Monday, February 5, 2024

I want to go home

Monday. Receptionist still out. 

Feeling a little put out. 

Yes, yes I am.

Over the weekend I read A GENTLEMAN IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES by Grace Burrows. 3rd of 5 in Lord Julian regency series 

Lord Julian Caldicott, still recovering from his years at war, is tasked with investigating the circumstances of a small boy who could be either the salvation of the Waltham dukedom or a pawn in a scheme to sink the Caldicott family in endless scandal. The boy is alone in the world, though any one of several women might be his mother, and they all claim that Julian’s brother, the late Lord Harry Caldicott, was the child's father. Or a heritage of honor... To uncover the boy's parentage, Julian must face demons from his own past, solve puzzles left behind by Lord Harry, and thwart enemies who wish the lad harm for reasons of their own. His investigation takes him from barracks, to brothels, and to Hyde Park by dark of night. The longer he searches, the more tangled—and dangerous—the mystery becomes, for Julian and for the innocent child who deserves to know the truth of his own birthright.

Published 2023; 236 pages. 4 stars. I love this series and characters.

I also finished HEIR OF NOVRON by Michael J. Sullivan if I hadn't mentioned that yet. 3.5 stars. 

For a fantasy, I'm giving another go to GREEN RIDER by Kristen Britain. 1st of 8 in series.

On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G'ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves as a galloping horse bursts from the woods, the rider slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a "life and death" message for King Zachary. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission "for love of country." As he bestows upon her the golden winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, he whispers on his dying breath, "Beware the shadow man..." Karigan's promise changes her life forever. Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, and accompanied by the silent specter of the original messenger, she herself becomes a legendary Green Rider. Caught up in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.

Published 1998. 471 pages. It's reading a little pedantically but I'm not giving up yet. And the covers of the newer books look cool. 

No sprints tonight. I hope to do some crochet and reading and then bed.

Have a good day

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

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