Author Archives: Bairdy1985

BLOG TOUR – Eagle and the Flame and Adam Lofthouse

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Today is my spot on the blog tour for Eagle and the Flame and Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire.

Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means…

Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.

Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.

To save his family, he must first save an empire.

EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.

Review

So for fans of the author, or keen followers of my blog you’ll know doubt recognise the author and perhaps a bit of the blurb.. Lofthouse was picked up by the awesome Boldwood Books and his previous works have undergone a light edit and rename. Eagle and the Flame was previously published as Valentia, being familiar with the novel you really could see how this little edit has made the writing a little sharper.. more refined.. I mean it was perfect anyway but seriously you can see how the author is honing his craft and that can only be good for us with hopefully plenty more books to come!

Down to the nitty gritty of the plot.. Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.

When rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land, Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have known each other for years.. Although very different people they hold some of the same qualities so you can see why they are friends.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!

The book starts strong and the plot moves with perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and to put a stop to the madness.

We soon find out a number of Roman forts have been abandoned… but there’s no bodies left behind..and there are multiple enemies reported all over the land..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia…Can Victorinus trust everything he’s being told?

We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way, which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!

Hard hitting and commanding plot with character development that just keeps coming!

Adam Lofthouse is one to watch.. he’s shown how good his storytelling is..things are only going from strength to strength so I eagerly await his next offering!!

5/5 stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?


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

Author Bio –

Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. He lives in Kent, UK.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse

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

Bookbub profile: @AdamLofthouse

BLOG TOUR – Timewaif & The Roman Road by Deborah Lyon

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Timewaif & The Roman Road by Deborah Lyon.

Here’s the blurb

Twelve-year-old Tim Wainwright, growing up on the west coast of Cumbria, struggles with his mum’s intense grief after the death of his dad and the constant taunting of village bullies. Only his best friend Annie brings any fun to his life.

Fleeing his tormentors after school one day, he finds a hidden cave in the sea cliffs. Once inside, Tim leaps through an enchanted hopscotch board to emerge into a very different Cumbria… two thousand years in the past.

This is an ancient land of Romans and Britons under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. Tim soon realises he must navigate a totally different culture, facing adventures which challenge not only his resilience and wits to the limit but even risk his very life.

Will he ever get back to his own time, his mum and Annie? And does he even really want to?

Join Tim on his rip-roaring adventure exploring Roman life in the wilds of ancient Britain, the first in the Timewaif series of historical novels set throughout the ages for children to enjoy.

Review

Timewaif & The Roman Road is aimed at the younger audience, around 9 – 11 years old but is a very fun read for an adult too. I love anything to do with the Romans and wanted to see if the author could bring some passion and excitement for the period for younger readers.

Focusing on that side first.. wow.. there’s some much detail packed in.. little nuggets of info to captivate the readers mind. I couldn’t help but feel if I’d had stories given to me when I was younger like this my love of history would be even stronger.. its just so effortlessly interesting and immersive.

The other thing I love about this time of genre aimed is typically they deal with some personal issues too, to help the younger mind see these things and hopefully help them process their won feelings. Timewaif & The Roman Road ticked that box beautifully. Tim the main character has some issues at home, his mother hasn’t been well and has had her own issues leaving Tim to kind of grow up himself. As we all know growing up isn’t always easy and we see Tim’s struggles

This was such a fun and entertaining read even though it’s aimed for a younger reader but even the struggles Tim faced were handled in a sensitive and thoughtful way making it even better for me, having two young kids myself… helps me remember how they might be feel in certain situations as we see things though different eyes.

Nice fun 5 star read!

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Tempted yet?

Why not head to Goodreads or Amazon to find out more!

Who is Deborah Lyon?

Deborah Lyon has lived in Cumbria for nearly 20 years, having previously worked in London where she enjoyed a successful career in corporate communications. A lifelong lover of the Lake District, Deborah moved north to raise her blended family of four children by Windermere, where she lives with her husband, Gez, two golden retrievers, a Border terrier, and guinea pigs.

Her debut title, Lake District Unlocked, a children’s travel guide to Cumbria, was published in 2010. A graduate of Oxford University with a degree in English and French Literature, Deborah also holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. She draws inspiration from the region’s history and folklore, with the idea for Timewaif & The Roman Road sparked by an inscription on a Roman tombstone and a walk through a ruined felltop fort.

When she isn’t writing, Deborah runs a holiday-let business and enjoys exploring the landscapes that inspire her work, with over 170 Wainwright summits under her belt.

Where can you find them?

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/timewaifbooks/
Websitehttps://timewaif.com/

Why not follow the tour..

BLOG TOUR – Empire of Hanging Swords by R.R. Egal

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Empire of Hanging Swords by R.R. Egal!

Here’s the blurb.

An empire on the brink.

An unimaginable betrayal.

And one girl who has to hold it all together.

Empress Neferet is no stranger to the weight of a crown nor the responsibility that comes with it. Secretly, she hunts her beloved father’s murderer, seeking justice for his brutal death as unprecedented natural disasters are spreading fast across her lands.

Once she discovers the assassin was none other than her closest ally, the Dominus of Theron, fury drives her to cross the borders of his kingdom to seek revenge with the blessing of the gods. However, once Neferet crosses paths with Dante, the Dominus’s son, they uncover a conspiracy that shakes her deepest convictions and suggests that the disasters ravaging her empire weren’t so natural after all.

As more gods descend with cryptic and conflicting messages, Neferet’s faith is thrown into turmoil and she finds herself with more questions than answers. War looms on the horizon, so she and Dante must piece together the conspirators’ plans—and the gods’ true intentions—to stop them before her empire collapses.

Review

Empire of Hanging Swords follows follows Neferet, the Empress of the Etalan Empire and Dante, son of the Dominus of Theron. There’s tension from the outset, their countries are allies but Neferet has reason to believe someone has betrayed her and the Etalan Empire, her father was murdered, was it really their allies behind this?

We now meet Dante, the Dominus’s son.. tension is thick but soon a deeper conspiracy is discovered, it wasn’t just one murder.. there’s more planned and the Dominus is next!

It’s time for the two to put the their differences behind them and work together to save the Dominus..

As the story progresses you can see the tension between the two start to change.. it’s gradual and paced well but when they finally realise their feelings for each other it wasn’t a shock.. if anything you are rooting for them, and relieved for them. I’m not a big fan of romance in stories.. I’m always worried it will take focus away from the main plot of the story but I need not have worried as plenty of time is given so things develop at a steady pace without overshadowing the plot.

Speaking of development I really loved how the author balanced the world the characters live in exploring the makeup and the various religions.. again giving just the right amount of time to show it’s importance.

There’s plenty of action too for those who like a battle or two. I can’t help but love how the author managed to mirror the physical battles with the mental battles the main characters face. Who can they trust, can they trust each other.. can they even trust their own feelings and motivations..

Very fulfilling read.

4/5 stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Tempted yet?

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62452845-empire-of-hanging-swords

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/hangingswords-zbt

Who is R.R. Egal?

R. R. Egal is part writer and part eldritch terror. Empire of Hanging Swords is her debut novel and was inspired by her love of mythology in all its forms. Some of her favourite things in life are cats, old war movies, and the Oxford comma. When she’s not writing, she enjoys watching historical documentaries and reading sad poems.

Why not follow the tour..

BLOG TOUR – The Atlantis Covenant by Rob Jones

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Atlantis Covenant by Rob Jones 

Here’s the blurb

The greatest mystery of all time is about to be revealed. 

When world-famous archaeologist and ex-soldier Max Hunter finds a mysterious artifact in a tomb beneath the Gates of Nineveh, his lifelong dream of finding Atlantis comes one step closer. 

But he’s not the only one looking for it… 

His discovery unleashes a high-speed hunt for the lost civilization between a mysterious Swiss foundation, the FBI, and the world’s most secretive society. 

From the dangers of the Iraqi desert to Cuba and the jungles of El Salvador to the enigmatic Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Hunter faces a race against time and murderous enemies who will stop at nothing to claim the greatest prize in history. As he fights for his life, it soon becomes apparent that his enemies are searching for something altogether more sinister than the lost city… 

Hunter must use his unique ingenuity and knowledge to decipher the clues and find Atlantis – and its lethal treasures – before they fall into enemy hands. 

Review 

The Atlantis Covenant follows Max Hunter as he sets out to prove Atlantis is real.. Think Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible. 

When we first meet Max he’s just discovered a statue that could change the worlds view on Atlantis.. Only for it to pulled from his hands at the last moment and finds himself prisoner. 

Through a little luck he finds a way out of the mess but this is only the beginning! 

Hunter will stop at nothing to find the proof he needs but it’s clear he’s not the only one… and those following the same path don’t necessarily have his compassion or morals!  

Max finds himself backed by a mysterious Swiss Organisation.. The issue is.. Can they be trusted themselves.. Are their motives aligned with Hunters?  

Hunter is smart though.. He knows to watch his back but at the same time will do what he needs to, to get what he needs and quickly we see Hunter set out to decipher one of the biggest mysteries. 

The task see’s him meet various people along the way, and visits to different locations around the world. What I really loved is the author packed in enough detail to make those individuals and locations come to life but really kept the excitement focused fully on the adventure.. 

Hunter has to fight his way through puzzles but at the same time dodge enemies which seem to be everywhere.. 

Fast paced is an understatement.. Nothings rush but damn the action keeps coming and coming and really keeps the adrenaline coursing through the reader.  

I really liked Max he’s got a cockiness about himself.. Not so much that you dislike him.. He just believes in himself and doesn’t know when to quit! 

For my first foray into the authors style I really liked the energy, it bounces off the page and grabs you. There’s plenty of development throughout but leaves plenty of doors open for the author to explore leaving the characters anything but one dimensional.    

Strong plot mixed with intriguing characters equals a cracking story in my book. 

I’ve always been a fan of this kind of tale, adventure and history mixed, the unknown that could be right there but hidden.. Its exciting and fun..  

Super 4* read for me.. Really enjoyed the ride! 

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?

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

Author Bio –  

Rob Jones has published over forty books in the genres of action-adventure, action-thriller and crime. Many of his chart-topping titles have enjoyed number-one rankings and his Joe Hawke and Jed Mason series have been international bestsellers. Originally from England, today he lives in Australia with his wife and children. 

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: @RobJonesNovels 

Twitter: @AuthorRobJones 

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

BLOG TOUR – The Dragon’s Tooth by Benjamin Coward

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Today we kick off the blog tour for The Dragon’s Tooth by Benjamin Coward!

Here’s the blurb.

Dark forces are trying to overthrow the Seven Kingdoms. Can Calderon, the orphaned Kusarku prince, master a powerful magical weapon—and learn to trust his own abilities—in time to save his race and others?

After the devastating Grey War and the death of their beloved king and queen, the Kusarkus, descendants of minotaurs, reluctantly relinquished their independence and accepted the “generous protection” of the elves.

Since then, Calderon, the only heir to the Kusarku throne, has had to hide his true identity.

But when the Seven Kingdoms come under attack by unknown forces and the Kusarku are blamed, the young prince must journey to the human capital of Alezadria to defend his race and accept the responsibility of his birthright.

If not the Kusarku, though, then who is leading the hordes of goblins and trolls against innocent citizens? And who can Calderon trust, even within his own kingdom?

To aid in his struggle against evil, Calderon’s adoptive father, Bard, presents him with one half of his father’s powerful magical sword – The Dragon’s Tooth.

Working together with his friends, can Calderon master the legendary obsidian weapon and his own magical abilities in time to save the Seven Kingdoms?

Review

The Dragon’s Tooth follows Calderon, an orphaned prince, as he sets out to meet with King Adam to save his peoples reputation and to ensure the kingdom comes together to face the threat knocking at their door!

Along the way we learn about Calderon’s family and a strange weapon left by his father. How does he use it? and can he live up to his fathers image? There’s also a strange power just lying under the surface, can Calderon harness it safely?

The Dragon’s Tooth is an epic coming of age tale where the threat of attacks starts a landslide of change for young Calderon!

What I really loved was the pace versus the word count, the book isn’t overly wordy but the author didn’t rush anything and let the story unfold at a steady pace. The author even manages to pack in the detail needed to imagine the world and the people we meet along the way vividly!

Being a YA novel I felt the author really managed bring the story to life well whilst also tackling difficult topics such as exploring the differences between the races, prejudices and the struggle to feel self worth. What makes it even better is that it’s a natural flowing tale allowing the reader to stop to ponder their own feelings without feeling like the author forced you there..

I loved seeing Calderon grow, seeing him deal with different events and not only that but also navigating relationships as we meet new characters along the way.

Overall The Dragon’s Tooth is a epic tale, smart plot with well developed foundations. Ticks all the boxes! 5*

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Tempted yet?

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217515246-the-dragon-s-tooth

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/dragonstooth-zbt

Who is Benjamin Coward?

Growing up in the heartland of Missouri, author Benjamin Coward first discovered the thrill of world-building through role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons and books in The Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini.

In his debut YA fantasy novel, Benjamin masterfully creates a realm where relatable characters fight evil opponents and overcome struggles through teamwork and self-trust.

With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and now living and working in north central Florida, Benjamin’s love of nature and history often seep into his storytelling, enriching the fantastical worlds he creates.

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Where can you find them?

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560607996009&_rdr
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/benjamin_coward_author/
X (formerly Twitter)https://x.com/CowardBenj28064

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BLOG TOUR – I Will Find You by Jessica Huntley

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for I Will Find You by Jessica Huntley!

Here’s the blurb

Annalise saved them from certain death. But she does want something in return…

Bonnie and her husband Steffan are hiking in the beautiful Swiss Alps when they are caught in a freak snowstorm. Fearing they may not survive, the couple are overjoyed when they stumble across an isolated cabin occupied by a lone woman, Annalise.

But their joy soon turns to unease as they realise that Annalise may have a sinister agenda.

And she’s not the only one with something to hide. Trapped together in a nightmarish pressure cooker, the cracks in Bonnie’s marriage start to show as she discovers that Steffan has been leading a secret life.

All the while Annalise becomes more and more menacing. What does she want from them? And what is she willing to do to get it?

Bound ever tighter in a horrifying web, Bonnie is finally forced to confront one terrifying truth – someone is going to die on this mountain.

Review

This is my second foray into the authors works and I already knew I’d love this one.. I just didn’t know how much!

I Will Find You is told form the point of view of two characters, Bonnie and Annalise. What I immediately loved is the authors suspenseful style of storytelling.. the plot is never drawn out too much, rather twisted and engrossing as it plays out… it gives you instant tingles as you know something isn’t right.. but you don’t know what.

The majority of the story focuses around a trip to the Swiss Alps, as Bonnie and her husband Steffan set out on a trek that will push them both to the limits.

Things take a turn when a storm hits forcing them to seek refuge in a remote cabin where they meet Annalise.

The characters compete for the readers attention as the author moves the point of view from now, to explore the past and what brings them to this moment.. the great thing is neither overshadow the other… they both just demand that attention with their own tales.. you are sucked in.. so moving from one to the next while you enjoy the chapter you can’t wait to get back and see where the previous will take you.. but then you are sucked into to that perspective… ahhh you’re honestly just hooked easily making it an easy read too as it just flows effortlessly.

I’ll try to keep this spoiler free but there’s so many creepy vibes that come off multiple characters.. Bonnie has her own trauma but there’s more to her being in the alps than we know.. Steffan.. he’s a dark horse.. you always feel there’s something you don’t quite understand.. hidden just under the surface.. and Annalise.. how did she end up here and why…

The plot is captivating and deliberately full of suspense and I just bloody loved it.. I never felt I quite knew who was good or bad.. each have their own darkness and it was just simply enthralling.

The first 20% of the book is pure build-up which then dials up a notch when they arrive in the cabin..Bonnie feels the creepiness as soon as the door closes but is she going mad? is Annalise just a lonely old woman?

There’s a subtle message through the tale as it develops.. don’t judge a book by it’s cover.. either that or everyone has skeletons in the closet..

The author got the setting prefect to as it added a claustrophobic feel that ramps up the building tension.

There’s so much more to the story than the synopsis suggests.. trust me..it goes way further and those twists are perfectly timed and hit just the right notes.

Jessica Huntley is the queen of the suspenseful thriller for sure!

A heart pounding 5*

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Who is Jessica Huntley?

Jessica Huntley is an author of dark and twisty psychological thrillers, which often focus on mental health topics and delve deep into the minds of her characters.

She has a varied career background, having joined the Army as an Intelligence Analyst, then left to become a Personal Trainer.

She is now living her life-long dream of writing from the comfort of her home, while looking after her young son and her disabled black Labrador. She enjoys keeping fit and drinking wine (not at the same time).

Where can you find them?

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/jessica.reading.writing
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica_reading_writing
X (formerly Twitter)https://twitter.com/jess_read_write
Websitehttp://www.jessicahuntleyauthor.com

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236600768-i-will-find-you

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/willfindyou-zbt

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Blog Tour – One More to Die by Joy Ellis

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Today we kick off the blog tour for One More to Die by Joy Ellis!

Here’s the blub

Detective Kate Carter is called out to a fatal car accident on a remote fen lane.

At first glance it looks like a drunk driver simply lost control and crashed headlong into a ditch. But nothing about the scene adds up. The number plate is fake. The driver’s licence doesn’t belong to the dead man in the car. One tyre doesn’t match the other three. And what is a vinyl 1960s pop record doing in the glove box?

A neat puncture wound to the driver’s neck reveals this was no accident.

The following day, the body of a young woman is found in an old barn out on the fens. She’s been dead at least two years. Placed on the body is another vintage pop record.

And then the nightmare becomes personal. A mysterious package arrives at the station addressed to Kate: a 45-rpm record, and a chilling note scrawled in block capitals: ONE MORE TO GO.

It’s just the start. Sinister phone calls, creepy notes left on her car, unwanted gifts on her doorstep: Kate can no longer deny that she’s being pursued by an obsessive stalker . . .

Is she next in the killer’s sights?

Review

One More To Die follows Detective Kate Carter as her personal and work lives clash in spectacular fashion.

It all starts when Kate is called to a crime scene, a car accident.. but before she even sets off she finds a creepy note on her car.. being in a rush and not thinking much of it in the moment Kate heads off to the crime scene.

Things don’t add up at the scene of the accident and it becomes clear there’s more too it, who is the victim? why does the car have fake plates?.. and what’s the deal with the record found in the car.. bit of a strange find.

When another body turns up Kate is sent to do the groundwork before handing it over to another Detective… little does she know this case will soon be hers… another record has been found with the body.. what’s the connection with the first victim?

While the pressure mounts at work, stress is also building at home…after the initial note found on the car there’s also been a box of Kate’s favourite chocolates left and a very creepy phone call.. this is the last thing she and her family need…she could have a stalker! She needs to keep her family safe.. they could be watching.. waiting..

This is my first foray into the writing style of Joy Ellis and I must admit I loved it. The plot was intriguing, and progresses at a steady pace. I loved the clash of personal and work lives and the humanity added to the development of the characters given the situation they face.

I really enjoyed how the plot developed too, the people, the reasons behind the murders.. oo it gave tingles as you could see the pieces of the puzzle slotting together but at the same time the author kept little nuggets of info/twists for just the right moment to give the tale a real punch!

So can Kate find a way to deal with do situations? You’ll have to grab a copy of the book and find out! you won’t be disappointed.

Super fun and fast read. 5*

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Who is Joy Ellis?

I was born in Kent but spent most of my working life in London and Surrey. I was an apprentice florist to Constance Spry Ltd, a prestigious Mayfair shop that throughout the Sixties and Seventies teemed with both royalty and ‘real’ celebrities. What an eye-opener for a working-class kid from the Garden of England! I swore then, probably whilst I was scrubbing the floor or making the tea, that I would have a shop of my own one day. It took until the early Eighties, but I did it. Sadly the recession wiped us out, and I embarked on a series of weird and wonderful jobs; the last one being a bookshop manager. Surrounded by books all day, getting to order whatever you liked, and being paid for it! Oh bliss!

And now I live in a village in the Lincolnshire Fens with my partner, Jacqueline, and three Springer spaniels and four little rescue, Breton spaniels. I had been writing mysteries for years but never had the time to take it seriously. Now I write full-time, and as my partner is a highly decorated retired police officer; my choice of genre is a no-brainer! I have an on-tap police and judicial consultant, who makes exceedingly good tea!

I have set my crime thrillers here in the misty fens because I sincerely love the remoteness and airy beauty of the marshlands. This area is steeped in superstitions and lends itself so well to murder!

I am lucky enough to be one of the amazing Joffe Books team of authors and am really enjoying being able to spend time doing what I love… writing!

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Where can you find them?

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Joyellisbooks
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/joyellisbooks/

Books Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217410403-one-more-to-die

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/onemoretodie-zbt

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Conscript’s Call (Rifleman Book 1) by Griff Hosker – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Conscript’s Call by Griff Hosker!

Here’s the blurb

From the ashes of tragedy, new beginnings arise.

England, 1940: When seventeen-year-old John Sharratt’s life is shattered by a single, devastating bomb dropped by the Luftwaffe, he is thrust into a world of loss and longing. With his family gone and his heart heavy, John’s conscription into the army offers a refuge and a new beginning, even in the face of turmoil.

“The army had to be my future. I had nothing else and the bombing raid had brought the war home to me. My fingers clenched into fists. I wanted revenge.”

As he dons the battledress of a British soldier at Seaforth Barracks, John embarks on an intense journey of transformation. Amidst gruelling training and the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, -those who will become his new family, – he learns not only to wield a weapon but also to navigate the depths of grief and resilience. Each drill sharpens his skills, especially as a marksman. As his section sees postings in Greece, Crete and North Africa, will John emerge from the shadows of his past to thrive as a rifleman, or will the weight of his sorrow consume him? With the world on the brink of an all-out war, the lad from Lancashire must face the darkest of nights before the dawn of hope can break through.

Set during the early years of WW2, Conscript’s Call is more than a tale of historical conflict; it is an exploration of the profound impact of loss and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.

The first in Griff Hosker’s brand-new WW2 ‘Rifleman’ series which takes a poignant look into the horrors of war, the bonds created and the struggles of those left behind. A must-read for fans of David Gilman, James Holland and Douglas Reeman.

Review

I picked up Conscript’s Call after it was recommended and I’m so glad I did!

War is coming but for now life for John Sharratt is simple..he and his family lead a modest life, they work hard and make the most of everything..

Sharratt gets his papers, he’s to report for duty and knows his time at home is short. He’s only young though.. and there’s a girl that took his fancy.. this could be the last chance to see her.. when he steps out that night he has no idea how his world will change forever!

In a gut wrenching scene we see a bomb destroy his home and his family with it! With everything lost Sharratt heads to his posting to make his family pound.. being a solider is in his blood!

Basic training moves fast and poses some challenges for the young lad.. but this shared existence with the other men bring them close and forms the bonds needed to survive.

When the men find out they are about to deploy its tense.. they are all new to this.. and the dangers are everywhere… they are pawns without the big picture but they must do their part for their country.

I won’t spoil the plot but I do want to focus on a couple bits that really made this book stand out.. the pace.. it’s fast but not forced..at times it feels like a blur of activity but it’s mirroring what I feel it would have been like for the men..

The other thing I wanted to focus on was the tone of the tale, it doesn’t glorify battle.. it’s not the action that gets you excited.. it’s the depth.. it’s emotionally draining (in a good way), its moving and heartfelt, sometimes you can become detached from the real world.. it’s a story after all.. but no.. this one is so much more than just another story.. it has a realness that hits home…HARD.

The men are really what makes this plot shine, the detail given to them all, the attachments they made.. and in some cases the attachments they didn’t have time to make.. their luck.. or sometimes misfortune, really has you on the edge of your seat.

I particularly loved the moments when the men were aboard ships, any control they had over a situation gone..the rawness of those moments.. and what I felt was real honesty with their feelings and actions.. it’s just..ahh the authors words had me mesmerized!

The story isn’t overly gruesome.. it has it’s moments but at the same time, again, I felt the story mirrored how those men would see things..at times detached from the horror.

One word stands out in the synopsis for me… poignant.. that sums up Conscript’s Call perfectly..it’s poignant and beautifully written.

I loved the authors style of writing too.. its easy to read but at the same time clever, and engages the readers brain.

There’s some great detail thrown in too, ships, guns, tanks.. for those who love a bit of detail you’ll enjoy this too as the author clearly knows what he’s taking about, and that extra detail is mixed in smoothly without any deviation from the action.

A tank busting 5* read.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

BLOG TOUR – Dead Reckoning by Rob Sinclair!

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Dead Reckoning by Rob Sinclair!

Here’s the blurb

The most dangerous people are those with nothing to lose. Who don’t care if they live or die.

Simon Peake does care… he just isn’t sure about what right now. The ex-soldier’s life is as close to rock bottom as it gets.

He needs a job and he needs a quiet life.

What he gets is a whole load of mess working for New York-based Irish mobster Harry Lafferty. A job that requires him to use his special skills on some very unsavory people. His relationship with Harry’s niece isn’t exactly conducive to a quiet existence either…

As Peake tries to walk the fine line between surviving in this new life, and atoning for his old one, he struggles on both counts. And when his past comes back to bite him, and those closest to him are threatened, the reckoning will be merciless for anyone who stands in his way.

Review

Dead Reckoning follows Simon Peak, ex-soldier, down and out.. Peak needs a job and fast.

Peak has been in prison but it’s time to turn his life around.. well as much as possible. His opportunities are limited so he ends up at the doorstep of Harry Lafferty and his crew.

The pressure is ramped up when Peaks landlord demands 3 months rent so when the crew need a driver Peak doesn’t say no.

Little does he know his fate is now sealed.

Peak gets slowly sucked into their world and almost immediately makes a decision that will come back to bite him.

It’s not all doom and gloom though.. Peak finds a connection with Harry’s niece..but can he balance work and the growing connection between them?

Added to that Peak has history.. and an anger inside that he must use every ounce of strength to keep buried.

The thing about history is it won’t stay buried forever.

Things soon start going wrong and people end up getting hurt.. but why? Can Peak put the pieces together?

What I really loved was the timeline as the author explores both past and present, allowing the reader to learn about who Peak really is.. what broke him. It’s dark, gripping and packed full of high octane wow moments.

I love the little details added to, to give real depth to the main characters, emotions.. a realness.

The authors real talent for writing shines through and if you are a fan like me you’ll love it. Rob Sinclair manages to keep offering new and fresh characters that you get invested in but with the same gripping edge and style of story we love. There’s twists and turns along the way that really pack a punch too.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?

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

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @robsinclairauthor

Twitter: @rsinclairauthor

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

Bookbub profile:@RobSinclair

Release Day Review – The Druid’s Prey by Steven A. McKay!

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Today is release day for The Druid’s Prey by Steven A. McKay!

The Druid’s Prey is book 7 in the exhilarating Warrior Druid of Britain series.

Here’s the blurb

A vicious attack. An enraged warrior-druid. A relentless hunt for vengeance!

Following a cowardly raid on Dun Breatann the Saxon attacker, Saksnot, rides back to rejoin his bretwalda, Hengist, in far-off Garrianum. Bellicus, outraged by the savage attack on his people and his closest friend, follows the perpetrator with just one thing on his mind: bloody justice!
As the towering druid hunts his prey across the summer fields and streams, Arthur, Bear of Britain, seeks to make a lasting peace with the new immigrants from across the sea. Hengist has no such plans however, instead working alongside his terrifying volva, Thorbjorg, to bring only blood, fire, and death to the embattled Britons.

As the brutal struggle for supremacy rages between the two warlords and their armies, Bellicus will find himself drawn into an adventure he could never have foreseen. An adventure that may seal the fate of Britain for generations to come.
An adventure that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie will love!

Review

After the events of The Vengeance of Merlin we know peace isnt going to last for Bellicus.. he might have everything he wants.. the family he always wanted, the love of Queen Narina and his daughter, but someone is on their way to shatter this dream and pulls Bellicus back into action.

The Saxon, Saksnot, who murdered the previous Merlin sets out to rid the world of Bellicus and the Roman Duro.. these two have thwarted Hengist’s plans and Saksnot will not rest until they are dead by his hands.

Saksnot may be young and cocky, but he’s also clever and resourceful, managing to worm his way right to the heart of Dun Breatann. His actions have an immediate effect on Bellicus and he sets out to ensure justice comes to the Saxon.. or is it simple vengeance Bellicus is after? I’m not going to spoil it but the pain Saksnot causes is felt by many.

While these events play the warlord Arthur is making plans on how to keep Hengist at bay… one of which is convincing the Saxon’s who have settled in Britain to stand with him against Hengist and the Saxon raiders… or at least for them to agree to not take up arms to support their brethren.

It’s a great idea but obviously not everyone agrees.. or wants this..and soon leads to one of Arthurs closest companions to be captured.

It’s time to take the war to Hengist.. Arthur can’t just standby any longer.

Events put Bellicus and Arthur on a converging path.. but can they complete their missions without too much bloodshed?

Looking back to Dun Breatann, Queen Narina has her own problems, her closest neighbours have ceased trading with them but why. Narina is smart and sees this for what it is.. The Saxon’s influence is growing.

There’s only one course of action as Narina leads her warriors against King Cunneda and the Votadini… but this leaves Dun Breatann wide open to attack..

Dun Bretann is not as undefended as it seems though.. Again I can’t spoil it but those last few chapters have to be the best I’ve ever read!

Lets get down to the nitty gritty… Characters.. I really feel The Druid’s Prey is the most balanced book we’ve been given for development..the plot itself allows characters to shine and the author doesn’t hide from this to force the book in another direction.. I mean Saksnot! Wow.. He may be the enemy but I loved him.. and his part in this did not disappoint.

I think what I loved the most was the plot allowed Narina, Gavo, Lancelot and Bedwyr to come to the foreground, while others naturally took a back seat…

It was about time to see Narina stand up and shine, without her protector there it was the perfect time..and boy does she shine through and show what she’s made of!

There’s some very fun and light-hearted moments too such as a very humorous scene with Cai where Bellicus needs a distractions.. bloody funny and brilliant but the tone also fits with the tale.

Now I can’t finish the review without mentioning the ending… wow..I love how the author manages to keep bringing fresh ideas into the tale.. you never know what will happen next but I’m already super excited!

5/5 Stars.

My thanks thanks go to the author for allowing me a sneak peak, I had a book on pre-order and it was well worth paying £3.99.