Review: India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage 02) by Carol K.Carr

Synopsis:

When Queen Victoria attends a rigged psychic séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists that, contrary to her habitual routine, she should spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. It seems the old Vicky simply cannot say no to her husband, departed or not. The former Prime Minister Disraeli suspects he knows a reason of the whole request - the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen on their home turf. Of course not having any proof he can’t even dream of stopping the Queen; instead he sends the ever resourceful India, disguised as a maid of an old Marchioness of Tullibardine, and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.

After the events of the previous novel, India Black has gone back to her life as the proprietor of a brothel but her life has suddenly become insufferably boring. When the British spy, known to her as French, comes calling and tries to recruit her for a new mission, India jumps at the chance no needing any persuasion or blackmail.

French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the high-born guests, pretending to be a swashbuckling secretary of Disraeli, and India will take the low road, looking closely at other servants in case an assassin is hiding among the staff. They are joined by Vincent, who will support French working as his valet and stable boy. Soon enough two suspicious incidents make India and her companions certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...but who?

What I liked:

The whole book was more a comedy than a sleuth or adventure novel. I loved the beginning but I regretted we didn’t see that false psychic (is there a true psychic out there?) and her daughter again. Like the first part of this series, reviewed by me not so long ago, the story is told once again from India’s point of view so of course it is snarky and entertaining.  India suffers greatly helping the old Marchioness survive the royal festivities without killing herself during the meals (poor sight makes the old lady kind of accident-prone to say the least of it) but, after some time, she grows to like the old biddy more and more, especially that she seems to have more wits than her temporary maid. Also the portrayal of Queen Victoria, John Brown, Benjamin Disraeli and various other historical personages was hilarious although perhaps a bit skewed. Well, we get it from India’s perspective and she is hardly an apologist of the aristocracy or the Queen.

The cover is, once again, lovely. These colours...

What I didn’t like:

In my humble opinion the first part, despite its plot incongruities, was better, fresher, more funny and edgy. This one was a disappointment - we are offered a watered-down version of old India and the plot didn't improve, making the whole novel definitely aimed more at YA audience than adults. Well, the personality of India and her blunt honesty was the feature which appealed to me the most from the very beginning. Here you can almost forget that you are dealing with a ‘madam’, an owner of a house of disrepute and a former hooker of the most common sort. In other words India is too sanitized, never revealing her skills, sometimes behaving more like a debutante during her first season than a pro, as if her creator temporarily forgot who and what this woman was supposed to be. She just talks. Empty vessels make most sound – that’s how I felt about her.

The worst damage was done to the character of Vincent – a streetwise urchin from the previous part with personal hygiene issues but great thieving and investigative skills. Here he was reduced to a mere accessory. I resented it very much. Such a waste…and it’s not the end of my carping.

One of the underlying themes of the book is not to underestimate women. A fine conception per se but, unofrtunately, flying in the face of India’s low opinion about her own employees or prospective employees (‘she is stupid and pretty – she would be a good whore’) and other females in general. It was a bit galling, taking into account India's past. What’s more, India’s sleuthing efforts didn’t present her in a good light either – in this book she is deceived too many times while solving a quite simple mystery; the perpetrator could be guessed easily (well, I am not a great thinker but I had a very precise opinion who might be the hidden nationalistic murderer already in the middle of the first part of the novel…and I guessed correctly – cherchez la femme!)

 Mr. French didn’t improve either – instead of character building we got just some hints that he might have a family (like a wife, perhaps also children). It didn’t warm me up to that gentleman and even India, although supposedly falling for his charms, didn’t feel any strong compulsion to find out more about him. Yes, she still doesn’t know his first name although allegedly just because she loves teasing him about it. By the way as the old Marchioness dropped some interesting remarks so perhaps India is going to find out more about her mother soon. Like in the next book. While I am extremely curious how a woman like India became a prostitute I think the author is just fishing for more interest, teasing the readers, promising a good story and more fun... in the future. I am not fond of such teasers, clearly aimed at making you order/buy the next installment, and, to be absolutely truthful, I don't believe in such promises. I fear a big disappointment unless Ms. Carr returns to the style and rough honesty of her first novel.

Final verdict:

India Black and the Widow of Windsor might be an entertaining read but it doesn't change the fact that it is a novel of middling quality, veering towards the YA market too much for my taste. I wasn’t thrilled by India’s or French’s portrayals in this one and also the ending seemed to me cheap and anti-climatic. I am not sure I would like to buy/read the next installment unless I see some good reviews… 

Queen Victoria and Disraeli via Wikipedia

Tuesday Intros # 02

This meme is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile-by-the-Sea

Encouraged by my friend Tracy's excellent blog I decided to try a new meme which is a variant of teasing tuesday but with more text.

 Would you buy/ borrow/read a novel which starts like this? Would you find such an introduction interesting or rather repulsing? It is the first paragraph from "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel. 

Cover of Wolf Hall

‘So now get up.’

Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned towards the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blow, properly placed, could kill him now.

Blood from the gash on his head – which was his father's first effort – is trickling across his face. Add to this, his left eye is blinded; but if he squints sideways, with his right eye he can see that the stitching of his father's boot is unravelling. The twine has sprung clear of the leather, and a hard knot in it has caught his eyebrow and opened another cut.

‘So now get up!’ Walter is roaring down at him, working out where to kick him next. He lifts his head an inch or two, and moves forward, on his belly, trying to do it without exposing his hands, on which Walter enjoys stamping. ‘What are you, an eel?’ his parent asks. He trots backwards, gathers pace, and aims another kick.

Quite impressive bit of child abuse, don't you think? I know it is more than one paragraph but I couldn't restrain myself. What a start of a career...

Monday Can Be Fun (but usually isn't) # 3

Hi everybody!

It's Monday, how are you? 

Excuses for Monday Morning

• If it is all the same to you, I won't be coming in to work. The voices told me to clean all the guns today.
• I set half the clocks in my house ahead an hour and the other half back an hour Saturday, and spent 18 hours in some kind of space-time continuum loop, reliving Sunday (right up until the explosion). I was able to exit the loop only by reversing the polarity of the power source exactly e*log(pi) clocks in the house while simultaneously rapping my dog on the snout with a rolled up Times. Accordingly, I will be in late, or early.
• My stigmata's acting up.
• I can't come in to work today because I'll be stalking my previous boss, who fired me for not showing up for work. OK?
• I have a rare case of 48-hour projectile leprosy, but I know we have that deadline to meet...
• I am stuck in the blood pressure machine down at the Food Giant.
• Yes, I seem to have contracted some attention-deficit disorder and, hey, how about them Hoyas, huh? So, I won't be able to, yes, could I help you? No, no, I'll be sticking with Sprint, but thank you for calling.
• Constipation has made me a walking time bomb.
• I just found out that I was switched at birth. Legally, I shouldn't come to work knowing my employee records may now contain false information.
• The psychiatrist said it was an excellent session. He even gave me this jaw restraint so I won't bite things when I am startled.
• The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet. In fact I am not sure whether it was my dog or my cat. I think I must take both of them along. The vet will decide.
• My mother-in-law has come back as one of the Undead and we must track her to her coffin to drive a stake through her heart and give her eternal peace. One day should suffice.
• I am converting my calendar from Julian to Gregorian so, technically, it is not Monday.
• I am extremely sensitive to a rise in the interest rates.
• I can't come to work today because the EPA has determined that my house is completely surrounded by wetlands and I have to arrange for helicopter transportation.
• This Monday I prefer to remain an enigma.

Have a lovely week!


pst, pst...what's your fav excuse?

Review: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Cover of Life of Pi

Book info:
Form: e-book, mobi format
Genre: philosophical fiction, adventure, survival, contemporary fiction
Target audience: YA and adults as well

Synopsis (from Amazon.com):

The son of an Indian zookeeper, Pi Patel (a shortening from Piscine Molitor, you must read the book to find out why his parents decided to name their baby boy  like that) has an encyclopedic knowledge of animal behavior and a fervent love of stories. He also likes religions – the problem is he wants to practice them all. When Pi is sixteen, his family emigrates from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, along with their zoo animals bound for their new homes.

The ship sinks. Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat, his only companions a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger. Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with Richard Parker for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them "the truth." After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional--but is it more true than the first one?

What I liked:

As it was published in 2001, there are plenty of excellent reviews of this book around, both very positive and very negative; there’s no chance I could outdo any of them, so I will try to be as brief as possible. I will just tell you about my personal impressions and conclusions. Short and honest.

The book was definitely well-written and engaging, a quick read about the power of survival and adventure at sea with a second bottom. I loved those very acute but funny remarks about animals and their relationship with humans. If you are a more mature reader, however, you can’t miss the fact that the whole novel is a bit philosophical as well so it would be a mistake describing it as just another ‘survival adventure story’. Certain chapters, like those concerning a carnivore island and discourses between temporarily blind Pi and equally blind Richard Parker are something more than just a simple account of how a teenager survived a shipwreck totally on his own with one big beast for company.

This book mentions several very serious and very problematic topics in a very skillful way, avoiding complex reasoning or cheap didacticism. First of all, it promises to make you believe in God and then…tries to persuade you the God (or gods) doesn’t exist. A clever twist. After all, Martel's insistence that a well-crafted story is just as good, or even better than harsh reality can be construed as the biggest argument against the veracity of the Bible, the Koran and, in fact, all other sacred texts as well. Pi sums up this postmodern worldview by telling the ship investigators, "The world isn't just the way it is. It is how we understand it, no?"  I liked that devilish argument for the argument’s sake still I had my doubts whether or not it was another beautiful but not exactly veracious version of events… ;) As you see such a reasoning can be used as a double-edged sword.


I also liked how Pi's opinion about his feline companion changed during the journey. It showed that the real strength we can find turning obstacles and weaknesses into advantages, 'taming' them in a way. It certainly isn't anything easy but it is more often than not the best solution. First Richard Parker was the bane of Pi's castaway life, a wild beast which should be fed or else (a very unpleasant else as you can imagine). The boy didn't get rid of it just because he couldn't - the animal was definitely stronger. Then Pi realized that without the tiger he most probably would have had  thougher time and he wouldn't have survived. Finally Richard Parker became as close to him as his lost family although feeding it still cost him a lot of efforts. Touching. What a pity the author decided against a proper good-bye between those two.


Finally the cover I find really nice and fitting.

What I didn’t like:

In my humble opinion the book, although started in such an interesting way, lacked an equally strong ending. Its final message seems to revolve around such a statement: there's no real difference between fantasy and reality, so you might as well choose a version which seems to be more interesting. I don’t agree with such an ambiguous thesis and personally, if I survived over 200 days all alone on Pacific, you would be hardly willing to embellish my version of events so it seems more interesting or spectacular. Taking it to a more metaphorical level – truth is far more important to me than even the most enticing lie because, well, it is the truth. If you don’t believe in the great significance of truth terrible things might happen around you and you won’t even realize.

What’s more, the author suggests that we tend to embrace made-up stories about different gods because they make us comfy, warm, safe and fuzzy, taming the reality and offering an award if we follow the rules and behave. Whether the God from these stories actually exists becomes totally irrelevant. Perhaps he got a point. I wouldn’t like to turn this review into a discourse whether the God (or gods) exists or not, opening a big fat can of worms which really is left tightly closed, preferably at the bottom of the sea; let me just say that the author didn’t manage to persuade me of his version of an ‘atheistic’ gospel because, when I come to think of it, Martel's message simply disintegrates after serious reflection. Let me also say that, coming from a country where atheism used to be a kind of official religion-cum-outlook for quite a long time, preached, spread and drummed home into the heads of stubborn infidels, I don’t find it particularly exciting. Not really.

Overall his basic argument I found rather trite - I think the author stumbled when he offered an alternative explanation for Pi's experiences and then challenged the reader to choose: the "better story, the story with animals" or "the story that will confirm what you already know." Martel compares belief in fiction to belief in God, mixing those two together. Well, I used to read a lot of myths coming from different parts of the world and created by different religions; some of them were really interesting and “pretty” so, according to this author I should now believe in Hermes, Loki, Buddha, Zarathustra, Quetzalcoatl and Osiris to list just few of my favourite deities featuring in these myths. Hmmm…

Final verdict:

You might be surprised that, with the “dislikes” section so full, my final verdict still remains rather positive. An interesting book is not only one we like, treasure and agree with but also a book which makes us stop and think, evaluate and discuss some important truths. I enjoyed reading “Life of Pi” although I might not agree with its message. I would recommend this book to all people who like survival stories, don’t shun philosophy or/and are interested in religious studies.

Friday Flash Fiction

Amy C at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie atTink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you publish your Fiction Flash  on Friday - 350 words, give or take. Here is the picture posted this Monday:

I know I was supposed to write something hot but such a pic simply exclues it. I’d like to take a rain check. In fact I yield, Blodeuedd can be named the queen of the hotness (but I might be back!) In my flash get some action instead.


The tree hunting hut belonging to Lord Dreane was not difficult to find when you knew what to look for. The door was cleverly hidden behind a boulder but fully approachable and without any lock. Lilian expected one cramped room- two at most- the size of an average closet, dark, damp and full of dead leaves. Instead she saw a big tilled corridor with several doors leading to, it seemed, a suite of rooms and a kitchen. The walls were adorned by paintings in vivid colours and several skylights, positioned clevery above, made the whole area well-lit and cheerful. Lilian started looking curiously at the pictures and soon enough she took a particular fancy to one of them. It showed a red-haired woman in royal blue dress standing with a knight at the edge of  a precipice. Below an army was marching in single file; dark small figures with flags and banners. The woman had a big broadsword hanging from her belt. Could it possibly mean she was a warrior? Why did she still wear a dress?

-Who's that woman? Who painted these? - Lilian asked her sullen and silent guide without turning her head, her eyes simply riveted on the graceful, feminine silhouette.

Mark shrugged and scowled at her.

-Dunno, seems to be some elven rubbish left behind or other shit.

Lilian gasped. He never dared swear in her presence before. It was plain rude and it couldn't be tollerated.

-What did you say, you oaf ? When we return I will make you wash your mouth with a lot of soap, then you'll learn how to answer a lady when she condescends to ask you a question.

- You are not a lady anymore.

-What?

Painting completely forgotten, she gaped at him for a long stunning moment which felt like eternity. He was just smirking, happy with her reaction. Finally she recovered sufficiently to ask:

- Explain yourself, Mark. How come I've stopped being a lady to you all of a sudden?

-You consort with freaking vampires, that's why. I saw ya two strolling in the park. Talking, holding hands, kissing maybe. Soon enough he will drink your blood and drag you to his lair and do...other things as well.  You are not a lady, you are a vampire slut to me, that's what you are.

Anger always made her more clear-headed and now Lilian was very angry. She knew instantly how to react. First she slapped his smirking face time and again, then she clenched her hand into a tight fist and slugged him hard straight into the stomach. He certainly didn't expect a punch. He spluttered, doubled over and kneeled on the floor, fighting for every breath. Lilian gave him her best condescending look and hissed:

-That was for the cussing in my presence and for your general lack of manners. Next time you think of calling me that appaling name think also about this: if I earned it just for strolling with Henri and talking what name you deserve after spending the entire night in the arms of that Lara? You pathetic, spineless, whinnying slug!

She kicked him in the ribs to drive her point home, then turned from him, her back ramrod straight, her head held high like that of a real princess, and entered the first room on her right; she could hear her father's voice coming from the inside. She could be a warrior woman as well and it seemed it was time to look for her broadsword.

That's how I imagine Lilian ;)

Review: Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire 01) by Mark Lawrence

Book info:
Format: e-book, mobi
Genre: dark fantasy
Target audience: adults


Summary (mostly from Amazon.com):

A young prince like no other but hardly a Prince Charming. When he was nine, he watched his mother and brother brutally killed before him. One year later he ran off his father’s castle, freeing some men condemned to death and joining their band. By the time he was thirteen, he was the leader of that band, a group of bloodthirsty thugs calling each other “brother”. By fifteen, he intends to be king and by twenty – emperor...or better.

Before it happens, it's time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what's rightfully his. Since the day he was hung on the thorns of a briar patch and forced to watch Count Renar's men rape his mother and slaughter his young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him- and it seems he has nothing left to lose.

But treachery awaits him in his father's castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce, can the will of one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?

What I liked:

The book is told from Jorg’s point of view (the first person narration) and I consider it a huge asset, although normally I prefer the third person variety. We get to know this unusual prince’s inner turmoil and find out that many scars on his psyche seem to reflect only too well what he’s been through and what’s happening around him. He is simply haunted with darkness and speaks with the voice of a man twice his age, peppered with a wry sort of humour. Jorg might be one psychotic teenager but, as his story unravels, you understand why and you find the maniacal killer’s personality is just one of many masks he’s wearing. He doesn’t beat about the bush what sort of person he became since leaving his father’s castle and his honesty is sometimes chilling to the bone but we are shown glimpses of his softer side as well. He says:

"Before the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother's tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse. They say these are violent times, the end of days when the dead roam and monsters haunt the night. All that's true enough, but there's something worse out there, in the dark. Much worse."

And one more, much darker quote:

“For the longest time I studied revenge to the exclusion of all else. I built my first torture chamber in the dark vaults of imagination. Lying on bloody sheets in the Healing Hall I discovered doors within my mind that I’d not found before, doors that even a child of nine knows should not be opened. Doors that never close again. I threw them wide.”

A sweetie, isn’t he? Warped but also relatable, taking everything into account.

The narration is solid, fast-flowing, logical and incredibly dynamic with some flashback chapters now and then. I usually don’t like flashbacks but, as the author kept them germane to the main narration and, as they are still told from Prince Jorg’s POV, they didn’t distract me too much, helping to understand the main storyline better.

It is definitely not one of those high fantasy novels where good characters are beautiful, chivalrous and noble (preferably with blond hair, many interesting trinkets and nice clothes on) and bad characters are mendacious, ugly, flesh-eating monsters. Don't expect much romance and love either - there is a hint or two, but no more. It is an advantage - romance doesn't fit this story at all. Overall the book is a gritty, momentarily very dark read. Small wonder – the author, not unlike George R.R. Martin (the author of ASOIAF series), clearly modelled some parts of it on the Hundred Years’ War – a series of battles waged from 1337 to 1453 by the House of Valois and the House of Plantagenet (also known as the House of Anjou) for the French throne, which had become vacant upon the extinction of the senior Capetian line of French kings. These were truly horrible times – only in France that conflict, along with deadly epidemics, famine and marauding mercenary armies, which often turned to banditry, reduced the population by about one-half.

Accordingly, something is rotten in the state of  Ancrath, a small kingdom surrounded by many other petty realms with their own petty rulers and tyrants. Without any real central government the land, apart from the main cities, is basically fair game for villains of different sorts. Small wonder our young hero is as cold as a steel dagger and he thinks nothing of plundering, burning, raping, beheading and torturing mostly innocent people as long as it furthers his aims. In fact he can be easily called an anti-hero – you might pity him but you can’t condone the bloodthirsty violence he decided to employ just to settle his score with Count Renar and the world at large. He craves vengeance not justice because he no longer believes in the latter.

The world building I found very original although a bit puzzling too. Magic is one part of it but not in usual way – don’t expect mighty wizards hurling balls of fire at each other. Also if you think that the book is set in a kind of Medieval Ages alternate reality, you will be forced to rethink that assumption from time to time. Prince Jorg tells us that he was taught Latin and Greek and has read Plato, Socrates and Euclid but he also quotes Shakespeare and Nietzsche... he fights with a sword and a crossbow but he has been taught Japanese martial arts as well. The world around him is supposed to reflect the material culture of the 14th century but at the Red Castle we are shown some surprisingly advanced AI technology along with a device which might be an equivalent of an atomic bomb...

What I didn’t like:

Almost no major issues but there was one thing which made me seriously wonder – how can a boy of just 12-13 lead a group of very adult and very nasty bandits? How can a sheltered child of ten, even after a very distressing and ground-shattering experience, turn into a cold-blooded psychopath and a charismatic leader during just a year or two? I would have less doubts if Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath wasn’t castle-born and bred; it would also help if he was a tad older. I must admit the way it was presented, the whole premise sounded a bit preposterous. Seeing the raising wave of crime perpetrated by children I am perhaps wrong and/or overly optimistic, though.

Final verdict:

I recommend it to every dark fantasy fan. It was a truly spectacular book and I loved it very much but if you don’t feel comfortable with violence and killing in every chapter you might find it too gritty for your taste. Still it is definitely worth reading. I only hope the second installment will be as good as this one or even better – I am looking forward to the solutions of some mysteries left intact so far (Jorg's daddy is a shifty customer and those dream-witches!).

Tuesday Teaser, 22 of November

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random (or not so random) page. 
Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser comes from a book I am reading right now: Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The Robertson family survived thirty-eight days at sea. Captain Bligh of the celebrated mutinous Bounty and his fellow castaways survived forty-seven days. Steven Callahan survived seventy-six. Owen Chase, whose account of the sinking of the whaling ship Essex by a whale inspired Herman Melville, survived eighty-three days at sea with two mates, interrupted by a one-week stay on an inhospitable island. The Bailey family survived 118 days. I have heard of a Korean merchant sailor named Poon, I believe, who survived the Pacific for 173 days in the 1950s. I survived 227 days. That's how long my trial lasted, over seven months.

Musical Monday, 21 November

Welcome to Musical Monday! 

Lately I can't get enough of Adele. This is the result: "Rolling in the Deep"  haunts me day and night. Perhaps it will stop if I feature it here? Who knows... ;-)

Lyrics:

There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark
Finally I can see you crystal clear
Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare

See how I'll leave, with every piece of you
Don't underestimate the things that I will do
There's a fire starting in my heart
Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling

We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it to the beat

Baby, I have no story to be told
But I've heard one of you and I'm gonna make your head burn
Think of me in the depths of your despair
Making a home down there as mine sure won't be shared

The scars of your love remind you of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling


We could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
And you played it to the beat

Could have had it all
Rolling in the deep
You had my heart inside your hand
But you played it with a beating

Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
We could have had it all

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
It all, it all, it all, it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
We could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Rolling in the deep

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
You had my heart and soul
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
And you played it to the beat

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
Could have had it all
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Rolling in the deep

(Now I'm gonna wish you never had met me)
You had my heart and soul in your hand
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
But you played it, you played it, you played it to the beat.

I must admit I need some help here and I would like to pick your brains. Please, tell me, how you understand the chorus (marked in red) especially such idioms as 'rolling in the deep' and 'played it to the beat' (the heart) ? It is a challenge for a non-English speaker, those pesky idioms, and I am not sure I got them right. I found many translation versions of these and somehow I hasn't been persuaded by them as they tended to be, in my humble opinion, too literal.

Silent Sunday...well, not so silent but still...

Friday Flash Fiction

Amy C at Romance Book Wyrm and Dottie atTink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate - you publish your Fiction Flash  on Friday - 350 words, give or take. Here is the picture posted this Monday:

When Lilian returned home her father was absent. Again. She asked the first person she happened to meet - Mark - where he could be and that insolent boy just shrugged and scowled at her. As Henri was no longer by her side to make her composed she felt it keenly even though she knew Mark's state was not his fault. A scowling Mark was still an abomination, especially that she had a very good idea why he was scowling. It was all her fault, after all. What's more Lara was no longer at the manor - all the vampires all of a sudden seemed to have an urgent business somewhere outside. There was just one place she could go and find more information - the kitchen - and one person who knew or thought she knew more than all Dreane servants combined together - Jenkins, the cook. 

Jenkins smiled at her kindly, gave her a mug of hot chocolate and a bun fresh from the owen. Lilian ate ravenously before she decided to ask about the whereabouts of Lord Dreane.

"Why, my dear, of course I know where he went. Everybody knows. His secret tree hunting hut, where else? He took Roze with him of course and I am sure they are very busy right now, smoothing out all that vampire business. Would you like more of that chocolate? Or maybe a dish of soup?"

"No, thanks Jenkins. I would like to know where that tree hut is. Could anybody show me the way?"

"I suppose our Mark would be more than willing to help and he knows that place pretty well. Mark, come here, you are needed my boy! Do not pretend you are not behind those cupboards now, you know I can see your nose and one of your shoes very clearly! You will lead Miss Lilian to the tree hunting hut Lord Dreane has got from these nice faeries."

Before Lilian could suggest anybody else or say anything at all Mark emerged from behind the cupboards, a bit dirty and still very sullen but nevertheless definitely present. Jenkins gave him a mug of hot chocolate as well, laughing at his childish attempts to hide and then making a fuss when she noticed the state of his clothes and the general lack of cleanliness. Lilian didn't comment on the fact that she had asked Mark about her father previously without success, focused on her chocolate and dark thoughts swirling in her head. How come the nicest person around, somebody who exchanged plenty of information with her getting close to nothing in return, was a vampire? Without Henri she would have been devastated by Mark's attitude and even more ignorant than now. These thoughts made her finish her drink rather quickly, take Mark by his elbow and direct him firmly but without a word to the door. She had to talk with her father and he was her map and compass.

Review: India Black (Madam of Espionage 01) by Carol K.Carr

Book info:
Book form: e-publication, mobi format

Publisher: Berkley Trade; Original edition (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
Target audience: adults
Genre: historical fiction, adventure

Synopsis (almost from Goodreads):

Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting a fashionable brothel called Lotus House, owned and run by Madam India Black. His death unexpectedly thrust that lady of disrepute into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried in his leather briefcase. Unfortunately the briefcase disappears mysteriously right after his death along with one of Madam Black’s employees. Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by a British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator.

What I liked:

The main character of the story is Miss India Black, an intelligent whore with lots of dry humor and a fairly cynical view on life. I loved her narrative voice (as the book is told from her perspective) because it was brutally honest, outspoken and wickedly entertaining. However, the fact that India, once a working girl, now the owner of a brothel, is in peace with her inner self, accepting her fate without any remorse or second thoughts, I liked the best. She makes absolutely no excuses and enjoys her life as it is. She says:

Still, I wouldn’t trade Lotus House for the world. There may be easier ways of earning a sou: I could allow some pedigreed ass to keep me in French perfume and silk gowns, tucked away in a cozy pied-à-terre in St. John’s Wood, and driving a four-in-hand along Rotten Row. But I like my freedom.

It was refreshing.

What’s more, there’s an individual called Vincent – a young street urchin who is cleverer and braver than any spy although his body odour might make you cringe and his appearance and lifestyle are simply outrageous. He is utterly charming in character though – a great addition to our madam and the whole novel. 

The book was a breeze to read and I enjoyed the narration pace – quick and vivacious, like the heroine. The mystery was a bit simplistic but nicely executed. Do not expect a lot of romance here, contrary to that last line of the Goodreads synopsis. India is not a person to fall in love – she knows men too well and has no illusions left about them. I think the lack of romance is actually an advantage which made her character only more believable.


Finally the cover is simply lovely, especially the dress and the fan.

What I didn’t like:

In short the plot. Unfortunately the more I read the more I had to suspend my disbelief. Perhaps I was overthinking again…anyway here are the results.

 Firstly India leaves Lotus House, her home and the only source of her income, dangerously unattended for almost a week. Very uncharacteristic for such a level-headed businesswoman who, early on in the book, emphasizes how important it is for her to be present there all the time, watch over her girls, her clients and all the takings.

It also seemed very unlikely that a luxurious whore house can be run without any muscle. Although allegedly India’s brothel caters to a 'better' segment of society (minor nobility, government officials, military officers, etc) she still serves alcohol there and a drunk gentleman is first a drunk and gentleman later (if at all); what’s more, imagine what would happen if somebody (or even a group of somebodies) from lower classes tried to barge in and have some 'fun'... In short the book did lack a secondary character who, temporarily at least, would be able to perform the necessary duty of protection and client supervision.

Another scene: India and French, the English agent she has to cooperate with, fall down uncontrollably from a height of over 6 meters; they land on a frozen ground but neither of them is hurt. What’s more, they start bickering almost immediately. Are their bodies made of steel?

Also the fact that extremely cruel Russians proved not so cruel after all and let poor Vincent live I found rather suspicious – I know the boy was necessary to forward the plot and I did appreciate that the blighter survived but it would be far more logical to kill him off…

Last but not least - Mr. French was not a great addition here, character-wise. I found him a bit bland and not especially intelligent when you compare him to India and young Vincent…perhaps he will improve later.

Final verdict:

It was a nice book but if you're expecting a very correct historical fiction novel from Victorian times do not pick this up. You will be disappointed and even annoyed. The language in particular is not from that period and might drive anal purists crazy.

Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, I would. As it was just a debut novel I do hope the author will construct a more intriguing and solid plot which can match the wit, power and fun of India's character. 

Tuesday Intros # 01

This meme is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile-by-the-Sea

Encouraged by my friend Tracy's excellent blog I decided to try a new meme which is a variant of teasing tuesday but with more text.

 Would you buy/ borrow/read a novel which starts like this? Would you find such an introduction interesting or rather repulsing? It is the first paragraph from "India Black" by Carol K. Carr. 

"My name is India Black. I am a whore.
If those words made you blush, if your hand fluttered to your cheek or you
harrumphed disapprovingly into your beard, then you should return this volume to the shelf, cast a cold glance at the proprietor as you leave, and hasten home feeling proper and virtuous. You can go to Evensong tonight with a clear conscience. However, if my admission caused a frisson of excitement in your drab world, if you felt a stirring in your trousers or beneath your skirts when you read my words, then I must caution you that you will be disappointed in the story contained in this volume. No doubt you’re hoping to read in these pages the narrative of a young woman’s schooling in the arts of love or perhaps a detailed description of some of my more memorable artistic performances. As for the former, there’s enough of that kind of shoddy chronicle available, most of it written by men masquerading as “Maggie” or “Eunice,” and therefore not only fictitious but asinine to boot. As for the latter, I’d be the first to admit that I was a tireless entertainer in the boudoir, but that’s another story for another time and will cost you more money than this volume when I get around to writing it down."

I was charmed at once - such an honest and direct narrative voice is a nice change indeed!

What about you?

Mini review: Asenath by Anna Patricio

This book was provided by the author's publisher via my lady Blodeuedd's excellent blog in return for an honest review. Just in case - I haven't been compensated for writing the said review in any way and the fact that the book came free of charge didn't influence me either.

Book info:
Form: e-book, mobi format,
Genre: historical fiction, YA adventure
Target audience: YA

Synopsis:

The novel is a creative version of the life of Asenath, the Egyptian wife of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel from the Bible. You might remember him – he had a coat of many colours and was rather disliked by his half-brothers – and you most likely won’t remember her, as she is just mentioned once, as his wife and the mother of his two sons. We are given just a name and still the author managed to fill all the gaps with her vivid imagination.

Asenath, according to Ms. Patricio, is an adopted daughter of a Heliopolis priest; before that she was a low-born peasant called Kiya; after an attack of foreign invaders and the death of her parents her life altered beyond recognition. Still her sad experience stayed with her, making her life as an aristocratic lady rather difficult. However, the same experience helped her find the love of her life – seeing a slave lying on the ground in scorching sun she didn’t hesitate one moment and let him drink some water. The same slave later will become a grand vizier of Egypt and her husband.

What I liked:

It was a nice story and a book rather pleasant and easy to read. Written in the first person narrative it is a compelling tale of a stunning success of a simple peasant girl and a simple Hebrew slave – from rags to riches, nothing less. The book is geared definitely toward the Young Adult market and I suppose these readers will appreciate it the most, especially if they have read some Bible stories as well and are acquainted with Joseph and his story.

The cover is rather nice as well - I like the colours!

What I didn’t like:

As I said, the fact that it is clearly an YA position influenced the way it was told. In my humble opinion it was too sanitized. Asenath/Kiya’s slavery time is glossed over; the authoress also kind of forgot that the initial intention of Joseph’s brothers was to kill him; only after the intervention of the eldest one, Rueben, who seemed to be the most level-headed and responsible at that time, they agreed to spare him and sell into slavery (the Elohist version) . The rest of them were mad of jealousy and hated Joseph’s guts just because he dared to be the favourite of his dad.

I would also like to see more Egyptian court life and less teenage angst. I know the book was written from Asenath’s point of view but it would be more complex if another narrative voice was added and a new perspective with it.

Finally let me say that many details of everyday Egyptian life seemed surprisingly modern. Asenath’s childhood friend proposes during an official function, kneeling before her…I am not sure it was done that way in ancient times. Asenath gets married dressed in white with a veil…not sure about that either. The pharaoh appologising to his subject – no way, he was the living god! In other words – if you want to find out more about the culture of ancient Egypt, it is not the right book.

What I learned:

Joseph and Asenath, a mosaic in Basillica di San Marco  via Wikipedia

Let me also add that the story of Joseph's near seduction by his master's wife bears a marked similarity to the Egyptian story of the Tale of Two Brothers, which was popular at the time of Pharaoh Seti II (roughly 1200-1194 BCE). It has also been suggested that there are similarities between the rise to power of Joseph, and Manethos' tale of Osarseph, who was Syrian born, and rose to be Vizier of Egypt, beginning his career under Pharaoh Merenptah and his son Seti II. Indeed the name Potiphar (Joseph’s master) may even be a version of Merenptah's name (Poti = Ptah, Phar = Pharaoh). The "seven lean years" has been taken to refer to a Middle Eastern famine documented at that time.

Final verdict:

I liked the novel but only for its entertainment factor. The historical background was like that of any Disney movie (The Prince of Egypt anyone?) so not impressing at all. Still kudos for finding an interesting topic and an original heroine.

Review: Dark is the Night (Dark Justice) by Brindle Chase

Genre: Paranormal erotic romance

Pages: Ebook, 173

Published: June 2011

Synopsis (most of it from Goodreads but I tried to be creative):

Katherine Wells is Cleveland's top homicide detective. She's hot on the trail of the so-called ‘Antoinette killer’, a serial murderer dubbed into that moniker because he leaves the string of burnt and beheaded bodies behind. New victims keep turning up all the time. While searching for clues, Katherine encounters Alexander – they meet in a pub where the last couple of victims had been seen the night of their murder. Alexander’s intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself head over heels in love. It is a rather torrid love affair - the passion is so overwhelming that her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.

As an elder vampire, Alexander lives alone and struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn't personal; it's to prevent the victims from becoming your own undead rivals on a limited area. What’s more, his kind can't be discovered. With Katherine's investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminates Detective Wells. Katherine discovers Alexander's supernatural secret and he learns Katherine's the detective he must silence. Well, he's everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against; she is the love of his life. Torn between their feelings and the law she's sworn to uphold, they must make difficult choices against time, the police and the other vampires.

What I liked:

An erotic romance....right...it was definitely a position outside my comfort zone but I've read a lovely review of Lis and decided to give the book a try. As curious as a cat, you know. If I wanted to be nasty (completely out of my character of course) I would say this book is a kind of “Twilight” for adults. By and large we are dealing here with a similar premise: a very handsome vampire predator all of a sudden finds his true love (or soul mate or whatever you call it) in a shape of a mortal woman and she is only too eager to join him but…he hesitates. However, that comparison would be rather unkind because this novel was simply darker and better. Alexander is one old vamp who could break such a whimpering idiot as Edward in two and then floss his teeth with all those sparkles left on the floor. Already the opening scene shows him hunting and killing two people; we know at once it is not a nice, goody-goody bloodsucking ‘vegetarian’ killing off the last wildlife specimens and being proud of it. His detachment is kind of scary and his reasoning behind the kills – chillingly flawless.

I also rather liked Catherine –she is a smart, confident and successful woman; she works in a male dominated profession but knows how to deal with her colleagues and criminals as well. When she meets Alexander their passion is explosive and all of a sudden nothing else matters (Metallica anyone?), not even the moral standards or Katherine's job - after all, you can find another position but what are your chances of meeting another love of your life any time soon? I still appreciated the fact that, despite being a bit mentally challenged every now and then (or, to put it boldly, falling into a mating haze as soon as Alexander is in the proximity) she was completely aware that her moral structure is breaking down like thin ice beneath a careless skater She mentions it several times and here you have one quote:

"And then it hit me again. I was standing there naked with a gorgeous but homicidal vampire, plotting to cover up his crimes. My crimes. We’re not talking about misdemeanors here, these were hard core felonies. Murder, tampering with federal evidence and hacking the FBI. Jesus Christ what had become of my life that it all made sense, perfect sense?"

I appreciated also the fact that Katherine, like any intelligent woman, guessed who and what Alexander is just after one display of his superhuman strength and agility; afterwards she wasn't shy to ask and he had enough reason to tell her the truth. I am sick and tired of characters, be them male or female, who are described as intelligent and then behave like complete morons - e.g. it takes them almost half of a book to solve a "mystery" the average reader is able to work out after one page.

What’s more? It is a first person narration as we are presented both sides of the story (Alexander’s and Katherine’s) simultaneously. It is not my favourite type of narration but it didn’t bother me here.

Finally it did make for a highly erotic read. It is basically one of these novels which might help you reduce your carbon footprint significantly – take it to your bathroom, turn cold water on, start reading and all of a sudden your shower is hot and all the room- steamy!


What I didn’t like:

If you cook you know how important it is to be careful with the right dosage of sugar. Too much and your dish is ruined; without it, though, it would be bland. The excess of sugar is also my main complaint when it comes to erotica books – too many sex scenes, obscuring the plot or sometimes even substituting it entirely (the last case makes a book DNF instantly, I hate plotless books) are really not my piece of cake. Do not look for a lot of complex world build up or psychologically viable background because more often than not you will be disappointed.

Accordingly I must admit I would like this novel far better if there were more psychology and action (outside bed that is). It wasn’t bad but it could have been better. I suppose it’s, by and large, a matter of your reading preferences. After all it would be stupid to buy a hairdryer and then criticize it for not having all the functions of your mobile phone... I don't know why but somehow this title made me very domestically inclined. ;-).

The cover is misleading and rather bland. I think the character of this book is not reflected in it. I also was able to find some grammar mistakes - the editor could have been a tad more thorough.

Final verdict:

If  you like your paranormal romance very steamy you will enjoy this one – it was an entertaining read although a bit dark and bloody. Definitely not “Twilight” anyway!