Category Archives: Blog Tours

BLOG TOUR – Kings of War by M. J. Porter.

Today is my turn on the blog tour for Kings of War by M. J. Porter.

Here’s the blurb

Can the King of the Scots and the Dublin Norse triumph against a united England?

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King Athelstan of the English has been successful in uniting the many kingdoms of Britain against one enemy, the Viking raiders.

But men who are kings don’t wish to be ruled.

Constantin, King of the Scots, rebelled against the Imperium and was forcibly brought to bend the knee to Athelstan and England at Cirencester.

His son Ildulb seeks bloody vengeance from Athelstan following the battle at Cait and the death of his son.

Olaf Gothfrithson, king of the Dublin Norse, having asserted his power following his father’s death has his sights set on reclaiming Jorvik.

Can the united might of the Scots and the violence of the Dublin Norse, descendants of the infamous Viking raiders, bring King Athelstan and his vision of the united Saxon English to her knees?

An epic story of kingsmanship that will result in the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh, where only one side can be victorious.

Review

King Athelstan has united Britain but threats are close.. King Constantin of Scotland is not to be thought of as weak and while he puts on a good show in the background political rumblings mean peace surely won’t last… and a bloody war is just around the corner.

I really enjoyed this instalment as I loved the chapter style, each part of the story told from the perspectives of the main characters. This added a depth to the tale as you could see their gut reactions to events, it just made the characters feel real and you could see their own internal wars trying to maintain the power they have, not wanting to appear weak knowing to be King they need to show strength even if peace is the best option for all.

M.J. Porter is well known to me for bringing history to life and this is the perfect example of historical fiction done perfectly. Packed full of historical detail but with the added pinch of the authors style of development leads to a fast following, easy read. With the genre, names, places etc it’s often easy to get overwhelmed but M. J. Porter allows the time for the story to flow naturally, but at a good pace, introducing characters and their place within the story effortlessly.

When I read historical fictions books I’m mainly looking for the action.. the blood and gore and while King’s of War offers this if also gives me so much more, it’s the character development, their motivations, the fear not only of war but fear from your own people turning against you.. it just made what would have been a turbulent time feel more real.. so instead of just reading it.. I felt it.. my own blood racing as the pressure mounts… again it’s all about the build up baby and I loved it!

Being the 2nd book in a series I’d always suggest reading the 1st, just for added depth but King’s of War is perfect as a standalone just as much!

Another 5* corker from the prolific M. J. Porter!

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’m buying the book too

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

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.

Social Media Links –

Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

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

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

BLOG TOUR – Terminal Black by Colin Garrow

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Terminal Black by Colin Garrow.

Here’s the blurb.

A stolen identity. A hitman. A bent cop.

Relic Black takes things that don’t belong to him—credit cards, golf clubs, toothbrushes. But when a hitman mistakes him for someone else, Relic lands himself in a difficult situation. With a dead man on his hands and a guilty conscience, he sets off to save the life of the man whose identity he has stolen. And that’s when the real trouble starts…

Review

Relic Black is a man who simply takes what he wants in life. He targets those he knows won’t miss the money too quickly and enjoys living on the edge.

Little does he know that the identity he’s currently using is going to lead him into a cr*p load of trouble with the Inverness crime scene.

Relic senses something is up, and his worst thoughts are confirmed with a knock on the door… no one knows where he is.. this can’t be good.

I won’t spoil the fun too much but I loved the build-up, a frantic fight with a body to dispose of.. only for another body to show up.. and a bloody marvellous twist or 2 thrown in too! Relic really has got himself in trouble but he hasn’t a clue why..

In a aim to get himself out of trouble he tries telling the truth..but will these men believe his tale..

I loved the plot, crocked cops, gangsters, assassins and dead bodies mixed with perfectly timed dark humour leads to a 5* raving thriller!

Mr Garrow has a way with words, and perfectly sets the tone, direction and style of the tale effortlessly.

The best news was learning there’s more to come from Relic and I’ll be purchasing the next two books shortly 😊

My thanks go to Colin Garrow and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but I’ve already grabbed myself a kindle copy.. at only £2.99 it’s a steal!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including: taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate. All Colin’s books are available as eBooks and paperback.

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

He also makes rather nice cakes.

Social Media Links – Website/Blog

BLOG TOUR – The Vanishing of Class 3B by Jackie Kable

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Today I’m glad to be taking part in the blog tour for the newly released, The Vanishing of Class 3B by Jackie Kabler!

Here’s the blurb.

One spring morning, a bus full of children and their teachers from a Cotswolds primary school head off on a much-anticipated day trip.

But as night falls and the well-heeled parents – one or two of them famous, as well as wealthy – wait at the school to collect their weary offspring, it soon becomes clear that something has gone very wrong.

The children and their teachers simply do not come back.

What’s happened doesn’t seem possible.

How can an entire class of children simply vanish?

Review

What a riveting thriller. How could so many children and adults just disappear.. did they have an accident.. or is something more sinister afoot.

These kind of chilling events aren’t common but would be any parents worse nightmare.

What I particularly liked is that the story plays on your emotions. the unknown. We’ve all sat there a some point and have over-thought a situation and the worst possible outcome and this book plays nicely into this fear.

There’s quote a few twists and misdirection to keep you on your toes but as time goes by things start to heat up as revelations are revealed, all this is setup quickly but plays on throughout, smouldering all the way until the truth is revealed right at the end.

With a plot like this I feel it’s hard to really develop the characters as motivations can be hidden but the author did a great job of setting the scenes and injecting detail just when you needed it.

Overall The Vanishing of Class 3B is packed full of suspense and misdirection, leading to an enthralling read.

4/5 Stars.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to Jackie Kabler, One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but I’ve already grabbed myself a kindle copy.. at only 99p it was a steal!

Have I tempted you? If so why not enter the giveaway to win a signed copy? Enter below 🙂

Giveaway to Win a Signed Copy of The Vanishing of Class 3B (Open to UK Only)

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio – Jackie Kabler is an Amazon number one and USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including The Perfect Couple, Am I Guilty?, The Happy Family and The Murder List. Her novels have sold nearly a million copies around the world and have been translated into eight languages. Previously she worked as a newspaper reporter and then in television news for twenty years, including nearly a decade on GMTV. She later appeared on BBC and ITV news, presented a property show for Sky, hosted sports shows on Setanta Sports News and worked as a media trainer for the Armed Forces. She now combines writing with working as a presenter on shopping channel QVC. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @jackiekabler

Instagram @officialjackiekabler

BLOG TOUR – Eagle of Mercia by M.J. Porter

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Today we kick off the blog tour for the newly released Eagle of Mercia by M.J. Porter.

Here’s the blurb

A mercy mission in the heart of Wessex is beset with deadly, bloody dangers.

Tamworth AD831

Icel’s profile continues to rise. Lord of Budworth and warrior of Mercia, he’s acknowledged by King Wiglaf and his comrades to keep Mercia safe from the ravages of Wessex, the king-slayer of the East Angles, and the Viking raiders.

But, danger looms. Alongside Spring’s arrival comes the almost certain threat of the Viking raiders return.

When Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is apprehended by a Viking and held captive on the Isle of Sheppey in Wessex held Kent, Icel is implored by Lady Cynehild to rescue her husband.

To rescue Lord Coenwulf, Icel and his fellow warriors must risk themselves twice over, for not only must they overpower the Viking raiders, they must also counter the threat of Mercia’s ancient enemy, the kingdom of Wessex as they travel through their lands.

Far from home and threatened on all sides, have Icel and his fellow warriors sworn to carry out an impossible duty?

Review

Eagle of Mercia is book 4 in the now well established Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. I feel like it was only yesterday I read the first book but so much has happened since.

Icel is a fully fledged warrior now with his days as a healer gone.. but never forgotten. I really loved how the author give little nods to past events, these are perfect reminders for those familiar with the series but also allow new readers to catch up quickly and to understand motivations.

I really felt the depth of Icel in the instalment, you can see he is starting to grow older and sees the world in a different light.

There’s also a dash of secrecy to the tale. Icel still does not know much about his family but he learns he is linked to an old king in some way.. but Icel doesn’t want power or fame, he really just wants to get on with his life, but will people let him? And what’s the connection.. is there more to it than what he is being told.

If that wasn’t enough stress for Icel he’s also torn romantically, unsure of his feelings toward a lady that can never be his.

As you can see from the blurb there’s more at stake than Icel’s difficulties.. Lord Coenwulf is taken hostage by the Viking’s and a rescue attempt must be mounted. These are savagely strong warriors, how can they possibly get Lord Coenwulf back safely?

Add to that the men of Wessex are marching but why, and who is really behind it all…There’s a lot of political intrigue around certain motivations and Icel’s is sort of caught in the middle at times with no rock to hide behind.

What really works well is the balance between character driven plot and the wider plot, it’s a nice way to break up events for the reader but also helps you feel for the characters, I need the realness, to see Icel’s weaknesses as well as his strengths really made me fall in love with the character and this series.

Eagle of Mercia is packed full of adventure, action, hate, lust, intrigue.. the list goes on but safe to say it ticks all the boxes and more. A resounding 5/5 star success!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

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

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.

Social Media Links –

Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

BLOG TOUR – The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken

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Today I’m very pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken.

Here’s the blurb.

A story of the strength of the human spirit, the personal cost of conflict and how love can be found even in the darkest times.

Summer 1941. War rages in Europe. The Germans march towards Ukraine. Halya, Liliya and Vika are no strangers to sorrow. They lost family during the Holodomor, loved ones in Stalin’s purges, and war looms once more on the horizon.

Vika lives in fear for her children. She and her sister survived the terror famine by leaving their whole family behind. Now, years later, many believe the Germans will free them from the Soviets, but she’s not so sure. Should they stay in Volhynia or flee the approaching Eastern front?

Liliya has lost too much in her 17 years. As those around her join the resistance, Liliya wonders how she can fight for her friends, family, and country. When the choice is made for her, can she find the will to survive and protect those still with her?

Twelve-year-old Halya is struggling to discover who she is. But as the war escalates, can her mother Katya’s tactics keep her safe from the Nazi soldiers rounding up slave laborers? How can a child survive the horrors of war on her own?

These daughters of Ukraine will face devastation and loss as they fight to survive and protect the ones they love.

A gripping page-turner of love, loss and resilience for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Review

Everything about the book screamed I’d enjoy this one, the cover, the blurb, the genre.. the question is did the emotion jump off the page for me?

Oh yes..my personal opinion is that for a topic like this emotion is the key, without it the book just won’t hit home, but I need not have worried.

I’ll try to keep the review spoiler free as possible but Liliya’s tale was the strongest for me, the most heart wrenching.. the most emotive.. my heart broke for her as one slave master is replaced with another… the German’s were meant to be liberators.. but the truth is they are far worse than the Russians.

I think the key message from the book is hope.. strength..and with current events in Ukraine I just felt this was a positive message within a hard hitting emotive story.. the pure will the survive.. to keeping moving..to fight.. the cruelty of war but the good that can shine through the dark.

Even throughout the turmoil Liliya still manages to live some form of a life, the day to day jobs to survive and for all the characters I felt this is what hits home the most, the people stuck where they are.. trying to live while under threat each and every day.

The pace of the story flowed well. There’s a changing perspective throughout the tale as the focus shifts from character to character so I do advise you take your time to really feel the characters’ lives develop, but overall the change in perspective helped me as it just kept me gripped.

The author showed real skill with emotions and descriptive scenes, the detail added really helped you imagine the events in real time.. the running.. the burning in the cheat to out run the German draft for example. Just simply beautifully written.

A 5/5 stars from David’s Book Blurg!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

My thanks go to Erin Litteken, 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 and I’ll certainly be adding this one to my purchased collection.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erin-litteken

BLOG TOUR – U-Boat 931 Attack On America by Ian T Gwilliams

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for U-Boat 931 Attack On America by Ian T Gwilliams.

Here’s the blurb

March 1944, Nazi Germany needs to turn the tide of the war. Ahron Roth, captain of submarine U931, is ordered by Himmler to transport two SS officers and a new ‘super weapon’ to America.

The Atlantic crossing is full of dangers, from air and sea. Roth, battling both the enemy and the SS, is unwillingly drawn deeper into the plot, whilst questioning the actions of Germany and himself.

Somehow, he must outwit Admiral Sullivan, RN, who has a score to settle, plus the allied intelligence agencies who are tracking the elusive subs’ movements, but are unaware of the secret mission; a mission that could change the course of history.

Review.

This is my first foray into the genre so was very excited to see if it lived up to expectations. Yes, I’ve read lots of stories focused on the people affected by war, but not really from the perspective of those taking part.

Firstly I’ll admit the cover did grab me, add in a stirring blurb and you reeled me right in. I’ve always had a fascination with submarines as it must be a very different kind of life to be aboard when submerged and I really wanted to see if Ian T Gwillaims manged to bring that nervous energy I’d expect to the foreground.

I’m no expert on wartime fact but I felt there was the perfect mix of detail and plot to show the author put some real time and focus into the tale to make it seamlessly feel real.

Anyone who knows me will know I’m all about the character development, without that the plot will always suck in my opinion but boy did the author know how to create their characters, the tension.. it’s very emotive development as you can feel their stress levels rising.

As you can imagine this tale is all about tension.. a cat and mouse chase and the pace of the story means this tension builds perfectly to boiling point with absolutely cracking warfare scenes. It really makes you think how different it would have been if you were caught up in these type of events..pure adrenalin in your system.

Overall I felt the author managed to blend plot, development and detail nicely. The time put in has paid off and we’ve been given an exciting and fulfilling tale.

I think I’ve always been wary of reading a book involving submarines as it’s so unlike anything I’ve ever read and for me you’d need to get the atmosphere spot on otherwise it just wouldn’t feel right. Has U-Boat 931 manged to alleviate this fear… 100%. Very much enjoyed this one and at £2.50 for the kindle version in the UK… well worth it!

4/5 stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to the author, publisher and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review! While this was greatly appreciated I’m very happy to admit I enjoyed the book so much that I’ve bought a copy too.

Author Bio

Ian Thomas Gwilliams, originally from Liverpool, England, has been married to his wife Jane for 40 years and they have two grown up children. Ian’s a retired blue collar worker and served an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce Motors Crewe, where he was lucky to be involved in building bespoke motor cars for the British Royal family and also armoured limousines for foreign dignitaries. After twenty years service he then went to live and work in Canada for a short while, before returning to England and then on into the aerospace industry, before finally retiring in 2019.

Ians’ hobbies include golf, lots of reading, walking, cycling and model making, plus a fascination with all things concerning World War 2 historical facts. His favourite authors include Damien Lewis, Stephen E. Ambrose and James Holland. His influences for writing also include classic WW2 films like The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far and Saving Private Ryan, plus the Band of Brothers TV series. After visiting the battlefields and cemeteries of the D-Day landings in Normandy and following the route of The Battle of the Bulge through Belgium, Ian was inspired to write his debut novel, ‘U-boat 931, Attack on America’, which was completed during the lockdown periods of the covid pandemic. All the facts, weapons and timeline contained within the story were painstakingly researched and the actions described, could have actually taken place during the period of the conflict.

The narrative is a good old fashioned action and adventure tale, full of heroes and villains

Twitter : https://twitter.com/gwilliams_ian

Website : https://itgwilly.wixsite.com/u-boat-931-attack-on

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BOOK TOUR – Girl with a Knife: Assault by James T. Hogg

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Today is my turn on the book tour for Assault, the first novel in the Girl with a Knife series by James T. Hogg! Read on for more details!

An epic historical novel of love and revenge, good and evil, in seventeenth-century America, spanning five volumes.

Assault (Girl with a Knife #1)

Publication Date: March 21st, 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Mystery/ Thriller

Publisher: All Night Books

Here’s the blurb.

Faythe Emily Wentworth was taught by her father how to fight, and never shies from a conflict, no matter the odds. In her small settlement town, she must always be on guard. She is especially wary of one of the Downing brothers who taunts her, longing to take her, threatening to do so by force…

Faythe’s little sister Chloe is different. She is sweet-tempered, always seeing the good in others, and never suspecting ill intent.

Chloe’s innocence is shattered in a vicious attack, and Faythe is determined to seek vengeance and justice for her sister, and later, her family. Armed with a knife and a burning obsession, Faythe fights the superstitions and injustices that have led to her family’s destruction.

Review.

If this book were a person I’d be calling it a tease.. oh how you kept me hooked in just enough but never giving away too much.

It’s all about the powerful build up of the plot. Faythe is not like other girls of the time.. she doesn’t want to marry.. she wants to have control over her life but at her tender young age she doesn’t yet know what life will throw at her.

You can tell from the blurb of the book the main event, a vicious attack against Faythe’s sister Chloe. As much as a little distressing to read what I really enjoyed was and scenes weren’t gratuitous, they were pivotal in setting the scene or for the character development, building deep down emotions ready to burst, in both the character and the reader.

The pace was easy to follow and with short chapters it makes for an easy flowing story.

There’s also a little surprise.. there’s an additional story being told.. that of the Indian Nununyi, separated from the man she thought she would marry, Katakuk. At the time the tale is set tensions run high between the Indians and the white men..

During an attack Nununyi is saved.. by a white man…

As she heals physically she goes through a lot mentally.. can she go home? Why did this man save her?

Nununyi’s tale is powerful and emotive highlighting issues at the time and she’s got a lot of healing to go through..

There’s a shared power inside both Nununyi and Faythe and this connection made for a wonderful if teasing read, I needed to know more and had to stop myself from skipping to the end ha.

Overall Girl with a Knife: Assault, is everything I wanted and more, emotive, powerful, fascinating plot, great character development and with a writing style that flows so well.

A thoroughly enjoyable 5/5 stars and I’m eager for more.

My thanks go to R&R Book Tours, the publisher and author for arranging the blog tour. I bought a copy of the book prior to review.. it was just too tempting 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org

About the Author

James T. Hogg is the pseudonym of one of the most prominent New York City real estate attorneys. As a real-life attorney he has published two non-fiction books about real estate and business, one of which was a Wall Street Journal best seller.

Girl With a Knife is his first novel, based on a story he told many times to his now-grown children. His goal was to create a story that the reader simply cannot put down, even when it is midnight and the reader needs to sleep.

In this novel, Hogg has created a world where girls and women of all cultures are equal or superior to the male characters around them, an epic tale that will appeal to women and men of all ages.

James T. Hogg

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Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

BLOG TOUR – Odin’s Betrayal by Donovan Cook.

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Odin’s Betrayal by Donovan Cook.

Here’s the blurb.

Two kingdoms destined for war, one boy caught in the eye of the storm…

Francia AD853

After a failed Viking raid on the Frankish coast over 20-years-ago, Jarl Sven the Boar is forced to leave his only son, Torkel, as a hostage and warned never to raid Francia again or his son will die.

In Hügelburg, a small town in East Francia, Torkel and his 9-year-old son Charles are ambushed at home.

Before dying, Torkel thrusts a package into young Charles’s hands and tells him to flee Francia for Denmark in search of his grandfather Sven the Boar’s protection.

But the man Charles eventually finds is not who he expects, and Charles must put his fate in the hands of a man betrayed by Odin.

Together they must uncover the significance of the package and why the Kings of Francia want Charles dead.

Review

I’ve heard good things about Donovan Cook so I was very eager to jump on this series from the start.

As soon as the first page hits the scene is set, a failed Viking raid.. a young boy taken as hostage to ensure the Vikings behave.

Many years pass and Torkel is now a man with his own child, Charles. He’s still young and hasn’t yet learned how harsh life can be so when his farther is murdered he holds himself to blame… little does he know there’s a lot more history behind this murder and there’s people out there who have yet to rear their ugly heads.

Charles, under his fathers dying request flees in search of his Grandfather. Along the way he makes friends with a slave who aids his escape. There’s a nice bond growing between the two.

We soon meet Sven the Boar..but times have been hard.. he’s not the man he was. Interestingly as the story flows we learn more about his downfall.. and it all stems from the loss of Torkel all those years ago.

The pace of the story flows well and there’s a lot of action as we see Sven warm to Charles and we see the Boar return..and with good reason.. there’s things even Sven didn’t see all those years ago.. hidden secrets.. hidden betrayal. At times you wonder can anyone actually be trusted… those twists are just immense!

Plot wise I can’t fault this, hooked in from the first page. Perfect pace and a great mix of plot versus character development. Sometimes I find not enough time is given to mix the development just right so it doesn’t feel forced but now I know why I’ve been hearing good things about Donovan Cook. It felt like a tapestry, expertly woven.

For fans of historic fiction you’ll love this, action packed with perfect mix of development to suit any type of reader.

Resounding 5*

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He lives in Lancashire and his first title in a new series for Boldwood will be published in Spring 2023.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook

BLOG TOUR – A Magical Moonglow Sleepover by Jocelyn Porter

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for A Magical Moonglow Sleepover by Jocelyn Porter

Here’s the blurb

On the night of the sleepover, Marigold Moonglow revealed a secret that changed Katherine’s life completely. When Katherine found herself flying on a dragon with Charlie Broccoli, she considered that to be the least of her problems. Her friends had turned against her and Katherine was desperate to prove them wrong. “I’m still the same person you’ve always known,” she said. But was she? Only time would tell. . .

Review

I’ve had a little help with reviewing this one from my 8 year old Georgia!

Katherine and her friends decide to have a little sleepover. The excitement is there from the off but even more so for Katherine. Her friends might not believe her but she has a fairy godmother called Marigold!

She’s so excited as Marigold has made a promise to visit during the sleepover!!

True to her word Marigold arrives and the girls are transported on a journey to an enchanted carnival.. oh the sights they see.. no one would believe!

When one of the friends disappears she has to team up to search high and low.. the issue is the boy she teams up with isn’t someone she likes so can she set aside her dislike to find her friend?

Georgia really enjoyed the illustrations and the characters. It made her imagine her own adventure with her friends and it was lovely to see the spark in her imagination ignited.

For me I really enjoyed reading it with her, easy flowing and perfectly aimed made this a fun read. I loved that it showed a child dealing with emotions as sometimes Georgia struggles to feel normal at times but Katherine shows emotions are ok.

We used this book for our weekly reading taking it in turns to read to each other and it made for a wonderful relaxing night-time daddy-daughter time.

Georgia is a big fan of FullMedia Ltd and the books they publish and this is another great addition.. now she’s a fan of Jocelyn Porter too 😊

You’ve earned a 5/5 stars!

I would like to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting us to take part in this tour along with the publisher and author.. a pleasure to read.

To find out more head to FullMeida Ltd or Goodreads!

Author Bio –

Jocelyn’s writing career began when she was asked to write a story for a preschool magazine. That story was the first of many. Jocelyn became the writer/editor of several preschool magazines and continued in that role for 15 years. Writing one new story every month, plus rhymes and activities was a tough gig, but very exhilarating. Time is the big difference between writing for a magazine and writing a book. You see your work on the supermarket shelves within a few weeks of completion. A book takes longer – a lot longer. Jocelyn has to be patient now – not something she’s good at. Before becoming a writer, Jocelyn worked in higher education as International Students Officer. It was a rewarding and interesting job even though she was on call 24/7. Jocelyn also trained as a counsellor and volunteered at drop-in centres. She never knew who would arrive for counselling and had to be prepared for anything. This work gave her insight into some of the darker corners of life. Motor sport was one of Jocelyn’s early loves, she had the spine-tingling thrill of taking part in a 24-hour national rally as navigator – those were the days when rallies were held on public roads! Jocelyn worked as an au pair in Paris in her teens. Having visited the city on a school trip, she fell in love with it, and always wanted to return. Jocelyn’s first book published by Full Media is The King Who Didn’t Like Snow, illustrated by Michael S Kane. Finn and Fred’s Arctic Adventure is her second book under Full Media and is illustrated by Leo Brown.

Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/jmpbooks

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BLOG TOUR – Storm of War by Peter Gibbons

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Today is release day for Storm of War by Peter Gibbons, book 2 in The Saxon Warrior Series.

I’m very lucky to be kicking off the blog tour today to celebrate the release!

Here’s the blurb!

The fight for a torn Kingdom rests in the hands of a few brave men…

990AD.

King Aethelred II, who men will one day call The Unready, rules over a land divided by the shadowy spin of his mother Queen Ælfthryth and the sprawling power of the Church.

The Viking Warlord, Olaf Tryggvason smelling the Kingdoms weakness brings the vicious Jomsvikings to the Saxon coastline ravenous for war and plunder.

Together Lord Byrthnoth, Ealdorman of the East Saxons and Beornoth his Saxon Thegn lead a force of oath sworn Viking killers, every bit as brutal and war-skilled as the Norse invaders to protect the Kingdom against enemies both from within, and from the cruel seas. They are pushed to the very limits of their bravery and endurance in a desperate fight for the very existence of the Saxon Kingdom.

In a riveting story of trachery, betrayal, vengeance and war, can Beornoth defeat his enemies and protect the Kingdom from destruction?

Review.

I’m fairly new to the authors work but after reading Warrior and Protector last year I was eagerly awaiting this release and god damn it packs a punch!

King Aethelred is weak, and the Vikings know it. The King’s mother and the bishops have too much say in his rule and even some thought loyal are of Viking blood and wish to see the return to Norse rule.

Lord Byrthnoth and Thegn Beornoth stand in their way! Pillars of Saxon might!

Ah I loved the whole ensemble of characters, but these two just outshine even the brightest star. Byrthnoth is a good and fair lord, strong and wise and leads his men from the front.. he’s not afraid of battle and when the King doesn’t seem to want to stand in the way of the Viking invasion he’s not going to stand by and watch.. he’s a man of action..but his temperament means he’s wise and weighs up his options.. unlike Beornoth.. Beornoth has suffered pain like no one should.. his children murdered by Vikings and his wife left to die, only to survive a broken woman.. He’s fuelled by anger and that anger sees him get into some sticky situations but it’s also what the Saxons need.

The Vikings are brutal.. they have no honour and leave a trail of destruction.. the sight would turn anyone stomach. Beornoth use’s that anger and brings vengeance upon his enemies.

The main issue is the battle is on many fronts, how do they see off this threat with so little men at their disposal?

Without a shadow of doubt this book is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, the plot, character development, the detail setting the scene … wow. I almost felt I was aboard the Viking ship as Beornoth puts a risky plan into action!

Usually when I read a book one aspect stands out as the thing I loved the most.. not this time..everything is just woven perfectly together, you get depth and raw guttural anger and bloodshed.. there’s real hurt and some of the most brutal scenes I’ve read.. every slice jumping from the page.

In one word to sum up – Mesmerising!

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’m buying the book too 🙂

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Author Bio –

Peter Gibbons is a financial advisor and author of the highly acclaimed Viking Blood and Blade trilogy. He comes to Boldwood with his new Saxon Warrior series, set around the 900 AD Viking invasion during the reign of King Athelred the Unready. The first title of the new series, Warrior and Protector, will be published in October 2022. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: Peter Gibbons Author – Home | Facebook

Twitter: Peter Gibbons Author (@AuthorGibbons) / Twitter

Instagram: Peter Gibbons Author (@petermgibbons) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Bookbub profile: Peter Gibbons Books – BookBub