Bookreview: Back on Bonaire

 Rediscovering the diver's paradise as a father 

"Amazing book! I want to go to Bonaire !! 

(this is a hint to my husband😜)"

Summary

With its protected nearshore reef system, gem-clear seas, and sweeping conservation 

efforts, Bonaire has earned the title it boasts on its license plates: Diver’s Paradise. 

For Andrew Jalbert, who first visited in the early 1990s, there was a draw to the island 

that was hard to shake. He returned regularly over the next twenty-five years in a variety 

of capacities: as a scuba instructor, a sun-starved vacationer, and a writer/photographer. 

What he hadn’t expected at 43 years old, however, was to return as a father.

Back on Bonaire is the story of stitching together two very different lives: one of airports, 

scuba tanks, article assignments and underwater cameras; the other of car seats, 

kindergarten, skinned knees and the boundless curiosity of a child.

Jalbert merges both worlds in an enjoyable, funny and at times touching account 

of introducing his son to his beloved Bonaire. Along the way the reader gets a look 

at the island’s cultural and natural history, some of its people and the importance 

of preserving the ecology of Bonaire – for his son and future generations. 

My Review

Sun, sea, beach and an amazing beautiful diving place. I've never been to 
Bonaire before. But after reading this book, I'm more convinced to go and
I would like to have Andrew Jalbert as a guide. 

The book "Back on Bonaire" is written very well: clearly and with lots of
humour. 

"Back on Bonaire" is fit for people who like to learn from experiences from
others. I certainly will recommend this book to friends, colleagues and family.
I like to give it a 5 star rating on 5 and even more. 

The Author

Andrew Jalbert is an award-winning photographer, writer, and doting father.
Throughout his twenty-five years as an archaeologist, scuba instructor and dive
guide he has traveled extensively, publishing work on prehistoric sites,
shipwrecks, travel, dive safety, and marine conservation. Jalbert lives in Monona,
Wisconsin with his wife Becky and their son Luc.

Please do check the website of Andrew Jalbert on this link. 

BookSirens

I received an advance review copy for free. Thank you very much to BookSirens
for this splendid opportunity. I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

Source picture: Book Cover

Bookreview: Pit of Vipers

 Amazing series!

Summary

In Pit of Vipers, the second book in the Sons of Kings trilogy, the lives of
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever
increasing threat of Danish raids.

Now back in his homeland, Eadwulf sets out on his determined quest for revenge,
whilst Alfred’s leadership skills develop at the courts of his successive brothers.
Before long, those skills will be put to the test . . .

The Danish invasion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in 865 is merciless and relentless.
Every year more Norse ships come to join their comrades in a quest to plunder for
wealth and gain domination over the people.

The Wessex king is now Aethelred, Alfred’s last surviving brother, and Alfred becomes
his trusted second-in-command. Whilst the Danes take kingdom after kingdom,
the brothers wait with baited breath for them to set their sights on Wessex.

By 869 their worst fear is realised.

In the meantime, Eadwulf pursues the objects of his revenge.

My Review

First of all, I really liked the more mysterious book cover.

Secondly the books of Millie Thom always start with a clear description of
the characters and a map of the Anglo Saxon Kingdom, which always are 

very easy to follow. 

"The Pit of Vipers" is very nicely written and with a good mix of dialogues

and storytelling.  It made one thing very clear: Millie Thom knows a lot
of this period! I think it wasn't an easy time to live in.

"The Pit of Vipers" really is a page turner. I wanted to know the end of this
story 👀.

Last but no least, I will recommend this fantastic book and series for all
readers who like (royal) historical fiction! With pleasure, I give 
Pit of Vipers a 5 star rating on 5. 

The Author

Millie Thom is a former geography and history teacher with a degree in
geology and a particular passion for the Anglo Saxon and Viking era.
She was born in Southport, Lancashire, in 1947, and happily admits
to being a 'boomer'.

After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved
to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary
school in a small mining village, where most of the children -
and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees',
'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time,
a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of
rugby!

In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years.
Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born.
In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband,
midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.

Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred
that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven'
is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing
completion.

I think Millie Thom was a fantastic teacher. I would like to have had (royal)
history lessons from her! Luckily I can read these amazing series! 

BookTasters

I had the chance to read this splendid book for free via BookTasters. So thank you
very much!!! I hope to read more books from this excellent author! 

Source picture: Book Cover