The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2) by Erika Johansen

The Invasion of the Tearling
The Queen of the Tearling #2
Erika Johansen

Front cover

Date read: 16 - 29 March 2020
Length: 572 pages
Published: 2015


Kelsea has now established herself queen, and seems to be a powerful but fair leader. However, trouble is brewing. She has angered the Red Queen, and it appears an invasion is imminent. As well as dealing with that, Kelsea is also having visions from the past. A pre-crossing woman called Lily keeps popping up. Who is she, and how is she linked to what's happening?

SHE WEARS THE CROWN.

NOW SHE MUST SAVE THE KINGDOM...

I liked the visions from the past. I would flit between wanting to find out more about Lily and eager to learn more about the connections to the world Kelsea is living in. I think it was quite well done in that it didn't reveal too much at once. 

In the present I like Mace, I think he is loyal to Kelsea, although I feel that there is more to him which will explain his loyalty, which I'm hoping will be revealed in the next book! In the past I like Jonathan, working to make the world a better place. I'm glad he was there for Lily, even if at first she didn't realise it.

And of course, one of the things still being kept a secret is the identity of her father! Sometimes I think I have an idea of who it could be, and then I think I don't. I just want to find out!

I enjoyed Invasion more than Queen, I got into it straight away and just wanted to keep reading! I felt that the first book was setting up for something more and I wasn't wrong! I'm so excited to read the final book and find out even more!

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Little Men (Little Women #2) by Louisa May Alcott

Little Men
Little Women #2
Louisa May Alcott

Front cover

Date read: 7 - 15 March 2020
Length: 372 pages
Published: 1871


Jo is all grown up with a husband, 2 sons of her own, and a school for boys. Here we follow their adventures, including introducing girls to their ranks. Will it work or will the boys drive them away?


Jo was always one of the boys, so I don't find it at all surprising that she opened a school for boys. It's almost like a cross between a boarding school and an orphanage. I find it a bit strange that her neice and nephew Demi and Daisy are there. I have no idea what American schooling was like in the 19th century, but to me it seems strange that they don't go to a traditional school.

All the children who go to the school live in the bug house, and when they grow up they go on to do their own things. At that time, a new boy will come to the school. Insert Dan. I didn't like Dan at first. He was unappreciative and just horrible to the other children. But the more I read about him, the more I liked him and he was alright by the end. 

I like the projects the boys have. It gives them something to do apart from their school work, and each project is unique to them. Even if it doesn't work out they are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and not to let it get them down.


I am very much enjoying the Little Women series so far, only one more book to go!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

More Fool Me (Memoir #3) by Stephen Fry

More Fool Me
Memoir #3
Stephen Fry

Date read: 26 February - 6 March 2020
Length: 380 pages
Published: 2014


The last in the Memoir series, Fry addresses some pretty major issues regarding his habits, mental health, and sexuality. He doesn't hide behind his fame and admits things openly. We learn more about his life since becoming famous.


I like Fry and this series. My favourite Fry era is the work he did with Hugh Laurie. I feel like he does more presenting rather than acting these days. Don't get me wrong, I liked him on QI, but it's not the same.

As much as I like Fry and have enjoyed learning more about him, I was a bit disappointed with More Fool Me. I felt this one had a lot of information from the previous two books, and a quarter was a chunk of a diary! It's almost as if he though 'oh, it's been x amount of time since I published the last one, better get another one out! But what will I put in it? I know! I'll recap the past and add a bit of my diary. Marvellous, that'll do the trick...'

Despite this, I will read more of his books at some point. I have some of his fiction in boxes that will be unpacked at a later date!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Good Omens
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Date read: 16 - 25 February 2020
Length: 383 pages
Published: 1990


Crowley is a demon, Aziraphale is an angel. When the son of the Dark Lord is swapped at birth (one too many times), he grows up not realising what he is. Meanwhile, Anathema has a book which predicts the end of the world, written by a very distant relative called Agnes Nutter. Will the world really end?


I am a big fan of both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, so I'm actually surprised at myself for taking so long to read Good Omens. But now I have, and I enjoyed it very much.

It is subtly amusing, with some points that actually made me laugh out loud. It is the sense of humour that I enjoy from these two authors.

I didn't really like Adam, and I guess that's probably intentional. He seems entitled, and especially within his gang. I suppose despite his upbringing his true self is shining through.

I like Anathema and Newt. They are so clumsy and adorable.


A good read. Now I need to watch the TV series to see how they compare!

Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Good Wives (Little Women #1.5) by Louisa May Alcott

Good Wives
Little Women #1.5
Louisa May Alcott

Date read: 10 - 15 February 2020
Length: 220 pages
Published: 1869


3 years on from the events of Little Women, the girls are leading very different lives. Meg has twins, Amy gets married, Jo goes travelling and writes, and tragedy strikes Beth. But one thing remains the same, they love each other dearly.


So the first time I read Little Women I was unaware that it was originally two volumes. After reading the first volume and knowing about a certain event which didn't happen, I then realised there was a second part.

Poor Beth. I remember being very upset the first time I read this. Under the circumstances I suppose it happened in the best way, but it was still very sad.

In Good Wives I still like Jo, but I also grew fond of Amy. She doesn't seem like the little girl she once was, and has grown up considerably.

I feel like Meg is kind of ignored here. She has her own family now and her twins, but I still would have liked to know more about her life as well.

Mr March seems very fun and a good father. He's willing to get silly with the children, but also knows how to teach them proper life lessons.

The main thing I like about these stories is the simplicity and wholesomeness of them. They are stories that make you feel nice and content.


Very much enjoyed Little Women and Good Wives, and I'm looking forward to the next two in the series!




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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Fry Chronicles (Memoir #2) by Stephen Fry

The Fry Chronicles
Memoir #2
Stephen Fry

Front cover

Date read: 30 January - 9 February 2020
Length: 425 pages
Published: 2010


In The Fry Chronicles he tells of his early career life, those he made friends with, and how he spent some of his money. His life may be changing, but one thing remains the same; he still doesn't dance or sing.


I wasn't alive when Fry rose to fame, but my earliest memories of him are watching repeats of him with Hugh Laurie in various projects. It's kind of nice to read about how these things came about, and how he was feeling at the time.

From his younger days he seems to have mellowed out a bit. No more stealing, anyway! I guess he was making enough of his own money now. And as far as the book says, no more visits to prison!

Fry seems to be lucky in working, finding or creating one project after another. He's a hard worker and clearly willing to earn his money.


I'm looking forward to More Fool Me, the last in the memoir series.




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The Wee Librocubicularist

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling
The Queen of the Tearling #1
Erika Johansen

Front cover

Date read: 18 - 29 January 2020
Length: 488 pages
Published: 2014


Kelsea is taken from her home on her 19th birthday to rule a kingdom she's never been a part of. Her uncle wants her dead and the Caden have been looking for her for a long time. Upon arrival in her new kingdom, she immediately makes changes. Will she be loved or hated?

HER THRONE AWAITS...

IF SHE CAN LIVE LONG ENOUGH

TO TAKE IT

So, I was given this book by a friend, many moons ago. It has been in one of my 'to-read' piles for a while, gradually working its way to the top. I have quite enjoyed the read, although it took me some time to get into it. I kind of feel this book was more an introduction to what's to come (as I suppose most first books in a series are), so I'm excited to read the rest.

I like Mace/Lazarus. I think he will be a trustworthy person, and Kelsea should keep him close. I also think the Fetch is interesting. To everyone else he wears a mask, but yet even the very first time Kelsea met him, there was no mask. Curious!

I think Kelsea will be a good queen, but I think she will have a hard time of it, at least initially. She is making some (much needed) changes, but I know some people will not be pleased with them. Hopefully she will keep her head, and deal with them properly.

I will be reading the rest, even if it's just to find out for certain who her father is!

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The Wee Librocubicularist