Author Archives: Bairdy1985

The Last of the Bear Tribe by Joey Tawil – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Last of the Bear Tribe by Joey Tawil.

This book came recommended by a colleague at work so I was eagar to take a look!

Here’s the blurb

Sam and Jemma stood facing the oncoming raiders with no weapons.

As the raider drew near, the air shimmers by Sam and Jemma’s right hands; an axe appeared in Sam’s hand, while a sword appeared in Jemma’s.

The raiders were dead in a few heartbeats and the weapons shimmered out of existence.

The bears were back.

Review

The Last of the Bear Tribe is a epic fantasy tale condensed to allow younger readers to enjoy and work their way into the genre without overloading them.

Sam awakes one day, his memory lost.. Left for dead on the battle field. As he makes his way in the world to try and find safety he runs into Jemma.

Jemma is on her own journey to find out more about herself.

While they have never met they both have the same goal.. Find the truth about themselves.. For this reason they stick together and try to put the pieces together.

Along the way we get introduced to new, fresh and interesting characters pivotal to the plot itself.

While on their journey they learn about a tribe who had almost been wiped out by their enemies.. Only a few survived but where are they? And what’s it got to do with them?

The tale unfolds at pace and we learn of treachery in the past that threatens their very future..Can they find out the truth and put an end to the deceit and get justice for the Bear tribe at the same time?

I’m a keen reader of young adult books, as a kid I was never much encouraged to read so I missed the stage in life of working my way up through young adult fiction to adult fiction, their can sometimes be a big jump for a young reader, so when you see a gem like The Last of the Bear Tribe I have to get a review out there to let people know just how good it really is! Even if I help sell 1 copy then I’ll class that as a success 🙂

The plot flowed well and was very enjoyable, I kind of didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying it that much.

Development worked well, it’s very fast paced but there’s still time to get to grips with the characters and motivations.

It’s that good I kind of wish it would be developed into an adult epic fantasy just to see what else could be injected into the tale as you can see so much potential within the plot.

My only real comment..and it’s not a negative.. but the synopsis doesn’t sell the book to me.. it teases but there’s so much more!

Easy 5* from David’s Book Blurg!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

The Day After: A Day in the Life Series, Book Two by Andrew Masseurs – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Day After: A Day in the Life Series, Book Two by Andrew Masseurs.

Here’s the blurb.

They called it, The Vanishing. When the world’s population mysteriously disappeared. Michael Stevenson and his family somehow managed to survive in a world of adversity filled with new strange predatory creatures. Now, in the sequel to the well received novella, A Day in the Life, that reviewers called:

“An unparalleled reading experience.”

“A literary roller coaster that defies expectations.”

“Unputdownable.”

“Impressed is an understatement.”

We will find out what the strange being really meant when it said, “you will probably not survive, Michael Stevenson.” When the world recognises you as a virus. The worst enemy in an existence that wants you dead. Might just be yourself.

Join our brave heroine, 14 year old Shelby Frances O’Leary and author, Andrew Masseurs on the adventure of a hazardous, devastating lifetime.

This is…The Day After.

Review

The Day After picks up after the events of the previous book in the series where we had met Michael and Shelby.. I do recommend you read the first book in the series A Day In The Life to understand the emotional connection between the two as it explains a lot of Shelby’s motivations.

They called it The Vanishing.. When millions disappeared..we learned form a mysterious being that mankind had ruined the planet.. And as such they have been removed and strange creatures now populate the world.

For some reason a few survived.. But for how long..This new world has so many dangers and in the last instalment we saw Michael make the ultimate sacrifice..

Michael and Shelby, along with Michael’s family set out to find safety but quickly are attacked by one of these creatures roaming the world. Separated Shelby sets up with Michael’s daughter Lucy near where they were attacked in the hope Michael will find them.

They have hope at first.. But as the days tick by..and after more than one encounter with the monsters its time to go find Michael themselves… it’s time to think like Michael.

While out they quickly learn they are not the only survivors.. There’s others but such as human nature..first impressions count and not every interaction is positive.

I’m not going to spoil it but Shelby is the star of the tale..she makes new connections and there’s numerous pivotal moments where she could give up… but she doesn’t.. Michael didn’t give up.. She won’t either!

There’s some really good twists and turns along the way and the character development is off the chart.. You really feel for Shelby.. There’s lots of light-heartedness to her but it’s gut-wrenchingly sombre her existence..the pain and sorrow she processes in her own way..

Now that ending… The author had me thinking we would see something similar to the ending of the previous book.. But no.. argh.. You’ve hooked me in.. give me more.. Don’t make me wait ha ha. 

It’s a resounding 5* from David’s Book Blurg. The story is emotional draining and fun at the same time.. You want to laugh.. And you want to cry..and it mirrors Shelby’s own emotional roller-coaster ride.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

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Today is my turn on the audiobook blog tour for Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh!

Version 1.0.0

You might think the book is familiar… it is.. I was lucky enough to review the paperback not to long ago so jumped at the chance to listen to the audio version!

Here’s the blurb

Civil War tore across the Union Empire, leaving countless dead in its wake. It was a war started by one man, once beloved by the Empire. His betrayal still lingers in the memory of those who lived through it.

Decades later, his son, Felix Drake, is a Warden tasked with both protecting the ruling members of the Union Empire and its Council, and bringing those powerful and influential people to justice should they break the law.

Drake protects the very Empire his father sought to destroy.

When two members of a Council family are murdered, Drake and his team investigate, only to uncover corruption, resentment, and yet more death.

As the case deepens, Drake is forced back into a life he’d left long ago, bringing with it the same disdain and anger from the very people he’s sworn to protect.

However, he’s no longer a helpless child, and the people who try to intimidate him now are about to discover that Drake is so very much his father’s son.

Review

As I’ve read the book and listened to the audio version so some bits of my review will overlap a little 😊

I want to focus straightaway on the audio aspect before going back to the plot.

I quite enjoy reading and listening to the same book, it’s a good chance to see how a voice can add to the written word. Tim Gerard Reynolds who narrated didn’t disappoint.. such a wonderful tone.. it was so easy just to while away a few hours ironing while enjoying the story. Tim definitely managed to add depth to the characters too which I always think would be hard to do… you’d have to get into the authors mind to really understand the characters so it’s a talent to be able to bring something extra into the mix.

Now about that plot…What a cracking start to a series! The book starts strong as we are quickly introduced to the two  main characters.. it’s a typical good versus bad yeh? Oh you are so wrong.. there’s so much more depth to this tale.

Many years ago there was a civil war… a civil war that nearly tore the world apart.. fast forward and we meet Felix Drake, a Warden.. tasked with protecting those his father tried to kill during the war.. he betrayed those Felix now protects..Felix wants nothing more than to forget the past.. he knows if anyone finds out who he actually is then he life will change drastically.. no one would trust the son of a traitor after all!

He’s remained hidden for a while but it’s time to return to the place he once called home.. his friends have been murdered but why?.. as soon as he arrives all hell breaks loose..

Felix knows Sabas Gossard has something to do with this but he needs to prove it.. Sabas was put in prison by Felix so how the hell is he already free? Yeh that’s right.. corruption..

It’s no surprise to me that there’s deceit from those in power but just who the players are shocks Felix..surely not? Plus there’s someone working in the shadows.. will we find out who is orchestrating these events? And what’s the endgame?

There’s lots of different characters and roles but everything is introduced nicely for the reader to take in, and the attention given to the development really helped this stroy come alive.

I particularly like Bokk, Felix’s security synth.. Bokk once belonged to his father, and I felt Bokk played a pivotal role which I hope gets expanded upon as there’s the interesting idea of these synth developing personalities.

The plot of the book develops at a swift but nice pace and hints there’s some good things to come. As setups go Atoned has it all, great characters and so much potential clear and ready to pour out.

There’s hints of past events becoming a focus.. were the events that played out during the war exactly as they seem? Or was there more to it? And what does this mean for Drake? He’s got his own sage abilities coming out.. but he seems special..and I’m excited to find out why!

This is my first foray into the authors imagination, and I was wonderfully impressed with the flow and development.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour! As I’m an audible member it was a pleasure to use my monthly credit on a treat of a story such as this!

Why not follow the tour?

Steve’s Bio

Steve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction books. His novel, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel. He was born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton.


Steve’s Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemc79/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/hellequinchronicles

Twitter : https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh

Website : http://stevejmchugh.wordpress.com

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197452731-atoned

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/atoned-zbt

BLOG TOUR – Shadow of the Witch by Colin Garrow

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Shadow of the Witch by Colin Garrow.

Here’s the blurb

London, 1677. A house with a dark secret. A lawyer in pursuit of magick. A witch, dead for fifty years.

Israel Cutler, dealer in second-hand goods, discovers the journals of Doctor Winter. Detailing the doctor’s relationship with a hanged witch, he recognises an opportunity. Seeking out a lawyer he knows with an interest in the occult, Cutler tries to sell the journals, but soon finds himself involved in a terrifying ritual—one that could bring black witch Lizzie Pickin back from the dead. Again.

Forced into a dangerous partnership, the witch leads Cutler on a trail of murder and revenge.

In this horror series set in London, Shadow of the Witch is book #2 in the Black Witch Saga.

Review

I’m a big fan of Colin’s work, who seems to be able to turn his hand to any genre effortlessly.. I know it’s not going to be that simple to write a book but Colin just seems to have a way with pen and paper.

Shadow of the Witch is book 2 in the Black Witch saga, and I do recommend reading the first volume before getting stuck in. You could pick this up straightaway if you wanted too as Garrow knows how to get just the right amount of detail in for the reader.

The scene is set quickly, it’s dark, eerie and there’s a foreboding atmosphere from the off.

Israel finds the journals of Doctor Winter and quickly he thinks he’s found to way to make a quick bit of money but there’s a dark shadow just waiting to be released and little does he know what he’s stumbles upon.

The journal details the relationship the Doctor had with the Witch.. who was to be hanged..He felt a lot of guilty at the time…why…Someone will want the information surely?

Garrow packs a punch in less than 200 pages that’s for sure. It’s fast flowing and written in such a way it puts you right there.. it’s spinetingling in it’s detail but the pace is spot on!

I’ve really enjoyed the twisted edge to Garrow’s writing style and imagination, there’s a dark humour to it and it feels like one of those tales you’d want to share with young children to stop them visiting a dangerous wood for example.

As with the previous book in the series its disturbingly entertaining and a 5* corker!

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but this will certainly be adding a paperback to the permanent collection.

To find out more do follow the tour or head to Goodreads and Amazon!

Author Bio –

Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.

His short stories have appeared in several literary mags, including SN Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, Word Bohemia, Every Day Fiction, The Grind, A3 Review, 1,000 Words, Inkapture and Scribble Magazine. He currently lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.

He also makes rather nice vegan cakes.

Social Media Links –

Twitter https://twitter.com/colingarrow

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/colinngarrow/

Website https://colingarrow.co.uk/ 

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/colin-garrow

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/colingarrowthewriter

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@colingarrowauthor

BLOG TOUR – Enemies of Mercia by MJ Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Enemies of Mercia by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurg.

A King’s command. A warrior’s quest for the truth…

Tamworth AD835

Following Icel’s epic rescue of Lord Coenwulf’s children from their almost certain death, King Wiglaf is forced to call upon Icel’s loyal services once more.

Furious that the conspirators behind the audacious move to snatch the children have yet to face justice, he despatches Icel to hunt down the enemy of Mercia and discover who seeks to conspire against the throne.

The dangerous mission will take Icel into the heartland of enemy-held Wessex to Winchester and onto Canterbury. As the web of lies and deceit grows, Icel must battle to discover the truth whilst keeping himself and his allies safe.

But those who conspire against the King have much to lose and will stop at nothing to prevent Icel discovering the truth.
Once more, Icel’s life is endangered as he tries to protect Mercia from her enemies who threaten Mercia’s kingly line.

Review

Can this really be the sixth book in this cracking series? Wow.. so much has happened to Icel in that time.. he’s no longer a young lost boy trying to find his way in life… he’s now a man who has found a purpose.. learned his craft and has earned the eye of King Wiglaf.

You’d think Icel would deserve a little peace and quiet after everything that has happened but he’s not that lucky.. even while not fully recovered himself from recent events he can hardly say no when the King requests his service to find out the identity of those who played a part in the kidnap of Lord Coenwulf’s children.

I think what Enemies of Mercia brings to the table is the political landscape of the time, we see the bigger picture become clear and there’s tonnes of detail thrown in to help the reader but themselves right in the thick of the action standing side by side with Icel.

The details not for the faint hearted though.. it provokes a guttural reaction from the reader but really shows you how dangerous the time was and the importance of skill, and need for a lot of luck..

Icel, Oh Icel.. he’s been though so much but Enemies of Mercia is going to be his biggest battle yet both physically but also mentally and the scars must run deep by now.. how much more can his body take?

It’s a bit of a mental battle for Icel too.. is there anyone he can trust?

For the action fans there’s still some very good and gruesome scenes but what I really enjoyed was this instalment felt more like a chess match.. its not all about the battle.. sometimes you have to set the board up first and sometimes that means avoiding conflict. Someone has set the pieces up.. but can Icel figure out what the gameplan is… and who is pulling the strings..

There really isnt anything bad I can say about this series, it keeps just getting better.. adding more depth to not only the characters but also their motivations.

MJ Porter offers another solid 5* addition to the series, strengthening the readers love of their work.

Final thought… by god I love these books covers for the series!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to M.J. Porter, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but this will certainly be adding a paperback to the permanent collection.

Why not follow the tour?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/EnemiesofMerciasocial

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set. The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood Son of Mercia was published in February 2022.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJPorterauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram: MJ Porter (@m_j_porter) • Instagram photos and videos

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

Bookbub profile: MJ Porter Books – BookBub

The Ark by Christopher Coates

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Today I’m going to be reviewing The Ark by Christopher Coates

Here’s the blurb

The Earth as we know it is about to end.

Technology has developed to the point where a person can be placed in a Sleep State: a cross between suspended animation and a drug-induced coma.

Just as the trial of the new technology is being completed, an unusual comet is discovered approaching Earth, bringing with it radiation that will wipe out all life on the planet. Soon after, the government builds a sleeper facility to save humankind from extinction, taking drastic steps to maintain secrecy of the project.

But when the sleepers awaken, they discover that something has gone terribly wrong… and that the strange world around them is not the one they fell asleep in.

Review

I picked up The Ark as I was fancying something a little different to my normal choice of book. The synopsis stood out as it made me think a little of Deep Impact and Armageddon.. but the focus is changed from trying to save the world to figuring out how to rebuild after the event.

There’s a comet on it’s way by Earth.. it won’t hit, but radiation is detected that will change the landscape of the planet forever.

The government have a few options open to them but the most promising is a new technology. This new technology has the ability to put an individual to sleep, slow the body’s natural processes.. essentially they will be in suspended animation.. The issue is the technology hasn’t be perfected yet for a scale such as this and the government is need to find a suitable location under the extreme pressure of knowing they can only save a very small percentage of the population.

It’s a battle to keep the truth a secret.. if the news were to get out the whole world would panic and it’s likely no one would survive.. there would be riots.. death and destruction and that’s even before the comet passes.

In the run up to the event a few people do come a little close to the truth and the author explores the power and reach of those in charge as silence reigns..

Those chosen for the sleeper program each have skills but learn further skills to better set them up to rebuild after the event.. estimates show they will be asleep for around 20 years.. it’s a lot for those people to take in but they know they are the last ditch attempt at survival and if they are lucky it’s all one big error and they will all be able to go home soon..

At the same time the government put plans in place to build underground shelters.. it’s not going to protect many but at least some will have the chance to live in the hope that these “sleepers” will wake up and will help rebuild the world.

When the sleepers awake there’s a big problem… things haven’t gone to plan.. it’s not been 20 years…the radiation was much stronger than first thought… those in underground shelters only had a certain amount of supplies… did anyone survive? Do the sleepers have anyone to rebuild the world for?

I really enjoyed the plot and I loved the focus on the sleepers, the preparation needed.. the sacrifices made. All the preparation time really helped the development of the characters and I really found myself like liking the team and was investing in their survival, the pace also help set the mood well..you feel the nervous energy pouring off the page.

I also found how the author tackled the question about communication, and how they would keep the threat a secret very well thought out and plausible. I wouldn’t want to be in charge if there was a global threat on the way.

There’s a clear direction for the ply but the author still manages to add some twists and turns along the way.. like you know it’s not going to all go to plan… technology.. nothings ever easy.. but the twists are exciting and add an extra punch to the story.

I was very much sucked into this one.. so much so as soon as I finished I was checking in the hopes this might be a series.. I don’t do much research before picking up a book so was a little deflated at first.. The Ark is not part of a series… well actually it kind of is…while it’s not a series you can imagine my excitement to learn there’s a parallel story.. The Anvil… we see events from the viewpoint of those lucky enough to be brought into the underground shelters.. do they survive..and at what cost? I’ve already finished it and I’ve only good things to say… look out for that review coming too!

4/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

BLOG TOUR – Raven Lord: The Last Viking, Book 2 by JC Duncan – REVIEW

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Raven Lord by JC Duncan!

Here’s the blurb

Mercenary. Exile. Warlord.

At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering…

1034AD

Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson’s quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe; the lands of the Eastern Roman empire.

The empire is dying the slow death of decay and corruption. In desperation to fend off a myriad of foes, the emperor turns to the legendary Varangian guard for salvation. These deadly warriors from the far north, famed for their fearsome steel and battle skill, have become the empire’s greatest protectors.

From the golden gate of Constantinople to the holy waters of the river Jordan, Harald will march with the emperor’s finest. Joining their ranks promises him all the gold and glory he can desire, if only he can survive the desperate battles, the hostile land, and the ruthless ambition of a vengeful queen.

The fascinating next book in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada.
Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Review

One of the things I loved about the previous book in the series was the style of the writing .  I love history but I always found text books hard to wrap my head around.. I need it presented in a different way and that’s exactly what JC Duncan does..he adds the excitement and makes it come to life, and that buzz is what makes you want to learn more.

Raven Lord picks up after the events of the previous book Warrior Prince and I loved the preface added by the author. There’s a lot to take in when it comes to history so it was great to have a rundown before starting the next instalment, this allows for a quick refresh if you read the previous book but would also allow someone to read this as a standalone as it sets the scene perfectly for new readers.

Harald’s tale is an amazing one but I feel what makes it more amazing is how the author presents it.. we all know Harald must have been a strong and influential man to become the legend he is but it’s the ensemble cast in Raven Lord that brings life to that.. it’s the way his men act.. the awe they have when talking about him, it really makes you understand what kind of man Harald must have been to garner the respect of the men who fought with him.

With any book like this it’s all in the detail..What JC Duncan shows is his time and commitment to that detail.. the setting.. the changing landscape of the world..locations, people, small details like food, clothes.. even down to the lines on their faces… everything is designed to put you right there on the bench next to these men.

I’m a fan of history but what I love about the way it’s presented in such a book like this is the added excitement and I loved reading the historical note where you get down to some real nitty gritty and it was fascinating to learn that Harald’s adventures were even documented in some Byzantine works. I never learnt about the The Byzantine Empire in school.. never even heard of them until I started reading books myself and the more I do the more I’m in awe of them.

I’m not going to spoil the events of the book but what I will say is that sometimes the real interesting bits of history are glossed over.. well that’s how I feel anyway… I never had any Idea Harald’s life spanned so much.. how much that man did in his life… You can really start you understand how imposing this man must have been. Harald is known for 1066.. but there’s so much more to the man.. I had an indifference to the man prior to reading this series… but now I think even I would have followed such a man.. wow.

Plot wise I think Harald clearly steals the show.. it’s his tale but credit really does need to go to the author for bringing events to life, to give the reader something they’ve not had before. Throughout I could help but feel the love the author must have for the subject themselves and the time commitment they must have but it in write such a details tale.

JC Duncan stimulates the readers mind.. opens you up to learning and reminds us how fascinating history is!

5/5 Stars…

To find out more head to Goodreads.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ravenlordsocial

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

James has a 5 book historical fiction series ‘The Last Viking’ about the extraordinary life of Harald Hardrada being published with Boldwood books starting with ‘Warrior Prince’. When he isn’t writing or doing his full-time engineering job, James is happiest being an amateur bladesmith, forging knives in the shed he built in his garden.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/ 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JCDuncanNews

THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman!

Credit to my wife for this one, she highlighted the author is a local and I’ve been really enjoying tales set In/near my local area lately..Who knew we had such a good author hidden within Ashington!

Here’s the blurb

Six weeks. Just forty-two short days. That’s all it takes to rip the heart out of a city and change the lives of those who live there. Forever. One such life belongs to Ryan Jarrod. In the early hours of a wet winter’s morning on Tyneside, Ryan Jarrod approaches the end of his second shift as a Special Constable when he stumbles across the body of a savagely beaten Teddy McGuffie, a down-at-heel taxi driver. On the same night, an explosion rips through the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne’s student community. Casualties are high; the city brought to a standstill. And the University blast is only the beginning of a bloody reign of terror which threatens the very fabric of the region. With the McGuffie case shelved, Ryan vows to investigate it himself. When he uncovers links between the assault on McGuffie and a series of letters which seem to foretell the terror attacks, members of the force ridicule his theories. Except for one man: DCI Stephen Danskin. Danskin sees a lot of himself in the young Special. He breaks protocol. Invites Jarrod into the case. Together, they dive deeper into the tangled lives of those associated with the letters – and lay a trap to lure the killer to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: The Angel of the North. What could possibly go wrong?

Review

Ryan Jarrod is a Special Constable who stumbles upon a badly beating man.. there’s real rage behind the attack and although Jarrod is only a Special Constable right now he has dreams to become so much more.. could this be his big break?

The really good thing about Jarrod from the off is that he’s selfless.. he’s just wants to bring bad people to justice… he doesn’t have an ego.

On the same night there’s a terrible explosion… but it’s only the first in a series of attacks that will rock those living in Newcastle and the surrounding area.

A local online news outlet dubs the bomber The Tyneside Tyrant.

While the police focus on the bombing Jarrod can’t move past the savage beating of Teddy McGuffie and it’s while he’s visiting his grandma that he starts to see a pattern to the attacks and a link to the McGuffie beating is found.

This Is where Detective Chief Inspector Danskin comes in.. he’s leading the investigation and sees potential in keeping Ryan Jarrod around. Jarrod sees what others don’t.. he’s young and has a lot to learn but it’s also clear he’s got what it takes.

As usual no spoilers from me but there’s twists and turns, and even when you think the case is solved there’s more headed our way.. wow.

I particularly loved the plot and how this is a perfect introduction to Ryan Jarrod…it’s teasing the future as he’s kind of a bystander at times but wow.. what a introduction.

Being based in my local area I found the tale even more fascinating.. reading scenes set in Newbiggin for example just gave me a real buzz.

There’s a tonne of characters each packed with their own development, everything all flowed well, nothing forced or out of place just a full on intriguing plot.

Great start to a series so I’m looking forward reading more soon!.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Murder on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 1) by Eileen Thornton – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Murder on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 1) by Eileen Thornton.

Here’s the blurb

Recently widowed Agnes Lockwood is spending a few days on Tyneside in Northeast England, catching up with her past. When expensive jewelry is stolen at the hotel, Chief Inspector Alan Johnson gets on the case.

After Alan recognizes Agnes as a friend from schooldays, they rekindle their friendship and Agnes bombards him with questions about the case. But after dinner one evening, they find a body lying on the roadside.

Fearing for her safety, Alan warns Agnes to stay away from the case. But being an inquisitive woman, Agnes cannot resist getting involved… too involved.

Review

Widowed Agnes decides to head up north to revisit her past.. it’s time for some peace and quiet and to reacquaint herself with life.

Life’s not ready to go that easy on Agnes though and she quickly finds herself embroiled in a police case looking into thefts and murder!

It starts innocently enough.. the theft takes place at the hotel Agnes is staying at and that’s when she meets Alan..an old school friend..he’s at the hotel on official business though in his role as Chef Inspector. While Alan wants to focus on the case he can’t help but want to rekindle the connection with Agnes and it’s while out together they stumble upon a body..

The case is quite complex at first as the pieces are scattered and there’s many unknowns but with Agnes’s keen eye Alan hopes to wrap this case up without more bodies showing up.

The tale was fun and engaging and reminded me of my youth watching shows like Murder She Wrote, it instantly had me invested and curious to know more.

Agnes is a lot to handle for Alan to be honest.. he’s a bit blindsided by her coming back into his life that he struggles to focus on the case at times and as much as Agnes doesn’t mean anything bad by it she uses this to worm her way in at every chance… I mean I think we would all like to have the opportunity to get involved in a real case if we could.. but Agnes doesn’t see the danger she could be in.

Overall the pace and development of the plot were super. The case really didn’t allow for the connection to grow between Agnes and Alan and I would have loved to have had more chance to see them together without the case being the primary focus, saying that each character themselves developed well and I’d like to see what the pair get up to next.

I’m late to the party with the book being released back in 2016 but this just means I can crack on with the rest of the series without needing to wait!

What I’ve wanted to do recently is to try and find some books set near or around where I actually live so it was really fun to read the story knowing the area as it just added an extra dimension for me.

4/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blind Rage (Under the Breaking Sky #1) by Nick Clausen – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Blind Rage (Under the Breaking Sky #1) by Nick Clausen.

Here’s the blurb

It’s an ordinary Monday.

Until everything changes forever.

At 2:44 PM, a mysterious crack appears in the sky.

Anyone unfortunate enough to look up is immediately struck blind. What’s worse, their mind is wiped clean, replaced with a vicious urge to kill anyone within reach.

Mark is at work when it happens. Fighting not to fall asleep, the boring department meeting suddenly turns into a bloodbath when people are drawn to the windows to look up at the sky.

Down at the street, Gina just finished shopping and now finds herself thrown into a scene from a horror movie, as everyone around her begins beating each other to death.

Stopping at a red light, Tommy’s stepdad leans forward to gaze upwards. Without warning, Tommy is trapped inside the car with a mindless monster intent on killing him.

Now, these ordinary people must stand together in the fight for mankind, or die along with it. As the crack grows bigger, more and more people succumb to the rage. Societies collapse and the world is plunged into mayhem.

And there seems to be no cure. No safe haven. Not even an explanation.

Only blind rage.

Review

Oh wow.. this was just what I needed!

It’s a typical day but suddenly the world is turned upside down..a crack of some sort appears in the sky and it’s appearance brings about a change in those who look directly at it..

Those unfortunate turn blind and are full of rage.. the interesting part is not everyone is affected.. some are immune..

What I really enjoyed was the development of the blind, they aren’t simple savages.. they are smart and strong.. able to communicate and plan..how on earth can they be stopped.

I’m not going to spoil it for anyone but not only do we have the immune but there’s one individual who knows what’s coming.. he doesn’t have all the details but knows something is coming and when the worst happens he knows it’s time to pick his side..

I want to say it’s a typical zombie apocalypse.. but it’s not, it’s something completely different and fresh..while the blind act like zombies, they aren’t zombies.. they aren’t dead.. but can they be cured? Pfft I’m actually not sure how anyone will survive the onslaught.

The most interesting bit for me was the impulse people had to look at the crack when it appeared.. it’s like they can’t control themselves..

I liked the differing perspectives as multiple characters were introduced, there’s lots to take in but the pace is perfect. We then explore the issues the non-blind face in this new world they are forced to live in…no one knows how or when the crack will appear again.. but why would it only appear once? There’s lots of unknowns but some people act fast securing themselves as much as they can.. but can these doors hold?

The characters deal with difficult topics like dealing with loss but also about guilt.. to live they must fight..and sometimes it’s someone close to them that stands in the way of survival.

Overall a dark and intense tale, the plot was fresh and intriguing and put a spin on the typical tales.

I’m really excited to continue with this series.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads