That absolutely stunning cover caught my attention – and then I read the premise and decided to give it a go. Would I enjoy this gentle-looking adventure told through letters and journal entries?
BLURB: A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance – and what it could mean for life as they know it.
REVIEW: This ultimately intriguing story starts quite slowly. But what really had me breaking off several times while reading, is the grief both Sophy and Henerey express for their siblings. I found this quite difficult to read, given that I lost my own much-loved sister only four months ago.
That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this epistolary tale where the story unfolds through letters and journal entries. The correspondence between the two sets of siblings, both before and after the major accident gives a very clear indication of the different characters. E, in particular, is extremely well depicted. She clearly struggles with acute anxiety, which is discussed by herself and her sister and we get a clear insight into how it impacts on her life. I found these passages poignant and absolutely believable.
The language in the letters is more than a nod to 19th century prose, with the formality and use of longer words. I was very comfortable with the style and thought it fitted well with the post-apocalyptic world, in which civilisation had to pick itself up when the highly technical flying habitats for some reason all failed together and ended up crashing into the sea. This planet is largely covered by sea, so people now mostly live in cramped accommodation tethered to atolls or small islands. Though E. lives beneath the waves in Deep House, where she and her brother and sister were brought up in the dwelling designed by their brilliantly clever mother.
The descriptions of the sea life, both flora and fauna, is vivid. I like that we are treated to E.’s lovely poetic evocation of life beneath the waves and also Sophy’s more scholarly view of the lifeforms. And in amongst Sophy and Henerey’s sadness, is a drive to try to work out exactly what happened to their lost siblings, hence their mission to sort through their papers and correspondence to discover what they were thinking and feeling right up to the time they disappeared. However, other events intrude on this investigation – Sophy finds herself undertaking a dangerous and ground-breaking exploration of a particularly deep part of the ocean. And bit by bit, we start to learn that something else has been going on – something that goes back to Sophy and E’s mother.
I found myself reading far later than I should as the pace steadily picks up in the final quarter of the book, as many of my previous conclusions about what is going on are suddenly upended. It’s cleverly done and a warning – this book ends on a doozy of the cliff-hanger. I’ll definitely be wanting to read the next one. This deceptively gentle-seeming story has hooks that have left me thinking a lot about this one since I put it down. Very highly recommended if you’re looking for an otherworldly fantasy story with a difference. While I obtained an arc of A Letter to the Luminous Deep from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own. 10/10
I’m a fan of Joanna Maciejewska’s writing – see my reviews of her superb sand and sorcery series – By the Pact,Scars of Stone, Shadows of Kaighal and Demon Siege. And I was blown away by the first book in this series – Humanborn. So when I saw this one was due to come out – I immediately pre-ordered it.
BLURB: In the war, being hunted by mythborn was day to day life. Peacetime had changed things, but myth-touched Kaja never expected to be hunted alongside the mythborn…
With her life hanging by a thread, Kaja had little time to consider Eithne’s offer of aid. Now, free of her affliction, she bears the consequences of that decision. Stuck among her former enemies, caught navigating the nuances of lies and politics, she’s presented with little choice but to accept the out offered by Cathal, leader of the Scáthanna.
But Cathal and his team have troubles of their own as an invisible enemy haunts their steps. If Kaja helps them, she’ll be targeted as well, and when dealing with a faceless enemy, the only way to survive is by carefully choosing allies and tempering trust.
REVIEW: The middle book in a series is often the trickiest to write. I recalled the story with great clarity as Humanborn, set in an alternate Ireland which has been ravaged by a magical apocalypse, was a memorable read for all the right reasons. Myth-Touched has a far more low-key start, with the story picking up exactly at the point that Humanborn leaves off. Personally, I could have done with a bonding moment with Kaja in order to reconnect with her on an emotional level at the beginning. And whatever you do – don’t pick this one up if you haven’t already read Humanborn, because you will have missed far too much of Kaja’s backstory.
That said, Joanna really captures the sense of dislocation and tension as Kaja spends her days in the mythborn stronghold amongst her former enemies. I liked the progression of this character – in the first book, she was apt to go her on own way. However, stranded in the castle and surrounded by beings who openly despise her for having been magically altered, we see Kaja gradually transform into someone far cagier and less reckless. The romantic element is well handled throughout – I really liked the fact that despite the growing attraction, Kaja opts to take things very, very slowly.
Feeling betrayed as the life she’s living isn’t the one she’d thought was on offer – Kaja is keen to join the elite team, the Scáthanna, even though some of the members don’t particularly like her. I was waiting for the dramatic showdown, where there is a horrible quarrel, wringing the maximum amount of angst from a tricky, somewhat soul-sapping situation. But Joanna doesn’t go there. Instead, Kaja has to reveal her worth by degrees in training sessions and by spending time alongside the rest of the team, who gradually let her in.
While all this is going on, Kaja is also coming to terms with her new abilities and altered body. Though all that takes a back seat when one of the Scáthanna is murdered on a sortie – which winded me. It happened to be someone I’d thoroughly liked and I simply wasn’t expecting it. But I should have – Joanna isn’t afraid to off likeable characters if it serves the story. The narrative gains momentum as the surviving members come to terms with losing one of their own against an increasing threat. Someone within the mythborn ranks is targeting the elite force and I found myself staying up way later than I should as the tension ramps up.
While this book charts Kaja’s journey as she comes to terms with her new life – the peril facing the Scáthanna isn’t wrapped up by the end. That said, the next book in the series, Snakebitten, is due out later this year. And I’ll definitely be getting hold of a copy of it. Highly recommended for readers who like their urban fantasy adventures with layered, realistic characters set in an interesting world. 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:
A Letter to the Luminous Deep – Book 1 of The Sunken Archive series by Sylvia Cathrall – release date 25th April 2024
#epistolary fantasy #mystery #romance
BLURB: A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.
Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.’s home, and she and Henerey vanish.
A year later, E.’s sister Sophy, and Henerey’s brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery of their siblings’ disappearances with the letters, sketches and field notes left behind. As they uncover the wondrous love their siblings shared, Sophy and Vyerin learn the key to their disappearance – and what it could mean for life as they know it. Having all the depth of a pavement puddle, my initial interest was snagged by this utterly beautiful cover. But on reading the above, I liked the sound of this one, especially as it clearly isn’t all about action, blood and guts – and I’m in the mood for something gentler. Although my heart sank a little on the mention of sketches and notes after I downloaded it. I’m very much hoping those don’t feature too much in this book as my trusty Kindle is frankly rubbish at depicting any illustration bigger than a postage stamp.
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 second week of the Easter holidays has just slipped by and I don’t know where the days have gone. Monday was a milestone for me. I accepted an invitation to read a selection of my writing at the monthly Arts evening at The Victoria Institute in Arundel. Before I became ill, I regularly stood up in front of audiences to either read my work, or give a talk on various aspects of writing. But this was the first time I’d faced an audience since the end of 2019, given we went into lockdown in early 2020. So it was a very big deal for me. I wasn’t even sure that I’d enjoy performing anymore, given I’m still so diminished compared to the person I used to be. In the event, the venue was cosy and welcoming and the audience friendly and responsive. It was also wonderful to be surrounded by other creatives in an evening of poetry, comedy, and a monologue interspersed with excellent live music and I came home buzzing. The photo is the outside of the building in Arundel – it’s an absolute warren inside.
Sadly, that meant I was very, very tired on Tuesday and Wednesday and had to take it easy until I recovered my energy levels. Having Ethan home was lovely and on Thursday he and I joined in a painting day that Himself had organised with his guitar teacher, who is also a very keen gamer. I painted a few of the Wood Elves I used to game with when we played Warhammer Fantasy, but I had to stop after a couple of hours as my eyes grew blurry. The day ended with a delightful board game that John brought along called The Grand Carnival, where each player has to make a fairground and add attractions and guests. We all joined in and had a lovely time. Friday saw Ethan returning to uni and tomorrow Oscar returns to school.
Meanwhile the evenings are drawing out and we’ve had a couple of sunny days, although everywhere is still very wet and Littlehampton made the national news on Wednesday when the River Arun flooded the homes and businesses along Rope Walk on the west bank due to the spring tides and the aftermath of a storm that brought onshore winds. It doesn’t help that river levels are so very high/, anyway.
Books I’ve read this week: The Witchwood Knot – Book 1 of the Victorian Faerie series by Olivia Atwater The faeries of Witchwood Manor have stolen its young lord. His governess intends to steal him back.
Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.
Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust? I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian gothic fantasy, complete with haunted house and family curse. Winnie makes a particularly sympathetic protagonist. 9/10
The Lucky Starman – Book 3 of the Leif the Lucky series by Colin Alexander Is Leif really lucky? Stranded in orbit, viewing a destroyed civilization on Earth through the screens of a starship almost out of fuel and food, he doesn’t feel that way. It wasn’t supposed to be like that. As the starship Dauntless returns from a successful mission to the planet called Heaven, Earth holds no attractions for Exoplanetary Scout Leif Grettison. He wants only to complete the mission and leave for another star, along with ace pilot Yang Yong. In fact, he would be happy spending the rest of his life flying the starways with her. But they and the rest of the ship’s skeleton crew awaken from hibernation to find Earth’s solar system dark and silent—no signals, no responses to their transmissions. When they make orbit, the magnitude of the disaster becomes clear.
An apocalyptic war has killed billions and destroyed every last source of power and tech that 22nd-Century humans relied on to survive. Getting down to Earth is only the beginning of Leif’s problems. Those few who survived the apocalypse are still divided, fighting over what’s left. The disastrous re-entry to Earth leaves him with no resources or allies. He lands in the middle of a makeshift family that needs him more than he’s comfortable with and hears stories—even nursery rhymes—that speak of a lucky starman. For once, he’s the only person with tech—but if he’s caught using it, they might kill him. Can a man back from the stars end the warfare on Earth, or will he make it worse? Can he save a family that might become his? Is he everyone’s lucky starman? As I don’t read blurbs, the apocalyptic tone in this third book in the series caught me by surprise. Leif is a sympathetic character, whose overwhelming talent is for surviving in tricky situations when those around him tend to die… He’s not sure whether that makes him all that lucky and I tend to agree. Nonetheless, this one had me turning the pages to find out what happens next and ended on a doozy of the cliff-hanger that will definitely have me getting hold of the next book in the series. 8/10
AUDIOBOOK – Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz When editor Susan Ryeland is given the tattered manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has little idea it will change her life. She’s worked with the revered crime writer for years, and his detective, Atticus Pund, is renowned for solving crimes in the sleepy English villages of the 1950s.
As Susan knows only too well, vintage crime sells handsomely. It’s just a shame that it means dealing with an author like Alan Conway…. But Conway’s latest tale of murder at Pye Hall is not quite what it seems. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but hidden in the pages of the manuscript there lies another story: a tale written between the very words on the page, telling of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition and murder. Magpie Murders is also a successful TV drama that I thoroughly enjoyed. But listening to this entertaining story-within-a-story, I found the book far more engrossing than the TV version. If you enjoy a really twisty plot told within the conventions of the golden age of crime aka Agatha Christie, then go hunting for this one. The audiobook version is superb, given the quality of the narration by Samantha Bond and Alan Corduner. 10/10
AUDIOBOOK – Magic Burns – Book 2 of the Katie Daniels series by Ilona Andrews Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…
Version 1.0.0
As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.
When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive… I enjoyed the first book in this series, but wasn’t sure whether to continue or not until one of my book-blogging buddies assured me that this series goes on steadily getting better. This slice of Katie’s adventures certainly is brimful of action, but I also like that she looks into her future and isn’t thrilled at the thought of growing older and alone. I will be getting the next book in this series in due course. 8/10
Sinister Magic – Book 1 of Death Before Dragons series by Lindsay Buroker I’m Val Thorvald, and I’m an assassin.
When magical bad guys hurt people, I take care of them. Permanently. This doesn’t make me popular with the rest of the magical community—as you can tell from the numerous break-ins and assassination attempts I’ve endured over the years. But thanks to my half-elven blood, a powerful sword named Chopper, and a telepathic tiger with an attitude, I’ve always been able to handle my problems with aplomb. Maybe some cursing and swearing, too, but definitely aplomb.
That changes when my boss is afflicted with a mysterious disease, a government agent starts investigating me, and a godforsaken dragon shows up in the middle of my latest job. I’ve taken down vampires, zombies, and ogres, but dragons are way, way more powerful. And it doesn’t look like this one is going to like me.
Worse than that, he wants to use his magic to compel me to do his bidding, as if I’m some weak-minded minion. That’s not going to happen. I’d die before being some dragon’s slave. But if I can’t figure out a way to avoid him, save my boss, and get rid of the government spook, I’m screwed. Or dead. Or screwed and dead. And that’s never comfortable. I always enjoy Buroker’s mix of snarky humour, action and engaging protagonists. Val is definitely one of the more bloodthirsty characters and could so easily have been just another sword-swinging gal who blends in with the crowd of similar-sounding heroines. She doesn’t. Her gutsy decision to stay away from her daughter and her lumpy relationship with her mother makes her stand out, for starters. I appreciate Buroker’s stance that if you live a violent, dangerous life there are consequences. Especially if magic is involved. I will definitely be reading more of Val’s adventures in due course – a very strong start to the series. 9/10
I loved Atwater’s Half a Soul – see my review – to the extent that I also tracked down the sequel, Ten Thousand Stitches, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. So when I spotted that this one was still on the Netgalley dashboard, despite The Witchwood Knot having been released back in November 2023, I immediately requested it. Unfortunately, circumstances conspired against my reading it as quickly as I’d intended. Nevertheless, I’ve now managed to get to it…
BLURB: Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.
Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust?
REVIEW: Atwater grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go in this Victorian gothic fantasy, complete with haunted house and family curse. Atwater herself provides a trigger warning for child kidnapping and historical child grooming, so I think it’s only fair to pass that warning on.
I love the character of Winnie, whose strong character pings off the page from the opening lines. She is brave, determined and clever, but with her own vulnerabilities that prevent her from becoming a Mary Sue. Her spiky relationship with the sharp-edged Mr Quincy is enjoyable and well done, as it gives the reader opportunities to learn a lot more about both characters, who begin to lower their barriers as they start to work together. I also enjoyed their developing friendship which didn’t hold up the pace.
Several enjoyable revelations along the way had me reading far later than I should to discover what happened next. One of the issues I often have with this sub-genre is that the tension created and the dreadful secrets hinted at can fall flat once we reach the denouement. This proved not to be a problem when all was revealed in this instance. I also liked the fact that the child who Winnie is battling to save isn’t a sweet little victim, but a snooty brat who is far too entitled for someone of his age. All in all, this is a thoroughly satisfying read I highly recommend for those who enjoy a Victorian gothic tale, complete with some nicely spooky paranormal twists. While I obtained an arc of The Witchwood Knot from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own. 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.
It’s been a really quiet, peaceful week – a healing week. The days are lengthening and despite bursts of torrential rain and rather bitter northerly breezes, Spring continues to spring in the garden, which is disgracefully weedy and overgrown. I’m hoping as the weather improves that this is the year I get to grips with it for the first time in three years. The pics below show the brave plants prepared to battle the weeds to make a showing – my favourite is the Amber Wave heuchera which is looking fabulous.
The boys went off to Cornwall with their Dad and sisters on Monday. By all accounts and the slew of pictures, they all had a wonderful time. They returned yesterday so everyone had a lovely break. Himself and I hadn’t appreciated just how much we’d needed a few days together, without being Papa and Gran, to just focus on ourselves and each other. Himself has been busy painting his models and looking forward to reorganising his Warhammer orc and goblin armies – it’s lovely to see his enthusiasm again. As for me, I spent a fair amount of the week sitting next to him, while writing the fifth book in the Picky Eaters series, Conclave of Dragons.
Books I’ve read this week: On the Horns of Death – Book 2 of the Ancient Crete Mystery series by Eleanor Kuhns Ancient Crete, 1450 BC. When young bull leaper Martis finds Duzi, the newest member of the bull leaping team, dead in the bull pen early one morning. Made to look like he met his end on the horns of the bull, it’s clear to Martis that this was no accident . . .
Martis once again finds herself thrown into a dangerous game of hunting down a murderer as the deaths start to mount. An old friend of Martis’ sister, and possible lover to Duzi, is the next person to be found dead, and Martis’ investigations lead her to believe love and jealousy are at the heart of these crimes against the Goddess.
Is someone targeting the bull leaping community? Or is there something else at play? With only the Shade of her sister Arge to confide in, Martis struggles to untangle the growing web of secrets which stretch around her. Without a doubt, the ancient Greek setting and details about Martis and her daily life is what stood out for me with this entertaining historical whodunit. I also really like the young protagonist. 8/10
About Time – Book 4 of the Time Police series by Jodi Taylor Patience is not a virtue known to the Time Police. And Commander Hay is facing the longest day of her life…
After their heroic efforts to safeguard the Acropolis and prevent the Paris Time-Stop, the Time Police have gone from zero to hero. Then one fateful mission to apprehend a minor criminal selling dodgy historical artefacts blows up in all their faces.
An officer is attacked within TPHQ. A prisoner is murdered. And investigations are about to lead to the one place where no officer can legally tread. Worst of all, trouble is brewing for Luke, Jane and Matthew as a shocking revelation threatens to tear Team Weird apart for good. No one else writes with quite the energy that Taylor brings to her books. Funny, full of action and often poignantly sad – they are always a roller-coaster read and this highly enjoyable offering is no exception. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Witch King by Martha Wells “I didn’t know you were a… demon.” “You idiot. I’m the demon.” Kai’s having a long day in Martha Wells’ Witch King…
After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai’s magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well.
But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence? Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions. He’s not going to like the answers. I’m not sure why the dialogue is included in the blurb – it makes it sound as if this book is funny, and it isn’t. While I enjoyed it, particularly the setting, I found Kai rather closed off and unlike the wonderful Murderbot, we aren’t in first-person viewpoint to be able to fully appreciate his character. However, I loved the world and the stakes and would happily read more about Kai and his adventures. 8/10
Terminal Uprising – Book 2 of the Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse series by Jim C. Hines Human civilization didn’t just fall. It was pushed.
The Krakau came to Earth in the year 2104. By 2105, humanity had been reduced to shambling, feral monsters. In the Krakau’s defense, it was an accident, and a century later, they did come back and try to fix us. Sort of.
It’s been four months since Marion “Mops” Adamopoulos learned the truth of that accident. Four months since she and her team of hygiene and sanitation specialists stole the EMCS Pufferfish and stopped a bioterrorism attack against the Krakau homeworld. Four months since she set out to find proof of what really happened on Earth all those years ago.
Between trying to protect their secrets and fighting the xenocidal Prodryans, who’ve been escalating their war against everyone who isn’t Prodryan, the Krakau have their tentacles full. Mops’ mission changes when she learns of a secret Krakau laboratory on Earth. A small group under command of Fleet Admiral Belle-Bonne Sage is working to create a new weapon, one that could bring victory over the Prodryans … or drown the galaxy in chaos.
To discover the truth, Mops and her rogue cleaning crew will have to do the one thing she fears most: return to Earth, a world overrun by feral apes, wild dogs, savage humans, and worse. (After all, the planet hasn’t been cleaned in a century and a half!) What Mops finds in the filthy ruins of humanity could change everything, assuming she survives long enough to share it. Perhaps humanity isn’t as dead as the galaxy thought. I love this series, which is very funny in places. Mops is a wonderful heroine and this adventure, set within the ruins of a vanished civilisation, is vividly depicted. I’m looking forward to getting hold of the final book in the series with mixed feelings as I’ve loved my time with the Pufferfish crew and would like more than just three books. 9/10
The Ward Witch – Book 1 of the Unholy Island series by Sarah Painter Mysterious, magical, and a little bit deadly… Welcome to Unholy Island.
Esme Gray runs the guest house and tends to the ethereal wards that protect the island. She’s sheltering from a terrible past and will do anything to stay safely hidden.
Luke Taylor has been searching for his missing twin for months, but has begun to believe that his brother might be dead. With his hope in tatters, a tip off leads him to a remote tidal island in the North Sea. It’s further out than the famous Holy Island, and far stranger.
Visitors shouldn’t be able to stay for more than two nights, so when Luke breaks this rule, the close-knit community is sent into turmoil. The residents of Unholy Island have secrets and they intend to keep them.
When Luke stumbles across one of the islanders dead on the shore, he finds himself under suspicion, made worse by his own troubles washing up on the tide.
Esme is drawn to Luke, but she doesn’t trust her own instincts. That’s not ideal for a witch — especially when there is a killer on the loose and a storm is rolling in… I’ve loved Painter’s Crow Investigations series and have read all the books so far. I was pleased to see the new series is set in the same world with the same interesting magical system. This book grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go – Painter beautifully evokes the beauty and isolation of a magically hidden community. An outstanding start to a new series. 10/10
The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow What if Mary Bennet’s life took a different path from that laid out for her in Pride and Prejudice? What if the frustrated intellectual of the Bennet family, the marginalized middle daughter, the plain girl who takes refuge in her books, eventually found the fulfillment enjoyed by her prettier, more confident sisters? This is the plot of The Other Bennet Sister, a debut novel with exactly the affection and authority to satisfy Austen fans.
Ultimately, Mary’s journey is like that taken by every Austen heroine. She learns that she can only expect joy when she has accepted who she really is. She must throw off the false expectations and wrong ideas that have combined to obscure her true nature and prevented her from what makes her happy. Only when she undergoes this evolution does she have a chance at finding fulfillment; only then does she have the clarity to recognize her partner when he presents himself—and only at that moment is she genuinely worthy of love. I absolutely loved this one. Hadlow provides us with a sensitive, intelligent young woman, who has been dismissed for her plain looks even as a child. Mary Bennet’s over-serious, pompous declarations throughout P & P are shown as her attempts to find a place within a family where beauty, wit and charm are prized above everything else. I loved this version of Austen’s classic and will be looking out for anything else by this author. 10/10
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.
A very happy Easter Sunday to those of you who celebrate. And for those of you in the UK – let’s take a moment to cope with the fact we lost an hour of sleep when the clocks jumped forward last night… It’s been a tricky fortnight. I spent last Saturday sorting through my deceased sister’s personal possessions, which was every bit as terrible as I’d feared. If I hadn’t had my fabulous sister, Marianne, alongside to help, I don’t think I would have got through it. And the following few days were grim. The weather wasn’t remotely helpful, with lots of wind and rain.
But both boys have now broken up for Easter and Ethan is back at home – except when he’s back in Portsmouth at work, or off visiting friends. They are both going away for a holiday with their Dad and other siblings for a few days, which will be lovely for them and give Himself and me a bit of time for ourselves. As luck would have it, it’s his long weekend off, so we hope to be able to have some ‘us’ time. We went out together on Good Friday – and this courgette and lemon cake was my Easter present to myself. I justified it by claiming that it covered two of my five-a-day… And yes, it was every bit as delicious as it looks😊.
Books I’ve read this last fortnight: Shadow Rites – Book 10 of the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter Jane is keeping the peace between visiting groups of witches and vamps in the city, but then trouble comes knocking on her doorstep. When her house is magically attacked, the wild chase to find her assailants unearths a mystery that has literally been buried deep.
A missing master vampire, presumed long deceased, is found chained in a pit…undead, raving mad, and in the company of two human bodies. Now it’s up to Jane to find out who kept the vampire hidden for so long and why, because the incident could tip already high supernatural tensions to an all-out arcane war. I’m dawdling through this classy, well-written shapeshifter series because I don’t want to come to the end. Though I’m encouraged to see there’s a spin-off series, too. Once again, Jane’s adventures are an engrossing, thrilling read. 9/10
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky Professor Arton Daghdev had always wanted to study alien life up close. Then his wishes become a reality in the worst way. His political activism sees him exiled from Earth to Kiln’s extrasolar labour camp. There, he’s condemned to work under an alien sky until he dies.
Kiln boasts a ravenous, chaotic ecosystem like nothing seen on Earth. The monstrous alien life interacts in surprising, sometimes shocking ways with the human body, so Arton will risk death on a daily basis. However, the camp’s oppressive regime might just kill him first. If Arton can somehow escape both fates, the world of Kiln holds a wondrous, terrible secret. It will redefine life and intelligence as he knows it, and might just set him free . . . Loved this one. Tchaikovsky at his clever, witty best. 10/10
The Dragons of Kellynch – Book 5 of Jane Austen’s Dragons series by Maria Grace One would think Anne Elliot, a baronet’s daughter, would find the marriage mart far easier to navigate than a more ordinary woman. One would be wrong.
After refusing a poor, but otherwise perfect sailor, on the advice of her friend Lady Russell, Anne finds an unhappy choice before marry deathly dull Charles Musgrove or hope against hope that another suitable proposal might come her way before she becomes a spinster on the shelf.
Anne’s disgracefully independent choice to refuse Charles’ offer turns her world entirely arsey-varsey and not in the expected turned upside down sort of way. She begins to see things … hear things … things like dragons. And once one sees dragons, one talks to them. And when one talks to them, nothing is ever the same again. Must a young lady marry well if she hears dragons? I love this series. Grace’s addition of dragons to Austen’s world is clever and takes the classic stories into slightly unexpected places, but at no stage was I unhappy with the premise and I’m FUSSY about my Austenesque adventures. Very well done. 9/10
Kellynch: Dragon Persuasion – Book 6 of Jane Austen’s Dragons series by Maria Grace Keeping a hibernating dragon should have been a simple thing. Should have been, but it was not. Apparently, nothing involving dragons was ever simple, at least not for Anne Elliot, junior Keeper to dragon Kellynch.
With the estate in debt, Anne’s father in denial, and the dragon’s treasure missing, Kellynch’s awakening is shaping up to be nothing short of catastrophe. Not to mention, there was the pesky matter of her own broken heart and resentment against the old friend who had caused it.
Captain Frederick Wentworth had spent his life making something of himself in the Navy. With the war that kept him employed at an end and a small fortune in prize money, he found himself beached and at loose ends. What was he to do with himself now—take a wife like Laconia, his dragon Friend, insisted? Not when none compared to the woman who had broken his heart.
Working as an agent of the Blue Order, managing dragon matters across England, seemed a much better alternative. At least until investigating one such matter sent him directly in the path of Anne Elliot, the woman who had ruined him for all others. Now a royal dragon rages, a sleeping dragon lurks, and too many treasures have gone missing. Can Anne and Wentworth lay aside resentment, pride, and heartbreak to prevent Kellynch’s awakening from ending in bloodshed—or worse? This continues Grace’s clever retelling of Persuasion, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The fact that I read these two back to back is proof I’m finding this series irresistible. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – The Blighted Stars – Book 1 of The Devoured Worlds series by Megan O’Keefe When a spy is stranded on a dead planet with her mortal enemy, she must first figure out how to survive before she can uncover the conspiracy that landed them both there in the first place.
She’s a revolutionary. Humanity is running out of options. Habitable planets are being destroyed as quickly as they’re found and Naira Sharp knows the reason why. The all-powerful Mercator family has been controlling the exploration of the universe for decades, and exploiting any materials they find along the way under the guise of helping humanity’s expansion. But Naira knows the truth, and she plans to bring the whole family down from the inside.
He’s the heir to the dynasty. Tarquin Mercator never wanted to run a galaxy-spanning business empire. He just wanted to study rocks and read books. But Tarquin’s father has tasked him with monitoring the mining of a new planet, and he doesn’t really have a choice in the matter.
Disguised as Tarquin’s new bodyguard, Naira plans to destroy his ship before it lands. But neither of them expects to end up stranded on a dead planet. To survive and keep her secret, Naira will have to join forces with the man she’s sworn to hate. And together they will uncover a plot that’s bigger than both of them. This is a compulsive listen. It would have been a 10 from me, but for the fact that I found the love story a tad annoying at times – especially as the unfolding puzzle surrounding the plot that puts them on the dead planet in the first place is both complex and very cleverly done. I’m definitely going to get hold of the second book in the series. 9/10
A Rip Through Time – Book 1 of A Rip Through Time series by Kelley Armstrong May 20, 2019: Homicide detective Mallory is in Edinburgh to be with her dying grandmother. While out on a jog one evening, Mallory hears a woman in distress. She’s drawn to an alley, where she is attacked and loses consciousness.
May 20, 1869: Housemaid Catriona Mitchell had been enjoying a half-day off, only to be discovered that night in a lane, where she’d been strangled and left for dead . . . exactly one-hundred-and-fifty years before Mallory was strangled in the same spot.
When Mallory wakes up in Catriona’s body in 1869, she must put aside her shock and adjust quickly to the reality: life as a housemaid to an undertaker in Victorian Scotland. She soon discovers that her boss, Dr. Gray, also moonlights as a medical examiner and has just taken on an intriguing case, the strangulation of a young man, similar to the attack on herself. Her only hope is that catching the murderer can lead her back to her modern life . . . before it’s too late. This time-travelling portal whodunit was sufficiently gripping that I stayed up way too late to discover who did what to whom. I very much liked the dynamic of an experienced cop finding herself in a teenager’s body and will be getting hold of the next book in this series. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea – Book 1 of the Tomes and Tea Cosy Fantasies series by Rebecca Thorn All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy.
But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town that boasts more dragons than people, and open the shop of their dreams.
What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world. This enjoyable feel-good fantasy is more than a nod to Legends & Lattes, but it does differ in some important areas. Review to follow.
A Westerly Wind Brings Witches: A Cornish Odyessy by Sally Walker Moira Box, with not a lot going for her, legs it down to Cornwall to join a cantankerous coven of stroppy women. Shapeshifting poor Mogs back to The Burning Times, when women’s role in the lingering rural folkways was disappearing from Merrie England. But today, wild women wrapped in cloaks pop up amongst the Cornish standing stones on a full moon basis! Wriggling out of the closet woodwork, giggling and garnished with glitzy-witchy fashion accessories, still stubbornly non-compliant and undoubtedly up to mischief…
Witches and Wisewomen, reclaiming female spirituality, unearthing our buried pagan roots. An outside-the-box book, a feel-good tale, a pick-me-up for the perpetually put-down, a bag of comforts for the comfort eater. Sweep away the acceptable respectable and jump on your broomstick! Fly past perimeters, transcend our taken-for-granted reality and hang on tight for a bumpy ride! This is a quirky read that gave me some unexpected food for thought. Review to follow.
Strange Cargo – Book 3 of the Mennik Thorn series by Patrick Samphire What do a smuggling gang, a curse that won’t go away, and a frequently lost dog have to do with each other? They’re all here to disrupt Mennik Thorn’s hard-earned peace and quiet.
As the sole freelance mage in the city of Agatos, Mennik is used to some odd clients and awful jobs. But this time, one of his clients isn’t giving him a choice. Mennik might have forgotten about the smugglers whose operations he disrupted, but they haven’t forgotten about him. Now he is faced with a simple help them smuggle in an unknown, dangerous cargo or flee the city he loves forever. Time is running out for Mennik to find an answer, and things are about to get completely out of control. This is a shorter book that doesn’t have quite the bite of the other two books I’ve read. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoy Mennik’s chaotic adventures – no one attracts trouble quite like him – and I’m looking forward to tucking into the fourth book in the series sometime soon. 8/10
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:
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea – Book 1 of the Tomes and Tea Cosy Fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne – release date 9th May 2024
#cosy fantasy adventure #feisty heroines #LGBTQ relationship
BLURB: All Reyna and Kianthe want is to open a bookshop that serves tea. Worn wooden floors, plants on every table, firelight drifting between the rafters… all complemented by love and good company. Thing is, Reyna works as one of the Queen’s private guards, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage in existence. Leaving their lives isn’t so easy.
But after an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides she’s thoroughly done risking her life for a self-centered queen. Meanwhile, Kianthe has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility–all the better that her girlfriend is on board. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town that boasts more dragons than people, and open the shop of their dreams.
What follows is a cozy tale of mishaps, mysteries, and a murderous queen throwing the realm’s biggest temper tantrum. In a story brimming with hurt/comfort and quiet fireside conversations, these two women will discover just what they mean to each other… and the world. I am very fond of cosy fantasy, so long as it’s done right. And although this one sounds similar to Legends & Lattes, I’m more than willing to give it a go, because if it ends up providing as much fun and enjoyment as L & L, then I’ll be very happy😊.
Back in 2017 – which now seems a very, very long time ago, I came across The Broken Ones by this author and recall what a gripping read it was – see my review. So when this one surfaced on Netgalley, I immediately requested it.
BLURB: 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.
REVIEW: Freya pings off the page right from the start of this one. Her simmering resentment at being married off to a pig of a man who treats her like a malfunctioning brood mare immediately claimed my sympathy. I loved her feisty attitude and raw courage, which she needs in spades. For she’s been “gifted” with a god-given power. And the reason I’ve put the word in quote-marks is that it’s far more of a curse. Small wonder her father desperately tried to hide her talent when it first manifested – because as soon as she demonstrates what she can do, Freya is scooped up from her life and once more forced into a loveless marriage with a domineering jarl who knows of a prophesy that the shield maiden will unite Skaland under a single king. And the jarl is determined to be that king.
Unsurprisingly, he isn’t the only person who realises that Freya’s talent will destabilise the entire area. So there are those who also want to kidnap and control her and just as many just want to see her dead, so the war and chaos caused by her very existence won’t come to pass. It’s a horrible situation – and Jensen does a good job in managing to avoid presenting Freya as a victim in the middle of this mess. I found this one difficult to put down as our plucky heroine tries to pick a way through the constantly changing situation and figure out who is the traitor who is informing Skaland’s enemies as to their movements.
There is also a love story unfolding in the middle of all the action and adventure, which leads to several steamy scenes, particularly near the end. I’ll be honest – I could have done without some of the detail. But I’m aware that it’s very much a matter of personal preference as to the heat factor in romances. Part of my quibble is that the genre convention with epic, God-based fantasy is not to have quite so much explicit sex. But I did welcome some of the snark and lighter interchanges between the couple, which helps to bring some welcome light relief to the violence and constant threat surrounding Freya.
Overall, I tore through this reasonably hefty read in two long sittings as I couldn’t tear myself away from Freya’s plight. There is a doozy of a twist near the end, which certainly sets up the next book to be even more tangled for poor Freya – and I’ll definitely be reading it. Very highly recommended for fans of character-led fantasy with lots of action and a strong setting. While I obtained an arc of A Fate Inked in Blood from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own. 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.
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
Brainfluff 