Jesse Blackadder (1964–2020)

I loved everything about this book. The plot, the places, the people (oh, the people!), the mood, the drama -- everything. I'm not even sure where to start with this gush-fest!

Blackadder's novel grew out of her research into her surname, and while normally family-inspired novels give me the gibblies, in this case, we all win. The historical Blackadders have a story straight out of an opera or Gothic tale: widow violently married off to a vicious noble, evil stepfather marries her daughters show more to his brothers, and subsequent Blackadders are all murdered before they can foment rebellion against him. In this climate, surviving Blackadder William is re-invented as a merchant sea captain and his daughter Alison -- the Blackadder heir -- is transformed into his nephew, Robert Blackadder.

The novel opens in 1561, with Alison-as-Robert on the ship that is bringing Mary Stuart aka Mary, Queen of Scots, to Scotland. Although Alison has grown used to living life as a boy, her father believes they can better push their cause if Alison becomes one of Mary's ladies-in-waiting, and Alison finds herself away from the comfortable identity (and clothes) she's familiar with and struggling to embody a sophisticated lady at court.

What could be a simple story of a girl-who-dresses-like-a-boy shenanigans -- a little sapphic longing, lots of court drama -- is actually a rather meaty, dense, and evocative historical novel of Mary Stuart's court and a woman's confusing place in it. When Alison's skill at passing for a boy is discovered, it becomes her greatest asset and one that grants her unusual access and power -- and of course, increased danger. While Alison's father is driven to reclaim Blackadder Castle, Alison finds herself more drawn to her Robert persona and all it entails -- right down to romance with women.

Blackadder (the author) created a fantastic main character in Alison/Robert -- I was there, from the first page to the last -- and I fell in love with the world she evoked. Royal court hist fic is not a favorite of mine, but through Alison/Robert, the reader sees a more robust view of 16th century Scotland -- the court and the life of the non-nobles. Being unfamiliar with this era, I can't say how accurate the events are represented, but in terms of pacing, narrative arc, and character development, I was immersed. I didn't want this book to end. show less

THE RAVEN'S HEART is an epic historical tale of a young woman's quest to reclaim her birthright. The Blackadder Family's castle was stolen from them by the Hume clan when Alison Blackadder's father was very young. He was sent into hiding for over two decades, and Alison grew up disguised as a boy. Had the enemy clan known about her, she surely would have been kidnapped by them and forced into marriage, as was the fate of her aunts.

When Mary Stuart returns to Scotland from France to claim her show more throne, Alison's father William arranges for her to serve the queen. He believes that Mary will force the Humes to return Blackadder Castle to them if Alison befriends her. The hasty transition from living as a boy to becoming a lady-in-waiting is not easy for Alison, but she does so to please her father. Alison quickly finds the queen's court a treacherous place with danger lurking around every corner.

THE RAVEN'S HEART is an intriguing combination of historical fact and fiction. I love that this book came about after the author researched her family roots in Scotland. It weaves together fictional character Alison Blackadder's plight and the early years of Mary Queen of Scots' reign. The book is full of rich historical details and political intrigue of the time. Alison was a fascinating and unique character with her dual identities, getting to experience life as a man and a woman. I was rooting for her and eagerly anticipating the outcome of her story. I'd recommend this book to fans of suspenseful historical sagas. show less

This book is personal in a way to me. My mom's one sister lost a child to drowning when they were very little. There are many drowning accidents that occur with little children.

I like how the author wrote the story making the main focal point on the family, Finn and Bridget, and their sons, Jarrah and Toby. It really brought me very close to the family and helped me to feel all of their emotions as they dealt with a devastating situation. Each family member looked and reacted to the show more situation in a different way. However, when it mattered the most, they were drawn to each other and supportive of one another.

What I most liked about this book is how the author didn't lay blame on one or more family members. This story truly is about the "why". Why did this situation happen? Why didn't I do more? Author, Jesse Blackadder will take you on an emotional roller coaster that shows you just how important a family bond is with fully enriched characters In the Blink of an Eye. show less

Most of the action in Jesse Blackadder's novel, "In the Blink of an Eye," takes place in New South Wales, Australia, at the home of Finn and Bridget Brennan. Ten months earlier, Finn and Bridget left Tasmania, along with their two children, fifteen-year-old Jarrah and two-year-old Toby. Bridget is a biologist and expert in wildlife ecology, and Finn is an artist who creates mechanical constructions out of scrap metal and old machinery parts. Not that long ago, Bridget and Finn went through a show more rocky patch in their marriage, but they seem to have resolved their differences. Unfortunately, when a terrible accident upends their existence, they are grief-stricken and once again begin to grow apart.

Each of the main characters reveals his or her thoughts in alternating chapters. Although Bridget blames herself for their misfortune, she shifts her anger to Finn. Jarrah, sadly, is caught in the middle. He has no friends, is bullied by his schoolmates, and fears that his parents may eventually divorce. Blackadder movingly traces the Brennans' journey from tragedy to redemption. Many tears are shed, and Finn and Bridget desperately consider changes that could ease their pain. Meanwhile, Jarrah finds companionship, but his new friendships may be a mixed blessing. Thanks to Blackadder's evocative descriptive writing, we get a fascinating look at a remote locale with exotic flora and fauna, broiling heat, and a lack of close community ties.

In this engrossing and poignant story, Blackadder effectively explores the Brennans' feelings of trauma, loss, and pain. Finn is desperate to save his marriage; Bridget is attracted to a colleague who cares for her, while she searches for some meaning that might encourage her to go on; and Jarrah struggles with loneliness and adolescent angst. In addition, unexpected legal troubles deepen the Brennans' anguish. To her credit, the author offers no pat solutions. Instead, she realistically demonstrates that life can be unpredictable, harrowing, and bewildering. The poor choices that people make, as well as sheer bad luck, can destroy relationships and result in intense suffering and despair. To offset the gloom, however, the author offers hope for reconciliation and healing. show less