Review: A Triple Knot by Emma Campion

SYNOPSIS:

The critically acclaimed author of The King's Mistress brings another fascinating woman from history to life in an enthralling story of political intrigue, personal tragedy, and illicit love.

Joan of Kent, renowned beauty and cousin to King Edward III, is destined for a politically strategic marriage. As the king begins a long dynastic struggle to claim the crown of France, plunging England into the Hundred Years’ War, he negotiates her betrothal to a potential ally and heir of a powerful lordship.

But Joan, haunted by nightmares of her father’s execution at the hands of her treacherous royal kin, fears the king’s selection and is not resigned to her fate. She secretly pledges herself to one of the king’s own knights, one who has become a trusted friend and protector. Now she must defend her vow as the king—furious at Joan’s defiance—prepares to marry her off to another man.

In A Triple Knot, Emma Campion brings Joan, the “Fair Maid of Kent” to glorious life, deftly weaving details of King Edward III’s extravagant court into a rich and emotionally resonant tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal.

 MY THOUGHTS: 

4 out of 5 stars

Let me go ahead and put this out there right now...this book did one important thing. It made me realize that I need to read more historical fiction.  I didn't realize I missed it until I started reading this book and all my love for the genre came roaring back.  I'm not sure why I stopped reading it, but I know now that I need more of it in my life. 

I sat on my rating for a little while, not really sure how I felt about it because it was not the easiest read.  My main issue with the book being that EVERYBODY HAS THE SAME NAME.  Well, not really, but yes really.  Multiple Edwards, an Edmund, more than one Joan...but since it is based on history, that really isn't anything that can be changed, so....  Thank goodness there was a small family tree/chart in the beginning of the book that I could go back and refer to when I started to get confused.

Because in the beginning, I was really confused.  Until I wasn't anymore.  Once the story of Joan and Thomas developed, I couldn't put this book down.  I was totally immersed in their struggle to love each other and I could not get over just how much I felt for the two of them together. 

And I am not exaggerating when I say struggle.  I realize that the world we live in now is dramatically different than 14th century Europe, but there were parts of this book that made me want to throw things.  People were mean.  So so so mean.  And cruel and corrupt and the amount of deceit in their world, it made the good moments seem that much better. 

Which brings me back to the good moments...yes, there were good moments.  Joan and Thomas together made my heart happy.  So much of this book is the story of them coming together, that when they do finally overcome all the obstacles standing in their way, I wanted more.  They deserved more.  Or maybe it is just that the obstacles in their new life are less obvious...if not just as cruel.  There was a tear or two while I was reading, I admit it.

I am so happy that I read this book.  I feel like doors have been reopened for me and I can't wait to read more by Emma Campion.

Thank you to Blogging for Book for a copy of A Triple Knot in exchange for an honest review

 

Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

So I've been sitting on this review for a few weeks for a couple of reasons.  First, I've been in probably the worst book slump I've had in years and two, I don't read many books with a horror element, so I'm not really sure how to even talk about it.

Except that I found myself really enjoying it, so I feel like I NEED to talk about it.

Coming back to the fact that I don't read many "scary" books, I don't know much about the foundation of this book The Island of Doctor Moreau, but I didn't really find that to be an issue when reading this book.  Back story was included in a way that didn't feel like I was reading a recap and there was enough of it where I was able to read without feeling like I was on the outside of an inside joke.  So on that note, well done Ms. Shepherd.

This story is dark.  Period.  There are twists and turns and some really really scary elements that both fascinated me a little bit and freaked me out at the same time.  The whole "playing God" thing and how it can get out of hand...yeah, I'm not going to get into the real life parallels or anything but I definitely found myself thinking about them long after I finished reading.  I love it when books do that -- when I can be completely sucked in by the plot, imagery and descriptions while reading, but then have the themes and tropes linger into my own introspection and thoughts when I don't even have the book in my hands.

There is a love triangle in this book, but honestly, it didn't really take over the story for me -- but what I did notice is that I really didn't have a "favorite".  I liked Montgomery.  I liked Edward.  I liked that Juliet was conflicted, but not a doormat.  This story was not overrun with swoony moments, and while I'll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for good "swoonage", they would have been out of place with the tone and darkness of this book.  Is "dark swoonage" a thing?  Because maybe it could be called that?  Whatever it was, it worked.

I read this book right before my book rut started...and I think it was a good thing.  It had a little bit of everything.  Historical elements, the creepy factor, some romance, the fantasy...and the WHAT JUST HAPPENED HERE ending that makes me really excited for the next book.

I definitely recommend it to anybody who is having an "I can't decide what I want to read moment."

 **On a side note, I had the chance to briefly meet Ms. Shepherd at the BookMarks Festival this month and she is lovely :)