Top Ten Tuesday: Let's Learn Some History! ...Sort of

      

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book blog meme now hosted by Jana over at The Artsy Reader Girl!

This week's topic is: Back to School!

I am a huge history fiend, so I decided to tweak this one into a history-oriented back-to-school themed post. These are all historical fiction novels, of course, so obviously don't take everything as fact, but they all are either based off of real people or time periods and therefore provide some great insight into different places and time periods.

To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey

This book takes place in the late nineteenth century and follows the journey of Colonel Allen Forrester as he attempts to explore previously unexplored areas of Alaska Territory. This is also follows his now pregnant wife as she stays at home and awaits his return. To the Bright Edge of the World is a great look at the early explorations of Alaskan land, as well as a brief glimpse into what it was like to be a woman at this period in history. Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George

If you'd like to explore some ancient history, then perhaps you might like a fictionalized account of the infamous Emperor Nero. This novel follows Nero through his younger years up to his beginning years as emperor. The second book in this duology is coming out this fall and will continue the story of Nero (and I can't wait to read it!). Review

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King

More Ancient Rome! Instead of following an emperor, however, this book follows the life of a cook named Marcus Gavius Apicius (based off of a potentially real person). This book will take you through endless amounts of Ancient Roman gourmet food items, as well as provide a glimpse of some of the most common Roman etiquette and customs. Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Abbot's Tale by Conn Iggulden

The Abbot's Tale moves sets the timeline to 937 AD and follows the life of priest Dunstan of Glastonbury, based on a real person. He's not the most likable man by any means, but this provides a fascinating look at life in England and its surrounding areas from some of extremely early points of history. Iggulden has clearly done a lot of research in creating the setting of this book, and it pays off! Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

The immigration process into the United States has always been a tenuous one, and this stunning book captures the journey of two sisters in 1937 as they attempt to make their way into the United States in the midst of the beginning and events of World War II. I'd also recommend Lisa See's other book, China Dolls, which centers on the life of two young Japanese women who are living in Chinatown when WWII occurs--it's a fascinating read! Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

I couldn't make a historical fiction list without including Philippa Gregory, now could I? I'm pretty sure that would be illegal, actually.
This book in particular follows Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a lesser known woman who initially married the Duke of Bedford, an English regent of France. She was then introduced to alchemy and other academic subjects at this time, and the events of this book also take place during portions of the War of the Roses.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen

This book takes place in 1845 and features Edgar Allan Poe and his wife themselves. The book itself actually follows Frances Osgood, a fellow writer trying to make a name for herself. She meets Poe at a literary event and quickly develops a connection with him. Frances later meets his wife as well, who is not quite as innocent as she seems. This provides a great peak into the literary scene of this time period as well as some insight into Poe himself.
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
This isn't completely historical fiction since it does enter modern history up to the near present, but it does begin in 1940s post-war Ireland and tracks the course of one man's life. This is a stunning book that is one of my favorites--it's beautiful, a little heartbreaking, and endlessly witty. I really felt as though I learned a lot about the culture of Ireland over the twentieth century as well as some of twentieth century United States, so I would definitely recommend this one as well. Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
The Paying Guests takes place during 1920s London in post-war time when ex-servicemen were feeling lost and unable to find work. This particular story follows Frances Wray and her mother who begin taking lodgers in their house in order to offset the difficult times and lack of money they are experiencing. What ends up happening is completely unexpected and utterly compelling. This is a good look at life in London during a difficult time in history, and it provides an engaging story to boot! Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee

This is another favorite of mine that follows an orphaned-turned-opera-star young woman who came from America and was eventually "swept up into the glitzy, gritty world of Second Empire Paris." This is not only an incredible story about the protagonist, it also features a stunning backdrop of mid-late nineteenth century Paris and what the culture was like. It also gives some great insight into a variety of different roles, such as working as an empress's maid, working in a hippodrome, and of course, being an opera singer. Review
Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Have you read any of these? What books would you add to this list?

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Can't Wait Wednesday: The Lost Queen by Signe Pike & Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill

Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

This week's upcoming book spotlight is:

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Publication Date: September 4th, 2018

Touchstone
576 pages

Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository 

From Goodreads: 

"Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory in the first book of an exciting historical trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin. 

Intelligent, passionate, rebellious, and brave, Languoreth is the unforgettable heroine of The Lost Queen, a tale of conflicted loves and survival set against the cinematic backdrop of ancient Scotland, a magical land of myths and superstition inspired by the beauty of the natural world. One of the most powerful early medieval queens in British history, Languoreth ruled at a time of enormous disruption and bloodshed, when the burgeoning forces of Christianity threatened to obliterate the ancient pagan beliefs and change her way of life forever. 

Together with her twin brother Lailoken, a warrior and druid known to history as Merlin, Languoreth is catapulted into a world of danger and violence. When a war brings the hero Emrys Pendragon, to their door, Languoreth collides with the handsome warrior Maelgwn. Their passionate connection is forged by enchantment, but Languoreth is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of the High King who is sympathetic to the followers of Christianity. As Rhydderch's wife, Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way, her kingdom, and all she holds dear. 

The Lost Queen brings this remarkable woman to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of the most enduring legends of all time."

I actually just received an ARC of this one, but I'm still pretty excited for its release! I only recently became aware of it, but I think it sounds like a really complex and potentially character-driven historical fiction that I can't wait to read.

and...

Fierce Fairytales: Poems and Stories to Stir Your Soul by Nikita Gill
Publication Date: September 11th, 2018

Hachette Books
176 pages
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

From Goodreads: 

"Traditional fairytales are rife with cliches and gender stereotypes: beautiful, silent princesses; ugly, jealous, and bitter villainesses; girls who need rescuing; and men who take all the glory. 

But in this rousing new prose and poetry collection, Nikita Gill gives Once Upon a Time a much-needed modern makeover. Through her gorgeous reimagining of fairytale classics and spellbinding original tales, she dismantles the old-fashioned tropes that have been ingrained in our minds. In this book, gone are the docile women and male saviors. Instead, lines blur between heroes and villains. You will meet fearless princesses, a new kind of wolf lurking in the concrete jungle, and an independent Gretel who can bring down monsters on her own. 

Complete with beautifully hand-drawn illustrations by Gill herself, Fierce Fairytales is an empowering collection of poems and stories for a new generation."

I think it's safe to admit that I was drawn to this particular book because of its cover--but how could you not be with that gorgeous artwork? I am always open for fairytale-related content, whether its original, retold, or innovative, so this sounds like it will be a great read! I am always looking for some good poetry as well, so this just seems to fill a lot of checkboxes.

What do you think about these upcoming releases? What are your anticipated upcoming releases?

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Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner & The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin

Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

This week's upcoming book spotlight is:

The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner
Publication Date: September 25th, 2018

Redhook
464 pages

Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository 

From Goodreads: 

"Captivating and boldly imaginative, with a tale of sisterhood at its heart, Rena Rossner's debut fantasy invites you to enter a world filled with magic, folklore, and the dangers of the woods. 

Raised in a small village surrounded by vast forests, Liba and Laya have lived a peaceful sheltered life - even if they've heard of troubling times for Jews elsewhere. When their parents travel to visit their dying grandfather, the sisters are left behind in their home in the woods. But before they leave, Liba discovers the secret that their Tati can transform into a bear, and their Mami into a swan. Perhaps, Liba realizes, the old fairy tales are true. She must guard this secret carefully, even from her beloved sister. 

Soon a troupe of mysterious men appear in town and Laya falls under their spell-despite their mother's warning to be wary of strangers. And these are not the only dangers lurking in the woods... 

The sisters will need each other if they are to become the women they need to be - and save their people from the dark forces that draw closer."

This sounds like a perfect book to pick up for the beginning of the fall season, and I can't wait to have a chance to read it. Magic, folklore, animal transformation--it all sounds perfect. I am simply in love with that cover as well.

and...

The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin, Trans. Mark Wyers
Publication Date: September 4th, 2018

Arcade Publishing
300 pages
Pre-order: Amazon | Book Depository

From Goodreads: 

"For readers of Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series and Richard C. Morais's The Hundred-Foot Journey, a sweeping tale of love and the magic of food set during the Ottoman Empire. 

A Pasha of Cuisine is a rare talent in Ottoman lore. Only two, maybe three are born with such a gift every few centuries. A natural master of gastronomy, he is the sovereign genius who reigns over aromas and flavors and can use them to influence the hearts and minds, even the health, of those who taste his creations. In this fabulous novel, one such chef devises a plot bring down the Ottoman Empire—should he need to—in order to rescue the love of his life from the sultan’s harem. 

Himself a survivor of the bloodiest massacre ever recorded within the Imperial Palace after the passing of the last sultan, he is spirited away through the palace kitchens, where his potential was recognized. Across the empire, he is apprenticed one by one to the best chefs in all culinary disciplines and trained in related arts, such as the magic of spices, medicine, and the influence of the stars. It is during his journeys that he finds happiness with the beautiful, fiery dancing girl Kamer, and the two make plans to marry. Before they can elope, Kamer is sold into the Imperial Harem, and the young chef must find his way back into the Imperial Kitchens and transform his gift into an unbeatable weapon."

I love the sound of this one, and I'm particularly excited for setting and the food aspects. This sounds like it will be a really interesting storyline and I hope to have a chance to pick it up!

What do you think about these upcoming releases? What are your anticipated upcoming releases?

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Planning to purchase a book or two? Consider purchasing on Book Depository through my affiliate link! Book Depository has worldwide free shipping and millions of titles to choose from.

I am also an Amazon affiliate, so if you'd prefer to shop through Amazon, just click the banner on the upper right hand side of my blog! (above the 'Follow by email' box, you may need to pause adblock to see it!)