'The Serpent and the Pearl' (Novel of the Borgias) by Kate Quinn

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates, had been working on my fashion blog www.fashionwearbook.com and college work. Hope you all had a lovely Christmas.

Today I'm going to post another book by Kate Quinn (she's fast becoming my favourite author), its called 'The Serpent and the Pearl' (Novel of the Borgias), this book will be released sometime in August 2013. 

I like the fact how Kate Quinn had moved on from ancient Italy to the renaissance ages of art, religion and power. She couldn't have found a better family to write about than the infamous and controversial Borgias, have you seen the TV programme 'The Borgias'? Exactly, that family is really powerful and corrupt. Any way enough of my babbling and here is a snippet from Kate Quinn's latest book, enjoy.

Rome, 1492. The Holy City is drenched with blood and teeming with secrets. A pope lies dying and the throne of God is left vacant, a prize awarded only to the most virtuous—or the most ruthless. The Borgia family begins its legendary rise, chronicled by an innocent girl who finds herself drawn into their dangerous web . . .

Vivacious Giulia Farnese has floor-length golden hair and the world at her feet: beauty, wealth, and a handsome young husband. But she is stunned to discover that her glittering marriage is a sham, and she is to be given as a concubine to the ruthless, charismatic Cardinal Borgia: Spaniard, sensualist, candidate for pope—and passionately in love with her.

Two trusted companions will follow her into the world of the Borgias: Leonello, a cynical bodyguard bent on bloody revenge against a mysterious killer, and Carmelina, a fiery cook with a past full of secrets. But as corruption thickens in the Vatican and the bodies begin to mount, Giulia and her friends must decide if they will flee the Borgia dream of power—or if they can even survive it. 

To find out more of The Serpent and the Pearl, go to www.katequinnauthor.com

  

Scary stories for Halloween: The New Mother by Lucy Clifford

'It really is a most beautiful thing is a peardrum' ... illustration from a Victorian edition of The New Mother

"I came across The New Mother via Alan Garner and Neil Gaiman, a promising route to the uncanny. Garner includes a version of it in his Collected Folk Tales, published last year (with an introduction that states, firmly: "We need to be scared. It is healthy and good for us"). Reviewing the collection, Gaiman explains how Garner strips the story, also known as "The Pear Drum", down to its elements, weaving in a mournful refrain: "Iram, biram, brendon, bo, / Where did all the children go?"
continue reading..... via The Guardian

Exciting New Book From A Fantastic Author

Book Description 

From the No.1 internationally bestselling author comes the third heart-stopping adventure exploring the incredible history, legends and hidden secrets of Carcassonne and the Languedoc.

Set during World War II in the far south of France, CITADEL is a powerful, action-packed mystery that reveals the secrets of the resistance under Nazi occupation. While war blazed in the trenches at the front, back at home a different battle is waged, full of clandestine bravery, treachery and secrets. And as a cell of resistance fighters, codenamed Citadelle, fight for everything they hold dear, their struggle will reveal an older, darker combat being fought in the shadows.

Combining the rugged action of LABYRINTH with the haunting mystery of SEPULCHRE, CITADEL is a story of daring and courage, of lives risked for beliefs and of astonishing secrets buried in time.

Available now since 25th October 2012

Books That I'm Reading Now...

The Book Of Secrets

In a snowbound village in the German mountains, a young woman discovers an extraordinary secret. Before she can reveal it, she disappears. All that survives is a picture of a mysterious medieval playing card that has perplexed scholars for centuries.


Nick Ash does research for the FBI in New York. Six months ago his girlfriend Gillian walked out and broke his heart. Now he's the only person who can save her - if it's not too late. Within hours of getting her message, Nick finds himself on the run, delving deep into the past before it catches up with him.

Hunted across Europe, Nick follows Gillian's trail into the heart of a five-hundred-year-old mystery. But across the centuries, powerful forces are closing around him. There are men who have devoted their lives to keeping the secret, and they will stop at nothing to protect it.

                                               The Red Tent

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible her fate is merely hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the verses of the Book of Genesis that recount the life of Jacob and his infamous dozen sons. The Red Tentis an extraordinary and engrossing tale of ancient womanhood and family honour. Told in Dinah's voice, it opens with the story of her mothers - the four wives of Jacob - each of whom embodies unique feminine traits, and concludes with Dinah's own startling and unforgettable story of betrayal, grief and love. Deeply affecting and intimate, The Red Tent combines outstandingly rich storytelling with an original insight into women's society in a fascinating period of early history and such is its warmth and candour, it is guaranteed to win the hearts and minds of women across the world.

Empress of the Seven Hills/Empress of Rome

Under its beloved Emperor Trajan, the Roman Eagle spreads its wings, advancing ever further into the untamed world. But neither Trajan nor his reign can last for ever. Gladiator turned soldier Vix is back in Rome to make his fortune. Sabina, the wayward daughter of a senator, craves adventure. United by their devotion to the Emperor, Vix and Sabina are unaware that the wolves are gathering. Trajan's enigmatic Empress has her own plans for Sabina. And the aristocratic Hadrian, the Empress's protégé, conceals dark ambitions rooted in a secret prophecy. When Trajan falls, the hardened warrior, the adventurous girl, the shadowy empress and the scheming politician are caught in a deadly whirlwind that threatens to seal all their fates - and that of the Roman Empire itself...

All of these books are such fantastic and powerful reads. You guys should check them out:) 

Family Portrait- Graham Masterton

Sorry guys for not writing anything in the past 3 months (I know its really bad, but have been busy with other things). Don't worry because today I'm going write about Graham Masterton's 'Family Portrait'.

(From the Back Cover)
The first body was found in Europe. She had once been a beautiful young girl, but with exquisite skill someone had carefully teased the skin entirely away from her body, leaving nothing but a flayed and bloody carcass. A full examination of her ruined body reveals an horrific truth: She had been skinned alive. The second blood-raw corpse turned up in New England. Followed soon after by another, this time a victim of extreme decomposition, a mess of flesh convulsing with maggots.

When a mysterious, crumbling painting is implicated in the deaths it seems that the investigating team has resorted to madness. But this rotten painting hides a terrifying family secret...


(My opinion)
This book was so tense that I couldn't sleep without wanting to find out what happened next. This is definitely not a book for sensitive people because its gruesome and disturbing in many parts. The book focuses on the aspects of human mortality and those who fear death so much that they will do anything to become immortal, even to the extent of selling their souls.

The book has descriptive scenes of appalling acts which are told elegantly and energetically, it was so vivid that my imagination ran away from me, I swear I could actually see what was happening in real life.  

This book is also for those who are curious to find out about 'dark magic' and the supernatural psychic world. I usually don't read horror books but this one was an unexpected but interesting read, most of the characters are joined by circumstances, believing in the cause prevents them from going mad.  

The genre of the book is not only sinful and disturbing but also a spiritual pursuit for immortality. Each of the character is interesting and different in their own way, even the evil ones.

I loved this book from beginning to the end,  one that I would recommend to anyone.

Legacy Of Blood- Alex Connor

Legacy Of Blood- Alex Connor

(From the Back Cover)
The race is on. The body count is rising. No one can be trusted. The flight to London was supposed to be a short cut home, but for the seven passengers gathered at an art auction it becomes the most terrifying journey they will ever make. An incident on the flight reveals the existence of a priceless artefact - and blows open a conspiracy that has been kept hidden for centuries. Every passenger on the plane is now caught up in a race to find the prize for themselves - but within 24 hours of the flight, three people have been silenced by someone who knows the devastating consequences should the full story ever come to light... Legacy of Blood is the stunning new thriller from the bestselling author of The Rembrandt Secret.

(The past)
William Hogarth is a famous artist who created a masterpiece that is both shameful and dangerous. He paints a painting in 1732, about Frederick, Prince of Wales with his mistress Polly Gunnell. He has been told to visit a crime scene, where he finds Polly's dead and mutilated body. William discovers that the near dead baby lying next to her is the child of the Prince of Wales and Polly Gunnell, now holding the most sacred secret that can cause the royal throne to destabilize. There is another heir to the throne that will become the biggest national secret in history.

(The present)
Centuries later, one man is entrusted to keep the proof of this line of succession hidden, keeping a watchful eye on the Prince's descendant. Being an old-school, honorable man, and art dealer, Sir Oliver Peters fulfills his duty for many years to come, little knowing that one day, his own life would be at risk.

(My opinion)
This is an amazing unputdownable book from beginning to the end. I haven't read such a good murder thriller fiction for a while and this was fantastic. From the first moment I opened the book, I was drawn into the mystery and history that is involved throughout the book. I've never had so much suspense reading a book apart from stumbling across Alex Connor's first art thriller book called 'The Rembrandt Secret'.

I recommend this book for anyone to read, enjoy.

Hello all

Hello all,
Welcome to my new website. Its a blog about books, mainly to do with what I'm reading, reviews and the latest book news. Stay tuned for book updates.

Bye for now!