This is another review from before I got sick in 2021…
I loved Carey’s Miranda and Caliban, which still haunts me – see my review. So when I had the opportunity to scoop up the Audible version of this epic fantasy, I jumped at the chance.
BLURB:I was nine years old the first time I tried to kill a man…
Destined from birth to serve as protector of the princess Zariya, Khai is trained in the arts of killing and stealth by a warrior sect in the deep desert; yet there is one profound truth that has been withheld from him. In the court of the Sun-Blessed, Khai must learn to navigate deadly intrigue and his own conflicted identity…but in the far reaches of the western seas, the dark god Miasmus is rising, intent on nothing less than wholesale destruction.
REVIEW: We are in Khai’s first-person viewpoint throughout this story, so there was plenty of opportunity to completely bond with this bright, driven character who has been chosen by the gods to fulfil a specific destiny. I loved his character – so gutsy and brave, yet still very aware of the dangers ahead of him. We are right by his side from the day when as a nine-year-old, he wants to be allowed to kill a man and throughout his amazing adventures as he strives to fulfil a mighty destiny. He has been raised from birth to protect Princess Zariya, the youngest of the royal children, and is presented to her as a sixteen-year-old.
Zariya is also a delight – I had wondered whether she was going to be a spoilt nightmare that poor old Khai would be confronted with. But she’s nothing of the sort – interestingly, she has a major disability in that she is unable to walk, which I really enjoyed. It’s rare in any fast-paced adventure to find a major character with a significant disability and I kept waiting for the god-given magical cure. I’m not going to reveal whether she gets one – you’ll have to read the book to find out. She is also charming and extremely brave – and her voice is particularly well portrayed by the narrator, Caitlin Davies. In addition to these two enjoyable protagonists, there is a cast of well developed, strong characters that added to the enjoyment of this story. I would just mention that there is a same-sex romance within this story that bubbles away in the background, but does become a thing. It’s beautifully handled, with great tenderness and restraint.
I particularly enjoyed the pacing, which was very well judged. Khai’s training in the Fortress of the Sands seemed to last quite a long time. So as we follow his sudden introduction to the Court of the Sun-Blessed and all the intrigues and back-biting that went on, the story began to gather speed – and continued to do so towards the climax. There were also several really nifty plot twists, which whipped the story around from where I’d been expecting it to go – and took it in a completely different direction. I always love it when an author successfully pulls that one off. All in all, this is a joy. A complete epic fantasy encompassing a world-changing adventure with a main character, who is singled out as The Chosen One. It could have been so boringly predictable – but in Carey’s hands, this became a real page-turner, without distorting any of the genre tropes. Very highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy with a strong main character. 10/10
This is one of the reviews that I wrote during spells in the last three years when I was well enough to do so – but then got sick again and didn’t post it.
BLURB: When his mother dies in a flitter crash, eighteen-year-old Ishmael Horatio Wang must find a job with the planet company or leave the system–and NerisCo isn’t hiring. With credits running low, and prospects limited, he has just one hope…to enlist for two years with a deep space commercial freighter. Ishmael, who only rarely visited the Neris Orbital, and has never been off-planet alone before, finds himself part of an eclectic crew sailing a deep space leviathan between the stars.
REVIEW: This isn’t the first time I’d read this author’s work – I enjoyed The Wizard’s Butler. But I doubt that I would have made the hop sideways from fantasy to space opera, without Himself having done so, first. And I’ll join in the general chorus that resounds about this series of books – it really has a different feel from most space opera. There are no aliens, no spectacular space battles. It’s a story of a teenage boy in first-person viewpoint, who is just a bit too old to get any proper help when he is unexpectedly orphaned – and how he fares when he joins a merchant spaceship. It’s all about how to make coffee, coping with watch patterns, making friends and money.
Ishmael is clearly very clever and rather precocious in that way only children often are, especially if they’ve been especially close to a single parent. And his relationship with his mother is key. She was an ancient literature professor and obviously a strong, opinionated woman with a lot of passion, who loved her son very much. I inhaled this book and then went straight onto the next. I don’t do that very often – and I’m delighted to discover that there are a fair few books in this series. When reading this one, I kept turning the pages as I got lost in the world, rooting for Ishmael to succeed on board, while he continued growing up. I’m very much looking forward to the next book, Half Share.
Highly recommended for fans of space opera, especially if you enjoy books where it’s more about the world rather than what happens in it. 9/10
After writing the above review, I went ahead and read the read all the books in this twelve-book series, which charts Ishmael’s progress as a merchanter and takes the story in some unexpected places. It’s stayed in my memory as an unusual space opera reading experience, but overall very enjoyable.
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
Last Sunday was Mothers Day and we celebrated as a family by getting together as a family at my lovely sister’s house. We were lucky that the rain held off during our journey there and back, as the roads are shocking. There are far too many deep potholes that could break a wheel or puncture a tyre, so we didn’t want them disguised at the bottom of a puddle. What we did notice was just how waterlogged the countryside is – there are floodings in areas where we’ve never seen standing water before. But it was absolutely worth it to be able to all get together and celebrate. My mother and father were there, as well as my nephews and my sister, her husband and son. Ethan couldn’t make it as he was working.
My sister, Marianne, provided a wonderful sit-down meal for everyone, including the annoying vegans (us!) which was delicious. The gathering was photographed by Himself and provides a lovely souvenir of a happy day. The other pics are signs of Spring – my rosemary is now in flower and the escallonia is now beginning to sprout leaves. Lovely to see the bright green begin to appear in the bushes along the side of the road.
On a more sombre note, on Friday it was my mother-in-law’s funeral. She was eighty-eight, afflicted with dementia and slipped away peacefully, so in many ways her ending was a relief as it could have been so much worse. But it is the end of an era, as my in-laws had lived in the same house for forty-seven years and had been the family hub. She was laid to rest at a Woodland burial site, just opposite my father-in-law. It’s a beautiful spot and she will have a flowering cherry tree planted over her grave.
My sister-in-law gave the eulogy and did a wonderful job summing up a kind-hearted lady with a strong community spirit, who faced up to her final illness with courage and cheerfulness. We stayed overnight, as neither of us wanted to do the journey there and back in a single day, so my mother and father took us out for meal on Friday evening. The boys accompanied us to the funeral and once more, were a wonderful support and great company. We returned home yesterday really tired. I’m hoping this year is going to get better sometime soon!
Books I’ve read this last week: To Cage a God – Book 1 of These Monstrous Gods series by Elizabeth May Using ancient secrets, Galina and Sera’s mother grafted gods into their bones. Bound to brutal deities and granted forbidden power no commoner has held in a millennia, the sisters have grown up to become living weapons. Raised to overthrow an empire―no matter the cost.
With their mother gone and their country on the brink of war, it falls to the sisters to take the helm of the rebellion and end the cruel reign of a royal family possessed by destructive gods. Because when the ruling alurea invade, they conquer with fire and blood. And when they clash, common folk burn.
While Sera reunites with her estranged lover turned violent rebel leader, Galina infiltrates the palace. In this world of deception and danger, her only refuge is an isolated princess, whose whip-smart tongue and sharp gaze threaten to uncover Galina’s secret. Torn between desire and duty, Galina must make a choice: work together to expose the lies of the empire―or bring it all down. This is basically a class struggle between the magically entitled alurea and the commoners who wait on them hand, foot and finger. Well written and engrossing.
A Fate Inked in Blood – Book 1 of the Saga of the Unfated by Danielle L. Jensen Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back. Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.
Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, strongly bonding with Freya from the first page. Review to follow.
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis Welcome to the Grand Abeona Hotel: home of the finest food, the sweetest service, and the very best views the galaxy has to offer. All year round it moves from planet to planet, system to system, pampering guests across the furthest reaches of the milky way. The last word in sub-orbital luxury—and an absolute magnet for intrigue. Intrigues such as: Why are there love poems in the lobby inbox? How many Imperial spies are currently on board? What is the true purpose of the Problem Solver’s conference? And perhaps most pertinently—who is driving the ship?
Each guest has a secret, every member of staff a universe unto themselves. At the center of these interweaving lives and interlocking mysteries stands Carl, one time stowaway, longtime manager, devoted caretaker to the hotel. It’s the love of his life and the only place he’s ever called home. But as forces beyond Carl’s comprehension converge on the Abeona, he has to face one final question: when is it time to let go? This is an interesting read that turned into a page-turner… Review to follow.
Evernight – Book 1 of the Evernight series by Claudia Gray She’s been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn’t fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He’s not the “Evernight type” either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
“I couldn’t stand it if they took it out on you,” he tells Bianca, “and eventually they would.”
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can’t be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she’s ever believed. This is a Romeo and Juliet type romance set within a school for vampires. The main character is sympathetic and well depicted, while the story pacing is effective. Overall, I enjoyed this one – although I do feel the author is slightly guilty of keeping back a major detail for the sake of the narrative. 8/10
I thoroughly enjoy magical school/college adventures and had heard from book bloggers I respect that Gibson’s debut novel is awesome. So when this one popped up, I decided to give it a go.
BLURB: Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua’s College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.
On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.
But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.
REVIEW: I’m really tangled about this one. For starters, the writing is stunning – Gibson’s prose is lush, sensual and original. She manages to evoke a wonderful gothic aura that pervades the narrative and gives heightened tension to the plotting, which is exactly what you need in a classic vampire tale riven with strong passion and thwarted desire. And maybe that’s the problem for me. Because the scene setting was absolutely superb, I expected the same excellence in the characterisation and plotting.
First the positives. Of all the characters, Laura was by far the most successful for me. A girl with tragedy in her life and a conventional upbringing, she knows her cleverness is a way for her to move forward. Unsophisticated and an innate pleaser, she tries to live up the expectations of those around her. But she also has a wayward streak that she’d tried to suppress throughout her teenage years – and her sexual tastes are definitely unconventional for the time, as this story is set in the late 1960s. I liked the juxtaposition of her social insecurity with her flashes of dominance – she isn’t merely some naive pushover. Unfortunately, she isn’t the only main character – the chapters alternate between Laura and Carmilla. And in comparison, Carmilla is far more generic and two-dimensional. I think the book would have been more successful if Laura had been the sole protagonist. Especially as a lot of potential tension simply doesn’t happen, because much of the plotting is revealed too early within the narrative arc.
As for the character at the centre of the story – Professor De Lafontaine – whose dramatic charisma which pulls girls to her like flies to honey, think of Miss Jean Brodie on steroids, I frankly loathed her. And for the sake of the story, I think I’m supposed to be more sympathetic to the quandary she faces with near the end. But this is where, for me, the story really fell apart. The relationship between the girls proceeds reasonably quickly, which I found believable. Anyone who has attended any sort of creative writing course will realise that you speedily get to know your fellow classmates at a profound level after regularly listening to their writing, fiction or non-fiction.
But after carefully building a claustrophobic three-cornered relationship built around the taboo spilling of blood and same-sex relationships within a college environment – Gibson then throws away the consequences of the crisis she creates. We are told that life in St Perpetua gets increasingly difficult as the body count rises. But there is no effort to demonstrate that trauma, other than a few guilty feelings. None of the main characters are interviewed by the police and the authorities seem utterly oblivious to De Lafontaine’s abnormal teaching methods. Why isn’t there a collision between the outside world and this tight-knit, fraught relationship? There would be in reality – and suddenly I was no longer convinced by the dynamic. From then on, I didn’t really care all that much. Which was a real shame – because there is huge potential for this story to have been something special.
But I’m also aware that as a former teacher, I come to this tale with baggage. So perhaps my opinion is too coloured by my outrage at De Lafontaine’s carelessness of the students within her charge to really give this story a fair go. Either way, I found this a frustrating read that didn’t fulfil its early promise. While I obtained an arc of An Education in Malice from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own. 6/10
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
If it’s appropriate, wishing you and yours a very happy Mothers Day. We are celebrating by getting together as a family at my youngest sister’s house. It will be lovely to see everyone again in happier circumstances. And it’s been a much better week. For starters, we’ve had several sunny days in a row so not only were we able to put washing on the line – it was a pleasure to open the curtains in the morning. It’s meant that I haven’t spent so much time in bed just reading, which is a major improvement.
On Tuesday, little Eliza stayed over as my daughter was packing for a very important move. After a year of being officially homeless, she has been allocated a two-bedroom flat. It’s not completely ideal – the communal garden means she won’t be able to let Eliza play outside unsupervised. But it’s a whole lot better than where she’s been living. And it also means that Eliza no longer has to cope with a fifty-minute journey to school every day – which is tough when you’re only five.
Needless to say, Eliza was an absolute poppet during her sleepover with us. On Wednesday, to celebrate World Book Day she dressed up as the Gruffalo – and as you can see below, she was very fierce and frightening…
The other pics show daffodils growing through a clump of fungi – a testament to the very wet winter and Spring we’re having – and the lovely cross that Rae sent me on hearing of my sister’s death. I keep it on my mirror and it’s a huge comfort.
Books I’ve read this last week: AUDIOBOOK – New Order – Book 2 of the Bo Blackman Boxed Set series by Helen Harper I’m not adjusting easily to my new life as a fledgling vampire. To say the least. Drinking blood sickens me and, despite my newly enhanced skills and the attention I’m receiving from Lord Montserrat, I’m desperate to find a cure.
But I know it won’t be easy. When my illegal search takes me to the door of a small magic shop called Fingertips and Folics, I become embroiled in a dangerous game of tit-for-tat – with murderous consequences. Life becomes even more complicated when I’m forced to take on a kidnapping case. I despise my client. And I’m running out of options to solve my many dark problems. I am still finding it a problem to fully bond with Bo. She’s impetuous and rather prone to being extremely secretive – and blindingly self-absorbed. Granted, suddenly confronted with being a vampire must be a massive blow and for once, we have a protagonist who is genuinely struggling to cope with becoming supernatural. I do like a lot of the supporting characters and I always enjoy Harper’s bouncy prose and twisty plotting. 8/10
AUDIOBOOK – Crossing Over Easy – Book 1 of the Eastwind Witches series by Nova Nelson My name is Nora Ashcroft, and my perfect life is about to take a deadly turn. I used to think of myself as a modern woman. I built a successful career as a chef and restaurateur, had all the money I could want, and nobody told me what to do. And then I died. Oops. Goodbye, wealth, career, and Texas!
But death wasn’t the end for me. I was given a second chance. So it was hello, gorgeous paranormal men, a snarky canine companion, and magical Eastwind. With my old life ripped away from me, you might think I’d be bored in this strange small town with cobblestone streets and no internet. But not so much. Because I’m there only a few hours before I discover that I’m now—wait for it—a witch.
Not just any witch. A Fifth Wind witch, meaning I can talk to ghosts. Wave a wand around? Not so much. But I do have a familiar, a giant black dog I can communicate with telepathically. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Eh… maybe reserve your judgment until you meet Grim for yourself. The transition is a lot to take in, and it’s made more chaotic when Tanner Culpepper, a gorgeous male witch who waits tables at the all-night diner, and I stumble upon a murdered werewolf. And now the only way we can avoid suspicion for the crime is if I can use my newfound powers to find the real killer. Before the killer finds me… This urban fantasy tale is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery with an engaging protagonist who has a nicely snarky relationship with her big black dog, who is her unwilling familiar. I enjoyed the plot and would happily read more in this series. 8/10
An Education in Malice by S.J. Gibson Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua’s College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.
But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge. Hm. I’ve had to think long and hard about this one before setting down my thoughts. Review to follow.
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
It’s been a tough week. February is my least favourite month, anyway – it tends to be cold and gloomy, with the sense that the winter has dragged on forever. Add the fact that I’m now coping with the grief of losing my sister right at the end of 2023 and still being very run down after recently going down with covid again – it’s been grim.
No photos this week, I’m afraid. I simply haven’t been out of the house except for the school run and a couple of shopping trips. And even then, I’ve found it difficult to actually get out. I’m hoping that once the weather brightens up, so will my mood.
On the plus side – thank you so much for all your kind comments and sympathy. It’s been much appreciated – I keep hearing about the toxic effect of social media on the News, but I’m blessed to be part of a lovely community of kindly, caring people who are linked by our love of books. I’ve even received a wonderful care package of pens, bookmarks and a lovely uplifting little cross with a very comforting message by a fabulous blogging friend. It has provided a beacon of light at a dark time for me and my family.
I’ve also had a lovely reading week – and as you can see below, I’ve been doing a great deal of listening and reading as it has provided a much-needed escape. I simply don’t know how non-readers cope when Life doesn’t play fair – thank goodness for books and their lovely readers!
Books I’ve read this last week: Wanderer’s Escape – Book 1 of the Wanderer’s Odyssey boxed set by Simon Goodson Jess was born a prisoner, grew up a prisoner and at sixteen knew he would die a prisoner. When his turn comes to try to break through the traps protecting a spaceship it seems his day to die has come. The ship, and others like it, have already claimed the lives of hundreds of prisoners.
Instead he manages to avoid the traps and gain access to the ship with two other prisoners, beginning a frantic flight to freedom. Soon Jess finds himself loose in a brutal universe ruled by the Empire and riddled with pirates, slave traders and worse. Can Jess manage to learn the rules of the universe and the capabilities of the ship he has stolen in time to stay alive? I quite enjoyed this one. While the characters aren’t particularly complex, the plot provides plenty of twists and the pace is fast with plenty of action. I bonded sufficiently with the main protagonists that I’m going to continue reading this series. 7/10
AUDIOBOOK – Don’t Stop Believing – Book 3 of the Midlife Mulligan series by Eve Langlais I had it all. Awesome, blossoming business. A cute boyfriend who gave me butterflies. My kids living at home and reconnecting with me. Plus, I was a witch. There, I said it out loud. I’m a sorceress who can do magic. Not bad for a woman my age. I should have known better to get so cocky.
The other shoe dropped, bounced, and hit me in the face, then bounced again and whacked me in the shin. It proceeded to ricochet once more and— What should have been the most amazing night turns into a disaster. I’m crushed, in more ways than one.
When I recover, it’s to find my reality has shifted. My cat can speak. Some of the townsfolk appear to be possessed by demons, and I’m supposed to be sacrificed to free magic. Seriously? I just wanted my damned happily ever after. And I will fight to get it. I’ll be honest, there were times during this series when I wanted to shake Naomi until her teeth rattled. But when it came to the crunch and everything turned upside down, she develops a spine and really fights for what she wants. The plot twist is a doozy – rarely has a long-running story been so completely turned on its head. It seems that readers fall into two camps – those that simply cannot accept it, or those that love it. I happen to fall into the latter camp and this is my favourite book of the series by far. 10/10
AUDIOBOOK – Dragon Tear – Book 5 of The Agents of the Crown series by Lindsay Buroker Now that Jev is no longer obligated to marry a manipulative noblewoman, Zenia can finally pursue a relationship with him. But there’s something else she must deal with first. She’s learned that the magical dragon-tear gem she wears around her neck is linked to a living dragon, one that is being held prisoner and tortured.
Zenia owes her life several times over to the creature. She must set aside personal desires and lead a team to the distant and dangerous continent where the dragon is imprisoned. But it took someone – or something – very powerful to capture such a great creature in the first place. Zenia, Jev, and their friends may not have the magic or might necessary to free their scaled ally. If they fail, the dragon will be enslaved forever by a cruel master, and Zenia and Jev may never see their homeland again. A real sense of menace pervades the quest to free the dragon in the final instalment of this entertaining series. As a result, I tore through it to ensure that Zenia manages to survive to live the life she so richly deserves. Once again, a pleasing balance of action and banter with plenty of plot twists in this swords and sorcery adventure that makes Buroker’s writing so very readable and morish. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Illuminations by T. Kingfisher Rosa Mandolini knows in her heart that her family are the greatest painters of magical illuminations in the city. But the eccentric Studio Mandolini has fallen on hard times and the future is no longer certain.
While trying to help her family, Rosa discovers a strange magical box protected by a painted crow. But when she finds a way to open the box, she accidentally releases the Scarling, a vicious monster determined to destroy the Mandolini family at any cost.
With the aid of her former best friend and a painted crow named Payne, it’s up to Rosa to stop the Scarling before it unmakes the magical paintings that keep the city running, and hopefully save her family in the process! This is apparently a middle-grade read. But Kingfisher’s adventures are far too good to be devoured by only the youngsters among us. This story was a thumping good listen and had me staying up far later than I should to hear the outcome. Very highly recommended. 10/10
Echoes of the Past – Book 2 of the Wanderer’s Odyssey boxed set by Simon Goodson Freedom was only the start. The crew of the Wanderer face ever greater challenges as their journey continues. Knowing the Empire will hunt them down Jess and the others must seek help from another source.
Turning to the criminal underworld seems like their only option, but it soon threatens to end in disaster. Especially when past events return to haunt the present.
Will even the incredible Wanderer be enough to keep Jess, and those he cares about, safe? This is the second book in this boxed set that I read this week to vary my rather urban fantasy-rich diet. I enjoyed this adventure even more than the first book – Goodson is nifty at throwing in unexpected plot twists and this time around there is a bit more depth to the characterisation. 8/10
AUDIOBOOK – Cetaganda – Book 9 of the Miles Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold When the Cetagandan empress dies, Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda for her funeral as diplomatic representatives of Barrayar. Upon arrival, the two men are inexplicably attacked by a servant of the late empress. When the same servant turns up dead the next day, Miles and Ivan find themselves in the middle of a mystery.
Miles tries to play detective in a strange, complicated, and deceptively alien culture, while lascivious Ivan manages to get himself involved with several noble females at the same time, a diplomatic no-no of the first order. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that it’s up to Miles to save the empire. This one popped up on the Audible Catalogue Plus listings and as anything Lois writes is worth listening to, I snapped it up and thoroughly enjoyed listening to disaster-magnet Miles getting entangled in this diplomatic murder mystery. 9/10
Magic Bites – Book 1 of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.
Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles.
The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate’s guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way out of her league—but she wouldn’t have it any other way… I’d read this one way back in 2020 – but I thoroughly enjoyed the reread and have now got hold of the second book in the series. Just as well as it ends on something of a cliffhanger. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Witch Way Home – Book 4 of the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery Boxed set by Danielle Garrett Life on magical parole can be a real witch… I’ve got a final shot at freedom, but when my strongest ally is found murdered, everything is on the line—including my own life.
With my rag-tag band of supernatural friends in tow, I have to launch my biggest—and most dangerous—investigation yet. I’ve got to stop the killer without setting off the SPA’s alarms or else I can kiss my last chance goodbye. This adventure, featuring impulsive and strong-minded Holly Bolt, had me thoroughly rooting for her. And when she suffers a major setback at the hands of a very unfair system, I was highly indignant on her behalf – I’ve also got a soft spot for her tabby cat Boots. So I’m delighted to have the next two books in this entertaining series. 9/10
The Holy Terrors – Book 1 of the Holy Terrors series by Simon R Green Welcome to Spooky Time, the hit TV ghost-hunting show where the horror is scripted . . . and the ratings are declining rapidly. What better way to up the stakes – and boost the viewership – than by locking a select group of Z-list celebrities up for the night in The Most Haunted Hall in England (TM) and live-streaming the ‘terrifying’ results?
Soon Alistair, a newly appointed Bishop, actress Diana, medium Leslie, comedian Toby and celebrity chef Indira are trapped inside Stonehaven town hall, along with June, the host and producer of the show. The group tries to settle in and put on a good show, but then strange things start happening in their hall of horrors.
What is it about this place – and why is the TV crew outside not responding? Are they even on air? Logical Alistair attempts to keep the group’s fears at bay and rationalise the odd events, but there are things that just can’t be explained within reason . . . Can he stop a cold-blooded would-be killer – even if it’s come from beyond the grave? I’m a solid fan of this author and his mix of humour and creepiness, so was delighted to get hold of this arc of a new series. Review to follow.
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby Make them laugh, and they’re yours forever . . .
Barbara Parker is Miss Blackpool of 1964, but she doesn’t want to be a beauty queen. She wants to make people laugh.
So she leaves her hometown behind, takes herself to London, and overnight she becomes the lead in a new BBC comedy, Sophie Straw: charming, gorgeous, destined to win the nation’s hearts. I’ll be honest – this one would never have been a book that I’d have picked up. But Himself got hold of it. If you’ve ever been nostalgic for the era that produced such TV sitcoms as The Likely Lads and Til Death Us Do Part, then this is recommended reading. Both funny and poignant, I loved it. 9/10
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
The less said about this month to date, the better… I’m still battling with my energy levels thanks to a major long covid relapse and spending more time in bed than out of it. Which is depressing and frustrating. Only I can’t be frustrated or depressed, because that just makes the general fatigue worse. I hope that I’m finally recovering, though I won’t say that too loudly, because every time I’ve done so this month – I’ve woken up feeling sick, giddy and utterly exhausted.
The pics this week were taken at Highdown Gardens in August. I haven’t been anywhere recently, so I thought it would be nice to revisit some of the lovely places I managed to get to earlier in the year and recall that slice of summer magic. I was surprised to see the wasps’ nest and I’ve no idea what those purple berries are called – but they were every bit as vivid as the pic suggests. We’re so lucky to live in such a pretty part of the country and I’m looking forward to being well enough to go for a walk along the beach again. You won’t be surprised to hear that I’ve got through a fair few books in the last fortnight, while marooned in bed. Thank goodness I’m a reader😊.
Books I’ve read this last fortnight:
Hop Scot – Book 6 of the Last Ditch Mystery series by Catriona McPherson Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible. But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there’s a change of plan and they’re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy – Trinity for Trouble – must solve another murder.
Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at Tesco: the Last Ditch crew won’t forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry! This is a joy… Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK – The Magic of Recluce – Book 1 of the Saga of Recluce series by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. Many do not survive. Lerris chooses dangergeld.
When Lerris is sent into intensive training for his quest, it soon becomes clear that he has a natural talent for magic. And he will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked. Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos. I read the printed edition back when Noah was knee-high to a hen and thoroughly enjoyed it. So I wondered if I’d like this one as much when listening to this adventure, instead. It was every bit as much fun and reminded me all over again why I became such a huge fan of the fantasy genre. 9/10
Adversary – Book 5 of the Hive Minds series by Janet Edwards Being a telepath means being a warrior. Eighteen-year-old Amber is the youngest of the five telepaths who protect the hundred million citizens of one of the great hive cities of twenty-sixth century Earth. As her city celebrates the start of a New Year, one of the other telepaths must stop work to have lifesaving surgery.
Amber is already worried how she and her unit will cope with the increased workload, but then she finds herself facing twin enemies as well. Inside her city, Keith takes advantage of his increasingly powerful position as one of only four working telepaths. Outside her city, Hive Genex sends the devious Adversary Aura to lead their defence against charges of attempting to kidnap Amber. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the Hive Mind series. Edwards’ writing always has an upbeat energy, which I’m really appreciating at present. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Shadow Hunter – Book 1 of the Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series by B.R. Kingsolver When my magic manifested at puberty, my parents sold me to the Illuminati. They trained me as an assassin, spy, and thief. But when they sent me to steal a magical artifact that reveals Truth in all things, I discovered that I was working for the Dark and not the Light. The Illuminati trained me well, and paid the ultimate price for their deception.
Thousands of miles away, I landed a job in a quirky little bar. But the scattered remnants of the Order still strive for world domination, and no one leaves the Illuminati alive. This one popped up on the Plus Catalogue, so I decided to have a go as I’m particularly enjoying urban fantasy tales featuring plucky young women with a barbed sense of humour. And I ended up a fan of Kingsolver’s writing. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – A Fire at the Exhibition – Book 10 of the Lady Hardcastle Series by T.E. Kinsey May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to. But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud.
Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house. The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose… I love this series, so was very cheered to see this latest addition. I was able to lose myself in a long-gone time, as Lady H and Flo try to discover what is going on. As ever, it’s the relationship between the two women that stands out for me. 9/10
Legends & Lattes – Book 1 of the Legends & Lattes series by Travis After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success—not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed. After reading and thoroughly enjoying Bookshops and Bonedust – I decided I had to tuck into this offering. And it’s every bit as charming and engrossing as the hype claims. 10/10
AUDIOBOOK – City of Bones by Martha Wells Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working on the edge of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors and to support Sagai’s family. When Khat is hired to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients’ arcane engines, they are both reluctant to become involved. But the request comes from the Warders, powerful mages who serve Charisat’s Elector.
Khat soon discovers that the deadly politics of Charisat’s upper tiers aren’t the only danger. The relics the Warders want are the key to an Ancient magic of unknown power, and, as all the inhabitants of Charisat know, no one understands the Ancients’ magic. I’m especially fond of a Sand & Sorcery tale – there’s always something bit more enthralling about magic with its sand between its toes… And this offering was no exception. Perhaps not quite as wonderfully written as the fabulous Ile-Rien series, but a cracking read nonetheless. 8/10
AUDIOBOOK – Wish List – Book 2 of the How To Be the Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) series by Helen Harper You don’t have to be mad to work at the Office of Faery Godmothers. But you do have to be magic.
Saffron Sawyer is a faery on a mission. She may no longer have the same rose-tinted spectacles about her job as she once did, but she’s still determined to be the best faery godmother that there is. And when she’s given the role as leader of a taskforce designed to hunt down the elusive trolls, she knows it’s her time to step up and be counted.
Juggling her new responsibilities while dealing with difficult clients isn’t easy, however. Danger lurks around every corner – and Jasper, the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, is continually looming over her shoulder in the office.
Can Saffron prove her worth to the world of magic? Or will she make one mistake too many and find herself in mortal danger? I do love Harper’s slightly madcap heroines. And Saffron is a prime example. I hope the misunderstanding between herself and the Devil’s Advocate is quickly sorted out, though. I’m finding it a tad annoying. Other than that, a lovely listen that had me grinning. 8/10
Terminal Alliance – Book 1 of the Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse series by Jim C. Hines When the Krakau came to Earth, they planned to invite humanity into a growing alliance of sentient species. This would have worked out better for all involved if they hadn’t arrived after a mutated plague wiped out half the planet, turned the rest into shambling, near-unstoppable animals, and basically destroyed human civilization. You know—your standard apocalypse.
The Krakau’s first impulse was to turn their ships around and go home. After all, it’s hard to establish diplomatic relations with mindless savages who eat your diplomats. Their second impulse was to try to fix us. A century later, human beings might not be what they once were, but at least they’re no longer trying to eat everyone. Mostly.
Marion “Mops” Adamopoulos is surprisingly bright (for a human). As a Lieutenant on the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish, she’s in charge of the Shipboard Hygiene and Sanitation team. When a bioweapon attack by an alien race wipes out the Krakau command crew and reverts the rest of the humans to their feral state, only Mops and her team are left with their minds intact. Escaping the attacking aliens—not to mention her shambling crewmates—is only the beginning. Sure, Mops and her assortment of space janitors and plumbers can clean the ship, but flying the damn thing is another matter. As they struggle to keep the Pufferfish functioning and find a cure for their crew, they stumble onto a conspiracy that could threaten the entire alliance. I’m fussy about space opera adventures. It’s the genre I DNF more frequently than any other. And I’m a tad allergic to humorous space opera. But this is both funny and clever and I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley Somewhere on the outer rim of the universe, a mass of decaying world-ships known as the Legion is traveling in the seams between the stars. For generations, a war for control of the Legion has been waged, with no clear resolution. As worlds continue to die, a desperate plan is put into motion.
Zan wakes with no memory, prisoner of a people who say they are her family. She is told she is their salvation – the only person capable of boarding the Mokshi, a world-ship with the power to leave the Legion. But Zan’s new family is not the only one desperate to gain control of the prized ship. Zan finds that she must choose sides in a genocidal campaign that will take her from the edges of the Legion’s gravity well to the very belly of the world.
Zan will soon learn that she carries the seeds of the Legion’s destruction – and its possible salvation. But can she and her ragtag band of followers survive the horrors of the Legion and its people long enough to deliver it? I’ll be honest – I’d forgotten that generally me and Hurley don’t get along. But listening to this brutal and frankly gross quest adventure just made me grateful that I was in my own snuggly bed, instead of wading through stuff (don’t ask!). 8/10
Calico by Lee Goldberg There’s a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . .
The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away.
But it’s the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption. Over a century ago, and just a few miles further into the bleak landscape, a desperate stranger ended up in Calico, a struggling mining town, also hoping for a second chance. His fate, all those years ago, and hers today are linked when Beth investigates an old skeleton dug up in a shallow, sandy grave . . . and also tries to identity a vagrant run-over by a distracted motorhome driver during a lightning storm.
Every disturbing clue she finds, every shocking discovery she makes, force Beth to confront her own troubled past—and a past that’s not her own—until it all smashes together in a revelation that could change the world. This was an intriguing read that I requested on the spur of the moment. Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK – Night Stalker – Book 2 of the Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series by B.R. Kingsolver All I want is to pay the rent and find a boyfriend. But an insane vampire thinks I hold the key to his takeover of the city, and I have a new stalker.
At least for now, I’ve dodged the Illuminati’s Hunters, but life is still a little too challenging. Rival vampire lords want to use me against each other, and the mysterious members of the Columbia Club are offering bounties for vampires and werewolves. I’m lucky that the gang at Rosie’s has my back, because I’m going to need them. I felt the need for more urban fantasy goodness in my life. After finishing listening to The Stars Are Legion the next slice of Erin’s life was calling to me. This book brought up more problems and risks for our plucky heroine to face, as well as plenty of action. 9/10
BLURB: Being a telepath means being a warrior. Eighteen-year-old Amber is the youngest of the five telepaths who protect the hundred million citizens of one of the great hive cities of twenty-sixth century Earth. As her city celebrates the start of a New Year, one of the other telepaths must stop work to have lifesaving surgery.
Amber is already worried how she and her unit will cope with the increased workload, but then she finds herself facing twin enemies as well. Inside her city, Keith takes advantage of his increasingly powerful position as one of only four working telepaths. Outside her city, Hive Genex sends the devious Adversary Aura to lead their defence against charges of attempting to kidnap Amber.
REVIEW: It was a while since I tucked into the previous books, so I was pleased the start of the book provided plenty of reminders as to who was what and allied with whom. However, if you’re looking for constant foot-to-the-floor action, then this isn’t for you. Amber and her team face a steady stream of threats as they struggle to maintain law and order in the very crowded environment of the Hive. But this book is as much about the daily routine and customs of this underground society, as it is about the adventure – which is fine with me. I like my science fiction full of worldbuilding, so long as it is sufficiently interesting and continues to revolve around the main characters and advances the storyline. And Adversary certainly ticked that box.
I thoroughly enjoyed the celebration and vivid descriptions of Amber’s reactions and feelings at a keynote celebration, which also added background and context to her character and reactions. It was also enjoyable to learn more about how certain members of her team were coping with the added pressure that was being put upon them. If there is any quibble – and it’s a relatively minor one – I did think the final denouement, which had quite a buildup, didn’t provide the gritted challenge I was expecting. However, I also recall that at the time of reading the book, I was simply relieved that the worst of the ordeal was over for poor Amber and her team.
I would just add that if you happen to pick this one up without having read any of the other books, you certainly won’t flounder. But if you don’t go back to the first book and read these stories in order, you’ll be missing out on watching characters develop in a highly enjoyable YA science fiction series that isn’t like anything else I’ve read. I was provided with a review copy of Adversary by the author, which in no way has influenced my honest, unbiased opinion. 9/10
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.
This week’s Can’t-Wait offering – The Hunting Moon – Book 2 of The Luminaries series by Susan Dennard – release date – 7th November, 2023
#fantasy #feisty heroine #YA
BLURB: Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.
The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.
Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that’s killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.
On top of that, following her dad’s convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.
Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.
As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary—and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie. It’s a while since I tucked into The Luminaries – see my review – but it’s proved to be a highly memorable read, as I was immediately keen to get hold of this one to answer a host of the many unanswered questions left at the end of the first book. Apart from anything else, I also want more time in that amazing forest Dennard created… So I’m delighted to have got hold of this book and it’s next up in my reading queue😊.
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
It’s been a warm and sunny week – no rain at all. While it’s glorious to wake up with sunshine pouring through the window at a time of year when temperatures are usually dropping and we’re normally treated to chilly winds and lots of rain – it’s also unnerving. The pics this week come from Rustington town centre and their floral displays. As you can see, the summer bedding is still in full bloom – busy lizzies are smothered in flower when they’re usually in the process of dying down. And though leaf-fall has started, there are still a lot of trees with a full, green canopy. And yes… the character grinning at the side of the last photo is Ethan – because he came home for the weekend😊.
As luck would have it, Ethan doesn’t have any lectures on Friday afternoon, so he was able to get the train back and have tea with us on Friday evening, which meant we had longer with him. It’s been lovely to see him again, and catch up on all his doings. He’s settling into university life really well, judging by the phone full of hilarious pics with a bunch of friends he’s already made. He’s going back this afternoon and while we will be missing him all over again – this time around we won’t be worrying quite so much, as he’s looking really well and evidently thriving.
This week has been quite busy. I took part in a Zoom meeting with my writing group and also had a Skype session with my lovely writing friend, Mhairi, as we hyperventilated our way through working out an automated mailing list system. It’s always easier doing this stuff with someone else! There are still Flame & Blame arcs available at either Bookfunnel or Booksprout – please feel free to download a copy if you think it’s your kind of read.
The WordPress Happiness Engineers have been in touch and I’m hoping they’ll find a solution to my issues with the images on my blog in the coming week. So once again – apologies for the grotty sidebar and the enormous images if you’ve been browsing among previous reviews. My technical issues didn’t end there. On Wednesday morning, I switched on my computer as usual to find my monitor had died. Even the reflection that it must be at least eight years old didn’t mollify me – I hate it when the tech breaks. I’ve since replaced it with a new one – and I treated myself to a curved screen. Though it took quite a while mucking about with the menu to get the display set up so it was visually comfortable – why would ANYONE want a brightness setting of 90%? I’m now getting used to it and appreciating the larger screen.
It’s been a lovely reading week – I’ve had two outstanding reads, one an audiobook and one an ebook. And the ebook was a delightful surprise, which is always a bonus…
Books I’ve read this week:- Mrs Pargeter’s Patio – Book 9 of the Mrs Pargeter Mystery series by Simon Brett When widow Mrs Pargeter decides to have her morning coffee on the patio of her mansion in Chigwell, her intention is to admire her beautiful garden in peace and quiet. Little does she expect one of the patio’s paving slabs to crack in two, depositing her on the ground – and revealing a human skull with a neat hole in the middle of its forehead!
Not wanting to bother the police just yet, Mrs Pargeter decides to save them some trouble and starts investigating the curious find herself. And who better to assist than her late husband’s ‘business associates’, private investigator Truffler Mason and chauffeur Gary?
The trio are soon certain that a murder has been committed and the body disposed of under some convenient building works. But who is the mysterious victim? And more importantly, who put the body under Mrs Pargeter’s patio? Mrs Pargeter and her friends must find out the truth and soon, before the finger of suspicion points in an unthinkable direction: towards the late, great Mr Pargeter, whose business dealings Mrs P remains – naturally! – in blissful ignoranceof . . . This was definitely on the quirkier and more escapist side of the murder mystery genre. Mrs P. isn’t worried about money, has a host of willing helpers she can call upon who all feel indebted to her late husband – and while she mourns his loss, she isn’t bereft. That didn’t prevent me from thoroughly enjoying this one – review to follow.
An Inheritance of Magic – Book 1 of the Stephen Oakwood series by Benedict Jacka The wealthy seem to exist in a different, glittering world from the rest of us. Almost as if by… magic.
Stephen Oakwood is a young man on the edge of this hidden world. He has talent and potential, but turning that potential into magical power takes money, opportunity, and training. All Stephen has is a minimum wage job and a cat.
But when a chance encounter with a member of House Ashford gets him noticed by the wrong people, Stephen is thrown in the deep end. For centuries, the vast corporations and aristocratic Houses of the magical world have grown impossibly rich and influential by hoarding their knowledge. To survive, Stephen will have to take his talent and build it up into something greater—for only then can he beat them at their own game. This is one of the reading highlights of the year so far. While I was looking forward to this one – I hadn’t expected to find myself unable to put it down. A thoroughly riveting urban fantasy adventure featuring a really likeable young man. 10/10
AUDIOBOOK – The Last Devil to Die – Book 4 of the Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club. An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die? I loved this one. Osman goes on getting better and better. There were instances when Fiona Shaw’s wonderful narration had me laughing out loud – and there’s a beautiful, powerful chapter where I also wept. It’s special book that can make me do both… 10/10
AUDIOBOOK NOVELLA – Sisters of the Vast Black – Book 1 of Our Lady of Endless Worlds by Lina Rather Years ago, Old Earth sent forth sisters and brothers into the vast dark of the prodigal colonies armed only with crucifixes and iron faith. Now, the sisters of the Order of Saint Rita are on an interstellar mission of mercy aboard Our Lady of Impossible Constellations, a living, breathing ship which seems determined to develop a will of its own.
When the order receives a distress call from a newly-formed colony, the sisters discover that the bodies and souls in their care—and that of the galactic diaspora—are in danger. And not from void beyond, but from the nascent Central Governance and the Church itself. I recalled this novella creating quite a stir when it was first published in 2019, so when I saw it pop up on my recommended listening list on Audible, I scooped it up. And I was pulled into a classy, well-told tale that packs a punch, given the limited wordcount. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK NOVELLA – The Shadow Student – Book 1 of the Wraithwood Academy series by Teresa Hann My father is dead. And my mother’s enemies smell opportunity. To save us both, I’ll have to navigate the troubled waters of Wraithwood Academy, seeking allies and outsmarting enemies among the heirs to the country’s most powerful mage families.
The vicious, gorgeous Nightfeld brothers think they know me. Cly Redbriar, the weak daughter of a powerful father. A spoiled, scared little girl hiding behind her bodyguard. Nothing but a new plaything for the kings of Wraithwood. They know nothing.
Because I’ve been forced to live a twisted lie. See, I’m not really Cly Redbriar… The blurb is intriguing and I loved the cover, so picked this one up on Audible on the membership plus listing. It started with a bang and I was thoroughly enjoying it – until I realised it’s a reverse harem adventure. And I find that dynamic uncomfortable. So I won’t be reading further adventures in this series, though if you enjoy reverse harem tales, this one comes recommended. 7/10
Brainfluff 