Tag Archives: wheel of time series

Book Reviews – July to Oct 2025

4 Nov

As you can see, I definitely got behind on my monthly book reviews! They just fell through the cracks… In order to catch up quickly, I decided to list the books with a quick review so that next month, I’ll be caught up.

July Reads:

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder (The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder #1) by C.L. Miller

~I read the sequel to this first, click here for that review. This was a fun adventure although I was, at times, distracted from the story by the choices of the main character…i.e. they seemed out of character even if she was trying to be bold and brave (!!). I’d say it’d be a fun vacation read (which is in no way a slight!) I did enjoy the second one more.

The Californios by Louis L’amour

~Every once in a while, L’amour wrote out of the norm westerns, and this is one of them. First of all, Sean Mulkerin is a sea captain and there’s an element of the supernatural in the quest for gold to save the family ranch. I did highly enjoy it although i do remember being a little confused about some of the happenings.

Unity (Assassin’s Creed, #7) by Oliver Bowden

~I’d not picked up an Assassin’s Creed novel in a couple years probably. I gave this one 3.5 stars on goodreads but I honestly can’t remember why? I remember enjoying it and reading it within a couple days. Shrug

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (Castaways of the Flying Dutchman #1) by Brian Jacques

~I hadn’t read anything other than the Redwall series by Jacques before but of course I had to snag this to read it! I enjoyed it – the writing definitely felt more for young adult than Redwall (don’t ask me to explain that further…) I was disappointed by how seemingly short a time that the main characters actually spent onboard the Flying Dutchman… Still an engaging story.

All That Is Secret (An Annalee Spain Mystery, #1) by Patricia Raybon

~This touched on two points of interest for me – 1920s and murder mystery. I’d never read anything by Raybon before but I really enjoyed her writing style. What didn’t hit right with me was the near-constant discussion of race and class. (yes I am quite aware of how big an issue it was in those times especially, I just thought it was over-written which almost numbs the reader to it.) Definitely recommend if you’re wanting a fun, faith-filled murder mystery with some fabulous twists. I still think about one near the end that I never saw coming, but afterward, you realize it was skillfully woven throughout the story.

Isles of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson – audiobook

~A very unique adventure from Sanderson that came out this year (2025) – I was enthralled with the stories of Dusk and Starling as they both struggled to do their best in trying circumstances. Highly recommend this one if you’re a fantasy fan.

August Reads:

The Rithmatist (The Rithmatist #1) by Brandon Sanderson

~no denying that this is a young-adult story but it was quite fun, very unique in that the villains are chalk drawings and the only way to fight them? With chalk.

By the Pricking of My Thumbs (Tommy and Tuppence Mysteries, #4) by Agatha Christie

~I scored this at a little library! The way that the two get caught up in another adventure was pretty clever and I had no idea of the ending. Definitely recommend.

Lady Susan by Jane Austen

~It’s been ages since I read an Austen and wow- Lady Susan is a CHARACTER. This was entertaining for sure, a nice quick read.

September Reads:

The Outcast of Redwall by Brian Jacques

~This didn’t end up being a favorite of the series but I did give it 4 stars on Goodreads.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

~1901. Inventions of the clock-making variety. Murder mystery. Main character needing to prove they’re worthy of the inheritance? Brilliant. There were some side plots that made me confused why that was the author’s choice… but the storytelling was absolutely beautiful. Add in the fact that there’s a pirate butler? Sold.

The Tales of Teltra Season One e1-3 (Tales of Teltra Book 1) by Daniel McCormack

~Highly recommend you go give this a listen (tales-of-teltra). It’s an immersive audiobook in episodes. Fantastic storytelling and was instantly pulled into the story. Can’t wait to finish the rest of it!

The Man in the Brown Suit (Colonel Race #1) by Agatha Christie

~This was an absolutely wild ride. I felt almost like I’d come in, in the middle of a series or something. Some of Anne’s decisions made me just groan in frustration, honestly.

The Murder on the Links (Hercule Poirot #2) by Agatha Christie

~Poroit’s little sayings are some of my favorites of these books. I had an inkling on the ‘who’ but that’s it. I really do like Hastings, Poroit’s associate.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot #4) by Agatha Christie

~I did not see the end/reveal coming at all on this one. I’ll admit I did get a little lost at times with who was who and what was what, but I loved how it felt a little bit different in how it was presented. Loved it.

October Reads:

Pearls of Lutra (Redwall #9) by Brian Jacques

~I really liked this story- combining the loveliness of Redwall Abbey with sailing on the ocean, peaceful islands, villianous enemies and all sorts of fabulous characters.

Ten Days in a Mad-House and other stories by Nellie Bly

~It was intriguing reading about Bly’s time at an insane asylum. I enjoyed her writing style.

Currently reading:

Eye of the World (Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

Ten Days in a Mad-House and other stories by Nellie Bly – ‘and other stories’ still to read

The Secret Adversary (A Tommy & Tuppence Mystery) by Agatha Christie

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Book Reviews- May 2025

3 Jun

Hello my friends, thanks for stopping by SGL. I read a variety of genres this month …. okay okay, I guess most of them are sort of fantasy-esque… whoops. Well, that’s what happens when you’re a mood reader, eh?

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale- Feeling fearless and unstoppable, young reporter Nellie Bly is in New York City in 1877 with ambitions beyond the ladies’ page. But the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional and fragile for the job. So when she’s challenged by the editor of the New York World to go undercover, she accepts. It doesn’t matter that she’s mad to accept it; she’d be mad to refuse. She’s to go undercover as a patient at Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum for Women.

~I’ve long been interested in Nellie Bly (she’s even mentioned in my own novel, Amelia) so when I received this novel as a gift (thanks mom and dad!), I was excited. It’s a fictional telling of the very stunt that put Nellie Bly on her path. I enjoyed this story so much, the research that was done, the well developed characters, the twists in the plot. There were a couple things that I wasn’t crazy about, slipped in but…I honestly can’t remember what they were. (hides face in shame). I do think that there were a couple of curse words. Definitely recommend – but not for younger readers.

The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia #7) by C.S. Lewis- Age-old treacheries come again during the last days of Narnia. Hope seems lost as the battle lines are drawn and old friends are called once again to Narnia during this conclusion of the series.

~I never remember much about this book when I start it. It’s enjoyable overall and the poetry throughout is simply lovely. Poor Puzzle, is all I’ll say. It’s not one of my favorites even though it was good. There are a lot of complaints of racism being rampant in this story and while I didn’t like some of the descriptions, I don’t think ‘racism’ was the intent. This is a darker tale for sure- dealing with end-of-world scenarios and death. Lewis showed loyalty and devotion quite aptly and what treachery can lead to.

New Spring (The Wheel of Time #0) by Robert Jordan –  Al’Lan Mandragoran, exiled king of Malkier is the finest swordsman of his generation. His city of Canluun sits close to the Blight- the place where it’s said that those who serve the Dark One reside- and when he arrives home after years of fighting, all is in chaos. But it’s there in Canluun that he meets young Aes Sedia, Moraine. She’s on a desperate quest to prove or disprove a prophecy- that the dragon reborn has been born.

~Having read all of the Wheel of Time series, I was glad to get into this prequel. We get to see Moraine become an Aes Sedai and her friendship with Siuan. We also see a slightly-less encumbered Lan. However, the first half (?) was really quite slow. And the …wait, if you’ve not read the series and want to, skip to the next book review, there will be spoilers…. where we see Lan and Moraine bond as Aes Sedai and warder was less than I was hoping for. All in all, I’m actually undecided if I’ll ever read this book and if it’s worth keeping on my (overflowing) shelves. The parts I did enjoy was the time that Moraine was seeking the child said to be the dragon reborn and when her and Lan were interacting. I’m putting aside the ‘carneira’ plot line that felt rather gross, and the ‘pillow friends’ that was much more subtle/ignor-able in the main series. If I did star-ratings, this would probably get a 2.

Caligo (Nightingale Trilogy #4) by J.J. Fischer – Cassius Vera is searching for a fresh start. But the ache in his chest, the memories in his head and the truth-telling gift are all things he can’t leave behind. Zaire Delmar, werebeast, is also running – from accusations of murder and heartbreak – and the last person she expects to meet on the ship she’s stowing away on, is Cass. He’s an alter, and offers his help, despite the fact that she’s half beast and can more than adequately take care of herself. But circumstances leave them with no choice but to rely on each other – will they be able to forget the betrayals of the past and trust each other?

~This is a sequel to The Nightingale Trilogy Review, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Although, honestly, why anyone wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in Fischer’s world as much, and as long, as possible, I don’t understand. I liked getting to see both Cass and Zaire after the events of the aforementioned trilogy. These characters were so much a part of that story that it was really lovely to get to see where they were at and where they… end up. Both of their personal developments were SO good and so many truths woven in that got me thinking! I love how Fischer weaves faith into the story so naturally.

Han Solo at Stars End (Star Wars: the Hans Solo Adventures #1) by Brian Daley- The Millennium Falcon is ordered to be brought in for inspection – but since Han Solo knows better to trust anyone, especially in regards to his spaceship – he does what he does best, slips out of the tight spot with barely an inch to spare. But when the galaxy’s best illegal ship rebuilder (the one they need to help with the required overhaul) disappears, Han and Chewie must find him. Their search leads them to some ruthless enemies and a desolate asteroid.

~First published 1979. This was one of a stack of original* Star Wars books that I giddily claimed at a thrift store. It was incredibly fun to read about Han Solo and Chewbacca on an adventure, where Solo’s priorities are his ship, Chewie, and making money. And not dying. I liked Blue Max and Bollux, two droids who join his crew for this job – and the villians! ah. Classic. This is a short, fast, fun read and I fully intend on reading it again. And reading more of Daley’s S.W. books.

*I do not know, officially, if this book or the others are technically considered original/canon Star Wars books. They seem like they would be to me, what with the publication date, so I’m going with it. Don’t yell at me if I’m wrong. I don’t need to cry today =)

Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both our Hearts and our Minds by Jen Wilkin- this study is about making sure that when you study the Bible, you’re not solely focused on your emotions but instead on feeding your mind first.

~I did this study with my sister-in-law and I appreciated Wilkin’s points of making sure that you’re coming to the Word with the right approach. She also shares study techniques to be intentional and mindful about what you’re reading. Recommend if you’re wanting a refresher on how important Bible Study is

Currently Reading:

Lust for Life by Irving Stone

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook to Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson (audiobook)

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (audiobook)

Han Solo and the Lost Legacy by Brian Daley

Upcoming Possibles:

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

The Last Hero: a biography of Gary Cooper by Larry Swindell

Ten Days in a Madhouse & Other Stories by Nellie Bly

What are you reading? Let me know!

~Laura

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June 2019 Book Reviews

3 Jul

I read such different styles of book this past month that I hope you find something to add to your To-Read list!

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Photo by Claudia on Unsplash

~While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.~

 

Lord of Chaos (book 6 of the Wheel of Time series) by Robert Jordan – Two different Aes Sedai embassies prepare to travel to meet with Rand Al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn. Morgase finds herself an ally but it’s not one that she expected, or wanted. Mat continues to follow Rand’s outlandish plan. Perrin Aybara, Lord of the Two Rivers, feels the pull of ta’averen and prepares to march.

~Jordan was a genius at weaving together so many different story lines. When I start one of these books, I’m a bit overwhelmed but they suck me in every single time. I admit I still count Perrin as one of my favorites. I have enjoyed seeing Morgase’s story take a different turn than I was expecting -and that of her sons’. All in all, this took me about a month to finish (I kept picking up lighter novels) but as soon as I picked it up I was instantly transported back to their world and would have a hard time putting it down. 

The Binnies and the Dogs and Cats from Everywhere by Jo Ann Stover – The Binnie family tries several things to deal with so many dogs and cats. One of those ways is by moving all of their furniture outside so the cats and dogs can enjoy living in the house.

~I picked this book up at the library’s book sale because I just could not resist the title, nor the drawings throughout. It was a fun, silly story with a good deal of heart. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to passing it on to some of my nephews (and niece).

The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen – Sophie Dupont has been assisting in her father’s studio for years, a shop that is popular with artists as it is near the north Devon coast. When a handsome artist, Wesley Overtree arrives and compliments her not only on her beauty but on her painting as well, Sophie falls hard for him. When he disappears, leaving her in a difficult position, she’s not sure what she’ll do. But then his brother, Captain Stephen Overtree arrives, looking for Wesley to take him home. Finding instead, a young woman suffering from his brother’s recklessness, Stephen offers to marry her in name only. Sophie must decide if she’ll wait for the uncertain chance that Wesley will return or if she’ll trust her future to his brooding brother.

~Finding this at a used bookstore was one of the best things. Seriously. If you’ve been following SGL the past few months, you’ll know that I’ve fallen in love with Klassen’s stories. This one did not disappoint in the least. Because of the subject matter, it was a little more…personal than others of hers. But she wrote it well, touching on the topic without being vulgar. I loved both Sophie’s and Stephen’s struggles throughout. And the other twists and turns throughout meant that I was pleasantly surprised at the end. I highly recommend this novel, although not for a younger audience. Also, this one has gone onto my ‘favorites of the year’ list. 

Bittersweet (California Historical #2) by Cathy Marie Hake – After years of being in love with Galen O’Sullivan, Laney McCain is sure that now is finally the time that he’ll notice the woman she’s become. But squatters on his land divert him. Young Ishmael and Ivy Grubb are uneducated but Galen allows them to stay on, paying them for help around the farm. But he’ll soon have cause to regret his generosity, as will Laney.

~My review on Letter Perfect, the first book of this short series is here.  Sadly, these are the only two! Anyway, I loved getting to read more about the McCain family. And reading more of the O’Sullivan family as well. I just really enjoy reading about families that are close knit through faith and intentionality. Hake crafts a well-written tale with unexpected twists that keep you gasping and guessing. I enjoy these as they are full of faith, but also because they are just plain fun to read (like the Klassen books!). I definitely recommend this one to lovers of historical fiction. There are mentions of intimacy and a young girl being in a compromising situation against her will (if you get my drift) but it’s carefully worded and not gone into. Which, if such a thing must be in a story, that’s how I like/need it to be. 

Raven Flight (book #2 of Shadowfell series) by Juliet Marillier – Having reached Shadowfell, Neryn can finally rest. But too soon she learns that she must leave her new rebel friends and seek out each of the four Guardians to learn how to be a Caller. In order to learn how to use her canny gift to call the Good Folk to help them in their battle against Keldec.

~Click here to read the series review (this is one of my FAVORITE series you guys.)

Hunted by Meagan Spooner – click for a separate review, you don’t want to miss it!!!

I also started Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier but there were some things in it that I’m not a fan of. I’ve put it down and am honestly not sure if I’ll even pick it up again.

 

Currently Reading:

The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King

The Secrets of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

The Mountain Valley War by Louis L’amour (audiobook)

 

To-Read:

The Human Superorganism by Rodney Dietert, PhD

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Diamond of the Rockies series by Kristen Heitzmann

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

 

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February 2019 Book Reviews

13 Mar

This is a short and sweet book review for February, and then in just a few weeks, there will be another (longer) one for March!

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that I set myself a crazy goal – to read The Shadow Rising in just a few weeks. As it’s one thousand pages, it was a hefty goal. Thankfully I realized that I’d read the library due date for it wrong, and I actually had almost a week extra. I did it though, I finished it the night before! If it wasn’t such a great story – so engrossing – there’s no way I would have even attempted it. I read SO MUCH. By the time I finish each one of these books though, I am ready to jump right into the next one.

Also, remember, while covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

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Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash

European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #2) by Theodora Goss – Mary Jekell and the other four members of the Athena Club are enjoying a break after helping Sherlock Holmes solve the WhiteChapel murders. But then Mary receives a telegram from another monstrous girl and they set off across Europe to rescue her. And to stop the Alchemical Society’s evil experiments once and for all.

~This was a random pick-up at the library, although I didn’t realize that it was the second in a series. While it was vastly different from what I am used to, I overall enjoyed it. The story took many plot twists that I didn’t see coming, keeping me guessing as to who was on the girls’ side and who wasn’t. Goss also did something that I’ve never encountered in a novel – one of the characters was writing the story (their adventures) and occasionally, the others would interrupt her telling of it. At first, I felt like it really just stopped the story without adding anything to it but by the end, I liked the extra insights into who they were. Goss pulled off that clever bit of writing, I think. I wouldn’t recommend this to younger readers as there was quite a bit of killing, some insinuations and just overall intensity. 

Maire )Fires of Gleannamara #1) by Linda Windsor – When Maire, queen of Gleannamara, takes Rowan Ap Emrys as hostage -and husband – she doesn’t understand his ways. Or his God. Full review here.

The Shadow Rising (Wheel of Time #4) by Robert Jordan- When Min once again enters the White Tower, she sees disturbing images, portending doom. In Tear, the Dragon Reborn debates his next move. The man with the golden eyes is hunted in Two Rivers. The only one who can stand against the rising of the Shadow is the Dragon Reborn. What he does next has to be something no one expects.

~I’ve already told you about my ‘speed read’ through this hefty book . The way that Jordan continues each character’s story without leaving you feeling like one or more are superfluous is incredible. I think that my favorite storyline and character is Perrin although Min’s is intriguing me as well. I can’t wait to get book 5 from the library! 

Medical Medium’s Liver Rescue by Anthony William – Unbeknown to the majority, having an overloaded liver can cause many health problems. With a practical guide and compassionate insight, William shares just how to save our livers and turn around our health

~I have a confession to make. I didn’t read very much of this at all. I hope to get it from the library again this year and read it through. 

I also realized that I haven’t reviewed the Michelli Family series by Kristen Heitzmann like I said I would! It’s on the calendar for next week now though.

Currently Reading: 

Dear Theo by Vincent Van Gogh

Joyful: the Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson

Love’s Unending Legacy (Love Comes Softly #5) by Janette Oke

 

To Read:

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King

Diamond of the Rockies Series by Kristen Heitzmann

The Fires of Heaven (Wheel of Time series #5) by Robert Jordan

 

In case you missed it, I reviewed the Sisters of Bethelehem Springs Series last month. To check out what I read in March of last year, click here!

~Laura

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October 2018 Book Reviews

1 Nov

It’s already time for the monthly book reviews! I will admit that these are always the posts that I enjoy writing the most. I am such a book nerd, folks. SUCH a book nerd. At the moment, I’m trying to figure out the best (read : least-shocking) way to tell my OH that I want to bring my collection of old books out of storage. My collection is, at minimum, 5 boxes of classics mostly printed in the early 1900’s and quite a few from the 1800’s. They’ve been in storage too long, my book-heart says. They need to come out to live in my office.

That’s not why you’re here though, is it? On to the reviews!

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Undetected by Dee Henderson – Mark Bishop is commander of the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, a job that he loves despite the responsibility that comes with it. The dangers abound under the waters, though Gina Grey is doing her best to diminish them. Ocean science research is about to get a breakthrough with her newest findings, but it’s one that, in the wrong hands, could open the U.S. to more dangers than ever before.

~ As usual, I did enjoy this novel by Henderson. But… I wasn’t completely in love with it like I normally am. There was too much repetition in some of the areas about both Mark and Gina. It was interesting reading about ocean science research – first for a novel for me! And I did overall like both of the main characters. All in all, a good novel to read by Henderson, but a bit bogged down for me to fall in love with.

Threads of Suspicion -Evie Blackwell Cold Case #2 by Dee Henderson – As part of the newly appointed Missing Persons Task Force, Evie is feeling eager to get started, just like the rest of the governor-appointed team. They’ll need to get solid resolutions to their cold cases, but as Evie and her new partner, David Marshal, dig deeper into their individual cases, the going gets slow. She is looking for a missing college student, and he’s searching for a missing private investigator – two cases that are completely unrelated. Or are they?

~ be still my heart- I’m now eagerly awaiting the next book in this series that I’m really hoping is in the works! I like Evie so much and as well as the characters that you see again (one example: Ann Silver) and the new characters! Sigh. Henderson shines in this series of cold case investigations. If you enjoy who-dun-it’s with a splash of faith and romance, check this series out!

The Eye of the World – Wheel of Time Series #1 by Robert Jordan – When memories become legend that turn to myth that then turn to something long forgotten, the Third Age is on the brink of destruction. The Shadow is covering all, and only a few know the Prophecies to try and fight it.

~My brother recommended this series to me, since I like Brandon Sanderson’s style so much. I was nervous as this is a hefty book (@800 pages) and the series is 14 books long (!!). I quickly got into the story though, it does remind me a bit of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings in ways. Trollocs look like Orcs in my mind’s eye, Fades look like the Ringwraiths and so on – but I think it’s helping me follow the story better. Keeping track of all the different story lines is the biggest thing with this series I think! Highly recommend if you enjoy Tolkien! 

Shadowfell Series Review here just in case you missed it!

 

Currently Reading:

Dear Theo (this is taking me ages to read but I’m absolutely enjoying it!)

Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll

Only the River Runs Free by Bodie Thoene

The Great Hunt – Wheel of Time Series #2 by Robert Jordan

 

To Read:

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

book #3 of the Jordan Series

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

 

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