Book Review: THE ROYAL SUCCESSION by Maurice Druon

King Louis X of France is dead, poisoned by the Countess Mahaut. Louis left behind a country in complete crisis. His pregnant widow Queen Clemence of Hungary was stricken with grief. So tremendously that she was on the verge of losing the unborn child in her womb. Her unborn child was the only legitimate heir to the French throne. Sick to death Clemence lay in her bed fighting for her life and the life of her unborn child. In the midst of the battle of her life every single noble in France was vying for the positions of power in France. Mahut and her son in law Philippe of Poitiers were leading the pack in a great game of deception. Together they were a lethal pair and they would do anything to secure Mahut’s position as Countess of Artois. They plotted on how to steal the greatest prize of all the crown of France from a child that was not even born yet and might not even make it to birth.
3.5/5 I enjoyed this read but it was by far the darkest and dirtiest of the novels in the series I have read to date. The despicable murders that take place were very hard to stomach. It was hard for me to not wince while I was reading it. This is book number four in the Accursed Kings series.

R ~ Rating for violence
FTC ~ This novel is part of my personal collection. I received no compensation for this honest review.

Amazon
The Royal Succession by Maurice Druon
The Accursed Kings Series
~Lizzie~

Upcoming Release: The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Elizabeth Chadwick
Release date: October 4, 2016
Series: Eleanor of Aquitaine
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN-10: 1402296843


"The Son She Loved. The Betrayal She Faced. The Legend She Became.

The stunning conclusion to the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy

Imprisoned by her husband. Separated from her children. If King Henry II thought these things would push his queen into submission, he was wrong. Eleanor of Aquitaine refused to give into his tyranny. Freed by his death, she became dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry bred among his sons had grown into a dangerous rivalry that Eleanor must skillfully control. Eleanor would need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crossed the Alps in winter to bring her son Richard his bride, ransom him from imprisonment and deal with his brother John's treachery. Her indomitable spirit would be tested to its limits as she attempted to keep the peace between her warring sons, fend off enemies, and negotiate a magnificent future for a chosen granddaughter".

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Book one: The Summer Queen: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Book two: The Winter Crown: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Book three: The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine
~Lizzie~ 

Book Review: WONDERLAND A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice’s Adventures by Amily Shen

Adult coloring books have become a hot item this past year. Numerous adult coloring books have been released to help you relax. I love anything artistic especially coloring. Wonderland is a beautifully drawn funky version of Alice in Wonderland. This fun filled coloring book is filled with 80 pages of coloring and puzzles. This sweet artistic book is a fun way to unwind and enjoy your creative side.

“Artist Amily Shen takes adult coloring book fans on a magical journey inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.”

G ~ Rating Fun for all ages!
FTC ~ I received this book from Blogging for Books. I received no compensation for this honest review.

Amazon ~ WONDERLAND A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice’s Adventures by Amily Shen

Cover Alert: Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by ANNE RICE

Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis
Release date: November 29th 2016
Series: Vampire Chronicles (Book 12)
Hardcover: 496 pages
ISBN-10: 3038535790
ISBN-13: 978-0385353793

"From Anne Rice, conjurer of the beloved best sellers Interview with the Vampire and Prince Lestat, an ambitious and exhilarating new novel of utopian vision and power, uniting the ancient worlds and the legends of the Vampire Chronicles.

"In my dreams, I saw a city fall into the sea. I heard the cries of thousands. I saw flames that outshone the lamps of heaven. And all the world was shaken . . ." --Anne Rice, Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis

At the novel's center: the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, inspirer, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul. This ancient and mysterious power and unearthly spirit of vampire lore has all the force, history, and insidious reach of the unknowable Universe.

It is through this spirit, previously considered benign for thousands of vampire years and throughout the Vampire Chronicles, that we come to be told the hypnotic tale of a great sea power of ancient times; a mysterious heaven on earth situated on a boundless continent--and of how and why, and in what manner and with what far-reaching purpose, this force came to build and rule the great legendary empire of centuries ago that thrived in the Atlantic Ocean.

And as we learn of the mighty, far-reaching powers and perfections of this lost kingdom of Atalantaya, the lost realms of Atlantis, we come to understand its secrets, and how and why the vampire Lestat, indeed all the vampires, must reckon so many millennia later with the terrifying force of this ageless, all-powerful Atalantaya spirit".