Talk to a horse about a man

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

OK. I know I am a sucker for historical fiction. HF was my first love as an adolescent because it combined history, literature, and usually some level of action and adventure. This is why it is still my favorite genre to read. Aurelia fits this bill to a “T.” The historical aspect of the novel places it somewhere near the Renaissance, but the author creates a fictitious kingdom, Tyralt, for the setting of the novel. Osterlund gifts us with a head strong protagonist, Aurelia, who battles against social mores and the strong armed will of her father. The novel was full of unsolved mystery and intrigue, and teased with a smattering of romance. This romance is sure to blossom in the sequel to this novel. The character of Aurelia’s childhood friend, Robert, lends the novel a sense of expectation as the interplay between the two of them builds the anticipation of romance. Only a small amount of information about Robert, his character, and his intentions towards Aurelia are revealed. I am eager to read the sequel, Exile, which is sadly not due out until April 2011. I am sure it will be another swashbuckling adventure.

Top Five Action & Adventure Catalysts in Aurelia

1. Mystery: Between the assassination plot, the reason for Robert’s visit, and Aurelia’s sad family history this is a good who-done-it.

2. Danger: A murderous horse, a Princess who sneaks away from the safety of the castle walls, an obstinate King, and the villain who is situated to close to the king’s court.

3. Class System: the haves and the have nots, the dissention between citizens of Tyralt and citizens from the Outer Realms. There is sure to be more strife and conflict over this immigration tug of war.

4. Horse Talky: the horse fair, Drew’s big personality, the range ponies, a horse enslaved to its cruel owner, Robert’s horse sense, and the manner in which Aurelia chooses to ride her horse.

5. Romance: the word play between Aurelia and Robert, the walls they have built around themselves, and the social impediments of Aurelia’s position as Princess.

Let’s Rate It…

The Cover: Those graphic artists know what they are doing.

Page Turner Worthiness Factor: I demand a sequel. Lucky for me, there is one in the works.

Coming to a Theatre Near You: Worth the price of three gallons of gas.

Better than a bowl of ice cream: Chocolate with sprinkles. This was a hard decision. It really was somewhere between vanilla swiss almond and chocolate with sprinkles. This was Osterlund’s first novel and I am hoping that the second installment of Princess Aurelia will push it closer to vanilla swiss almond.

Coming up...Slam by Nick Hornby.