Tag: #monthlyreads

The Afflictions of Praha by Simon Gillard Review

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Murder mysteries and historical fiction have been my two favorite genres recently. The Affliction of Praha combines those into one quick read. Keep reading to see what I thought about it.

The Teralov Family are adored in 20th century Prague. Everyone was shocked when Peter Teralov was murdered. Detective Edgar Rollenvart is tasked with the job of bringing the killer to justice. Edgar teams up with Peter’s brother to learn more about the case. As suspects mount, the evidence dead ends, leaving the Teralov family with more questions than they had at the beginning.

The Affliction of Praha is fast paced. There was not a dull moment in the entire book. It didn’t take me long to finish. However, that did lead into my main problem with the book. The characters weren’t fully developed. I didn’t really connect with any of them. Trying to figure out the motive of the killer was impossible because Peter is barely discussed. I enjoy character motivated stories, but if you like plot driven stories this might not be an issue for you.

I do hope the author continues to write. His writing reminded me of Agatha Christie’s. With a bit more polishing and development I think he will be a great mystery writer. Toward the end there are several plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. He put a lot of thought and creativity into them. It made for a strong ending.

My Rating: 3/5

Don’t forget to check out Books a Million for the best prices on new releases! I’m proud to be a Books a Million affiliate!

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

The Affliction of Praha by Simon Gillard Review

· Leave a comment ·

Murder mysteries and historical fiction have been my two favorite genres recently. The Affliction of Praha combines those into one quick read. Keep reading to see what I thought about it.

The citizens of 20th Century Prague adore the Teralov Family. Therefore, the murder of Peter Teralov shocked everyone. The family hired Detective Edgar Rollenvart to bring the killer to justice. Edgar teams up with Peter’s brother to learn more about the case. As suspects mount, the evidence dead ends, leaving the Teralov family with more questions than they had at the beginning.

The Affliction of Praha is fast paced. There was not a dull moment in the entire book. It didn’t take me long to finish. However, that did lead into my main problem with the book. The character development wasn’t great. I didn’t really connect with any of them. I couldn’t figure of the motive of the killer, because Peter was barely discussed. My reading preference leans toward character motivated stories, but if you like plot driven stories this might not be an issue for you.

Above all, I do hope the author continues to write. His writing reminded me of Agatha Christie’s. With a bit more polishing and development I think he will be a great mystery writer. Toward the end there are several plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. He put a lot of thought and creativity into them. It made for a strong ending.

My Rating: 3/5

Don’t forget to check out Books a Million for the best prices on new releases! I’m proud to be a Books a Million affiliate!

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

A Short July TBR

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July is always a busy month for me, so I probably won’t have a ton of reading time. I also decided to start a massive book at the end of June. I imagine it will take up a big chunk of my time. I’m hoping I have more time to read than expected, but I’m keeping it simple this month in case I don’t. Here is my July TBR.

Fall of Giants

Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Billy Williams enters a man’s world in the Welsh mining pits…. Gus Dewar, an American law student rejected in love, finds a surprising new career in Woodrow Wilson’s White House…. Two orphaned Russian brothers, Grigori and Lev Peshkov, embark on radically different paths half a world apart when their plan to emigrate to America falls afoul of war, conscription, and revolution…. Billy’s sister, Ethel, a housekeeper for the aristocratic Fitzherberts, takes a fateful step above her station, while Lady Maud Fitzherbert herself crosses deep into forbidden territory when she falls in love with Walter von Ulrich, a spy at the German embassy in London….

These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as, in a saga of unfolding drama and intriguing complexity, Fall of Giants moves seamlessly from Washington to St. Petersburg, from the dirt and danger of a coal mine to the glittering chandeliers of a palace, from the corridors of power to the bedrooms of the mighty. As always with Ken Follett, the historical background is brilliantly researched and rendered, the action fast-moving, the characters rich in nuance and emotion. It is destined to be a new classic.

I started Fall of Giants in late June. It is a tome that is going to take me awhile to read. I have made it to page 184 and I’m still only 18% in. I love it though.

Purchase

Pestilence

Synopsis:

At the dawn of the Renaissance, Alfred – the eponymous second son – must discover the special destiny foreseen for him by his grandfather. Now, the unthinkable has happened: Alfred’s brother is king. And it isn’t long before everyone’s worst fears are realized. Traditional allegiances are shattered under a style of rule unknown since the grand bargain that formed the kingdom was struck over two hundred years ago. These will be the most dangerous years of Alfred’s life, forcing him to re-examine his duty to personal honor and to the kingdom, while the threats posed by his brother constantly remind him of his father’s final words of advice. What choices will he have to make to try to protect the things he holds most dear?

I’m so excited to read this! I will be participating in the blog tour on July 25th, so keep and eye out for that. Reading it excited me anyhow. Then, the author wrote me a letter because she recognized my address. Her father worked at a pharmacy that my family frequented. I loved that connection. The blog tour poster is included if you want to learn more.

Purchase

So that is my simple July tbr for this month. I hope to read more, but if not then so be it. What are you reading this month?

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