Category Archives: Book Reviews

The Fallen Girls: (Detective Clara Jefferies Book 1) by Kathryn Casey

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Today I’m reviewing The Fallen Girls: (Detective Clara Jefferies Book 1) by Kathryn Casey.

Here’s the blurb

She didn’t notice the corn stalks shiver a few feet to her right. By the time she looked up, the man towered above her. In a single movement he wrapped one thick hand around her waist, the other he clamped over her mouth, muffling her screams.

Detective Clara Jefferies has spent years running from her childhood in Alber, Utah. But when she hears that her baby sister Delilah has disappeared, she knows that the peaceful community will be shattered, her family vulnerable, and that that she must face up to her past and go home.

Clara returns to find that her mother, Ardeth, has isolated her family by moving to the edge of town, in the shadow of the mountains. Ardeth refuses to talk to the police and won’t let Clara through the front door, believing she and her sister-wives can protect their own. But Clara knows better than anyone that her mother isn’t always capable of protecting her children.

When Clara finds out that two more girls have disappeared, all last seen around the cornfields near her family’s home, she realizes it’s not just Delilah who’s in danger. And then she gets a call that a body has been found…

Clara will have to dig deep into the town’s secrets if she’s going to find Delilah. But that will mean confronting the reason she left. And as she gets closer to Delilah, she might be putting her more at risk…

Review

Detective Clara Jefferies escaped her home town many years ago… and didn’t look back….but it’s time to head home when her sister Delilah goes missing.

Clara has to face her past.. and judgement from everyone including her own family.. she needs to break down the walls to discover what has happened to her sister but no one is willing to talk.. she’s now an outsider.. and I think some are just angry she escaped and they didn’t!

Things get more tense when it becomes clear Dalilah isn’t the first young girl to go missing..

The town is full of secrets and the residents continue to stonewall the investigation but Clara knows she has to pile on the pressure to get some answers and fast! Time is running out to find her sister.

The Fallen Girls has a very tense, creepy feeling from the onset.. Clara was raised in an isolated polygamist society so you quickly see why no one is willing to trust her.. but soon she starts to make a little headway..but the slow pace just adds to the building tension!

As the story progresses we see events play out from different perspectives at times and this just added to the creepiness and psychological edge to the tale as you tried to work out who the killer is.. and why…most importantly will Detective Jefferies put the clues together and get there in time?

Not only was the plot intriguing but Kathryn Casey managed to portray the people, the setting, the emotions brilliantly..there was a very natural feel to the tale and that made it even more creepy.

When it comes to endings.. WOW.. those last few chapters had me gripped as the pieces came together as the action heated up.

Overall The Fallen Girls is dark, gritty and disturbingly brilliant. It’s like one of those true crime programmes or podcasts.. it’s so gruesomely enthralling.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

The Devil’s Pocketbook by Ross Jeffery – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Devil’s Pocketbook by Ross Jeffery.

Here’s the blub

Erik and Lara are in mourning for their daughter, who was born “incompatible with life”. To get away from their suffocating grief and the ever-present shadow their daughter has cast in their lives since passing, and desperately trying to recover their increasingly rocky relationship, they take a trip to the seaside town of Polperro, in Cornwall. But no sooner have they arrived, than they realize that their grief cannot be so easily eluded. Drawn to the waters, Erik and Lara discover a large Devil’s Pocketbook, and inside: the miracle child they could never have. Scylla.

Review

Erik and Lara are struggling with the loss of their daughter, it’s been a tough going for the couple when it comes to having a family and just when things seemed to be going well for them the worst happened and their one hope was lost to them.

They set out to reconnect.. to find a way to continue.. I don’t think either really know what they want any more…little do they know they are going to have to face the grief they are suffering head on!

While out one day they notice something in the water… a large Devil’s Pocketbook..a Devil’s Purse…the contents of which is a young frail girl, Scylla.

They take the young girl to their home.. to get her warm and safe while they decide what to do next.

Erik notices subtle changes in the way some locals look at them but doesn’t think too much of it.. Lara on the other hand is lost in her own world caring for Scylla. It’s like she’s been given a second chance to be a mother.

At first Scylla seems quiet and you don’t really know what to make of her.. could she be just the thing Eric and Lara need to heal?

Things quickly turn dark and gruesome, there’s violence, blood and death but Erik still can’t figure out what is actually happening.. it’s like he’s suffering blackouts..things are happening but he just has no knowledge of how..

Slowly, with the help of a couple of locals who don’t want to see another innocent person harmed Erik starts to see the truth but Scylla still has control of him.. he’s powerless at times to go against her will.

Gut wrenching isn’t the word.. it’s got so much depth.. it’s a horror tale but unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s heart destroyingly good as the couple face their grief in the worst possible way… it’s a battle of wills but are they strong enough?

I’ll not post spoilers but Scylla’s origins fascinate me..it’s the stuff of nightmares but makes for such a great tale… it’s a real cerebral pulverising read.. you get so much from the book but it takes from you too.. I dare you to read this an not feel emotionally drained but awestruck at the same time.

A real emotionally charged horror tale and one I’d highly recommend.

I wish I could recall who recommended this book to me but I’m so glad I picked it up. Not for the faint of heart that’s for sure!

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Conflict and Loyalties : The Battle for Gritheim Book 2 by Anna Allen!

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Today Is my stop on the blog tour for Conflict and Loyalties by Anna Allen!

Here’s the blurb

FOR THREE YEARS, Gritheim has been torn asunder.

Pestilences ravage the land, and the harvests have failed again, driving up the cost of bread. Emaciated animals are dying. The king becomes less popular each day, and civil war knocks at the palace gates.

The Master is smug.

His immortals recruit nobles and their troops to challenge and depose the king.

Soon, he will be able to step forward and take his rightful place. He needs one more thing—the key to The Book of Realms.

The book will show him how to create spells to help him conquer the land and all its inhabitants.

Two young people thwart his plans.

Even untold riches and immortality won’t tempt them. Leonné, an untrained Elementalist, has married Roland D’Abernon against her will, but Roland hasn’t consummated the marriage yet and, therefore, hasn’t stolen her powers.

Saving her from this atrocity is the knight Fitzsimmons, a great warrior. Rumors suggest his abnormal strength is due to his undeveloped magical powers. The Master must persuade Fitzsimmons to join him or do all he can to destroy him.

This dark fantasy is packed with magic, witchcraft, and swordplay. Become drawn into a world of sorcery in this gripping sequel to Rise of the Immortals.

Review

Conflict and Loyalties  is book 2 in The Battle for Gritheim series and picks up where the last book left us. While the flow is great, I’d certainly suggest reading the first book in the series if you haven’t just to understand the character setup.

Fitzsimmons and Leonné’s connection grows as does their powers.. and they are going to need all their skills to defeat the evil forces of The Master.

There’s an influx of new characters which allowed the author the chance to explore scenarios allowing our main two heroes to grow, learn and use those skills.

I particularly liked Fitzsimmons needing to control his emotions.. I won’t spoil why.. but lets just say he’s a different person when he gets angry.

The best thing about the book was the development of the world as you learn more about the kingdoms, who’s who, who supports who.. where strengths and weaknesses lie.. book 1 was all about setting up the characters which is now perfectly balanced with development across the board.

I really enjoyed the growth of Roland too. He’s driven by the desire to become immortal but if he displeases his master then there’s no chance of that happening.

The Master seems to hide in the shadows a lot.. he’s an unknown quantity for the most part but this just added some mystery to everything.. if he’s so strong how long before he makes an appearance?

The author really makes you connect to the characters.. you end up enjoying the good guys.. you hate the bad guys… when a character is frustrated you feel that frustration too!

Overall it’s a great sequel packed to the brim of action and development.. it’s fast paced and goes from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. Really fun and enjoyable and perfect for those readers who just want action, action, action.

4/5 Stars.  

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Today might be the last day of the tour but why not check out the other reviews on the stops?

Dawn’s Bio

Dawn Bolton writes romances and crime/romantic suspense under the name of Toni Bolton, fantasy novels under the name of Anna Allen and historical romance/ suspense novels under the name of Alexie Bolton.

Fascinated by history and law she studied both and taught law in higher education. These subjects inspire many of her books.

She lived in a boat while she studied at unviersity and now lives in a pub, she and her husband renovated near the Grand Union Canal with two fluffy Birman vandals. She loves aqua, yoga and Zumba and draws and paints in her spare time.

Her family are psychic and some of their experiences inspired some of her fantasy and paranormal novels. She’s fascinated by the occult and herbal medicine and brings these into her latest dark fantasy novels.

She loves hearing from her readers and getting feedback.


Dawn’s Links

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

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/dawnbolton2

Website : https://dawnboltonauthor.wordpress.com/

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203807608-conflict-and-loyalties-the-search-for-the-key-to-the-book-of-the-realms

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/conflictloyalties-zbt

Usurper:  (Victorinus Book 2) by Adam Lofthouse – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Usurper:  (Victorinus Book 2) by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

The second book in a thrilling new series of adventures set in Roman Britain. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, SJA Turney and Gordon Doherty.

Wall of Hadrian. Britannia, 382 AD

War is creeping back into the land. As silent as snowfall, as inevitable as winter. They’ve had sixteen years of peace, but all things must end.

Tribune Sixtus Victorinus has grown old, complacent. Blind to the truth that stares him in the face, he contents himself with what he has. He runs errands for the Dux Britanniarum Flavius Maximus and watches with joy as his boys grow to become men.

It is his friend, Prefect Gaius Felicius, who first spots the signs. Once more, the Caledonian tribes are rearing their heads in the north, but the greatest danger does not lie with them.

For there is a new pretender to the throne of the West. Another man who seeks to drape himself in purple. Caught up in a scheme they cannot comprehend, Victorinus and Felicius must navigate their way through both a war in the depths of winter, and a treasonous plot that will shake the Roman Empire to its core.

A new age dawns on the men of the Britannia. For Victorinus, he must fight for the right to see the sun rise over it.

Usurper is the second book in the Victorinus series: an action packed, immersive military adventure that will sweep the reader through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.

Review

Oh it’s good to have another book from Adam Lofthouse! The author never fails to surprise me with his masterfully woven tales.

As a fan of the author I’m of course going to tell you to read all his other books if you can, especially Victorinus Book 1, but truthfully the plot is so wonderfully written you don’t need to, all the detail is right there to get you up to speed quickly but at the same time naturally. If you haven’t read the 1st book I can guarantee after reading this you’ll want to that’s for sure!

I’m not going to say I’m an expert but I love this period of time.. Maximus, Theodosius and Gratian.. well known names to me and the genre but Lofthouse manages to bring some fresh energy to the scene!

We follow Tribune Sixtus Victorinus and Felicius as they serve the empire to the best of their ability.. but little do they know what’s coming for them. They once saved the empire from the biggest threat possible… and they are going to have to do it again!

War is coming and there’s plenty of battles for the gore fans, and I really liked the details added to formations of the horse units for example to help the reader really understand their place in the battles.. it’s like a chess game and a bad strategy can cause you a defeat.. but at the same time.. don’t take things for granted.. they might just be playing games with you..

Both characters are thrown into the thick of danger at every turn of the page..it’s just a full on adrenaline rush of the tale.. each forced to fight to stay alive.. but who are the enemies really? If you know the period you’ll have a good idea, the political landscape at the time was complicated to say the least and the men of the time only wanted one thing… power!

If anything I feel Adam Lofthouse just keeps getting better and better with his plot and the subtle details that make the characters come alive. I particularly liked that the author showed how tough being in the army could be on the soldiers’ feet! I doubt many of us today could march like the roman legions!

What really shines through is the relationships between the men.. forged in the heat of battle…theirs friendship, family, love.. it’s so beautifully lovely and brutal at the same time..then throw in those twists! Christ.. my heart could barely take it! if the author makes me worry about Amor in the next book as much as in this one I think I’ll be writing a strongly worded letter for sure ha ha.

I’m going to be perfectly honest and say I reckon the author needs to give the character Drost his own series now! Oh how I loved that man and his humour! He’s got so much going for him and I really could see his own tale working.

The setup for the next book in the series couldn’t have been better.. what Lofthouse does is leaves you with the taste for more..that’s not any easy thing to do.. sometimes endings can leave things flat… oh hell no.. not this story…I really do need more.

Lofthouse isn’t one of the best… he IS the best!

There’s only thing to say about this book.. SNAILS! Who knew.. well done to the author for another cracking read.. and whoever designed the cover needs a pay rise 😊

5/5 Stars

It’s only February but I’m tipping this as my pick of 2024 already!

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Book Birthday Blitz – Eye Spy by Tessa Buckley!

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Today it’s my pleasure to take part in the Book Birthday Blitz for Eye Spy by Tessa Buckley!

Here’s the blurb.

Over the course of ten days, the lives of thirteen-year-old Alex Macintyre and his twin sister Donna will change forever.

When Alex and Donna set up Eye Spy Investigations and start looking for a valuable missing dog, they soon have an interesting assortment of suspects. There is the mysterious man in the fur hat; a gang of bikers who hang out at the Starship Café; and Crazy Kath, the bag lady, who may know more than she’s letting on.

 But as they struggle to make sense of the evidence, the twins begin to uncover an even bigger mystery in their own family. As events spiral out of control, can Alex resolve a family crisis, save Donna from imminent danger, and return the missing dog to its rightful owner?

Review

My daughters are 9 now and Georgia especially is keen to start reading longer books that she can really spend some time to get in to. Eye Spy seemed to fit the bill!

The book follows Alex and Donna, twins who decide to set up their own investigation agency to look for a valuable dog.

What I loved from the off it’s not just a book about that adventure, there’s so much more depth. We learn more about the twins life and as a parent it resonated as I see my girls having their own adventures but at the same time they deal with the events life can throw at us.

Alex and Donna’s personal life isn’t all fine and dandy, as many children do they have to deal with being brought up by a single parent. What I felt was done really well was the depth given to the characters where you could understand the dynamics and things they might be dealing with without words being needed.. it’s all about the detail. Their father for example was a nice character—loving but aloof at the same time, particularly when he’s working on one of his numerous inventions but you can tell this is his way of dealing with things and I felt it’s a really nice way for young readers to learn about some difficult events that can happen in life and we all deal with things in different way…and also I loved the idea of the dad tinkering around.. makes me wish I was an inventor. No spoilers but there’s more to this than you know, and you quickly learn that Alex and Donna are going to want the truth.

Mixed with this personal development you have the case of the missing dog. The Twins quickly find a suspect, but have they stumbled on to something more than they can handle?

The tale moves at pace, is fun and exciting even from my point of view. The chapters are so engaging it was a real joy to read with Georgia.

Georgia really enjoyed the story, especially all the twists as she just never knew what was going to happen next.

It was the perfect read for both of us but she’s keen to read more.

Overall the word to describe this one is “Cosy” grab a hot chocolate (it’s bloody cold at the minute) curl up and enjoy the adventure.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to Rachel @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 a bargain!

Purchase Links

https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-children/eye-spy or Amazon

Author Bio:

Tessa Buckley was an inveterate scribbler as a child, and spent much of her time writing and illustrating stories. After spending fifteen years working for architects and interior designers. She took up writing again when her young daughter complained that she couldn’t find enough adventure stories to read. This led, in 2014, to the publication of  Eye Spy, the first in a series of detective stories for 9-12 year olds, designed to encourage reluctant readers. The second book in the series, Haunted, was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2017.  She lives with her husband and a large white cat called Pippa in a town on the Thames estuary, which inspired the seaside setting for the novels. She also writes about family history, which has been her passion for many years.

Website:  https://tessabuckleyauthor.com

Social Media Links –  

https://www.facebook.com/Tessa-Buckley-Author-101751741568714

Tense Commandment by Frank Westworth – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Tense Commandment by Frank Westworth. The Stoner Series Book 10.

Here’s the blurb.

Unconventional assassin JJ Stoner knows better than to accept a personal job from his violently volatile boss. But if your paymaster stalks the hallowed halls of Westminster, and if your girlfriend sells her body to a sordid clientele, and if you kill people for a living, well… sometimes you have to get your hands dirty.
Very dirty.

A witty mix of hardboiled humour and sinister manipulation. Recommended for readers who enjoy Walter Mosley, Derek Raymond and Don Winslow.

Tense Commandment is a self-contained short story which features characters from the Killing Sisters crime-thriller novels and the Stoner stories. It follows Nine Lies and introduces key characters from A Last Act Of Charity (and takes place quite a while before Charles III ascended, in case you were wondering). With an agile imagination, Tense Commandment can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story without reading the other books. Live dangerously!

Review

JJ Stoner has a special place in my heart I must admit. Tense Commandment is the tenth short story focusing on the events surrounding the witty assassin.

You can quite easily read the series as standalones but I very much believe the dark humour comes through so much clearer if you read them all.. It’s been a while since we’ve seen stoner but from the first page the smile was back on my face.. oh how I’ve missed him.

In this instalment we see the needs of Stoners employer and his more personal life clash a little. The Hardman has a target…but there’s an issue…Stoner isn’t the first to get there..

In typical Stoner style the fun, thought-provoking plot hits quick as we, along with Stoner try and figure out who is behind events and what does this mean for Stoner.. is someone setting him up? Are they after his girlfriend… or is it his employer whose being targeted? And how does he get out of this one with his arse intact?

It was great to see the character Stretch back in the action also… they are very much unconventional friends but boy they like to have some fun!

For fans of the series, it really is the best yet and just adds more depth to Stoner.

I’m not going to spoil the twists and turns but the ending did not disappoint at all.. and we are lucky enough to be given an extra short tale from the author. The short is called “AI”. I’m really not going to say much other than WOW. Westworth has only ever been known to me for one reason.. JJ Stoner.. AI just shows what skills the author really has at being able to take on another subject matter.. Westworth is the King of the short story!

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Rise of the Immortals : The Battle for Gritheim Book 1, by Anna Allen.

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Today it’s my turn on the blog tour for Rise of the Immortals : The Battle for Gritheim Book 1, by Anna Allen.

Here’s the blub

In a world of rising magic, an unseen battle commences. The Gods of Gritheim release their instruments – for good and evil.

While many scoff at witchcraft and sorcery, Josse and Leonné have witnessed it firsthand. Thrown together by prophesy they must learn to wield their secret magic, to defend not only themselves but the kingdom of mortals. Wraiths, known as Drackarts, do the bidding of Guiscard D’Abernon and his sorceress wife, Orella, but the masters behind these puppets are the ones set on its destruction.

The Immortals of Gritheim are on the rise, seeking ultimate power and control; they care not how many thousands will be slaughtered in their path. Only the Redeemers stand in their way.

Josse and Leonné must overcome their dislike of each other, for their world is at stake.

For fans of thrilling epic fantasy that will keep you turning pages!

Review

The story starts strong as we meet young Josse. His life is currently one of torment at the hands of someone who should protect him… why does this man hate him so?

It quickly becomes clear there’s a hidden past and his protector isn’t the person we might have assumed.

Josse shows his true strength and weathers the storm around him.. determined that one day things will be different.. he must find out who he truly is..but it’s not going to be easy..or pain free.

The day for Josse to escape his torment comes sooner than he expects, and his life is changed forever as he is forced to flee…after a chance meeting with Leonné.

Fast forward some years and these two are set to cross paths again.

The blurb is really what sucked me in.. epic fantasy is something I just love, and Rise of the Immortals didn’t disappoint. It was the perfect setup for the series, introducing the characters and the backstory but at the same time leaving tit bits of info here and there as unknowns.. perfect for twists and turns as the series progresses.

Pace and flow are super important for me, and this offering was perfect. The story flows without any fluff.. the writer has the plot nailed perfectly and the direction of events is clear and easy to follow.

Character, wise I felt the development was natural and didn’t feel forced. There’s just the right amount of backstory to understand motivations and it really helps you get to know the characters well.

Focusing on the fantasy aspect I loved Guiscard D’Abernon and the Drackarts. I particularly liked how the author teased there’s more going on than we currently know, and this just made me super keen to keep reading and eager for more.

For fans of Epic Fantasy there’s plenty for you to get your teeth into. It’s super easy flow wise to follow and there’s just the right amount of teasing… there’s energy building and you just know there’s good things to come.

Rise of the Immortals lays strong foundations and I’m super excited to see where this goes. I’m keen to learn more about the world the characters live in and excited to see them develop.

4/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Today might be the last day of the tour but why not check out the other reviews on the stops?

Dawn’s Bio

Dawn Bolton writes romances and crime/romantic suspense under the name of Toni Bolton, fantasy novels under the name of Anna Allen and historical romance/ suspense novels under the name of Alexie Bolton.

Fascinated by history and law she studied both and taught law in higher education. These subjects inspire many of her books.

She lived in a boat while she studied at unviersity and now lives in a pub, she and her husband renovated near the Grand Union Canal with two fluffy Birman vandals. She loves aqua, yoga and Zumba and draws and paints in her spare time.

Her family are psychic and some of their experiences inspired some of her fantasy and paranormal novels. She’s fascinated by the occult and herbal medicine and brings these into her latest dark fantasy novels.

She loves hearing from her readers and getting feedback.


Dawn’s Links

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

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

Twitter : https://twitter.com/dawnbolton2

Website : https://dawnboltonauthor.wordpress.com/

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61840097-rise-of-the-immortals

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/riseofimmortals-zbt

BLOG TOUR – Clash of Kings by MJ Porter

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Clash of Kings by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb

The next bloody and thrilling instalment in MJ Porter’s The Brunanburh Series.

Can the Norse and the Scots exact their revenge over the mighty King Athelstan of the English?

AD937

After the slaughter field of Brunanburh, a defeated Olaf Gothfrithson of the Dublin Norse and Constantin of the Scots narrowly escaped with their lives. In their kingdoms, failure has left them demoralised and weak.

Olaf licks his wounds in Dublin, whilst Constantin and the Welsh kingdoms who defied King Athelstan, are once more forced to bend the knee. As Athelstan’s reputation grows stronger day by day, their need to exact revenge on the overmighty and triumphant Athelstan has never been greater.

Olaf sets his sights on reclaiming the lost kingdom of Jorvik only for tragedy to strike at the heart of England and a reluctant new King, Edmund steps in the fray.

While England mourns the death of their warrior King, her enemies gather on her borders and England stands alone against the might of the Norse, Welsh and Scots.

Can the new King be victorious and banish her enemies once and for all or will England, and its king lose all that’s been gained and succumb to a new pretender? 

An epic tale of kinsmanship, greed and power, perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series.

Review

Clash of King’s is book 3 in the The Brunanburh Series and after a disastrous defeat it’s time for Olaf Gothfrithson of the Dublin Norse and Constantin of the Scots to retreat and regroup..

You know they won’t take the defeat lightly but King Athelstan is wise, he knows it’s only a matter of time before they try to rise again.

It’s time to force these men to bend to his will!

While the defeated pay their dues to the King of the English they secretly continue to plan… Olaf is a cunning one as has been planning his revenge from the beginning.. so much so it’s quite advantageous when King Athelstan sadly passes way.

In his stead we have a new King. Edmund!

Edmund is forced into the role and responsibilities when Olaf strikes quickly, forcing Edmund to concede land.. He doesn’t want to do this but he needs to consolidate and strike when he knows he can win. Edmund has an ace up his sleeve. Ealdorman Athelstan.. just like his namesake the previous King, Athelstan is wise and strong and has what it takes to shape Edmund into the King the people need.. it’s just going to take time.

While the Norse and Welsh are ready to take what they believe is theirs the Scots hold back a little, to see how things play out.

What’s obvious is that if they worked together the outcome might have been different but what’s also clear is ego played quite a part in the world at the time… some people just want to make a name for themselves, it’s not about making friends.. it’s political manoeuvring as is needed but behind the smiles you’d just as likely receive a knife to the back if they could.

What I really enjoyed was the telling of the political landscape, who was married to who. These links were important as it meant warfare was quite a undertaking to plan.. like a game of chess, setting up the pieces just right.

In that is where Ealdorman Athelstan shines, setting up his pawns.. those being the burhs he suggested were setup/refurbished at strategic locations.. his strategy was one of defence but he played his moves perfectly for his King, and for his country.

I think what made the book the 5* enthralling read it is what not only the characters but those extra details and how the are covered. With historical fiction it’s sometimes not clear how important some bits of detail are but MJ Porter managed to emphasise without taking your attention away from the plot. I think it’s the perfect blend of fact and fiction..these characters are real but we don’t know how they really spoke, what they really thought..but MJ Porter manages to bring life to those characters, puts flesh on bones and uses all the known details to portray these historic individuals wonderfully.

I particularly liked Constantin of the Scots, he’s an old man now and has outlived many..with his words you can tell he’s tiring of the pollical game of warfare but he’s still wise and knows when to relent to those who are eager for war.

For the battle fans there’s plenty of warfare to fill your needs, and the action is written, putting you right there with them.. the detail.. it’s like you can actually feel the force of the war axe, and the blow to your shield as if you are standing right there.

MJ Porter has also written the tale spectacularly well flow wise, you can easily read as a standalone as everything you need is there to understand the motivations at play.

I’m already a fan of the author for sure but this has to be the best yet, it’s detailed but has personality and life blended to perfection making this so much more wonderful than words can express.

5/5Stars

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 a bargain!

To find out more head to Goodreads or here’s a handy link if you want to buy 😊 Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/clashkingssocial.

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 –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

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

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

Bookbub profile: MJ Porter Books – BookBub

Hunted (Michael Walker Thrillers Book 1)  by Simon Maltman. – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Hunted (Michael Walker Thrillers Book 1)  by the awesome Simon Maltman.

Here’s the blurb

1999.

Michael Walker – former IRA soldier, turned MI5 informer – is living in hiding in rural America.
A robbery at Walker’s home leads to his rare copy of the Irish Declaration of Independence being sold online. This proves to be the first link in the chain leading to his location being revealed.

Walker’s life is plunged into peril, as an IRA hit squad – led by Marty Sullivan – is dispatched to eliminate him. Sullivan, a former comrade, is out for blood.

Against the political backdrop of a struggling peace process back home, Walker goes on the run across the state of Pennsylvania and forges unlikely allegiances to survive.

Walker seeks help from his former British handlers, but he should have known that any assistance must come at a price.

Walker will not just remain a victim. He must fight back.

The hunted must become the hunter.

Review

I came across Simon quite randomly last year on Instagram and gave his newest release at the time Killer Casting a read. After being impressed I had to get a copy when Hunted was announced!

Michael Walker is a former IRA man.. he left that life behind after struggling with the aftermath of his actions.. the death and destruction brought to innocents during a very turbulent time for many.

He’s been off the radar for sometime but when a relic from his past is stolen it’s only a matter of time that until someone notices it, it’s link to him and comes looking!

Walker does what he does best and tracks down those who stole his property.. but things just get more complicated and he finds himself become close to Brandon, a young man caught up in everything..

Just when you think thinks might work out we find out it’s too late.. things are about to get so much worse.

When it’s clear shit is hitting the fan it’s time for Walker to contact his old handlers.. the issue is they don’t seems to really care.. or do they have other plans for him?

Soon an FBI agent is sent to aid Walker, Amy. She’s smart and a decent shot when needed but they quickly find themselves in deep trouble.. it’s like Walker is a magnet..

The bodies keep piling up and the only way out is to cut off the head of the snake… there’s a bit of a twist thrown in when Walker figures out just how he’s been played but he’s no choice.. it has to end now.

I really enjoyed the plot, and loved Walker..he’s tough that’s bloody clear from the outset but he also has a conscious.. he doesn’t claim to be anything other that what he is..what you see is what you get. He won’t apologise.. he did what he did.. but that doesn’t mean he will stand by while more innocents die.

The flow of the book was flawless! It’s paced so well it’s super easy to enjoy and demolish but that wasn’t the only thing that hooks you in..typically since I read a lot.. you can sometimes tell when an author has shoved in some detail to bulk a section of the story out..or bits that just doesn’t feel right or flow.. that’s not something Simon has issues with.. the development is seamless… the characters and their connections, everything just works and it had me hooked, like sitting in a movie theatre for 3 hours..

I tend to read while I commute to work.. I can’t tell you how much I just wanted to stay on the bus and head back the other way just to keep reading ha.

I do hope there’s more to come as I just feel it can only strengthen the character and it will be epic!

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

BLOG TOUR – The Hollow Husband by Cole Baxter

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Hollow Husband by Cole Baxter

Here’s the blurb

Stella has finally met her dream man. But is David too good to be true?

Stella Greene has finally met her dream man. David is wealthy, successful, polished, and seductive. He’s got her back when an angry ex comes to call. He shares her taste in everything from wine to music. Her parents love him.

The couple are thrilled when Stella falls pregnant. David has always been attentive, but now that Stella is carrying his child, he becomes downright controlling. He claims he’s only worried about her and the baby. But Stella becomes fearful. How well does she really know her husband?

Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer loose in their small resort town, murdering young, attractive men. A fan of true crime stories, Stella takes a keen interest in the killings and soon finds herself drawn into a darker world than she ever imagined.

When men linked to Stella are the next victims, she begins to fear that someone close to her might be the killer. Could it be her beloved husband?

Her doubts only grow when she sees a sketch of the killer. He looks a lot like David.

Shocked and disbelieving, she hides her fears from David. As she goes hunting for the truth, she begins to suspect David more and more. Will Stella’s worst fears be realized? Is she married to a serial killer and carrying his child?

The Hollow Husband – the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and K L Slater.

Review

Stella has the man of her dreams on her arm.. but it’s been a whirlwind marriage.. David give her everything she could want but there’s something behind those eyes..how well does Stella really know him? Or is she just being paranoid?

When Stella falls pregnant it’s the best news ever.. until David becomes controlling and demanding..but is Stella just being a little harsh? Does David not just have her best interest at heart?

If that wasn’t enough to deal with a body soon shows up and Stella uses her connections and gets involved where she shouldn’t be.. Stella and her dad love a good crime mystery to solve so she wheedles her way in.. little does she know at the time but there’s a serial killer on the loose.. when that becomes clear she feels it’s her duty to help the police stop the killer.

Meanwhile she’s also digging into the husbands past.. there’s a hidden secret but Stella doesn’t have time to concentrate on that as the bodies keep piling up.. and these murders are gruesome.

As the plot progresses secrets and twists are abundant as we learn Stella, for one reason or another may be connected to the victims.. but who is the killer.. and what’s the motive?

Development wise I liked the plot, it was clear, well paced, and the twists kept me engaged.  I particularly enjoyed the development of David who was by far the most intriguing character. I would have loved to see a bit more from him to be honest.

Focusing on Stella.. I didn’t love her.. she’s a dog with a bone and doesn’t seem to respect the law and things are just a little convenient for her at times.. who gets that much access to a crime scene after all? But lets be fair.. I think quite a few of us would love to get the kind of access she does..

What I really enjoyed was the murders themselves, they are dark and grisly and when you match this to the development of the characters it’s clear what the author wants you to think.. but you are taken on a ride with twists, kept wondering if you are judging characters too harshly just like Stella does, so in the end I was compelled to finish the tale.. I just HAD to know who the killer was and why?

An interesting and intriguing story which shows a lot of promise for future books from the author.

4/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour!

Why not check out all the stops on the tour?

Book Links

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201490634-the-hollow-husband

Buy Links : https://mybook.to/thehollowhusband-zbt

Cole’s Bio

Cole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!


Cole’s Links:


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

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