Review: Cleopatra Confesses

A first person account by the Queen of the Nile. 

Cleopatra's early life was never documented, nor were her portrait and birth records. Therefore this marks the first time, Cleopatra Confesses her story between the age of 10 to 22.

Sadly for us, the vivacious Cleopatra capable of conquering everything she dreamed off -- like the great Caesar -- did not exist until much later. Instead we meet a young to-be-queen with no self-preservation instincts. Cleopatra knows someone will harm her or turn others against her, and yet she doesn't act. What else can we expect from a 10 year old?

Regardless of the slow story line, the characters are realistic and Meyer's strong voice always present. The sibling rivalry controls the pace, as sisters Tryphaena, Berenike, Arsinoe, and her brother Ptolemy II all try to assassinate her. 

Not the best Carolyn Meyer book on the market, but a splendid effort nonetheless. 

Want more from Carolyn Meyer

Beware, Princess Catherine

Top Ten Tuesday: Twisted Hands

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I WAS FORCED TO READ

School

The props of living in Montreal is that you get to study French. Huit Clos (No Exit) defines hell as being forced to live with someone you love for eternity and watch them love someone else. Talk about self-destruction!!

My English teacher didn't lag behind either, we had to act part of The Scarlet Letter in class. Which is one of the reasons, I loved Easy A. Can't help but wonder if someone got that idea from doing this exercise. 

Emma Stone looking awesome

Friends

But you say, how can a friend force you to read a book? Well, they leave it on your nightstand and then call you about it. On the plus side, The Witch of Portobello didn't disappoint. It taught me that it's okay to wake up, put on some music and silly dance till you drop. It's called dancing therapy. And if you do it, people will join you. Next thing you know, you'll have a crazy dance cult with your boss and get promoted. 

Review: Will in Scarlet

How does a sheltered and spoiled boy grow into a hero? 

At the beginning of the story, Will Scarlet, is worried about finding his Christmas presents. Everything in the world seems right until his father gets abducted, and Prince John attempts to usurp the throne. Suddenly, Will is running for his life. And the only people that can help him find peace are the Merry Men. The problem: they are a bunch of thugs.

Matthew Cody brought a new light to the famous men in tights. Robin Hood is a drunk haunted by Marian's memory and Little John lacks discipline. To make matters even more interesting, Cody added Much, a young girl in the group posing as a boy, who falls for Will. 

The writing bursts of adrenaline, passionately filled with fights and plots. This might possibly turn into a series.

Feature and Follow Friday: Red Carpet

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Feature your own favorite blogger. Have it be a surprise.

Even more than archery, I love surprises.  Here are two of my favorite bloggers:

The Make-Up Chair

Review: One Night that Changes Everything

Lauren Barnholdt created a perfect blend between YA and Chick-Lit.

Angry and with good reason, Eliza, wrote a nasty post online about her ex-boyfriend and his crew. So when he calls her up to say they stole her purple notebook - containing her deep thoughts and top-list of things to do if she were brave -- she has no choice but to meet him and check a couple of things off the list to get it back before they post it online. 

One Night that Changes Everything is great fun, but there really isn't much of a character growth. The entire book takes place in twenty-four hours, entertaining us with karaoke dares and make out scenes with an Eminem wannabe.  I hope that girls don't get the wrong message reading this book. Because let's face it, hooking up with the most trendy guy in school or posting racy pics of yourself online does not make you brave. Brave is growing up, being honest, and doing the right thing even when you don't want to. 

Just enjoy the good laughs.