Latest reviews in Historical Fiction Books »

What Dickens couldn't tell you about Mr Tulkinghorn

Advantages: Interesting plot line, builds well upon Dickens' book, well-written
Disadvantages: Hester's narration is a little irritating

I enjoy reading Dickens' books so when I heard about this book, the plot of which runs parallel to the events of Dickens' 'Bleak House', I was keen to find out more. Listening to a talk given by the author convinced me that the book would be worth a read ...

brokenangelkisses 18.04.2013 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of Tom-All-Alone's - Lynn Shepherd

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Just Another War Grave

Advantages: History wrapped up in story.
Disadvantages: The spanish is a bit laboured and unnecessary.

...Plaza De Toros, Badajoz, 15th August 1936: a group of prisoners are marched across the sands of the bullring, lined up against the barrera and, mown down rifle-fire. The first group of many. Cut to 2009. In the mountains known as the Sierra de Gredos ...

hiker 28.03.2013 · Read full review
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Review of The Sentinel - Mark Oldfield

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C J Sansom's Dominion - clever setting, poor plot

Advantages: Good historical grounding
Disadvantages: A rather average plot

“Our lives are merely trees of possibilities” Marc Bolan (1970) I guess we all have a moment where a decision changes the course of our lives forever. My most defining moment came many summers ago where after returning from taking my beloved dog fo ...

cr01 15.03.2013 · Read full review
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Review of Dominion - C J Sansom

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Caribbean Storms

Advantages: Skilfully told family saga against the violent backdrop of Jamaica's history
Disadvantages: None

1986 – 30-year-old Leigh McCaulay ("White gal!") is returning to Jamaica, the land of her birth. Her mother is dead and there is an estate to be settled. Her estranged father is somewhere on the island. Her brother is in England. This isn't the closes ...

hiker 02.01.2013 · Read full review
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Review of Huracan - Diana McCaulay

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An Archers Tale

Advantages: Excellent battle scenes and attention to detail
Disadvantages: Similar to previous novels

1356 is the latest book in Bernard Cornwell's 'Grail' series. Cornwell is an expert in writing historical fiction, from the Napoleonic Wars (Sharpe) to King Arthur (Warlord series), and the Grail series focuses on the Hundred Years War between England and ...

pdoyle007 17.12.2012 · Read full review
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Review of 1356 - Bernard Cornwell

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