Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Book Review: The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber: Book Cover
If you have followed me for very long, you know how antsy I was to read this book! And I am sure you want to know if it lived up to my expectations. IT DID IT DID IT DID IT DID!!! and now for my review:

The language felt right for the time with well defined characters.


The time is 1888. The place is London, England. Percy, an orphan brought up in a convent, has come to Athens Academy to further her education. Her albino coloring gives her the appearance of the one of the ghosts she sees, hears, and can talk to. While she is our main character, there are plenty of interesting others.


There is the Guard made up of Rebecca, the head mistress of the Academy. Alexi, the mathematics professor. Elijah, a Lord with great wealth, Josephine, of French extraction, owner of the establishment where the Guard meet. Michael, a man of the cloth. Jane, an Irish lass, who is a bit of a loner.


What do they guard? And Why?


There is Marianna, a fellow student from Germany who becomes Percy's best live friend.


Lucille, a beautiful, raven haired woman who seems to been in need to protection.


There is the Ripper. Is he man or something else?


Who is theSeventh? Why is the Seventh so important?


London (The Smoke) is also a character, with her well known ghosts and dark atmosphere, and darker alleys.


If you are well versed in mythology, you will love how it is woven into the story as are the Shakespherian references.


Leanna Renee Hieber, who is also a working actress, has wrapped this tale up with great dramatic effect. While she has two more books in store for the me based on these characters, I am pleased to report this one can be read as a stand alone. (I do so hate to be left dangling with floppy, sloppy ending.)


I do hope you have as much fun reading this as i!


UPDATE!!! I just found out the next book will be out in May, 2010.


3 comments:

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Lori Johnston said...

Great review!! It sounds very atmospheric and a bit gothic. Definitely makes me want to read it even more - - I'm still waiting on my copy.