Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins

Edition: Paperback, 320 pages

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: July 2009

Genre: Historical fiction, 1700s, adventure, romance

Similar Books: Pirates! by Celia Rees, Sovay by Celia Rees 

Overall Rating: 4/5

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The rules for a young English woman in 1799 are simple: Do what you're told; stay out of the way; and don't, under any circumstances, ask questions. 

But Constance Blackchurch is insatiable, headstrong, and complex; and the quest to find her missing mother is too much to resist...

as is Alexandre Sans-Nom, the pearl diver who steals her heart, uproots all of her social expectations, and can either ruin or save the family she loves.

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The story was intriguing...a missing mother. A brooding, and distant father. A secret, and of course, a forbidden romance. The story is a bit dry at first but once Constance begins finding out information about her mother's whereabouts, it picks up quite a bit. My only issue with making Unclaimed Heart a favorite was that I felt it was written in sort-of juvenile way. It's not a middle grade novel–at least not by my knowledge–and Wilkins has written other historical romances for adults so I was sort of surprised it would get this feeling. I liked the characters, particularly the french sailor-boy (but of course!) and the setting/period but the main character, Constance, again felt in some way a bit too distant. Some of the predicaments Constance finds herself in is not very realistic, almost silly, and at times a bit rushed which can take the shine off the adventure.

Perhaps the toned-down atmosphere will keep it from being an extremely enticing novel, but it was a nice, quick read nonetheless. Younger readers will probably enjoy this novel much more; in fact, I would definitely have read and loved this book several years ago. Still, I hardly ever regret reading a book set on the high seas! Recommended for ages 12+.

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

In this stunning sequel to the National Book Award Finalist Chains, Isabel and Curzon are once again faced with a trial of survival and must continue their fight for freedom admits the backdrop of our country’s War for Independence. As the tale unfolds this time from Curzon’s perspective, Anderson takes us on a journey to the Revolution’s most famous battle of will, Valley Forge. Enduring the harsh winter as an escaped slave, Curzon must learn to fight his fears and find the strength to hope.

Following events and important figures throughout America’s Revolutionary War, the thrilling story of two young, runaway slaves is not the only thing makes Forge a unique book. Readers will marvel at how Anderson has brought history to life and has shown us little known facts about our nation’s beginnings.

In the first novel, our heroine Isabel takes us to the streets of New York City where some of the first battles for freedom began. In Forge however, Anderson lets us follow the events through a new set of eyes. Curzon is an interesting character voice that differs from Isabel not only because it’s from a young man’s point of view, but from a solider’s as well. In this second installation to the Seeds of America series, Curzon gives us an even more gruesome and realistic look into the time period, war, and   the hardships of a slave. As a big fan of historical fiction, I absolutely loved reading both Chains and Forge; I believe Anderson gives great insight on what was going on (rather than just the war) during 1777-78. Anderson is truly a gifted writer.

Recommendation: Readers of all ages will become absorbed in Anderson’s captivating and well researched novel of early American life and slavery. Living up to its expectations, Forge will not disappoint. Recommend to ages 12 and up.

Content: Violence and graphic images (PG)

|Pages: 281|Published: October 2010|Publisher: Atheneum|

|Genre: Historical fiction, Revolutionary War, middle grade|

|Age Group: Middle grade/YA ages 12+|Price: $16.99|

|Content Rating: 4/5|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|

|Overall Rating:|

Sovay by Celia Rees

The year is 1794 and it seems the world is yearning for revolution, even the British. For Sovay Middleton, life as the daughter of a kind, wise landlord is not very adventurous at all. When her father and brother’s lives are threatened by the scent of uprising against the King, Sovay is suddenly thrown into a thrilling ride of a lifetime. From posing as a highwayman, dodging a spymaster’s evil and intricate schemes, to facing the sideways traps of the French Revolution, Sovay will do whatever it takes to find her father and bring justice to light.  From the author of Witch Child and Pirates! comes the epic story of one heroine’s quest for freedom and love amidst a fierce battle between revolution and power.

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Sovay is not just a tale of a highway robbery nor a daring story of villainous spies, but a tale more intricate than any reader would suspect. Many reviews of Sovay include disappointment. While the plot is very long and the characters many, Sovay is one of the best reads I’ve read this year. It is not only a heroic story of how justice is sought, but it also opened up a door to history, the history of both our own country and of the civil unrest that both England and France experienced as they too struggled for a People’s Independence. This book has robbers, spymasters, Patriots, and suave Frenchmen all combined in a daring race for freedom. The book jacket has everyone fooled into thinking it is just about a girl who “robbed for love”, when in fact this synopsis does not in any way do it justice. Sovay is a much grander story than that and its plot and scenery changes three times during the course of Sovay’s tale. 

Pirates! by Celia Rees

Nancy Kington, an heiress fleeing an arranged marriage, and Minerva Sharpe, a runway plantation slave, both find unlikely salvation on the pirate ship Deliverance. Life as a pirate is difficult enough, but can the two young women escape the cruel Captain Bartholome, who has pledged to follow them over the seven seas? And will Nancy's long-lost friend, a sailor in the Royal Navy, love the pirate she has become?

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I am so very sorry I didn't pick up this book sooner and I'm glad I bought it instead of borrowing the ragged copy at my library–no wonder it was so well-worn. Pirates! is a thrilling high seas venture with jolly pirates, Navy officers, and the scourge of the sea.
Many "pirate" novels and movies are filled with fantasy pirate lore and fictional accounts of the way the high seas were. In reality, however, the open ocean wasn't as romantic as anyone thinks. It was filled with death, gruesome tortures usually by the hand of the British or Spanish Empire, and slave trade. The Caribbean was founded on slavery, but it strived for freedom. As the story of Nancy and Minerva unfolds, you see the true side of pirates as well as a cunningly crafted adventure of excitement and elements of the high seas that are very near reality.
Although I have to admit I'll probably come close to loving any pirate novel you place in my lap, what I like about Pirates! is that Rees is so very realistic about the way she presented Nancy's circumstances. Remember those stories about Davy Jones? (Yeah, the guy with the tentacles from Pirates of the Caribbean.) Instead of having some half-fish, half-man creature lurk in the dark blue waves trying to find Nancy, Davy Jones becomes something of a true form combined with a terrifying curse. As this cunning figure chases Nancy over the deep blue waters, a much grander tales is spun as Nancy continues to search for her true love.
Pirates! is told in third person. While this doesn't allow room for very many personal connections between Nancy and Minerva, it does encourage a lot of imagination use. How Rees incorporates legend with real life is the best thing this pirate themed novel can offer while still being just as exciting as floating islands, The Flying Dutchman, and Johnny De– er, Jack Sparrow. I read Pirates! in one day and, even though its been several weeks since I put it down, I can still taste salt water.

Recommendation: Highly recommend. Have some extra pocket money to purchase it? Don't hesitate, it's a darn good story. For ages 14+.


This Book is For: Teens who enjoy pirates, adventure, history, or a real page-turner
This Book is Not For: Those weary of heart or sailers who don't have sea legs


Content: Graphic images of death and a few sexual remarks; PG-13


The Last Straw: A passage from the prologue:
If our story seems a little extravagant, to have something of the air of a novel, I may assure you that this is not fiction. Our adventures need no added invention, rather I find myself forced to leave out certain details in order not to shock. You will read of many things, both strange and terrible.....


|Pages: 379|Published: 2003|Publisher: Bloomsbury|Price: Soft. $8.99|
|Genre: Adventure, pirates, historical fiction, 1700s|
|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|Content: PG-13|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|
|Overall: 5/5|

How the Hangman Lost His Heart by K.M. Grant

Alice Towneley is the daughter of a nobleman and the niece of a traitor. Dan Skinslicer is a hangman who is very good at what he does. And Uncle Frank's head is about to throw them altogether. With their own necks at stake, Alice and Dan dodge soldiers, hide in laundry baskets, and creep inside enemy lines just to get Uncle Frank's head out of London intact. When a young solider is accused of helping Alice escape faces Dan's own noose, can Alice choose between them? Do hangmen really have hearts, or can friendship go as deep as love?

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Filled with humor, vivid historical detail, and a risky love triangle, How the Hangman Lost His Heart is the story of one girl's mission to save her Uncle Frank's head and make a few friends in the process.

I read this book in one sitting and had fun reading it. It wasn't extremely pleasant because of constant talk of hangings, be-headings, and [ugh] heads, but I would definitely say I learned a lot about 18th century English culture. (I'm so glad Americans had the dignity to not publicly behead people.)

Besides blood and guts, How the Hangman Lost His Heart was pretty entertaining and even had a little romance.

The characters were all very lovable-even Dan Skinslicer, whose personality was way too sweet for a executioner. The writing, however, seemed a bit choppy and the character's personal emotions where hidden within the chaos of the London streets. For me, I don't mind reading emotions between the lines, but I can understand that some find this irritating or dull. Thus, this choice of writing style can be risky, but I think Grant pulled it off-and if you make it to the end, you'll never forget How the Hangman Lost His Heart.

The part where Grant explains that this book was based on the true fact that her family did have an Uncle Frank whose head was chopped off really got me! I love it when authors include real family legacies in their books, it creates an even deeper feel for family history and books alike.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story of love, friendship, and runaway heads; I think fans of Grant's de Granville trilogy will enjoy this 18th century adventure.
Hangmen really do have hearts. :)

K.M. Grant is the author of the de Granvill Trilogy and the Perfect Fire Trilogy for young readers. How the Hangman Lost is Heart is a fictional take on her ancestor Uncle Frank who was the last man to be hung, drawn, and quartered in England. For generations Uncle Frank's head was passed down until he was reunited with his body after World War II. She lives in Scotland.

Pages: 256 Year Published: 2007 Publisher: Walker

Genre: Historical, 1700s, Age Group: YA, ages 12+

Content: Detailed description of blood, executions, etc.

Enjoyed It: 5/5 Rating: (based on content)

Premiere Saturday: The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

It is 1790 on Drury Lane in the city of London. Miss Cat Royal is an orphan that was left at the Drury Lane Theater when she was a baby. Ever since then, she has been living at the theater earning her keep by doing small jobs. One day she over hears the theater owner talking about a secret diamond that has arrived in the theater. She is determined to help keep the secret safe, and not let anything happen to the diamond; then suddenly word gets out that the diamond has been hidden in the theater. Even though Cat hasn't seen the diamond, she knows that she must keep it out of harms way. In the process of her great adventure she makes new friends and foes on Drury Lane.

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The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

History, a mystery, and a little music.

The Musician’s Daughter is a mysterious and musical story of a girl’s desperate search for truth and justice. The characters were very true to their era (even if they’re were a little too vague sometimes)-it was the fad back then to be extremely polite and obedient, even if it meant life or death; being vague and secretive, and no emo showing whatsoever. The book had  a sense of adventure and mystery and Theresa was a very good heroine.

Around the first couple chapters of the book, I became confused and annoyed because of the simple details, that’s when I realized I had to use my imagination. After that, it was a breeze. The glamorous city of Vienna came to life, and the hardships of the 18th century became more realistic. My brain buzzed with excitement when Theresa dodged scheming politicians, visited the Gypsy (Romanian) camps for clues, and unveiled the nasty little secrets of her uncle.The Musician’s Daughter is written in first person (which I tend to like more) and is a wonderful example of justice and the love of music. Books are so much better when they have a meaning. The plot was wonderfully crafted-which kept those pages turning- and the ending was perfect.

I think The Musician's Daughter will appease to both historical fiction lovers, and non-history lovers alike. (My sister is not a history fan and she enjoyed it) 

Might I also add that the cover is just curious?

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Upon learning that this book took place in Vienna (the music capitol of the world) I immediately thought of the violin or on a more detailed note, the Stradivarius. The Stradivarius is a type of violin made by Antonio Stradivarius in Italy during the 1680s-1700. They are very valuable, rare (only about 700 hundred were supposedly made and very few are actually known to this day), and cannot be re-created. Be sure to check the attic for any old violin, who knowns, your grandpa may have owned a Stradivarius and never even known it.

                                       

Pages: 336   Year Published: 2008   Fiction: Historical  

Time Period: Vienna, 1779    Level: YA, ages 13+     

This Books is For: Girls    Should I Waist My Eyes On This? Yes    

Buy or Borrow: Both  [NEW]