Category Archives: Book Reviews

The Child by Sebastian Fitzek – Audible Drama REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing the Audible Drama, The Child by Sebastian Fitzek.

I do love a good audiobook and truthfully I needed something to keep me sane while I did the housework.. much to my dismay I’m unable to read and iron clothes at the same time. Audio seemed like the perfect choice!

I also really enjoy audiobooks simply because sometimes I’m too tired to read.. but still want my fix..

Here’s the blurb

My name is Simon. I’m 10 years old. I’m a serial killer.

Robert Stern, a successful defence lawyer, doesn’t know what lies in store for him when he agrees to meet a new client in a derelict estate on the outskirts of Berlin. To his astonishment, the defendant is a 10-year-old boy – Simon, a fragile child with a chronic illness who insists that he was a murderer in a former life.

Stern’s surprise quickly turns to horror as he searches the cellar Simon has directed him to and discovers the skeletal remains of a man, the skull split with an axe – just as Simon told him he would. But this is only the beginning, as Simon tells Stern where to find even more victims whose bodies have lain undisturbed for years. Suddenly the present feels murderously dangerous as well….

The Child is a darkly twisting thriller that will make your heart pound with adrenaline.

Review

One night Robert Stern’s life is turned upside down as he meets a young boy, Simon.

Simon is only ten years only but is convinced he’s committed murder. At first Robert thinks this is a joke, but when he decides to go along with the story and take a look in the location of the murder a grizzly sight is found.

Robert can hardly believe it! Even more so when the murder seems to have been committed roughly 15 years ago! How is it possible this ten year old boy knows this?

Well Simon isn’t well, he’s time on this planet is going to be short and as a gift he attended a regression session, to help him see that maybe this isn’t the end and that life goes on and has been for sometime..but what no one expected was Simon to see glimpse of what he thinks is a past life when he was a murderer!

More murders are discovered but what’s even more surprising Is Simon has even predicted a murder.. he doesn’t know who.. but he does know where..

There’s clashes with the police who struggle to believe the tale they are being told so at times they even consider Robert a suspect!

Robert would love nothing more than to step away.. forget about this case..but he can’t he’s sucked in and with the help of Simon they will see this through to the end!

I was looking for a decent psychological thriller but what I didn’t expect was amazing plot. No spoilers from me but how they tied everything up towards the end of the tale.. super!

The story is pretty bleak in it’s stroyline.. the victims aren’t really nice people themselves and as they dig a seedy underground is exposed and motivations become more clear.

As I listened to the Audible Drama version I have to comment on the narrators. Wonderful! Having a few different cast members helped the story flow well as the tone changed as we heard from each character. I’m always conscious I can zone out if I’m listening to one voice for too long.. (that’s why those sleep stories work so well for me ha ha) but with The Child I found myself engaged at all times.

To find out more head to Audible.

If you’d like to hear listen to Unabridged version check out Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan.

Here’s the blurb.

Prince. Mercenary. Exile.

The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands.

1030 AD

Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it.

Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus.

His brother’s legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph.

He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family’s battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side.

The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy’s incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking.

Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Review

With a tag line like “Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons” I immediately took notice.. these writers are my bread and butter.. they get what their readers love and give them it in spades full.. Did I have high expectations? Yep.

Firstly what I loved about this book from the start is that it felt fresh and new.. historical fiction is a well read genre for me but to see Harald Hardrada before he became the man most of know was fascinating!

After King Olaf dies in battle, Harold and Olaf’s other men are forced into exile or face death. It’s not much of a choice but being so downcast after their defeat means it’s even harder going. These men..they have lost everything.. but Harold also has the unenviable task of learning his role with the men and has to grow fast.

The depth of Harold was without fault..you see him struggle.. and adapt with the sheer strength he has within.. determination runs in his veins. I also loved that things didn’t come easy for him. Warriors look for leaders.. but it never felt like that was Harold’s role take on things..he doesn’t just want to become a leader.. he earns it.. he’s just got the passion burning that drives him forward and it’s this that the warriors ultimately see within him.

As is typical of the genre there’s plenty of battles but what sets Warrior Prince apart is the sheer amount of little details.. you can see how much research has went into the story to depict the characters, the period and the battles.

For fans for the genre I’m in no doubt you’ll love this and if I had to some up in one word it’s “depth”. Almost everything I’ve read about Harold has been fascinating but can’t touch upon the depth and intensity that’s been added by J. C. Duncan!

I was hooked and can’t wait to see what happens next in the series, I loved the connections Harold made with the men so excited to see how this grows.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or to here

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. At £1.99 It’s a bargain!

Author Bio –

J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn  

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan

Why not follow the rest of the tour?

The Heathen Horde: (Alfred the Great Book 1) by Steven A. McKay – ARC REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing The Heathen Horde: (Alfred the Great Book 1) by Steven A. McKay.

I was lucky enough to be offered the chance to read the book in advance of it’s release so if you like what you read keep an eye out! The book is due for release 26th October!

Here’s the blurb

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

‘Immersive and visceral, I loved every word’ Christian Cameron

‘Another excellent historical adventure from Steven McKay. A captivating thrill ride’ Tim Hodkinson

Northumbria, AD 864. Viking warlord Ragnar Lothbrok is captured and killed in brutal fashion, an event that will shape the future of the nation for decades to come.

Mercia, AD 868. Alfred, son of Wessex and heir to the throne, draws his first blood on the battlefield. It will not be his last.

A devastating scourge from the north is coming to Britain, one that will bring armies and entire kingdoms to their knees. Travelling along the whale road in their feared longships, the Great Heathen Army move fast, striking with a savagery unmatched, in a seemingly unstoppable tide of blood and iron.

One inexperienced warrior will prove the difference, a young man who will lead from the front and, in time, aspire to become the saviour of the Saxons… Alfred the Great.

A totally enrapturing historical adventure following the life of one of Britain’s most important ever kings, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.

Review

The book starts off strong setting the tone with the death of Ragnar Lothbrok. The Norse are a violent threat for many reasons, their passion for vengeance one of them..they want to be seen as the strongest, the best out there.. their sheer savagery unprecedented and something Britain just can’t match!

We soon meet Alfred, heir to the throne.  I really enjoyed the early development of the main character. He’s not prepared for the role.. his life has never had a clear path.. as long as his brothers were around he was able to lead the life he wanted while they focused on learning what it takes to be King, but nothing lasts forever.

I loved seeing his motivations change as at first he’s a typical young man out for only two things.. booze and girls but with brewing tension and the constant threat of these invaders it’s time Alfred started playing his role.. and people aren’t too shy to tell him so.. and first things first is to strengthen the connections in Britain.. and the best way to do that is to find a bride.

It’s not easy at first for the man who’s never been tied down but there’s an almost instant connection and it kind of soothes his soul. I loved the connection, it felt real..Alfred is instantly comfortable with his bride to be.

If you think things are going to stay all nicey nicey then you are mistaken. The Great Heathen Army will soon be upon him and Britain.

Another thing I really loved about the development was Alfred’s religious beliefs. A lot of men will fight for the sake of fighting but it’s almost like Alfred fights at Gods command..it’s a constant battle for such a pious man to be involved in warfare but he grows quickly into the role.

McKay effortlessly imprints the brutality of the period within you. Not only depictions of war but real life, how little human life can mean to some.. and the horrors some may be put through. I particularly liked seeing the local population interactions. I can only imagine what the period was like but in my mind if I wasn’t a warrior, I felt like I would be like that tavern owner..I don’t want to die so I’ll just keep serving the ale and hope no one kills me..without leaders and warriors what else are they to do other than capitulate.

I know lots of historical fiction fans look for historical accuracy.. I’m no expert but I loved how much detail was added, even down to food eaten.. it was all there and made it so easy to implant myself into the story McKay had written.

Development wise the flow is perfect, and all that details is superbly mixed with plot.. one of my pet peeves is when detail is forced into a storyline.. if it doesn’t flow in naturally just don’t add it ha. McKay certainly knows how I like my books!

I think the best thing about the book was how it connects with the reader emotionally.. as you feed off Alfred. Elation, Pain, Guilt, Lust..I mean it’s a roller coaster with you right there next to Alfred!

As a reader familiar with the authors work you can imagine my joy when I heard a new book was on the way.. the difference being the author had a lot more leeway with his previous plots, the characters and their development. Even within defined parameters McKay shines and shows just how much of a master of his craft he is while losing none of his style and energy!

I’ve followed the authors work for some time now, he was a master from day one but honestly it’s great to see such an author continue to churn out superior novels and McKay seems to be going from strength to strength with his writing.

There’s more to come in the series but book 1 perfectly sets things up and entices the reader, leaving them wanting more!

An astounding 5* read!

Let me know what you think and you it sounds like your cup of tea why not pre-order a copy today?

My thanks go to Steven A. McKay and the publisher Canelo for the opportunity given to review in advance. My pre-order is in already too!! 😊

BLOG TOUR – The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland

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Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland.

Here’s the blurb

1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.

Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hoards of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.

The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.

Review

Young Nelan doesn’t have it easy. He’s a young man trying to live in a world of persecution. All he really wants to do is get an education but not everyone likes his kind.

Things quickly escalate and Nelan finds himself on the run for murder… but everything he did was simply to defend himself… Just no one will believe him… That is with the exception of Dr Dee..he knows there’s something about Nelan..he’s got a future to live for.

On the run without a family.. without funds and with only the clothes on his back he’s fortunate to find work and with any luck the love of a good woman too.

Alas the peace won’t last forever.

Nelan discovers he’s a way with fire like no one he’s ever seen, and he learns to respect it and it’s destructive power.

When people she his natural talent this leads him to a new job that will unfortunately take him closer to his past than he would have liked and this time there’s no escape.

Trust into one of the worst prisons possible Nelan quickly has to adapt and he’s smart.. he knows if he doesn’t get out soon then he never will.

For me this was when things really started to get interesting as he meets a group of sailors which leads him to a life on the water.

I’m never one for spoilers but seriously there’s so much going on in Nelan’s life.. the poor boy is just thrust from one dangerous situation to another.

Pacing wise the story flowed nicely, it’s an easy fast flowing read as the author doesn’t plough you with tonnes of information that’s not needed, it’s all about the setup and giving you interesting titbits.

In the authors style I really enjoyed the plot mixed with the spiritual side as Nelan discovers his powers and hopefully find his true purpose in life.

The book is very character driven with decent length chapters, this combination helped me quickly come to like Nelan and feel for him during the pain he must have suffered. Especially a dark secret he’s been hiding from himself, too young at the time some secrets have been buried but the fire will soon set those free.

Overall a cracking 4* read, lots to get to grips with, fast flowing exciting plot

My thanks go to the author and Zoé @ www.zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour and for providing a review copy of the book to aid my review.

To find out more why not following the tour?

Author Bio

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age.

His WIP is the second in the series, The Midnight of Eights, the charting of the uncanny coincidences that led to the repulse of the Spanish Armada. Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts.

Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

Justin’s Links

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

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/

Website : https://justinnewland.com/

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199139776-the-mark-of-the-salamander

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

BLOG TOUR – Missing by Ruby Speechley

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Today we kick off the blog tour for Missing by Ruby Speechley!

Here’s the blurb.

Single mum Ellie is shown a missing person post on Facebook.
It’s of her three-year-old son, Tyler…
But he’s right there, holding her hand.

Surely this is some kind of prank – she knows her friend Louise can go too far with her jokes sometimes. And Ellie is used to the other mums gossiping at the school gates…

But now the other parents are questioning whether Tyler is really her child.

Ellie does everything she can to prove the post is fake, but the longer it goes on she knows it is malicious. Who would do this to her? And why?

It could be her ex, Darren, but deep down she knows it must be linked to what happened all those years ago – the night she’s been doing her best to forget…

All she knows is that she has to keep her son safe – no matter what.

Review.

The combination of the book title, cover and blurb hooked me in..

Ellie is a single mother looking after her little boy Tyler.

One day she starts receiving funny looks from other parents and it soon becomes clear it’s all because of a post on Facebook… a post to say her son Tyler is missing!

As we all would do, parents judge, some too quickly and it takes a while for common sense to kick in and
show the post is a fake… but who would do that? And why?

We soon learn Ellie has a disturbing past. While she’s now sober that wasn’t always the case and one night many years ago something happened that she’s been trying to hide from.. but she can only run so long and that past will need to be confronted.

Not to spoil too much but the phycological fear of Clowns that Ellie has really hit home for me as it’s my fear.. but Ellie has much more of a reason to fear them than me.

As the plot progresses It feels like someone is playing mind games with Ellie but who and what is the end game here?

The pace of the book was perfect for me.. it kept you hooked but never bored.. I spent most of my time thinking I knew who was behind it..and their connection to Ellie but it’s the motivation behind the why that had me stumped and I feel that’s just like Ellie is.. it’s
takes her a while to see the danger she’s in but when she does she can’t put all the pieces together.

I try to give none spoiler reviews so I’ll not go into detail but the mind games, the utter torment Ellie goes through is unreal.. it’s subtle but builds and builds as the pressure
raises, she really doesn’t know who she can trust and being so far away from
her close friend means she’s isolated and those she does confide in just don’t
see the danger either

Pace 5* Plot 5* Character Development 5* Loved it! 5*. (Clowns -5* urhghghghghhghg I hate clowns ha ha)

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. At £99p you’d be crazy not to grab a copy!

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

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

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ruby-Speechley-Author/100063999185095/

Twitter https://twitter.com/rubyspeechley

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

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

The Crocodile and Plover Bird: A Rare Friendship by Faye Carruthers, illustrated by Hazel Mattheou – Review

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Today I’m reviewing The Crocodile and Plover Bird: A Rare Friendship by Faye Carruthers, illustrated by Hazel Mattheou.

Here’s the blurb

Crunch the crocodile really needs someone to get their teeth stuck into a new project… helping him clean his teeth! With small claws and little resources, Crunch finds it very difficult to rid his teeth and gums of leftover food. Therefore, he sets off on a quest to find someone who will be willing to help him… but will he ever find anyone?

This fun and uplifting rhyming book teaches young minds that sometimes looks aren’t everything. Based on a symbiotic relationship, Crunch learns that help can be found in the most unlikely of friends – and that he can help them too!

Review

Myself and my little one Georgia read this together and what I found lovely was how easy she understood the message the book is trying to share.

Crunch the crocodile is very friendly and loves his food, the issue is he can’t clean his teeth easily.

Crunch tries to ask for help but finds many are scared of him..he tries and tries but no one will help.

Just when he’s about to give up along comes a lovely Plover bird.

The Plover bird isn’t scared at all and helps Crunch get those pearly whites back and they form a lovely friendship.

When I asked Georgia what she felt about the story she could see the message of how important it to brush your teeth, and floss but what was nice to see was her immediate thought was why didn’t the other animals help him..so we discussed how inherently we judge people on how they look and the importance of trying our hardest to be aware of that and to give people a chance.

Georgia found the book very easy flowing, she didn’t have any issues with the words or the pace, and she loved the characters and colours. She understood the message well and thought this is a perfect book for young readers around 6 who are reading with their parents. G is 8 and loved the story.

From my side I found it a fun easy read, It’s a quick read too and I loved the message the book gives off. We don’t know anyone’s situation so who are we to judge? Maybe we all need to be a little kinder at times and it’s good to reminded of that.

Georgia rated this a spectacular 5*, so much so daddy has to buy a copy on payday to send to the school for the little ones to read!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! Or any good local retailor 😊

My thanks go to Faye Carruthers for providing a review copy for Georgia. She loved this one!

BLOG TOUR – Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook

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Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook. It’s new out today so grab a copy while it’s hot!

Here’s the blurb

A king, old and frail.

A challenger filled with vengeance. A kingdom’s fate at stake.

Sven the Boar is Jarl of Ribe once more. He and Charles try to settle into their new lives, but trouble and treachery are never too far away.

Tormented by recent events, Charles struggles to adapt to life amongst the heathens that mock his Christian God and the arrival of a priest from the south only makes things worse.

Meanwhile, Sven is burdened with the responsibilities of being Jarl again and protecting his grandson from those hunting him.

When forced into an alliance with King Horik’s nephew who is raising an army to challenge his uncle for the throne of Denmark, Sven makes an important decision.

As the threat of war becomes real, Sven rides to fight a battle that will change the destiny of Denmark.

But whilst he fights, will Charles remain safe or are other games in play that threaten him?

Review

After reading Odin’s Betrayal, book 1 in The Charlemagne’s Cross Series and quite frankly falling in love with it, you can imagine my excitement to read book 2.

I would recommend reading the fist instalment to really understand the characters but felt the author did a really good job of throwing little titbits of info in just when needed so even a new reader would understand the emotions and motivations behind the characters. For me it reminded me of those past events and credit to the authors ability it easily transported me back and I can remember those events vividly.

With Charles now under his grandfather’s care, Sven the Boar it’s going to be a rough ride. It’s been a difficult time for both, and the trouble isn’t going to go away any time soon.

Charles is still young, and a Christian living in a town of heathens. His religion is important to him and it’s an internal battle for him to understand why anyone wouldn’t believe in the one true god. As time passes you can see him start to grow, he learns religion and mans urges aren’t always linked.. just because you pray to god doesn’t make you good.. and similarly, just because you pray to another god doesn’t make you inherently evil.. there’s more to peoples motivations and sometimes you need to look deep to find the deception.

Sven has his own issues too after avenging his wife’s death by killing his brother no less! He and Charles find it tough to connect since they have been brought up in very different worlds and Sven really doesn’t know how to be there for the boy but does things the only way he knows how and has the boy start training.. Charles needs to learn to protect himself.

We quickly learn that there’s a lot of secrecy and deception afoot..but are the motivations good or bad? And what will happen to Charles? He’s already lost his father after all.

I don’t want to spoil the secrecy of the tale but I was engrossed reading as the different players show their hands in the tale, you learn so much more about Charles family history and what led to the events surrounding his fathers death.. there’s love and political motivations and at times it’s hard to see how Charles will recover if he ever learns the full extent of his origins.

While these events are playing out behind the scenes, Sven is dealing with a much closer threat. After becoming Jarl again he’s made the King look weak… and a blast from the past shows up with war on his mind.. but he wants Sven’s help… and actually Sven needs his too. Things aren’t going well for him.. the people are still angry after Sven murdered their previous Jarl so there’s an interesting chance for both of them to get what they want.

For me this instalment was all about the development. Don’t get me wrong the plot is unparalleled but the development of the characters just outshines anything I’ve read before. There’s so much depth added to the main characters but at the same time we are introduced to new ones, and again the detail added really helps you imagine their look, mannerisms, motivations.

The book is paced very well, plot is just gobsmackingly good plus detail and development added with precision to give you a captivating story.

I’m very much glad I found this author and their work and can’t fault it. 5*

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. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

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

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter  https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

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

BLOG TOUR – Bus Rhymes and Playtime by Sue Wickstead

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Bus Rhymes and Playtime by Sue Wickstead

Here’s the blurb.

Have you got your ticket ready?

Where shall we go today?

Why not jump on board the bus

– come along to sing and play.

So, take your seat as off we go.

What could happen along the way?

(Rhymes for Jay-Jay; Daisy; Sparky and Gloria too. Tickets with questions to answer as well as poems for storybooks)

Review.

Myself and my little one recently reviewed Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes from the same author so jumped at the chance to read this on too!

Bus Rhymes and Playtime follows the same fun format, it’s colourful, bright and cheerful. There’s fun little rhymes similar to the classics we all know but with new twists added to them that are easy for the children to pick up.

I felt the layout was very child friendly allowing young ones to take in bite size chunks of text and not be too overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s not easy to get your child to sit there and read page after page, but I find it much easy to get them onboard when asking for 1 or 2 rhymes.

I think the book is perfectly aimed for around the 5 – 6 age range and is super for those times you need your child to read to you. It’s also the perfect example of using your imagination and having a bit of play with words.

Bus Rhymes and Playtime ticks all the right boxes, it’s another story Georgia is hoping her school will pick up as she would love to see the littles ones at the school be given the chance to read this.

Easily a 5*

My thanks go to Sue Wickstead for providing a copy of this book for Georgia in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! 

Where can I get a copy –

https://suewickstead.co.uk/shop

amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bus-Rhymes-Playtime-Sue-Wickstead-ebook/dp/B0CBNLR7D3/

Amazon .com https://www.amazon.com/Bus-Rhymes-Playtime-Sue-Wickstead-ebook/dp/B0CBNLR7D3/

Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/bus-rhymes-and-playtime/sue-wickstead/9781916392359

Barnes and noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bus-rhymes-and-playtime-sue-wickstead/1143774242?ean=9781916392359

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Sue Wickstead lives in West Sussex, UK and writes children’s picture story books.

Sue’s stories are inspired by her adventures with a Playbus as well as her experiences as a teacher.

The Playbus was a real double-decker bus full of toys, arts and crafts, as well as a lot of fun to play on.

Sue wrote a photographic social history book about the project which led to her story telling and her writing. All of Sue’s books do have a bus included in them somewhere. Daisy Daydream was the bus that Sue painted and the start of her Playbus and writing journey.

When not writing Sue builds models with Lego (especially for her grandson), she loves spending quality time with her young grandson and enjoys creating models to share with him on his visits.

Her grandson features in the book ‘Barty Barton; the bear that was loved too much’ which was published in 2020. He also helps his Nanny Sue to sing along with a few of the rhymes sue has written.

Many of Sue’s books have been entered and shortlisted in ‘The Wishing Shelf Book Awards’, the book ‘A Spooky Tale’ was a silver medal winner in 2019. The story was written with her class in school.

Social Media Links –

Web site : www.suewickstead.co.uk

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BLOG TOUR – The Last True Templar  by Boyd + Beth Morrison

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Today I kick off the blog tour for The Last True Templar  by Boyd + Beth Morrison!

Here’s the blurb

The thrilling new historical adventure from New York Times bestselling author Boyd Morrison and expert medievalist Beth Morrison. Fox and Willa find themselves on a dangerous quest for the treasure of the Templar Knights.

A Perilous Quest. A Deadly Legacy.

Italy, 1351. English companions, knight Gerard Fox and the resourceful Willa, have come through a death-defying journey across war-torn Europe. Now looking towards a future together, they must first find a way to reconcile with their difficult pasts.

In a small village between Florence and Siena, Fox and Willa are caught up in a deadly ambush. After rescuing Luciana, the target of the attack, they take refuge in her opulent villa and learn her heartbreaking story – a tale of loss, deception, and a burning desire for freedom.

Soon, Fox and Willa are involved in a perilous quest to save Luciana’s family legacy. To do so, they will have to solve a mystery that points the way to the fabled lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

Review.

I was attracted to this book as soon as I noted the cover. The Last True Templar is the perfect example of selling your book from the cover alone.. without a good cover you risk people looking elsewhere.. not with The Last True Templar.

The Last True Templar has a pretty tempting blurb too. I’ve always loved the subject of the Templar Knights and their downfall but what really caught my eye was this story is a historical adventure. I’m used to reading historical fiction but what that can sometimes lack is that adventure aspect, to take the edge off all the facts and detail thrown in.

The story starts strong detailing the harrowing events that occur after the Templar Knights were condemned. Their treasure is missing but there’s some clues to it’s whereabouts.. if only the clues can be found.

We skip ahead and meet Luciana who is on business for her husband when she is attacked. Luckily Fox and Willa come to her aid and in doing so quickly show the talents they hold which sets the excitement level high.

We quickly learn of some major deceit that will knock Luciana’s world off course and set her on a journey to reclaim the Templar Knights treasure.. but she’s not the only one who has the clues and it’s a race against time to get to the finish line.

What I really enjoyed was the relationship dynamic set between Luciana, Fox and Willa, each pivotal in supporting each other in their own way but each have their own story playing out at the same time. Fox and Willa have their own reasons for joining the journey..will it lead them to where they want to be? Time will tell.

My favourite character had to be Armstrong, he’s essentially an armed mercenary set on bringing Fox down as well as the others, but he has real hatred within him for Fox’s character which spurs him on.

The feel of the book for me was like a Indiana Jones kind of vibe.. it’s serious but at the same time has fun moments and exciting escapes. I could easily see myself sitting for 2 hours watching a live action version of this tale.

After reading the book I was keen to learn more about the authors who seemed to work together seamlessly and I noted this is actually book 2 of a series.. but that didn’t cause me any issues, the book works effortlessly as a standalone but does make me excited to read the first book too!

Overall a solid 5* for the historical adventure genre, hitting the right notes and setting the feel of the book so quickly. It was a refreshing change of pace for me and one I very much enjoyed.

My thanks go to the authors and publisher for providing an ARC for review. As usual and ARC only aid a timely review so I’ve nabbed myself a kindle copy officially too 😊

Why not follow the tour?

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

About the authors

Boyd Morrison is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twelve thrillers, including six with Clive Cussler. His first novel, The Ark , was an Indie Next Notable pick and was translated into over a dozen languages. He has a PhD in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech.

Beth Morrison is Senior Curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. She has curated major exhibitions including ‘Imagining the Past in France, 1250-1500’, and ‘Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World’. She has a PhD in the History of Art from Cornell University.

Authors Social Handles

Boyd

Beth

Aries/Head of Zeus Social Handles

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

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter!

Here’s the blurb.

A deathbed oath leaves the lives of two infants hanging in the balance.

Tamworth AD833 After successfully rescuing her husband from the Island of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.

In the unenviable position of being oath sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is punished and banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf, Icel is once more torn between his oaths and the secret he knows.

When the two children are kidnapped, Icel, good to his word, and fearing for their safety, pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands, fearing to discover who is behind the audacious attempt on their lives: the queen, the king’s son, or even Lady Ælflæd, a friend to him in the past, but now wed to the king’s son and aunt to the two abandoned children.

Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears. Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail and lose his life in the process?

Review

Protector of Mercia is book 5 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. The 1st book in the series was published less than 2 years ago but in this time, there’s been so much growth and development I can hardly believe it’s the 5th instalment already!

If you haven’t read the previous instalments I do recommend it but the author has the knack for explaining things as they go nicely so new readers would understand some of the background.. but most definitely do read the others in the series.. they are too good not to read!

We are back with Icel, and he now knows the truth about who is father really is….and that he himself has a claim to the throne. But it’s a throne he doesn’t want.

After the death of Lady Cynehild Icel promised to protect her children.. It might have been a last ditch selfish act from Lady Cynehild but never the less she was right to fear for them. Soon after their father is exiled the boys go missing and Icel has to figure out who took them and where they have been taken….right now the why doesn’t matter…but something just isnt sitting right..if you want these children out of the way why not just kill them?

Protector of Mercia is all about the tension..a tale of a manhunt as Icel uses all his skill and knowledge to find the children.. to keep them safe.. the main issue is who can he trust??

This instalment, like the previous ones is full of action but what I loved about this one more was the pace, it’s a harrowing journey and the author effortlessly puts you in Icel’s position.. the urgency.. the feeling of desperation.. the weariness of the journey.. the pace perfectly matched so you can actually feel how tired Icel must be.

I feel like Icel at times lost sight of everything else other then would the children survive but he needs to find out why they were taken and by whom..but it’s not going to be easy and the journey is taking him further and further away from safety.

Something I really love about this series is the authors knack of transporting you back to events that happened in a previous novel with only a few words, credit to the author that at the mention of Icel’s uncle my mind is instantly flooded with memories from book 1 in the series..This certainly is a series that will stay with you.

Overall this has to be my favourite instalment so far.. its’ one mans tale.. his feelings.. his desperation and desire not to fail. I couldn’t put it down! 5/5 stars.

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

Why not follow the tour?

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

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.

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