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Hester and Crow #1
False Lights
Napoleon has won the Battle of Waterloo and England is under French occupation...
A half-drowned girl washes up on a Cornish beach, escaping French soldiers after the murder of her black sea captain father.
An aristocratic soldier-spy, haunted by his part in the defeat at Waterloo, plans to spring the Duke of Wellington from captivity.
Together, they become enmeshed in a web of treachery and espionage stretching from London to the Scilly Isles.
'A marvellously dark and compelling anti-hero and a truly gutsy (and sexy) heroine ... A terrific read' Caro Fraser.
K.J. Whittaker's second novel with Head of Zeus, Wicked by Design, is publishing under the name of Katy Moran in September 2019.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 26, 2018
The book’s central premise is that Wellington was defeated, not victorious, at the Battle of Waterloo and this defeat resulted in the removal of the English Royal Family and the occupation of England by the French. It’s territory that's been explored (albeit in a different period and with an occupying force of a different nationality) by Robert Harris in Fatherland and Len Deighton in SS-GB. In False Lights, the occupation follows similar lines to an imagined Nazi occupation of Britain: blockades, food shortages, curfews and cruel reprisals visited on the population for any act of resistance. Having witnessed firsthand the dreadful results of such repressive measures, the book's heroine, Hester, observes, ‘This wasn’t just an occupation. It was a tyranny.’
The book is notable for its strong female characters. There’s the aforementioned Hester – feisty, independent minded and courageous - who nevertheless finds herself alone and defenceless following the dramatic events of the book’s opening scenes. (Chapter one of the book has a literally killer first line, by the way.) The daughter of a black sea captain who distinguished himself in battle, Hester faces discrimination because of her skin colour and heritage in a society where gaining and maintaining a position is difficult enough as it is. ‘She must be twice as gracious, twice as accomplished and twice as well-mannered as any young white woman, or she would be seen as less than human before they saw her as a girl.’ There’s also Catlin, Hester’s close companion, who plays a vital role in events towards the end of the book including actions referenced in the book’s title.
Crow (or Lord Lamorna to give him his proper title) makes a fantastically flawed Byronic hero. With his dark hair and piercing eyes, I’ll admit even this happily married lady got a bit hot under the collar when reading passages like the following: ‘He’d crouched at the water’s edge to shave himself with a cut-throat razor, stripped to the waist, revealing the extraordinary collection of tattoos on his back, writhing blue-black patterns that ran from shoulder to shoulder, from neck to lower spine.’
Consumed by guilt at his perceived part in Wellington’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Crow is haunted by traumatic memories of the sights he witnessed and his own actions on the battlefield. He experiences a form of PTSD involving waking nightmares and dreadful visions. Perhaps the love of a good woman might help to make him whole again...? (Form an orderly queue, ladies.) Crow also feels a responsibility for the safety of his younger brother, Kitto, who seems to court danger at every turn. There’s political intrigue aplenty and all the characters in the book face difficult moral choices although, in the end, it’s a case of kill or be killed.
I loved the book’s setting in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles and the inclusion of the Cornish language into the story line. I also liked the book’s ending with perhaps just a hint that we might hear more about some of the characters in future...? I do hope so.
In her Acknowledgements, the author describes her book as ‘a Regency novel with a difference’ and I think that’s a perfect description. False Lights is a fascinating historical fiction novel constructed around an interesting premise and populated with a host of colourful, if not necessarily likeable, characters. It will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of period detail (but aren’t averse to an author playing with actual historical events for the sake of a good story) and to those who enjoy losing themselves in a romantic story line.
The book is notable for its strong female characters. There’s the aforementioned Hester – feisty, independent minded and courageous - who nevertheless finds herself alone and defenceless following the dramatic events of the book’s opening scenes. (Chapter one of the book has a literally killer first line, by the way.) The daughter of a black sea captain who distinguished himself in battle, Hester faces discrimination because of her skin colour and heritage in a society where gaining and maintaining a position is difficult enough as it is. ‘She must be twice as gracious, twice as accomplished and twice as well-mannered as any young white woman, or she would be seen as less than human before they saw her as a girl.’ There’s also Catlin, Hester’s close companion, who plays a vital role in events towards the end of the book including actions referenced in the book’s title.
Crow (or Lord Lamorna to give him his proper title) makes a fantastically flawed Byronic hero. With his dark hair and piercing eyes, I’ll admit even this happily married lady got a bit hot under the collar when reading passages like the following: ‘He’d crouched at the water’s edge to shave himself with a cut-throat razor, stripped to the waist, revealing the extraordinary collection of tattoos on his back, writhing blue-black patterns that ran from shoulder to shoulder, from neck to lower spine.’
Consumed by guilt at his perceived part in Wellington’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Crow is haunted by traumatic memories of the sights he witnessed and his own actions on the battlefield. He experiences a form of PTSD involving waking nightmares and dreadful visions. Perhaps the love of a good woman might help to make him whole again...? (Form an orderly queue, ladies.) Crow also feels a responsibility for the safety of his younger brother, Kitto, who seems to court danger at every turn. There’s political intrigue aplenty and all the characters in the book face difficult moral choices although, in the end, it’s a case of kill or be killed.
I loved the book’s setting in Cornwall and the Scilly Isles and the inclusion of the Cornish language into the story line. I also liked the book’s ending with perhaps just a hint that we might hear more about some of the characters in future...? I do hope so.
In her Acknowledgements, the author describes her book as ‘a Regency novel with a difference’ and I think that’s a perfect description. False Lights is a fascinating historical fiction novel constructed around an interesting premise and populated with a host of colourful, if not necessarily likeable, characters. It will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of period detail (but aren’t averse to an author playing with actual historical events for the sake of a good story) and to those who enjoy losing themselves in a romantic story line.
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September 30, 2017Marvellous romp through an alternate history, with fake relationships, PTSD and coded secret messages. I'm eagerly awaiting the second.
January 27, 2021
Fairly dark and more historical fiction than romance, the book set in alt-hist England occupied by the French in 1817, features a few memorable characters - the title characters:
Hester, daughter of a famed captain in the British navy, a former black slave in America who escaped to Britain and rose through the ranks, having an important role at Trafalgar for which the French never forgave him, while marrying a daughter of the highest aristocracy - collateral lineage, relatively poor and dying in childbirth, but still - ensured that most of the English aristocracy never forgave him either, so he raised Hester in happy isolation on a Cornish island he had his estate until the French came crashing in, killing him and taking Hester for a prize, with the French soldiers carrying her to the mainland arguing between taking her to be publicly executed for her killing French soldiers when they invaded her home, or selling her discreetly and pocketing the money...
Crow - current local count and former protegee of Hester's father, who later became the intelligence officer for Wellington who failed to inform him in time of the allies betrayal that led to Napoleon winning at Waterloo, so Crow is now navigating a tight line between the French occupation and the English resistance, not to speak of his liaison with his "stepmother" Louisa- the relatively young wife of his deceased father and his flirtation with Josephine, the former French empress now sent to London by Napoleon to smooth relations with the English aristocracy
Then we have the 14-year-old, Kitto, Crow's brother who wants to atone for what he sees as his family sins and participate in the resistance, Cailtin, the widowed housekeeper of Hester's household, now used by the French as a prison for Wellington, Mr Arkwright, the seemingly loyal batman of Crow with dark secrets of his own and many others.
The novel is hard to put down and has a lot of energy, though it is not light reading by any means. Definitely recommended for quite a different take on the usual Regency romance subgenre
Hester, daughter of a famed captain in the British navy, a former black slave in America who escaped to Britain and rose through the ranks, having an important role at Trafalgar for which the French never forgave him, while marrying a daughter of the highest aristocracy - collateral lineage, relatively poor and dying in childbirth, but still - ensured that most of the English aristocracy never forgave him either, so he raised Hester in happy isolation on a Cornish island he had his estate until the French came crashing in, killing him and taking Hester for a prize, with the French soldiers carrying her to the mainland arguing between taking her to be publicly executed for her killing French soldiers when they invaded her home, or selling her discreetly and pocketing the money...
Crow - current local count and former protegee of Hester's father, who later became the intelligence officer for Wellington who failed to inform him in time of the allies betrayal that led to Napoleon winning at Waterloo, so Crow is now navigating a tight line between the French occupation and the English resistance, not to speak of his liaison with his "stepmother" Louisa- the relatively young wife of his deceased father and his flirtation with Josephine, the former French empress now sent to London by Napoleon to smooth relations with the English aristocracy
Then we have the 14-year-old, Kitto, Crow's brother who wants to atone for what he sees as his family sins and participate in the resistance, Cailtin, the widowed housekeeper of Hester's household, now used by the French as a prison for Wellington, Mr Arkwright, the seemingly loyal batman of Crow with dark secrets of his own and many others.
The novel is hard to put down and has a lot of energy, though it is not light reading by any means. Definitely recommended for quite a different take on the usual Regency romance subgenre
September 7, 2017
Even when I picked this book up, it looked promising. I absolutely love historical fiction and False Lights looked like it was going to tick all the boxes. Set in the Georgian era, with some daring heroes and heroines… and in an alternative reality where Napoleon won the Battle of Waterloo and conquered England? Hell yes! Count me in.
I’m happy to say that False Lights more than lived up to my expectations: I loved it. Witty, exciting and heartfelt, the book had me hooked, from the minute I picked it up until I put it down at four o’clock in the morning.
The book begins with a bang: Hester Harewood, the mixed-race daughter of a sea captain, is taken captive by the invading French forces; at the same time, Lord Jack ‘Crow’ Lowlas is trying to orchestrate a rebellion against them by playing a very dangerous game that threatens to undo him. When he rescues Hester, sparks fly- and as events heat up and the threat of rebellion grows ever larger, things suddenly become very dangerous indeed. The book is meticulously plotted, and gallops along at a breakneck pace: things that other authors would often save for the ending, like a happy marriage between the two protagonists, are addressed in the middle of the book and make it all the better, especially as Whittaker acknowledges that ‘happy marriages’, though ideal, don’t exist.
Indeed, the way in which Whittaker explores human nature is probably what I liked best about the novel. She has a very sure touch when it comes to creating believable, likeable characters that are flawed, complex and make you root for them. From Hester to the damaged Kitto, Crow’s younger brother, she doesn’t put a foot wrong and dives into the character’s heads. More impressively, each of them have a fully rounded personality; no boring people here! Everybody from Kitto to Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s disgraced ex-wife, is given a voice, and makes the book much richer for it.
Hats off to Whittaker’s world-building skills, too: the way in which she combines historical fact (life in Georgian London, complete with racism, snobbish ladies and society balls) with fiction (Napoleon’s invasion; Wellington’s imprisonment in Cornwall is masterful and creates a world that I wanted to dive into, from Cornwall (getting undertones of Poldark there) and the Cornish resistance to London, where French occupation has left the citizens starving and angry. It's a world you can happily get lost in, and the story makes the most of it, too, from Cornish culture (and language- as a Welsh person myself, any book with Cornish in is a plus for me!) to the elegance of London.
I’m happy to say that False Lights more than lived up to my expectations: I loved it. Witty, exciting and heartfelt, the book had me hooked, from the minute I picked it up until I put it down at four o’clock in the morning.
The book begins with a bang: Hester Harewood, the mixed-race daughter of a sea captain, is taken captive by the invading French forces; at the same time, Lord Jack ‘Crow’ Lowlas is trying to orchestrate a rebellion against them by playing a very dangerous game that threatens to undo him. When he rescues Hester, sparks fly- and as events heat up and the threat of rebellion grows ever larger, things suddenly become very dangerous indeed. The book is meticulously plotted, and gallops along at a breakneck pace: things that other authors would often save for the ending, like a happy marriage between the two protagonists, are addressed in the middle of the book and make it all the better, especially as Whittaker acknowledges that ‘happy marriages’, though ideal, don’t exist.
Indeed, the way in which Whittaker explores human nature is probably what I liked best about the novel. She has a very sure touch when it comes to creating believable, likeable characters that are flawed, complex and make you root for them. From Hester to the damaged Kitto, Crow’s younger brother, she doesn’t put a foot wrong and dives into the character’s heads. More impressively, each of them have a fully rounded personality; no boring people here! Everybody from Kitto to Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s disgraced ex-wife, is given a voice, and makes the book much richer for it.
Hats off to Whittaker’s world-building skills, too: the way in which she combines historical fact (life in Georgian London, complete with racism, snobbish ladies and society balls) with fiction (Napoleon’s invasion; Wellington’s imprisonment in Cornwall is masterful and creates a world that I wanted to dive into, from Cornwall (getting undertones of Poldark there) and the Cornish resistance to London, where French occupation has left the citizens starving and angry. It's a world you can happily get lost in, and the story makes the most of it, too, from Cornish culture (and language- as a Welsh person myself, any book with Cornish in is a plus for me!) to the elegance of London.
February 14, 2022
I’m so gutted because I really wanted to enjoy this, unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I was expecting a Regency Romance but Sadly, I didn’t feel there was much romance. However, there was a lot of focus on historical events, culture and dynamics so if you like that then this one is probably for you!
I enjoyed the setting, however found the plot and characters hard to connect with!
Sadly not for me but definitely check it out as well as the other books in the trilogy if you like the look of it!👀
I enjoyed the setting, however found the plot and characters hard to connect with!
Sadly not for me but definitely check it out as well as the other books in the trilogy if you like the look of it!👀
August 2, 2022
Non mi aspettavo un primo romanzo di questa serie così avvincente, quindi sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita. Capitolo dopo capitolo conosciamo Hester e Crow, conosciamo le loro debolezze e le loro paure, e insieme a loro vediao sbocciare il loro amore, seppur contornato dal mistero di scoprire cosa è successo in determinate occasioni. Ho amato tantissimo il fatto che in questo primo romanzo l’autrice abbia voluto dare una maggiore completezza alla storia inserento molti fatti storici, sopratutto in fatto di ambientazione. Lo stile dell’autrice è coinvolgente e scorrevole a tal punto che non vi staccherete se non una volta arrivati alla fine del romanzo.
June 15, 2021
I found this intriguing. The alternate universe was fascinating (that Wellington did not win at Waterloo). Also I found the status of non-whites at the time quite interesting. Hester's mixed-race background (with ties to both the black slave community and the white aristocracy) was compounded by her status as a woman in that society. A lot to take away from this book.
Only book one is on KU.
Only book one is on KU.
October 21, 2017
Napoleon has won the battle of Waterloo and the Duke of Wellington has been captured. Josephine has the power in England, that is now occupied by the French. Hester, a young dark skinned heiress has escaped the French, who want to sell her as a slave, and is now at the mercy of Crow, Wellington's former intelligence officer. Crow's brother Kitto is in trouble because of his love for explosives and it's up to Crow to get him out of it again. Will he succeed and keep them all safe?
In a country that's being ruled by the French Crow and Hester need to fight for their freedom. The Duke of Wellington has to be liberated from his captors, but where is he? There are traitors everywhere and some are nearer than expected. Will Hester and Crow manage to keep themselves alive and will they be able to play their part in freeing England from the French while their personal connection keeps getting stronger?
False Lights is a great what-if story. I loved the idea behind it very much. Napoleon is victorious and the English have a huge problem. There are only a few people who can reverse the situation, but not all of them are loyal to the people they're supposed to be loyal to, which is something that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the main characters of False Lights, especially Hester. She's fierce, stubborn, resourceful, resilient and incredibly smart. It's a difficult time for her to live in. She isn't an accepted member of society because of the color of her skin, but instead of being defeated she fights it and is superior to everyone who's cruel to her, which is something I absolutely loved.
K.J. Whittaker's writing is crude, raw and honest. It's fabulously fitting for the time frame. Rudeness, filth, cruelty and hate are part of daily life and K.J. Whittaker describes them in a vivid, believable way. Sometimes it's a bit sickening and shocking. However, that's exactly how it should be, which is something I really liked. The overall effect is a fascinating story with plenty of unexpected events, gripping scenes, treachery, bloody battles and political intrigues. The strong, admirable women in this novel play their part without complaint and are terribly impressive. I enjoyed reading about every single one of their adventures. False Lights is a fantastic compelling story.
June 10, 2023
3.5 stars
Rebranding this book from False Lights to Game of Hearts was a mistake, in my opinion. It's a decent book, but not the book it's being marketed as. I understand the desire to capitalise on Bridgerton but while false advertising might sell the first book, it won't sell the rest of the series.
Look at that cover: doesn't it look light and fluffy? It most decidedly is not a light and fluffy story.
Perhaps most significantly, the hero, Crow is suffering from substantial PTSD from his time in the military. He has graphic flashbacks. He's very troubled and sometimes violent.
There is an attempted rape and a rape that happens off page. There are riots which turn deadly. People die of starvation and are hanged by the Occupation for any perceived transgression. There is a series of poisonings. Many many soldiers are killed.
And then Hester. Hester is mixed race and her every interaction is coloured by people's reaction to her skin colour. And I do mean every interaction. I have no doubt that racism was rife 200 years ago. If we're being honest, it's rife now. An exploration of the way Hester's race impacts her day-to-day life would have been enough for a whole book in itself. But Moran was a little inelegant in enmeshing this social commentary with her true focus: war.
Or, rather, the damage war causes. The futility of it. The ways in which even the winners lose. The guilt of impossible choices. The sacrifices made as men who'd rather be home with their families fight other men who'd rather be home with their families, for the sake of a flag.
That's what Game of Hearts is. No fluffy romance but a serious look at what war really means.
Rebranding this book from False Lights to Game of Hearts was a mistake, in my opinion. It's a decent book, but not the book it's being marketed as. I understand the desire to capitalise on Bridgerton but while false advertising might sell the first book, it won't sell the rest of the series.
Look at that cover: doesn't it look light and fluffy? It most decidedly is not a light and fluffy story.
Perhaps most significantly, the hero, Crow is suffering from substantial PTSD from his time in the military. He has graphic flashbacks. He's very troubled and sometimes violent.
There is an attempted rape and a rape that happens off page. There are riots which turn deadly. People die of starvation and are hanged by the Occupation for any perceived transgression. There is a series of poisonings. Many many soldiers are killed.
And then Hester. Hester is mixed race and her every interaction is coloured by people's reaction to her skin colour. And I do mean every interaction. I have no doubt that racism was rife 200 years ago. If we're being honest, it's rife now. An exploration of the way Hester's race impacts her day-to-day life would have been enough for a whole book in itself. But Moran was a little inelegant in enmeshing this social commentary with her true focus: war.
Or, rather, the damage war causes. The futility of it. The ways in which even the winners lose. The guilt of impossible choices. The sacrifices made as men who'd rather be home with their families fight other men who'd rather be home with their families, for the sake of a flag.
That's what Game of Hearts is. No fluffy romance but a serious look at what war really means.
June 23, 2020
This was not what I was expecting. From the title I was expecting wreckers and smuggling. As for the description - everything I know about the Napoleonic wars come from an abba song and watching Sharpe. So alternative Napoleonic history is tricky. However really enjoyed this take of spies and escapes and revolutions and society. Even in the midst of being an occupied country and threatened with the guillotine you must follow social standards. Hester is a really interesting heroine her black sea captain father and white society heiress mother make her someone who doesn't fit into society wherever she is put. Partly because of this she has more freedom than other women (she kills a fair few men) but she is more constrained (assumed to be a slave when not with her husband). It makes for an interesting spin on a historical novel. If anything my main problem was keeping up with who was spying for who. I still don't know if one of the characters was a goodie or a baddie.
July 25, 2017
False Lights was a highly entertaining read. I enjoyed the alternate-history plot, and the characters were all beautifully three dimensional and engaging, if a little stereotypical at times. However, that adherence to tropes was not a limiting factor in this book as the storyline kept things moving nicely along. Plus, who doesn't love a brooding, tortured hero and a plucky heroine? The multiple narrators worked well, allowing us to easily follow the drama unfolding in different locations, and the ending was satisfying on the whole; although, I found Crow's abrupt change of heart at the end of the book a little too sudden and easy, given the circumstances. If you enjoy alternate-history tales with plenty of romance and adventure, False Lights is definitely a book you'll want to add to your wishlist.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
September 8, 2022
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera che Leggereditore ha portato nelle nostre librerie. Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmi scappare l'opportunità di leggerlo? Assolutamente no!
“Un gioco di cuori” è il primo volume di una nuova trilogia regency composta da:
• Un gioco di cuori
• Una minaccia dal passato
• Una sconvenevole alchimia
Siamo nel 1817 in Cornovaglia e la nostra protagonista, Hester, torna a casa dopo aver passato la giornata a caccia.
Quando entra in casa però, trova ad aspettarla dei soldati francesi, che hanno appena ucciso suo padre. Per vendicarsi di un torto, Hester viene rapita per essere portata dinanzi a Napoleone ma la ragazza non ha di certo intenzione di accettare il suo destino senza far nulla così riesce a provocare il naufragio della nave dove si trova e la morte dell'equipaggio: peccato però che così si ritrova anche lei in alto mare.
Inconsapevole del suo destino, si risveglia su una spiaggia di del Conte di Lamorna, Crow, che intanto è di ritorno col fratello che ha ritrovato dopo diverse vicissitudini quando si imbattono in lei.
Il passato oscuro dei tre col loro incontro metterà in moto meccanismi per niente facili che metteranno in pericolo le loro vite.
Come andrà a finire, lascio a voi scoprirlo.
Presentato erroneamente come una storia d'amore in stile Bridgerton, questo romanzo a parere mio vale molto di più.
Qui non si parla di una semplice storia d'amore ma di un romanzo storico in tutto e per tutto, così come piace a me.
La storia d’amore c’è, ovviamente, ma è di contorno a una storia molto più grande fatta di personaggi super intriganti e vicende che ti lasciano col fiato sospeso.
Curiosa di continuare con il seguito, ho divorato i tre libri in tre giorni. Domani parleremo del secondo volume, restare connessi!
“Un gioco di cuori” è il primo volume di una nuova trilogia regency composta da:
• Un gioco di cuori
• Una minaccia dal passato
• Una sconvenevole alchimia
Siamo nel 1817 in Cornovaglia e la nostra protagonista, Hester, torna a casa dopo aver passato la giornata a caccia.
Quando entra in casa però, trova ad aspettarla dei soldati francesi, che hanno appena ucciso suo padre. Per vendicarsi di un torto, Hester viene rapita per essere portata dinanzi a Napoleone ma la ragazza non ha di certo intenzione di accettare il suo destino senza far nulla così riesce a provocare il naufragio della nave dove si trova e la morte dell'equipaggio: peccato però che così si ritrova anche lei in alto mare.
Inconsapevole del suo destino, si risveglia su una spiaggia di del Conte di Lamorna, Crow, che intanto è di ritorno col fratello che ha ritrovato dopo diverse vicissitudini quando si imbattono in lei.
Il passato oscuro dei tre col loro incontro metterà in moto meccanismi per niente facili che metteranno in pericolo le loro vite.
Come andrà a finire, lascio a voi scoprirlo.
Presentato erroneamente come una storia d'amore in stile Bridgerton, questo romanzo a parere mio vale molto di più.
Qui non si parla di una semplice storia d'amore ma di un romanzo storico in tutto e per tutto, così come piace a me.
La storia d’amore c’è, ovviamente, ma è di contorno a una storia molto più grande fatta di personaggi super intriganti e vicende che ti lasciano col fiato sospeso.
Curiosa di continuare con il seguito, ho divorato i tre libri in tre giorni. Domani parleremo del secondo volume, restare connessi!
February 9, 2022
What if the British and their allies lost the war at Waterloo. Imagine the French invading England and Wellington is a prisoner. Josephine is at Carlton House and Napoleon's brother is on the throne. The Earl of Lamorna known as Crow, is working both sides as a spy. He marries Hester, the daughter of his mentor who was murdered, to protect her from the French. Her father was black and her mother white. Crow has a fourteen year old brother setting off bombs in London and if captured by the French will be hung. To add to his stress, Crow suffers from PTSD and has a stepmother who is very angry when he breaks off their relationship as lovers when he marries Hester. It was difficult for me to grasp the concept of the turn around of the British losing. It just felt weird, but I managed to work my way through the concept. The love story of Hester and Crow is very tumultuous. One reference to explicit sex, but otherwise it is left up to your imagination. Some violence that could be a trigger.
Netgalley only offered the first few chapters, but I waited to review until I read the complete book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Netgalley only offered the first few chapters, but I waited to review until I read the complete book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 8, 2019
So good that I listened twice (Audible) and will listen again! A brilliant, rollicking twist on history with wonderfully dimensional, relatable characters all brought to life by the talented Emma Spurgin-Hussey. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you will love this clever “what if” take on English history complete with a mixed-race female heroine, tasteful romance, and plenty of action to keep you wondering what will happen next. I’m sure this would be a fantastic read, but the authentic Cornish accent combined with the wide vocal range and acting talents of the narrator took this story to the next level for me. Choosing the perfect narrator is so important, and K.J. Whittaker hit the proverbial nail on the head with her choice of Ms. Spurgin-Hussey.
November 27, 2022
A bit of a disappointment. Liked the fact that this looked at an alternative history but spoiled by being to Mills and Boony. 1817 Napoleon has won at Waterloo and invaded England putting his brother on the throne. In Cornwall where they are fighting for their independence Hester is taken by the French after her father is killed. Escaping and meeting local landowner Crow, the pair attempt to sabotage the French. Disappointing.
February 23, 2022
Game of Hearts is the first book in the trilogy of Hester and Crow stories by Katy Moran.
In this book, set in 1817, this historical fiction book actually flips the history and considers what society would be like in England if Napoleon had been successful at the Battle of Waterloo. The result of that success sees the removal of the Royal Family, and the occupation of England by the French.
Hester, the heroine in this story is the mixed race daughter of a black naval captain living on the Scilly Isles. Crow, also known is Lord Crowlas Lamorna bears a striking resemblance to the moody Ross Poldark from the pen of Winston Graham, and is also Cornish. He is tall, dark and broodingly handsome with a torso covered in Tahitian tribal tattoos.
When Crow meets Hester she has escaped from French soldiers who had killed her father and were keeping the Duke of Wellington prisoner in her home on the Scilly Isles, and she has washed up on the Cornish coast. He determines that he needs to get her to London where she is more likely to be kept safe.
At the same time, Crow’s younger brother Christopher or Kitto is determined to make life difficult for the French in England, getting into scrapes and risking his own life in the process.
This book is heavy on the political intrigue whilst also having the steamy connection between Hester and Crow. I definitely think that this novel would appeal to fans of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, as well as the Poldark series. As a Regency Romance trilogy, the sizzling romance will definitely raise temperatures, but with a strong leaning towards historical fiction using an alternate history timeline which will intrigue the reader. I’ve read alternate timeline books by other authors before, and I think it is incredibly clever to place the reader within the premise of what would have happened if the loser had won the war, and Katy Moran has done this with exceptional skill.
In this book, set in 1817, this historical fiction book actually flips the history and considers what society would be like in England if Napoleon had been successful at the Battle of Waterloo. The result of that success sees the removal of the Royal Family, and the occupation of England by the French.
Hester, the heroine in this story is the mixed race daughter of a black naval captain living on the Scilly Isles. Crow, also known is Lord Crowlas Lamorna bears a striking resemblance to the moody Ross Poldark from the pen of Winston Graham, and is also Cornish. He is tall, dark and broodingly handsome with a torso covered in Tahitian tribal tattoos.
When Crow meets Hester she has escaped from French soldiers who had killed her father and were keeping the Duke of Wellington prisoner in her home on the Scilly Isles, and she has washed up on the Cornish coast. He determines that he needs to get her to London where she is more likely to be kept safe.
At the same time, Crow’s younger brother Christopher or Kitto is determined to make life difficult for the French in England, getting into scrapes and risking his own life in the process.
This book is heavy on the political intrigue whilst also having the steamy connection between Hester and Crow. I definitely think that this novel would appeal to fans of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, as well as the Poldark series. As a Regency Romance trilogy, the sizzling romance will definitely raise temperatures, but with a strong leaning towards historical fiction using an alternate history timeline which will intrigue the reader. I’ve read alternate timeline books by other authors before, and I think it is incredibly clever to place the reader within the premise of what would have happened if the loser had won the war, and Katy Moran has done this with exceptional skill.
September 7, 2017
I really really like the way that it was imagined, yet I still feel as though this book was just so utterly forgettable in the way that it made its characters and the way the plot was structured and also the writing. It just wasn’t for me.
I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters, and the writing although rather alright and able to get the meaning across just failed to even move me slightly. And strangely, I feel as though the novel had never really moved much at all.
All I really remember is a whole bunch of characters, and also plenty of historical characters who do appear. And well, mostly I’m a little confused here. One moment I was with Crow, the next with I think it was his wife Hester and finally sometimes some characters who I barely even understand. And well, the huge casts of characters without really anything memorable about then was what that ruined this book for me. Since I really need a character to focus about, and there was not much of anything which made me go back to read again. Or any form of dialogue which was even momentarily relatable. In fact, I can’t even seem to remember any memorable quotes here at all. And those go a long way when it comes to me.
If I’m not invested, yeah it is hard to make me really like a book. And sometimes this always happened here, I just couldn’t connect with them. Although I did enjoy the way it’s premise worked, and several developments that came due to the Bonaparte taking England.
But I just couldn’t feel a thing for any of the characters. And well, that to me is always a problem. And somehow, I really wanted to know more about the politics that went behind there instead of this confusing plot I had. I felt as though there was absolutely no tension throughout the book and well nothing of much importance was even happening.
I don’t know whether the writing really killed everything for me, or was it just not to my taste and expectations. So for this, it really boils down to the fact that this isn’t a perfect fit for me. I enjoyed the world, but really found the plot and characters absolutely boring.
Will recommend to you though, if you are still interested. It may be the fact that I expected something a little different from what I got.
I really couldn’t connect with any of the characters, and the writing although rather alright and able to get the meaning across just failed to even move me slightly. And strangely, I feel as though the novel had never really moved much at all.
All I really remember is a whole bunch of characters, and also plenty of historical characters who do appear. And well, mostly I’m a little confused here. One moment I was with Crow, the next with I think it was his wife Hester and finally sometimes some characters who I barely even understand. And well, the huge casts of characters without really anything memorable about then was what that ruined this book for me. Since I really need a character to focus about, and there was not much of anything which made me go back to read again. Or any form of dialogue which was even momentarily relatable. In fact, I can’t even seem to remember any memorable quotes here at all. And those go a long way when it comes to me.
If I’m not invested, yeah it is hard to make me really like a book. And sometimes this always happened here, I just couldn’t connect with them. Although I did enjoy the way it’s premise worked, and several developments that came due to the Bonaparte taking England.
But I just couldn’t feel a thing for any of the characters. And well, that to me is always a problem. And somehow, I really wanted to know more about the politics that went behind there instead of this confusing plot I had. I felt as though there was absolutely no tension throughout the book and well nothing of much importance was even happening.
I don’t know whether the writing really killed everything for me, or was it just not to my taste and expectations. So for this, it really boils down to the fact that this isn’t a perfect fit for me. I enjoyed the world, but really found the plot and characters absolutely boring.
Will recommend to you though, if you are still interested. It may be the fact that I expected something a little different from what I got.
February 3, 2021
At last a worthy winner of the most modern take on a fabulous Mary Stewart type story. This is high praise from me as Mary Stewart, along with Daphne Du Maurier, is the epitome of the very best adventure romance stories.
False Lights has female characters who are not shrinking violets, have courage & daring do, prepared to get on with the job no matter what the situation. Bravo. Love Hester particularly. Excellent concept, it's always interesting when a writer takes a decisive time in history where if the reverse had happened how everything we know today would have been irrevocably changed. To think that if the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo had been different, Wellington defeated, then Napoleon would have become the Emperor of the United Kingdom. That twice in our history the French would have invaded & overrun our country.
In true Stewart fashion the story rips along, never boring, always leading you on to turn the next page. A very busy 2 weeks meant snatching a few pages here & there but on 2 occasions I got up in the middle of the night & had to read for a couple of hours. Modernised with both swearing & some rather delicious sex it was a cracking good read.
Only one little niggle that wasn't addressed in the Author's notes was that she had Hester crossing over Tower Bridge on her way into Kent, as this bridge wasn't built until the very late 1800's - much too late for this story. I think the writer must have had a typo & it should have been London Bridge.
I will certainly look out for more of Ms Whittaker's novels.
False Lights has female characters who are not shrinking violets, have courage & daring do, prepared to get on with the job no matter what the situation. Bravo. Love Hester particularly. Excellent concept, it's always interesting when a writer takes a decisive time in history where if the reverse had happened how everything we know today would have been irrevocably changed. To think that if the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo had been different, Wellington defeated, then Napoleon would have become the Emperor of the United Kingdom. That twice in our history the French would have invaded & overrun our country.
In true Stewart fashion the story rips along, never boring, always leading you on to turn the next page. A very busy 2 weeks meant snatching a few pages here & there but on 2 occasions I got up in the middle of the night & had to read for a couple of hours. Modernised with both swearing & some rather delicious sex it was a cracking good read.
Only one little niggle that wasn't addressed in the Author's notes was that she had Hester crossing over Tower Bridge on her way into Kent, as this bridge wasn't built until the very late 1800's - much too late for this story. I think the writer must have had a typo & it should have been London Bridge.
I will certainly look out for more of Ms Whittaker's novels.
February 21, 2021
This book is an unexpected blend of three genres: period drama, romantic adventure and alternate history. I loved the idea behind the plot, which is what had drawn me to the book in the first place. The description of 1817 Britain is well planned and both historical and alt-historical facts are dramatised accordingly (e.g. Abolitionism and race, the Blockade and the famine, etc.). The story is split into 3 parts and the first and the last are probably the best since most of the excitement is here. The middle part of the book (set mostly in London) drags on a bit too much and it makes you lose interest if you don't have the will to soldier on. In this section adventure and romance get muddled rather than being blended together with the right chemistry. It is as if the author was torn between Robert Louis Stevenson and Jane Austen, and the latter takes over with unnecessary romance descriptions and the female antagonism between Hester and Louisa which does not add anything to the book (however if you love Jane Austen, you will love it!). The French also play a nondescript enemy; having one villain or antagonist to represent them would have made Hester and Crow stand out more. The ending though is a hopeful one for the main characters; it is a shame the outcome of other characters (e.g. Arwkright, Josephine) is left in limbo.
April 13, 2018
I like to read alternative history novels and this is one of the best ones in that genre I have read. It tells of an 18th Century in which the Duke of Wellington lost the Battle of Waterloo to Napoleon and Britain was invaded and occupied. The Duke of Wellington is imprisoned in the Scilly Isles and if the French invaders are to be driven out, he must be freed. The novel centres around three young Cornish people. Hester, the daughter of a black naval captain who distinguished himself at Trafalgar and two aristocratic brothers, Crow and Kitto. I won't give the plot away, but it was a book I couldn't put down and one I would highly recommend. I can't wait to read the sequel, 'Russian Gambit' due out Summer 2019.
October 25, 2021
A really fantastic chance read.
It's a cross between Belle, the film, alt-history, and a gritty Regency romance, an utterly compelling mix.
Our plucky heroine is half-black but related to the aristocracy and there is lots of insight into the lives of black people at this time. The gorgeous love interest is a Cornish Earl haunted with PTSD after Waterloo. Wellington has a walk on part. The Prince Regent has been executed by the occupying French. Byron comes to a party. So much to love.
Read it.
It's a cross between Belle, the film, alt-history, and a gritty Regency romance, an utterly compelling mix.
Our plucky heroine is half-black but related to the aristocracy and there is lots of insight into the lives of black people at this time. The gorgeous love interest is a Cornish Earl haunted with PTSD after Waterloo. Wellington has a walk on part. The Prince Regent has been executed by the occupying French. Byron comes to a party. So much to love.
Read it.
July 20, 2022
Un gioco di cuori è un romanzo storico particolare e che esula dagli schemi classici a cui sono abituata. La sua trama originale e avventurosa e i suoi personaggi dalle molte sfaccettature rendono la lettura interessante anche se non sempre fluida.
Crow, il Conte di Lamorna, è un uomo dal passato misterioso e oscuro, con alle spalle diversi segreti, alcuni molto pericolosi che potrebbero mettere in pericolo non solo la sua vita, ma anche quella dei suoi cari. Non ha un carattere semplice, reso ancora più chiuso e schivo dai demoni personali contro cui deve combattere. L’incontro con Hester segnerà in modo indelebile la sua vita e, ancora di più le azioni messe in moto dal giovane e ribello fratello, Kitto.
Hester Harewood è una giovane ereditiera che, un giorno come tanti, ha visto la sua vita completamente stravolta quando dei soldati francesi uccidono il padre e la costringono a fuggire dalle proprie terre per non essere venduta come schiava. L’incontro con il Conte le stravolgerà la vita in modi che lei non avrebbe mai immaginato. Pur senza la sua reale volontà si ritroverà invischiata in una ragnatela di fatta di segreti e cose non dette. E per quanto i demoni del Conte la rendono nervosa è impossibile, per il suo cuore, resistere alla sua aura oscura e tenere allo stesso tempo.
La trama è originale e parte da presupposti particolari, una sorta di “Wath if” ossia cosa sarebbe accaduto se la storia fosse andata in modo diverso rispetto a come la conosciamo. All’inizio questo aspetto mi ha un po’ spiazzata, soprattutto perché nei comportamenti dei personaggi non sono riuscita a trovare gli schemi classici a cui sono abituata quando si tratta di un romanzo storico. Probabilmente questa scelta è stata dettata dal tipo di presupposto che è alla base della storia stessa. L’aspetto interessante è stato vedere come le diverse linee narrative siano riuscite a convergere portando a un finale che risponde a molte delle domande che sorgono nel corso della lettura.
Per quanto la trama sia avventura e ricca di colpi di scena, non sempre la lettura è stata semplice e fluida, a volte ho fatto fatica a passare da una linea narrativa ad un’altra.
Lo stile di scrittura di Katy Moran è molto asciutto, attento a quelle che sono gli aspetti storici e diretto, forse troppo. Una cosa che non mi ha convinta è stata la presenza di molte imprecazioni e l’uso coloriti di certe espressioni; le ho trovate fin troppo moderne per un romanzo storico. Tuttavia, non posso negare di essere rimasta coinvolta dall’aspetto avventuroso del romanzo, succedono davvero molte cose e in diversi momenti ho trattenuto il fiato, ipotizzando come l’intreccio narrativo avrebbe potuto risolversi. La storia d’amore resta molto più marginale rispetto agli intrighi politici, alla macchinazioni e alle scelte compiute dai diversi personaggi che portano ad effetti, il più delle volte, inaspettati.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2022...
Crow, il Conte di Lamorna, è un uomo dal passato misterioso e oscuro, con alle spalle diversi segreti, alcuni molto pericolosi che potrebbero mettere in pericolo non solo la sua vita, ma anche quella dei suoi cari. Non ha un carattere semplice, reso ancora più chiuso e schivo dai demoni personali contro cui deve combattere. L’incontro con Hester segnerà in modo indelebile la sua vita e, ancora di più le azioni messe in moto dal giovane e ribello fratello, Kitto.
Hester Harewood è una giovane ereditiera che, un giorno come tanti, ha visto la sua vita completamente stravolta quando dei soldati francesi uccidono il padre e la costringono a fuggire dalle proprie terre per non essere venduta come schiava. L’incontro con il Conte le stravolgerà la vita in modi che lei non avrebbe mai immaginato. Pur senza la sua reale volontà si ritroverà invischiata in una ragnatela di fatta di segreti e cose non dette. E per quanto i demoni del Conte la rendono nervosa è impossibile, per il suo cuore, resistere alla sua aura oscura e tenere allo stesso tempo.
La trama è originale e parte da presupposti particolari, una sorta di “Wath if” ossia cosa sarebbe accaduto se la storia fosse andata in modo diverso rispetto a come la conosciamo. All’inizio questo aspetto mi ha un po’ spiazzata, soprattutto perché nei comportamenti dei personaggi non sono riuscita a trovare gli schemi classici a cui sono abituata quando si tratta di un romanzo storico. Probabilmente questa scelta è stata dettata dal tipo di presupposto che è alla base della storia stessa. L’aspetto interessante è stato vedere come le diverse linee narrative siano riuscite a convergere portando a un finale che risponde a molte delle domande che sorgono nel corso della lettura.
Per quanto la trama sia avventura e ricca di colpi di scena, non sempre la lettura è stata semplice e fluida, a volte ho fatto fatica a passare da una linea narrativa ad un’altra.
Lo stile di scrittura di Katy Moran è molto asciutto, attento a quelle che sono gli aspetti storici e diretto, forse troppo. Una cosa che non mi ha convinta è stata la presenza di molte imprecazioni e l’uso coloriti di certe espressioni; le ho trovate fin troppo moderne per un romanzo storico. Tuttavia, non posso negare di essere rimasta coinvolta dall’aspetto avventuroso del romanzo, succedono davvero molte cose e in diversi momenti ho trattenuto il fiato, ipotizzando come l’intreccio narrativo avrebbe potuto risolversi. La storia d’amore resta molto più marginale rispetto agli intrighi politici, alla macchinazioni e alle scelte compiute dai diversi personaggi che portano ad effetti, il più delle volte, inaspettati.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2022...
April 1, 2018
Napoleon won the battle of Waterloo and, since then, though trying to be friendly to the aristocracy, the Occupation forces are being met with some resistance. However, when confronted with defiance, the French are ruthless and have no problem in killing. That is what happens at Castle Bryher, where, to obtain a prison for Wellington, the master of the house is slain and his daughter taken to some dreadful destiny. However, Hester Harewood is not willing to give up. And, when she manages to escape, her path crosses with Crow’s, a viscount tormented by his past and determined to make up for his failures even if it kills them. Together, they’ll learn to live with who they are – and maybe find a way to overcome what has been done them.
With a romance at its heart but with a story that is much more than just the relationship between the main characters, one of the most intriguing features of this book is that fact that it follows many characters and many perspectives, creating a more complex narrative of a time that could have been. The Cornish resistance, the espionage and betrayal perpetrated by different characters, Crow’s past, Wellington’s ruthlessness – all of this creates an image of a time of conflict and resistance. And resistance always has its consequences. So it’s quite impressive how the author creates this complex and intriguing setting, without ever losing sight of the personal motivations of their characters.
Speaking of which, it is important to say that there are no simple characters in this story. Crow first appears as the heroic brother, the unexpected savior, but soon reveals himself as a quite more complex individual, with his shadows, his inner torments and some mistakes that are hard to forgive. As for Hester, she is the perfect counterpart for him, with the same stubbornness and the type of audacity Crow has never seen. And Kitto… Well, Kitto is the vulnerable but daring young man and, as such, inspires strong feelings, both when he does the right things and when he does the wrong ones.
It is a book that takes its time, mostly because of the complexities of the setting and the intricacies of the various plots. It is, however, quite fascinating, with its delicate balance of intrigue, conflict and emotion. The relationship between the brothers and, of course, with Hester, are the base for some of the most intense moments in this story. And Hester’s delicate situation – and the small cruelties that seem to come with it – makes her bravery even more impressive.
It isn’t a story of heroes and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. What it is is a tale of complex characters trying to do what they think is right and to protect those who are most important in their lives. Intriguing, with a great setting and a set of remarkable but vulnerable characters, a great read.
** I received this book from Head of Zeus in exchange for an honest review.
With a romance at its heart but with a story that is much more than just the relationship between the main characters, one of the most intriguing features of this book is that fact that it follows many characters and many perspectives, creating a more complex narrative of a time that could have been. The Cornish resistance, the espionage and betrayal perpetrated by different characters, Crow’s past, Wellington’s ruthlessness – all of this creates an image of a time of conflict and resistance. And resistance always has its consequences. So it’s quite impressive how the author creates this complex and intriguing setting, without ever losing sight of the personal motivations of their characters.
Speaking of which, it is important to say that there are no simple characters in this story. Crow first appears as the heroic brother, the unexpected savior, but soon reveals himself as a quite more complex individual, with his shadows, his inner torments and some mistakes that are hard to forgive. As for Hester, she is the perfect counterpart for him, with the same stubbornness and the type of audacity Crow has never seen. And Kitto… Well, Kitto is the vulnerable but daring young man and, as such, inspires strong feelings, both when he does the right things and when he does the wrong ones.
It is a book that takes its time, mostly because of the complexities of the setting and the intricacies of the various plots. It is, however, quite fascinating, with its delicate balance of intrigue, conflict and emotion. The relationship between the brothers and, of course, with Hester, are the base for some of the most intense moments in this story. And Hester’s delicate situation – and the small cruelties that seem to come with it – makes her bravery even more impressive.
It isn’t a story of heroes and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. What it is is a tale of complex characters trying to do what they think is right and to protect those who are most important in their lives. Intriguing, with a great setting and a set of remarkable but vulnerable characters, a great read.
** I received this book from Head of Zeus in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2018
I always love getting recommendations. Honestly, it brightens up my day every time. When RT enthused to me about this book, I realised it was already in my TBR pile and promptly moved it to the top of the list. And I’ve devoured it at high speed. It opens in 1817, two years since Napoleon scraped a narrow victory at Waterloo and placed his brother Jérôme on the English throne. Now English curfews are enforced by French troops and English patriots executed by French guillotines, and discontent is rising. We follow three characters into the heart of this powder-keg: Kitto Helford, an aristocratic fourteen-year-old with patriotic ambitions; his older brother Crow, the laconic Earl of Lamorna, whose withering arrogance hides a soul traumatised by war; and Hester Harewood, the resourceful daughter of a dashing (black) naval officer...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/11/11/f...
For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/11/11/f...
February 11, 2021
I was a bit put off by the quick pace at the start as I tried to wrap my head around who was who. There are quite a few characters introduced in quick succession, with short chapters changing points of view, but it didn't take long to get the hang of who was who and I was quickly hooked.
There are so many twists and turns in this with clues to pick up all along the way. Although a touch offputting to start with, the mass of characters and quick pace is brilliant throughout, you are never left short of action or lagging and the attention to detail and characters are fabulous. Such an interesting concept too using, I guess a butterfly effect type story, changing the aftermath of one of the most well known battles in history on it's head and giving the reader a real thinking point around that.
I loved it.
There are so many twists and turns in this with clues to pick up all along the way. Although a touch offputting to start with, the mass of characters and quick pace is brilliant throughout, you are never left short of action or lagging and the attention to detail and characters are fabulous. Such an interesting concept too using, I guess a butterfly effect type story, changing the aftermath of one of the most well known battles in history on it's head and giving the reader a real thinking point around that.
I loved it.
March 9, 2024
This book is extremely good and not at all what it's advertised to be. For one thing, why call it a Regency romance? It's set during the Napoleonic Wars, and posits that Napoleon was the victor and rules England. So ... could there have been a Regency? That period would have only lasted 4 years, until 1815 when Napoleon would have defeated Wellington. Not much to work with. Anyway.
I enjoyed this book from top to bottom. It's quite an adventure and Crow is just this completely tired hero that everyone keeps calling on for help, when all he wants is a good night's sleep. And to stop dreaming about his failures. And Hester has her own set of plans, not to mention that she's so strong and courageous. And there are all these secondary characters with their own schemes. It's such a fun and well written book. What possessed the publishers to give it that flippin' cover?
I enjoyed this book from top to bottom. It's quite an adventure and Crow is just this completely tired hero that everyone keeps calling on for help, when all he wants is a good night's sleep. And to stop dreaming about his failures. And Hester has her own set of plans, not to mention that she's so strong and courageous. And there are all these secondary characters with their own schemes. It's such a fun and well written book. What possessed the publishers to give it that flippin' cover?
September 15, 2017
This is the first 'alternative historical fiction' I have read. Based on the events after the Battle of Waterloo re-imagined as if Napolean had been victorious and England had come under French occupation, this novel is both realistic and entertaining. The heroine is mixed race and the novel illustrates perfectly the prejudices of the time, whilst shining a light on how little seems to have changed in 150 years. There are some dark moments in this novel, but mostly it is a story of redemption and love. Thoroughly enjoyable for lovers of this historical period. I didn't know very much about the Napoleonic Wars, but I now want to read more.
February 5, 2022
Enjoyable but missed the mark
This was a book that probably bit off more than it could chew. Too many characters with meandering storylines, jumpy transitions and hard-to-follow explanations. I was definitely intrigued by the premise and the interesting setting and main characters, but unfortunately this fell flat for me in the end. I enjoyed the last third or so of the book but was surprised by how quickly it ended, especially the last chapter. 3 stars for a valiant effort and pretty effortless dialogue. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a book that probably bit off more than it could chew. Too many characters with meandering storylines, jumpy transitions and hard-to-follow explanations. I was definitely intrigued by the premise and the interesting setting and main characters, but unfortunately this fell flat for me in the end. I enjoyed the last third or so of the book but was surprised by how quickly it ended, especially the last chapter. 3 stars for a valiant effort and pretty effortless dialogue. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy to this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
DNF @60%. This started so well and I was so excited it was part of a series. Great story, very clunky excecution. There was way too much information thrown into each sentence that kept pulling me out of the narrative. I went for the audiobook and the narrator simply sent me to sleep - no variety or change in pace to reflect mood. It was not always clear who was speaking as the narrator employed the same voice and inflection for everyone, with the exception of the step mother, for whom she used a giggling voice to convey that the character was a snob - so contrived and after a while, downright irritating. Such a shame as I loved the premise of the novel.
October 17, 2020
HISTORICAL FICTION
What would happen if Wellington had not won the battle of Waterloo and France occupied England?
I like twisted tales and this didn't disappoint. I did however feel it was slow read, although a good read.
It would be better as a TV Period Drama or a film and that's unusual for me to say, as I normally prefer books.
#falselights #kjwhittaker #boxofstories #historicalfiction #battleofwaterloo
What would happen if Wellington had not won the battle of Waterloo and France occupied England?
I like twisted tales and this didn't disappoint. I did however feel it was slow read, although a good read.
It would be better as a TV Period Drama or a film and that's unusual for me to say, as I normally prefer books.
#falselights #kjwhittaker #boxofstories #historicalfiction #battleofwaterloo
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