For its entire history, the British monarchy has relied on its trusted courtiers—the unseen advisers who handle both the forward public-facing activitFor its entire history, the British monarchy has relied on its trusted courtiers—the unseen advisers who handle both the forward public-facing activities of the royal family and its behind-the-scenes feuds and scandals. For better or worse, with their guidance and influence, they have been instrumental in some of the biggest events in British history.
In Courtiers, Valentine Low has given readers not only an in-depth examination into the reigns of King George and the unprecedented 70-year-long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, but we also gain insight into how the current courtiers of King Charles III and Prince William are working with them to shape the future of the monarchy in Britain. Valentine Low has been a fixture in British journalism covering the royal family for the past fifteen years. Traveling on assignments with the late queen to Russia, with the now King Charles III to the Galapagos Islands, and with the new Prince and Princess of Wales to Bhutan, Low has gained the trust of both the monarchs and the courtiers and is sharing their stories of what it is like to work behind the gilded doors of Buckingham Palace.
There is little doubt that most readers who pick up this book will grab it because of the ongoing drama between The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and The Prince and Princess of Wales. And that’s the publisher and author’s goal, to get the reader to grab the book thinking there will be a no-holds-barred account of their fights between warring factions of the Sussex team and then Cambridge team, the cover of Courtiers has their photos on it even though they are only in the last 3-4 chapters of the book. It is worth noting that Valentine Low is the journalist who first broke the story of Markle’s abusive behavior toward her courtiers in May 2021 and a subsequent inquiry was conducted by Buckingham Palace, results of which have never been released.
This is a fascinating look into court life for any British history buff, but sadly it will most likely only be read by those who want the dirt on Harry & Meghan and William & Catherine.
3 out of 5 stars. It is a great book for a history buff, but most will read it for the scant coverage of the Sussex/Wales drama.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
The ancient gods have left Valentine, and the monsters they protected mortals from are now seeking to hunt and destroy humankind. A serial killer has The ancient gods have left Valentine, and the monsters they protected mortals from are now seeking to hunt and destroy humankind. A serial killer has begun to ritually sacrifice victims as an offering to a blood god, who just happens to be her mother. Lilac Antonis will do whatever it takes to save her city and those she loves, especially her lover Arcadia Myrn, even if it involves murder.
While out on assignment as a flood fighter, Arcadia comes across the murder scene of Lilac’s sacrifice victims. Unable to fight her instinct as a former cop to investigate the murders, she seeks out her former partner Alex who has been assigned to the case, along with his new partner Cecil. While investigating the case, Alex and Cecil learn more about the gods and learn that they may have not left willingly and that they all may be in far greater danger than they ever suspected.
Like other works I have read by her, Piper has once again excelled when it comes to character-building. I love books with morally gray characters and this book has them in spades. I also love that this book isn’t specifically one genre—it is mythology, noir, fantasy, has Lovecraftian described gods and monsters, it is a procedural thriller, and has LGBTQIA characters as protagonists.
I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook provided by #Netgalley and Dreamscape Media. I was instantly taken in by the voice of Jodie Harris. She could read a telephone book and I’d be riveted and hooked on every word. I hope to find more of her narration work soon.
4/5 Stars Thank you to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for providing me with a review copy of the audiobook of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
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