The Heiress Effect - Courtney Milan

Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.
And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.
Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

I thought I should continue another series and decided to pick this one up. Considering my reading choices so far this year will be the year I catch up on most series...

I really enjoyed The Heiress Effect! It had strong, interesting characters, both the main and the secondary ones. An unusual story with some really interesting themes in the background. Clearly something out of the ordinary!

Miss Fairfield is doing her best to avoid marriage. She wants to remain unmarried so she can protect her sister from the misguided good intentions of her guardian. So she behaves and dresses in a way as to repel everyone. Oliver Marshall is trying to rise in politics and to do that he needs to court the favour of some titled men. That and somewhere down the road a wife who can help him gain the favour he needs to succeed.

You can see how Jane and Oliver seem to be total opposites in terms of what they want and / or need. But Oliver sees something in her he recognises and thus they begin a friendship of sorts.

This seemed to have everything I enjoy. However, I didn't fall in love with it. I think my main complaint is that I felt, in the beginning, that Jane was acting, playing a role. And then it turns out that she becomes the character she is playing so that Oliver may have an obstacle to face. I felt she became a bit of a caricature while Oliver, with his behaviour, only felt human, with frailties and faults.

So, I enjoyed the first half of the story a lot more than the second one which lowered the grade I was intending to give to a 4/5.

Happy Easter!

Crown of Crystal Flame - C. L. Wilson

A Song of Love won her heart.
A Song of Darkness haunted her soul.
A Song in the Dance would seal her fate.
Seers had long foreseen an extraordinary destiny for Ellysetta Baristani. Already she had won the heart of the Fey King--the magnificent Rain, ever her ally, eternally her love. She had saved the offspring of the magical tairen and fought beside her legendary mate against the armies of Eld. But the most powerful--and dangerous--Verse of her Song had yet to be sung. As the final battle draws nigh and evil tightens its grip upon her soul--will Ellysetta secure the world for Light or plunge it into Darkness for all eternity? As she and Rain fight for each other, side by side, will they find a way to complete their truemate bond and defeat the evil High Mage of Eld before it's too late, or must they make the ultimate sacrifice to save their world?

I was checking my notes and I realised I read the first book in this series back in 2008. It is a wonder I never needed to go back and reread before starting each new book. This is the final novel and we finally get to the big confrontation between Ellie and the High Mage of Eld. I wasn't sure what to expect as Ellie and Rain have faced so many challenges before. And I am quite happy to report that in term of story development I was quite happy with this one.

It is not and easy book to read as it has much violence and quite a few known characters die but I was happy with Ellie and Rain's development and how they deal with obstacles they find on their way to fighting the war. Their confrontation with the High Mage is also painful to read and Wilson manages to keeps us guessing about their fate for a while. Ok maybe not so much guessing (this is  romance after all) but I was reading sitting on the edge of the couch for a while. This is definitely a book filled with tense emotional scenes, some for the good and others for the bad. 

I had a few problems with the pacing of the story. I think at times it was a bit slow and I just wanted to move on and get to the interesting bits. I also think this book left almost as many threads open and closed ones so I'll definitely be reading her next book set in this world. I really want to know more about the girl that helped Ellie's parents - Melliandra, about all those Dahl'reisen and their families, about Ellie's sisters and about Gaelen.

Since the author has a new book coming out soon but of  different series and I can only urge her to write faster!! And I'll be getting that book too.

The Scarpetta Factor - Patricia Cornwell

It is the week before Christmas. A tanking economy has prompted Dr. Kay Scarpetta-despite her busy schedule and her continuing work as the senior forensic analyst for CNN- to offer her services pro bono to New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In no time at all, her increased visibility seems to precipitate a string of unexpected and unsettling events. She is asked live on the air about the sensational case of Hannah Starr, who has vanished and is presumed dead. Moments later during the same telecast, she receives a startling call-in from a former psychiatric patient of Benton Wesley's. When she returns after the show to the apartment where she and Benton live, she finds an ominous package-possibly a bomb-waiting for her at the front desk. Soon the apparent threat on Scarpetta's life finds her embroiled in a surreal plot that includes a famous actor accused of an unthinkable sex crime and the disappearance of a beautiful millionairess with whom Lucy seems to have shared a secret past.

I was bit confused while I was reading this. There seemed to be a lot of bad guys and I sometimes had a hard time keeping up with "who's who " and the "what are they doing and why". There was too much going on I felt - Benton's patient and former colleague, Lucy's relationship, Scarpetta's relationship with the TV channel... I'm finding hard to recognise them as the characters I enjoyed from previous books.

The only one that I enjoyed reading about was Marino. He seems to be closer to what he used to be in the beginning than in the latest  books of the series. I'm not sure where Cornwell is taking us next though. The crimes have ceased to be interesting for me and the main characters I'm not sure I wan't to continue with them if they are continuing as in this one.  Besides there seems to be less and less forensic issues and analysis with each books and that was one of the things that I enjoyed.

Will I read the next one in this series? I have a few doubts, especially as what I read about it is that someone is targetting Scarpetta again. She seems to have so many enemies that it has turned into a boring affair.

Grade: 2/5

Blood Ties - Kay Hooper

A  series of grisly murders has left a trail of blood across three states, bringing the Special Crimes Unit to a small Tennessee town. There, two more brutal killings lure Noah Bishop and the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap, and lead Special Agent Hollis Templeton into a dangerous attraction—and a serial murder investigation that turns very, very personal. In her time with the SCU, Hollis has shown an uncanny ability to survive even the deadliest attacks. But what she can’t know is that this killer intends to destroy the team from within. As the body count climbs, and Bishop and his agents race to uncover the true identity of their enemy, not even their special senses can warn them just how bloody, and how terrifyingly close, the truth will be.

Another Kay Hooper book, another installment in the Bishop series. I think her latest books have all been connected to one another and I wouldn't suggest reading this one without reading the others. Although the back blurb only mentions Holly I felt Diana was as much a main character here. And since they are both recurring characters I really enjoyed seeing them find center stage in this story.

Hooper does manage to keep the suspense going on two fronts. Who has been trying to harm Bishop and his work and who is the serial killer at work in a small town, that seems connected with the main villain they have been searching for.

I did like the story as a whole and indeed I read it almost in one sitting but I think Hollis love interest came about a bit too sudden and I would have liked to see more interaction between them. I was very much surprised by the "who wants to discredit Bishop?" twist and I found the final twist a bit worrisome - Although I enjoyed this trilogy I am ready to move to the next one.

By the way has anyone read the next book in the series? Haven? What I have been reading about it hasn't exactly thrilled me but I'll give it a go one of these days.

Grade: 4/5

The Sum of All Kisses - Julia Quinn

He thinks she's an annoying know-it-all...

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.
She thinks he's just plain mad...
Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ...
New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's enchanting third novel in the Smythe-Smith quartet is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings in equal measures.

It's so good when Julia Quinn is at her best. I think this TSOAK may well be my favourite book in the Smythe-Smith series so far. Lots of banter between the h/h but especially I liked the enemies to friends to lovers plot line (I guess several of my favourite books do have this plot line).

I liked both Hugh and Sarah, I liked that they are both given some depht of character. Especially Hugh who has had a lot going on in his life ever since the duel with Daniel Smythe-Smith. It was interesting to see the events through his eyes and how guilty he felt about his, and his father's actions. No wonder he felt he had to do everything Daniel asked of him.

Sarah was a trickier character to like in that sense because, although she feels Hugh ruined her life, it never seems something as serious and the life threatening events that befell both on Hugh and Daniel. Although I do understand that a good marriage may as well be that important for a young lady in that period.

Sarah makes no secret of her dislike for Hugh and he doesn't much like her character (obviously) so it is quite entertaining to see them evolve to a friendship of sorts and then on to something more.

The scene with Hugh's father, near the end, was one of those funny scenes by Quinn that makes us laugh out loud even after closing the book. A really good one on my opinion.

Grade: 4/5

Watch Your Back - Karen Rose

Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target.It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

Keeping up with Karen Rose's books I was quite happy when I grabbed this one as Clay and Stevie's story is one we have been waiting for since reading about them a few books behind. Although some of her books can be read as stand alones that is definitely not the case here as this story wraps up the plot line started several books ago.

There's a lot going on in this story and it would be unfair to reduce it to the romance bit. The truth is that there is an engaging mystery to solve. The story features a lot of already known characters but we also see the appearance of several new ones and at times it even gets confusing trying to get who's who and what are they planning.

There also plenty of suspense as not all is what it seems. I really liked how Rose brought the events from the past to connect them with what was going on with Stevie's life. It never feels over the top or reality stretching. We know from the beginning that Stevie is bent on making up for Silas's wrongs but things are way bigger than I thought.

Two things annoyed me though. Yes Silas was a bad guy but he, and a lot of other people it seems, did what they did because their loved ones had been threatened. Considering Stevie's love for Cordelia would she really have acted differently had the little girl been threatened? Not that she shouldn't have protected Cordy better at times and that he shouldn't be condemned but it was too much at times. And by the way did his wife and little girl survived the last book? The other this is that Stevie is just too damn stubborn in what concerns Clay. The poor guy was so obviously a good guy and right for her and she kept fighting her own feelings in the name of God knows what.

Well, have said that it was a pretty good story and I look forward to the next one.

Grade: 4,5/5

Blood Sins - Kay Hooper

Young, vulnerable, attractive, Tessa Gray made the perfect victim. Which was why Noah Bishop of the FBI's Special Crimes Unit recruited her to play the role of grieving widow. As the supposed new owner of property coveted by the Church of the Everlasting Sin, she'd be irresistible bait for the reclusive and charismatic Reverend Samuel. His fortified compound in the mountains near Grace, North Carolina, had been the last known residence of two women murdered in ways that defied scientific explanation. Though hardly as naive or as vulnerable as she appears, Tessa knows she has a lot to learn about using her unique gift. She also knows that Bishop and the SCU have to be desperate to rely on an untried psychic agent in an undercover operation so dangerous. And desperate they are. For the killer they're hunting is the most terrifying they've ever faced and shakes even the most seasoned agents: a soulless megalomaniacal cult leader who can use their own weapons, talents, and tactics against them. By entering the cult's well-guarded compound, Tessa will be exposing herself to the dark magnetism of a psychopath on an apocalyptic crusade of terror that spares no one, not even the youngest victims. And Samuel has protected himself within a fanatically loyal congregation, many of whom occupy surprising positions of power within the community. Even Grace's chief of police, Sawyer Cavenaugh a a man Tessa will have to trust with her life a may be unable to protect her. Because no one, not even Tessa herself, can guarantee she's strong enough to resist a or powerful enough to battle a a killer who's less than human.

I really enjoy this Bishop series. The book I have enjoyed the less are those with a higher lever of ghost and paranormal activities and with little romance. So, this story, shouldn't really have been a favourite for me. But I have to admit that I read it almost in one sitting and couldn't wait to reach the end.

This is single handedly the investigation into a religious organisation and it's preacher - a psychic who keeps his flock under strict control and can actually kill without touch. Hooper keeps us on the edge if our seat following the activities of the FBI agents and those within the flock who fight against the preacher and are exposed to great danger. There is a sense of urgency in most of the plot that I enjoyed. 

The action is fast and goes so smoothly that I really didn't notice the lack of the romantic aspect. One can guess that two of the main characters will eventually be a couple but nothing happened in this story. I do have a few complaints however namely that Bishop doesn't appear as much as usual and that there is a sub plot about someone who is trying to discredit him that isn't closed in the final chapter. The ending also felt a bit rushed.

The story is connected to the previous book in the series as the preacher here is the mastermind behind the killer they caught in that book and one guesses that it is strongly connected with the next book as I'm sure we won't be left in the dark long about who wants to harm Bishop and his unit.

Grade: 4/5

A Fatal Grace - Louise Penny

Welcome to winter in Three Pines, a picturesque village in Quebec, where the villagers are preparing for a traditional country Christmas, and someone is preparing for murder.No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter—and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her death. When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, of the Sûreté du Québec, is called to investigate, he quickly realizes he's dealing with someone quite extraordinary. CC de Poitiers was electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake, in front of the entire village, as she watched the annual curling tournament. And yet no one saw anything. Who could have been insane enough to try such a macabre method of murder—or brilliant enough to succeed?With his trademark compassion and courage, Gamache digs beneath the idyllic surface of village life to find the dangerous secrets long buried there. For a Quebec winter is not only staggeringly beautiful but deadly, and the people of Three Pines know better than to reveal too much of themselves. But other dangers are becoming clear to Gamache. As a bitter wind blows into the village, something even more chilling is coming for Gamache himself.

I really enjoyed the first book I read in this series and I was quite happy when I found this title. I did enjoy reading it but, in the end, not as much as the previous book.

I loved meeting Gamache again. I really enjoy how he works and how he deals with those subordinates of his. How ever it feels like something bad is about to happen to him and we have some sort of impending doom feeling from beginning to end of the story. I also would have enjoyed to see more of his wife.

I did like revisiting the same little village - even if I am asking myself how many murders can take place there -  and reading again about Gabri and Oliver, Ruth, Clara and her husband, Myrna... All those unique characters I had previously met in book 1.

I didn't much like the mystery in it self. The victim was an odious woman, I did not feel I got to know her well enough and I was hoping the murderer would be someone else. The resolution of this case had a very bittersweet feel to it as one is left to wonder who the real victim was.

And my attention was mostly focused on what was being said and done in Gamache's back. In a way this felt like laying the ground for the next book nowhere he will have to face some troubles. It's a book that won't stand long in my kind but that left me curious for the next  one.

Grade: 3/5

2014 Portuguese HF Challenge - March Reviews / Críticas de Março

Things are progressing slowly as we have 3 reviews posted for 2014!

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A evolução está a ser lenta e totalizamos apenas 3 criticas para este desafio!

Book list / Lista de livros:

1. Verão Quente by Domingos Amaral, reviewed by Ana T.
2. Nação Crioula by José Eduardo Agualusa, reviewed by Inês Montenegro
3. D. Afonso Henriques by Diogo Freitas do Amaral, reviewed by Ana T.

Reading suggestions for this challenge can be found here

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Algumas sugestões de leitura para este desafio podem ser encontradas aqui.

Paradise Valley - Robyn Carr

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq--his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's looking for a place to start over. He'd like it to be Virgin River...if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.
For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were...and to find the dreams they thought they'd lost.

This story left me a bit annoyed with Carr. I think Rick and Lizzie deserved their own book after all they went through in the previous stories. And the same goes for Dan Brady which she had  lead me to believe to be some king of undercover cop. I was still a good story but considering the baggage all those characters carried with them I think, like this, we never got as deep as we could have in knowing them and watching them heal.

In the Rick and Lizzie story I especially liked Lizzie, she did a lot of growing up since the first time she appeared in these stories and considering Rick's behaviour she was the sensible, grown up one in this story. I had a good laugh that they shared the same therapist without knowing it. And I was very happy when things finally started to get on the right track.

Dan and Cheryl's story I felt really deserved more time. And maybe we get that in the future because here they mostly get to know each other as friends. But I felt they had built a strong foundation so maybe Cheryl can heal and make a good life for herself. Their ending felt a bit like a cliffhanger...

Grade: 3/5

Fireproof - Alex Kava

When a building bursts into flames on a cold winter night in D.C., investigators see a resemblance to a string of recent fires in the area. There is one difference, however: This one has a human casualty. The local team insists they're looking for a young white male, suffering from an uncontrollable impulse to act out his anger or sexual aggression. But when special agent Maggie O'Dell is called in, everything she sees leads her to believe that this is the work of a calculating and controlled criminal.
Jeffery Cole, a reporter looking for his big break, is also at the scene of the crime and decides to make Maggie part of his news piece, digging up aspects of her past that she would rather forget. Maggie's brother Patrick is also back in DC where he is working for a private firefighting company and is frequently called in as these fires continue to light up around the city. 
As the acts of arson become more brazen, Maggie's professional and personal worlds begin to collide dangerously. The killer may be closer than she imagines.

It had been a while since I had read one of Kava's Maggie O'Dell's books and I was looking forward to it. I did enjoy very much the fire aspect and the investigation that leads Maggie and her friends/colleagues to the answers they seek. I enjoyed less all the troubles that Maggie keeps facing from her mom or her boss. All that personal baggage keeps distracting me (and Maggie) from the crimes she should be investigating and the criminals she should be profiling.

Maggie is also recovering from a head wound in this story and I think it's time for her to get over being do independent and start seeking help. I was hoping Benjamin Platt would have more space in this story, and I was figuring his medical background could help Maggie, but that didn't happen either. The only romance in the air is Patrick's crush and I have to admit I would like to see more of it and more of Patrick.

The ending is a huge cliffhanger and I am divided, part of me doesn't really like cliffhangers but at the same time I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Grade: 4/5

Dirty Secrets - Karen Rose

For months Emma Townsend has avoided her old house, haunted by its memories of her dead husband. Finding the courage to sort through their possessions, she's astonished to find an old love letter from friend Chris Walker, and determines to make amends for the past. 
Chris, now a college professor, is trying to deal with the tragic death of a graduate student. Seeing Emma again brings back a flood of memories, re-kindling a long-lost passion. But with police investigating the student's death, Chris cannot act on his desires. 
But is it too late? Because now someone's watching Emma and Chris. Someone who's nursing revenge. And they are about to be plunged into a nightmare where no one can be trusted and every dirty little secret is sealed with a kiss.

Another short story by Karen Rose. I decided to read this one because I was planning to read her latest book and discovered that some of these characters would appear there. I did enjoy the mystery part, even of I did discover the culprit fairly soon, and I did like Emma and Chris a lot.

The action bits I wasn't as enthusiastic about. I think Rose's writing nowadays is smoother and better at mixing romance, suspense and action. I was annoyed with Megan and that personal aspect of Chris's life but in the end everything went well, mostly because Emma was such a good character.

Good read for a Rose fan who needs a taste of her stories in between books.

Grade: 3.5/5

Temptation Ridge - Robyn Carr

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly "not" whom she has in mind. A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.
Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things...two very "good" things.

Although I am a series lover it is not always that I feel like (or get the chance to) reading them all in a row as it is happening with this series. I have been pondering about what attracts me to it. I think it is about the fact that I seem to be watching the community being built. Not just grow... I actually feel that with each book that something is still missing and I think that is what keeps me from giving higher grades.

I keep reading because I know that when it feels completed it will make a great story.

Two things annoy me though. One that, especially in the first books, they keep mentioning that Jack was too old to have kids. That is just silly! And second that each newcomer seems to have to point out that the women are all stunningly beautiful. That is just as silly not to mention unrealistic. And since in every book there's a newcomer it's also boring.

Having said that I quite enjoyed Shelby's book. I liked both the main characters, that they had some baggage but managed to get into a healthy relationship and I did like it that, with a little help from friends and family (which I'm sure we will see in later books) Luke managed to overcome the bit of baggage that was stopping him from making a commitment. And that Shelby was wise enough to come back when he was ready for her! They felt like sensible people with real worries and expectations.

One of my favourites so far!

Grade: 4/5

Happy Birthday L&M

It's hard to believe three years have passed already...

Second Chance Pass - Robyn Carr

In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son--breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love. But the one man she longs to share this love with now acts as if she doesn't exist.
Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Siper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he's done right by Matt's widow as best he can...considering he's been secretly in love with her for years. Now, just as he's about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him--a claim that will be tough to escape.
With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.

I thought this plot had great potential (one of those angsty types I so love) and so I was looking forward to it. But truth be told I was a bit disappointed. I was expecting Paul's reticence in admitting his love for Vanni to make a tough road for these two but I felt there ere too many external elements complicating their lives even more. Totally OK with Vanni's behaviour but Paul didn't need to get into that extra entanglement. And since he did and the woman didn't seem all that bad why not find a solution for her problem? I also loved Cameron, such a great, considerate guy.

Still it was a nice enough story and enjoyed it. I also enjoyed all the secondary stories that make this an interesting series - Mel and Jack, Preacher and Paige, Rick and Jack's relationship and now Tom and Brenda and Joe and Nicky. Virgin River is definitely growing in terms of population numbers.

Let's see what the next books have in store for us.

Grade: 3/5

Broken Silence - Karen Rose

After a traumatic kidnapping, Daphne’s boss insists that she take time off. But she refuses to sit on the sidelines when she meets a six-year-old girl who the police call Angel. Angel hasn’t spoken a word since they found her four days ago next to a burned out car, frozen with shock, not far from the bodies of two adults who may or may not have been her parents.
Joseph knows that helping Angel is exactly what Daphne needs right now. But when Daphne gets Angel to talk, a mysterious and chilling crime begins to unravel—one that drives Daphne into the darkest corners of her past as she and Joseph track a ruthless killer.

Although I did enjoy my last Karen Rose book I did not feel it was one of her best titles. But I am always ready to start one of her books and while I have been impatientelly waiting for Stevie's story and couldn't resist grabbing this one.

And I did enjoy it very much. Certainly more than I expected. It's a very short novella but I think the plot worked well. We know a lot of the background story since this is more like an extension of the previous book, and the suspense plot was simple and worked well in such short format. I would have preferred something a bit bigger and meatier but I guess she is saving that for Stevie.

Grade: 3/5

D. Afonso Henriques - Diogo Freitas do Amaral

I've had this biography of Portugal's first king in my TBR for quite some time (years actually as I don't even remember when I got it) and, as I was looking for books for this challenge, I thought this would be the perfect read.

I did enjoy reading it (even if I skimmed a few bits). If you want to know more about King Afonso Henriques' life and chronology this is a great book. But in terms of historical fiction it just doesn't work.

The mistake is probably mine, because I thought this would be HF, and not the author's, who detailed every known fact in the king's life. But it felt a bit like just a list of facts. There's contextualization of the time to explain political actions but there wasn't much information about the king's every day life. His thought process and what led him to this and that action. His interaction with his family and nobles on a day to day basis.

It felt like there was a lot of history and little, if none, fiction. Since I am a big fan of medieval HF (think Elizabeth Chadwick or Sharon Kay Penman) I am very sorry that we don't have an author capable of bringing Portuguese historical fiction (medieval but not only) to life as they do.

2014 Portuguese HF Challenge - February reviews / Criticas de Fevereiro

Time for another review round up. I was hoping to have another review to add but I am still halfway through my book - a biography of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques.

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Está na altura de mais uma compilação das criticas submetidas para este desafio. Estava na esperança de ter mais um livro para adicionar mas ainda vou a meio de uma biografia sobre o primeiro rei de Portugal,  D. Afonso Henriques.

Book list / Lista de livros:

1. Verão Quente by Domingos Amaral, reviewed by Ana T.
2. Nação Crioula by José Eduardo Agualusa, reviewed by Inês Montenegro

Curiously I found a copy of Nação Crioula just this month. I really enjoyed Inês review but I'm now thinking I should get A Correspondência de Fradique Mendes before tackling this one. You can find an english translation here  And one of Nação Crioula here. 

Reading suggestions for this challenge can be found here

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Curiosamente encontrei uma cópia do Nação Crioula este mês. Gostei muito de ler a critica da Inês mas acho que tenho de começar pelo livro do Eça para depois poder apreciar bem este. Ambos os livros têem tradução em inglês.

Algumas sugestões de leitura para este desafio podem ser encontradas aqui.