Author Archives: Bairdy1985

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!

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh

Here’s the blurb

IN A VILLAGE WITH THIS MANY SECRETS, A MURDER IS JUST THE BEGINNING . . .


On New Year’s Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests.

He’s celebrating the success of his lakeside holiday homes, and has generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbours.

By midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake.

On New Year’s Day, DC Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects.

She grew up in the tiny community, so the murder suspects are her neighbours, friends and family – and Ffion has her own secrets to protect.

With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn’t who wanted Rhys dead . . . but who finally killed him.

Review

The Last Party came highly recommend so I picked up a copy to see what the fuss was all about.

Rhys Lloyd seems to have everything, famous and popular… so lets find out why he’s just been found dead!

DC Ffion Morgan, a local cop, is assigned the case but is quickly forced to team up with DC Leo Brady from the Cheshire Constabulary. Cross boarder relations… and as it happens.. oh I’ll not spoil it but I loved that the author managed to immediately make the characters more personable and real.

It becomes apparent that Rhys’s death wasn’t without foul play.. but who was involved and why?

There’s quite a bit of animosity surrounding this little lakeside community Rhys setup, locals and those they see as outsiders, does that have anything to do with it?

Well as it happens and as the case progresses we learn pretty much everyone has a secret.. not all relate to Rhys but it’s a complex wab of lies and deceit..

It’s more of a struggle too for Ffion who knows all the locals.. some are friends even.. but is there more to it?

The plot is very addictive and messes with your mind.. just when you think the mist is clearing another snippet of info becomes apparent which throws everything up in the air again!

The Last Party is a very clever tale of misdirection and intrigue. There’s subplots leading to conflicting thoughts you need to muddle through which was fascinating.. it’s soooo clever how the story unfolds and when the truth comes out it wasn’t what I expected.

Being a small community you learn quickly about the lives of the residents and the complicated.. or sometimes not so complicated relationships.. by unravelling at a steady pace it allows you to really get to grips with the tale.

The tale of me was made rather unique too being set on the boarder of Wales and England which opened this up to more possibilities and complex work relationships. Leo’s boss for example..no spoilers.. even with a solid plot there was time to devote to character development which added to the story rather than distracting me from the main plot. Being the first in the series the setup allows the author many directions to take so I’ll be interested to see what happens next.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

BLOG TOUR – Betrayal of Mercia by MJ Porter

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

Here’s the blurb

A King in crisis, a Queen on trial, a Kingdom’s survival hangs in the balance.

Londonia, AD835
The deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf is to be resolved. Those involved have been unmasked and arrested. But will justice prevail?

While the court convenes to determine the conspirator’s fate, King Wiglaf’s position is precarious. His wife, Queen Cynethryth, has been implicated in the plot and while Wiglaf must remain impartial, enemies of the Mercia still conspire to prevent the full truth from ever being known.

As Merica weeps from the betrayal of those close to the King, the greedy eyes of Lord Æthelwulf, King Ecgberht of Wessex’s son, pivot once more towards Mercia. He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of ending Mercia’s ruling bloodline.

Mercia once more stands poised to be invaded, but this time not by the Viking raiders the so fear.

Can Icel and his fellow warriors’ triumph as Mercia once more faces betrayal from within?

Review

Is this really book 7 in the series already?? So much has happened to Icel yet it feels like only yesterday we met the young boy, supported by his Uncle, trying to find his place in life!

What’s in store next? Well the deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf was uncovered with the help of Icel and now it’s time for those involved to pay the price.. this includes the Queen!!

Mercia has been forced to not only fight enemies from far afield.. but also those close to home and this is a major concern for all those involved.. King Wiglal.. and Mercia want justice..

The Wessex King and his men won’t let this lie though and Mercia is hit with even more betrayal and death as the tale unfolds.

I don’t want to spoil the plot for anyone but let’s just say the case against the Queen isnt as open and shut as the King would like and she still holds some power…and she’s not as helpless as it may seem.

I really found it fascinating to learn of a person’s worth during such instances, and that being in a position of power almost certainly made you trustworthy.. and the words of the common man/woman almost useless unless someone of power would speak of their worth. It really added the depth to that particular section of the story and added an extra umph when we are so used to excitement of battles and blood being the main focus.

Oh and don’t worry the battles are to come as things come to fruition and Wessex make their move.

Character depth and development was spot on as usual. Being on book 7 it’s credit to the author that they manage to keep adding naturally flowing detail into such a pivotal plot. I really love the little tit bits of the past thrown in too, memories on Icel’s uncle, the burning of Icel’s hand for example. These were great little ways for a new reader to be brought into the tale but also exciting for those devoted to the series as we have the chance to reminisce.

MJ Porter has a talent for historical fiction and this ever clearer when you see the shear amount of characters involved in the tale, which must have taken meticulous planning to not mix up names at pivotal points. I love Porter’s style too, I’ll be the first to admit names can be hard to retain in novels such as this are they aren’t names used in todays world.. but Porter manages to introduce what feels like natural pause points when the reader can reflect, and really absorb what is being told.

I’ve never really liked King Wiglaf but in this instalment It really showed him in a different light… the question is will he figure out who Icel really is and his family links? The King is kind to him now but if he see’s him as a threat to the throne will he be so kind?

How long can Icel hide the truth…

Without spoiling things I can honestly say this instalment is the best yet, flow is effortlessly perfect and the plot excruciatingly riveting.. I’m just glad I have the commute to work to enjoy the tale as I didn’t want to put this one down!

5/5 Stars

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

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

Why not follow the tour?

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.

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Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

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Bookbub profile: @coloursofunison

BLOG TOUR – Casa Paradiso – 300 Years in the Life of a House by Francesca Scanacapra.

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Casa Paradiso – 300 Years in the Life of a House by Francesca Scanacapra.

Here’s the blurb

Lombardy, Northern Italy, 1637

Cristó Lovetta, a skilled stonemason, arrives in the rural village of Pieve Santa Clara to work on a nobleman’s house.

Haunted by a tragic past, Cristó wonders if he will ever find happiness again. However, as he immerses himself in his work, the warmth of the community and the beauty of the landscape convince him to begin a new life there.

Cristó designs and builds his own house, which he names Casa Paradiso. Over the centuries, Casa Paradiso becomes home to many generations, standing testament to lives beginning and ending, and witnessing the everyday challenges and triumphs of its inhabitants – from love lost and found, to the tragedies of war, the far-reaching consequences of political decisions made by powerful men and the evolving role of women in Italian society.

Casa Paradiso – the fourth instalment of the Paradiso Novels – is a shining, evocative saga spanning three hundred years in the life of a very special house, and a book that explores the enduring strength of the human spirit, contrasted with the transient nature of life itself.

Review

After reading one of the authors other works, The Lost Boy of Bologna, I was keen to read more. Casa Paradiso is actually the 4th book in the series but is very much standalone, so no prior reading needed.

As the title suggests the story follows the life of a house, Casa Paradiso, right from the moment the first brick is laid, and describes the beauty of the house over the years, and the love and skill put into the construction.

Each chapter is it’s own tale, it’s own time point in the life of Casa Paradiso. This made the story fun as the author was able to throw so many tales at us but at no time was it under or overwhelming. Each short tale left me feeling fulfilled and content but eager for more.  I especially liked the links to the past when people we’ve met before are mentioned, their connection to the house still there in one form or another.

Each story has it’s own kind of theme too as the author shows the challenges each occupant of Casa Paradiso faced, poverty for example, thefts, marriage troubles, death. At times it’s very light-hearted but at others earth-shatteringly moving..

Casa Paradiso is a vivid and heart warming tale that not only follows the lives of those who moved through the house and the surrounding area, but of the house itself..each brick, changes to the structure that ultimately remove some of it’s beauty but at the same time shows us the changing landscape of the land, railways and such and how this too plays it’s part in the fate of Casa Paradiso.

The only way I can describe the authors writing is beautiful. Francesca Scanacapra has a way of pulling the reader in.. it’s poignant and one of only a handful of novels out there I can truly say will stay with me.. some of the events leave you breathless..the writing is so emotive!

While the story is fairly fast paced with each story contained within a chapter as such, the author did a fantastic job of providing some depth and development for the characters, there’s clear direction and details given to really make the reader feel the emotion within the tale.

When I came to the authors note at the end of the book it was lovely to see where the inspiration for the house came from. It really does make you think.. what if these four walls could talk… we take property for granted sometimes and Casa Paradiso nicely reminds us not to forget history, for there’s always a tale to be told.

Having not read the first three books in the series I can certainly say they will be on the TBR for next year as I forgot how beautiful Francesca Scanacapra’s words are.

A stunning 5*.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour. Why not check out the other stops to see what they thought of the book?

Have I convince you yet?

Purchase Link – https://geni.us/CasaParadiso

Author Bio –

Francesca Scanacapra was born in Italy to an English mother and Italian father, and her childhood was spent living between England and Italy. Her adult life has been somewhat nomadic with periods spent living in Italy, England, France, Senegal and Spain. She describes herself as ‘unconventional’ and has pursued an eclectic mixture of career paths – from working in translation, the fitness industry, education and even several years as a builder. In 2021 she returned to her native country and back to her earliest roots to pursue her writing career full time. Francesca now resides permanently in rural Lombardy in the house built by her great-grandfather which was the inspiration for her Paradiso Novels: Paradiso, Return to Paradiso, The Daughter of Paradiso and Casa Paradiso. Her novel The Lost Boy of Bologna was also published by Silvertail Books.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @francescascana2

Insta @francescascana2