Weekend Recommendations #12

This is a weekly feature, where I get to go all fannish about two randomly-picked favvies (which may not actually be favorites, but got a rating of 3 or higher) that I would recommend to friends! So, here are this week's two picks:

Title: Changeling
Author: Philippa Gregory
Genre: historical fiction/mystery
Part of a Series: Yes
Rating: 3 out of 5
Who'll Like It: Girl-and-guy read, great for historical mystery fans and Readers who like Philippa Gregory's work. Though this is a YA book, adults will enjoy it just as much as teens. Better for ages sixteen and up.

Why I Like It:

Isolde and Ishraq are two very strong female characters without the Attitude. Ishraq was sarcastic and tough without being macho, and Isolde was strong-willed and practical while maintaining a femininity about her. They both fit the era without being helpless damsels in distress (and quite honestly, I think women back then were stronger than nowadays because people simply couldn't afford to be weak then). While the plot itself sort of meanders through one event after another, without connecting any of them, I did enjoy reading about the mysteries and the logical explanations Luca found behind what at first appears to be supernatural happenings.

Title: The Dead of Winter

Author: Chris Priestley

Genre: supernatural/mystery/historical fiction

Part of a Series: No

Rating: 5 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Girl-and-guy read, ideal for Edgar Allen Poe fans. This will keep you up at night!

Why I Like It:

I am a big fan of Edgar Allen Poe, and this book reminds me entirely of one of his stories. The writing, the setting, the characters, even the end. Vincent Price could have definitely played Sir Stephen. I loved the isolated feel of this story, and the frustrating end. This book actually made me sleep with the lights on, and I don't scare easily. Poe fans - you'll love this! It's very reminiscent of The Fall of the House of Usher.