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The World of Stephanie Laurens
A complete guide to the World of Stephanie Laurens--beginning with her debut, "Captain Jack's Woman" and her first Cynster novel, "Devil's Bride " You'll find everything you need to know about the Cynsters, the Bastions, the Black Cobra Quartet, and the Cynster Brides. You'll also get extra features, including a chat with the author, a Cynster family tree, a guide to the Bastion Club, information about Stephanie's novellas, and much, much more
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
118 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
207 books5,596 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 23, 2013
Got this because my Cynster reading buddies alerted me to it being free, and since we're currently doing our monthly SL book, I figured I'd pick it up. Really, it could have been more informative. I liked the note from the author in the beginning, explaining why she chose the time period, and her comments on it. But the stuff about the books and characters could have been more detailed. I liked seeing the covers big on my HD screen, I could see details I couldn't pick out on my paperbacks, though it would've been neat if they had had a gallery of all the editions or something like that, though I'm not complaining because of it, just sayin' :) But the family tree was kind of small, I wish it would've been bigger. The info about the individual books was pretty much the same thing that it says on their back covers, so that was a little unexciting. I'd been hoping for more info to refresh my memory on the past books I've read. I wasn't worried about the excerpts though, because I have either already read the books or plan on doing so. So it didn't bother me that most of them were a mere paragraph, though the more recent Cynster Sisters releases got larger samples with the prologue and chapter one. I was also hoping for more info on the connections between the Bastion men, the Cynsters, the Black Cobra four. Instead it just made a mention if a recurring character showed up. I was wanting info, like, say, 'so and so worked with Cynster so and so on this military mission' etc, whatever. Didn't get it. I guess I was looking more for a reference book sort of rather than the intro to the author thing this kind of was. But it was free, and I did like looking through it... just wish it would have been more informative. And the stuff about the novellas, they didn't even note that the one is definitely Cynster connected, about Luc's sister Anne (all the other sisters stories are noted as part of the series in the book section) and the little blurb about Anne's novella didn't make any mention at all about recurring characters, connections, anything. Maybe they don't show up in the story, dunno, I haven't read that one yet, but it should still have been noted. So, yea. It was ok, nothing I couldn't have seen on the author's site I don't think, but all in one handy ebook.
May 20, 2014
I rather liked the principle of this marketing book which presents :
- a few introductory messages from the author, questions to some answers regarding the background in which she writes and her guiding principles. Those were rather short but in my opinion really interesting
- then the usual Cynster family tree that was usually printed out at the beginning of each book
- followed by a rather extensive list of her books with for each of them a short description (less than one page), a short list of facts like lead characters, major recurring secondary characters, date and location of the story, followed by a peak preview of like 5 lines into the book that I felt was way too short, not even the one page short preview that is often shown at the beginning of a given book, especially romance so as to attract the potential buyer to pick it up.
While for the most recent books, like the Cobra Quartet, the latest 5 Cynsters and another, the preview was extended with the prologue and the first chapter of each book. And in this case, I felt it was too much, too long and not necessarily what was required there to incite a potential reader to pick the book.
For instance, I was wondering whether I should try the Cobra Quartet and felt so lost and bored by the prologue that I do not know if I'll ever pick it up. I did not even feel like trying to read the following 3 in this series. I also wondered about Barnaby and Penelope's story, but in this case, there was just so little that I was also not convinced to give it a try.
Given this book's ultimate purpose, I would say it's rather a failure with me.
- a few introductory messages from the author, questions to some answers regarding the background in which she writes and her guiding principles. Those were rather short but in my opinion really interesting
- then the usual Cynster family tree that was usually printed out at the beginning of each book
- followed by a rather extensive list of her books with for each of them a short description (less than one page), a short list of facts like lead characters, major recurring secondary characters, date and location of the story, followed by a peak preview of like 5 lines into the book that I felt was way too short, not even the one page short preview that is often shown at the beginning of a given book, especially romance so as to attract the potential buyer to pick it up.
While for the most recent books, like the Cobra Quartet, the latest 5 Cynsters and another, the preview was extended with the prologue and the first chapter of each book. And in this case, I felt it was too much, too long and not necessarily what was required there to incite a potential reader to pick the book.
For instance, I was wondering whether I should try the Cobra Quartet and felt so lost and bored by the prologue that I do not know if I'll ever pick it up. I did not even feel like trying to read the following 3 in this series. I also wondered about Barnaby and Penelope's story, but in this case, there was just so little that I was also not convinced to give it a try.
Given this book's ultimate purpose, I would say it's rather a failure with me.
October 17, 2012
This is not a Novel but a Booklet with Family Trees and other information about the Characters in Stephanie Laurens Cynster Series, Bastion Club Series and those related to it such as The Bride Quartet and The Casebook of Barnaby Adair.
I really like it when Authors place Family Trees in the front of the Book or a Character List but this is either just as good if not better, I'm leaning toward better.
Its a great reference and it would be nice if all Authors with lengthy series or multiple short series that connect to each other would offer a similar Booklet. Laurens originally offered this as a .pdf on her website but the last time she updated it, it was made available as an e-book instead. I prefer the .pdf since it can be printed out and you don't have to boot up your computer to check something. Course the e-format has its advantages as well such as being able to look up something when you aren't home but have your reader with you.
I really like it when Authors place Family Trees in the front of the Book or a Character List but this is either just as good if not better, I'm leaning toward better.
Its a great reference and it would be nice if all Authors with lengthy series or multiple short series that connect to each other would offer a similar Booklet. Laurens originally offered this as a .pdf on her website but the last time she updated it, it was made available as an e-book instead. I prefer the .pdf since it can be printed out and you don't have to boot up your computer to check something. Course the e-format has its advantages as well such as being able to look up something when you aren't home but have your reader with you.
August 19, 2021
The content is quite good and it's available as a free ebook.and there is as much, if not more on Stephanie Laurens own website. I could understand reading this as a sampler in paper to choose a next book in the series but honestly go to the website https://www.stephanielaurens.com/books/ and you will find most of the contents and all of the more recent titles.
Not the worst thing I have read and it did induce me to borrow some more of her books. But compared to the website, it pales in comparison. The website has longer extracts for a lot of the books and honestly the website is a much better tool to sample the author and see what's she's written, and she (or her team) keeps it pretty up-to-date.
Not the worst thing I have read and it did induce me to borrow some more of her books. But compared to the website, it pales in comparison. The website has longer extracts for a lot of the books and honestly the website is a much better tool to sample the author and see what's she's written, and she (or her team) keeps it pretty up-to-date.
April 21, 2019
Part II needed
It would be great to have the same information for her books published after 2013. It helped me so much to place all the collections under perspective
It would be great to have the same information for her books published after 2013. It helped me so much to place all the collections under perspective
September 14, 2023
This book is a delightful treasure trove for fans of this beloved author and her captivating works. If you're a devoted follower of Stephanie Laurens, whether through her Cynsters, the Bastion Club, or the Black Cobra Quartet series, this compilation is a must-read.
Within its pages, readers will discover a wealth of information and insights that offer a deeper understanding of Laurens' literary universe. The inclusion of the Cynster Family Tree is particularly valuable, providing a visual reference for the intricate web of characters in her novels.
Moreover, the sneak peek excerpts from each Stephanie Laurens Avon Romance offer a tantalizing glimpse into the stories that have captivated readers' hearts. It's a wonderful way to revisit beloved tales or entice newcomers into the world of Stephanie Laurens.
The Q&A with the author is a highlight, shedding light on Laurens' perspective on the historical context of romance writing and the inherent entertainment value within her craft. It provides a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of a #1 New York Times bestselling author and gain insights into the creative process.
As someone who appreciates the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the works of beloved authors, I found this book to be a valuable resource. It serves as a comprehensive guide and a delightful companion for fans of Stephanie Laurens, offering a deeper appreciation of her novels and the creative genius behind them.
Within its pages, readers will discover a wealth of information and insights that offer a deeper understanding of Laurens' literary universe. The inclusion of the Cynster Family Tree is particularly valuable, providing a visual reference for the intricate web of characters in her novels.
Moreover, the sneak peek excerpts from each Stephanie Laurens Avon Romance offer a tantalizing glimpse into the stories that have captivated readers' hearts. It's a wonderful way to revisit beloved tales or entice newcomers into the world of Stephanie Laurens.
The Q&A with the author is a highlight, shedding light on Laurens' perspective on the historical context of romance writing and the inherent entertainment value within her craft. It provides a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of a #1 New York Times bestselling author and gain insights into the creative process.
As someone who appreciates the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the works of beloved authors, I found this book to be a valuable resource. It serves as a comprehensive guide and a delightful companion for fans of Stephanie Laurens, offering a deeper appreciation of her novels and the creative genius behind them.
September 15, 2011
I picked this up hoping to get a good "sampling" of Laurens' work. This is narcissistic propaganda. Each entry features a book's cover art, its blurb, and a scant paragraph or two of the book's content.
In the digital era, I am not about to pay $7+ for a novel when I can't even read a decent sample of it (at least 3-5 chapters for a novel.)
I'm not sure what Laurens or her publishers hope to accomplish with this book since it doesn't make her work more attractive to prospective new readers. Given her popularity, I might read one or more of her books someday, but this book doesn't have me rushing to buy it.
In the digital era, I am not about to pay $7+ for a novel when I can't even read a decent sample of it (at least 3-5 chapters for a novel.)
I'm not sure what Laurens or her publishers hope to accomplish with this book since it doesn't make her work more attractive to prospective new readers. Given her popularity, I might read one or more of her books someday, but this book doesn't have me rushing to buy it.
December 29, 2014
Good Advertisement for Laurens' Books
This is a promotional item that gives background on all of Stephanie Laurens' books. This is not a story itself and readers should not be confused. It merely gives a short question and answer with Laurens and then gives a summary of each of her novels.
This is a promotional item that gives background on all of Stephanie Laurens' books. This is not a story itself and readers should not be confused. It merely gives a short question and answer with Laurens and then gives a summary of each of her novels.
August 3, 2011
this was basically a list of the books written by stephanie laurens in her cynster and bastion series, as well as the black cobra quartet and a new series starting. this was not nearly as involved as nora roberts' book was of all her books a few years back.
August 6, 2011
I've not read all of her books of course but with this, it so showed me what I'm missing. Its nice to have this with all the info on the books and the characters and how they relate. I'm still going through it and it will be one to refer back to often! Hope they do this with more authors!
October 30, 2011
As someone who did not read any of her books, it gave me a good idea what I would like to read or not. I also now know that many of her books are historical fiction.
I would also like to point out that this book does not give excerpts about the books. It gives location, year,main characters.
I would also like to point out that this book does not give excerpts about the books. It gives location, year,main characters.
March 20, 2012
It was an ok read. I enjoyed getting the background to the various books, but the excertps for the majority where too short. The Black Cobra excerpts were nicer in that they really gave you a feel for the books. Will probably go looking for some of the other titles
March 3, 2014
Don't pay for this. If you can get it for free and you'll be reading many of the author's books, it's useful for keeping track of them. Contains blurbs, details and selections from the author's works,
tbr-series-sequels-x
November 5, 201521 April 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews