Sherry FicklinCritiques
Auteur de Queen of Someday
Critiques
I struggled a bit starting my review on this, because I wasn't completely enamored with it, and trying to put my finger on the problem, I skimmed through some of the other reviews.
Which made me feel something I never thought I would. I feel the need to defend a book, which I liked but not loved.
So, after skimming though the reviews after reading the book, I must says it's rather funny. A lot of people say 'don't know anything about Russian history' and then start listing what they hated about this book, which are mostly the most historicly accurate parts of this book.
Sophie (later Catherine the Great) did come to court by invitation of the empress Elizabeth, and her marriage to Peter was arranged (that's how it went in those days, children of nobles were married off to eachother to create or strengthen alliances between countries).
That so many of the men at court turn their attentions her way is also understandable (and again, historically based, Catherine did have several lovers later in life), Sophie, after all is Emperess Elizabeth's favourite choice, and engraceing themselves to her (or even winning her hart), mans gain of political power, when she becomes Emperess.
Also, knowing history and knowing what would happen (as in who would end up marrying whom etc), didn't affect my enjoying the story. (Compare it to watching 'Titanic': you know the ship is going to sink but does it really affect how you're enjoyng the rest of the movie?)
That being said, there were parts of the story that were just pushing it too far, like the repeated 'call me Sophie' when meeting new people. Not done.
And one thing that really bugged me: 'Rina'. Not the character, but the name. The diminutive (pet name) for Ekatarina (as is her full first name) is either a form of 'Katinka'(sometimes spelled with an 'e' instead of 'i'), or 'Katya'. It's never shortened to 'Rina', especially not in the day and age the story is set.
Sophie seems to take some social liberties (like meeting men without a chaperone), but if you read some historical accounts, she's not pushing it as far as one would believe, morality was not as rigid then as we now believe it was.
All in all, it's a nice hitorical fiction, where the author has taken liberties on the romantic side, and in the modernicity of the language used, which in my opinion made it more accessible for people who are not history-lovers.
To all those who hated the storyline, I urge you to look up Catherine the Great's history. You'll be surprised, this is actually only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amourous and political scheming.
Last remark: the money spend on producing the bonus videos would have been better spent on a professional editor. I cam across several typos (tables instead of stables, to instead of too, tour instead of your..)
I had a hard time maintaining interest in this book. The characters were extremely stereotypical and lacked realism. The plot itself was extremely predictable. Both the love story between Elizabeth and Peter and the rivalry with Mechnikov was trite and a bit boring. Overall, a bust.
Did you love season one of Reign? Are you itching for a historical fiction about a younger historical figure? Allow me to introduce Queen of Someday.
I was initially drawn in by the beautiful cover of this book, and the interesting summary. This book follows the life of Catherine the Great before she was Catherine the Great, so obviously it's a historical fiction. Who is Catherine the Great you say? Well in this book, she is the young Sophie, who has been invited with her mother as a guest of the empress Elizabeth in Russia.
It sounds so cliche but I could not put this book down. I expected to take a week and read this book and it ended up taking me two days. Fast paced, and full of twists, I found myself one-more-chapter-ing all night until I realized that I had no more chapters. I already can not wait for the next book in this series (Stolen Empire). I actually know very little about historical Russia, Catherine the Great, or most of history for that matter, but even I found a few references that I understood. There is an author's note about historical accuracy and creative liberties, and I'm not sure how a history buff would feel, but with my casual knowledge level I enjoyed this book very much.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was the way that the romance aspect played out. It did not feel rushed, or forced, but it was also not drawn out or exaggerated. Sophie's love life felt natural, and of course passionate! Something that I felt was not quite as natural feeling was Sophie's mother. I wasn't sure if I was just frustrated with her, or if it seemed like a skewed point of view.
I would have to say that my favorite part was the beautiful way the author gave the feeling of time drifting past our dear Sophie in the way that she went from a day to day description, to a faster week by week chapter. Well done!
This book comes out on October 7th 2014, and I will most definitely be getting my copy!
Review post on my blog
This is the second book in the Stolen Empire series. I have been waiting for this book to come out since I received an advanced reading copy of the first book Queen of Someday, and May I be the first to say that this book was every bit as good as the first!
From the absolutely stunning cover to the wonderful way the author has crafted this compelling story from the genius of her imagination and the dramas of history, I could not put this book down! Unfortunately my boss does not accept that as a reason not to show up at work so it did take me 3 sittings to finish.
Queen of Tomorrow continues to follow the life of Catherine the Great as she maneuvers through the excitement, dangers, and politics of being a woman in the Russian court. This second book is a little bit darker than the first in my opinion, touching on topics of loss, abuse and even rape, while continuing the themes of jealousy, assassination plots, and deception from the first book.
Ficklin's beautiful writing style has a way of holding you captive to Catherine's thoughts and feelings, while maintaining a quick pace that can easily dissolve into binge reading! You will experience right along side Catherine shock, loss, grief, joy, and outrage. You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize everything just fell apart? Prepare yourself!
This novel shows our Catherine growing into her place at court in ways I could never have imagined of the young Sophie of Queen of Someday, but somehow feels like a perfectly natural character development.
This is a must read for all fans of Queen of Someday and anyone who has not picked up this series should do so immediately!
Queen of Tomorrow was scheduled to be released July 14th 2015, but as a surprise from author Sherry Ficklin it was released TODAY!(July 4, 2015) so put down the corn on the cob and go pick up your copy right now!
My review on my blog
Orphaned and with no relatives left, Aria is a powerful witch on a mission to close all the gates to the demons' realm and revenge her mother's death. When she enters the small town, the next one on her list thanks to increased demon activity, she takes on the disguise as a high school student in hopes it will get her closer to the demon. And she finds what she's looking for. Maybe. A couple of her classmates are sending out surprising vibes, and they don't fit in with her usual experience of demon hunting. It's these students who are about to change her life.
The first chapter grabs right away, and the tension doesn't let up until the last page. Aria is a strong fighter with some experience. She is determined, centered and a no-nonsense kind of girl. She has to be. But she's still a teen, and this comes through when she enrolls into school. High school drama slides right in, making it a perfect YA read. At first, Aria is only concerned with her mission, but soon allows herself to be swept into the teenage life...to a certain degree. It's an interesting twist which lures in and makes this a bit more original than some YA reads.
There are demons and fight scenes as well. When these appear, they are dark, full of action and hold suspense. However, the demons don't always hold the center seat as Aria's relationships with her new friend, Maddie and Ben, are, in many ways, more important in the plot. Part of me would have loved to have seen more demon action and intrigue (they weren't always as present as I would have thought), but on the same hand, this book gave the development necessary to base the rest of the series. Maddie and Ben have stories and mysteries of their own, and this first book gets the trio set for the upcoming adventures.
Romance is also found in these pages, a sweet, high school one. Although sparks fly right away, they aren't necessarily the romantic kind immediately. The romance does hit with the usual teen quickness, but there is enough hesitation and other aspects woven in to keep it in line with the rest of the story. In other words, it works nicely.
This is a exciting read for demon fighting fans and a great first book for a series. It will be interesting to see what happens to the trio next, and whether or not this story stays YA since they have now graduated high school and are heading out into the world on their own to get those pesky demons.
SO Herewith my review!
3* review ? Loved it ;-)!
Gr 9 Up—Upon her arrival at the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst immediately begins her quest for the hand of Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian throne. Marrying the prince will secure her family's lands and titles and save her from an unwanted marriage to her uncle. Surrounded on all sides with potential enemies, lovers, and political allies, Sophie struggles to reconcile her duties with her desires. This historical fiction tale provides a compelling, if fanciful look at the early years of Catherine the Great. A brief author's note outlines the liberties taken with the story. An entertaining, racy read that will spark an interest in the history of Catherine the Great, about whom not much has been written for this age group previously.—Sara Saxton, Wasilla Public Library, AK
When I recently read Bright Young Things I mentioned in my review that I didn't think there were enough gangsters in that book. Well with The Canary Club my wish was granted! When I spied a book up for request by Sherry Ficklin that was also set in the 1920's, I couldn't request it fast enough! I remembered how much I absolutely loved Queen of Someday and I was stoked to read another title by the artist in prose that is Sherry Ficklin. I can say, quite happily so, that The Canary Club met and exceeded my high expectations.
I was swept into the 1920's as I started reading. Into a world of gangsters, speakeasies and forbidden love. This is a period that I love and know quite well, but Sherry Ficklin makes it come to life and transports me in time better than any other. The book feels authentic for the time period, as it is filled with slang from the 1920's. In comparison Bright Young Things feels like a romance novel playing dress-up, it doesn't have the same authentic feel.
Now I read romance novels, or novels with a romance aspect, practically everyday. I often find myself understanding the love interest, or seeing the attraction. But this is the first time in a long time that I truly found a book romantic. This was a romance that swept me off my feet and pulled at my heartstrings. The heat radiated off of the pages.
The plot was well thought out and the pacing made it hard to put down. I found myself staying up until the sun rose so I could finish reading. I was so engrossed in the world of gangsters and speakeasies that I didn't realize the time passing until I heard birds chirping. The realism and dirty deeds of these gangsters was gruesome and horrific, exactly how gangsters are supposed to be.
I would push this book at anyone who asks me for a recommendation. Being the second novel I've read by Sherry Ficklin I can say she is an author who will bring you back, no matter what it's about I will read anything by her. I can't wait to get my hands on another of her titles.
Masie is the daughter of a powerful boot-legger, Dutch, and returns home from the private boarding school when she receives a call her father wanting her home for a family emergency. She finds there are a few major problems and differences since she left. Her mother's not doing well, mentally unstable. Father's business is on the rocks, standing a chance of falling apart. And the boy she had come to love before she left is now her father's hired hit man. Masie is determined to make a difference in the dangerous, dark illegal work those she loves lives in.
It was great to hear different voices created for each character along with getting the feel of the era they live in. The personality and attitude comes through clear with Meghan's narration. By the end, Meghan was Masie's voice for me, along with other characters. I was stunned at the beginning of the story as Meghan seemed to start off with a faster pace than I expected. But I took a breath, rewound, and started over again. This time I slipped into the story easily with Meghan voicing the characters.
Speakeasies, flapper dresses, alcohol, gangsters, danger, love, and more all in one place.
Masie is mixed up in the dangerous world of her fathers. She didn't realize how explosive her home was until she was sent away, something her mother wanted so she didn't see the life style they were living. Masie has been gone for three years and returning seems as though everything is natural, but it gives her pauses as well.
Masie lives the inside life of being a daughter of a boot-legger. It's not all the fun and glamour people think it is. Masie has to give things up, even people she loves, to carry on. This life is one that's not easy and she always has to be aware of what she's saying and who's around her. Masie is reminded that she's a bit of light and hope in the lives of the men around her - her father, brother, and the boy that she's loved. Masie will not let this life beat her or those she loves. She's determined to save someone, even if it's just herself. But she'll help the family all she can along the way.
There is a romance here. Masie and Vinny. They grew up together as her father took Vinny in when he was abandoned by his mother at a young age. Their relationship started to grow into more before she left, but neither acted on it, and now she sees it is more. Vinny's the hired hand that is dangerous when sent after people, but he's also the bad boy I can't help but love. He feels as he needs Masie in his life, to keep from falling down a very slippery, dark slope.
Masie finds herself on a new path she never expected to take. I'm worried though. There has to be some serious trouble in Masie's future, and with the warning Vinny gave her... will someone get hurt or die in the future books? This is not a cake walk in this business.
The beginning of what seems like a very good new series. Oh how things are going to change for Masie... I can't wait to see all the trouble and excitement she lives through!
Leader of the Broken Hearts by Papa Roach --Catherine is tasked with some difficult decisions that leave her not so lucky in love. Ultimately, she did it all for Russia…
♫And now I finally know what it feels like
To risk everything and still survive
When you’re standing on the battlefield
And all the pain is real
That’s when you realize
That you must’ve done something right
'Cause you’ve never felt so alive♫
*note: all the lyric video's for this song were not quite the right one, but this one's at least visually engaging…but some of the lyrics are wrong.
Book Title: Queen of Always
Author: Sherry D Ficklin
Series: Stolen Empire #3
Genre: Older YA, Historical
Source: Kindle eBook (Library)
Overall Rating: 4.3/5 STARS (GRADE=A-)
⇝My Thoughts⇜
She's ruthless, because she has to be…she's loved because she's fair. She's the queen because she took it.
A stunning conclusion to the Stolen Empire Series…a sometimes poignant, sometimes encouraging, with some serious OMG moments leading up to her stealing the crown from her asinine (and that word doesn't even cover it) husband, Peter. For such a short book it really packs a punch.
⇝Sex Factor⇜ This is older ya for sure because of the graphic content and the sex. Especially, one scene in particular…wow (maybe a little TMI).
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4/5
Main Characters: 4.3/5
Secondary Characters: 4.5/5
The Feels: 4.3/5
Addictiveness: 4.2/5
Theme or Tone: 4/5
Flow (Writing Style): 4.5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Book Cover: 5/5
Ending: 4/5 Cliffhanger: No
Will I read more from this Author? Yes, I would
After hearing what the Hollows did, creating a paradox that almost destroyed time and Flynn being lost to it, Tesla decides they must escalate plans to deal with the Hollows. Above all else, to get the Imperial children back.
Ethan starts to remember his past and it affects him in a way he'd not expected, or any other. He learns to travel through time and finds he's got more to offer than he expected.
James Darcy is a new narrator for me. In the beginning I could hear him taking the breath before speaking a stretch, though this became less obvious within the first chapters. Tesla's rendition here is not a twangy sound like in the previous stories, but more scratchy and deep. James uses his voice to make the differences where it sounded like others had used electronics to help with that twangy sound. I felt like the emotions of Ethan shifted as he talked in sudden ways instead of a smooth transition. Could it have been where new recordings ended and started? I'm not sure as the flow of recording is seamless, no audible clues to the recording sessions. I look through the ebook/print book before I start listening. One thing James doesn't add, and I wish he would have, was the heading of who we are living through. Ethan. There was one stumble, or I think, in one word as he reads through the story, in chapter 7. Overall, James was a nice voice to listen to.
Each book has a new focus character. This book is on Ethan. We overlap a little bit with some of the events from Prodigal, but Ethan's story is different in the events he lives through and learns of himself. We get to learn the connection of Ethan to the series title. Interesting what we've learned of these special children. With each book I realize how special these children really are.
We had seen Ethan fracture in the previous book. What we didn't see then is Ethan facing his past that's causing this fracture. Ethan must get his emotions under control, learning what happened in his past and facing his fear.
Oh how the lives of these children are intertwined. With the time travel, we see how the current selves interact with past lives of others. And it's so easy to keep track of who's when! I like the way the authors tell this story of time travel, making it easy to know who, where, and when we are.
We learn more of the Time Stream, and Stills and his connection to it. This is interesting. And the reason we learn it, oh very interesting. I can't tell you the reason because it ties in with the story. You just have to read (or listen) to learn about it too. Then we have a mission when Sisson returns from her travel to the future, things have changed and not for the good. We get to travel to the future with Ethan, Lex, and Sisson. There are some very interesting little, dangerous gadgets they get to use. The reason we travel to the future with Sisson is interesting and I like the way it's described before we go. It makes sense!
The path the authors take to tell the story is not always the way I would expect to travel. Sometimes it feels like we are going the wrong way, but it's far from that. The path takes us right where the characters need to be. I really enjoyed the journey of Ethan's here and what he learns of himself and around him. Ethan's venture takes place in the same time frame as Prodigal and ends in the same place, but where he goes and what he learns is completely different. And mind-blowing. I'm wondering where the children all go from here, with what they've all learned of themselves and the time. I hope they share it all and we go forward to see what they do.
First of all, I was not expecting this to be surprisingly good. All I’m thinking before reading this was this book will be just an ordinary story about a girl grieving for the loss of her best friend, but, it all turned out differently.
This is a heart-wrenching story that doesn’t just tell you the importance of life, but it also lets you know that letting go doesn’t always mean forgetting but accepting and treasuring the memories you had with that person.
The characters are well-written, and for me, I can see myself so much on Zoe. Zoe might be kind of harsh when she speaks, but she is really a nice person. She is also brave to face whatever problems that come on her way.
It also feels like I’m living inside the story in a way that I can feel the emotions put in there. I like the pace of the story, and I also like how easy and light read it is.
I am recommending this book to everyone who likes to read a novel that will make you smile but will also break your heart.
Disclaimer: I received a reader copy from the author via Clean Teen Publishing.
This is the first time I've listened to Grace narrate. I really like how she puts extra thought into Tesla's voice. His voice has a mechanical sound to it, as though it's over a computer and emotionless. We get two main POV's, yet Grace helps put emotions and character into other characters in the story when they speak. We get the main feel of Ember and Lex through their views as we hear their emotions and how events affect them, Grace voices those feelings deeply as well.
We get the story from 2 POV's, Lex and Ember. Each a member of a different group of kids who fight each other - The Hollows and Tesla's Institute. If we get mention of one thing in one group, it's usually explained in more detail in the other. It feels like a show and explain process. Rather interesting as we get to see how things affect the story, characters or time, and why.
Lex and Ember seem strong in the time stream abilities and fighting. Lex feels he's comfortable in the Hollows group, with friends that are dear to him. Ember has her dear friends in the Tesla Institute and follows what is taught to her, but she has a feel as she does question a few tactics and way of things. Ember feels as she's not as comfortable at the Tesla Institute, but that's her home as well. It's not a bad place, she's not in danger there, but their way of things and her unknown past seem to clash in her heart. Ember does realize why through the book, and finds her way to somewhere else.
The story is fast moving from the start. There are fights between Tesla Institute kids and Hollows kids, even training between Lex and Stein. We get our fill of fights here, and that's okay with me!
The beginning of this book shows us the characters but it feels as there isn't a defined conflict yet. Sure, There are small missions and we see that The Hollows and Tesla Institute kids don't get along, but nothing big to give us the feel of where the story is going. We do get introduced and get to know the characters in this time getting us to like the feel of this world and idea of Rifters, even what can happen in the time stream to them. As we get to know our main characters we see how they love deeply for another, holding on to that love with the lose of their memories before Rifting. They will do anything for that other person, and Lex does. This brings the two worlds crashing together more than they have fought in the past.
There is an attraction between characters. There are relationships and we see love between Lex and Stein, both Hollows and strongest Rifters. Stein is a strong girl. She fights and knows how to handle herself. She's fearless.
In time the series title and direction of the book becomes clear. The Lost Imperials and Ember and Lex's POV's are all connected. This story is about them, how they lost each other and found each other again. But, it's not the connection you would think. ;) It's something deeper and longer lasting. We also come to learn why these children are picked to be rifters. Interesting.
The one thing that could be a problem with time travel is a paradox, and these kids face what could create it and what could happen if they try to change things. Should they chance it? And face the consequences?
This world of time traveling and Tesla is riveting for me. I'm drawn to the creation here. The story is strongly character driven from the kids that rift through time.
The story opens up in a restaurant where Ani is out celebrating with friends. In the upper scale restaurant, she sees her boyfriend/college professor out with another woman---who turns out to be his wife. It's quite a shock for her. She had been given the impression that he was a bachelor.
Moving on--she goes to Italy and meets two men who both adore her. What's a girl to do? Ani really isn't in a position to "trust" men right now. In a sense, I feel that she's still reeling from her heartbreak. But she's willing to "have fun" because she's only going to be there for a short time. The memories of an international romance or two may be just the thing she needs....
In this third and final installment, Catherine approaches the world realistically, no longer the naive pawn Peter would hope her to be. In this book, I found Catherine stronger than most women, forced to be that way because of her situation as the despised wife of the most powerful man in Russia who openly flaunts his mistress before the royal court. But Catherine does not allow the pity that so many must have viewed her with to undermine her confidence. See the rest of my review on my blog at http://blog.lrwlee.com/2015/09/23/review-of-queen-of-always/
I did not realize this was a historical fantasy loosely based on historical events when I picked it up, but i have to say, Sherry did a great job at bringing to life plausible scenarios about what could have made Catherine the Great the person she became. Well done. I'll definitely be reading the next installment.
Once the story kicks off, around the middle of the novel, Playing With Fire gets very exciting. Unfortunately, the starting chapters are of the new-kid-in-school, seen-many-times-before kind.
Overall, a good story with a slow start that requires patience.
Stein found one of Tesla's old journals, the deadly enemy of the Hollows, and has found the emblem sketched inside that matches her birthmark. She has questions for Tesla, but one big question to answer first. Having her DNA tested she finds that she tests positive for Aetas Mutation. Looking deeper into her DNA Nobel finds she's suffering from something far worse than expected. Tesla is working to stop all the Hollows from accessing the Time Stream, but Stein starts to see she has to face the threat to her and her friends lives to save her own.
Gwendolyn did a splendid performance. Gwendolyn does a voice of Tesla through the speaker, and it sounds like it's coming through an old speaker! I really enjoyed Gwendolyn's interpretation of feelings through pauses when speaking. These really help hit home a spectrum of emotions depending on what's happening. She has the dreamy, tender feel to her voice as her rhythm smooths with longer pauses at moments of kisses to give use the feel they are sweet and lasting memories. Even when voices were to sound flat, she did it in the same vocal for the character.
I've not read or listened to the first book. I was told I could start with this book and be okay. I was able to read/listen to this book without the first. This story does not linger on the retelling of the previous book, which I love. There is enough through the book to understand and make you curious as to what happened in the first book or why, leaving you wanting to read that book as well. I also think hurt feelings with some of the Hollows starts in the first book.
Wow. The prologue has a lot of information that had me pausing and noting questions I'm hoping to get answers to. The Hollows? Imperial children? Rifters? I'm curious of all these things but by the end I figured out Rifters are time travelers, and that's what the group of Hollows does. Then we see Catherine and her device that she's working on with Tesla's brain. Wow. That's one dangerous machine, and she doesn't come across as the kindest person either.
The story fascinated me from the beginning, feeling as it's well thought out world of gadgets and time travel along with the motives of the people. The world is full of nifty research and gadgets that could be and is used by the Rifters. There are people who live with enhancements with good reason. We also get time travel, but not as much of that is done. I also get the feel that there are rules and restrictions on using and when going in the time spectrum, but we don't see that side here.
We get to see Tesla! In the current time Tesla is only a brain that's wired into the Institutes speakers and cameras. He's a brilliant man and still working! But ooooh, he's a devilish man as well.
I think this is classified as steampunk. And in some ways it is. It has the elements present to be. But it also has other elements mixed in that makes the story deeper in the world of inventions. Is there a Teslapunk? Or New Electropunk? Whatever the classification, I loved all I found here!
I wanted to keep listening as I wanted to know what was happening to Stein, and the others but mostly Stein as this story is about her. And what was everyone at Tesla's Institute up to, as it couldn't be good. In the end I kept watching the time left of the story as I feared we wouldn't get a complete ending, that we would end on a cliffhanger. There are a few speculations I have of Ember and Stein and I got some hints and answers. There is an ending, but there is also a revelation that has me scrambling to see where the next book is!
I never really liked historical fictions, but this book kind of started making me think about actually reading some.
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I loved this book so much I finished it in one day as I couldn't put it down - even having my 8 month old granddaughter couldn't keep me away - I was reading parts of it to her!
I promise you will not be disappointed in this book at all! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.