The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Title: The Return of the King

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 512 pages

Published: 1986

Publisher: Ballantine

Brief Synopsis: The final book in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, which follows the scattered members of the Fellowship through the dark days of the final battles with Mordor. 

Through grief, sorrow and darkness, the West strives to strike down the evil in the East while Frodo and Sam struggle on their way to Mount Doom to dispose of the One Ring once and for all.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

In The Two Towers, we watched as Pippin left Merry behind with the Riders of Rohan as Gandalf took him far from the palantir to Minas Tirith. The Return of the King picks up where it left off with Pippin and Gandalf riding as fast as Shadowfax could take them to Gondor. And the action never stops throughout this first half of the book. War comes to Gondor in several different forms. I won't elaborate too much on the off chance you have neither read the book nor seen the movie. 

The final half of this last book in the epic trilogy picks up with Sam seeking to find a way to rescue Frodo from the clutches of the orcs. The danger is ever present here in Mordor as the pair attempt to make their way to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. 

The story portion of this final book is actually not very long: in the version I read it is about 350 pages of the 500+. That's because after the story ends you can find all of the Appendices and Indices that Tolkien put together with more history on the realm of Middle-Earth. For a first read through, definitely read these. As this was probably my fiftieth time reading the trilogy, I opted to skip them at this time. But they do hold a ton of information that you can even refer to when you re-read the series. If you've managed to make it through the first two books in the trilogy, I highly doubt you're going to skip over the conclusion. Trust me when I say you will know sorrow and joy in this riveting tale.

You can purchase The Return of the King through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Return of the King? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Boleyn King (#1) by Laura Andersen

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Title: The Boleyn King

Author: Laura Andersen
Series: The Boleyn Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Length: 358 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The Boleyn King is the first novel in an enthralling new trilogy. Re-imagining history in sumptuous detail, Laura Andersen takes readers back to the deadly intrigue, turbulent affairs, and treacherous passions of Tudor England - and answers the compelling question What if Anne Boleyn had given Henry VIII the son he so desperately wanted?

Just seventeen years old, Henry IX, known as William, is a king bound by the restraints of the regency yet anxious to prove himself. With the French threatening battle and the Catholics sowing the seeds of rebellion at home, William trusts only three people: his older sister Elizabeth; his best friend and loyal counselor, Dominic; and Minuette, a young orphan raised as a royal ward by William's mother, Anne Boleyn.

Against a tide of secrets, betrayal, and murder, William finds himself fighting for the very soul of his kingdom. Then, when he and Dominic both fall in love with Minuette, romantic obsession looms over a new generation of Tudors. One among them will pay the price for a king's desire, as a shocking twist of fate changes England's fortunes forever.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

Admittedly I do not know much about the era that Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn lived in aside from the basics: Anne Boleyn failed to bear him a son and she was executed for treason, freeing him to marry another. So when I saw this alternate history on Goodreads as a giveaway, I had to enter to win because the idea that it posed was too fascinating not to explore. Needless to say I was excited to find the copy in the mail sometime later. (Let me add here that I just found out that I won a copy of the sequel, The Boleyn Deceit, and am now anxiously awaiting its arrival.) It's been sitting here waiting for me to read it for a few months and now that I've finally read it, I can't believe I waited this long!

This is an alternate history novel. The "what if" in this instance being "What if Anne Boleyn bore a healthy, living son to Henry VIII and never been executed for treason?". That's what drew me in. Think how different things in England and even throughout the world would be if this had happened. This is why alternate historical fiction novels fascinate me so much.

Once I started reading The Boleyn King, I really could not put it down. The characters were instantly likeable. The four main characters are the children of Anne Boleyn: Princess Elizabeth and King William; as well as Dominic Courtenay and Genevieve "Minuette" Wyatt. Minuette was born within the same hour as William, and both Elizabeth and Dominic are older than the younger pair. Dominic has long been a close friend of William's and the group's destiny has always seemed to intertwine.

Where there is royalty, there is always some devious plot underfoot to take over the kingdom. And so naturally, there is a plot here. The four friends are drawn into a plot which seems to be leading towards the Catholics trying to take over the throne of England and place the dispossessed princess Mary (William and Elizabeth's older half-sister) on the throne. The plot centers around a document called "The Penitent's Confession" which states that William is not Henry's son but a son borne of incest. 

Through all of this, William must find a way to make peace with the French against the Spanish and keep England under his control. Minuette is by far the character whose point of view we see these events from. It is mostly her journal entries which are found throughout the book, and her life that is in danger. And it is her heart and virtue that are laid bare. Because of course, there is romance lacing through this novel of intrigue. 

I really could not recommend this book more. The author weaves a grand tale of royal intrigue and romance that draws together at the end leaving the reader wanting more. Thank goodness there are two more books in this trilogy! 

You can purchase The Boleyn King through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Boleyn King? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Title: The Two Towers

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 415 pages

Published: 1986

Publisher: Ballentine/Del Ray

Brief Synopsis: The Fellowship was scattered. Some were bracing hopelessly for war against the ancient evil of Sauron. Some were contending with the treachery of the wizard Saruman. Only Frodo and Sam were left to take the accursed Ring of Power to be destroyed in Mordor–the dark Kingdom where Sauron was supreme. Their guide was Gollum, deceitful and lust-filled, slave to the corruption of the Ring. Thus continues the magnificent, bestselling tale of adventure begun in The Fellowship of the Ring, which reaches its soul-stirring climax in The Return of the King.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

This picks up right where The Fellowship of the Ring left off - well at least as far as following what happens to Pippin, Merry and the others. You don't get to read about what happens with Sam and Frodo until the second half of the book. But that also picks up where the first book ended. The two halves of the book take place on the same timeline, Tolkien just separated them out to keep different storylines together. 

The action is fierce in this one and just about every emotion appears: fear, grief, love, hatred, pity, and even joy. Definitely a must read for the fantasy lover out there, especially if you've read both The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. 

You can purchase The Two Towers through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Two Towers? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Title: The Fellowship of the Ring

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 479 pages

Published: 1988 (version I read)

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Frodo Baggins knew the Ringwraiths were searching for him - and the Ring of Power he bore that would enable Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and his faithful servant Sam to carry the Ring to where it could be detroyed - in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

This is the epic beginning to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Falling some 60 years after Bilbo's adventures to the Lonely Mountain, it picks up just as he's preparing for his 111th birthday party. He leaves behind the magic ring he found to his nephew Frodo. Several years later, Gandalf tells Frodo what he has learned about that magic ring and begs him to set off for Rivendell as soon as possible so that it may be decided what to do with it. Frodo is not quite ready to leave the Shire and puts it off until his and Bilbo's birthday in September. This proves almost disastrous.

The first half of the book details Frodo's journey from the Shire to Rivendell with his companions: Sam, Merry and Pippin. Danger comes at them from seemingly every side as they make their way there. They meet some new friends along the way: Tom Bombadil (my favorite character who is only around for a couple of chapters) and Strider, the mysterious Ranger who meets them in Bree and manages to lead the hobbits through the wilderness towards Rivendell. 

The second half of the book details events in Rivendell and what occurs after. I won't speak too much on this in case you have never read the book or watched the amazing movies based off the trilogy. Just know that The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic tale and it is only the beginning.

You can purchase The Fellowship of the Ring through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Fellowship of the Ring? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell

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Title: The Other Typist

Author: Suzanne Rindell

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Length: 357 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Rose Baker seals men’s fates. With a few strokes of the keys that sit before her, she can send a person away for life in prison. A typist in a New York City Police Department precinct, Rose is like a high priestess. Confessions are her job. It is 1923, and while she may hear every detail about shootings, knifings, and murders, as soon as she leaves the interrogation room she is once again the weaker sex, best suited for filing and making coffee.

This is a new era for women, and New York is a confusing place for Rose. Gone are the Victorian standards of what is acceptable. All around her women bob their hair, they smoke, they go to speakeasies. Yet prudish Rose is stuck in the fading light of yesteryear, searching for the nurturing companionship that eluded her childhood. When glamorous Odalie, a new girl, joins the typing pool, despite her best intentions Rose falls under Odalie’s spell. As the two women navigate between the sparkling underworld of speakeasies by night and their work at the station by day, Rose is drawn fully into Odalie’s high-stakes world. And soon her fascination with Odalie turns into an obsession from which she may never recover.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. 

I really enjoyed this. The whole book is told from Rose's point of view, starting out with explaining what she does as a typist at the precinct. She introduces the cast of characters one by one, and then Odalie walks in for her job interview. She's immediately mesmerized, fascinated, even obsessed. When Odalie drops a brooch on her way out, Rose picks it up and stashes it in her desk with every intention to return it. 

As the story progresses, Rose watches with jealousy as Odalie makes friends with the other two typists first, before finally going to lunch with Rose. After an altercation with her roommate, Rose ends up moving in with Odalie. From there, things seem to spiral out of control. Rose even makes brief mention of her doctor throughout the story, leaving the reader to wonder exactly what happened to cause her to end up in psychiatric care. 

As the story unfolds, you can't help but get drawn even further into the mystery. Just who is Odalie? Eventually all is revealed. This truly was a brilliant novel and I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction. 

You can purchase The Other Typist through Amazon in either hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Other Typist? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Moonlight: A Melanie King Affair Part 2 by Lisa Sumil (T.M. Williams)

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Title: Moonlight: A Melanie King Affair Part 2

Author: Lisa Sumil / T.M. Williams

Genre: Erotica / Contemporary Romance

Length: 63 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Half Light Publishing

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) *ADULT* Zachary wants to rekindle his marriage with Melanie. Yet, when he breaks to her his shocking news all she wants to do is run into the arms of Warren. However, things are already taking a turn for the worse that she has no control over as she begins to lose everything.
 
*** 4 part mini-series in completion will be equal to a full length novel ***

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

This was just as hot as Part 1. Perhaps moreso. Zach delivers some shocking news and Melanie runs to Warren for comfort. Then things seem to take a turn for the worse the following day, when she learns...well I'll leave it at that because to say anything else would ruin it. 

 

I am anxiously awaiting Part 3 and can't wait to find out what happens next.  

You can purchase Moonlight: A Melanie King Affair Part 2 through Amazon in Kindle format. 

Have you read Moonlight: A Melanie King Affair Part 2? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Monthly Update - September 2013

Another month gone and I'm still here posting my opinions! I'm pretty proud of myself that I've actually continued to post on this blog. I'm horrible and usually do something for a short time and then just stop. (Hence why I think I've never managed to finish writing any of the stories that float through my head.) 

Last month was exciting as I read and reviewed two books by two different authors: Candy House by Kate Jonez and Glazed City Eyes by Preston M. Smith and Jacob McKinley. This was really exciting for me and I hope someday I'll get more author-requested reviews to write!

Last month I read Sean Astin's memoir about the time he worked on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This lead me to dig out my copies of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, so you'll be seeing reviews of those books this month. I kind of love the idea of reviewing some of these older books because I feel like it will hopefully bring attention to some great novels for younger generations. That's the main reason you'll often see older books reviewed here. I'm trying to supplement with newer ones as well. 

So, on my currently reading list: 

• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (yes, yes, I know..but hey I'm at 13% now?)
• Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell

Coming Up Next:   

• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen
• Cartwheel: A Novel by Jennifer Dubois 
• The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Candide by Voltaire
• A Quiet Storm by Rachel Howzell Hall
• A Death in the Family by James Agee
• The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness
• The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking #2) by Patrick Ness
• Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3) by Patrick Ness

As always, if you have something you'd like me to read or review, please drop a comment here or send me an email at theprintedwordbookreviews@gmail.com. Thanks!