Book Review: Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

CATE OF THE LOST COLONY BY LISA KLEIN

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (October 12, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Lady Catherine is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite court maidens—until her forbidden romance with Sir Walter Ralegh is discovered. In a bitter twist of irony, the jealous queen banishes Cate to Ralegh's colony of Roanoke, in the New World. Ralegh pledges to come for Cate, but as the months stretch out, Cate begins to doubt his promise and his love. Instead it is Manteo, a Croatoan Indian, whom the colonists—and Cate—increasingly turn to. Yet just as Cate's longings for England and Ralegh fade and she discovers a new love in Manteo, Ralegh will finally set sail for the New World.

Seamlessly weaving together fact with fiction, Lisa Klein's newest historical drama is an engrossing tale of adventure and forbidden love—kindled by one of the most famous mysteries in American history: the fate of the settlers at Roanoke, who disappeared without a trace forty years before the Pilgrims would set foot in Plymouth.

Book Opening: 

"At a young age I learned how quickly one's fortunes can change, a truth that never betrayed me."

Notable Scene:

Her forehead and cheeks were bright red with anger. "You were also nothing until I favored you. But I see you have entirely forgotten that."

"No I have not forgotten," I said forlornly.  I could see my good fortune, accrued through years of service, sinking like a wrecked ship. What was left for me to cling to but my pride? So I looked my queen in the eye and said, "But I would gladly be nothing again, and thus be free to choose my own love." -Page 112

What really happened to the colonists at Roanoke?

It is one of the most enduring unsolved mysteries in American history. The "Lost Colony" of 90 men, 17 women and 9 children was founded in 1587 and discovered to be missing in 1590. The colonists set out from England seeking fortune and a better life. But the New World turned out to be a place where food was scarce, nature unpredictable and the natives not always so friendly. The colonists left one clue to their disappearance—the word "Croatan" carved onto a post.  Though both the Spanish and English searched for many years, the mystery of Roanoke has never been solved. CATE OF THE LOST COLONY weaves together historical fact and fiction as Lisa Klein imagines her own exciting and highly plausible take on what happened in the New World. The book alternates between the point of view of three protagonists—Catherine "Cate" Archer, the Queen's handmaid, Manteo, a Croatoan warrior and Sir Walter Ralegh himself.

Though I always found Cate to be strong and extremely intelligent, she definitely made some frustratingly poor choices in regards to her romance with Ralegh.  But then again, haven't we all erred in judgment at some time or other? What impressed me was the way she held her head up high and remained so strong, especially after falling dangerously out of favor with the Queen. But it wasn't until Cate arrived in the New World that her character really began to blossom and come into her own. The Cate at the end of the book was not the same girl from the beginning. I did often wonder whether Cate was portrayed a bit too mature for someone so young though. But regardless of that, I adored her character.  The way she stood up for what was right and began to lead the colonists was incredibly moving. Take this passage for instance—

"This New World is nothing like what we expected. We cannot control the misfortunes that have occurred here," I began. "Perhaps it is time for us to abandon our belief that we are superior in every regard that we were meant to rule and not to submit." My eyes were glistening with tears, and I could see nothing clearly, but the truth that I was trying to express "It may be the that nothing is more fitting than for us, newcomers in this land, to live in common with its native inhabitants." By fellowship we may end the strife between us, so that all may prosper, and none seek to destroy another. One day we may even restore the Eden that we sought in coming here." Page 271

On the other hand, Sir Walter Ralegh was a man hardly worthy of someone like Cate. Ralegh's sole purpose in life seemed to revolve around either gaining Queen Elizabeth's favor or whining about her all the time.  The manner in which he postured and preened around the Queen made it hard to root for his character in any way. At times he reminded me of Mr. Collins from Pride & Prejudice. I think it would've been more ideal for the book to alternate between Cate and Manteo only.  I do understand that Ralegh's letters and poems help provide insight into what was going on back in England. But every time Ralegh took center stage, I felt like I was being yanked out of the action and I couldn't wait to return back to Cate and Manteo.  

Speaking of Manteo, I was riveted.  I only wish he had been in more scenes.  I enjoyed getting Manteo's perspective on the British and his perception of the events that transpired after their arrival in the New World. When they brought him back to England, I was fascinated by how he tried to assimilate into such a completely different culture.  The way he tried to keep the peace between different hostile factions of people was suspenseful and intriguing. Bottom line-- Manteo was definitely a man worthy of Cate.  Almost immediately I wanted the two of them to fall for one another.

No one really knows what happened at Roanoke, but Lisa Klein has written a beautiful story, told with complex, well-drawn characters, romantic tension and the constant allure of the dangerous unknown.   The ending of CATE OF THE LOST COLONY was simple and beautiful. Even now, days after reading it, it still gives me goose bumps to reflect back upon.

I look forward to reading more of Lisa Klein's books in the future.

NOTE: History buffs will be happy to know that Klein's included a list of characters of historical significance at the front of the book. At the end there is an enjoyable Author's Note which chronicles Klein's research on the mysteries of Roanoke. Visit the author's website for more information on Roanoke and some great pictures if you are interested in learning more.

LISA KLEIN is the author of Lady Macbeth's Daughter, Two Girls of Gettysburg, and Ophelia. A former professor of English, she lives in Ohio with her family.
To learn more about Lisa Klein and her books visit her Official Website 

Book Review: The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner

THE SILVER BLADE BY SALLY GARDNER

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Dial; 1 edition (September 17, 2009)

A stirring tale of magic and revolution- fans of The Red Necklace won't want to miss it.

The year is 1794. With his beloved Sido safely in England and the Reign of Terror at its height, mysterious Yann returns to revolutionary France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But while the two are apart, Yann’s Gypsy origins prejudice Sido’s guardian against their marriage, thwarting their longed-for reunion. When Sido is kidnapped under strange circumstances, however, Yann must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, rescue Sido, and help save all of France.

As she did in The Red Necklace and the award-winning I, Coriander, Sally Gardner spins an epic tale that combines a vivid sense of history, characters full of Dickensian drama and fascination, and a sizzling adventure with touches of magic and romance.

It’s 1794 and the French Revolution rages on in Paris; each day more and more victims falling claim to the ravenous jaws of the guillotine. While most of the “decadent aristocracy” have long ago fled from the city, others have not been so fortunate. But during this dark time, hope is not all lost. Rumors have begun to circulate in Paris- hushed murmurings about a man, one they call The Silver Blade. Word has it that before the Revolutionaries even know what hits them, The Silver Blade swoops in and snatches his clients out of thin air, leaving only the small silver blade of a child’s toy guillotine in their place. For those trapped in Paris and desperate to reach the safety of England, they will do anything to redeem his services. But his identity remains a frustrating secret to both authorities and the aristocracy. As for Yann Margoza? Well, that’s just the way he likes it.

THE SILVER BLADE recasts the age old struggle of good versus evil in this extraordinary sequel to its predecessor, THE RED NECKLACE. In a time of tragedy and self-sacrifice, a new hero emerges. He is Yann, a man of seemingly low birth, but with the courage and moral character of a thousand great men. Yann leads a double life, performing in a theater by night and rescuing others from the cruel steel of the guillotine by day. A "tightrope walker over the Valley of Death”, Yann consistently puts his life on the line, making him a powerful protagonist and an appealing hero. Touches of magic and romance also run rampant throughout the novel, creating an interesting dimension to Yann’s character and an added tension to an already fast-paced plot.

I picked up THE SILVER BLADE at the library on a whim, completely unaware of what I was in store for. Upon realizing it was a sequel to THE RED NECKLACE, and a powerful one to boot, I had to rush out and get it’s predecessor. I devoured both books in two days. The drama and passion in Sally Gardener’s prose was dizzyingly irresistible for me. The added bonus of sharply penned characters like the dwarf Tetu and the humor of oddities like Iago the talking parrot, added a deeper level of connection to the story for me as well. Add in the horror of the guillotine and the threat of the worst kind of evil roaming around Paris’ catacombs, and you’ve got one sizzling adventure seeped in drama, magic and history.Count Kallivoski, a truly evil and deplorable creature, was terrifying- I feared for Yann and Sido, the woman of Yann's affection and Kallivoski's cruel desires.

**Exciting side note for fans of this series: I read on Sally Gardner's blog that Dominic West, actor in the television show, The Wire has bought film rights for THE RED NECKLACE and THE SILVER BLADE!

Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions. After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.

Purchase The Silver Blade at Amazon.com.

To learn more about Sally Gardner and her books, Visit the author's Official Website and Blog.

Book Review: Eva Underground by Dandi Daley Mackall

EVA UNDERGROUND BY DANDI DALEY MACKALL


The year 1978 has been a pretty good one for Eva Lott. She has a terrific best friend, she's dating the best-looking guy in school, and she just made the varsity swim team. So when her widowed dad says it's time for them to move, she's not exactly thrilled. And when he tells her that he intends to move to Communist Poland to help with a radical underground movement...Well, it's all downhill from there.

Soon Eva has been transplanted from her comfortable Chicago suburb to a land that doesn't even have meat in its stores, let alone Peter Frampton records. And everywhere she goes, the government is watching. But Eva begins to warm to her new life. Sometime between eating lard on bread and dodging the militia, she makes a handsome new friend, Tomek. And soon she is wondering if maybe she's found home in the most unlikely of places.

It's 1978 and Eva Lott is just your average American teenager getting ready to start her senior year of high school. That is, until her dad drags her kicking and screaming to Communist Poland. He wants to help the local people with a radical underground literacy movement and Eva soon becomes a part of that world. She learns that the average Pole does not have basic freedoms and that their daily lives are downright dangerous at times. Forget about good old American pepperoni pizza, rock-n-roll and freedom of speech. The government is always watching and listening, ready to suppress and control. Most people are poor, with little coal to heat their homes and even less to eat. (To paint a picture for you, bread with lard is something of a delicacy!)

If you were in Eva's shoes, wouldn't you want to hop on the next flight out of the country and get back to the good old USA? That was Eva's plan. Until she met Tomek. Ah...Tomek! The handsome, moody and so intelligent boy who draws her into his world and captures her heart. Through their unusual friendship, Tomek opens Eva's eyes to the sheer beauty of the Polish country and the brave struggles of those fighting for freedom and independence within.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. I think the romantic cover captured my heart from the start! I really enjoyed Eva's progression from your typical self involved American teen to the soulful, passionate person she became during her time in Poland. My favorite aspect of the novel, however, was the manner in which Eva's and Tomek's relationship unfolded. The believable, interesting situations were all beautifully woven through Dandi Daley Mackall's skillful narrative. Alternating the chapters between Eva and Tomek's point of view was a smart move. I think it allowed for a deeper connection to both characters with the way we were able to get inside their different mindsets. If you do read this novel, just wait until you get to the "plum harvest". Those chapters were my absolute favorite. I can honestly say I still carry them with me in my heart.

In a 2006 interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith, Dandi Daley Mackall described how she based this book on her own experiences in Poland circa 1978. After reading Eva Underground, I could really appreciate the authenticity of the novel. It was evident to me that Mackall had her finger on the pulse of the Polish heart and soul. I also must admit, I knew little about what life was like in that tumultuous time period of history. Eva Underground really opened my eyes. I honestly felt like I was right there with Eva, suitcases in tote, following along in her footsteps. Eva Underground is a novel that should appeal to readers of all ages, with its romance, suspense and universal issues of freedom and hope.

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 256 Pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (March 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0152054626
ISBN-13: 978-0152054625 Buy at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million

A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 400 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million. A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats.

To learn more about the author, visit her Official Website.

Book Review: Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

PRADA & PREJUDICE BY MANDY HUBBARD
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (June 11, 2009)
Language: English
Buy at Indiebound, Amazon, Borders, Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips…conks her head…and wakes up in the year 1815!

There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily’s family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily’s cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.

But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex’s heart, before her time in the past is up?

More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.

REVIEW: I personally do not own any Prada heels. But if there was a chance I could have an experience like Callie's, well I'd definitely give a Prada purchase some serious consideration! Who wouldn't want to spend a whirlwind of a time in a palatial mansion- attending balls in lavish gowns with a handsome, green eyed duke and becoming best friends with his adorable sister?

Before I read this novel, I thought that it was going to be retelling of sorts for Pride & Prejudice. While the book does give a reverent nod to Austen with Alex and Callie's relationship, Prada & Prejudice was not a retelling in any way. Mandy Hubbard has definitely made this story all her own. Callie was highly relatable, super cute and terribly funny.

Although she really did try hard to behave properly, Callie's twenty first century thinking definitely got her into trouble more than a time or two. My favorite moments were the ones when she displayed her modern, outspoken opinions toward the constricting societal and cultural norms that were commonly accepted back then. The following is an excerpt from the first morning after Callie and Alex have breakfast together. It's one of my favorites-

"She's not my superior. And neither are you."
"I outrank you," he says, half spitting the words as he edges even closer.
"So? Does that make you better than me?" I put one hand on my hip and clench the other in a fist.
"Yes, it does!" he thunders.
"Ugh! You're unbelievable," I say. "I've never met anyone so arrogant in my life."

Callie went through a great deal of growth in this novel, and I loved watching her confidence soar and her personality blossom. The way she voiced her opinions with Alex, refusing to sit by and watch Emily marry a man she did not love, made me intensely proud of her. Alex's character was charismatic and exciting. I couldn't help but anxiously read on, hoping that the two of them would stop butting heads and realize they were a perfect match for one another. (I also wondered who would win in a battle of wits- Mr. Darcy or Alex? That would be one heck of a great match up!)

Ever finish a book and breathe a contented sigh as you walk away with happy thoughts for the rest of the afternoon? That was how I felt after reading Prada & Prejudice. For me, the underlying message was that no matter how many fancy shoes you purchase or whose identity you are masquerading under, you can't change who you really are inside. Whether you travel two hundred miles on a school trip or two hundred years into the past, the only way to ever be really content is to learn to find value within yourself.

My only wish in regards to this novel is that Mandy Hubbard will have the opportunity to write a sequel for Callie and Alex! And even if that doesn't happen, I know I will be revisiting this wonderful book to bring some of that feel good sunshine back into my life. Prada & Prejudice will brighten even the rainiest afternoon with it's warmth, spirit and continuous fun!

To learn more about the book, read my INTERVIEW with Mandy Hubbard!

Mandy grew up on a dairy farm outside Seattle, where she refused to wear high heels until homecoming and hated them so much she didn’t wear another pair for five years. A cowgirl at heart, she enjoys riding horses and quads and singing horribly to the latest country tune. She’s currently living happily ever after with her husband (who, sadly, is not a Duke) and her daughter (who is most definitely a princess). Prada and Prejudice is her first novel.

To learn more about Mandy and her writing, visit her at her Official Website & Blog!

Prada & Prejudice is available for sale now. You can order from Amazon HERE!

Book Review: A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY BY MICHELLE COOPER

SYNOPSIS: “There’s a fine line between gossip and history, when one is talking about kings.”

Sophie Fitzosborne lives in a crumbling castle in the tiny island kingdom of Montmaray with her eccentric and impoverished royal family. When she receives a journal for her sixteenth birthday, Sophie decides to chronicle day-to-day life on the island. But this is 1936, and the news that trickles in from the mainland reveals a world on the brink of war. The politics of Europe seem far away from their remote island—until two German officers land a boat on Montmaray. And then suddenly politics become very personal indeed.

A Brief History of Montmaray is a heart-stopping tale of loyalty, love, and loss, and of fighting to hold on to home when the world is exploding all around you.

REVIEW: Sophie FitzOsborne is a teenage girl living on the small island kingdom of Montmaray, a desolated place populated by a decaying craggily castle, wherein there are “as many Royal Highnesses on the island as there are subjects”. Sophie is determined to document life on the island, and armed with her trusty journal, she paints us a vivd picture of life within the castle, which includes a raving, lunatic King with a penchant for throwing chamber pots about his bedroom, extreme weather conditions, illnesses and dangerous German visitors who trespass onto the island in the pursuit of artifacts.

A Brief History of Montmaray is written in the style of I Capture the Castle, and if you are a fan of that novel, you will definitely want to read Michelle Cooper’s compelling romantic, adventure. Though there are similarities, it's important to note that Michelle Cooper has definitely made A Brief History of Montmaray all her own. All the characters were extremely well drawn with strong, quirky personalities – from tomboy Henry with her wild recklessness, to Sophie’s beautiful and brilliant cousin Veronica, with her flair for political debate and historical facts. The novel transpires through the journal entries of Sophie, who is an extremely likable protagonist. I enjoyed flipping through the pages and watching her natural progression into a more mature young woman.

The plot of A Brief History of Montmaray was incredible. The elements of history, intrigue, romance and a dash of the supernatural all blended together in a fast paced, seamless manner. The unexpected plot twists and turns left me reeling time and time again. My heart was pounding especially hard when the Germans came late one night in their relentless pursuit of the legend involving the Holy Grail. But, the ending was what absolutely blew me away. I could not put the book down at that point. I’m not sure if Michelle Cooper plans on writing a sequel to A Brief History of Montmaray, but I would be most eager to snatch one up and continue on with the saga of FitzOsbornes.

This novel was also awarded the 2009 Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature and shortlisted for the 2008 Golden Inky Teenage Choice Award. You can read an excerpt from the novel HERE.


Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375858644
ISBN-13: 978-0375858642
Buy at Amazon, Borders, Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble

Michelle Cooper is a speech pathologist specialising in learning disabilities and reluctant readers, so she's passionate about getting children and teenagers interested in books. Michelle was inspired to write her first novel, THE RAGE OF SHEEP, after events such as September 11, when she found that teenagers wanted to engage in discussions about religion and religious intolerance. Michelle lives in Sydney and is currently working on more novels for teenagers, including the sequels to A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY. Visit www.michellecooper-writer.com for more information about Michelle and her books.

Book Review: The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER

by Leanna Renee Hieber

Synopsis-

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….

Review -

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker was an exquisite start to what surely will be an engaging series. Leanna Renee Hieber has created an enticing novel by blending together a combination of historical characters, potent paranormal elements and a sweet, satisfying romance. Add a dash of mythology to the mix and you’re ready to serve up a captivating gothic fantasy that should appeal to both adult readers and a mature teen audience.

The six members of The Guard (Alexi, Josephine, Jane, Rebecca, Michael, Elijah) were all summoned as teens by an otherworldy spirit. Their talents were indispensable in exterminating unruly ghosts and ridding the world of the forces of Hell. When Percy Parker came along, they were in desperate need of finding their Seventh, as was foretold by the Prophecy. Battling evil within the city was taking a great toll on The Guard, especially with The Ripper at bay. But could shy, meek Percy really be the one destined to fufill the Prophecy?

As the leader of The Guard, Alexi Rychman was quite caustic and imposing, but I was intrigued by the confidence and leadership qualities he asserted within this novel. I could understand why Percy would be attracted to him. At times, however, Percy seemed so meek to me that I did feel somewhat frustrated with her, and often wondered what exactly Alexi saw in her. With that being said, I must point out that Percy's loneliness was so palpable, that I could still sympathize with her charcter. It would've been so difficult for a young woman such as herself trying to navigate throughout Victorian London. When you add in the fact that she saw ghosts and had to constantly worry about being labeled as "mad", it was no wonder she had such shaky self esteem.

Leanna Renee Hieber has said this novel was nine years in the making, and all her efforts researching and perfecting the book become real apparent upon examining the quality of her writing. The old fashioned formality of the language contrasted perfectly against the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London. I really felt like I was being lured into the novel to wander around Athens Academy with Percy and Alexi, witness to the strange paranormal happenings and the slow, sweet awakening of their budding romance.

It was not surprising to learn that Hieber comes from a theatre background either, something which in my opinion, really assisted her in being able to bring this novel to life so vividly. I kept picturing the scenes as if they were being staged in a play-- dark, spooky creatures battling against the Guard on cobblestone streets with Percy at the epicenter- a pale light shining through the darkness. Unrequited love and differentiating interpretations of the Prophecy added some great tension to the novel as well, and kept my heart pounding. I will definitely be anxious to read the second installment in this series.

For another perspective on the novel, check out this review done over at Book Reviews by Jess. Jess' review was how I discovered this great book--thanks Jess!

4.5 butterflies

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Leisure Books (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0843962968
ISBN-13: 978-0843962963
Buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, etc


Award-Winning author Leanna Renee Hieber grew up in rural Ohio where childhood memories were full of inventing elaborate ghost stories. Graduating with a BFA in Theatre from Miami University, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London helped set the course for her books.

While performing in the regional theatre circuit, her short plays such as Favorite Lady, were published, produced, won awards and continue to be produced in colleges and festivals around the country. She has adapted works of Victorian literature for the professional stage.

She hit the fantasy fiction scene with her novella Dark Nest, winning the 2009 Prism Award for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER is the first in her Strangely Beautiful series of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels published by Leisure Books/Dorchester Publishing.

Visit the author at her Official Website and Blog
Read Four Excerpts HERE