"At not quite fifteen, Stefan's father finally let him board the longship Sja Vinna to take part in his first Viking raid. But the battle was not at all what he expected and he found himself alone and stranded in Scotland. Thirteen-year-old Kannak's problem was just as grave. Her father deserted them and the only way to survive, she decided, was to take a husband over her mother's objections. Then suddenly she found herself helping a hated Viking escape. Could Kannak successfully hide a Viking in the middle of a Scottish Clan? And why was someone plotting to kill the clan's beloved laird?" (Marti Talbott)




Title: The Viking
Author: Marti Talbott
Date Published:  October 26th 2012
Publisher: NA
Genre: Historical Romance

TL;DR Review:

I went in to this book expecting of course, a romance and loads of cool Viking action per History's Vikings or even, Norse mythology. I got the former without the latter. In fact, the book shouldn't be called The Viking because the Viking didn't remain a Viking. I was disappointed. Also, I wasn't very comfortable with the focus on religion, specifically Christianity. I'd rather not have my romances filled with religion, even if it's a historical romance. Also, read, Viking and Christianity. Big, big problem that I have right there. I also feel that Talbott's Kannak/Stefan relationship captured a rather contemporary sense of a YA relationship rather than a traditional, sort of archaic relationship. However, I do feel that other than these stumbles, the book was written very well. The writing was perfect and gorgeous. It was descriptive but it wasn't annoyingly descriptive. The blossoming relationship between Stefan and Kannak was such a joy to read and it wasn't immediate. It took it's time to build and generate a huge amount of feels that made me "aww" out loud multiple times. Overall, although it was a good read while it lasted, it's not a book that I would return to because it disappointed me on the "Viking" level which I expected from a book titled The Viking.

Review: [May Contain Spoilers]

It started out rather slowly, really, really building on the lead character, Stefan and his background and home. It was slow to the point that I wanted to give up and just read something else. But, I have been a lover of Vikings and Norse mythology since forever so I pressed on. It got good actually. somewhere past the second chapter and then I was hooked. The blurb on BookBub painted it as a YA novel but the YA didn't kick in until slightly later. I was convinced that it was going to be a historical novel with some YA side-action. Also, as I read Stefan's character, all I could picture was young Bjorn Lothbrok in History's Vikings (played by Nathan O'Toole) Later, I did appreciate a lot of the description.

I loved this book up till a few chapters before the end where the main character made the biggest decision of his life to become a Scot. I was appalled seeing as I read the book "The Viking" to read about well, a Viking. Not a Viking for the first two chapters and then a Scot for the rest of it. Still, in the interest of fairness, I would give this book a 3 star rating, seeing as it was very well-written. But it fell rather flat. Halfway through, a tragedy happened, just as the young YA lovers realised how much they loved each other. It was cliched and it got extremely boring. At that point, I was reading just to get to the end and see what happens.

Stefan and Kannak's relationship was built very well and readers grow up with the two characters. We watched them grow from adorable younglings into their awkward teenager stages and then to their "adult" phase. They, of course, were raised as brother and sister and there was an awkward moment when it become something else. However, it is quite obvious from the beginning that Stefan and Kannak would be the book's Golden Couple and was just waiting for the golden moment where they realised their love for each other.

As with all typical YA novels, the moment our young lovers fall madly in love and realise that they want to be together, tragedy strikes and all sorts of unfortunate events befall either character.

It was also wonderful to watch Stefan grow and show a little of the powerful Viking leader that he could be. In line with the romance aspect of this book, it emphasised so much that only the thought of a loved one, especially a woman, girlfriend or wife could keep a man sane and alive in adversity.

This unfortunately titled novel is actually a prelude to the series on the MacGregor clan, or the Highlander series. However, at the time I was reading it, I didn't know that it was a prelude. Either way, I certainly did not expect a Viking to change sides, to throw away all that he has known growing up for a life that he has only known for four years. (There is a massive time skip as part of the "conflict" of the novel) I would have expected the novel for feature Stefan returning to his Viking roots, possibly combatting with whichever brute that had taken his rightful place as heir and/or introduce his new wife to his roots. None of that happened.

Furthermore, after not bringing up God very much in the rest of the novel, suddenly Stefan finds God in the midst of his turmoil. I wanted to love it up till this very point. Having been raised a Viking, I expected him to confer with Odin or some other Norse God, not...Christian God. And having all these Christian sentiments. It was just a turn off (I dislike any book that makes a big play on Christian religion, other than those that provide a non-orthodox view).

Once the conflict in the plot progression arose and all the mentions of God with it, I just wanted to get the novel over and done with. I breezed through most of it, found myself mildly surprised with the twist/magic moment and not at all surprised with the ending.

What I Liked:

1. Descriptions of Viking culture and their civilisation. It got me really excited because it was exactly what was described on History (although I doubt that is a good comparison, seeing as actual history has been manipulated for entertainment purposes).
2. The relationship between Stefan and Kannak is the cutest thing ever.

What I Didn't Like:

1. Macaron's wife seems to have an ungodly hatred for him and there is no other explanation other than that he took her away from her family.
2. There was a big emphasis on God which I find disconcerting seeing as it was about a Viking. Vikings confer with Odin, not God. As based on my knowledge, Vikings do not give up their faith so easily.
3. There was barely any Viking save for the first few chapters. It was Scot all the way.

Some Quotes:
Chapter 11: "He was beginning to realize he wanted to be more to her than a brother."
Chapter 12: "It was not the real reason but it was not yet time to tell her he loved her and could not leave without her."
Chapter 12: Stefan rolled his eyes and patted the horse's nose. "Ye she loves already. Loving me will take a bit longer, it seems."
Chapter 13: "It was worth being tricked, he thought, just to have her hand in his."
Chapter 13: "Her heart would not be still and the fluttering did not stop. Was this what her father had told her about? Had the man she would marry been beside her all these months?"

Would I recommend it?: Yes
Rating: 3/5

Title: Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continued
Author: Anna Elliot
Published: April 20th 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Skip ahead to section that says review if you don't want to hear me ramble about the preludes of me reading this book. Instead of studying and working on an assignment, I spent my early morning finishing the rest of Georgiana Darcy's Diary. In truth, I started reading this book while on the can so I didn't feel guilty about reading while I was supposed to be earning my grades.

If anyone knows me, I cannot resist a good Regency novel, especially one that involves Jane Austen and her characters. And when I saw that it was free, I snapped it up immediately because well, who cannot resist a free book. (I've got a huge collection of free books on Kobo ever since I discovered the beauty that is BookBub who never fails to update me on new books. Check them out on Facebook and see if you can find a few steals as well)

I won't give away too many spoilers because for one, I can't remember well or am articulate enough to recount the whole novel or give away any spoilers.

Review:

First and foremost, I enjoyed Elliot's take on Pride and Prejudice immensely and I couldn't put it down. Immediately after I finished Georgiana Darcy's Diary, I wanted to read the continuation. Unfortunately, it wasn't free.

I avoid reading Pride and Prejudice sequels mainly because I can't imagine having my most favourite characters in the world ruined by some writer who fails to capture what I imagine Elizabeth or Darcy is like. (My fault but I digress, most of P&P sequels are awfully written) I previously have read a sequel about Mary Bennett and that wasn't too bad so Georgiana Darcy, why not? She was a minor character and could use some imagination (and liberty) to bring her to life. Written in journal/diary format (as the title says), it centers the novel around Georgiana and her thoughts, bringing extreme life to a girl who was so often associated with George Wickham.

1. As with sequels who take minor characters and make them major, I expected that there would be a massive epiphany where they come out of their shells or grow from dowdy ladies to beautiful lilies on a summer's pond. Elliot didn't disappoint where the once shy and pitiful Georgiana bloomed into a fiery, headstrong woman of nineteen in a manner of pages. Of course, I found it pretty hilarious since that is pretty much the guidelines of bringing minor characters to life. You have to make them a round character or there wouldn't be much story to tell. I wouldn't say I am extremely pleased with turning her so sharply into a bold character, it was a necessary move on the part of Elliot.
2. I loved how Elliot turned a minor and shy character into a vibrant young woman that you want to cheer and root for. She took quiet, pitiable Georgiana and gave her some wits and some bravery and some ability to take initiative. It was nail-biting to watch Georgiana grow and battle with her inner shyness. And once she bloomed, it was wonderful to watch her often doubt herself. All in all, Elliot portrayed Georgiana wonderfully and I think a lot of young women who are just coming out of their shells can relate. Although I can't say that Elliot's Georgiana is the role model for shy wallflowers who want to become firehouses but she does show that shyness can be overcome. And that bravery is one of the better qualities to possess
• Not to mention, Georgiana is portrayed as a regular young woman and readers come to associate her with her own characteristics rather than the girl who was conned by Wickham.
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh, although received a brunt of the expected negativity, she was humanised as well. 
3. Elliot made her book accessible. Readers who have never read or heard of (likely story) P&P would be able to pick this book up and read it without being confused. For one, in one of the earlier chapters, Elliot makes it a point to introduce readers to the characters. It seemed a bit odd for me (since I am familiar with P&P) but perhaps to non-Jane Austen fans, it would be a good introduction to the characters.

Of course, I have some grievances which became more prominent towards the end of the novel. It felt like the ending was rushed and things seemed more manufactured (duh, it's a novel) than the chips simply falling into place.

1. Halfway through the book, I realised that something was a bit off with the language in the sense that it was far too modern. Of course, having read way too many Regency-era novels, this isn't too big a problem since it's to make the book as accessible as possible to the public. However, when you consider that it is JANE FUCKING AUSTEN, the extreme modernity of the book is slightly put-offing. I honestly doubt a nineteen year old Regency girl would write like that in her diary.
2. Often times, throughout the book, Elizabeth Bennett is described as playing the pianoforte. To my knowledge, Elizabeth does not play the piano. At all. The pianoforte is Mary Bennett's forte, no pun intended. And if my P&P memory serves me, she has spoken ill of these "supposed" talents that young ladies are supposed to possess.
•  Furthermore, Elizabeth sings. Elizabeth Anne Bennett does not sing. Maybe in private and to Fitzwilliam (Darcy) only but hell no would Elizabeth ever sing in public. Not even to Georgiana, much as she adores her sister-in-law (in Elliot's novel).
3. Somehow, Edward (Darcy)'s trauma from the war seems pretty...mild. Considering that he experiences flashes of the war in ballrooms, suffers from nightmares and doesn't fit in to society, I figured that his PTSD would cause him to react more. Perhaps it is because I am enamoured with Lisa Kleypas' Love in the Afternoon where her hero is in the same place as Edward. His (Christopher Phelan) seems so much more real and poignant than Edward who seems merely to be feigning PTSD.