Today I’m taking part in the series blog tour for The James Ryker Series by Rob Sinclair… today I’m sharing my review of The White Scorpion. 

Here’s the blurb:

Rule number one for an agent of the secretive JIA is to follow orders, no matter what.

But James Ryker has never cared much for rules. He only wants to do what is right.

Assigned to join a crew of elite security personnel in Chabon, Africa, Ryker’s mission objective is clouded by politics and obfuscation, and he knows only that to protect British interests in the region, he is to infiltrate the close protection team of the government of Chabon, a country with a dark and violent past. ​

Arriving in Chabon’s crumbling capital, Kilpassa, Ryker finds a country on the brink of civil war. A growing civilian rebellion threatens peace, with claims of atrocities committed by both sides, including the frail government run by enigmatic President Benyu – a former military general who took control of the country in a violent coup. ​

Drawn into Benyu’s inner circle, it soon becomes clear to Ryker that in Chabon, the lines between good and bad, and right and wrong, are nearly impossible to identify.

With a crisis of epic proportions unfolding before his eyes, Ryker knows one thing for sure: with or without the backing of his superiors, he must take drastic action, and quickly, or risk putting millions of innocent lives in danger.

Review

The main issue with a long running series is how do you keep things fresh and engage with the readers time and time again.. Well Rob Sinclair certainly has the magic formula as we are back with James Ryker for his 5^th instalment which for me is quite honestly the best yet.. the series just gets better and better!

The White Scorpion starts with an explosive prologue.. Ryker is on a mission and things have went south once again! it’s not just his life on the line either as he’s got a team backing him up on this one. At first it seems like a simple hostage exchange.. but nothing is simply in Ryker’s world.

After that blood pumping start we are catapulted 3 weeks previous to learn of the events leading up to the hostage exchange and we see Ryker slowly sucked back into the life he so desperately wished to leave behind.. but he knows deep down this is where he belongs, he just wants to do things on his terms with full disclosure… its more than a job to him.. this is his life.

Peter Winter is back as Ryker’s handler and for me I loved his development in this tale as he really gets his hands dirty.

Ryker is sent to Chabon under the guise of him being part of an elite security team.. not far from the truth, but he’s got another mission too!

We get the usual spy craft we’ve come to love of Ryker, sneaking around trying to obtain data, playing his cards close to his chest not only to keep himself safe but everyone else too.. he doesn’t know who is trustworthy…

The plot develops quickly as the risk of civil war increases with every turn of the page.. you never know if someone is good or bad.. or in Ryker’s world, bad or really bad.. Can Ryker stop this before things go too far?

There’re quite a few twists along the way, things that certainly have that wow factor.. let’s just say not everyone is being truthful with Ryker and he’s not going to stand for that once he finds out.

Action packed would be an understatement.. brutal and thrilling just wouldn’t do this book justice…outrageously perfect is the only way to describe this one!

If you like you action thrillers or spy novels this is certainly a must have book for the collection!

A 5* from Rob Sinclair from me.

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

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so was my pleasure to jump on the tour. Big fan of the authors work here on David’s Book Blurg.

Why not follow the rest of the tour to find out more?

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: https://www.facebook.com/robsinclairauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair

Today I’m reviewing the audiobook version of A Forest of Vanity and Valour: The Levanthria Series by A.P Beswick narrated by Aaron Smith.

I’ve been following the author on social media for a while but have never got around to giving one of his books a go until now..Not that I didn’t want too.. there’s just so much choice and so little time ha.

Anyway I picked up the audio version of the book as a lift gift for signing up to the authors mailing list..via the BookFunnel app (Side note… how decent is the BookFunnel app?? I’ve used the site before but never new they had an app… very happy indeed and its really bloody decent)

Anyhooo.. after signing up to the mailing list I found I already had the book in my TBR list.. bought back in March 2023.. reading and buying books are different hobbies for me ha ha.

All the signs were there so it was about time to give the book a go.. and I’m glad I did.. from the authors socials it was a sold as an epic fantasy with a robin hood kind of edge… let’s see shall we..

Here’s the blurb.

An aggressive debt collector banished from the kingdom. Now his life depends on his ability to help the less fortunate….

Vireo Reinhold relishes collecting his monarch’s proper dues. Working hard to prolong and fund the king’s never-ending war, the self-centered official revels in the perks of luxury that come with his unorthodox role. But his world upends when he unearths an ancient spellbook that promises to unlock a shadowy, forgotten magic. Embroiled in a secret affair with a fellow noble’s wife, Vireo is mortified when he’s forced to commit an unthinkable act. Driven into exile, no longer able to coerce the vulnerable, and with the powerful tome in his enemy’s hands, the fallen agent’s only shot at survival hangs on his skills at saving others.

Can Vireo redeem himself as the people’s champion before they all fall to a sinister fate?

A Forest of Vanity and Valour is the dark first book in the Tales of Levanthria fantasy-retelling series. If you like fast-paced action, evil-to-good transformations, and classic stories with a twist, then you’ll love A.P Beswick’s ominous tale. Buy A Forest of Vanity and Valour to fight for what’s right today!

Review

Vireo and his friends collect money for the King.. it’s not a great job but it keeps them in the life style they are accustomed too..and no one wants to be at the bottom of the ladder do they. It doesn’t make them popular.. if anything it leads to a few scuffles that could be avoided.

There’s a war going on and the King needs money.. and that means increased taxes. This isn’t going to go down well.

This world has magic, although it’s outlawed. With the war effort going badly it’s time to embrace magic again.

Vireo is on the pulse and has a book that may help!

We soon learn of a secret affair Vireo is having with a nobles wife.. this noble happens to be the person in charge of keeping the money and men flowing to the King so when he learns of the betrayal he’s not going to let this go lightly..

What makes it interesting is its hard to know what actions are carried out by the man himself.. there’s something else going on.. but what?

Not to spoil things but after an harrowing act that rocks Vireo to the core he’s on the run with his pals..but the only place they can hide is the forest.. a forest full of magic, the downside is there’s creatures that live there that could rip a person to pieces.

As Vireo sets out to make a camp of sorts this band of comrades soon learn of the dangers of the forest but there’s luck on Vireo’s side.. and a prior kindness pays off big time.

This is where the story starts to have the robin hood vibe.. but it’s amplified with the epic fantasy punch as we see the men try to forge a life.. to survive.. but they have to deal with actions and the ramifications for the people as they continue to be punished with high taxes.

Things come to a head and a battle is the only outcome.. someone must die..but who will make it out alive.. and who is really the bad guy in this tale? There’s a lot hidden..like we are only touching the surface.

Overall it’s a resounding hit.. but Aaron Smith’s tone and pace is what make the audio version an full on 5* story. I love a good audio book but sometimes struggle to maintain focus as my eyes are always looking elsewhere.. but not so with A Forest of Vanity and Valour.. my attention was focused from the first chapter.. Smith has a commanding presence which hooks you in.

I’ve already used this months audible membership credit to get the next book in the series and I’m keen to get started.

To find out more head to Goodreads, Audible or Amazon… or.. why not sign up for the authors mailing list? That’s what I did..

Today I’m reviewing The Wrong Woman by O. J. Mullen

Here’s the blurb

Everyone has secrets. Are yours worth dying for?

Julia Sutherland isn’t too sure about her new colleague. Ellis Kirkbride is friendly, charismatic and handsome, but there’s just something about him – a bit too slick, a bit too confident, and he stands a bit too close. Normally she’d share her concerns with her husband Rob, but he’s been distant lately and Julia has a secret he mustn’t find out.

Ellis Kirkbride thought he had found the right woman. She was everything he could want but she didn’t want him. And that was unacceptable…

In a tale of twisted love and chilling revenge, bestseller O.J. Mullen will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Perfect for fans of K. L Slater, Claire Douglas and Sue Watson.

Review

This book keeps you on your toes from the first page to the last. Starting strong depicting a family falling apart.. it sets the tione perfectly and leaves the reader with questions instantly.. needing to know more.

We then meet Julia, she’s successful at the her job and has a loving husband.. but that’s it.. she doesn’t have the life she hoped, that they both hoped for, which has led to tension but overall she’s happy.. life could be worse.

Her husband Rob works too hard.. late nights.. sometimes they are like passing ships in the night.

In walks Ellis Kirkbride, he’s smart… but what’s his game? He’s got one hell of a backstory that he brings with him… but how much of the story he tells Julia is true?

I feel the author got the pace spot on, it’s deliberate, methodical and builds the tension.. by around 30% in I was wondering what could possibly happen next as you can see the pressure building, and there’s so many possibilities…but even more exciting is that more than one character has secrets to hide.

The Wrong Woman is most certainly one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read but it’s more than that, there’s real emotion put into the character development, you can see them face their own battles with lust.. and loose..

The story is told from multiple points of view but as the story progresses you can see some characters are open and honest,while some even seem to lie to themselves to justify their actions. This style meant it was easy to read and sucked in as you didn’t get too bogged down in one character, everything is kept fresh and exciting but also treated the reader to development that was intense!

I can’t spoil it but from the synopsis you’d think you’ve a good idea of what is going to happen yes? Ellis sets his sights on Julia whose husband is a workaholic… prime target yeah? Oh how little you know… there’s so much packed into The Wrong Woman by Owen Mullen.

While the synopsis certainly hooks you in… it’s only part of the story… and that’s the point.. hook you in then Owen Mullen gives you a masterclass in potent psychological mind play!

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to Owen Mullen, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but have already bought a copy officially too and for 99p for the kindle version it’s a steal!.. Big fan of the authors work here on David’s Book Blurg.

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Owen Mullen is a McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year long-listed novelist. He is the novel of several crime, gangland and psychological thriller series.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/owenmullen6

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

Today is my turn on the blog tour for Fark Frontier by Matthew Harffy.

Here’s the blurb

A thrilling historical western set in 1890s Oregon, from the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. An English soldier turned policeman escapes to the American West for a new future, but life on the frontier proves far harder than he ever imagined…

A man can flee from everything but his own nature.

1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield.

With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and meaning, Gabriel leaves the grime of London behind and heads for the wilderness and wide open spaces of the American West.

He soon realises that the wilds of Oregon are far from the idyll he has yearned for. The Blue Mountains may be beautiful, but with the frontier a complex patchwork of feuds and felonies, and ranchers as vicious as any back alley cut-throat in London, Gabriel finds himself unable to escape his past and the demons that drive him. Can he find a place for himself on the far edge of the New World?

Review

Dark Frontier is a change in setting/period for Matthew Harffy who has established himself as one of the best historical fiction writers out there.. so what’s the new offering about you may ask..Well the latest treat for us readers is a western adventure that packs a punch!

Word of warning.. I’ll try to keep this spoiler free but there’s only so much I can tell you so…..

Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes leaves England behind to escape his past.. he’s running away from his daemons, but you can only run so long before things will catch up with you.

Stokes heads to Oregon to meet his friend John who owns and runs Thornford Ranch. As soon as he steps off the train the action starts.. there’s a commotion and the first body hits the floor courtesy of Jed White.

Things spiral kind of fast for Stokes now as we learn about Jed, who was actually sent to collect Stokes.. but where is his friend John.. and why did Jed just shoot this young man?

Now I’ll try and remain spoiler free as much as I can but from the off Stokes is knocked for six and his whole purpose/lookout changes… I’m not sure he really knew what he was expecting at Thornford Ranch but what he’s thrown into is beyond anything he would have thought possible and he quickly finds himself sucked into a protective role.. he can’t just walk away..

We learn of a town under the thumb of very influential people, and eyes and ears are everywhere…this place is more dangerous than London even.. the law doesn’t really have any power here… it’s those with connections that hold the power.

To say it’s a typical western wouldn’t do the story justice but it does have some things you’d expect such as the gun fights which really added an edge of excitement. I particularly liked the detail added to explain the weapons, range, kick back and such..wow.

Some would say the author took a risk moving away from his well established work.. I say he’s killed it! What was clear from the off was the detail added not only to give you that true western feel but also the wider story of Stokes, London, his reasons for being in Oregon.. it adds more depth to the tale and for me would help the flow for someone who may not consider a western their genre, the detail just gave it that polished edge knowing how much time had gone into the background of the plot but perfectly added the gruffness I’d expect of a western tale!

Stokes is the main character and by far the most developed due to this but I can’t even start to explain how well developed his character is… he’s got his issues and he’s fighting them, you can tell he’s honourable.. but at the same time has weaknesses like we all do..

I particularly found him funny in those moments when a pretty face would turn his head only for him to overreach and old wounds opened so to speak.. these moments were lighthearted at times but at others pivotal showing what kind of man Stokes is and the length’s he will go to for what he believes is right.

Engrossing.. mesmerizing…. however you want to say it this book has the wow factor from the off, the plot sucks you in.

I don’t think I’ve seen such a well-developed ensemble cast either, even down to the shop keepers.. their mannerisms/style just melted through the pages and each added something to the flow and direction of the story.

If I had to pick a word that describes the feel of the book best it would be authentic.. it has everything I expect of a western.. but here’s the thing.. it goes beyond that, transcends what you expect and delivers even more of a punch.

Grab a beer, whiskey or even a sarsaparilla and enjoy!.

I really wish I could write some spoilers but that’s not me.. but trust me.. it’s git everything a reader could ask for!

A wonderous 5* read.

My thanks go to Andrew @ HeadofZeus for arranging the tour and for inviting me. I was grateful for the copy of the book to aid my timely review but I purchased a kindle copy too. Harffy gets no free rides with me… but continues to amaze me so it’s well worth grabbing a copy!

Need more convincing? Why not follow the tour?

Buy Link

Amazon: https://geni.us/DarkFrontierBlogTour

About the author

Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters. Matthew is the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles and A Time for Swords series, and he also presents the popular podcast, Rock, Paper, Swords!, with fellow author Steven A. McKay.

Matthew Harffy Social Handles

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Instagram: @beobrand

Website: matthewharffy.com

Aries/Head of Zeus Social Handles

Twitter: @AriesFiction

Facebook: Aries Fiction

Instagram: @headofzeus

TikTok: @headofzeus

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

Today I’m reviewing Sword of the Saxons (Alfred the Great Book 2) by Steven A. McKay!

Here’s the blurb.

Betrayed by his kinsmen, his forces overrun by Danes, King Alfred of Wessex has retreated deep into the marshes of his homeland, lying in wait for his chance at redemption.

The scourge of the heathen horde that has ravaged the kingdom for decades is at its peak. Led by the fearsome Viking warlord Guthrum, the fate of the men, women, and children at their mercy appears all but sealed. But underestimate the great king at your peril…

Gathering allies and bannermen to his cause, and building a strategy that will hopefully ensure victory, Alfred sets out to undermine the strength of the complacent invaders, and establish Wessex as the greatest territory in the British Isles.

A final showdown awaits. Not only with Guthrum and his savage warriors, but with destiny. As the battle lines are drawn, the destiny of not just Wessex, but of every Anglo-Saxon in Britain, rests firmly on Alfred’s shoulders.

An utterly ferocious and gripping adventure, covering the fascinating middle years of Alfred the Great’s reign, one of Britain’s most influential monarchs.

Review

I feel like Alfred the Great is one of those people we’ve probably all heard of.. but know really little about and it was just waiting for the right person to ignite the passion in a story about the man and McKay certainly knows how to do that with a bang!

Firstly, don’t worry If you’ve not had chance to read the first book in the series.. while I’m of course going to tell you to grab a copy it’s most certainly not needed to understand the tale and characters as the author does a outstanding job of laying the foundations of the tale and building as he goes, everything fits perfect so just when you want a bit of background on a character and their motivations etc it’s there.. so beautifully woven it’s almost effortless to read.

Alfred has been defeated and betrayed but he’s not out of the fight yet.. it’s time for Alfred to shine. Where book 1 dealt with Alfred’s rise and fall from power book2 deals with the fall out, and most importantly his personal growth as he tries to maintain but also grow his support to take back the land from the Dane invaders!

What I really loved was while there’s more than enough action for the fans it’s tempered with a more personal side as we see him struggle with his own health, those of his friends, guilt at the cost of war and most importantly to him.. wishing to keep his family safe. It’s a perilous time but I loved the human touch given to Alfred with those special moments with his family. Those pages really made you understand that being King isn’t always a good thing.. sometimes it’s clear being born into royalty could have been seen as a curse.. power and fame yes.. but the pressure.. the utter fear of betrayal or worse death.. yeah no thanks.

Alfred soon sets about attacking the Danes in hit and run attacks.. bringing them down little by little. For him and his men this is quite fun actually and you can feel the excitement they feel enacting revenge on the invaders.

The Danes won’t sit by for too long though and it’s a race for Alfred to complete his new fortress before the Danes mount their attack.

I’ll try to write as spoiler free as I can but this Is where the tale really gets juicy.

As Alfred’s power grows and the Danes are chased from his land we see the compassion the King has, allowing conversion to Christianity rather than death. It’s a pivotal moment for Alfred and shows what kind of man he is.

The decision is costly.. it does work but at the same time Alfred is blind to those who may see his compassion as a weakness and use that against him.

When Danes return to Alfred’s lands they are in for a shock as the men of Wessex have been busy rebuilding and strengthening…not only on land but also the sea defences and I particularly loved the ship-based fighting scenes.

The Danes don’t really want to give up and as time goes on it’s clear Alfred needs to look closer to home for his enemies as betrayal seems to be a shadow that’s chasing him.. this Shadow comes out into the light towards the end of the book in some very hard hitting moments.. most certainly the wow factor chapter.

Alfred didn’t help himself though.. sometimes he made enemies without even meaning too but it’s the poison spoke from others that clearly seals the deal and sets the next instalment up to be the most exciting yet.

There’s also times where those who betrayed him need to be forgiven and brought back into the fold for the benefit of everyone and you can see how shrewd Alfred and his advisors would have need to be to manage this.

Development wise this plot had everything, we explore the connections Alfred has made, even down to the lowest man.. Alfred has earned their respect and he’s loyal to his men too, he hates to see them fall in battle but does everything within his power to see them safe and repaid in full for their support.

Alfred shines in this book in many ways, but none stand out more than his reforms, not only does he look to the security of the land but he looks at education too, so many dismiss the need but Alfred can see its importance to the future of his kingdom.

To say it’s a 5* read is an understatement so lets go ahead for a David’s Book Blurg first and say its a 5* PLUS read!..it just ticks so many boxes and is so beautifully executed.

The one only downside is only that I wish the publisher could offer hardbacks of the series.. if any series deserved to be in hardback its this one.

My thanks to the author for the ARC but readers of my blog will know the crack by now… the books been on pre-order and no free rides here 🙂

The book is out tomorrow so why not grab yourself a copy?

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon – Or get in touch with any good local bookstore 🙂