To Free the Stars by J'Nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

  

To Free the Stars is the second of J'Nell Ciesielski's Jack and Ivy novels. To be enjoyed and understood, having read The Brilliance of Stars is essential. The series denies categorization. There are historical storylines, secret agents, intense action, sizzling romance, betrayal, world travel, secret organizations (both good and evil), and antagonists who border on fantasy style villains, but definitely not the Disney kind. There is also forgiveness, redemption, and restoration among characters that readers are not likely to ever forget. If you have found yourself in a reading rut, reading the same type of stories over and over, the Jack and Ivy novels will jump start you on a whole new path, one filled with extremes of many varieties. I highly recommend these novels and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of To Free the Stars from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

  

The writing in this story, the elements of plot, dialogue, pacing,and the like are top notch. The story is original, the characters endearing, and the suspense captivating. However, there is one personal preference that dampens my enthusiasm for The Brilliance of Stars. I love series that have a thread of mystery that carries the reader from one book to the next, but that also has a mystery that is particular to each book and that is brought to a satisfying conclusion in that book. I wish that books that end in a total cliffhanger requiring one to wait until the release of the next book, and maybe the one after that, before reaching any satisfying conclusion came with a warning label allowing readers to make a choice before investing hours of reading time. That said, at least I know I can count on good quality writing when the next book in Ciesielski's Jack and Ivy series is released.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Brilliance of Stars from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

   

The Ice Swan has numerous elements which sets it apart from the historical fiction I have read of late. It is set during the Great War, and includes a story line based around the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, neither of which have been prevalent in my reading. Ciesielski does a wonderful job of creating empathy for those displaced by the Revolution while drawing a clear line between the elite who learned to cope and improve themselves in their new circumstances and those who relied on their sense of entitlement. Her wordsmithing is lovely in her description of the beauty and grace of Princess Svetlana Dalsky's dance and demeanor. Through the character of Doctor Wynn MacCallan, Ciesielski informs readers of the difficulties associated with improvements in medical procedures in the early twentieth century. A criminal element known as the Black Claw adds an edge of suspense to the story as one of their leaders seeks revenge on the elegant Svetlana.

I found it truly difficult to do this book justice in this review, and hope that you will experience The Ice Swan for yourself. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Beauty Among Ruins by J'Nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

 

I always love when a book by a new-to-me author feels like discovering a treasure. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of J'Nell Ciesielski's books in the future. This one is set mostly in Laggan,Scotland from April 1915 to April 1916. Lily Durham, whose family were members of New York society, had been sent off to stay with relatives in England until she learned the proper way to conduct herself. Having joined her cousin in traveling to Scotland in order to help wounded soldiers staying at Kinclavoch Castle to convalesce, Lily embraced the freedom she found there in spite of the strict rules imposed on the nurses and aides by Matron Strom. Alec MacGregor, also known as Lord Stratham, may have been the owner of the castle and laird of the estate, but he too needed to find a sense of freedom, a freedom Lily's lightheartedness and caring ways offered. The question remained as to whether Lily could hold onto that freedom, and whether Alec could ever embrace it. While this book does not contain Christian references, there are many parallels to be drawn between its themes and biblical truths. Freedom is often found within boundaries and in service to others.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Beauty Among Ruins from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.