Licia Flynn's Book and Movie Review Blog

Queen Margot , based on the 1845 historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, is one of my favorite films because it focuses on the 16th century and the battles between Catholics and Protestants. In the late 16th century, Catholics and Protestant Huguenots were fighting over political control of France, ruled by a mad King, Charles IX, and his scheming mother, Catherine de Medici. This film is probably memorable to many viewers because of the erotic affair between Queen Margot, played by Isabelle Adjani, and the soldier La Mole, played by Vincent Perez. However, I think the friendship that develops between Margot and the man she is forced to marry, Henri de Bourbon, King of Navarre, deserves better credit. Initially, Margot despises Henri, but as murders by poison ensue, and the notorious St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre erupts, the young queen must confront the complete insanity of the sadistic members of her family while Catherine plots to place her son, the Duke of Anjou, on the th

John Jake's North & South isn't the type of book that I typically review. However, I enjoyed this novel because it provides excellent insight into the American Civil War and West Point Military Academy. It also reinforces social and class values, mainly what it means to be a gentleman. The saga is primarily about two men, their families, and relationships before and after the Civil War. George is the son of a steel mill owner in Pennsylvania, and Orry Maine is the son of a Southern Plantation owner. The slave-owning Mains are rural gentleman planters while the big-city Hazards live by manufacturing and industry, their differences reflecting the real divisions between North and South which ultimately led to war. The story begins as the two men start their education at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Orry and George form a deep bond as they play pranks and battle a sadistic lieutenant named Elkanah Bent. The companions graduate and become officers in the

I think my mother read 1001 Arabian Nights to me as a child, but I can only vaguely remember the Arabic tales within it. What has always stood out in my memory is the framing device of the story. A King was outraged to learn that his wife was unfaithful and thus had her killed. Deciding that all women were inclined towards infidelity, the king determined to marry a succession of virgins only to execute each one the next morning. After exhausting the supply of women, Scheherazade offered herself as the next bride. This young woman was well versed in history, poetry, philosophy, the sciences, and arts. On the night of their marriage, Scheherazade began telling the king a tale but did not end it. The King was extremely intrigued by the cliffhanger and decided to postpone his new bride's execution in order to hear the story's ending. The next night, as soon as Scheherazade finished the former tale, she began another one but did not finish it, thus postponing her execution. T

Translated from French, Siwar Al Assad's (A Coeur Perdu) Guard Thy Heart is a romantic thriller about Paul, a genteel United Nations attorney. Initially, the book appears to be about his relationships with women: his mother, wife, first love, and current conquest.  Marisa is a kind, but overly doting mother who unintentionally inhibits Paul's emotional growth. At first, she seems like a simple woman because her son mostly responds to her with trite platitudes. However, as the story develops, it is evident that Marisa has both strong character and class. After all, Paul's mother quotes Victor Hugo, a hero for anti-slavery and romanticism, and she greets Lauren, a somewhat brazen woman with complete respect and graciousness.  Elizabeth, a cut-throat American lawyer, pursued Paul like no other, and they eventually married. But instead of trying to understand her husband and accept him for who he is, Elizabeth imposed a multitude of expectations. Like a transnational deal

The Game by Neil Strauss is a an insightful book. It was very popular ten years ago, and I witnessed many men attempt the strategies. It was so iconic that I referenced it in Part Two of my mystery novel -- Firm Resolve . I'm sure most women find this book offensive. However, reality is more disturbing. Equally troubling is the misapplication of the principles recommended. Too many guys don't read The Game and take tips out of context. For example, the 'negs' are supposed to be light-hearted and witty -- not blatant insults. I loaned my copy to two girlfriends and bought one for a friend who thought she was dating a jet-setting banker. However, I figured that the guy was a con-artist. It caused a rift between us because I didn't say what she wanted to hear. Luckily, after reading this book, my friend got over her 'Prince,' and married a nice, reliable guy who works a less glamorous job, but is a good father and husband. So while this book is supposed t

Summary When a case becomes an obsession, Daniel Petersen is asked to leave China. During a trip to Hong Kong, Daniel hunts down Aaron Walker. The men develop an offbeat friendship as the Iraq vet describes events in Shanghai that contradict Lana’s account in Firm Resolve. Meanwhile, near Central Asia, an enigmatic sighting arouses controversy and threatens national security. #horror #romance #sequel #2019 Amazon eBook: Firm Resolve Facebook Author Page Twitter: Firm Resolve #horror #romance #sequel #firmresolve #liciaflynn #internationalmystery #thriller #mystery #enigma #shanghai #expats #hongkong #middleeast #germany #summerreads2019 #asianamerican #Asianliterature #eurasian #mixedrace #asiandrama #drama #espionage #adventure #politicalthriller #politics #geopolitics #socialissues #gender #race #identity #culture #international 

Dear Readers,  I recently created a character index for Firm Resolve. Newer editions (9/1/18) will include one. If you would like a copy, please email me at LiciaFlynn@gmail.com. Thank, you, Li Amazon eBook: Firm Resolve Facebook Author Page Twitter: Firm Resolve CHARACTERS Aaron Walker – Ethnically ambiguous, stranger at a club Amy Liu – Cindy’s best friend: Born in Beijing; marketing executive Ben Chang – Curt’s business partner; born in Fremont, California Brian – Lana’s Scandinavian friend Bonnie – Office manager at a venture capital firm Cal – High school peer of Natalia Canaan Cindy Han – Cantonese marketing executive; grew up in the U.K Colleen – Natalia’s best friend Conrad – Lead chemist at Curt’s pharmaceutical company Curt Steiger – Born in Germany; grew up in Chicago; PhD in chemistry; patent attorney Daniel Petersen – Shanghai expat Dara