Arc Review: The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener

Title: The Emperor's Conspiracy
Author: Michelle Diener
Publication: November 27th 2012 by Gallery Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback, 317 pages
Cover Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Purchase: The Book Depository ~ Fishpond ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

From nineteenth-century London’s elegant ballrooms to its darkest slums, a spirited young woman and a nobleman investigating for the Crown unmask a plot by Napoleon to bleed England of its gold.
Chance led to Charlotte Raven’s transformation from chimney sweep to wealthy, educated noblewoman, but she still walks a delicate tightrope between two worlds, unable to turn her back on the ruthless crime lord who was once her childhood protector.

When Lord Edward Durnham is tapped to solve the mystery of England’s rapidly disappearing gold, his search leads him to the stews of London, and Charlotte becomes his intriguing guide to the city’s dark, forbidding underworld. But as her involvement brings Charlotte to the attention of men who have no qualms about who they hurt, and as Edward forges a grudging alliance with the dangerous ghosts of Charlotte’s former life, she faces a choice: to continue living in limbo, or to close the door on the past and risk her heart and her happiness on an unpredictable future.

My thoughts: 

The Emperor's Conspiracy is a brilliantly written Historical Fiction with a dash of romance. Not only did I love the entire novel, I was completely entranced by the amazing plot, rich details and striking characters that sucked me right into nineteenth-century London until the very last words.

This story is about Charlotte Raven, who once was a poor chimney sweep until Lady Catherine Howe took her in after Charlotte became trapped in her chimney. Charlotte never lost her ties to the streets thought She continued seeing her childhood friend and ex-lover Luke Bracken who grew to be a bitter and ruthless crime lord, even so Charlotte could never really get it over her heart to shake herself lose from him, nor he from her. They shared a tight bond.
When Charlotte meets Lord Edward Durham, a secret agent for the Crown, she immediately feels attracted to him, which surprises her more than anything, since she has never allowed any man close to her after Luke.
Through events she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens England. Charlotte has to walk between both world to find out what really is going on. That's where things really start to get dangerous. Murder, intrigue, danger and passion follows. 

I was hooked instantly by Michelle Diener's writing.So wonderful to read. Not to mention fast paced and detailed. I was truly blown away. The story, setting, characters and mystery kept my attention non-stop. I felt compelled to keep on reading and reading. Even into the midle of the night when I knew I should've been sleeping. I kept turning page after page and saying to myself; "Just one more chapter..."

I love complex characters and there were quite a few in The Emperor's Conspiracy. Charlotte was my favorite character. She was an amazing heroine to read about. Beautiful, strong, independent, straight forward, smart and very loyal to her friends. Everything a good heroine needs. I loved her bond with Luke, although one might see their relationship as unhealthy or messy, and yet I loved to see them together in scenes, interacting. Even so, I liked Charlotte and Edward together even more. I loved Edward! He was pretty amazing. Protective, handsome and intellifent. I just fell completely for him. Luke on the other hand was very intense, bitter, fierce, wanting Charlotte for his own, obsessive even. He wanted to much for Charlotte to love him, when she'd never love him in any other way than a friend or family. So, yes, that was pretty sad for him even though I was immensely rooting for Charlotte and Edward. My sympathy for Luke will never go away.
This book is based on real facts and events, which I just love because I'm such a history geek. I totally devoured it all. 

The ending of this novel was a little inconclusive as to where her relationship with Edward would go. So I sincerely hope there will be a second instalment. But even with the inconclusive ending, I liked it. Charlotte finally had sort of freed herself from the ghosts of her past. So this was a very good ending in my opnion. 
I loved the romance between Charlotte and Edward. It wasn't overdone or anything, even if sometimes it verged more on lust. They made such a good and beautiful couple. They really had the electric attraction. But like I've mentioned before, it was inclusive if they would make it or not. But I do hope so.
I have to say, there are some tough topics in this book that are definitly Rated R. Just a little warning there for the sensitive readers.

So, it's obvious how in love I am with this book. It's a new personal favorite of mine and I'm definitely not hesitating to read the other books by Michelle Diener for she has gaint a new fan with me. 
I'd recommend The Emperor's Conspiracy to anyone who loves historical fiction or romance books with a suspense twist to it. Even if you're not a fan of this genre, I would ask you to read it, because this novel is absolutely brilliant.

~Favorite Quotes~

He was suddenly furious. She could see it in the way his jaw clenched and his eyes flashed. She couldn't understand how one question could have such an effect on him.
"I." He drew in a seething breath. "Pay. You. Court. I offer you gifts, engage you in conversation, take you on outings with a chaperone. And..."
"And?"
"And then ask you to marry me." He almost spat it out.
"Because of the bet?" she asked, trying frantically to work it out. "Because someone has wagered on my reputation, you must marry me to save me?" She looked up, startled. "Why? I'm either dead or ruined by the end of this anyway."
"You are not. I won't let that happen. They will not win." He was all but shouting, stalking toward her. he grabbed her arms and gave her a little shake. "This time, the bastards don't win. I win."
"What do you win?" she whispered.
He bent his head and crushed his lips to hers.

She hadn't seen him since yesterday, and Charlotte did not understand the sensation that gripped her at the sight of him.
As if she were a lightning rod, waiting for the storm above to strike. As if she had lost all control over her life and was thrown into chaos.

“I think he's quite aware , as is everyone here, that you don't need to worm your way into my bed, Miss Raven." He stepped away from her. "You need only crook your finger and I would be ripping your clothes off your body.”

~About the author~

Michelle Diener was born in London and raised in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. She now lives on the west coast of Australia with her husband and two young children.
Visit www.michellediener.com
Find her also on: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Also available by Michelle Diener:

In a Treacherous Court
Dangerous Sanctuary (only available as ebook)
Keeper of the King's Secrets

Entangled Anthology

Waiting On Wednesday #39: Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

~ Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: January 8th 2013 by Razorbill 

The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.

For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.

With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

~ Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

October 24th - 31st

For this giveaway I'll be giving 2 e-book copies of Dreams of Reality by Beth Bares. There are vampires and immortals in! :D
The author has kindly offered to donate them and will be sending them via Amazon. So thank you, Beth!

Recently I've read and review this book for her. If you would like to check it out you can find it here or click on the cover of the book and it'll take you there.

Now on to the giveaway! :D

It's international and all you have to do in fill in the rafflecopter. 

Good luck!

Oh and don't forget to hop by the other blogs! There are over 500 blogs participating in this giveaway hop! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesdays #38: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My teaser:

"Goodfellow?" Glitch stared at Puck nervously. "Robin Goodfellow?"
"Oh, look at that, he's heard of me. My fame grows."
Puck snorted and leaped off the roof. In midair, he became a giant black raven, who swooped toward us with a raucous cry before dropping into the circle as Puck in an explosion of feathers. "Ta-daaaaaaaaaa."

-page 55, paperback

~The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

Paperback, 358 pages

Published January 25th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

  Anyone can participate in Teaser Tuesdays. Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Review: In a Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener

Title: In a Treacherous Court
Author: Michelle Diener
Series: Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #1
Publication: August 2nd 2011 by Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback, 301 pages
Cover Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Purchase: The Book Depository ~ Amazon ~ Fishpond ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo

An unconventional woman. A deadly enemy. A clash of intrigue, deception, and desire. . .

1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping her safe. As further attacks are made, Susanna and Parker realize that she unknowingly carries the key to a bloody plot against the throne. For while Richard de la Pole amasses troops in France for a Yorkist invasion, a traitor prepares to trample the kingdom from within.Who is the mastermind? Why are men vying to kill the woman Parker protects with his life? With a motley gang of urchins, Susanna’s wits, and Parker’s fierce instincts, honed on the streets and in palace chambers, the two slash through deadly layers of deceit in a race against time. For in the court of Henry VIII, secrets are the last to die. . .

Brilliantly revealing a little-known historical figure who lived among the Tudors, Michelle Diener makes a smashing historical fiction debut.

My thoughts:

I received this wonderful book for review. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Michelle Diener! :D
My love for historical novels has been reawakened for sure now! I love anything hystorical, from ancient Egypt to 19th century London. Well, this book was about the time of Henry VIII in 1525. I've always loved anything that has to do with the Tudors and this book has left me even more interested in it. This book was extra special to me because ths book is about artist Susanna Horenbout, a Flemish painter from Ghent! I live in Belgium (not too far from Ghent actually... :D) so yeah of course I simply loved that!

Susanna was send by her father to become Henry VIII's new painter. When she arrived, it wasn't long before there was an attempt on her life. John Parker, one of the King's most dangerous courtiers, was then charged to keep her safe. More attacks follow and slowly a conspiracy against the throne is revealed. The more Susanna and Parker find out about the secret plot, the more deathly it becomes. 

I loved IaTC right from the start. Susanna was a great heroine. Strong, witty, talented and beautiful. I loved her voice and the way she handled herself against all the attacks she had to endure. I'm pretty sure most people would crack under the pressure but she always held herself standing straight. Naturally, Susanna being Flemish helped me like her a lot too.
Parker... Oh I just loved him. Michelle Diener really has a knack for creating not only amazing female characters but also swoon-worthy, protective, fighting, delicious men. I loved how they *minor spoiler* used to call him "Parker the Cold, Parker the Merciless and Parker the Lone Wolf" before he met Susanna. I'm not sure if they really called him that but I love it. 

This book was so exciting! It really, truly was. Lots of attacks and fighting, I loved that! The mystery and suspense were killing me, especially at the last part. I was so afraid everything wouldn't turn out right but of course it did.
And the writing! That must be my favorite thing about IaTC. Michelle Diener truly is my new favorite writer. It was so fast paced and amazing that when I had only 100 pages left, I forced myself to stop reading because I didn't want it to be over so soon. I absolutely got sucked in. When I did finished, I felt really sad. I need more, way much more! Luckily for me there's an ebook and another novel after this so once I get my hands on them, I'll be good. 

The romance between Susanna and Parker was perfect. They were attracted to each other pretty much right away but this isn't a bad thing. In this novel it worked perfectly. They knew from one another that they wanted each other, also a thing I loved. No confusion or anything about their feelings for each other except that Susanna thinks she wouldn't make a very good wife, but we'll see. I think Parker can handle her artistic ways perfectly. 

In a Treacherous Court by Michelle Diener is an exceptional debut. The historical information as well as the romance and suspense was interesting, beautifully written, fast paced and just astonishing. This novel will grip the reader so fast, never letting go, until the very end.

~ About the author:

Michelle Diener was born in London and raised in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. She now lives on the west coast of Australia with her husband and two young children.

Visit www.michellediener.com
Find her also on: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads