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.
Tiwatipara is a charioteer, working for the Hittite King Hatusshili, as his father and grandfather have done before him. He loves caring for the great horses who pull the chariots, as well as the chariots themselves. Tipa drives the chariot of the crown prince, the eldest son and probable heir of the King. And then a tragedy occurs: while racing, Tipa’s grandfather is severely injured and his father is killed in an accident while driving the king. When Tipa discovers that the chariot had been sabotaged, his life’s purpose becomes finding the saboteur and exacting revenge. This is the basic plot line for the rest of the book, but mostly, there is a lot of world-building and so many unusual names – of people, cities, and nations. If a reader pronounces words in their heads as they read, the reading will be slowed to a crawl by the difficulty of doing so w/ the unusual names. The intertwined relationships amongst the books characters are also difficult. That being said, the descriptions of charioteering, marching armies, and battles are pretty thrilling. Constant heartbreak for Tipa – and an unexpected, huge plot twist – keep one reading. The major flaw in the plot – besides the difficult names – is that the saboteur of the king’s chariot is so glaringly obvious as to remove most suspense from the novel. I read the Kindle version of the novel, in which the author’s notes, acknowledgements, and a glossary of names were at the end of the book. It would have been most helpful to have read them all first, as many of the people and conflicts delineated in the book are actually historical. This information elevated the number of stars that I will assign the book to 3.4 stars, rounding down to 3.
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 Sharpnack2021-05-04 16:03:272021-05-05 08:13:28The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sherry Sharpnack
This is not a time period I am familiar with but I found it entertaining and with some twists I did not expect. I appreciate the insinuations of violent acts or relations between people but without the details that I don’t want to read. The characters were easy to follow and their actions made sense. The political structure was somewhat familiar but not the same as we know in medieval times, for example, so it was a nice change. Some portions of the story I had figured out earlier on in reading, but there were a handful of twists thrown in that provided a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the focus on family and how things come full circle. Overall, 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 Lewis2021-05-04 06:05:162021-05-04 10:06:35The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jana Lewis
This is an exquisite piece of writing. The story grabs you from the opening line and takes you to another place in time. The author is on point with the world building and characterisation. The plot line had me turning the pages and I really enjoyed the mystery. Historical fiction is not a usual genre for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed N.L. Holmes’ writing style and I will be definitely checking out more of her work.
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 East2021-05-01 18:35:342021-05-02 13:34:01The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Rayne East
The Lightning Horse is a well-crafted book with interesting characters and a brisk plot. The personalities were layered and interesting, so much so that it was easy to get lost in this book and pretend I was with them. Tiwatipara is a great hero, with energy, loyalty and humour, but is also not presented as perfect either; his temper can get the better of him, and is prone to bouts of depression. As a whole, he’s very relatable and I was interested to see where this book would take him. There are lots of twists and turns in this plot, some I was able to guess at, and some that took me by surprise. The skillfulness of the writing kept me hooked, and I bet it will for you as well.
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 Shoebridge2021-05-01 16:13:462021-05-02 13:27:26The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Shoebridge
This book drew me in from the very beginning. I love historical fiction, and read it often but this was a very different historical fiction for me! It was fascinating to be reading and learning about chariots and history in the middle east at the same time! Oh, to live in that time and to be in the middle of all the intrigue of bringing a king into power and keeping him there.
The author did an exceptional job developing the characters in such a way that you could feel their pain, confusion, and heartbreak. The mystery of who the culprit was that attempted regicide kept me guessing until the end! If this is only book 1, I am definitely looking forward to book 2!
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 Ottinger2021-05-01 07:45:292021-05-01 14:03:42The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger
This book drew me in from the very beginning. I love historical fiction, and read it often but this was a very different historical fiction for me! It was fascinating to be reading and learning about chariots and history in the middle east at the same time! Oh, to live in that time and to be in the middle of all the intrigue of bringing a king into power and keeping him there.
The author did an exceptional job developing the characters in such a way that you could feel their pain, confusion, and heartbreak. The mystery of who the culprit was that attempted regicide kept me guessing until the end! If this is only book 1, I am definitely looking forward to book 2!
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 Ottinger2021-05-01 07:38:062021-05-01 14:03:18The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Desiree Ottinger
The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Gail Guerrero
Four Star
In this story you will find yourself back in time where chariots are modes of transportation and men are only loyal to their king and country. A young Hittite finds himself with all those he holds dear gone and two of those were sabotage aimed for the king. I enjoyed the characters especially Hittite he is determined to find the truth. He is very brave and straightforward. I liked how the author plotted this story. It was very refreshing and entertaining. The flow was easy to follow and I found myself looking for more. I will definitely be checking out book two. The author shows you so much in this world and it is very appealing to those who just want to step away from reality for a few.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gail Guerrerohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGail Guerrero2021-04-29 22:26:032021-04-30 12:07:26The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Gail Guerrero
This is my second read from the Empire at Twilight series, and while I have praised N.L. Holmes plenty enough in the past for her immersive world building, fluid writing style and interesting characters, I’ve realized that one of my favorite things about her is her choice of subject. I adore historical fiction, but this is my first time reading about the Hittite Empire from the 1230’s BC. What fascinated me the most was the parallels I found between Tudhaliya IV and King Edward IV of England from the Wars of the Roses in the 1400’s AD. The concept of infighting within powerful royal families and the fears over the stability of succession seems to be a universal and timeless concept, and it was a treat getting to read about it from a different perspective.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Wolbeckhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Wolbeck2021-03-28 07:37:262021-03-28 10:47:53The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck
I would like to say that I took my time and relished the reading of The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes. Unfortunately I cannot say that. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I can’t help it, I love these books. They are so well written, the language is beautiful, the story is deep, and this one was especially significant to me. I could so relate to King Tudhaliya.Brought up to believe that integrity was important, that honesty was important, that justice was important. He became the man that he was brought up to be. It’s always a disappointment when you believe in those things and you find out the rest of the world doesn’t. With this book N.L Holmes has become my top author. I not only recommend that you read this book and her other books but I urge you to, you really don’t know what you’re missing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2021-03-23 23:39:202021-03-24 09:28:37The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins
I have loved this series so far and am sticking it through to the end. Ms. N.L. Holmes knows how to make history fun and exciting. This series does just that. This book was no different but it delves deeper into relationships which I enjoyed. So, thanks for writing this as I enjoyed it so much. Brava!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2021-03-23 08:27:062021-03-23 10:49:18The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Faith Jackson
This is another gripping and engaging historical fiction novel by N.L. Holmes in her ‘Empire at Twilight’ series. This is obviously a well researched novel and it is wonderfully written in a way which brings the time period and setting alive for the reader. I found the historical notes at the beginning of the book fascinating and the map, cast of characters and the glossary and terms of Gods were very helpful and I did refer back to them whilst reading. Set during the twilight years of the Hittite Empire and Tudhaliya IV is on the throne but he is the younger son of a usurper. However Tudhaliya wants to rule by the traditional values of justice and clemency, against the advice of his overly ambitious mother and older brothers who are not entirely loyal. His ideals are tested when his cousin and friend Kurunta makes his own claim on the throne and Tudhaliya must deal with this threat without looking weak. Overall his goal is to be able to leave his own son an empire free of civil war but at what personal cost to himself. The storyline is fast paced and the plot twists kept me hooked from beginning to the end. The characters are well defined and the descriptive narrative gave me a clear image of them, making me feel immersed in their story. This was an entertaining and enjoyable read which had me captivated from page one. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone story, however, I have read and enjoyed the previous novels and would recommend both this book and the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2021-03-21 17:38:032021-03-21 22:18:17The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon
The Sun at Twilight by NL Holmes is the fourth book in the Empire at Twilight series. This is a fantastic series and this book does not disappoint. The story is set during the Hittite Empire during the reign of Tudhaliya IV. The challenges to the throne and other issues have him questioning how he is to rule the Empire, fair and just or with an iron fist. I really have enjoyed this series and this book is wonderful as well. I feel myself drawn into the stories and wanting to know the story taking place. The author gives wonderful descriptions and creates and imagines the world at hand during these ancient times. I look forward to reading more in this series and from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2021-03-21 09:56:272021-03-21 14:07:42The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sheri Schrader
This is the next installment of the Empire At Twilight series and it focuses on Tashmi-sharrumma, his father has died and he has now been chosen to be the next Great King Tudhaliya IV and as he grieves, he is also wondering how he will be able to take on the mantle of king and worrying that he might not be enough of anything to do it, especially with the family’s questionable allegiances and loyalties he is surrounded with. He does find comfort in his cousin Kurunta, he has since they were boys, but now he has been crowned, he doesn’t quite know how to deal with it, he has never been someone eloquent, however, he also has trouble expressing his feelings as well, as well as his wife, to a point at least. As the funeral rights and commemorative feasting comes to an end, it is time for the oath making part of the ceremony and even though he is exhausted, he agrees and as the vassals approach him to give him their solemn oaths, he is silently hoping that they are genuine with their vows and when he goes to his chambers, he is greeted with the news that his wife is expecting and is due in midsummer, he now hopes that this is a good omen for his reign.
The next day, Tudhaliya tries to escape for a few minutes onto the roof of his palace and away from everyone, but his solitude is broken when Kurunta joins him and the reminisce about their childhood and he can forget for a small time the weight which is hanging on his shoulders now and then his reign really begins when Tudhaliya meets with his generals and his mother the Tawananna to speak about the affairs of the kingdom, that there is more news coming, but this time it is all bad, the Assyrians are hounding his borders and there is a chance that the lands between them and his are vassals who may decide to turn on him if the leverage is right, there is a debate as to what to do, where the choices are hard, wither to direct them one way and give them something else to focus on but break a treaty, or to ask them to cease and desist and if they refuse, to send troops in to send them back to their own country, the king makes a decision which disagrees with the Tawananna and most of the other councillors. Next he finds out that some individuals who were exiled, have been seen and that they may be trying to shore up allegiances to usurp the throne, the decision is made to wait and see what happens, but to keep their ears open. The final thing is that the crops are having another poor year and that they may have to buy in grains if the poor weather conditions continue, after the meeting is finished and other matters of state are resolved, Tudhaliya is notified of a request for help from a vassal king and he agrees to help, but when he gets there, the battle is lost and the person he came to aid runs away instead of fighting back as expected.
As the months pass and the affairs of the kingdom are becoming steadily worse, Tudhaliya does everything he can think of to appease the gods and find out why everything is happening, but he is finding it hard to trust those surrounding him and this is putting a strain on his relationships, including the ones which he thought were the strongest. Will Tudhaliya be able to face his challenges and win the battles and hardships to come, or will the cost be too high and leave his son with a broken kingdom to rule when he has gone? This is a long and arduous journey for the king and you will be swept along with him as you hope from one scenario to the next.
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 Lesieur2021-03-21 05:16:132021-03-21 06:47:30The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
5 Stars The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes
The Sun at Twilight is the fourth book in The Empire at Twilight Series by N.L Holmes. This is a wonderfully written Historical fiction that I freaking loved reading. I’m a huge fan of anything Historical and this author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The style of writing and attention to detail simply blows me away. From the beginning to the end I had a hard time putting it down. Not much else got done until I finished reading. I will say if you haven’t already started this series I would highly recommend reading the whole series in order as each book is as enjoyable as this one. Plus I like to read series in order so I don’t miss anything. This takes place in the Hittite Empire in 1230’s BC and is about family, friendships and sacrifices ones make. Find out what happens next when one is to take over the throne and the other thinks it should be him. What will he choose in the end ,friendship, family or his duties? I highly recommend reading this series and highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2021-03-20 22:10:232021-03-21 06:44:38The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This is the 4th book in the Empire At Twilight series and the books keep getting better. What I love about this author is how they are able to bring history to life. The stories are enjoyable to read and the author knowledge about historical times really brings the story and characters to life.
Tudhaliya IV has taken the throne of the Hittite Empire after his father passes away. He is placed in that position over all of his older half brothers and he wonders why.
Knowing that it isn’t his rightful role he struggles to keep everyone happy and his relationships with his family members on the right track. However with his best friend and cousin the rightful person to take the throne,Tudhaliya is torn between his loyalty to his family and dear friend and his duty to the throne. Add to this story the forces working against him and he doesn’t know who to trust. Should we just trust people because they are family or should he be guarded against everyone and anyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-03-20 08:06:062021-03-21 00:12:18The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Carr
I’m really getting into N.L. Holmes’ books and The Sun at Twilight is another fantastic read! It’s the fourth in the Empire at Twilight series – set in the 13th Century BCE near the end of the Hittite Empire. The books focus on different characters during this period – in this case, it is the King Tudhaliya IV. As I’ve said before, N.L. Holmes does a fantastic job of bringing historical worlds to life. She draws on historical evidence to inform the stories and their settings, creating vivid pictures of what life might have been like. Empire at Twilight takes place in a time and place I knew very little about so it has been very educational, as well as inspiring me to look into what artefacts have survived from this period. The story is exciting and compelling. It opens with the protagonist mourning his late father and setting out his hopes and fears for his coming reign. There are already plenty of complications in family dynamics and allegiances, and people waiting to take advantage of the change in leadership. As the story progresses, there are even more twists and turns. For me, this is a five star book. I would recommend this series to adult readers who enjoy historical fiction and want to be transported far back in time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2021-03-18 16:40:172021-03-18 21:08:45The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
The Sun At Twilight by N.L. Holmes is the fourth book in the Empire at Twilight series. This is another well written and detailed story by an author who really knows how to create a vivid story. I was pulled right into this story simply from the way the author created it. It felt like it was right there with Tudhaliya and could feel his anguish and conflict. I was interested the whole way through as to what he would do. This book is really all about the characters. They are at the absolute heart of it all and really make this book what it is. I would definitely say, even if this is something you wouldn’t normally read, this series is definitely worth it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-03-17 06:50:342021-03-17 08:11:29The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Baker
Holmes is an extremely gifted author. Her attention to detail is so superior that the reader cannot help but wonder if they have not in fact time traveler. The imagery and setting are so vivid it is sometimes difficult not to feel completely immersed. I have always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and love this exploration of a time and place that has always seemed so rich in history so different from my own. Another masterpiece.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-03-15 23:34:112021-03-15 23:34:11The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Heather Lovelace
The Sun at Twilight is the fourth book and I have enjoyed it just as much as the first three books. The Empire at Twilight series is a great series to read. I highly recommend reading the first three books to get the full background of this book. I love the historical time frame that this is written in. Attention to detail is so important. I was able to paint a picture in my mind’s eye and be drawn into this book with these wonderful characters. The characters are fully developed and complex in nature. This book is about Tudhaliya IV and him taking the throne. There is another, Kurunta has a claim to the throne. How will family, friendship and sacrifice play out in this story? It is a ride of emotions with twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to see what happens within this empire.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2021-03-15 17:58:162021-03-15 23:21:28The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Fish
The Sun at Twilight is the fourth book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L Holmes. As with the rest of the series, this is an historical crime story- full of rich and descriptive details which bring the story to life. As I have discovered from reading most of Ms. Holmes’ other works, is that historical fiction is what she does best- her extensive knowledge of her subject adds realism and interest to her stories. And the authors obvious passion for history is not only evident in her work- but also added to my enjoyment of the book. Ms. Holmes’ stories are a wonderful and fascinating blend of fiction and historical fact, which are woven into intriguing tales with plenty of mystery and drama to keep things interesting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-03-15 12:20:212021-03-15 12:49:36The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Angela Hayes
This is the fourth book in the Empire at Twilight series and is 477 pages. This story follows Tudhaliya and Kurunta. Tudhaliya has reached his time to take the throne and he vows to rule with tradition. Kurunta is the cousin that grew up with Tudhaliya and feels he deserves the throne more. Tudhaliya’s advisors let him know his way of ruling makes him appear weak. This is what leads Kurunta to challenge the throne. Will he choose his friendship and family or his duty?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Schoolmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Schoolman2021-03-14 19:34:572021-03-15 09:26:15The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Heidi Schoolman
The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes 4 Stars!!!!
I was once again take into the historical world and lost in intrigue and drama. This is the fourth book by this author that I have read and was not disappointed. I really like how the author is able to bring the past to life and the characters just come right off of the page. I like how the complex relationships are outlined and how the story unwinds.
The characters all have very complex lives and they really draw the reader in and the past unfolds right before your eyes. There is just the right mix of drama and intrigue mixed in with subterfuges and conflict. I really felt as though I was back in time and like I was right there interacting with the characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2021-03-14 17:17:532021-03-15 09:21:42The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Caralee Loonat
This is the first in this series that I have read and I’m now left wanting to read the others. An enjoyable, captivating read I was gripped from chapter to chapter wanting to know what was coming next in the story of the Hatti Land’s Great King. The plot was well thought out, evenly paced and easy to follow whilst still keeping my interest. An action packed yet emotional read I found myself getting caught up in the story and was a tad sad when I realized I had come to the end of the story. This book is perfect for lover’s of historical fiction who enjoy battle scenes and romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Chapman Goughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Chapman Gough2021-03-13 16:32:182021-03-13 20:43:37The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough
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