The Traveler by Evan Ronan

The Traveler by Evan Ronan

The Unearthed Series, Book 5

Publisher: Calhoun Publishing (April 2015)

318 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing , Violence and Sexual Situations

This time around Eddie is asked to consult on a case with a police department regarding a couple of people who appear to have been frightened to death by a ghost. Eddie is partnered with Detective Christie, an attractive Asian woman that forces him to consider the possibility of settling down in a committed relationship, despite her reluctance to get involved with him. Eddie is dealing with some heavy psychological trauma from his past cases in this one, but it is fun to see how much he has grown as a character throughout this series. The mystery was great, and kept me guessing right up to the end, never sure what was going to get thrown at them next. Very suspenseful! I’m looking forward to further adventures with Eddie in The Dream Machine!

Gypsy Cradle by Andrea Drew

Gypsy Cradle by Andrea Drew

Gypsy Shields Series, Book 2

Publisher: Andrea Drew (April 2015)

207 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Graphic Violence and Sexual Situations

Things seemed to have just settled down for Gypsy, when she receives a message through her paranormal gifts that her boyfriend’s niece (secretly his daughter) is in mortal danger from an unknown source. But, the rocky relationship between the two women isn’t conducive to warning the niece of the danger, and things just get worse from there. There are so many complex characters in this and the interaction between the two couples (Gypsy and Connor/Christie and Ryan) was interesting too. Gripping mystery, and even though you pretty much know who the bad guy is from the beginning, the constant action definitely keeps you in suspense until the end. Entertaining, quick read! I look forward to the next book in the series, Gypsy Curse, as well as the prequel, Gypsy Life ( due out in June).

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Thomas Cromwell Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (May 2012)

436 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $8.62)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Subject Matter

In this sequel to Wolf Hall, we pick up where we left off, with the downfall of Thomas More, the King turning his attentions from Anne Boleyn to Jane Seymour, and Cromwell beginning to feel less secure in his position and influence with the King. Though I understand his motivations, in this portion of the story Cromwell (especially toward the end) is crossing the line into doing things that are irredeemable. The slow slide into this less noble version of Cromwell is interesting to see develop, and provides a logical version of a complex historical period.  I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this series, The Mirror and the Light, and hope to see it out soon!

Movie/TV Adaptations:

Wolf Hall (TV Mini-Series 2015)

Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Thomas Cromwell Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (October 2009)

560 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Subject Matter

This series is the novelized account of the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, a close advisor to both Cardinal Wosley and King Henry VIII of England. We begin with his humble beginnings, as a runaway blacksmith’s son, and we follow his gradual elevation as his career advances and he becomes the King’s closest advisor. I’m usually not too much for stories of political intrigue (and it was admittedly a little long-winded at times), but these characters really came alive for me. Thomas Cromwell is presented as a deep-thinking academic, with quick wit and a tendency to say things to important people that others wouldn’t dare. His dry sense of humor and his unique view of events makes him a riveting narrator of the goings on at the court of King Henry VIII, and it makes for an entertaining review of a tumultuous time in British history. This first book takes you up through the downfall of Thomas More and has the King beginning to tire of Anne Boleyn. I’m excited to continue on with Bring Up the Bodies!

Movie/TV Adaptations:

Wolf Hall (TV Mini-Series 2015)

Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy