History, Romance and Magic

The title somehow sums up my readings for these last few days.
I did enjoy “Hand of Isis” by Jo Graham. This was the first book I read of this author and I loved her style. She is a great storyteller. Charmian, Cleopatra and Iras are three daughters of Egypt Pharaoh but what holds them close is stronger than bonds of sisterhood alone. In the time of great political and historical changes these three try to restore greatness to their beloved country and its famous capital Alexandria. The will of gods and mortals, fate and choice knits together the most important changes in Egypt (or all of ancient world). From the greatness of Rome to the devotion of Egyptians to their gods, you see a time different and yet strangely very similar to our own. A mix of history, romance and a little magic the book is a true delight and hard to put down.
The part that planted itself firmly in my mind is when Agrippa propose to Charmian and how she answers. Those Romans were truly arrogant and had complete disregard for other cultures. Doesn’t it remind you of other nations, Britain in Victorian times, France under Napoleon and even today’s America?
“Demon Mistress” by Yasmine Galenorn is the sixth book of Sisters of the moon series, featuring half human-half Fae sisters Menolly, Delilah and Camille. The narrative is by Menolly, telling of strange disappearance of magical women in the neighborhood, a frat house of geeks and squid type astral demon attacks. Life is getting pretty interesting for these siblings and their harem of boyfriends.
“Nightseer” by Laurell K. Hamilton was an amazing story of adventure, attraction and magic. An enchantress princess is dealing with revals in school, prophetic dreams, and a persistence suitor when their keep and school is attacked and she is forced to face her old enemy. I enjoyed the book and I have to say it renewed my fate in Ms. Hamilton’s writing. As I’m thinking the Anita Blake series is getting boring and chaotic and Merry Gentry series is a little lose, I was wary of starting another book of hers but fortunately “Nightseer” had a strong plot, interesting characters and a wonderfully fun ending. I’m hoping Ms. Hamilton revisits these characters and write sequels for the story. I love to read more about the adventures of Keleios and Lothor and know if they can find and free their friends.
“Royal Flush” (A Royal Spyness Mystery, Book 3) by Rhys Bowen happens when Lady Georgiana (Georgie to her friends) starts a new business and out of naïveness makes an awfully embarrassing mistake. She is send to Scotland in shame and is given a couple of assignment along the way. Back home her family is host to a group of crass Americans including the persistence and infamous Mrs. Simpson. Georgie has to help her sister-in-law in getting rid of her unwanted guests, attend royal shooting parties and somehow make the dark and tall and yummy Darcy fall in love with her.
“An Accomplished Woman” by Jude Morgan is such a great story that midway into the book I put holds on the other books of her. It is England when Napoleon was in power and Lady Lydia Templeton is living the life of an unattached, independent and wealthy blue-stocking. She is happy and not seeking a husband when her godmother asks her to chaperon a young girl in Bath.
Reading all those lovely long and witty conversations are perfectly delicious when you are lounging on your beach chair and enjoying the cool breeze of sea and hearing the sound of waves.