This is such an interesting fictional look at the Hittite Empire. I did not know much about this empire prior to reading this book, but I feel like I learned a whole lot and was entertained throughout the book. N.L. Holmes is a fantastic author whose passion for history exudes from her work. Every book she writes has an impeccable attention to detail and makes you feel as if you are fully immersed in the Empire. I definitely recommend picking this one up and reading it! You won’t be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-13 17:56:202023-10-19 07:18:18The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L. Holmes. This book is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century B.C. N.L. Holmes does a fantastic job of giving detailed descriptions of the setting and time period that it is not hard to imagine as you are reading. This book tells about refugees from a Mesopotamian land. This is a nation that was wiped you by the Assirians. These people are musicians. This is a fantastic story about a nation of people that I had no idea about prior to reading this. This is an absolutely fascinating culture and I definitely want to learn more now. I definitely recommend reading this story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-08 19:01:132023-10-10 08:58:59The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the first book in the Empire at Twilight Series. This is not the first book I have read by N.L. Holmes and when I see a book that is by this author I know that it is going to be well researched, informative and will definitely be entertaining. N.L. Holmes is fantastic at developing her characters as well as describing the setting, which takes place in ancient times. The descriptions are so vivid that it is easy to close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting right there. This book features the culture of the Hittite Empire which is in current Turkey. This story follows a chariot driver who has to find the balance between family and the empire. This story does a fantastic job showing how complex things were back then and how it was empire over everything else. This book is definitely a fantastic read and I recommend it for the fantastic story line and the historical details.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-08 18:26:582023-10-10 08:58:26The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek
Ehli-nikkalu, eldest daughter of the Hittite emperor, is married to a mere vassal of her father. But despite her status, her foreignness and inability to produce an heir drive a wedge between her and the court that surrounds her. When her secretary is mysteriously murdered while carrying the emperor a message that would indict the loyalty of his vassal, Ehli-nikkalu adopts the dead man’s orphaned children out of a guilty sense of responsibility.
A young cousin she has never met becomes a pretender to the throne and mobilizes roving armies of the poor and dispossessed, which causes the priority of her loyalties to become even more suspect. However, Ehli-nikkalu discovers a terrible secret that could destabilize the present regime if the pretender ever learns of it.
With the help of a kindly scribe, her brave young ward, and an embittered former soldier trapped in debt and self-doubt, Ehli-nikkalu sets out to save the kingdom and prove herself to her father. And along the way, she learns something about love.
This book was awesome. I love how the writer adds in the PTSD and anger problems which indicated mental health problems which are not at all easy to manage. This causes Uqnitum’s sons to run away as her mental health and anger takes a major toll on the family. I don’t want to get into it too much and give away spoilers but I think the author Holmes is really able to tune into history and studies up on a subject and culture before trying to write a novel which is really commendable. The novel is extremely well written with high vocabulary usage, and heart wrenching stories all intertwined in one. This isn’t a standalone novel, as it is the second in the series. I love the history in this novel and I think people can misinterpret it to be boring if they don’t allow the scene to be set up for them so you get a glance at what the 13th/14th century looked like, and can actually see the book happening while you read it. Don’t lead others mislead you before you try and read the book with an open mind and a willingness to be taught as it is historical fiction, but not taught forcibly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlene Yateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlene Yates2021-08-06 00:37:432021-08-06 07:33:41The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Charlene Yates
The Singer and Her Song is a very different read and much easier read than The Lightning Horse. It is a story that brings to light the current plight of refugees needing to forge a new identity in a new land while overcoming the trauma of the past. I felt great empathy for all the characters and felt invested in their lives. N.L. Holmes does an excellent job of world-building and making the reader feel like they are in ancient Egypt without needing to spell it out for them. I recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Penelope Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPenelope Taylor2021-08-05 00:07:112021-08-05 08:00:19The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor
The Singer and Her Song by N. L. Holmes is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series. This is a story that quickly transports you back in time. When your world is turned upside down, what can you do but survive? Uqnitum is in that very position and has very little to start out with. Trying to survive after your village has been destroyed is one thing, doing it with children is a completely different struggle.
There were plenty of times throughout the tale that I struggled with Uqnitum’s controlling behavior and temper, but there are also some points that I completely aligned with. We are not always perfect parents. At the end of the day, we still try to do what is best for our families.
This is definitely a story that will tug at your heart strings.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carly Voglerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarly Vogler2021-07-31 22:36:032021-08-03 11:19:13The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Carly Vogler
Book 2 of the Empire of the Twilight Series was enjoyable. This book can easily be read as a stand alone. I find the attention to detail, especially the historical nature, that Author N.L. Holmes puts into this book is fantastic. Uqnitum flees from Mittani when she loses family. Parts of the story I really felt to for Uqnitum, the guilt and darkness. Definitely read the book to find out if Uqnitum overcomes the danger she has become and find strength to overcome. Overall a very good story with great attention to details. Well Done Author N.L. Holmes
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-07-31 21:44:512021-08-03 11:15:02The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This is the second book in the series and I have to say it is better then the first. Holmes brings the world to you and she has done some major research in order to bring it to you. The book is about love and loss and what hardships a family goes through. The family loses not only a father but a brother an son. The mother is so overbearing that her two sons leave home to make something of themselves. She realizes that her affair that she had 15 years ago could have produced the son she lost. Holmes makes you feel very invested in the characters and makes you want to just keep turning the pages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda DelFeminehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda DelFemine2021-07-31 21:14:352021-08-03 11:12:47The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda DelFemine
The Singer and Her Song is a very intriguing story of survival, with a main character that is hard to love but she does what she has to protect her child. NL Holmes does such a good job of writing that you will feel like your transported back in time, you’ll really get a feel for what it was like to live in the time period. Not only do feel like you’ve been transported in time by NL Holmes gives us such fantastic characters that you will feel every emotion that they feel. So if you want a gut wrenching test of survival read then you will love The Singer and Her Song.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-07-31 20:08:562021-08-03 11:06:06The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Stephanie Nicole
N.L. Holmes manages to effortlessly transport you to another time. If you haven’t read many books set in ancient Egypt you may find yourself needing the glossary at the back. A young Hittite charioteer who serves the King with one plot twist I expected and one that took me quite by surprise. The Lightning Horse was not an easy read for me. I really needed time to absorb myself into the story. It is a book to keep for the days when you can lock yourself away and lose yourself in the narrative. Despite my difficulties reading it, I do recommend this book. It is historically very well researched and the world-building is excellent.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Penelope Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPenelope Taylor2021-07-31 18:28:352021-08-03 11:04:44The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Penelope Taylor
A uniquely beautiful piece of writing. The author’s talent in creating this world continues in book 2 of the Empire at Twilight series. I was absorbed into Uqnitum’s life and had all the feels. I wanted to throttle her for being so stubborn and prideful. The skilful presentation of the era bled of the pages and I greedily soaked up every word. Highly recommend this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-07-30 19:41:542021-08-03 08:53:05The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East
A very well-written haunting tale. Like her other books, Holmes has extensive knowledge of the historical era in which this is set, which makes for great realism. Unlike some of her other works, I found this one more accessible and easier to fall into without a background in ancient times. The characters are full and complex, their emotions and motivations varied and interesting. I deeply felt some of the horrors that Uqnitum endured on her journey. It is quite an emotional work, and I connected with it immediately.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Shoebridgehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Shoebridge2021-07-30 15:46:072021-07-31 07:31:58The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by NL Holmes – Review by Erica Shoebridge
The Singer and Her Song is the second book in the Empire at Twilight series. This book easily stands alone. To be completely honest, I did not like this book. You may be thinking wait, didn’t you give it 4 stars? I did not like it, but I could not put it down. I stayed up most of the night once I started reading this story. It was so good and such a challenging book. Uqnitum was so frustrating, and I wanted to shake her! Her story was tragic and hard. My heart was broken for her over and over again. She became a person that even she didn’t like to be able to survive the horrors in her life. This story was gut wrenching but thought provoking. What would you sacrifice for your kids? Don’t read this book to be entertained; read this mother’s story to be changed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-07-29 12:42:462021-07-30 20:31:04The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rebecca Hill
This is a sweeping tale of survival. I feel like Holmes did a fantastic job of describing what it would have been like to live during that time and to be conquered by the Assyrians. I couldn’t help but feel like I was transported back in time, watching everything happen. The cities, the characters, the palaces simply came alive in my mind as I read.
Uqnitum is a hard character to love. But you have to give her mad respect because she is able to keep herself and her pregnant daughter alive after their lives are turned upside down. She acts rashly and doesn’t always make the wisest choices because she is trying to make up for a where she has failed in the past and the present. While her choices were not always helpful, it does work out in the end for the better. I appreciated how in the end, she was finally able to move beyond herself to reflect on the choices that she had made. She was able to recognize what needed to change, and then made that difficult choice to fix it.
I really enjoyed this read. If you want a heart wrenching tale of historical survival, this is your book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2021-07-28 20:12:222021-07-29 07:40:37The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger
The Singer and Her Song tells the story of Uqnitum, a singer from Mitanni and her daughter, Tatasshe. When their village is destroyed by the Assyrians and the men of the family are killed, Uqnitum and Tatasshe seek refuge in the court of Ugarit. With the deaths of her family, the loss of her home, and the guilt she feels for her part in it, Uqnitum struggles to adjust to her new life. Facing challenges, hardship, and heartache, Tatasshe and Uqnitum must learn what strength truly is.
I loved this novel. The characters are so well developed and likeable, I felt their pain, their joy, their relief, their heartache. The setting of the story is phenomenal and transports the reader to another land, in another time. I was hooked on the story from the minute the first chapter opened. N.L. Holmes has written a novel that I can give nothing but praise for. I will be reading the rest of the novels in the Empire of Twilight Series soon!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Bullockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Bullock2021-07-28 09:28:272021-07-29 06:37:44The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kayla Bullock
The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes is definitely a 5 star book. This author has once again taken historical fiction and combined it with intense character details, and it is amazing. Much like the first installment of the Empire at Twilight Series, The Lightning Horse, I found myself immersed in the lives of Uqnitum, a singer from the kingdom of Mitanni, and her family. When she loses part of her family when the Assyrians attack, she and her daughter must set out on a journey that will test their wills and characters. I love the fact that the author is an actual archaeologist! It’s an amazing thing when someone who is well-educated in the history they are writing about can mingle the past with the modern to create wonderfully relatable characters. Despite taking place so far in the past, the characters display facets of the human condition that transcends time and touches on those details that we all have experienced during one time or another. I highly recommend reading what this author has to offer, if you haven’t yet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-07-27 12:13:012021-07-28 07:47:09The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Chrissy Spulak
This is Book #2 in the “Empire at Twilight” series, but other than the name of one king, there is no discernible overlap between Book #1 and Book #2, so you don’t have to read the first to follow the plot of the second. Uqnitum is a court musician for a king in Mittani, the daughter of the great court musician Tapishili (akin to Handel at the court of George II, my closest comparison). Mittani is being conquered by the Assyrians piece by piece. Sure enough, Uqnitum’s city is invaded on one life-changing night, so she and her family – husband Ar-Tesshub, simple-minded son Wullu, and pregnant daughter Tatasshe – flee for their lives. The refugees are overtaken by the invading Assyrians and captured. The experiences this family suffers are really beyond imagining and so very difficult to read. The invasion and capture all occur in the first 20% of the book. What we find out is that Uqnitum is a difficult person at the best of times. In fact, her older two sons have already fled their home city for life elsewhere – Uqnitum knows not where. Uqnitum is apparently a difficult-to-please mother, and my heart goes out to Tatasshe as she tries to deal with flight, capture, and pregnancy in the company of this difficult mother. Tatasshe and Uqnitum become court musicians in their new city, and are treated relatively well, considering that they are captive refugees, b/c the music master is a great fan of Tapishili. There is a grand celebration for the New Year plus the marriage of the king to celebrate, and Uqnitum’s fantastic voice is required, but Tatasshe is willing to give up her life as a musician – unthinkable! – to escape her mother, especially after their horrific captive march, which has left Uqnitum w/ PTSD on top of her anger issues. Uqnitum’s anger and PTSD cause simply devastating consequences to her and her family. I have to say that Uqnitum is the least-likeable protagonist in a book that I have read since Jay Gatsby. I understand that she goes through great losses and terrible experiences, but she is honestly less capable at handling them than her pregnant daughter is – who had already lost her husband to the Assyrians before the story even starts! But again, as in Book #1, there is great world-building and the descriptions of the invasion, captive march, and the coup attempt are all well-written and gripping. 3 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sherry Sharpnackhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSherry Sharpnack2021-07-26 12:50:192021-07-26 13:03:35The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sherry Sharpnack
This book is good on so many levels. N.L. Holmes does a thorough job of researching the period she is writing on. The descriptions of locations and characters always make it easier to visualize. The plotlines are fascinating. The mystery in this book teaches about good and evil. The young man loses his father and his grandfather is seriously injured when a saboteur wrecks the king’s chariot. This young man feels it is his fault until he’s told otherwise then he wants to find out who is responsible. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-07-23 06:59:362021-07-23 09:40:58The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell
N.L. Holmes has written another fascinating story that tugs at your heart. Strength and courage are two themes that stand out in this book. From page 1, Uqnitum starts strong with her strength as the Assyrians overtake her city and she has to collect her family and try to escape. She fears for her life and her family. Raised without a mother, she grew up headstrong and doesn’t back down from a fight. In today’s world, we might call her “filter” broken. She and her family are taken by the the enemy. The loss of her son and husband chip away a bit at her strength and she seems to just lose it a little. Tatasshe, her daughter is pregnant. It comes down to the two of them. Uqnitum just thinks she is being helpful (control freak anyone?). Tatasshe wants to break free for her sanity and has to learn how to do that. With the help of new friends and unfortunately, a near tragedy, she is able to make that leap. Tatasshe makes strides to grown in her strength by speaking up and telling her mom what she wants. Supporting characters in the story are also written very well. The descriptions and characteristics made it so easy to have your own little movie running in your head. The plot line was so good. I felt every emotion. When Uqnitum’s husband was blinded, my heart stopped. I felt every emotion. This book is fantastic. Highly recommended.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-07-22 14:22:412021-07-23 09:20:05The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell
I really enjoyed this book! It was different from the other N.L. Holmes books I’ve read in the sense that it wasn’t a mystery, but it was great! As a mother, I understand many of the things Uqnitum did as she tried to hold her family together, from being strong and unrelenting to being ready and able to tear apart anyone who tries to hurt my kids. I feel the setup of the journey Uqnitum and Tatasshe endured at the beginning helped to strengthen their reactions throughout the book. I believe it also does a great job setting an example of how we sometimes go through life with certain memories and “baggage” that we don’t realize are affecting those around us. This book had me nodding my head in understanding, pulled me in to see what would happen next, and even had me in tears a couple of times. Overall, it was a great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Lewis2021-07-21 04:05:412021-07-22 19:31:56The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jana Lewis
Uqnitum is a singer from a famous musical lineage in the kingdom of Mitanni. When the fall of their city to the Assyrians costs her the life of her husband and her youngest child, she and her pregnant, widowed daughter flee to the court of Ugarit. Haunted by guilt over her part in her husband’s death, Uqnitum’s increasingly unhinged personality becomes dangerous to the peace of her remaining family. Only by succumbing to her weakness does she learn the real nature of strength.
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Singer-and-Her-Song_1600-Barnes-and-Noble.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-07-07 00:02:512021-10-30 05:28:09The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes
The Lightning Horse by N.L Holmes is the first book in the Empire at Twilight Series. I am not one who normally reads historical fiction, but I will forever read anything N. L Holmes writes! The research it must have taken to have a book be so realistic and reflective of a time period is unimaginable.
When a chariot accident kills a young Hittite’s father, he won’t rest until the people responsible are found. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go as planned and we start down a rabbit hole of twists and turns, uncovering more as we go along.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carly Voglerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarly Vogler2021-05-13 19:01:592021-05-14 09:45:10The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Carly Vogler
I think I’ve found my new favorite author! The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes is a fantastic historical fiction set in the ancient empire located in what is now Turkey. The story centers around a young Hittite charioteer whose father is killed and grandfather is injured in a chariot accident, and it is up to him to find the truth and settle the score. This book is full of twists and turns and rich with history, and I am here for it. If you are into historical fiction or love horses, you will love the realistic descriptions that the author brings to life within the pages. The best part about it all, for a history junkie like me, is that the author is an archaeologist and historian who has taught at the collegiate level, so you know everything has been thoroughly researched and the descriptions dependable. I am stoked that this is the first book in this series, and I will be looking for more. I recommend this book and author with 5 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-05-11 20:00:032021-05-12 12:33:13The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Chrissy Spulak
If you love historical fiction then you will love N.L. Holmes The Lightning Horse. I was originally drawn to this novel based on it’s front cover, and I was hoping that Ms. Holmes would have a similar writing style to Mr. Riordan and boy oh boy I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Holmes gives such vivid and beautiful descriptions of her scenery that you almost feel like she’s an artist painting a canvas right in front you. She takes you straight into different historical cultures in her novels and in The Lightning Horse she dives into the Hittite empire. Writing like this doesn’t come easy I would imagine that she pours her heart and soul into her work, and The Lightning Horse certainly proves that. The depth that Ms. Holmes gives her characters and story in general will have her readers flipping pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. I know I can’t wait for Ms. Holmes next installment to the Empire at Twilight series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-05-11 18:23:272021-05-12 12:28:35The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Stephanie Nicole
I do not read many Historical Genre book, but I am glad to read this one. It brought me out of my comfort zone. The story is great. I had a hard time at first keeping the characters of whom is who, but quickly kept the characters all straight. Nothing like wanting to have horses and being a charioteer myself! I liked Tiwatipara’s character and my heart dealing with a family tragedy, my heart ached for Tiwatipara. Sometimes friends are not all what they seem…..the story is very good with some twists and mystery and looking forward to reading more of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-05-11 18:07:432021-05-12 12:26:52The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
The Lightning Horse is the first book in the Empire at Twilight series. I loved that the book was a complete story on its own without feeling incomplete. I’ll be completely honest, at first, I wasn’t sure that I liked the book. There are many characters, and it is hard to keep them all straight, especially with difficult names. But as the story got going, I got more and more into it and eventually had a hard time putting it down. Tipa or Tiwatipara is the main character. We follow him as he suffers a great tragedy, suffers from great grief for years, finds a new purpose in his life, eventually a betrayal, and even a shocking revelation. It was a captivating story that towards the end was hard to put down. I recommend reading this story and pushing through the difficulty of learning all the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-05-11 17:40:302021-05-12 12:24:02The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rebecca Hill
In the land of Hatti, Tiwatipara is a charioteer and he drives the chariot of the Prince Nerikaili, son of The Sun and he is very proud of his work with both the chariots and the horses who pull them. This day is no different when The Sun’s new pair of stallions are being shown off to a crowd of royalty, fellow charioteers, the staff who work at the stables, as well as other inhabitants of the city, it is a proud day for Tiwatipara who has been invited to ride in The Sun’s chariot, however, this chance is taken away when The Sun is called away on urgent business and instead Tiwatipara stays on the sidelines and his father and grandfather ride in the chariot, however, this is both a blessing and disguise when the chariot crashes killing Tiwatipara’s father and gravely injuring his grandfather and because he was the one to prepare and check the carriage over, the guilt he carries from that day from thinking that he was the cause of it changes his life forever.
Three years later and things within the kingdom are in flux, old enemies are reappearing and new enemies are trying The Sun’s patience by wasting his time with meaningless requests and platitudes while working against him in the background. Tiwatipara is still driving Prince Nerikaili’s chariot, however he does so recklessly and this puts others in a predicament while dealing with him and from that day, he feels like his and his families fortunes are on the descent and that they are being punished for some reason. As things become more confused and conflicting within Hatti, Tiwatipara is given information which again changes the course of his life, but will this be for the better, or for the worse and how will it affect those around him?
This is a historical fiction with intrigue, secrets, betrayal, love and hate where nothing is as it seems and will keep you reading to both know what happens in the end, all while learning more about the culture and the history it is based upon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-05-11 13:09:472021-05-11 15:14:54The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Holmes writes such an interesting piece of work. Its a mix of historical fiction and mystery. It is not my usual subject matter to turn to but figured why not try something new. The story flowed and had me wanting more. Holmes really knows how to bring the characters and worlds to life.
Tiwatipara spends a lot of time putting blame on himself for the chariot disaster. It takes him years to figure out who really killed his father and left his grandfather injured. Tiwatiparas father was the picture perfect representation on what a father should be.
The only real gripe of the book is the names of people an places were a bit daunting and made me read a bit slower.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda DelFeminehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda DelFemine2021-05-10 15:48:562021-05-11 06:59:05The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Amanda DelFemine
This book was well thought out and I found the story exciting and an epic, historical, adventure. The characters are so well written and described in such a way that I could see them clearly in my mind. I felt the pain and anguish of Tiwatipara after he experiences such tragic and profound loss and I was rooting for him to be the champion of his story. I enjoyed the different character arcs and sub plots and how they linked together. I was transported to another era with this book and quickly engrossed in Tiwatipara’s world. I’m really enjoying this series.
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The Sun at Twilight by N.L. Holmes
