The Eagle's Conquest

The Eagle's Conquest by Simon Scarrow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Poor Cato and Macro just can't catch a break. Vitellius is still as villainous as ever.

Cato is badly burned in battle and makes the acquaintance of the surgeon Nisus (a descendant of Hannibal). They become friendly but the friendship ends abruptly when Nisus falls under Vitellius' spell. Shortly after that while Cato and Macro are fetching new recruits Nisus disappears.

Nisus is fatally wounded while trying to sneak back into camp. Cato is there when he dies and knows he was trying to get a message to Vitellius. Not realizing it's importance but puzzled by marks on a bandage Cato takes the bandage they find around Nisus' uninjured knee.

Lavinia resumes her affair with Vitellius and he uses her to smuggle a weapon into the Emperor's banquet. Cato unravels the message contained in the bandage and he and Macro sneak into the banquet hall in order to stop the assassination of Claudius. Realizing his plan has been foiled Vitellius kills Lavinia and claims the credit for saving Claudius' life.

The book ends with Vitellius as the new favorite of Claudius and accompanying him back to Rome. Flavia telling Vespasian they are going to have a second child. Vespasian also gets his own command and Flavia is staying with him in Britain for the time being.

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#1 Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Claire Beauchamp Randall isn't very believable as a woman of 1946 she seems much more my contemporary then my Aunt Annette's who would have been around the same age as Claire. But putting aside the fact that Claire's mores are more those of a woman born in the 1960's aside the book was a good yarn.

Claire and her husband #1 Frank Randall are vacationing in the Scottish Highlands, Frank is involved in some genealogy research (this is important as his research allows Claire to know things about his ancestors) when she is transported to 1743.

She is first discovered by Jack Randall (Frank's ancestor) who is a sadistic bully as well as a sexual pervert. After escaping from him she is captured by the Clan MacKenzie, who are rescuing their cousin Jamie Fraser who is traveling under an assumed name. Jamie is badly wounded and Claire puts her nursing skills to use, earning Jamie's friendship.

At Castle Leoch, Claire discovers a web of intrigue. The Laird of the MacKenzie Clan Colum mac Campbell MacKenzie suffers from a genetic condition that renders him crippled and sterile. He is only able to rule the clan as Laird because his brother Dougal stands with him and acts as his arms and legs (and cock but that is suppose to be a secret). Colum doesn't have long to live and fears that his son (actually Dougal's son) Hamish MacKenzie will not be chosen as Laird. The brother's fear that the clan would choose Jamie if he renounces the Fraser clan and takes the MacKenzie plaid. But as the Laird of Lallybroch it is in the best interest of Colum and Dougal to keep him alive. In order to prevent Claire from falling into Randall's hands Dougal arranges for her to marry Jamie. Jamie and Claire soon fall in love but Claire fells guilty about Frank. While Jamie is off hunting with The Duke of Sandringham, in hopes of receiving his help in getting murder charges dropped Geilis Duncan and Claire are arrested for witchcraft. Unbeknownst to Claire Geilis is pregnant with Dougal's child and Colum arranged for her arrest to take care of "the problem". He has possibly arranged for Claire to be arrested to as she knows the truth about Hamish's parentage. Jamie arrives in time to save Claire and they hastily depart.

Claire tells Jamie about Frank and how she was transported back in time. Jamie takes her to Craig na Dun so she can attempt to return to Frank, but Claire chooses to stay with Jamie and they head for Lallybroch. Claire later learns that Geilis was burned at the stake but that she left a message for Claire "I think it is possible, but I do not know and that Geilis disappeared in 1967"


Claire and Jaime are happy at Lallybroch but Jaimie is betrayed by a disgruntled tenant to the Watch. Jamie is taken to Wentworth Prison and is scheduled to be hanged. Captain Randall sexually abuses Jamie, breaks the fingers of his right hand and beats him before Claire can arrange for his rescue. They escaped to Saint Anne de Beaupre's monastery in France, where Jamie's uncle serves as Abbot. Once he is well they plan to join Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Rome. Claire also reveals she is pregnant.



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Beautiful Redemption

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The last of the Caster Chronicles. Ethan is given a chance to return to Gatlin, he just needs the "Book of Moons" for a trade. With Ridley's help Lena gets the book and Amma calls up "The Greats" to take it to him.

Ethan succeeds in ripping his page from the Caster Chronicles and returns to Gatlin but Amma has to take his place in the Otherworld.

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Alabama's Mitcham Wars Essaying Mortal Wounds

Alabama's Mitcham Wars: Essaying Mortal Wounds by Jerry Elijah Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a descendant of Andrew Jackson Mott and Harriette Ann Hutto Mott I enjoyed learning more about their lives and descendants. Only sorry my Grandpa Cloey Thompson never had a chance to read the book, as I am sure he would have had many interesting stories to add about his relatives. So happy that Jerry Elijah Brown wrote the book and that my Mom spotted it in the Automotive section of the Book Store.

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A Dance With Dragons

A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

He certainly didn't advance the plot much and the first part is pretty much a rehash of what happened in A Feast For Crows from another characters POV.

Arya sight is returned to her and she is still with the Faceless Men.

Bran has reached the "three-eyed crow" and is learning about about greenseeing and skinchanging. I am really unhappy about what they are doing to Bran.

Jon Snow let the Wildlings through "The Wall", on condition they help fight "The Others". He had planed to rescue some Wildlings at Hardhome but when he got the message from Ramsey Bolton he changed the plan and put Tormund Giantsbane in charge of the rescue attempt, while he planned to go to Winterfell and attack Bolton. He was stabbed by his brothers and we do not know if he is alive or dead.

Alys Karstark, fled to "The Wall" and was given sanctuary by Jon Snow. She married Sigorn, Magnar of Thenn (Wildling) in order to avoid being married to her cousin Cregan Karstark, and having her home stolen from her family.

Stannis has Asha Greyjoy, as his prisoner. Currently Stannis and his "army" have been snowed in. A representative from the Iron Bank showed up with some of Asha Greyjoy's men as well as Theon (Reek) and Jeyne Poole "Bolton" (the False Arya). Jon Snow had sent Mance Rayder (Abel) and six spearwives to rescue Arya. Ramsey has captured Mance and killed the spearwives according to his letter to Jon Snow.

Jon Connington (Griff) has been raising Prince Aegon (Young Griff) in secrecy. The original plan was to go to Daenerys and join forces but Tyrion convinces him to invade the Seven Kingdoms (starting in the Stormlands) without her instead. Jon Connington is suffering from greyscale but so far has managed to keep his condition secret.

Tyrion was kidnapped by Jorah Mormont who planned to take him to Daenerys but they were captured by slavers. Tyrion managed to arrange their escape and they are currently with Brown Ben Plumm, (along with the female dwarf Penny, her dog and pig have probably been killed).

Daenerys Targaryen married Hizdahr zo Loraq in order to restore peace to the city of Meereen, he is believed to have arranged to have her poisoned. Strong Belwas ate the poisoned locusts meant for Daenerys and nearly died. Drogon (the black dragon) shows up and Daenerys flies away on him, many people are trampled when they try to flee and some believe Daenerys is dead. At the end of the book she and Drogon were discovered by the khalasar of Khal Jhaqo.

Victarion Greyjoy sails through the outer islands of Slaver's Bay, bound for Meereen in hopes of marrying Daenerys.

Quentyn Martell, Prince of Dorne got to Meereen to late. Daenerys refused his marriage proposal and wed Hizdahr instead. Wanting to return to Dorne in triumph he attempts to steal one of the remaining dragons. Both dragons escape and Quentyn is badly burned and dies from his injuries.

Ser Barristan Selmy, is acting as Daenerys "Hand" and has taken Hizdahr prisoner.

Davos is still alive and has been sent to rescue Rickon Stark.

Cersei Lannister was imprisoned by the Faith of the Seven. After admitting to fornication she was released after walking through the streets naked. She still has to stand trial for adultery and murder, "Ser Robert Strong" (some sort of Frankenstein's monster cobbled together from the corpse of Gregor Clegane and other prisoners) will be her champion in a trial by combat.

Jamie Lannister has disappeared with Brienne of Tarth.

Varys, arranges the murders of Kevan Lannister and Grand Maester. Pycelle.

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A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think Sandor Clegane is alive and on the Quiet Isle. What I do know for sure is that Elder Brother told Brienne he found Sandor, that is was Arya with him and that they were headed to the Saltpans and that Arya presumably continued on there after she left Sandor. Elder Brother told her "The Hound" was dead but when Brienne asked if Sandor Clegane was dead he said "he is at rest", which isn't exactly the same thing.

Rorge took The Hounds helm and attacked the Saltpans killing everyone not in the castle. Brienne killed Rorge when he attacked the Inn she was staying at, but was grievously wounded by Biter, who chews the flesh off her cheek. After Gendry rescues her from Biter, he and the remaining members of the Brotherhood Without Banners take her captive. Lady Catelyn (the undead) accuses her of betraying her and instructs her men to hang Brienne, Ser Hyle Hunt and Podrick Payne. As she is hanging Brienne says a word............

Arya used the coin that Jaqen H'ghar gave her to buy passage on a ship to Braavos, where she joins the Faceless Men, While posing as Cat (a fish girl) she meets Samwell Tarly, and learns how Dareon deserted the Night Watch and left Sam, Gilly, The Baby (Rayder's son). and Maester Aemon to starve. Arya kills Dareon, when she returns to the Faceless Men she is given milk to drink that makes her blind.

Sam manages to get passage on a ship to Oldtown, but Maester Aemon dies en-route. At the Citadel Alleras, seeks him out and brings him straight to Archmaester Marwyn, who asks Samwell to repeat for him Aemon's final words. Upon hearing the story, Marwyn immediately departs the city with the stated intention of going to Daenerys and becoming her maester (Not sure if Sam should trust Alleras and Archmaester Marwyn).

Jaime releases Edmure Tully, and allows him to return to Riverrun on condition that he surrender the Castle. Edmure allows his Uncle (The Blackfish) to escape before surrendering the castle, which angers Jaime but Jaime keeps his deal and Edmure is taken to Casterly Rock as his prisoner. When he receives the missive from Cersei begging him for help he burns it.

Cersei in an attempt to alleviate the crown's debts, gain the Faith's blessing, and gain more protection from her purported enemies, allows the new High Septon (known as the High Sparrow) to revive the Faith Militant, ignorant of its history of causing trouble for monarchs. Cersei then plotted to frame Margaery Tyrell for adultery and treason. The High Septon arrest Margaery but Cersei's plans to remove the Tyrell influence at court backfires when the High Sparrow arrests her for several crimes, including the murder of the previous High Septon. Her ministers seize control of the government and send for Kevan to be the new Regent.

Sansa is happily plotting with Lord Petyr Baelish who plans for her to marry Harrold Hardyng (the Arryn heir), and reclaim Winterfell in her name.

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A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OK, I am getting annoyed with they way he interrupts one story to continue another. It's like being in the middle of a REALLY good book and having someone rip it out of your hands and insist that you have to read this book now. It is most annoying when it's a character or storyline I don't really care for doing the interrupting. So he only gets 4 stars instead of 5.

I'll start with the characters I don't care for and get them out of the way. Catelyn Stark née Tully. I have come to the conclusion that except for the Blackfish (who I like) the Tully's are either stupid or insane in some cases both. While it's not her fault that Littlefinger (Petyr Baelish) is obsessed with her, her meddling has cost her husband and son their lives. After Robb broke his betrothal to a girl of House Frey (it was Catelyn's stupid idea to have the marriage take place after the war) and married Jeyne Westerling (her family plotted with Lord Tywin Lannister to have Robb take her maidenhead so he would feel obligated to marry her and cause a rift with house Frey) she advocated having her brother Edmure Tully (now Lord of Riverrun) marry one of the Frey girls to mend the slight. The Frey's accepted the offer of Edmure Tully, but were secretly plotting  with Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton to kill the Starks and their followers (Roose Bolton's bastard Ramsay Snow, was the one who destroyed Winterfell) at the "Red Wedding" when they should have been protected under guest rights. Robb and Catelyn Stark are both killed but Catelyn is resurrected by Lord Beric (stupid man he should have resurrected Robb instead), and is now leading the Brotherhood Without Banners and seeking vengeance on House Frey and anyone else who took part in the Red Wedding.

Sansa (even stupider then her Mother). After her betrothal to Joffrey is broken so he can marry Margaery Tyrell, Margaery's grandmother Olenna Redwyne plans to marry Sansa off to her grandson Willas giving them a claim to Winterfell. Sansa stupidly confides the plan to Ser Dontos who is working for Littlefinger. Littlefinger who wishes to have Sansa under his control tells Tywin Lannister of the plan. Tywin arranges to have Sansa marry his son Tyrion Lannister (The Imp). Sansa is horrified about being married to a disfigured dwarf even though he treats her kindly and agrees to run away with Ser Dontos at Joffrey's wedding to Margaery. Joffrey is poisoned and as he is dying Sansa sneaks out. Her disappearance leads credence to the accusation that Sansa and Tyrion plotted together to kill Joffrey. Sansa is taken by Littlefinger to her Aunt Lysa (who he is now married to).

Lysa who has been in love with Littlefinger since she was a child, poisoned Jon Arryn (her husband and King Robert's Hand), then sent a secret message to Catelyn blaming Queen Cersei. After she see's Littlefinger kissing Sansa she threatens to push her out the Moon Door, but Littlefinger intervenes and pushes Lysa to her death instead.

Now for the characters I like.
Jamie Lannister has finally made it back to King's Landing, but the warm welcome he expected from his sister-lover has yet to materialize. His Father disowned him when he refused to leave the Gold Cloak's return to Casterly Rock and marry. Although Tywin did give him the sword "OathKeeper". Jamie gave the sword to Brienne, the Maid of Tarth and asked her to find Sansa and keep her safe. Without his sword hand Jamie is a fish out of water and fears someone will discover he is no longer able to fight. He helped Tyrion escape because "he owed him" and a Lannister always pays his debts.

Tyrion learns that his first wife Tysha, was what he believed her to be a simple peasant girl. Jamie lied about her being a prostitute he hired for Tyrion on orders from his Father. After he escaped Tyrion used a secret passage to get into the Keep in order to confront his Father. He found Shae in his Father's bed and strangled her for the lies she told at his trial and the mockery she made of his love. After that he found his Father on the toilet and killed him before escaping.

Arya Stark is traveling with The Hound (Sandor Clegane). He realized something was wrong at the Red Wedding and hit Arya over the head with the flat of an ax to save her life. He then started to take her to her Aunt Lysa only to discover the mountain pass was impossible. While they were traveling together they were attacked at an Inn by Polliver, The Tickler and a squire. The Hound was drunk and faring badly in the fight. The Hound was able to kill Polliver and Arya stabbed the squire but The Tickler was set to finish The Hound off when Arya stabs the Tickler in the back and kills him. (She now has Needle back) They ride off but The Hound is badly hurt. Arya dresses his wounds but when The Hound can ride no further she rides off and leaves him. She goes to the Saltpans as he instructed with the idea of taking a ship to the Wall. But due to the recent attacks at the Wall no ship is going there. She takes a ship headed to Braavos, by using the coin that Jaqen H'ghar had given her, along with the Valyrian phrase "Valar Morghulis.". An IMPOSTER Arya has been sent to marry Ramsay (Snow) Bolton.

Jon Snow with the help of Brandon's wolf Summer  is able to escape the Wildlings and ride to Castle Black in time to warn them of an attack from the South. Ygritte (his lover) wounded him with an arrow as he was fleeing. Jon found Castle Black left in the hands of raw recruits, the wounded and aged. Donal Noye leaves Jon in command of the Wall when he goes to defend the tunnel. After Donal Noye's death Jon holds the Wall against overwhelming odds but upon the arrival of Alliser Thorne and Janos Slynt to Castle Black, he is arrested. Maester Aemon refuses to allow them to hang Jon so Thorne and Slynt send him out to kill Mance. King Stannis arrives while Jon is in Mance's tent. The Wildlings are taken captive or flee and Stannis praises Jon for capturing Mance's son. Samwell Tarly arrives at Castle Black (with Gilly and her baby) and works to get Jon named Lord Commander of the Nightwatch. (Sam is one of the few people who know that Brandon Stark is alive, he helped Brandon and his friends go through a secret tunnel to the North). Ghost finally arrives back at Castle Black and is reunited with Jon.

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