Review: The Library Book

The Library Book by Susan Orlean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Susan Orlean uses the catastrophic 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library as a backdrop to write a beautiful homage to libraries. A mixture of tracing the unsolved mystery of who started the fire, a history of the library itself, the staff that imbibe life into the historical building, to her personal reflections on the importance of libraries. As a library employee of more than nine years, this was truly a joy to read.

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Review: The Lost Queen

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Don’t be fooled by the tag line “Outlander meets Camelot.” Jamie was no where to be seen.
An epic retelling of ancient Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (6th century?) filled with druids, kingdoms, and the genesis of the Merlin legend as told by his sister, the forgotten Queen, Languoreth.
Clearly the beginning of a series, and considering the length it took me to read it, I wish it had been a stand alone.

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Review: The Lake House

The Lake House by Kate Morton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another atmospheric, page turner from the incomparable Kate Morton.
Loved the setting -- she's simply superb at turning a location into a character: The lake, the manor house, Cornwall - as always, I was completely transported.
I don't think this was one of her strongest storylines -- it took me about half the book before I was fully invested. And the ending...well...too easy. And I'd figured out the "twist" with about 100 pages to go.
But I still loved it -- just not as much as The Secret Keeper.

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Review: The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fierce young girl's family is killed and she's squirreled away in a land not her own. Jude Duarte must learn to live among faeries, sprites and other non-mortals, and defend herself at every turn. Sometimes fighting for her life.

This book was gripping from the first page. It was part Game of Thrones, Hamlet, and Grimm. Let's just say...blood was shed.

I loved Jude. Loved her.

When does book 2 come out? I need to read more Holly Black while I wait.

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