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House of Falconer #1
Master of His Fate
From New York Times bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes the first book in a stunning new historical saga.
Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. Even as a boy working in his father's market stall in Camden, he was determined to become a merchant prince. Through hard work and a single-minded determination, James rises quickly through the ranks, with a loving wife, devoted children, and a lofty position in the Malvern & Malvern Company. But when back-to-back tragedies strike the Falconer home, shattering this idyllic life, it seems as though James might never recover his former glory...until a royal summons gives him the chance to prove that he truly is a master of the game.
The first book in an expansive and intricately detailed new historical fiction series from master storyteller Barbara Taylor Bradford, Master of the Game is filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford's trademark cast of compelling characters.
Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. Even as a boy working in his father's market stall in Camden, he was determined to become a merchant prince. Through hard work and a single-minded determination, James rises quickly through the ranks, with a loving wife, devoted children, and a lofty position in the Malvern & Malvern Company. But when back-to-back tragedies strike the Falconer home, shattering this idyllic life, it seems as though James might never recover his former glory...until a royal summons gives him the chance to prove that he truly is a master of the game.
The first book in an expansive and intricately detailed new historical fiction series from master storyteller Barbara Taylor Bradford, Master of the Game is filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford's trademark cast of compelling characters.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
1383 people are currently reading
3866 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Taylor Bradford
279 books1,925 followersBarbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.
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December 18, 2018
4 Victorian stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Master of His Fate, the first in a new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford, is actually my first book by this beloved author of historical fiction!
Set in Victorian England, there is a deep and wide distinction between the haves and the have-nots, and two main characters are brought together from either side of the divide. James Lionel Falconer is the grandson of hired help; well-loved and highly-respected help, but help nonetheless. James is self-made in every respect and has the charm and intelligence of someone able to climb socially.
James starts as a young boy working in his father’s rented wares stall and dreams of being a wealthy merchant…Slowly moving respectfully through the ranks, he earns a high position in a company, but not long after, tragedy strikes his family- not once, but twice, leaving James to worry about his position. He need not, though, because he receives a royal summons that may be just the rise in stature he needs to achieve his goals.
In contrast to James’ working class beginnings, Alexis Malvern is a wealthy young woman, born into a privileged family; the family for which James works. The stories of James and Alexis build and connect to each other, but not how you would expect.
The heart of this story is in its rich details. Barbara Taylor Bradford transports the reader to Victorian England, and these characters come to life within the pages.
Steeped in descriptions of the decor, clothing, and atmosphere, with well-drawn, complex characters, I was mesmerized by this story and cannot wait to read what happens next in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Master of His Fate, the first in a new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford, is actually my first book by this beloved author of historical fiction!
Set in Victorian England, there is a deep and wide distinction between the haves and the have-nots, and two main characters are brought together from either side of the divide. James Lionel Falconer is the grandson of hired help; well-loved and highly-respected help, but help nonetheless. James is self-made in every respect and has the charm and intelligence of someone able to climb socially.
James starts as a young boy working in his father’s rented wares stall and dreams of being a wealthy merchant…Slowly moving respectfully through the ranks, he earns a high position in a company, but not long after, tragedy strikes his family- not once, but twice, leaving James to worry about his position. He need not, though, because he receives a royal summons that may be just the rise in stature he needs to achieve his goals.
In contrast to James’ working class beginnings, Alexis Malvern is a wealthy young woman, born into a privileged family; the family for which James works. The stories of James and Alexis build and connect to each other, but not how you would expect.
The heart of this story is in its rich details. Barbara Taylor Bradford transports the reader to Victorian England, and these characters come to life within the pages.
Steeped in descriptions of the decor, clothing, and atmosphere, with well-drawn, complex characters, I was mesmerized by this story and cannot wait to read what happens next in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
October 8, 2018
When my children were young enough for me to be still suffering from baby brain I read and enjoyed "A Woman of Substance". I was surprised to see that Barbara Taylor Bradford is still publishing novels so thought I would give this one a try, courtesy of an ARC from Netgalley and St Martins Press.
I wonder if BTB herself wrote it. It is phenomenally badly written. Every conversation is stilted and expository. Some of the language is oddly anachronistic - I'm sure Victorians did not describe themselves as chuffed and I'm not convinced that the term "mesmerise" would have been in wide use at the time the novel is set. The characters are wooden in the extreme and the plot is banal.
If you have an interest in Victorian fashion - male and female - there are lengthy passages describing the characters' clothing and quite a lot of attention is paid to interior decor. But I can find little else to recommend this book. If family sagas are your thing, Ken Follett does it much better.
I wonder if BTB herself wrote it. It is phenomenally badly written. Every conversation is stilted and expository. Some of the language is oddly anachronistic - I'm sure Victorians did not describe themselves as chuffed and I'm not convinced that the term "mesmerise" would have been in wide use at the time the novel is set. The characters are wooden in the extreme and the plot is banal.
If you have an interest in Victorian fashion - male and female - there are lengthy passages describing the characters' clothing and quite a lot of attention is paid to interior decor. But I can find little else to recommend this book. If family sagas are your thing, Ken Follett does it much better.
November 28, 2018
Barbara Taylor Bradford introduced me to grand sagas with her first book A Woman of Substance, along with its sequels. I’m thrilled that she is continuing this tradition with Master of His Fate. I was intrigued by the two storylines; James Falconer, a poor but ambitious and bright young man: Alexis Malvern, a rich young woman who lives a life of privilege. It was fascinating as these two stories intertwined in such unexpected ways. The author does an excellent job of placing the reader directly into the setting with intricate details of their homes, the fashions, and current events of the time.
June 11, 2019
400 pages of nothing but character background. the first several pages give you a brief description of each main character and their relations. The author should have left it at that. It's obvious from the first two chapters that Alexis and James will be the protagonists and must come together for that to happen. Unfortunately, it takes 380 pages for them to meet.
Barbara Taylor Bradford must be being paid by the word, if not the letter, for this book that leads to nowhere. There is page after page of stilted, mind-numbing dialogue about nothing. Do we really need a back and forth about the real name of Scotland Yard and why it is called Scotland Yard? How about a detailed listing of Jack the Ripper's victims by name and date of murder? Another entire page of the most unnatural dialogue ever written to describe the geography of the location of one of Sebastian's properties. From page 146, "As usual, the time passed quickly when they were together. At one moment she said, 'I've never been to Kent before, but we look at if we are going in the direction of the Thames estuary.'
Sebastian glanced at her, nodded. 'That's right. We're actually heading for the Strait of Dover. And on the way to Maidstone, which, as you No doubt no, is the county town. Eventually we will be crossing the north down, which are very chalky and then the Weald. As I told you allenton is the little village where gold hurst fits you won't be far from Romney Marsh and I think you'll love the marsh as much as I do.' " OMG, this geography lesson continues for another entire page. You are welcome for saving you any more of that.
So much unnecessary detail and dialogue and yet, the story has not even begun. The characters are all indescribably brilliant and good looking. Every woman has an abundant amount of luxuriant curls. Every main character's eye color is breathtaking and unique. Even the horses are remarkable specimens. It's just too much. I was hoping for some sort of wrap up to anything that mattered, but sadly wasted the time it took to slog through these 400 pages.
I've never read one of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books before and I am not likely to again.
Barbara Taylor Bradford must be being paid by the word, if not the letter, for this book that leads to nowhere. There is page after page of stilted, mind-numbing dialogue about nothing. Do we really need a back and forth about the real name of Scotland Yard and why it is called Scotland Yard? How about a detailed listing of Jack the Ripper's victims by name and date of murder? Another entire page of the most unnatural dialogue ever written to describe the geography of the location of one of Sebastian's properties. From page 146, "As usual, the time passed quickly when they were together. At one moment she said, 'I've never been to Kent before, but we look at if we are going in the direction of the Thames estuary.'
Sebastian glanced at her, nodded. 'That's right. We're actually heading for the Strait of Dover. And on the way to Maidstone, which, as you No doubt no, is the county town. Eventually we will be crossing the north down, which are very chalky and then the Weald. As I told you allenton is the little village where gold hurst fits you won't be far from Romney Marsh and I think you'll love the marsh as much as I do.' " OMG, this geography lesson continues for another entire page. You are welcome for saving you any more of that.
So much unnecessary detail and dialogue and yet, the story has not even begun. The characters are all indescribably brilliant and good looking. Every woman has an abundant amount of luxuriant curls. Every main character's eye color is breathtaking and unique. Even the horses are remarkable specimens. It's just too much. I was hoping for some sort of wrap up to anything that mattered, but sadly wasted the time it took to slog through these 400 pages.
I've never read one of Barbara Taylor Bradford's books before and I am not likely to again.
December 31, 2018
Lovers of Downton Abbey and Upstairs/Downstairs will enjoy the latest novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford Master of his Fate (the first in a new series). Set in Victorian England, the story focuses of James Falconer, a young man determined to rise in the ranks and make something of himself. Alexis Malvern is a high class lady who falls in love with a much older man. Their lives cross through a series of tragedies. This book has it all: romance, intrigue, drama. I loved the characters, the setting, and the romantic entanglements of the characters!
November 22, 2020
I almost want to call this a ghost writer? I've never read a Bradford book before so I have to believe people are blindly loving it because of her other books? The bottom of the synopsis on Goodreads even has an error! It says "...master storyteller Barbara Taylor Bradford, Master of the Game is filled with drama...". I feel like I read a different story from everyone else and am baffled.
The back of the paperback says "From rags to riches", I guess to entice you about the saga, but no one has rags!!! They might not be wealthy but the main dude's family is not struggling in a way anyone could appropriately describe as "rags". It was quite elitist in a forced humble kind of way.
Also, Bradford is not Charles Dickens and people are no longer getting paid by the sentence. Everything was so repetitive that if you took out literally every other sentence, I'm not sure anyone would notice. I would occasionally try it, and the only thing I lost was the repetition of it all. It wasn't even that there were too many details. It would be like "She realized something was wrong. She turned to her friend and said 'Something was wrong'. They decided to get up and investigate because something was wrong". Which is also ironic, because nothing was ever wrong. Sure there would be issues, and bad things happened, but any bad thing that occurred was dealt with or forgotten within 15 pages. There was no arc to this, no interesting plot.
Also, I really don't need to know that all men care about is if a girl is a "natural red head". It's just super gross. And happened more times that anyone could possibly appreciate.
The descriptions of things were nice? I liked reading about Victorian London? But again, just like the book I am repeating myself to tell you that rather than adding interesting details, this book was fluffed up by repeating sentences in slightly different ways. All telling, absolutely no showing.
The back of the paperback says "From rags to riches", I guess to entice you about the saga, but no one has rags!!! They might not be wealthy but the main dude's family is not struggling in a way anyone could appropriately describe as "rags". It was quite elitist in a forced humble kind of way.
Also, Bradford is not Charles Dickens and people are no longer getting paid by the sentence. Everything was so repetitive that if you took out literally every other sentence, I'm not sure anyone would notice. I would occasionally try it, and the only thing I lost was the repetition of it all. It wasn't even that there were too many details. It would be like "She realized something was wrong. She turned to her friend and said 'Something was wrong'. They decided to get up and investigate because something was wrong". Which is also ironic, because nothing was ever wrong. Sure there would be issues, and bad things happened, but any bad thing that occurred was dealt with or forgotten within 15 pages. There was no arc to this, no interesting plot.
Also, I really don't need to know that all men care about is if a girl is a "natural red head". It's just super gross. And happened more times that anyone could possibly appreciate.
The descriptions of things were nice? I liked reading about Victorian London? But again, just like the book I am repeating myself to tell you that rather than adding interesting details, this book was fluffed up by repeating sentences in slightly different ways. All telling, absolutely no showing.
December 17, 2018
Adding another new, shiny check to my historical fiction column of books that I love! Master of His Fate is an expansive historical saga, the first of a series, that follows a rich cast of characters in the most vivid settings in Victorian England.
I adored both James Falconer and Alexis Malvern and although their stories are laced with common threads - they couldn’t come from more different backgrounds. And they just may be destined to meet. The story bounces back and forth as James and Alexis both find and make their ways in the world.
Coming from a much lower class family than Alexis, James starts off as an assistant to his father, selling goods and wares in a small stall located inside a merchant mall, but everyone knows he is destined to do greater things. His goal is to own his own merchant mall and use his knowledge to franchise and expand and become somewhat of a mogul. His family is so sweet - I loved getting to know every single one, including his devoted grandparents, servants to a wealthy family, but the wealth of love that envelops this family is so lovely, you can’t help but root for James’ success and happiness. His loyalty to his friends and family, his hunger for knowledge and impressive work ethic, and a curiosity of the finer things in life (along with dashing good looks) prime him for an incredible future.
Alexis is born more into privilege, her father owns a successful trading business, and working alongside him closely has also groomed her to be fiercely independent and exceptionally smart in business. She is charitable, running her own charity herself for battered wives, and extremely loyal to those around her. And, also an exceptionally beautiful women, who turns heads at every corner.
I loved getting a glimpse into what isn’t really seen much in these stories: Seeing the families at their most intimate gatherings, dinnertime, birthdays, and I relished the doting fathers. James is very close to his father, and you see he is brought up in a family where the women are very much respected. Alexis and her father are very close as well, as her mother passed when she was very young. (Mothers don’t have a lot of luck with health in this story!) The intricate details and historical facts interspersed throughout the book were so clever and interesting, and I enjoyed the writing very much.
James and Alexis are bound to meet - it seems to be fate that the Falconer and Malvern family’s come together. We follow them both, separately, through lives and loves and about 3/4 through I was SHOCKED at a major death in the book. I am SO looking forward to the next book in this series and to see how things progress. A stunning story that will draw you into a sweeping saga of ambition, tragedy, love and dreams that will captivate readers with is wonderful details and engrossing drama!
I adored both James Falconer and Alexis Malvern and although their stories are laced with common threads - they couldn’t come from more different backgrounds. And they just may be destined to meet. The story bounces back and forth as James and Alexis both find and make their ways in the world.
Coming from a much lower class family than Alexis, James starts off as an assistant to his father, selling goods and wares in a small stall located inside a merchant mall, but everyone knows he is destined to do greater things. His goal is to own his own merchant mall and use his knowledge to franchise and expand and become somewhat of a mogul. His family is so sweet - I loved getting to know every single one, including his devoted grandparents, servants to a wealthy family, but the wealth of love that envelops this family is so lovely, you can’t help but root for James’ success and happiness. His loyalty to his friends and family, his hunger for knowledge and impressive work ethic, and a curiosity of the finer things in life (along with dashing good looks) prime him for an incredible future.
Alexis is born more into privilege, her father owns a successful trading business, and working alongside him closely has also groomed her to be fiercely independent and exceptionally smart in business. She is charitable, running her own charity herself for battered wives, and extremely loyal to those around her. And, also an exceptionally beautiful women, who turns heads at every corner.
I loved getting a glimpse into what isn’t really seen much in these stories: Seeing the families at their most intimate gatherings, dinnertime, birthdays, and I relished the doting fathers. James is very close to his father, and you see he is brought up in a family where the women are very much respected. Alexis and her father are very close as well, as her mother passed when she was very young. (Mothers don’t have a lot of luck with health in this story!) The intricate details and historical facts interspersed throughout the book were so clever and interesting, and I enjoyed the writing very much.
James and Alexis are bound to meet - it seems to be fate that the Falconer and Malvern family’s come together. We follow them both, separately, through lives and loves and about 3/4 through I was SHOCKED at a major death in the book. I am SO looking forward to the next book in this series and to see how things progress. A stunning story that will draw you into a sweeping saga of ambition, tragedy, love and dreams that will captivate readers with is wonderful details and engrossing drama!
November 20, 2018
What can I say? It's Barbara Taylor Bradford, folks, the queen of riveting historical romance sagas. Once again you'll be transported into the lives of two fascinating protagonists meant to be together but at a big cost. I won't focus on the plot. I'll let you discover it for yourself (if you can avoid reading the book description or the other reviews below). One thing I will say, however, is grab this book. If you like fluff with a sophisticated edge, that is. Taylor's been at it for a while and the results are always appealing. The lady is an ace at knowing how to entice and deliver. I have never been disappointed by a Bradford read thus far and this one is no different. The characters are likable and the story so well-drawn. Suffice to say, I eagerly wait for the next chapter of this new saga. Keep them coming, sweet lady. My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for having had the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Either it's been too long and I've forgotten, or my tastes have changed a lot, but I felt like I've read much more interesting things by this author while reading this book? The story felt very flat and boring as I was reading and there was nothing exciting, nothing that made me want to keep reading - I only did it because of the engagement I had, to give the review. There were so many characters to keep track of, which this I do remember being something the author likes doing, but it was pretty annoying and it didn't help that it was an ecopy that I had and going back and forth to keep track of who is who was a bloody pain. And honestly, I don't even remember how it had started out by this point.
I mean, other people might enjoy definitely but didn't work for me.
Either it's been too long and I've forgotten, or my tastes have changed a lot, but I felt like I've read much more interesting things by this author while reading this book? The story felt very flat and boring as I was reading and there was nothing exciting, nothing that made me want to keep reading - I only did it because of the engagement I had, to give the review. There were so many characters to keep track of, which this I do remember being something the author likes doing, but it was pretty annoying and it didn't help that it was an ecopy that I had and going back and forth to keep track of who is who was a bloody pain. And honestly, I don't even remember how it had started out by this point.
I mean, other people might enjoy definitely but didn't work for me.
April 2, 2020
Tre meno - Quando ero ragazzina mia madre leggeva sempre i libri di quest'autrice e poi ho cominciato anch'io, tanto che ne ho ancora in libreria (alcuni molto belli).
Quando ho visto che usciva di nuovo, a parte chiedermi l'età dell'autrice (è del 1933, quindi ha ben 87 anni!!) e farle i complimenti perché persevera nello scrivere, ho subito pensato di leggerlo.
In realtà questo libro è molto ma molto distante dalla sua precedente produzione, per non dire bruttino. Diciamo che unisce i peggiori stereotipi del romanzo rosa (se visto da chi non apprezza il rosa) all'eccesso di infodump di un romanzo storico (scritto da chi storico non è e che quindi ritiene che occorra infarcire ogni scena di didascalie).
L'impressione a freddo che ne ho avuto è che si tratti molto di un lavoro redazionale, dove la Taylor Bradford si è limitata a imprimere le sue linee guida (che, sostanzialmente, riflettevano la volontà di raccontare le storie parallele di James e Alexis per farle congiungere alla fine del primo libro).
Diciamo che dopo aver scelto l'epoca, si è deciso di condensare tutto lo scibile trovato in giro in giro per supportare una storia che in realtà è deboluccia.
Mi spiego. Il primo libro inizia con la storia di James sedicenne e si conclude con lui diciannovenne, un ragazzino quindi. Ebbene, il libro è una carrellata di avvenimenti che lo riguardano che però non riescono a dare alcuna profondità al personaggio. E la spiegazione è che tutto risulta edulcorato e ... noioso. James è retto, buono, bello, intelligente. Sembra un santo.
C'è suo padre che ogni giorno ringrazia Iddio per avere un figlio simile, ci sono i nonni che stanno lì a rimirarselo come nipote preferito, ci sono gli amici che cercano di stargli accanto perchè vedono che sarà un uomo di successo (a 16-17 anni e sta solo facendo l'aiuto di suo padre al banco di un mercato... mah). James ha una mente "acuta" (si intende di cedimenti strutturali di edifici, di vino grazie alla lettura delle riviste del nonno, di gioielli Cartier, di logistica e marketing, di frodi), James ha relazioni con donne più grandi (a 17 anni...) ed è ovviamente un amante malizioso ed esperto... i suoi datori di lavoro lo amano...
Conclusione: James è antipatico e gli riesce tutto ma proprio tutto in modo facile.
Ma il problema principale è che ogni volta che James incontra qualcuno si apre lo spiegone sulla storia di quel qualcuno, ogni volta che si mangia si apre una parentesi sulla ricetta. Un tizio si ammala di polmonite, si apre la parentesi sulle malattie dell'epoca, una tizia va in depressione, tutti i dialoghi si concentrano su Freud. I protagonisti conversano di commercio e il narratore parte a raccontare che nel 1886 in Inghilterra i maggiori porti si trovavano a...
Insomma, un libro tutto raccontato e non mostrato.
Figurarsi che mentre leggevo e pensavo alle date ho pensato: manca solo Jack lo squartatore... tac, nel capitolo dopo si è trovato il modo per inserirlo!!
Se vedete che sinora non ho menzionato Alexis, è perchè in realtà viene definita da subito "bella, intelligente, bravissima negli affari", ma poi la troviamo descritta minuziosamente nei suoi vestiti, dichiara di non voler sposarsi e si innamora all'istante nella scena successiva e tutti gli eventi che la riguardano sono idilliaci-eroici.
Un romanzo ameno, come direbbe mia madre. Divulgativo, se vogliamo.
Piacerà molto a chi cerca sentimenti pacati, niente volgarità, serenità, pochi lutti e necessari alla gloria dei protagonisti.
Per questo la sufficienza c'è, poi l'entusiasmo di lettura è soggettivo.
Quando ho visto che usciva di nuovo, a parte chiedermi l'età dell'autrice (è del 1933, quindi ha ben 87 anni!!) e farle i complimenti perché persevera nello scrivere, ho subito pensato di leggerlo.
In realtà questo libro è molto ma molto distante dalla sua precedente produzione, per non dire bruttino. Diciamo che unisce i peggiori stereotipi del romanzo rosa (se visto da chi non apprezza il rosa) all'eccesso di infodump di un romanzo storico (scritto da chi storico non è e che quindi ritiene che occorra infarcire ogni scena di didascalie).
L'impressione a freddo che ne ho avuto è che si tratti molto di un lavoro redazionale, dove la Taylor Bradford si è limitata a imprimere le sue linee guida (che, sostanzialmente, riflettevano la volontà di raccontare le storie parallele di James e Alexis per farle congiungere alla fine del primo libro).
Diciamo che dopo aver scelto l'epoca, si è deciso di condensare tutto lo scibile trovato in giro in giro per supportare una storia che in realtà è deboluccia.
Mi spiego. Il primo libro inizia con la storia di James sedicenne e si conclude con lui diciannovenne, un ragazzino quindi. Ebbene, il libro è una carrellata di avvenimenti che lo riguardano che però non riescono a dare alcuna profondità al personaggio. E la spiegazione è che tutto risulta edulcorato e ... noioso. James è retto, buono, bello, intelligente. Sembra un santo.
C'è suo padre che ogni giorno ringrazia Iddio per avere un figlio simile, ci sono i nonni che stanno lì a rimirarselo come nipote preferito, ci sono gli amici che cercano di stargli accanto perchè vedono che sarà un uomo di successo (a 16-17 anni e sta solo facendo l'aiuto di suo padre al banco di un mercato... mah). James ha una mente "acuta" (si intende di cedimenti strutturali di edifici, di vino grazie alla lettura delle riviste del nonno, di gioielli Cartier, di logistica e marketing, di frodi), James ha relazioni con donne più grandi (a 17 anni...) ed è ovviamente un amante malizioso ed esperto... i suoi datori di lavoro lo amano...
Conclusione: James è antipatico e gli riesce tutto ma proprio tutto in modo facile.
Ma il problema principale è che ogni volta che James incontra qualcuno si apre lo spiegone sulla storia di quel qualcuno, ogni volta che si mangia si apre una parentesi sulla ricetta. Un tizio si ammala di polmonite, si apre la parentesi sulle malattie dell'epoca, una tizia va in depressione, tutti i dialoghi si concentrano su Freud. I protagonisti conversano di commercio e il narratore parte a raccontare che nel 1886 in Inghilterra i maggiori porti si trovavano a...
Insomma, un libro tutto raccontato e non mostrato.
Figurarsi che mentre leggevo e pensavo alle date ho pensato: manca solo Jack lo squartatore... tac, nel capitolo dopo si è trovato il modo per inserirlo!!
Se vedete che sinora non ho menzionato Alexis, è perchè in realtà viene definita da subito "bella, intelligente, bravissima negli affari", ma poi la troviamo descritta minuziosamente nei suoi vestiti, dichiara di non voler sposarsi e si innamora all'istante nella scena successiva e tutti gli eventi che la riguardano sono idilliaci-eroici.
Un romanzo ameno, come direbbe mia madre. Divulgativo, se vogliamo.
Piacerà molto a chi cerca sentimenti pacati, niente volgarità, serenità, pochi lutti e necessari alla gloria dei protagonisti.
Per questo la sufficienza c'è, poi l'entusiasmo di lettura è soggettivo.
November 8, 2020
Ever since devouring The Woman of Substance series over a decade ago, I have loved everything written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. After reading some low reviews of this one, I was nervous to start it. My fears were soon allayed, however, as I became lost in the setting and the deliciously detailed story, forgetting all about the negative reviews.
Set during the Victorian era in London, England, Master of His Fate chronicled the lives of James, a charming and ambitious young man who dreams of owning a successful department store and Alexis, a young woman raised by her widowed father and trained to run his extremely successful department store, or “arcade” as they were called in that time period. The story follows James and Alexis as they pursue their parallel dreams. Alexis was everything I love in a heroine: independent, strong yet likable, as well as charitable, intent on raising funds to open a home for abused women and their children.
The descriptions of the time period were vivid, the myriad of characters rich, the plot strong, and I was completely drawn in and mesmerized. As with all of Ms. Bradford’s books, there was a large cast of characters introduced at a rapid pace, but thanks to her masterful writing style, I did not have any trouble distinguishing one from the other. The story included many touching and romantic scenes, while also providing interesting and true to life information about running a successful business in that day and age. As a marketing professional, I was especially intrigued by the latter and lapped up the details. Fans of fashion and Cartier jewelry will also enjoy the colorful descriptions.
Master of His Fate, Ms. Bradford’s 33rd novel, was a very auspicious and exciting start to a new historical fiction saga, and I personally cannot wait for the next installment!
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions of my own.
Location: England (London) and France (Le Havre and Paris)
Set during the Victorian era in London, England, Master of His Fate chronicled the lives of James, a charming and ambitious young man who dreams of owning a successful department store and Alexis, a young woman raised by her widowed father and trained to run his extremely successful department store, or “arcade” as they were called in that time period. The story follows James and Alexis as they pursue their parallel dreams. Alexis was everything I love in a heroine: independent, strong yet likable, as well as charitable, intent on raising funds to open a home for abused women and their children.
The descriptions of the time period were vivid, the myriad of characters rich, the plot strong, and I was completely drawn in and mesmerized. As with all of Ms. Bradford’s books, there was a large cast of characters introduced at a rapid pace, but thanks to her masterful writing style, I did not have any trouble distinguishing one from the other. The story included many touching and romantic scenes, while also providing interesting and true to life information about running a successful business in that day and age. As a marketing professional, I was especially intrigued by the latter and lapped up the details. Fans of fashion and Cartier jewelry will also enjoy the colorful descriptions.
Master of His Fate, Ms. Bradford’s 33rd novel, was a very auspicious and exciting start to a new historical fiction saga, and I personally cannot wait for the next installment!
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions of my own.
Location: England (London) and France (Le Havre and Paris)
December 22, 2020
DNF. This started great. I thought I was in for a great family story set in London. The narrator was good. Then, Alexis met older man, Sebastian. The relationship became cheesy and contrived in my opinion. I thought I still had Jake's story to enjoy, still something to look forward to.. Then he meets older woman and that too becomes cheesy and ridiculously predictable. So, I quit.
December 1, 2018
** DARK ** TWISTED ** ADDICTIVE **
The grand dame of historical fiction is back with a new series – House of Falconer. It brings two highly different people together: Commoner: James Falconer and Noble: Alexis Malvern.
Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer, who spends his days working at his father’s market stall, is determined to become a merchant prince.
Even as a child, he is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. James quickly rises through the ranks, proving himself both hardworking and trustworthy, and catching the eye of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. But when threats against his reputation – and his life – begin to emerge, James will have to prove that he truly is the master of his fate.
Through scandal and romance, tragedy and triumph, the Falconer and Malvern family’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways in this expansive and intricately detailed new novel filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford’s trademark cast of compelling characters.
Based in romance and intrigue, James and Alexis narratives alternate. MASTER of his FATE is the first novel in a new saga. Can’t wait for the next installment in the House of Falconer series.
*****
Barbara took some time to share Holiday cheer with us.
What is your favorite Holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas, and for a variety of reasons, some going back to my childhood, others to my adulthood.
What do you love about the Holidays? What I love about Christmas is that it has always been part of my life. My mother loved Christmas time and all that went with it. We always had a small tree, and I loved putting the ornaments on it. We placed sprigs of holly on paintings on the walls, and hung a small branch of mistletoe in the entrance. People who visited us were obliged to kiss us under it, an old English custom.
My mother baked mince pies, a Christmas cake filled with fruit and topped with icing sugar or marzipan, as well as her special trifle. And we always had a roast goose on Christmas day.
What is your favorite Holiday memory? My favorite Christmas memory is of Christmas Eve, which is the day Bob and I were married. So we celebrate our wedding anniversary and Christmas Day, and give each other two presents! This Christmas Eve we will have been married 55 years. We are going on a cruise to warmer climes and will have our anniversary on a ship. I know it will be as enjoyable as usual.
(we say congratulations)
Your wishes for the New Year? My wishes for 2019 are that Bob and I stay well and lead our busy lives as usual. But I also pray for more peace in the world. I hope the coming year will be a year of friendship and accommodation.
****
Barbara Taylor Bradford was born and raised in England. She left school at 15 for the typing pool at the Yorkshire Evening Post. At 16 she was a reporter, and at 18 she became the paper’s first woman’s page editor and, at 20, moved to London and became a fashion editor and columnist on Fleet Street. She now lives in New York with her husband of over 50 years, television producer Robert Bradford.
Barbara started writing fiction when she was just seven years old and sold her first short story to a magazine for seven shillings and sixpence when she was 10 years old.
She published her first novel, A Woman of Substance, in 1979. It went from bestseller to super seller within its first year and stayed on the New York Times’ list for 55 weeks.
Barbara has had 31 books published, all worldwide bestsellers, and her latest, The Cavendon Luck, is out now.
Ten of her books have been produced as TV films or drama series starring actors including Liam Neeson, Anthony Hopkins, Jenny Seagrove, Deborah Kerr, Sir John Mills and Elizabeth Hurley.
Barbara holds five Honorary Doctorate of Letters. These are from the University of Leeds, Yorkshire; the University of Bradford, Yorkshire; Teikyo Post University, Connecticut; Siena College, Loudonville, New York; Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York.
Barbara is the recipient of 25 other awards for her writing achievements and philanthropy.
The Brotherton Library of Leeds University is the Keeper of the Barbara Taylor Bradford Archive. All of Barbara’s original manuscripts are housed there (31 works of fiction). They are displayed next to those of Yorkshire’s other legendary writers, including the Bronte sisters.
http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com
The grand dame of historical fiction is back with a new series – House of Falconer. It brings two highly different people together: Commoner: James Falconer and Noble: Alexis Malvern.
Victorian England is a country of sharp divides between rich and poor, but James Lionel Falconer, who spends his days working at his father’s market stall, is determined to become a merchant prince.
Even as a child, he is everything a self-made man should be: handsome, ambitious, charming, and brimming with self-confidence. James quickly rises through the ranks, proving himself both hardworking and trustworthy, and catching the eye of Henry Malvern, head of the most prestigious shipping company in London. But when threats against his reputation – and his life – begin to emerge, James will have to prove that he truly is the master of his fate.
Through scandal and romance, tragedy and triumph, the Falconer and Malvern family’s lives intertwine in unexpected ways in this expansive and intricately detailed new novel filled with drama, intrigue, and Bradford’s trademark cast of compelling characters.
Based in romance and intrigue, James and Alexis narratives alternate. MASTER of his FATE is the first novel in a new saga. Can’t wait for the next installment in the House of Falconer series.
*****
Barbara took some time to share Holiday cheer with us.
What is your favorite Holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas, and for a variety of reasons, some going back to my childhood, others to my adulthood.
What do you love about the Holidays? What I love about Christmas is that it has always been part of my life. My mother loved Christmas time and all that went with it. We always had a small tree, and I loved putting the ornaments on it. We placed sprigs of holly on paintings on the walls, and hung a small branch of mistletoe in the entrance. People who visited us were obliged to kiss us under it, an old English custom.
My mother baked mince pies, a Christmas cake filled with fruit and topped with icing sugar or marzipan, as well as her special trifle. And we always had a roast goose on Christmas day.
What is your favorite Holiday memory? My favorite Christmas memory is of Christmas Eve, which is the day Bob and I were married. So we celebrate our wedding anniversary and Christmas Day, and give each other two presents! This Christmas Eve we will have been married 55 years. We are going on a cruise to warmer climes and will have our anniversary on a ship. I know it will be as enjoyable as usual.
(we say congratulations)
Your wishes for the New Year? My wishes for 2019 are that Bob and I stay well and lead our busy lives as usual. But I also pray for more peace in the world. I hope the coming year will be a year of friendship and accommodation.
****
Barbara Taylor Bradford was born and raised in England. She left school at 15 for the typing pool at the Yorkshire Evening Post. At 16 she was a reporter, and at 18 she became the paper’s first woman’s page editor and, at 20, moved to London and became a fashion editor and columnist on Fleet Street. She now lives in New York with her husband of over 50 years, television producer Robert Bradford.
Barbara started writing fiction when she was just seven years old and sold her first short story to a magazine for seven shillings and sixpence when she was 10 years old.
She published her first novel, A Woman of Substance, in 1979. It went from bestseller to super seller within its first year and stayed on the New York Times’ list for 55 weeks.
Barbara has had 31 books published, all worldwide bestsellers, and her latest, The Cavendon Luck, is out now.
Ten of her books have been produced as TV films or drama series starring actors including Liam Neeson, Anthony Hopkins, Jenny Seagrove, Deborah Kerr, Sir John Mills and Elizabeth Hurley.
Barbara holds five Honorary Doctorate of Letters. These are from the University of Leeds, Yorkshire; the University of Bradford, Yorkshire; Teikyo Post University, Connecticut; Siena College, Loudonville, New York; Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York.
Barbara is the recipient of 25 other awards for her writing achievements and philanthropy.
The Brotherton Library of Leeds University is the Keeper of the Barbara Taylor Bradford Archive. All of Barbara’s original manuscripts are housed there (31 works of fiction). They are displayed next to those of Yorkshire’s other legendary writers, including the Bronte sisters.
http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com
March 21, 2024
The setting is Victorian England in the late 1880's. There are numerous characters in this story; so it could be somewhat confusing to the reader.
The Falconers started out in service and worked their way into the middle class. James Lionel Falconer is one of the main characters; he is just 17 years old in 1888. He is an ambitious young man who would like to be a "prince merchant."
The Malvern's are an extremally wealthy family making their money in various business enterprises. Alexis Malvern is the only child of Henry Malvern; and a business partner.
Sebastian Trevilian, is president of the Trevilian bank. He is a widower with three daughters: Claudia, the eldest, Lavinia, a debutante, and Marietta, a debutant as well.
Sebastian Trevilian and Alexis Malvern are introduced by Sebastian's oldest daughter, Claudia. Sebastian and Alexis are instantly attracted to each other. They will eventually see each other regularly.
James Falconer, meanwhile begins a relationship with an older woman, Mrs. Ward. Scandal, however, starts to arise about this relationship. Both deny any wrong doing.
Ms. Bradford has written a masterpiece story about these various families, their business interest and their personal relationships.
The Falconers started out in service and worked their way into the middle class. James Lionel Falconer is one of the main characters; he is just 17 years old in 1888. He is an ambitious young man who would like to be a "prince merchant."
The Malvern's are an extremally wealthy family making their money in various business enterprises. Alexis Malvern is the only child of Henry Malvern; and a business partner.
Sebastian Trevilian, is president of the Trevilian bank. He is a widower with three daughters: Claudia, the eldest, Lavinia, a debutante, and Marietta, a debutant as well.
Sebastian Trevilian and Alexis Malvern are introduced by Sebastian's oldest daughter, Claudia. Sebastian and Alexis are instantly attracted to each other. They will eventually see each other regularly.
James Falconer, meanwhile begins a relationship with an older woman, Mrs. Ward. Scandal, however, starts to arise about this relationship. Both deny any wrong doing.
Ms. Bradford has written a masterpiece story about these various families, their business interest and their personal relationships.
January 21, 2019
I was never a Taylor Bradford fan thinking I have only read “Woman of Substance” years & years ago. I saw this new book of hers on my Amazon suggestion list and I think the time period of Victorian age England 1880’s is what caught my eye and had me reading the synopsis and downloading the book on Kindle.
Bradford’s style is low key with some romance and sex thrown in between incredibly beautiful women and devastatingly handsome men. Alternating between two main characters....one an independent business woman and a service class boy (with intelligence, charm and big dreams) who matures from age 14 to 19 by the books end. Their stories are kept separate and run parallel until the final chapters where the connection of their careers in retailing bring them together. The dramas are minimal, the major and minor characters are unflawed, loving , perfect family people who all get along, work hard, and care about the plight of their fellow man. These characters aren’t at all unlikable in their “perfection” as the story unfolds in almost day to day happenings . The book reads along with just enough story development to keep you moving forward and not bored but certainly never on the edge of your seat! Except for a very few isolated bad guys & one sad event ...a group of thugs, a mean and jealous cousin, and a thief and one unexpected death, all of which bring a bit of disturbance in the lives of the main characters, the story still moves on in a matter of fact way. Weirdly though Jack the Ripper gets an honorable mention without having any impact on the story which I found really odd. Not sure why even he showed up!?
As this is book one of a developing series perhaps this book was written to set the stage for more excitement and character development in the next books to come .....I am interested to see if this happens and if not, perhaps then I will remember why I never joined the cult of Barbara Taylor Bradford fans!
Bradford’s style is low key with some romance and sex thrown in between incredibly beautiful women and devastatingly handsome men. Alternating between two main characters....one an independent business woman and a service class boy (with intelligence, charm and big dreams) who matures from age 14 to 19 by the books end. Their stories are kept separate and run parallel until the final chapters where the connection of their careers in retailing bring them together. The dramas are minimal, the major and minor characters are unflawed, loving , perfect family people who all get along, work hard, and care about the plight of their fellow man. These characters aren’t at all unlikable in their “perfection” as the story unfolds in almost day to day happenings . The book reads along with just enough story development to keep you moving forward and not bored but certainly never on the edge of your seat! Except for a very few isolated bad guys & one sad event ...a group of thugs, a mean and jealous cousin, and a thief and one unexpected death, all of which bring a bit of disturbance in the lives of the main characters, the story still moves on in a matter of fact way. Weirdly though Jack the Ripper gets an honorable mention without having any impact on the story which I found really odd. Not sure why even he showed up!?
As this is book one of a developing series perhaps this book was written to set the stage for more excitement and character development in the next books to come .....I am interested to see if this happens and if not, perhaps then I will remember why I never joined the cult of Barbara Taylor Bradford fans!
November 10, 2018
Lindas Book Obsession Reviews " Master of His Fate" by @Barbara Taylor Bradford, St. Martin's Press, November 20, 2018
Barbara Taylor Bradford, Author of "Master of His Fate" has written an intriguing, intense, emotional, riveting, and captivating novel. Barbara Taylor Bradford is an amazing author that vividly describes her unique characters and dramatic settings. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women's Fiction, with a touch of Romance and Mystery and Suspense. The timeline for this story is set in Victorian England where there is a huge diversity between the very wealthy and the very poor. The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated possibly due to circumstances and events. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next book.
Alexis Malvern is a beautiful and intelligent daughter next in line to inherit her father's extremely successful and lucrative business. Tragedy occurs that forces Alexis to step back, and recover.
James Lionel Falconer should credit his grandparents for bring up to learn the ways of a gentleman. James has excellent manners and is educated through books in his grandparents house, where they are the head servants given much respect. As a boy, James watches and helps his father in the market stalls. When James is asked what his dream is to be he will say a "Prince Merchant". As James matures, he works his way up the ranks and is honest and hardworking. He is determined to make something of himself. When Alexis is recovering, James works at the Malvern company. James has a head for business and notices that there is something wrong with the books. There are twists and turns, danger, mystery, suspense and murder. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy a book of substance.
Barbara Taylor Bradford, Author of "Master of His Fate" has written an intriguing, intense, emotional, riveting, and captivating novel. Barbara Taylor Bradford is an amazing author that vividly describes her unique characters and dramatic settings. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women's Fiction, with a touch of Romance and Mystery and Suspense. The timeline for this story is set in Victorian England where there is a huge diversity between the very wealthy and the very poor. The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated possibly due to circumstances and events. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next book.
Alexis Malvern is a beautiful and intelligent daughter next in line to inherit her father's extremely successful and lucrative business. Tragedy occurs that forces Alexis to step back, and recover.
James Lionel Falconer should credit his grandparents for bring up to learn the ways of a gentleman. James has excellent manners and is educated through books in his grandparents house, where they are the head servants given much respect. As a boy, James watches and helps his father in the market stalls. When James is asked what his dream is to be he will say a "Prince Merchant". As James matures, he works his way up the ranks and is honest and hardworking. He is determined to make something of himself. When Alexis is recovering, James works at the Malvern company. James has a head for business and notices that there is something wrong with the books. There are twists and turns, danger, mystery, suspense and murder. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy a book of substance.
November 11, 2018
Master of His Fate by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the first novel in a four-book series, tentatively titled The House of Falconer. This novel, set in Victorian England from 1884 to 1889 centers around two seemingly disparate characters, James Falconer and Alexis Malvern, whose stories are eventually merged in an exceedingly cunning manner. Commoner, James is a young man who begins his career working a market stall with his father, but soon establishes an ambitious plan for his future. Noble, Alexis is a young woman with a strong sense of independence, due to her active role in her father’s business.
Bradford artfully switches the story from one character to the other without ever losing the reader’s attention. Romance, drama and intrigue are purposefully balanced with an outstanding cast of characters, which includes the family of both main characters. European history is masterfully interwoven into the story, including the emergence of the infamous Jack the Ripper and the rising career of the then little-known Dr. Sigmund Freud. I loved the ending, which leaves the reader with a sense of hope and appropriately sets the stage for the next book in the series.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Bradford artfully switches the story from one character to the other without ever losing the reader’s attention. Romance, drama and intrigue are purposefully balanced with an outstanding cast of characters, which includes the family of both main characters. European history is masterfully interwoven into the story, including the emergence of the infamous Jack the Ripper and the rising career of the then little-known Dr. Sigmund Freud. I loved the ending, which leaves the reader with a sense of hope and appropriately sets the stage for the next book in the series.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 3, 2018
I loved BTB's "A Woman of Substance," but unfortunately did not enjoy the author's first installment in her newest series. Review to come in Historical Novel Society.
November 29, 2020
Noioso, una trama piatta, con descrizioni dei personaggi protagonisti basate esclusivamente su quanto siano belli e quindi anche bravi.
Per i miei gusti è anche scritto male, gli eventi accadono quasi dal nulla e i personaggi si innamorano perdutamente con un colpo di fulmine senza rimedio o con appena qualche chiacchiera. Un grande bah!
Per i miei gusti è anche scritto male, gli eventi accadono quasi dal nulla e i personaggi si innamorano perdutamente con un colpo di fulmine senza rimedio o con appena qualche chiacchiera. Un grande bah!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2018
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I received a digital copy of this book on Netgalley.
"She was an independent woman with her own fortune, and thankfully the freedom to do what she wanted. She was the mistress of her fate."
Master of His Fate was the first Barbara Taylor Bradford book that I read, and frankly, I wasn't exactly sure what I was to expect. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. I had heard so much about the author so naturally, I had high expectations. Now although my expectations weren't matched, they weren't downright drowned either. Bradford is a decent enough author with a natural flair for creating twists, it seems. I loved what she did with the Victorian Era here. I have read many a historical fiction novels before. But I don't think I've read any in which instances from the past have been used in the way that she did. I liked the Jack The Ripper references and the entrance of Dr. Freud. It was a nice touch, considering the years in which the book is written. I also liked the characterization of all the characters. I mean, each one of them was rather uniquely developed and nicely done, too!
What I didn't like, however, was how a certain mystery wasn't solved anywhere. So basically, our protagonist—James Falconer—gets attacked. His friend dies in this attack. He, on the other hand, survives not knowing who or why was he attacked. A cold case. What I didn't understand was why was that attack added in the first place. And if it was a reason to send him to Hull (for his safety) then why on earth was it brought up later again? This was not something that particularly delighted me, especially when it was never solved. But maybe there will be references to this in the latter novels.
I also didn't like how a certain many dialogues did not seem natural. They seemed to have been written for the benefit of the reader, sure, but they were not written the way people normally talk. A little less believable there. I like my characters to talk the way they would normally. This, on the other hand, was completely different.
But other than that, the plot and pace were rather good. The plot was filled with a nice twists here and there, and it excited me to read more and more until I was done. A decent enough read then, I must say! You can try it out if you're interested in Historical Fiction.
I received a digital copy of this book on Netgalley.
"She was an independent woman with her own fortune, and thankfully the freedom to do what she wanted. She was the mistress of her fate."
Master of His Fate was the first Barbara Taylor Bradford book that I read, and frankly, I wasn't exactly sure what I was to expect. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. I had heard so much about the author so naturally, I had high expectations. Now although my expectations weren't matched, they weren't downright drowned either. Bradford is a decent enough author with a natural flair for creating twists, it seems. I loved what she did with the Victorian Era here. I have read many a historical fiction novels before. But I don't think I've read any in which instances from the past have been used in the way that she did. I liked the Jack The Ripper references and the entrance of Dr. Freud. It was a nice touch, considering the years in which the book is written. I also liked the characterization of all the characters. I mean, each one of them was rather uniquely developed and nicely done, too!
What I didn't like, however, was how a certain mystery wasn't solved anywhere. So basically, our protagonist—James Falconer—gets attacked. His friend dies in this attack. He, on the other hand, survives not knowing who or why was he attacked. A cold case. What I didn't understand was why was that attack added in the first place. And if it was a reason to send him to Hull (for his safety) then why on earth was it brought up later again? This was not something that particularly delighted me, especially when it was never solved. But maybe there will be references to this in the latter novels.
I also didn't like how a certain many dialogues did not seem natural. They seemed to have been written for the benefit of the reader, sure, but they were not written the way people normally talk. A little less believable there. I like my characters to talk the way they would normally. This, on the other hand, was completely different.
But other than that, the plot and pace were rather good. The plot was filled with a nice twists here and there, and it excited me to read more and more until I was done. A decent enough read then, I must say! You can try it out if you're interested in Historical Fiction.
November 23, 2018
Barbara Taylor Bradford is amazing. She takes a time that is so far into history and brings it to life. As a fan of hers, I know that when I pick up one of her amazing books I will be taken back in time to a land that I am not familiar with, customs that are not known to me, and a way of life that I’ve only heard about in a history lesson. Her books are the best history lessons I have ever read. I can picture the horse drawn carriages, the esteemed houses lit up by gas lights, the beautiful corset style dresses, and the rest of the wonders of the era.
I loved how involved James’ grandparents were in his life. They let him live while giving him the knowledge, the support, and once in a while a shove in the right direction to make his dreams come true. James’ knows what he wants to do and while he is not from a wealthy family he is taught manners and is educated to make it possible for him to reach his goal of being “Prince Merchant” for Malvern’s.
I would put Master of His Fates in the categories of historical fiction, women’s fiction with the twist of romance and suspense. All of the above categories are ones that I look to when I am in need of a book to read. Barbara Taylor Bradford does an amazing job of weaving together the storylines, making them come together seamlessly, and pulling the reader in.
I loved how involved James’ grandparents were in his life. They let him live while giving him the knowledge, the support, and once in a while a shove in the right direction to make his dreams come true. James’ knows what he wants to do and while he is not from a wealthy family he is taught manners and is educated to make it possible for him to reach his goal of being “Prince Merchant” for Malvern’s.
I would put Master of His Fates in the categories of historical fiction, women’s fiction with the twist of romance and suspense. All of the above categories are ones that I look to when I am in need of a book to read. Barbara Taylor Bradford does an amazing job of weaving together the storylines, making them come together seamlessly, and pulling the reader in.
July 11, 2019
Almost couldn't wait to give my review. I usually like her books but not this one. No depth to this book at all. Except for one incident this book was too rosey and every page dripped with syrup. Nothing ever went wrong in James' world, he was almost perfect as were all the people around him. Everybody liked him, all of his problems worked out easily. Matter of fact there were hardly any problems. Whose world is like that even in 1888; something has to go wrong. His parents & grandparents favorite among all his siblings & cousins (who never minded) saved a whole year for a party on his 18th birthday. Give me a break. No, didn't like it. Should of stopped reading at page 100 but you just think the whole book can't be like this. Wrong.
October 13, 2020
Voto 4.5
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
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Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
November 12, 2021
Erano anni che nn leggevo qualcosa di Barbara Taylor Bradford, dai tempi della mitica saga di Emma Harte, una storia articolata in vari libri, davvero indimenticabile. Quindi avevo molte aspettative che sono state, purtroppo, tutte deluse. Questo primo libro sembra scritto da una principiante, non c'è qualità, non c'è spessore, i personaggi sono piatti, mancano d'introspezione, di profondità. Il protagonista è talmente perfetto, bello, bravo, buono da risultare irritante. I dialoghi sono banali, privi di arguzia, di brillantezza, tanto che spesso li ho trovati puerili e l'intreccio narrativo è quasi inesistente, scorre senza particolari colpi di scena, risultando così noioso e prevedibile.
Per curiosità ho letto pure il secondo libro della saga ed è peggio del primo...
Per curiosità ho letto pure il secondo libro della saga ed è peggio del primo...
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June 22, 2021This is the first in a new series, & I enjoyed it very much. If you like Downton Abby, I’m sure you will enjoy this novel.
October 6, 2018
"Master of His Fate" begins a new historical fiction series. We begin with James Falconer as a boy- already he has big dreams. He currently helps his merchant father to sell wares at the market, and he absolutely loves what he does. He dreams of owning a big shop and stores to sell wares when he is older. With an idyllic, loving family and grandparents (seriously, Hallmark quality interactions), James is already on the right path for success.
Next, we meet Alexis Malvern. Her father owns a trading business and has raised her to take over for him (breaking the mold of the time). She's intelligent, quick-witted, and independent. In fact, she is so independent that she has decided she will not marry and have to worry about her husband's potential issues. Although her father worries that his business will then never be passed through her family, he loves her so much that he supports her in all things. Alexis is starting a charity for women with abusive husbands where they can escape to get on their feet.
Between these two characters, following their lives becomes intriguing. I was much more pulled into Alexis's life at the start as James and his family just didn't feel quite real. However, over time, James really grew on me. For lovers of historical fiction and Jane Austen-era/style writing, I think this will be a big hit! Be ready to be pulled into the lives of these individuals and their amazing families.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Next, we meet Alexis Malvern. Her father owns a trading business and has raised her to take over for him (breaking the mold of the time). She's intelligent, quick-witted, and independent. In fact, she is so independent that she has decided she will not marry and have to worry about her husband's potential issues. Although her father worries that his business will then never be passed through her family, he loves her so much that he supports her in all things. Alexis is starting a charity for women with abusive husbands where they can escape to get on their feet.
Between these two characters, following their lives becomes intriguing. I was much more pulled into Alexis's life at the start as James and his family just didn't feel quite real. However, over time, James really grew on me. For lovers of historical fiction and Jane Austen-era/style writing, I think this will be a big hit! Be ready to be pulled into the lives of these individuals and their amazing families.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2021
Nothing happens.... but there’s lots of unnecessary words to tell you that!
Such an annoying book, for example to explain someone’s character instead of saying James was an honest, intelligent lad it would say “ as you know I’m an honest, intelligent person...” or something like that.
Also everyone was of the highest moral character and beautiful/ handsome, intelligent, nice, perfect basically, there was certainly no ‘rags to riches” story. The characters were always thinking to themselves what a lovely, handsome person so & so was too, just in case you didn’t understand how lovely and handsome someone was - there you go the above was a whole paragraph of nothing, exactly like the book!
I knew what would happen from the time the main characters were introduced alas you have to read 95% of nothing for them to actually meet.
I’ve read A woman of substance before - I mean like years ago, when I was a teenager I can’t remember it being this bad but maybe I had no taste back then .
Anyway I was bored by 60% so I skimmed the last 40% reading the occasional sentence, and I still know what happened, so that’s 38.5% of unnecessary words!
Just realised this is part of a series, so should you be intrigued there’s more books of lots of words to bore you to death!
Such an annoying book, for example to explain someone’s character instead of saying James was an honest, intelligent lad it would say “ as you know I’m an honest, intelligent person...” or something like that.
Also everyone was of the highest moral character and beautiful/ handsome, intelligent, nice, perfect basically, there was certainly no ‘rags to riches” story. The characters were always thinking to themselves what a lovely, handsome person so & so was too, just in case you didn’t understand how lovely and handsome someone was - there you go the above was a whole paragraph of nothing, exactly like the book!
I knew what would happen from the time the main characters were introduced alas you have to read 95% of nothing for them to actually meet.
I’ve read A woman of substance before - I mean like years ago, when I was a teenager I can’t remember it being this bad but maybe I had no taste back then .
Anyway I was bored by 60% so I skimmed the last 40% reading the occasional sentence, and I still know what happened, so that’s 38.5% of unnecessary words!
Just realised this is part of a series, so should you be intrigued there’s more books of lots of words to bore you to death!
Read
February 26, 2022James falcones nonostante la giovanissima età ha ben in mente cosa vuole dalla vita..
Ha un sogno che tenterà di realizzare con ogni mezzo..
Alexis malvern, ė la bellissima figlia ereditiera di herry malvern.
La sua vita viene sconvolta da un inaspettata tragedia..
James e alexis sono destinati ad incrociare i loro destini..
Ho letto questo libro perché mi ė stato consigliato..
Devo dire che ė stata una scelta azzeccata.
L'autrice ci fionda nella Londra dell'epoca vittoriana( esattamente nel 1884)
Dove la distinzione tra ricchi e poveri era ancora invalicabile..
James falcones ė il ragazzo perfetto: bello, educato, raffinato, con un intelligenza fuori dal comune.. ed ė anche molto ambizioso.
Avrà l'appoggio incondizionato dei nonni ( che lo prediligono tra gli altri nipoti) e dei genitori..
E un ragazzo amato e ben voluto da tutti ma questo non lo risparmia dal subire un aggressione ( che rimarrà sempre senza un perché)..
Ha una relazione segreta con una vedova molto più grande di lui ed ha lo spirito di negare quando la tresca viene scoperta..
James ė l'incarnazione del figlio, nipote, amico, marito, amante che tutti vorrebbero( forse un po troppo perfetto).
E cmq un ragazzo molto deciso e determinato e non dimentica mai da dove ė venuto
Alexis invece ė la tipica bellissima e irraggiungibile. Figlia unica di un ricchissimo imprenditore si dedica anima e corpo al lavoro.
Non le interessano il matrimonio, figli ecc. La carriera ė il suo tutto.
E molto meticolosa e con i piedi ben piantati per terra.
Ma quando incontra l'amore ė costretta a rivedere le sue priorità..
Ma la morte prematura è inaspettata del suo fidanzato la devasteranno così tanto che la trasforma un altra persona..
E uno dei personaggi che mi ė piaciuto di più.
Per quanto riguarda il libro devo dire che la scrittura ė molto scorrevole.. e un libro che si legge velocemente.
L'autrice ė stata bravissima ha mettere ciò che sapeva dell'epoca nel suo romanzo..
Dai racconti sulla regina vittoria all'arrivo di Freud ( che cambierà il modo di approcciarsi alla psicologia).. fino ad arrivare al famoso se4ial killer Jack lo squartatore.
E stata molto brava ad inserire questi tre personaggi reali nella storia inaniera del tutto naturale..
Tratta poi il tema della violenza sulle donna con la nascita della prima casa rifugio.. anche se poi ad un certo punto non se ne parla più..
E cmq un libro che consiglio e ovviamente mi prepari a leggere il seguito
Ha un sogno che tenterà di realizzare con ogni mezzo..
Alexis malvern, ė la bellissima figlia ereditiera di herry malvern.
La sua vita viene sconvolta da un inaspettata tragedia..
James e alexis sono destinati ad incrociare i loro destini..
Ho letto questo libro perché mi ė stato consigliato..
Devo dire che ė stata una scelta azzeccata.
L'autrice ci fionda nella Londra dell'epoca vittoriana( esattamente nel 1884)
Dove la distinzione tra ricchi e poveri era ancora invalicabile..
James falcones ė il ragazzo perfetto: bello, educato, raffinato, con un intelligenza fuori dal comune.. ed ė anche molto ambizioso.
Avrà l'appoggio incondizionato dei nonni ( che lo prediligono tra gli altri nipoti) e dei genitori..
E un ragazzo amato e ben voluto da tutti ma questo non lo risparmia dal subire un aggressione ( che rimarrà sempre senza un perché)..
Ha una relazione segreta con una vedova molto più grande di lui ed ha lo spirito di negare quando la tresca viene scoperta..
James ė l'incarnazione del figlio, nipote, amico, marito, amante che tutti vorrebbero( forse un po troppo perfetto).
E cmq un ragazzo molto deciso e determinato e non dimentica mai da dove ė venuto
Alexis invece ė la tipica bellissima e irraggiungibile. Figlia unica di un ricchissimo imprenditore si dedica anima e corpo al lavoro.
Non le interessano il matrimonio, figli ecc. La carriera ė il suo tutto.
E molto meticolosa e con i piedi ben piantati per terra.
Ma quando incontra l'amore ė costretta a rivedere le sue priorità..
Ma la morte prematura è inaspettata del suo fidanzato la devasteranno così tanto che la trasforma un altra persona..
E uno dei personaggi che mi ė piaciuto di più.
Per quanto riguarda il libro devo dire che la scrittura ė molto scorrevole.. e un libro che si legge velocemente.
L'autrice ė stata bravissima ha mettere ciò che sapeva dell'epoca nel suo romanzo..
Dai racconti sulla regina vittoria all'arrivo di Freud ( che cambierà il modo di approcciarsi alla psicologia).. fino ad arrivare al famoso se4ial killer Jack lo squartatore.
E stata molto brava ad inserire questi tre personaggi reali nella storia inaniera del tutto naturale..
Tratta poi il tema della violenza sulle donna con la nascita della prima casa rifugio.. anche se poi ad un certo punto non se ne parla più..
E cmq un libro che consiglio e ovviamente mi prepari a leggere il seguito
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
I loved the detailed descriptions of the homes, dresses and surroundings of Victorian London. Once I realized that this was number one of a series, I relaxed into the plot lines and realized that that many would be left unresolved.
I was annoyed by the anachronisms, which a careful editor would have resolved.
James’ character is a “to be resolved” for me. Perhaps his behavior would be called “gentlemanly” by Victorians. He has an affair with a widow, lies about it, turns on his accuser, then continues the affair. Now that James has fallen in love, it will be interesting to see how he matures.
This was my first Barbara Taylor Bradford book. Reading other reviews makes me think that earlier books might be worth revisiting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was annoyed by the anachronisms, which a careful editor would have resolved.
James’ character is a “to be resolved” for me. Perhaps his behavior would be called “gentlemanly” by Victorians. He has an affair with a widow, lies about it, turns on his accuser, then continues the affair. Now that James has fallen in love, it will be interesting to see how he matures.
This was my first Barbara Taylor Bradford book. Reading other reviews makes me think that earlier books might be worth revisiting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2019
I have great respect for the career of Barbara Taylor Bradford, and read historical and contemporary fiction by other authors so am accustomed to the more formal, detailed genre in which she writes.
But I just could not get into Master of His Fate. The writing is so rudimentary and simplistic that it’s almost painful to read. It appears to be written to a junior-high level, and there’s a vast amount of telling instead of showing. The pacing is slow and inconsistent. Maybe BTB’s style pleased me when the author released A Woman of Substance, and maybe my taste has just evolved.
Master of His Fate barely squeaks into three stars for me, and only because of the author’s longevity and the quality of some of her previous works.
But I just could not get into Master of His Fate. The writing is so rudimentary and simplistic that it’s almost painful to read. It appears to be written to a junior-high level, and there’s a vast amount of telling instead of showing. The pacing is slow and inconsistent. Maybe BTB’s style pleased me when the author released A Woman of Substance, and maybe my taste has just evolved.
Master of His Fate barely squeaks into three stars for me, and only because of the author’s longevity and the quality of some of her previous works.
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