Tag Archives: Barbara Hambly

Book review: The Iron Princess by Barbara Hambly

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The Iron Princess by Barbara Hambly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have loved all of Barbara Hambly’s books, and this one (a standalone book) is no exception. The author is excellent at world-building and has a deft approach to explaining the rules under which the world operates without actually explaining them. (This is an underrated skill when writing fantasy.) The adventure/world-building/conflict in this book tends to overshadow the romance aspect, but that is characteristic of all of her books. The book delves into realistic societal and systemic conflicts while integrating magic and fantasy elements. The characters, especially the main character, are well developed.
I am a devoted fan of the author and am always eager to read her books. This book is no exception, and I highly recommend it.



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Book Review: A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton

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A Marked Man (An Abigail Adams Mystery, #2)A Marked Man by Barbara Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series (I know–it’s only the 2nd book). I love the author’s detailed research, I love the time period, and I love Abigail Adams. (Okay, so I’m not so in love with John Adams, but that’s a petty detail.)
This is an excellent follow up to the debut mystery featuring Abigail Adams as the amateur sleuth. The mystery itself is fairly straightforward, but what makes this book such a lovely read is the incorporation of historical detail and a glimpse into the lives of the Adams family. Abigail is as wonderful as I imagine her–intelligent, warm, accessible and very human.
The backdrop of the impending Revolutionary War makes the story all the more compelling. And the author makes both sides–the revolutionaries and the British soldiers–personable and three dimensional and real. I look forward to what I hope is a lengthy multiple book series!

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