Please browse here to find books that I think are worth your time.... or are real stinkers. I will let you know what I REALLY think of what I am reading. You might not find the newest and most popular books here, but I would LOVE it if you find something unexpectedly great!

I will indicate on each post the Lexile level of the book.
To find out more about Lexile levels, go HERE.

Use the labels list on the right side of the screen to find a title about something you are interested in. You can also search by Lexile levels.

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Montmaray Trilogy

By Michelle Cooper
Lexile = 1010

Yes, you see THREE book covers here! This is a trilogy and I read the whole thing! I think it is best reviewed in one giant chunk! Here goes:

Montmaray is a very small fictional island off in the Atlantic Ocean... nearest to France. The FitzOsbornes are the reigning royal family on the island. However, its royal residents only include, besides Sophie, her 10 year old tomboy sister Henry (short for Henrietta), her beautiful cousin Veronica, 17 and Veronica’s father King John. They live in a crumbling castle at one end of the island, and, despite being royal, they have no money. Rosemary Chester also lives with the FitzOsbornes, caring for the King, who is now quite mad most of the time. Rosemary’s son, Simon, lives in London, working for the family lawyer. Toby FitzOsborne (first in line for the throne) also lives in London, where he attends boarding school. Sophie has a serious crush on Simon, though he doesn’t seem to know it.

It is 1936.... between the World Wars. Most of the island's "common" residents fought and died in the First World War. Princess Sophie is keeping a journal as war looms again throughout Europe. This series definitely has a slow start. The island is quite isolated so not much happens. Then a few Nazis fly in AND the crazy old King dies. Basically, this kingdom is being run by teenagers and there is some question about who really is the King.

As the series continues, Montmaray declares War and attempts to ally themselves with the American and British alliance, but it is hard to take this tiny country seriously. The royal family is forced to abandon their tiny kingdom and move to London to wait out the war.

I really love World War II fiction and Montmaray has fed into my interest of the time between the wars as well. Again, not am action packed thriller, but a slow build of great characters and accurate historical events. It is insightful to the European perspective on the coming war as well. I do fear that Montmaray exists as a real place in my head now.

Watch a great book trailer HERE.

No comments: