Another Quirky Fantasy Tale

 

I just finished The Queen’s Bastard by C. E. Murphy.  I just don’t know what to say.  I don’t think this genre is for me, but I keep picking up these books.  In defense, I thought this book would be more of a historical fiction.  Not really….  I guess I misunderstood the “blurb” which, in part, says:

In a world where religion has ripped apart the old order, Belinda Primrose is the queen’s secret weapon.  The unacknowledged daughter of Lorraine, the first queen to sit on the Aulunian throne, Belinda has been trained as a spy since the age of twelve by her father, Lorraine’s lover and spymaster….

This book involved a great deal of politics between made-up countries.  They resembled some cities and countries of typical historical fiction, but had different names.  The names were difficult to follow and I found myself having trouble keeping the queens straight and who was plotting against whom.  The religious conflicts were reminiscent of the break in the church in England during Henry VIII, but again, details were changed.

The main character, Belinda, was not likable at all.  At times, I started to feel some pity for her, but it was short-lived.  I’m not faint of heart when I read those “sexy” scenes, but this book made me very uncomfortable in this realm.  Belinda’s use of sex in the story was hard to take. 

Another confusing point was the switching of the names of the main character.  Her real name, Belinda, was often inter-changed with her persona, Beatrice.   I know the author had some literary reason for this, but it was very confusing. 

Finally, the ending was a cliff-hanger.  I only kept reading because I wondered how the author was going to tie the story up.  I was let down to see the final words as “continued in The Pretender’s Crown”  (due out in Spring, 2009).

This book took me almost a week to read.  I usually read 2-3 books per week.  I’m not even sure why I kept reading since I really did not like the story, the characters, nothing.   I seem to have been doing this alot lately.  I do have trouble abandoning a book that I’ve started.  It must be my English teacher mother whispering in my ear (or penance for not reading the books I should have as a high-schooler).  But, save yourself the trouble and skip this one.

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On another note, I haven’t heard from Lee concerning my give-away.  If I don’t hear by Sunday, I’ll will do another drawing for the book.  So, you still may have a chance. 

Sword of Darkness – the other one

I reviewed  Knight of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor a few days ago.  It wasn’t the best book ever.  But, believe it or not, I went on to read the other book in the series, Sword of Darkness. (well, since I had it already). 

First of all, I read the books in the wrong order.  I should of read Sword before Knight as it was the first one in the series.  Second of all, it was a much better book.  It was written better, the story was better, and it was easier to follow. 

Now, saying that, I wouldn’t say it was a good book.  Yet, I kept on keeping on.  I’m not even sure why.  At least in this book, I sort of cared about the characters a ltitle more.  Although, like I said for the last book, the author was not that successful going back and forth through time very well.  I never believed we weren’t supposed to be in the 21st century in America. 

Oh well, it passed the time during a time I’m having trouble picking up something to read.  Nothing is too appealing to me lately.  So, I guess I turned to something “trashy.”  What do you turn to when you’re in a funk?

Raunchy Fantasy Tale — Another of Mom’s Recommendations

I’m starting to wonder about my mom.  She seems like a very conservative woman who just turned 60.  But, she has recommended another book, Knight of Darknessby Kinley MacGregor, that, again, has some pretty sexy parts, and some dirty language (something of which my mom does not usually approve).  I remember her searching her bookshelves to give me this one along with its follow-up, Sword of Darkness.

This book is about the son of Lancelot (from the Round Table), but it’s a whole different look at that story.  Anyway, he is Merlin’s assain in a “war” against evil.  But, he considers himself evil.  Anyway, in an attempt to lure him to the “dark side,” the bad guys, which include is mother, try to manipulate him using a human woman.  Well, as you can guess, a romance results, to the main character’s dismay.  Typical love story there. 

When I started this book, I almost put it down.  I couldn’t believe my mom liked it so much.  Even beyond the raunchiness and language, it just didn’t make sense.  I was confused a great deal until about half way through the book when the author finally decides to explain.  But, the travel between time and dimensions was not easy to follow.  I don’t think the author did a good job describing that.  I also wasn’t sure at what period of time the story was actually taking place in.  It seemed like the distant past, but there was definitely modern slang and references throughout.  I think that had something to do with some of the characters traveling between time periods.

Anyway, the story did get a little better and it didn’t take long to finish this one.  Would I recommend it?  No.  Will I read the next book in the series?  Probably.  Does that make sense? Again, NO.