Title: The Raven's Heart
Author: Jesse Blackadder
Genre: Historical Fiction
Type: Trade Paperback
ISBN: 9781612940274
Source: Review copy from publisher
Published: Bywater Books; Reprint edition (September 11, 2012)
Synopsis of book: Scotland, 1561, and a ship comes across the North Sea carrying home Mary, the
young, charismatic Queen of Scots, returning after thirteen years in the French
court to wrest back control of her throne.
The Blackadder family has long awaited for the Queen's return to bring them justice. Alison Blackadder, disguised as a boy from childhood to protect her from the murderous clan that stole their lands, must learn to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, building a web of dependence and reward.
Just as the Queen can trust nobody, Alison discovers lies, danger, and treachery at every turn.
This sweeping, imaginative, and original tale of political intrigue, misplaced loyalty, secret passion, and implacable revenge is based on real characters and events from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots.
The Blackadder family has long awaited for the Queen's return to bring them justice. Alison Blackadder, disguised as a boy from childhood to protect her from the murderous clan that stole their lands, must learn to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, building a web of dependence and reward.
Just as the Queen can trust nobody, Alison discovers lies, danger, and treachery at every turn.
This sweeping, imaginative, and original tale of political intrigue, misplaced loyalty, secret passion, and implacable revenge is based on real characters and events from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots.
Why I read this book: I was given this book by publisher for an honest review. I am also a fan of historical fiction and have not read many books about Mary Queen of Scots so it jumped out at me.
What I didn’t like: I am not sure I liked the lesbian aspect of this story but I understand that it had to be in there for the story. I know there was a lot of homosexual things that went on behind closed doors during that time period.
What I did like: I like that this book was full of love, mystery, adventure, murder and a lot of history.
Overall Impression: This book was a fun one for me to read because as I said I have not read much on Mary Queen of Scots so I was intrigued. I also found it neat/fun that the author's last name is the same as the main characters and the castle. I felt bad for Allison having to pretend she was a boy just to keep from being killed. Then she started being a girl again to become a lady in waiting and from then on she was living the life of both man and woman. I thought it was kind of cool the way Mary asked Allison to teach them how to dress as a man so she could have more freedom as well. I think the author did a good job of depicting the time period in her description. I give this book 4 stars.
Giveaway
This giveaway is for one copy of The Raven's Heart and is open internationally. The giveaway will be open until December 20th at midnight Eastern time.
To be entered into the giveaway I request that you be a follower and answer the question: Who is your favorite historical character?
That's a really good question..I have several..I really like Marie Antoinette and all of the De Medicis. I'm sure there are many others, but right now my mind is drawing a blank. Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com
girllostinabook@hotmail.com
I have a book or two myself about Marie Antoinette - I am not sure but I think I have one about the De Medicis - if not I am going to have to look one up. What is your favorite book about them? I will gladly enter you into the drawing. Good luck
DeleteBonjour Angela. I love your blog. thanks for sharing. I guess my favorite historical character has to be Scottish, so I'll choose Robert the Bruce. He is mentionned in many romance stories. I love to read historical novels related to Scotland. I joined your followers, but I am not sure if its the right group. I would love reading the Raven's Heart.
ReplyDeleteI have some Scotch-Irish in my heritage and have a fascination with things from Scotland. I will have to look up Robert the Bruce. Thank you for following me. Good luck in the contest
DeleteThat question is too broad for me to answer, for certain. I love an epic warrior's tale but Shakespeare popped into my head first. I just became a follower. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean I have a lot of historical figures I enjoy, thank you for following me. Good luck in the giveaway
DeleteGood question... =) I like the Historical figures back in the days of Laura Wilder, ( frontier type settings )
ReplyDeleteMelissa, she is one of my favorite people of all time, I wish I could have met her. Good luck on the giveaway
DeleteI am a follower and my favorite historical figure is Abraham Lincoln. I have read Carl Sandburgh's biography, and loads of others.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Carol - I like to read about Lincoln too. Good luck on the contest
DeleteThat is a really hard question for me! If I had to pick one character in history that I liked to read about the most I would have to say Henry VIII.
ReplyDeleteI am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
Thanks!
candc320@gmail.com
Thank you for stopping by. I too enjoy reading about Henry
DeleteMarie Antoinette is wonderful- I love tragedies. However, my favorite historical fiction books are all about normal people, so I'm not sure who my favorite famous historical figure is.
ReplyDeleteI also like Thomas Jefferson. And Isadora Duncan.
I follow via GFC- Kirsten!
aircdrewood(at)gmail(dot)com
My favourite historical character is Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. I have read a few books about him, and his life is really fascinating (and tragic!).
ReplyDeleteI follow via email : maric1993(at)gmail(dot)com
Random.org has chosen Kimberlee as the winner. An email will be sent to the winner. Thank you all for stopping by
ReplyDelete