Book Review: "She's the One Who Thinks Too Much" by S.R. Cronin

 

Do you know what your problem is?

Ryalgar knows hers. People have been telling this over-educated 13th-century woman for years. So when an equally intellectual prince decides he loves her, it looks like everyone was wrong and her dreams have come true.

Except, this prince is obligated to marry another. He is leading the army training to defend their tiny realm against an expected Mongol invasion. And he is considering sacrificing Ryalgar’s home nichna by abandoning it’s rich farmlands to their foes.
If only he wasn’t such a nice guy. Another woman would …..

Ryalgar has no idea what another would do. All she knows is she has a multitude of university intellectuals and a family of tough farmers behind her, and a newfound connection with the witches in the forest. Why not devise her own strategy to keep the invaders from destroying her home? Then she can figure out what to do about this problem prince.

It’s just the sort of thing that happens when a woman thinks too much. - from Goodreads website

This is the first book in the 'The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters' series. I received an advance review copy for free through Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have to start this off with, look at the artwork! I got drawn into book four of  the series when I saw it on Booksirens. I did a little research, found out what the first three books were about, and decided to 'let loose' in my reading to check this series out. Fantasy genre is my favorite read, but parts of this story were a little more out of my regular reading. Doing my best not to spoil anything....but to be safe ...

*** spoilers ahead ***

One can tell from the title of the series, that there are seven sisters, and all were introduced in this first book. This one centers around the oldest, Ryalgar, who happened to be the most studious of the brood. She lands in romance with a Prince, who is obligated to marry another, then joins a witch clan. Invaders from another land are coming, and they all have to find a way to save their country. So I am a little put off here. I don't generally read Historical Fantasy, and this one fits that category. It takes place in 13th century, in a country that doesn't exist, implanted in the European area. I think it was south-eastern Europe, but cannot recall exactly.

So invaders, 13th century, independent thinking, school studied, head-strong female lead, meets a Prince, falls in love, joins some witches. Yeah, there is seemingly a lot going on here - and this is just the first Sister! 

Thoughts: Love the cover art, on all the books out currently. I was a little let down on more of the backstory of not only the country, but of most of the characters. It was very lightly touched upon, if at all. When referencing other countries, there was next to nothing to identify this was a similar to Europe area. The Author created an pretty exclusive language for the people, and once you figure out what word is for what, the story moves smother. The author did include a map, and words translations, but I find it difficult to flip back and forth while reading, and generally just learn to read it all in context. I was a little let down about the characters in that they are all perfect. The parents of the main character were 'farmers' yet let all their daughters pretty much do what they wanted. The grandmother was the leader of the witches. The Prince is head over heels in love the first time they meet - at a local celebration of some holiday (sounded pagan as sex was involved afterwards). For the most part, no one argues what this Daughter wants to do in regards to thwarting the invasion. Seemingly, nothing can go wrong, with anything.

That all being said, I am still going to read the next book. This was a pretty short/fast read for me, and even with what I see as little faults, I was drawn into the story, and feel a need to find out what happens, especially with the next Sister being the one centered upon.

Book Review: "Oil & Dust" by Jami Fairleigh

 

Politics, Money, Power, Religion, and Greed. These are the things we never again need.

Artist Matthew Sugiyama can alter the physical world with his art. As the top student graduating from the prestigious Popham Abbey, Matthew Sugiyama’s future is secure… until he bucks convention and begins a journey to find answers about his birth family. The trouble is, he doesn’t know who or where they are.

Determined to find answers, but without a clear destination, Matthew sets out on horseback across a post-technology world, guided only by random flashes of a vision or long-buried memory. Using his skills as an artist to barter for hospitality and supplies, Matthew soon learns his sheltered upbringing has left him wholly unprepared to face the obstacles on the road or his unexpected yearning to join the communities he encounters. When he uncovers a mysterious adversary’s plan to harm the people he’s come to care for, Matthew must decide what’s more important; the adopted family he has created, or his need for answers about his past. - from Goodreads.com

I had skipped this title a couple times, when I was going through possible books to request at a couple websites. The description made the story feel a bit too Young Adult to me, and I just was not in the mood for that style of writing. However, I took a chance, and am glad I did.

Sure it sounds a little cheesy... an orphaned boy trained in a magical art, out in the real world realizing he has no social skills. But Fairleigh makes it come together, and I felt pulled into the story. The world building was not the greatest, as all we can tell is it is a dystopian future, and I felt there were some parts that were not explained well. Characters come into the story easy enough, and there really isn't much background on them either. Almost as if they were written in, and that was when their lives began. 

The story rolled along well, and I found myself drawn in. The main character's lack of social skills made for a couple humorous events, yet it felt good for him to learn from those mistakes. The search for his family, and information that was revealed in the story, make we wonder how long we will have to wait for the next book in the series.

I received this book through Booksirens and Kitsune Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

#Booksirens #OilAndDust