Map of Bones by James Rollins

Whoa! Great book...if you like the DaVinci Code then this one is a good read too. Similar fast pace, lots of historical info, super cool because we've been to Rome ;) .

Here is the info from the back: "With the Vatican in turmoil, SIGMA Force (a secret US agency, of course) leaps into action. An elite team of scientific and Special Forces operatives under the command of Grayson Pierce and accompanied by Lieutenant Rachel Verona of Rome's carabinieri, they are pursuing a deadly mystery that weaves through sites of the Seven Wonders of the (ancient) World and ends at the doorstep of an ancient, mystical, and terrifying secret order. For there are those with dark plans for the stolen sacred remains that will alter the future of humankind...when science and religion unite to unleash a horror not seen since the beginning of time."

The description sort of leave out a few details, the whole story centers around the Magi, the priests who went to see Baby Jesus, and how they were tied to sort of an old scientific/alchemey sect that discovered the true 'manna'. It's too complicated to explain it all but I always find the hidden history interesting...like where there really just three Magi? and liquid body armor? [(developed by the US Army) why aren't our soldiers more protected then?] The Imperial Dragon Court is really made up of European aristocrats (which dates from the Middle Ages)? So much interesting information...

Mistress of the Art of Death

Mom posted on this one not too long ago...and I just finished it. Very interesting storyline for medival times. It's not a profession (mistress or master of the art of death, sort of like a modern day medical examiner) that one hears much about from that time period.

I can see there being sequels to this one.

World Without End

I've pre-ordered the sequel to The Pillars of the Earth--will ship around October 9th. I'm having it sent to Mother so she can read it first, otherwise she'll be standing on her head and calling whoever has it wanting to know if she is finished yet.

I'm about halfway finished with P of E....this kind of book is my favorite! Long, historical epics where the reader is immersed in the world of a group people. I especially like the way the author just leaves characters out of the story for long periods and then comes back to them--sorta like real life. We all have people in our lives whom we see infrequently, yet when they walk back into our lives, it is as if they never left.

The hardback sequel has 1,024 pages and weighs about 3 lbs....epic size!! lol

Beheading, Divorce, Annullments- the wives of Henry VIII are so intriguing!

I started with "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philipa Gregory; then read "The Last Wife of Henry VIII" by Carolly Erickson. It's official that I am now obsessed with all 6 women who were chosen to be the King's wives. Granted, these authors have taken serious artistic licenses, (I say, Duh, to all those who scorned these books. How could they not take artistic license when you can't exactly sit down for an interview with these former tudors!) Regardless, both women have listed their references and research, and it is evident that much of the plot is true to its time. I must now read Philipa Gregory's sequels; most excited to pick up "The Boleyn Inheritance" describing the rise of Catherine Howard. (When in London, I was able to tour the Tower of London and stand in the exact room that Catherine Howard was held prisoner until the time of her beheading! Eek!) If you see books pertaining to these wives by anyone other than these two women, send them my way!!
p.s. Lisa, I got the box of books today. Woohoo! Thank you!