Category Archives: Book Reviews

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

Facebook: – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091634693677

Twitter https://twitter.com/JayJayBus

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

https://www.instagram.com/sue_wickstead/

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.

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 – Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes by Sue Wickstead – REVIEW

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Today we are kicking of the Blog Tour for Daisy Daydream Bus Rhymes and Jokes by Sue Wickstead!

Keeping reading for a chance to  win a signed copy of  the Double-Decker Playbus Colouring Book too!

Here’s the blurb.

Some well known nursery rhymes, rewritten, with a bus twist.

Come and sing along and share a bus joke too.

A special collection for Daisy Daydream.

(Who has her own story book)

Review

My two girls are now 8 year old and big fans of Sue Wickstead having read David’s Bin Day and David’s Bathtime Adventure.

Daisy Daydreams Bus Rhymes and Jokes is a fun collection of jokes and rhymes but the twist is they are all bus related..so those rhymes you’ve known since childhood have been tweaked in a fun way to fill this book full of fun.

I sat down with my two to discuss the book and from the off Georgia said if she saw this book on a book shelf she would buy it.. the colours, the playful fun looking bus, very eye catching.

When you open the book from the first page you easily get the feel for the book, jokes and rhymes neatly mixed but the pages never too cluttered.

Myself and girls particularly liked the jokes, each displayed in their own ticket!

You can tell a lot of thought has went into not only the rhymes and jokes but also the placement within the book, each page is packed with just the right amount of words for any young one to read without feeling too overwhelmed. As a parent I think this is quite nicely aimed for those young ones learning to read out loud, it’s easy to follow and broken up in small sections which is easier on the eye.

The girls also really enjoyed the authors own rhymes, not only do we get reimagined classics but we also get some brand new ones focused on the authors work which I feel just brings the series of books together nicely.

Credit where credit is due the author has put a lovely book together with the aid of Claire Shaw for the layout and Artful Doodlers for the illustrations..each part is done perfectly, so much so Georgia wants to get a copy to give to her school for other children to read.

Overall the kids really liked this fun little read, it’s quick and manages to keep a child’s attention. 4 – 8 year olds seems about the right age range for this book and if you’ve got a little one I reckon they will enjoy this one too!

It’s a 5* read from my two girls!

To find out more check out the links below!

https://suewickstead.co.uk/shop

www.suewickstead.co.uk

amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daisy-Daydream-Bus-Rhymes-Jokes/dp/0993073794/

Amazon .com https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Daydream-Bus-Rhymes-Jokes/dp/0993073794/

Waterstones https://www.waterstones.com/book/daisy-daydream-bus-rhymes-and-jokes/sue-wickstead/9780993073793

Barnes and noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daisy-daydream-bus-rhymes-and-jokes-sue-wickstead/1132338099?ean=9780993073793

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

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

Her stories relate to both her experiences as a teacher as well as her play-work adventures with a bus.

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

Facebook

Twitter (or X as it’s known now)

Instagram – Jay Jay Bus Books

Instagram – Sue Wickstead

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of  the Double-Decker Playbus Colouring Book. (UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494563/?

BLOG TOUR – Brothers of the Sword by Peter Gibbons

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Brothers of the Sword by Peter Gibbons!

Here’s the blurb

An epic battle where heroes fight and die to protect a Kingdom from Viking invasion…

991AD
King Aethelred the Unready’s Kingdom of the English is threatened. Olaf Tryggvason and his fleet of Viking warships snap at the coastal edges like ravenous wolves, and Sweyn Forkbeard, King of the Danes, has landed in East Anglia with an army of battle-hardened warriors.

Ealdorman Byrhtnoth of Essex must stand against them faced with overwhelming odds, forging his legend in the blood of his deadly enemies.

By his side, his Thegn, Beornoth, a brutal warrior and savage Saxon fighter is torn between his need to protect his loved ones, and his duty to fight for his Lord.

As the Vikings raid and slaughter, Beornoth is forced to fight for the survival of his oath sworn brothers, his Lord, and the Kingdom itself when all roads lead to the fateful Battle of Maldon.

Can Beornoth protect his people and survive one of the most famous battles of the Viking Age?

A thrilling story, packed with war, vengeance and visceral combat.

Review

Brothers of the Sword is book 3 in the The Saxon Warrior Series by Peter Gibbons and picks up where the last book left us.. The Vikings are still on English soil… the last battle cost both sides heavily but the Viking’s won’t be deterred that easily.

A lot happened during the last battle and while Beornoth and his fellow warriors fought one threat another, Sweyn Forkbeard, took advantage and now holds a strategic piece of land.. but why have the locals not sent him packing? Were they overwhelmed? Or is something more devilish at play?

Beornoth is sent to learn his plans under a banner of truce, the idea being if he will leave peacefully all the better but you already know that won’t happen.

A few worrying issues appear quickly.. an old foe is brought before Beornoth which shows danger is mounting and an attack could come from more than one direction.. but also there’s a religious angle at play.. Forkbeard is a Christian and many English have had enough of the Church’s influence and the current King.. so are actually in two minds two welcome Forkbeard in the hope this will change things for the better but can a Viking ever be trusted? Would they ever really see the English as anything other than lambs to slaughter?

Beornoth and the other warriors prepare for the war that they know will come and have little time to be with their loved ones..but a worrying thought plays deeply.. the Viking’s are vicious warriors to a man.. the English however do not have the numbers to match.. The Fryd if called upon for numbers are everyday folk.. farmers.. not killers..If the Viking’s come as one there just isnt enough fighting men to stop them but that won’t stop Beornoth doing what he must.

Beornoth has some wonderful development throughout as he is still reeling from his personal terrors.. his two girls killed in a Viking raid and his wife left broken..but you see the ice thaw a little more each time they are with each other.. the pain will never go but can they grow close again?

What I really love is that Beornoth’s power comes from his pain.. the pure need for vengeance plain and simple.. he’s a good man at heart but he would be the first one to admit he just wants to kill these ba****ds to repay what they did to his, and many others families.

Brothers of the Sword is brutal and full of blood and gore but it offers so much more than that..it’s the characters.. the connections.. the men are brothers by blood oath and they will fight till the death to save their people and the place they call home.

Peter Gibbons clearly knows how to weave a tale perfectly with the right amount of balance of plot and character development, paced superbly leaving the reader with a beautifully murderously delicious tale packed fully of detail. Sometimes I can struggle with historical fiction when you can tell an author is purposefully putting detail in.. so much so it stands out as strange and sometimes distracts from the plot.. Gibbons has no such trouble.. its almost effortless how easily he weaves the different aspects together, nothing felt forced or over done.. just marvellous!

Oh and that cover… AMAZING!

Outstanding 5* read from an author I’m eager to see more from.. Clear knows what his readers want and knows how to take it to the next level.

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour! I received an ARC of the book as part of the tour but I had the book pre-ordered too!

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

Why not follow the tour?

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. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorGibbons

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

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

PUBLICATION DAY PUSH – Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord by M. K. Wiseman – REVIEW

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Today I’m joining the publication day push for Sherlock Holmes & the Silver Cord by M. K. Wiseman!

Here’s the blurb

“I speak of magic, Mr. Holmes.”

Mr. Percy Simmons, leader of London’s Theosophical Order of Odic Forces, is fully aware that his is not a case which Mr. Sherlock Holmes would ordinarily take up.

These are not ordinary times, however.

For something, some unquiet demon within Holmes stirs into discomfiting wakefulness under the occultist’s words. The unassuming Mr. Simmons has spoken of good and evil with the sort of certainty of soul that Sherlock yearns for. A certainty which has eluded Holmes for the three years in which the world thought him dead. While, for all intents, constructions, and purposes, he was dead.

But six months ago, Sherlock Holmes returned to Baker Street, declared himself alive to friend and foe alike, took up his old rooms, his profession, and his partnership with Dr. J. Watson—only to find himself haunted still by questions which had followed him out of the dreadful chasm of Reichenbach Falls:

Why? Why had he survived when his enemy had not? To what end? And had there ever, truly, been such a thing as justice? Such a thing as good or evil?

Review

Sherlock Holmes is a beloved character to me so was very intrigued by this plot. It must be a dauting time writing a story based on such a well know individual so excited and worried slightly was how I felt.. would the book do the character justice?

In the word.. YES!

The tale starts strong with Sherlock vs his old nemesis Moriarty..These events leave Sherlock at a bit of a loss and with some inner turmoil to process.

As with any good detective Sherlock finds it impossible to stay still and his mind yearns for a case..and it just so happens one has just rocked up at his door.

A case of blackmail.. but the blackmail is written in the hand of the person being blackmailed.. how is that even possible??

We next meet Mr Simmons who has another case.. some friends of his have recently died under strange circumstances and the belief is a magical enemy is at fault.

Sherlock is obviously sceptical with the idea of magic but it intrigues his mind.. more so when there’s a link to the blackmail case..

There’s plenty of twists and turns for any hardcore Sherlock fan but what the author really got spot on for me was the character himself, he’s always been kind of a broken man and this tale explores that as Sherlock tries to figure out good versus evil… and which side of the line does he really sit on…he’s at a loss without the person he deemed his equal.

I also really enjoyed the pace in the very typical still of Holmes.. it’s a slow burner as Sherlock puts the pieces together.. but you are never board.. never left wanting..it’s offered up like a delicious three course meal bit by bit, with the truth at the end coming like a big fat piece of cheesecake just when you need it!

I was left feeling very happy after this offering, felt I had reconnected with a character we’ve know for years, and it had everything I wanted for a Sherlock book and more!

I can’t give the book anything less than 5* but I wish I could give it more.. The plot was awesome but Sherlock himself stole the show.. the mannerisms.. his temperament…his thought processes.. just divine!!

Purchase Links

Amazon

kobo.com

Barnes and Noble

Author Bio –

M. K. Wiseman has degrees in Interarts & Technology and Library & Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her office, therefore, is a curious mix of storyboards and reference materials. Both help immensely in the writing of historical novels. She currently resides in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Social Media Links –

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

BLOG TOUR – Three Sisters by Owen Mullen

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Three Sisters by Owen Mullen.

Followers of mine will know Owen is a firm favourite on David’s Book Blurg!

Here’s the blurb

One chance meeting. A night that changes everything.


The Kennedy sisters, Molly, Alex and Sam, have a Christmas tradition – a night out, just the three of them, sisters together.

Lewis Stone can’t face the work Christmas party, but as he’s one of the bosses, he has to put in an appearance.  He leaves as soon as he can politely get away, ready for the holidays to begin.

When Lewis Stone meets the Kennedy sisters, a train of events begins that engulfs them all.

One sister is left fighting for her life.

One sister is left fighting for her marriage.

And one sister is hellbent on revenge…

Review

Warning spoilers ahead!!

It’s a normal night out for three sisters, Molly, Alex and Sam until their happiness is shattered!

Their lives are about to collide with Lewis Stone.. wrong place wrong time.

Molly is struck by Lewis’s car, but was it an accident? It seems so but Sam won’t hear it. Something snaps inside her and her life will never be the same.. she’s hell bent on seeing Lewis pay.

Alex on the other hand is able to cope better but that’s only because she has her husbands shoulder to lean on.. but she has her own issues.. the marriage isn’t as happy as it seems.

Lewis is broken after the events of the crash which causes issues at work with his partner. As his world implodes he tries to hide from it by simply ignoring life.. but that’s not going to work for long.

I’ll try to keep the rest of the review spoiler free but lets just say it’s a cracking tale, there’s twists and turns and some secrets come out that really shock you.

The development of the plot and characters was spot on, nothing felt out of place and the pace perfectly matched. The changing perspectives really made the plot pop. Hooked is an understatement.

Mullen certainly knows his craft and effortlessly gives you intriguing characters and stories.. I never tire of his work.

I can’t really tell you how good this book is without giving more spoilers, but rest assured you won’t be disappointed!

A resounding 5* hit.. Mullen never puts a foot wrong!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! (Or any good local book retailor)

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 a copy too.. I had it on pre-order and I think a paperback is needed for the collection too 🙂

Boldwood Books are killing it these days with some brilliant authors and stories. Do grab a bargain today!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

O J  Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who lives in Scotland. In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. His first gangland thriller for Boldwood, Family was published in January 2021.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/owenmullen6

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

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

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – Review

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Today I’m reviewing The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Here’s the blurb

Nora’s life has been going from bad to worse. Then at the stroke of midnight on her last day on earth she finds herself transported to a library. There she is given the chance to undo her regrets and try out each of the other lives she might have lived. Which raises the ultimate question: with infinite choices, what is the best way to live?

Review

I don’t think I’ve read anything more beautifully poignant than The Midnight Library.

The tale follows Nora as her life hits rock bottom.. she’s lost her job and her cat… that’s everything she held close.. not to mention her relationships are at an all time low…. She feels like her life is a failure. Just as she’s about to spend her last moments on Earth she finds herself transported to The Midnight Library.

In this library you get the chance to live the versions of your life you may have lived if you made different decisions. Nora gets the chance to undo her list of regrets.. she gets another chance at a life of happiness.. the issue is Nora isnt too interested..she doesn’t want to live..she’s made her choice.

Now here’s where the book just knocks it out of the park.. Nora slowly learns that perhaps having regrets isnt needed.. life isnt prefect and in each version of her life Nora she struggles to find happiness. There’s an important message shining through.. maybe we all just need to try to see the good in our lives rather than live with regrets.

Maybe things happen for a reason, maybe those relationships were meant to break down.

As Nora returns to the library after each journey we slowly see her outlook change.. maybe her life isn’t that bad aftrall..she finds herself wanting to live.. but she’s running out of time.

The Midnight Library is my first foray into the authors work and I’ve heard many a good thing. Based on stellar recommendations I felt it was time to give the author a try and I’m so glad I did.  

Overall, a beautifully written thought-provoking tale that helps you consider a very difficult subject. Mental health is very prominent these days, and righty so, but it’s not easy to understand since we are all very different. I really enjoyed how the author tackled the subject and I dare you to read this and try and tell me you didn’t feel differently at the end.

Easy 5*

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