Happy Sunday! I’m back today with “Sundays in Bed With….” a meme dares to ask what book has been in your bed this morning. Come share what book you’ve spent time curled up reading in bed, or which book you wish you had time to read today! The meme was originally hosted by Midnight Book Girl.
Today, I’m reading three very different books! The first is Babel, which I’m buddy reading with five book blogging friends. The second is A Crown of Petals and Ice, which I’m buddy reading with Ali @ Ali’s Books. This is the third book in the Honey and Ice trilogy, and we’re both loving the series! The third book is An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins. this is the second book in A Lady’s Guide historical romance series.
Babel
Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.
1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation — also known as Babel.
Babel is the world’s center of translation and, more importantly, of silver-working: the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation through enchanted silver bars, to magical effect. Silver-working has made the British Empire unparalleled in power, and Babel’s research in foreign languages serves the Empire’s quest to colonize everything it encounters.
Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, is a fairytale for Robin; a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge serves power, and for Robin, a Chinese boy raised in Britain, serving Babel inevitably means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to sabotaging the silver-working that supports imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide: Can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence? What is he willing to sacrifice to bring Babel down?
Babel — a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal response to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell — grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of translation as a tool of empire.
A Crown of Petals and Ice
Queen of the fae courts. Faced with an impossible battle. Destined to never be with the Unseelie I love.
The magical tea has worn off. My eyes are wide open. And it’s with horror that I realize the fate of two realms rests on my shoulders after my mother’s ultimate sacrifice to trap Rubezahl in Underhill. Terrified humans clamoring for answers, whispered rumors from both Seelie and Unseelie, and a stepmother who seeks the throne for surprising reasons are the least of my troubles.
Rubezahl has returned far sooner than I thought possible. I’m not ready. I can’t win this. And not only that… He has something crucial if we are to win. He’s taken something I cannot live without.
The place of the final battle has been decided, and two armies will meet. Yet forces beyond my understanding must be satisfied first–old magics rise and demand their dues. There is no option but to race and decipher the puzzle to save the man I love, the friends more important to me than my own life, and humans and fae alike.
Two realms.
Only I can save them.
We’re screwed.
An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire
A feisty heiress and reluctant duke are partners-in-crime but enemies in love in this delightful and witty historical romance from the bestselling author of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Sarah MacLean, Sabrina Jeffries, and Netflix’s Bridgerton!
England, 1867: Miss Caroline Hardcastle has fully embraced her scandalous reputation—even though doing so cost her a chance for love. She would much rather bring aid to those ignored by society by writing for England’s most infamous crime column. When Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she is shocked to find an ally in Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart years ago. Refusing his help would be the height of foolishness, but can she trust Val to stand by her?
Val—the new Viscount Wrackham—is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet when Caro’s improper actions require her to marry for convenience, Val sees an opportunity to show her he’s a changed man. As the two grow closer to unmasking the culprit, can he convince her to give their love a second chance—before death does them part?
Have you read any of these? What are you reading today? Comment below!
The Honey and Ice Series is a good one. I still need to read Babel. Enjoy your reads!
Oh my gosh, it’s soooo good! lol Thanks so much, Yolanda! 🙂
I hope you’re enjoying all three of those books. I hope to read Babel before the end of the year. Have a great week!
Thanks, you too Tessa!
I’m loving Babel too! 😍 I hope you continue enjoy all three of these very different reads, Julie!
Thanks, Dini! 🙂
I’ve read Babel! It was good. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Thanks, Joanna!
I’m getting too many emails and the unsubscribe link is weird.
I always seem to manage to have several very different books going. LOL!
lol – it keeps life interesting!
Are you enjoying Babel so far? It was one of my favorites this year.
I am – It’s my first by the author, and it’s really immersive. I’m a little over 200 pages in, and I’m worried for Robin! lol