. Sara has travelled to California in hopes of making her own way in the winemaking world. When she encounters Philippe, they are instantly drawn to one another. But Sara knows he is the one man who could either return her family’s vineyard to her – or send her to the guillotine.
Kristen Harnisch has written a remarkable novel that takes us deep into the wonderful world of winemaking. She has empowered her main character, Sara, to chase her dream and nothing will stop her. Sara is a character that the reader can connect with and admire.
At the center of The Vintner’s Daughter is the making of wine. I have always found this world to be so fascinating. Ms. Harnisch has done a wonderful job of capturing it and making it come alive. Wine represents such passion and romance which matches the passion and romance of Sara and Philippe. Their relationship is not just their attraction for each other; it is their quest to create and sell the perfect bottle of wine.
Philippe makes for a wonderful hero in this story. He is driven but compassionate. He is loyal to his family but he is also able to see their faults. Basically, he is a very good man. He is the exact opposite from his older brother and father. They are driven, but unlike Philippe, they are cruel and will stop at nothing to get what they want. It doesn’t make who they hurt or destroy. Their cruelty makes Philippe’s character stand out more for his kindness.
Sara is a strong young woman with a dream that really should be possible for a woman during the late 19th century. She is incredibly brave to face her fears and take responsibility for her family. Ms. Harnisch has written a wonderful female character in Sara Thibault. She doesn’t expect to be saved by a knight in shining armor. She expects to work hard for her dreams. She is very hard on herself and takes too much blame at times; but I found her to be very engaging and resilient character.
The Vintner’s Daughter is a wonderful first novel from Kristen Harnisch. You will definitely lose yourself in the tantalizing world of winemaking. It’s a world full of passion, love and need. It’s a remarkable read.
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Review: Death Sentence
Death Sentence
Written by Monty Nero and Mike Dowling
Published on July 22, 2014 by Titan Comics
192 pages
Graphic Novel
Purchased from Amazon
Synopsis:
SEX, SUPERPOWERS AND SIX MONTHS TO LIVE!
Verity: Frustrated artist
Weasel: Struggling guitarist
Monty: Rogue media icon
Three people infected with the G+ virus, which grants them incredible powers – but which will kill them in six months.
Death Sentence is a crazy intense ride that you will not likely to forget. This book is not for the faint-of-heart in that it takes sex, drugs and rock n roll to new levels of depravity. If you liked The Watchman, then this graphic novel will be right up your alley. It’s dark and there is no defined hero; let along a superhero.
This book is a great example of when society loses any grasp of what’s right and wrong; when moral depravity as taken control and won’t let go. Also, it shows how easily society can be enslaved to one man’s debauched agenda. People can be so easily persuaded to satisfy their own base desires without a care to the consequences. All it needs is a single match to light everything on fire. Monty is that match. He is able to turn the world into his playground. It is really disgusting and titillating at the same time.
The images in Death Sentence are incredibly graphic (pardon the pun). At times, those images really make you feel uncomfortable and that’s the point. They are there to grab your attention and make a point. Sex, blood, guts and gore are seen throughout the story. I have still some of the cells tattooed in my brain. Some of those images you will be able to forget.
Verity and Weasel are interesting characters and fulfill the role of the antiheros. They have very few redeeming qualities. Both are broken and sad and they have to decide how to live their lives now that they have been infected with G+. Will they rise to the occasion and fulfill their full potential or will they crater and die alone and dejected? What choices will they make? It’s hard to say whether they made the right ones.
Death Sentence is a dark commentary on what our society could quickly become. Everyone has a choice and that choice could and will affect society. I’m very interested how this series will develop and where it will lead the reader. I will definitely be looked the second installment when it’ released.
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