#BookReview for Lockspell by Phil Coleman

My review for Lockspell by Phil Coleman, 5/5 stars.

A great fantasy, with witches, mages, fey and wyverns, and a quest to save the world!

Cinq the mage is searching for others like him, and must find them before time runs out. But when a Titan appears, all Cinq’s plans go wrong.

This is a well-written fantasy, full of dark magic and heroic acts. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, and how they developed throughout the story.

A standalone book, this is perfect for older children and young adults who love fantasy and dangerous quests. Highly recommend!

#BookReview for The Hunger Countess by Annette Spratte

My review for The Hunger Countess by Annette Spratte, 5/5 stars. It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information).

This is a beautifully written novel based on the true story of a German countess in the 1600s. The author has done an extraordinary amount of research to bring the characters to life, creating a rich narrative that transports you to another time.

This is the story of Ernestine von Sayn-Wittgenstein, daughter of a countess, who grew up in troubled times where war and politics created rulers, and ruined them. From an easy, carefree childhood, Ernestine soon learns the meaning of hunger and desperation, as her family is driven from their home.

The characters are so vividly written that you can see them in your mind’s eye as you read, following the young countess from her days as a spoiled child to a compassionate adult. The setting and the history give the story added depth that will delight lovers of historical fiction. Highly recommend.

Amazon US
Amazon UK

#BookReview for My Colours: A Poetic Palette of Autism by Sarah Northwood

My review for My Colours: A Poetic Palette of Autism by Sarah Northwood, 5/5 stars. It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information.)

This is an emotional read of the author’s experience of discovering she was autistic in later life. Told partly through poems, partly through prose, and with some beautiful illustrations, she has also included information about the various aspects that have had an effect on her life since childhood.

Sometimes, no matter how much you try, it’s hard to understand what other people go through, and here Sarah Northwood brings her incredible talent to the forefront, giving you an honest, in-depth account of what it means to her to be autistic. Through the author’s poems and prose, you understand more about how difficult it is to navigate life in this world of ours that doesn’t want to cater to anyone who is different.

It is through books like this that we can learn more about our friends, our children, the people we meet, perhaps even ourselves. I highly recommend this book to everyone, as we all try to work out our place in the chaotic world around us.

Out today (22 November 2023), it’s available in Kindle Unlimited or as a paperback on Amazon:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

#NetGalley #BookReview for #Ravensong by TJ Klune

My review for Ravensong by TJ Klune, 5/5 stars.

Slow-paced, beautifully written, heartbreaking at times, full of tenderness and hurt and love that is old and new. Ravensong is told from Gordo’s point of view, taking us back to the moment when he’s abandoned by his found family, and all that comes after.

I loved Wolfsong, and Ravensong is just as good. The wild love of the wolves, their faithfulness to their family, the wicked banter between old friends, their unbreakable bonds, all come together to create a story that will remain with you for a long time. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

#BookReview for Finding Solace by Karl Drinkwater

My review for Finding Solace (Lost Solace Book 5) by Karl Drinkwater, 5/5 stars. It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information.)

I love this series, having waited eagerly for each sequel, and this one was worth waiting for! But, as usual, there are a few surprises, one of which I still haven’t recovered from. Drinkwater is an expert at ‘expect the unexpected’, and keeps you on your toes as you follow Opal on her journey to find a home. Does she succeed? Obviously, you’ll have to read the book to find out, if you dare to face the strange creatures and eerie situations that come from Drinkwater’s mind!

This series is more than simple sci-fi. In Opal, Drinkwater has created a female character you can believe in and who you care for from the beginning, and even that is surpassed by Athene, the AI on board the ship who creates a deep bond with Opal. Sometimes it’s not easy for an author to write a believable, relatable character of the opposite sex, but Drinkwater has achieved all that and more with Opal and Athene. I highly recommend this series and its side novellas, all fantastic reads that add to the richness of the story.

Amazon US
Amazon UK

#NetGalley #BookReview for #Spellstone by Ross Montgomery

My review for Spellstone by Ross Montgomery, 5/5 stars.

What a magical adventure story that kids and adults will love! Evie is a wonderful character who starts the story feeling unseen, misunderstood, and generally on the outside of things. Until she meets the members of the Order of the Stone, a group of magicians sworn to guard the Spellstone.

This is more than the classical fight of good against evil. This is a story of friendship, family, of growing up, of finding yourself. Children will love the characters, and probably relate to some of them, and the action is non-stop as Evie and her new friends race to save the world.

This is an excellent read I highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

#BookReview for Stopping To Rain by Mike Kernan

My review for Stopping To Rain by Mike Kernan, 5/5 stars. It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information.)

Having read The Fenian, I was looking forward to reading the sequel. In my opinion, it’s even better than the first book!

The story, set in Scotland in the 1970s, is full of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in that era. The language, the attitudes, being part of a community while ‘bad’ things were ignored, hidden, or not mentioned.

The characters are so well written, by the end of the book you feel as though you’re saying goodbye to old friends. We follow their stories from childhood to adulthood, as they move from sweet innocence to raging teenage hormones, from first love to the reality of growing up. The story broke me, as each character found their place in life and had to deal with various issues.

Harrowing, heartbreaking, full of the fun and spontaneity of childhood in the 70s and its consequences, this story will make you laugh out loud and then cry in desperation, all in the space of a few pages. This is one of those books whose characters and story will stay with you for a long time, as you reflect on what you’ve read. Highly recommend.

Amazon US
Amazon UK

#BookReview for Midnight by Brian O’Gorman

My review for Midnight by Brian O’Gorman, 5/5 stars. It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information.)

Yet again O’Gorman takes a much-used genre and turns it on its head! Midnight starts with a punch, then takes us into the depths of the human psyche, revealing the monsters within. With a fair amount of gore, and a few shocks along the way, you end up questioning who can be trusted as the truth behind the demons is slowly revealed…

Another fantastic read full of gritty, relatable characters, and a story line that will make you afraid to turn off the light at bedtime! I can’t wait to read the sequel. Highly recommend!

Amazon US
Amazon UK

#BookReview for Saving The Lakeside Hotel by Linda Huber

My review for Saving The Lakeside Hotel by Linda Huber, 5/5 stars.  It also earns a Pink Quill Book Pick badge (click here for more information.)

A refreshing, feel-good story set among the Swiss mountains and lakes. What more could you want? The author captures the sights and sounds perfectly, and for a little while you can believe that you’re at the Lakeside Hotel, with its beautiful vistas and wonderful food.

The characters are wonderfully written, and after a few pages you feel as though you’ve known Stacy, Emily, and Rico forever. And I’m sure we’ve all met at least one David before!

This is such a calm, comforting read, perfect for escaping from real life for a while and immersing yourself in the lives of these intriguing characters. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend.

My #NetGalley #BookReview for #TheLastWord by Taylor Adams

My review for The Last Word by Taylor Adams, 5/5 stars.

This book starts off at a fast pace and doesn’t slow down the whole way through! I absolutely loved it, and the twists keep you on your toes all the time. As the insights to Emma’s past are slowly revealed, you feel every emotion. Well written, tense, and perfect for these times!

I’ve loved every one of Taylor Adams’ books, and this one is another great read, on a par with No Exit. Highly recommend!

Many thanks to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC of The Last Word. The book will be out on the 18th May 2023.