Finn's Fate by Michael Wills

Finn's Fate is the story of three brothers who, when their homestead is burned, set out on a journey to the land of the Danes in search of adventure and a better life. I enjoyed the fact that we are seeing this part of history from the Viking point of view as we are used to the stereotype of an invading force interested only in rape and pillage. There is, of course a certain amount of violence but Finn and his brothers are very human and we grow to know and like them. The novel is very well researched and detailed. Maybe at times there is too much detail. I did find that in places I was so bogged down with the intricate minutae of shipbuilding or working in a forge that, though interesting it read more like a history book.  I found myself skipping through sections to find out what happened next. That said, the story is compelling and the characters are well drawn. I especially liked the fact that the ending is quite unexpected. Finn's fate therefore, ticked both the boxes for a historical novel. It told a good story and left me better informed.

Becoming Lola by Harriet Steel

Becoming Lola is the story of Lola Montez who having been born Eliza Gilbert to a British Family in India in the 1820s went on to become a famous dancer, notorious throughout Europe. She was one of the most famous women of her time. The writing and dialogue are more assured in the first part of the novel than later, but it is clearly very well researched and well presented.This was a difficult review to write because Lola is not a likeable heroine, however, her story is so interesting, especially in its historical context that I was compelled to read on. So much so that when I finished reading the novel I looked up Lola on the web to find out what happened to her next. Hopefully, Harriet Steel has a sequel in the making because Lola's story does not end here.

Hues of Blackness by Rosey Thomas Palmer

Hues of Blackness is a carefully researched history of the Island of Jamaica told through the voices of the female line of one family. We learn about the earliest inhabitants ,the Tainos, the coming of the Spanish and the British and follow the female experience through slavery and independence. I found the novel informative and interesting. It is very intelligently written and is not an easy read but is worth persevering. As the novel covers such a large period of history, we are not able to get to know most of the characters in any depth. Instead, Rosy Thomas Palmer introduces us to Amy, a modern day descendant of the family who, having suffered a stroke, is trapped inside her body and must try to make herself and her wishes understood. Amy's story is interspersed with those of the women from history. I am happy to recommend it.

Cawnpore by Tom Williams

The very best historical fiction involves you in its characters' stories whilst teaching you about the historical background in a non lecturing way. Cawnpore does exactly that. I knew very little about the Indian Mutiny and had not even heard of the siege at Cawnpore so I have learned something while enjoying the story.  The narrator, John Williamson is in a unique position to see the conflict from both sides. This is done very cleverly by the author and the narrative had me hooked from the very first page. The character of the narrator comes through very strongly. He is every inch the formal Englishman and he writes in a very formal unsentimental way, yet we still see the strength of his feelings and the inner turmoil as he is forced to decide where his loyalties lie. There are no flowery descriptive passages, but the scene is set skilfully. As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed this novel. Highly recommended.

Reef by David Kendrick

Reef is a contemporary novel set in New Zealand where an artificial surfing reef is built in sacred Maori fishing waters. Although this conflict forms the background of the novel, the real stories are that of the four main characters. This is told very well and the characters are beautifully and compassionately drawn, from Gnat the disfigured Maori boy trying to find his place in the world to Shaun, the Marine Biologist, attempting to understand the workings of the female mind. I found that I did care what happened to them. The narrative flows easily and the New Zealand setting is nicely described. I am very happy to recommend another good Indie novel. 

Ava - A Priya Novel by Ashley Barron

I have always said that there were Indie Gems out there and Ava is certainly one. Set in Washington DC, this is the first book in a series about a group of wealthy well-connected female friends called the Priyas. Each book in the series will follow a different woman. I enjoyed Ava very much. The writing is excellent and the characters are well drawn.  There are a lot of Priyas and I have to admit to being slightly overwhelmed when I first met them but I realised that it didn't matter. They soon started to sort themselves out, rather like meeting a whole class for the first time. My one complaint would be that the cover does not do it justice. I realise that pink is Ava's colour and I am guessing that each one will be a different colour but I would not have picked it up in a bookshop. I discovered the book from Ashley Barron's excellent website a link to which is on this blog.

The novel is unashamedly romantic and very emotional (there was a tear in the eye - I will admit that), but it never becomes too schmaltzy. I think this is because it is also a thriller. There are lives at stake and I really cared what happened to the characters. This is, I am delighted to say, a cross genre novel and how I love those. Highly Recommended.

Lions of the Grail by Tim Hodkinson

Lions of the Grail is a historical adventure set in Ireland in 1315. The characters are well drawn and believable and the story flows smoothly. Tim Hodkinson sets the scene very well and the descriptive writing is excellent. He is at his best during the action scenes but maybe not so assured when it comes to the more emotional side. The period has obviously been well researched and I found the historical detail interesting and informative. It was skilfully fed into the narrative without sounding like a lecture.
I would have to say that the book is in need of editing as there are many grammatical and spelling errors which I began to find irritating. I am happy to recommend it nonetheless as it is a jolly good read.