Author Archives: Bairdy1985

BLOG TOUR – Woden’s Spear by Donovan Cook – REVIEW

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Today is publication day for Woden’s Spear by Donovan Cook! What better way to celebrate than for me to kick off the blog tour!!!!

Here’s the blurb.

Banished by those he loved; how far would he go for redemption?

449AD Old Saxony

Octa, the son of a mighty Saxon warlord, stands in the shield wall for the first time, eager to make a name for himself. But instead of the promised battle glory, fear overpowers him and he flees the battle, causing the death of his cousin and bringing shame to his family.

Disowned by his father, and hunted by his own people, Octa is spurred on by his mother’s vision for his future, a promise of greatness to come.

A chance encounter with a wiry traveller offers Octa a chance of redemption with a quest to retrieve a sacred weapon. To do this, Octa must travel to Britannia, a nation abandoned by the Roman Empire and unable to defend itself from its many enemies who smell weakness and riches.

Joining the famous warlords, Hengist and Horsa, Octa travels west to forge his future and redeem his past. He must succeed where others have failed. He must find the lost spear of Woden.

An epic adventure of turmoil, coming of age and survival set against a time when Britannia was on its knees and fighting for its very existence.
Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

Review

Octa is young and untested in war. He’s got a bit of swagger about him, especially when he’s given the chance to shine in the shield wall.

Fate has other things in store for Octa and after the death of his cousin, bringing shame on himself and his family he fleas to safety.

As Octa tries to escape his past an old man appears and offers a chance to redeem himself. Woden’s Spear was stolen, and the God wants it back… Could Octa be the one to help?

By chance Octa finds his way to Britannia where the spear is located but Octa doesn’t exactly know where to find it.. but he must if he’s to win back the favour of his family.

Along the way Octa is tested.. he truly believes he’s a coward, self-deprecating..but as the story progresses you see him slowly change as he meets new people along the way, see’s other perspectives.. was it really his fault what happened? Or was he pushed too soon?

We also learn that nothing happens by chance.. Octa was meant to be sent on this journey.. the Gods can be cruel and the decisions he makes could have major consequences… but the chance to get his hands on the spear is too hard not to take!

Historical Fiction is my bread and butter.. I love the genre and Woden’s Spear is a great addition… but it’s so much more than that…Dovovan Cook gives an extra dimension.. it’s the fantasy edge.

A lot of books touch on religions at the time and the turmoil caused but I loved that the author explored this in a different way and came up with a fascinating tale that included the will of the Gods… like the Gods were real and pulling the strings of men they use as puppets…

There’s still some great action scenes but I found myself really enjoying the adventure and didn’t miss the blood and gore.

I loved the character development arc of Octa too.. he grows throughout the tale but only with the help others.. and it’s those characters that really make things interesting. Badulf, Brigid and for me especially Reinald who I thought was the one who finally got through to Octa and made he see things in a different light.

Towards the end we also see development of Octa’s family which I loved, Octa’s father for example is a proud warrior.. when pushed too far what will he do for his family?

I was invested already but when I got about 65% through I was devastated to even need a toilet break as things were starting to get really juicy and it was one of those reads when you really don’t know what will happen next!

A super fun and exhilarating read 5*

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. 

Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England, where his fascination with Medieval History, especially the Vikings and Norse Mythology, took root. In his free time, Donovan loves to read, watch rugby, and go for walks with his wife and their French Bulldog, Joey.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

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

Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl by Rebecca Quin – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl by Rebecca Quin.

Here’s the blurb.

By age seven, Rebecca Quin, now known in the ring as Becky Lynch, was already defying what the world expected of her.

Raised in Dublin, Ireland in a devoutly Catholic family, Rebecca constantly invented new ways to make her mother worry – roughhousing with the neighbourhood kids, getting older and hosting secret parties while her parents were away, enrolling in a warehouse wrestling school, nearly breaking her neck and almost kneecapping a WWE star before her own wrestling career even began – and she was always in search of a thrilling escape from the ordinary.

Rebecca’s deep love of wrestling as a child set her on an unlikely path. With few female athletes to look to for guidance, Rebecca pursued a wrestling career hoping to change the culture and move away from the antiquated disrespect so often shown directed at the elite female athletes that grace the ring. Even as a teenager, she knew that she would stop at nothing to earn a space among the greatest wrestlers of our time, and to pave a new path for female fighters.

Culled from decades of journal entries and containing treasured family photos, Rebecca’s memoir offers a raw, personal, and honest depiction of the complex woman behind the character Rebecca Quin plays on TV, and a fascinating insight into the world of professional wrestling.

Review

Yes I’m a bit of a wrestling fan I must admit, call it fake all you want but I know my body couldn’t do what those guys do and boy do they sell it well! Ha

Once in a while a character will come along that immediately you like.. or sometimes dislike.. those that stay with you no matter what they do or how time passes.. Stone Cold for example will always be my ultimate.. then there’s Becky Lynch!

I grew up in the Diva days when wrestling for the women was more about how they looked rather than what they could do in the ring.. they didn’t get a real push or the screen time.. if I’m honest it felt like they were objects not people, but you could sense a change coming and it’s people like Rebecca Quin who helped change the way we look at women’s wresting.

I love real stories.. I love the relatable moods and emotions,  and The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl hits all the right notes.

There’s some massive high moments.. main eventing..pushing boundaries..love.but there’s also the horrendous lows.. dealing with life’s stresses, eating disorders and failure… it’s the realness we don’t see on screen.. we see the image they want us to see but there’s that doesn’t even scratch the surface.

I know Becky is just a character but what I always loved about seeing her on screen is it instantly felt real and it’s a talent to put realness into the performance and what The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl shows us it that Rebecca Quin put the same energy into her own life, facing every challenge put in her way.

I really enjoyed learning the errors Rebecca made along the way too.. like we all do.. it’s part of growing up.. the realness just helps you become more invested in the tale.. more invested in the character.

The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl is a wild ride of highs and lows, it’s raw and real and mirrors the feelings we all have in life.. although in rather different circumstance.

We know Becky made her way to the top of WWE but you that didn’t stop you rooting for Rebecca Quin from the first page to the last.

Interesting and insightful read!

5*

To find out more head for Goodreads or Amazon.

BLOG TOUR – The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair – REVIEW

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair.

Here’s the blub.

His past is coming back with a vengeance…

Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he’d prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minko – son to one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers – Gregor was a scared 6-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn’t the mission.

Twenty years on Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help in finding Gregor – now going by the name of Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of ‘crimes against the Russian state’, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.

Fuelled by old demons and painful memories of his own brutal actions in the past, Ryker finds himself once again in the thick of a complicated race against time and who knows how many of the world’s secret services, to find Gregor and get some answers.

As answers turn into more questions, they lead Ryker closer to home… and he can’t shake the feeling that he may be to blame.

Review

We are back with James Ryker…. for his 13th adventure! 13 is unlucky for some but not Rob Sinclair!

The Enemy Within jumps from past to present and allows the reader the chance to get to know Gregor Rebrov.

Gregor hasn’t had a great upbringing, and he’s again got himself in trouble.

Ryker is approached one day and informed of Gregor’s plight…Ryker has history with Gregor and his parents from a past mission so sets out to find him.

Of course it’s not going to be as simple as that in Ryker’s world. Firstly who were these two who informed Ryker.. and how do they know so much about him? Something doesn’t smell right.

Looking at the past we learn not only of the fate of Gregor and his family but also Ryker himself. We see how the job has changed him and also a little bit more about Ryker’s history with those who pull his strings, Mackie and Winter.

Back in the present we now understand why Ryker wants to help Gregor.. he owes him.. owes his mother.. Ryker isn’t the same man he was.. still as deadly but the toll of the job has really changed him. Is this Ryker’s chance at a little redemption?

What Rob Sinclair has done wonderfully is weave a fresh story for Ryker but at the same time added character development.. you’d think by now we would know what makes Ryker tick, but he never ceases to amaze me. Ryker has his flaws, but it’s these flaws that have made him the man he is.

Events have also changed Gregor and Ryker has to try and figure out if any of the boy he knew still remains.. it’s as he gets to know him that we finally understand Gregor’s own motivations.. the devastation that has brought him to where they are now..it’s a horrific and brutal punch that even rocks Ryker.

The setting was very poignant too as the author explores the war between Ukraine and Russia, it just makes those poignant moments all the more real.

The Enemy Within is packed full of action, political intrigue, betrayal and blood with a healthy dose of character development. For me it was all about the motivations…the depth and emotion.. Simply wow!

5*

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Most recently published by Bloodhound, Boldwood will publish his latest action thriller, Rogue Hero, in June 2024 and will be republishing all the James Ryker series over the coming months.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @robsinclairauthor

Twitter: @rsinclairauthor

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

Bookbub profile: @RobSinclair

BLOG TOUR – Crusade by Richard Cullen

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Crusade by Richard Cullen!

Here’s the blurb.

Continuing the epic historical adventure series from Richard Cullen, featuring The Black Lion…

Stripped of his birthright, Estienne Wace seeks to prove his worth in the deserts of Outremer!

Egypt 1219AD.

Abandoning the safety of England for the perilous shores of the Levant, Estienne Wace is thrust into the turmoil of the Fifth Crusade. Burning with righteous purpose, he is determined to reclaim the Holy Land in the name of Christ.

War rages along the banks of the Nile as a crusading army besieges the Saracen city of Damietta, certain that the price they pay in blood will return the glory and treasures they crave. But as the Black Lion roars, and the siege grinds on, Estienne’s unwavering faith is tested more and more by the grim reality of this brutal conflict.

As the siege turns on a knife edge, Estienne finds himself thrust upon a journey across the merciless desert. Stripped of everything, and forced into a dangerous alliance, he will grapple with the true meaning of faith, honour, and the price of salvation, in a land where nothing is as he once believed.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

Review

We’ve come a long way with Estienne but he’s still trying to find his place in life.

Estienne sets out to show his worth and joins the Fifth Crusade.

War rages and the battles are bloody and brutal but something within Estienne changes. As time progresses and more blood is spilt on both sides, Estienne see’s the true cost of war.

When he first sets out for the cause he was certain it was right and just.. but as he meets the people that many would call enemy he starts to see them in a different light.

Its very much an internal struggle for Estienne.. he sees bad where he should see the righteous.. and good where he thought there was only evil.

Plot wise I loved it, the battles are detailed and exciting but it’s balanced perfectly with the development of Estienne when things don’t go to plan.  There’s a lot that happens to Estienne, but the pace never felt rushed and the character arc never forced.

While Estienne is a massive part of the story what I really felt the author did well was bringing in new characters who you instantly took a shine too. Kashta for example, a fierce warrior..Amalric a loyal companion.. these two especially stood out as being pivotal to the plot and Estienne’s development as his faith is shaking to the core.

For the hardcore fans of battle there’s plenty of blood shed but what I really loved was the emotion added, it’s not just a battle for the sake of it.. there’s real purpose to each thrust and I could easily read this book again and again!

I don’t think I’ve ever read something so perfectly balanced with plot & character development.. I mean..how.. there’s just no way you can improve.

Easy 5*

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. Previously published by Head of Zeus and Orbit Books, his new historical adventure series for Boldwood, Chronicles of the Black Lion, set in thirteenth-century England, will launched in October 2024.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @Wordhog-100064278872214

Twitter: @rich4ord

Instagram: thewordhog

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

BLOG TOUR – The Uninvited Guest by Ruby Speechley

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Uninvited Guest by Ruby Speechley!

Here’s the blurb.

One hen, one stag, one uninvited guest… who won’t make it to the wedding?

Megan Lewis is ready for her big day, but when an unexpected guest crashes her hen weekend, her perfectly curated world unravels.

Beth, claiming to be Jamie’s cousin, quickly charms the group. But when she gets close to bridesmaid Lauren, things take a dark turn, and a game of truth or dare exposes secrets from Megan’s past, shaking her world.

As the wedding nears, Megan realises Beth isn’t who she says she is — but she may be her only ally.

When you can’t trust anyone, not even your fiancé, who can you turn to?

An unputdownable novel full of suspense and secrets, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Alice Feeney and Lisa Jewell.

Review.

Megan is preparing to walk down the isle and it’s time for her to relax and have some fun with her friends. Will this be a relaxing hen weekend?? No chance.

From the outset somethings not right. I won’t spoil it but Megan seems to be on edge..thinking the worst.. but why?  Well that’s where the author has been very cunning.. there’s a big backstory and lots of moving parts in this engaging plot.

As the hen weekend kicks off it’s time for old friends to reconnect, but when Beth arrives things go from bad to worse..

The author leads you down the rabbit hole… you think you know who is out to get Megan but not the why.. but then there’s twists that make you doubt your initial thoughts.

As the story progresses we learn of hidden secrets that would rock the foundations of any marriage but who is really behind this? And why? What do they get out of this?

Plot wise it’s gripping and exciting and I loved how Megan developed with depth added along the way, it really helped strengthen the overall tale.

The list of characters isn’t too exhaustive meaning the author was able to focus and let the plot shine which paid off! The characters are well defined and develop nicely to aid the plot but little do you know at first where the plot will take you.. wow.. those last few chapters are immensely captivating!

I didn’t warm to Megan at first but as the plot thickens you understand her more and I can’t help but feel that’s exactly how the author wanted it. Megan has her flaws but ultimately isn’t a bad person.. she’s just made some bad choices.. she’s not the only one though!

This is my second foray into the authors work and I continue to be wowed! Excited to see what’s next.

The Uninvited Guest is a tale of hidden secrets and desire..wow!

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Ruby Speechley is a bestselling psychological thriller writer, whose titles include Someone Else’s Baby. Previously published by Hera, she has been a journalist and worked in PR and lives in Cheshire.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063999185095

Twitter: @rubyspeechley

Instagram: @rubyjtspeechley

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

BLOG TOUR – Raven (Enemy of the Empire Book 1) by Adam Lofthouse – REVIEW

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Raven (Enemy of the Empire Book 1) by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

Review.

If you’re a fan of the author or follow my blog this book might sound familiar.. that’s because it is. The author has been snapped up by Boldwood Books.. which in my opinion is a match made in heaven!

Alaric is a mercenary for hire and he’s damn good at what he does… he turns the tide in favour of whoever pays the most and there’s not many he wouldn’t stab in the back for the right price.

We find Alaric and his band of 500 battle hardened men, the Ravensworn, in search of their next commission.. the only problem is something doesn’t smell right.

Alaric soon learns a powerful enemy wants him dead.. but why now.. he’s been in game a long time.. it just doesn’t make sense to him. I loved this part of the plot, the pace of the development was spot on revealing just enough to keep you hooked but never enough to give the game away too soon.

One really interesting thing about the book is the backstory of Alaric.. we learn of how he became to be the man he is.. and as much as I didn’t want to I found myself liking the character more and more even though he’s a bringer of death and destruction.

I really enjoyed the development throughout the tale as Alaric fights his way to the truth behind the plot to have him killed.. not only that but the characters themselves were captivating and when the action hit the story was utterly invigorating.. I was on the edge of my seat..especially during the last battle!

There’re so many good characters to pick from but for me Ketill and Birgir shine through simply through, not only as interesting characters but also because of the connections they have to Alaric.

I was fully immersed in the vivid battle scenes which had the adrenaline pumping overtime! This is what i wanted.. dark and dirty..life and death.. when push comes to shove niceties go out the window.

Easy 5*

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical thrillers. His brand new series for Boldwood, ‘Enemies of Rome’, will focus on the boundaries at the edge of the Roman Empire. The first book Raven, will be published in February 2025.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse

BLOG TOUR – Wolf’s Quest by Don Baldwin

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Wolf’s Quest by Don Baldwin.

Here’s the blurb

A feral child named Wolf is being raised by wolves deep in the forest until he is suddenly whisked away to a subterranean netherworld by the Tuatha De Danann; a strange and elusive race. In this otherworldly realm, where mortal time moves imperceptibly quickly, these ‘ever-living ones’ raise and train the boy for their own ends; returning a formidable stealth-warrior, back to the world of men.

In Wolf’s absence, Ireland has become a more dangerous place, as the Vikings strive to gain control of the country. But a young southern commander called Brian Boru and his enigmatic counsellor, Amergen, mean to thwart the Vikings’ plans. But they desperately need Wolf’s particular set of skills for a perilous mission deep into enemy territory. They set a trap to ensnare Wolf and his daring band of Rangers.

Review

Wolf, a young child, abandoned to the wild is raised by wolves. One day a higher power comes to take Wolf away… it’s time to prepare him for what’s to come.

Time passes very differently in the netherworld and when Wolf is returned to the world of man he really has no memory of his past as such.. but his connection with the wolves remains strong.

As the years pass Wolf has trained to be a ranger, an elite team able to carry out any task and leave without a trace.

When a job offer is thrown Wolf’s way he has no choice but to accept but little does he know the whirlwind adventure this will start.

Tasked with kidnapping a girl Wolf is torn.. things aren’t adding up.. the truth is being hidden from him but why and what is the ultimate end?

Wolf’s Quest is a fast paced epic fantasy novel without the word count.. it’s perfect for young readers or those not familiar with the genre.

So development wise.. the plot.. oh my this is one amazing world the author has created. I loved the setting of Ireland, the Vikings and the complex plot and even more so the netherworld. Being so fast paced there’s not questions per se, but areas I’d be interested to see the author visit again, it’s a vast world with so many options and the ending left me in no doubt more will follow which I’m very happy about.

Development of characters can be difficult in such a fast-following tale, but the author did a fantastic job of bringing them to life, infusing individuality along the way and giving meaning to their involvement. I think the author has neatly allowed himself space for development in future works.. While Wolf is the most developed there’s still room for growth and to explore his past and motivations more.. and that’s why I’m giving a 5* and not a 4* star.. I think the decision to focus more heavily on plot than characters was the right choice but it leaves a reader like me excited to see where the author will take me next.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221461095-wolf-s-quest

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

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

Why not follow the tour

Don’s Bio

Don lives in Ireland, where he feels a deep sense of connection to the land. He is married and a father of two, a daughter and a son. Don has been writing for over forty years, and he has a healthy portfolio; mostly feature articles and Short Stories (two of which were prize winners –‘The Sea-maid’ and ‘Deep Thoughts’; a result of his deep fascination with the sea). He is also a regular contributor to several Irish national magazines, including ‘Ireland’s Own’, ‘Ireland’s Eye’ ‘The Irish Mountain Log’ and ‘Subsea’, supplying them all with a variety of articles on Vikings, mermaids, wildlife, mountains and history: while all four magazines have also published his short stories. Don also regularly publishes feature articles in both of his local newspapers, ‘The Dundalk Democrat’ and ‘The Argus’.

Don is an avid hill-walker and scuba diver, and he draws great inspiration from both the mountains and the sea, as, he notes, did the poet William Wordsworth (1807) “Two voices are there; One is of the Sea, One of the Mountains; Each a mighty Voice…” Don is also an ‘Advanced Adventure Sport Instructor’, reflecting his passion for outdoor adventure activities.

Besides his background in construction, Don has also completed several courses in English, Creative Writing, Short Story Writing and Freelance Journalism. He has also served for three years in the Irish Permanent Defence Forces, serving with the 27th Battalion along the Irish Border. Don also did a six month peace-keeping tour of duty with the 46th Irish Battalion with the U.N., in the troubled lands of south Lebanon.

Don writes full-time now, having closed down his construction business and taken early retirement; so that he could finally focus on what has always been his real passion, writing!

‘Wolf’s Quest’, is Don’s first Novel

BLOG TOUR – A Light of Little Radiance by Keith Anthony Baird and Beverley Lee

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for A Light of Little Radiance by Keith Anthony Baird and Beverley Lee.

Here’s the blurb

Selina Dragavei wanders the northern wastes in fear of persecution from the Holy Roman Church. In Europe’s Dark Age, witchfinders scour the lands and traveller folk such as she are put to flame and suffering. On the ruthless steppes, she evades them but something far sinister will lay claim to her soul.

Returning to the world of men, a dark, transformed Selina has a thirst for blood and only the drift down through the centuries will quench it. But she won’t make that journey alone, as she determines to bring others to her. As a troupe of entertainers, they attend pageants, festivals, and even royal galas, where a family bound to darkness feed on unsuspecting mortals. Such debauchery, however, does not go unnoticed. Famed witchfinder, Desider von Brandenburg, becomes obsessed with bringing this band of vampire-devils to a righteous cleansing, and so a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.

Will the holy man bring God’s wrath down upon them, or will Selina and her nightwalkers battle the might of Heaven and emerge unscathed? Only instinct, cunning, and a little luck under the watch of a wolf moon will tell…

Review

Selina is alone, hunted and looking for safety but what she finds is much darker and will change her life forever. Selina stumbles upon a dark creature which transforms her into something new.. something stronger.. something thirsty for blood.

When Selina returns to the world she needs to find a way to survive and quickly decides it’s time to gather a family. Selina sets out to create her family of misfits, each chosen for s specific reason.

The family explore the world together, feed and thrive.. until it starts to unravel…

Now the hunter becomes the hunted as the family flee to safety… but is anywhere safe?

Those hot on their heels won’t be deterred even though the endeavour will be costly for both sides.

Vengeance soon becomes Selina’s only goal, but can she finish this once and for all before it’s too late for her.

Oh wow, what a super and thrilling read A Light of Little Radiance was!  The story is brought to life seamlessly by two authors. I had wondered how well would it work, would it flow ok… well let me tell you the flow was immensely prefect. Its very much a plot driven tale but the authors did a wonderful job of making the characters come to life amongst the chaos of Selina’s life.

Its dark, and felt guttural in tone which suited the plot perfectly, the darkness of the setting mirroring the darkness within the characters as they struggle to survive. It’s strange but even though Selina and her family are the ones killing you actually want them to survive.. Selina’s beat the odds before but can she do it again?

Oh the last few chapters.. wow.. I had no idea how I wanted the book to end but I really don’t think there could have been a darker, more thrilling ending..its enough to make you tingle with excitement.

Outstanding story perfectly executed. The story felt fresh and thrilling.. and I loved every second!

5/5 stars

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

Why not follow the tour

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Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217420969-a-light-of-little-radiance

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

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Keith’s Bio

Keith Anthony Baird has written a number of works, all of which can be found using your browser – get busy!

He lives in Cumbria, in the United Kingdom, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.

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Keith’s Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kabauthor

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kabauthor.bsky.social

Website: https://5f2dd297cf905.site123.me/

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Beverley’s Bio

Beverley Lee is a bestselling dark fiction author who lives close to the dreaming spires of Oxford, England. Her work specialises in atmospheric horror, creeping dread, and broken boys – sometimes altogether – but are always filled with heart and the tenuous threads of relationships pushed to the brink. All the Feels all the time. Vampires are her first love and occasionally they stop whispering long enough for her to write other books. When she’s not writing you’ll find her rambling through the countryside, dreaming about male vampires kissing, and exploring time-worn graveyards

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Beverley’s Social Media

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

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

Website: https://beverleylee.com/

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The Berlin Agent by Stephen Ronson – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Berlin Agent by Stephen Ronson

Here’s the blurb

A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night…

England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders – to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil.

Their worst fears are realised when a parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.

But at night, Cook and Margaret hear German voices in the darkness. Reports come in of others hearing similar things, and there are whispers of an agent from Berlin…

With enemies already hiding among them, how far will Cook and Margaret go to protect the country and the people they love?

Review

After previously dabbling into the authors world and style of storytelling I was looking forward to reading this one.

Paris has fallen to the Third Reich and Farmer John Cook is on the lookout for spies.

Tension is high and one night a parachute is seen in the sky.. Cook sets out to find out who or what was dropped but things are a little muddled in the dark and who or whatever it was remains a mystery.

Cook tries to get on with his day to day life while keeping an eye out.. and two things quickly become apparent… at times strange voices can be heard.. are they German? And if so where are they?

The second thing is.. could there be trouble closer to home..there’s a lot of drama but is anything connected? Cook is a man of principle and he won’t stand by when someone needs help.. but can he keep everyone safe?

There’s a complex web of events that link wonderfully but at the same time mean the reader is thrown off the scent right until the moment the author wants you to know more. It’s a engaging puzzle waiting to be solved.

Plot and characters both developed at an easy to read pace.. there’s lots of meat on the bone with this one, plenty to get to grips with but it’s clever and gripping in it’s nature. The plot and characters support each other in the development so nothing felt out of place or rushed.

The only word I can think of to sum up the story is EXCITING. From first page to last it’s fun and intriguing, an exciting bunch of characters and you never really know what will happen next. 5/5 stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

The Commuter by Emma Curtis – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Commuter by Emma Curtis.

Here’s the blurb

I used to dread rush hour. Now I live for it…

Rachel wakes from a coma to discover her controlling husband has been killed, and the police suspect her of involvement.

But all Rachel can recall from the last few weeks are tantalising flashes of a fellow commuter. A man whose name she doesn’t know.

A man who has disappeared without a trace.

Now Rachel is a wealthy widow and the vultures are circling, wanting her in prison for murder, or failing that … dead.

Can Rachel discover the truth in time to save herself?

Review

I attended a boo k talk last year and The Commuter was suggested as a book to pick up and an author to watch, so I immediately put it on my TBR.

Rachel awakes from a coma to find out her husband is dead.. but she has no memory of the events that led up to that faithful day. She’s lucky to be alive but this is just the start of a spiral of events for Rachel as she unravels to truth!

We quickly learn that some instinctively don’t trust Rachel.. although she couldn’t have been there at the time her husband died… there’s gaps in her story that even Rachel can’t fill..

Things go from bad to worse when her husbands will is read and it’s not what everyone is expecting… if anything it raises more questions and causes more tension.

We start to learn more about Rachel and the what happened in the run up as bits of memories come back.. like a puzzle for Rachel to put together.

The quickly see her husband wasn’t exactly an innocent…his daughter is not very likeable and there was someone else in Rachel’s life.. but who.. and what does it mean.. is there a connection?

What unfolds is a very clever and complex plot that ultimately led to an untimely death.

I really enjoyed the flow as the story moves from current day, back to the past as Rachel’s memory returns.

The flow allowed for development of the characters at a natural pace, nothing felt forced or out of place.. the development just matches the flow perfectly in pace and made it a super engrossing read,

Character wise.. and the twists.. wow.. I don’t say it often but I really didn’t know what would happen next and I was hooked. I don’t want to spoil it but Rachel is really put through it!

When to bed each night I was excited for my own commute the next day just so I could pick up the book again!

What made this book such a gripping thriller was the main characters amnesia, as it allowed the author to take the story so many directions… and those twists were gob smacking!

This was more first foray into the authors work but it won’t be my last!.

Well worth grabbing a copy… 5/5  stars

To find our more head to Goodreads or Amazon!