Category Archives: Book Reviews

BLOG TOUR – One Night in Beartown by Nick Jones!

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Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for One Night in Beartown by Nick Jones!

The extra special news is this is also the first review my two daughters have played a part in writing 😊

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Children’s Fiction

From the award-winning duo that brought you Sarah’s Shadow comes another magical adventure…

When bear-mad schoolgirl Sandy Lane has her beloved teddy bear Berisford confiscated at school, she dreads the thought of going a whole night without his cuddles.

Little does she know that a bear-rilliant night awaits her, involving Berisford, a bear statue and many other wonderful friends!

Review

One Night in Beartown is the tale of Sandy, a little girl who loves bears. One bear in particular.. her teddybear Berisford.

At school a mean little boy makes fun of Sandy and the commotion leads to the teacher confiscating Berisford!

Sandy is heartbroken at the thought of not being with her bear but little does she know the amazing night she’s about to have.

Beartown has some magic about it and on very special occasions this magic helps all the teddy bears and bear statues in town come to life.. for one night only!

Berisford makes his way to Sandy and together they have a night that she will never forget and neither will the mean boy!

What my girls enjoyed about the book were first and foremost the illustrations by Si Clark. I loved the style and so did the girls. The cover certainly grabs your attention.

When asked about the plot my girls loved how in the end Sandy is happy, so even though her favourite teddy was taken away things were ok. Oh and the mean boy learns it’s not nice to be mean to someone!

For me the story was a nice easy read. My two are 6 years old and like to read themselves and there was no major stumbling blocks with the use of language for them.

The overall message of the book was nice, ignore bullies, it’s ok to be without those you love, things will be ok.. and hey who doesn’t want to believe in a little magic. It’s what you need as a kid.

Length wise the story was the perfect read to settle down at night, not too long but more than enough to keep the girls interested.

When asked if the girls would read it again it was a resounding yes!

5/5 Stars!

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour and for allowing my children to have a review copy of the book!

To find out more head to Goodreads, Amazon, Full Media or Nick Jones Author.co.uk-

Author Bio –

I’m Nick Jones, an award-winning author originally from Bristol but now living in Congleton, Cheshire. I write books for kids and I’ve also written several joke books for adults. My first book, Gagged and Bound – A Book of Puns, One-liners and Dad Jokes, was a best-seller under Puns and Wordplay on Amazon UK, and two sequels soon followed. You can download a FREE collection of my jokes here.

In December 2017, I tried something different: a children’s picture book about a girl who loses her shadow. Illustrated by the super-talented Si Clark, Sarah’s Shadow has proved popular with kids and parents alike. In 2018 it won Best Children’s Picture Book in the 2018 Book Awards on international book review site Readers’ Favorite. My claim to fame is that the same award was previously won by none other than Jim Carrey, the Hollywood actor-cum-children’s author! Sarah’s Shadow also won Runner-Up in the Book Excellence Awards and received a Purple Dragonfly Book Award as one of the best picture ebooks for children aged 6+.

In 2020 I ran a Kickstarter campaign during lockdown to fund my next book, One Night in Beartown. It was inspired by the Bearmania event that took place in 2011. Thanks to amazing support from businesses and individuals in Congleton and beyond, I raised £4,000 to illustrate and print the book. It was published on 1 December and you can buy it on my online shop, on my publisher’s website or as an ebook on Amazon. For updates, please follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter!

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/nickjonesauthor

https://www.facebook.com/NickJonesAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/nickjones_author/

The Forbidden Zone by Tom Trott

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Today I’m going to be reviewing The Forbidden Zone by Tom Trott.

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Supernatural/Paranormal Suspense

Every summer camp has its campfire stories, and that’s all they are: stories. But not here.

On the surface, Boys Club Camp is just like every other British summer camp: strict officers, woodland games, and night-time pranks. But Tommy remembers that summer in ’97, the year he turned thirteen, when he was the only one plagued with those little niggling questions: Why does the sound of howling cut through the cold night air? Why are the officers so obsessed with the legacy of Boys Club’s long-dead founder? Why aren’t boys allowed in the east woods?

A scream heard in the night led Tommy and his friends on a journey of discovery, to solve a mystery a hundred years in the making: what is the real purpose of Boys Club? The answer could only be found in the dark heart of the woods: the Forbidden Zone. Now an adult, Tommy needs to understand what they found there. It is his last hope of saving their lives.

Review

The Forbidden Zoneis the retelling of events that transpired when Tommy attended Boys Club Camp in 97.

Things start as you’d expect as the boy’s setup camp, dig trenches and such. We get to know the boys and the officers a little better.

Tommy been coming to camp for a while now and he’s kind of outgrown it. I actually quite liked Tommy. He knows where his strengths and weaknesses are and from my own experience as a boy scout the author showed how difficult it can be for a young boy in an environment when you need to show physical skill when your talents lay elsewhere. It’s hard to feel like one of the group at times.

Side note, I still remember my first day at camp.. slipping on a cow pat as soon as I got off the bus…not my finest moment I must say.

I loved how the author described the different camp events such as tent inspection which I recall myself very well and the frustration your tent mates would have if you let the side down. All  these little events add some depth to the character of Tommy, you like him and things progress fairly ok for him, at times it actually seems like this year is going to be his best yet, but that vibe never leaves you.. it’s the suspense as you know at any moment something has to happen right?

Well the title says it all. The Forbidden Zone is an area near camp out of bounds to the boys but there’s some troubling events connected to the area that are quite unexplainable at first.

It’s all about the build-up here as Tommy discusses his worries with his friends at camp and they agree to keep an eye on things. Things start to get creepy to say the least, officers are taken ill, friends start to act strange, and this is where things really get interesting as the author adds the supernatural edge to the tale.

Character development and plot flowed nicely together. When you look back you can see just how much time is given to the character development and it pays off as you feel a kind of personal connection with the boys. Tommy wants you to learn how he became the man he is.

I really don’t want to spoil the ending at all but its rather good I must admit. The history of Boys Club merges with the present and causes one hell of a headache for Tommy that he will never forget…Well he might forget..as the supernatural events progress there’s every chance Tommy may loose himself..it’s a rather confusing mad dash for the Tommy at the end, and you feel this confusion with him..who can be trusted? And what can he do to stop this evil from ever hurting anyone else?

I very much recommend the book, but maybe not if you are planning to go camping..

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or on Amazon!

My thanks go to the author for supplying a review copy, I’m glad to say I purchased my own also. I pride myself on doing fair honest reviews and I put my money where my mouth is 🙂

Publication Day for Preserved by Fiona Sherlock

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Today to celebrate the release of Preserved by Fiona Sherlock I’m going to be giving it my blog treatment. I do hope you enjoy the review!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Crime Thriller

She’s stuck in the past, the killer wants to immortalise his future. When a local farmer announces on social media that he has discovered a bog body in Ardee, the world’s historians are keen to explore the secrets of the life and grisly death of the victim. Antique journalist January Quail is fighting to keep her newspaper job and uncovers far more than she bargained for.

The victim is actually a recent murder, and January uses her nose for the truth to investigate the County Louth town. From shopkeeper to the publican, everyone is a suspect, but when the Gardai can’t find the killer, can January?

Once she sets down the liqueur glass, January gains the confidence of the lead garda investigator. Within days, the case unravels into a much more dangerous situation with a killer on the loose.

Despite the risk, January is electrified that this newest discovery has come at the perfect time to inject some colour into her flailing career. January relinquishes her old ways to fight for survival, abandoning her antiques column and vintage corsets to solve a cryptic crime that has the experts puzzled. This woman who longs to lives in the past must now fight for her life in the present.

Review

January Quail is a difficult character to read, she holds the cards close to her chest. There’s family pain hidden deep and her life seems to have stagnated a little. She’s good at her job as a reporter but she’s not really going anywhere.. she’s not pushing herself…she needs something to get her teeth into.

Luckily for her the perfect story develops. A bog body has been found, bodies like this can have real historical significance and she’s the best reporter for the job since this wouldn’t be the first bog body she’s handled.

Very quickly it turns out the body has been misidentified as a bog body… it’s a recent murder.. and the killer is out there.

January sets out to learn what she can and quickly deduces this case is a right mess, things don’t add up.. Why did the killer put so much effort into how the body was preserved? Because they wanted it found, but why?

While on the case January is under pressure from Alf, her current boss at the paper. Some compromising photos of a well-known individual were sent to the paper.. he wants a story but January just isnt the one to be told what to do.. she’s got her own style of getting the job done.

The pressure increases as a second body is found, are the two bodies linked? And if so how?

There are more twists thrown in regarding the first body as the life of this victim unfolds before you.. and it’s not a fun life..

The conclusion of the story wraps the pieces up nicely but January won’t be the same after this, the events have changed her physically and mentally.

Character wise I like January, she’s a tough egg and can stand on her own two feet.. but you know there’s emotions hidden.. she’s just not ready to face her past.

There’s quite an ensemble of characters we meet along the way, each are written well, you can clearly recall them in your head, their professions, their outward personas. The development of each of the characters flowed well which helped keep the final identify of the killer unknown right until the end for me.

A very enjoyable thriller 🙂

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to the author and Rachel from Rachels Random Resources for letting me celebrate publication day with day!

Author Bio –

Fiona Sherlock is a crime writer from Bective, in Ireland. Her murder mystery games are played across the world.  She also writes poetry and prose but cannot stay away from a good murder.  After spending a decade in Dublin working in public relations and journalism, she moved to the country for mid-day fires and elderflower champagne.

Social Media Links –

http://instagram.com/fionasherlock

https://www.facebook.com/DionysisDiary

https://twitter.com/fionasherlock

Spear Havoc: 1066 – Alternative Histories by C.R. May – Review

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Spear Havoc: 1066 – Alternative Histories by C.R. May.

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction/Alternative History

The year 1066 is arguably the most famous in English history. Assailed on all sides, King Harold and his doughty army finally fall to a last gasp Norman assault.

It is perhaps the very first of those fights against the odds which have entered the national psyche, of which Agincourt, Rorke’s Drift and Dunkirk are but a few.

But what if Harold Godwinson had prevailed on that blood soaked ridge? Or the invasions of Harald of Norway and William of Normandy had never taken place at all?

Here, bestselling author C.R.May presents twelve short stories, each outlining widely differing ways which could easily — and in some cases should have — produced an entirely different timeline, alternative futures which would have had a dramatic effect on the world in which we live today.

Review

I’m a big fan of “What if” when it comes to history. One little event could have changed the course of history forever and that fascinates me.

What C.R. May delivers is a collection of short stories based around the events of 1066 in which the author shows his talent as a storyteller but also how knowledgeable of the period he is.

The accounts are very detailed when it comes to names and places. The events themselves are plausible and I loved the arguments/evidence put forward with each to help you see yourself how real these events could have been.

It’s a quite fun read if you enjoy the subject, I know I do, but any fan of history or alternative history would certainly enjoy this.

I’m definitely a fan of the author, his style is very much “detail”, you are going to get sucked into the vivid detail of each event and for me they just got better as the book progressed, each adding it’s own wow factor.

Another plus for me is the chapter length and flow, it’s perfect for someone like me who has a short lunch break at work and needs a reading fix, and the author commentary after each tale helps keep things fresh and intriguing.

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

Stocking the bookshelves – Feb/March

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One of my aims for 2021 was to plan my reading a bit more than I used to so I thought it would be good to share what you can expect from David’s Book Blurg over the next 2 month!

Do any of these take your fancy? What are you reading? Let me know!

Spear Havoc: 1066 – Alternative Histories by C. R. May

The year 1066 is arguably the most famous in English history. Assailed on all sides, King Harold and his doughty army finally fall to a last gasp Norman assault.

It is perhaps the very first of those fights against the odds which have entered the national psyche, of which Agincourt, Rorke’s Drift and Dunkirk are but a few.

But what if Harold Godwinson had prevailed on that blood soaked ridge? Or the invasions of Harald of Norway and William of Normandy had never taken place at all?

Here, bestselling author C.R.May presents twelve short stories, each outlining widely differing ways which could easily — and in some cases should have — produced an entirely different timeline, alternative futures which would have had a dramatic effect on the world in which we live today.

I’ve been wanting to read this one for ages, and I’m glad to say I finished it last week so look out for my review soon!

Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

Our hero Ben is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at his grandma’s house. She’s the boringest grandma ever: all she wants to do is to play Scrabble, and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn’t know about his grandma.

1) She was once an international jewel thief.

2) All her life, she has been plotting to steal the Crown Jewels, and now she needs Ben’s help…

This year my girls turn 7 and have started to take more of an interest in reading, I want my blog to be a true reflection of my reading so thought it would be fun to record any children’s books to that we read together.

The Forbidden Zone by Tom Trott

Every summer camp has its campfire stories, and that’s all they are: stories. But not here.

On the surface, Boys Club Camp is just like every other British summer camp: strict officers, woodland games, and night-time pranks.

But Tommy remembers that summer in ’97, the year he turned thirteen, when he was the only one plagued with those little niggling questions: Why does the sound of howling cut through the cold night air? Why are the officers so obsessed with the legacy of Boys Club’s long-dead founder? Why aren’t boys allowed in the east woods?

A scream heard in the night led Tommy and his friends on a journey of discovery, to solve a mystery a hundred years in the making: what is the real purpose of Boys Club? The answer could only be found in the dark heart of the woods: the Forbidden Zone.

Now an adult, Tommy needs to understand what they found there. It is his last hope of saving their lives

This one just jumped out at me, as a young lad I spent time at camp myself and never really liked it.. Will this bring back bad memories? Ha

One Night in Beartown by Nick Jones, Si Clark (Illustrator)

When bear-mad schoolgirl Sandy Lane has her beloved teddy bear Berisford confiscated at school, she dreads the thought of going a whole night without his cuddles. Little does she know that a bear-rilliant night awaits her, involving Berisford, a bear statue and many other wonderful friends!

Another one for the kiddos and me. G especially loves bears! Will she love Beartown?

Preserved by Fiona Sherlock

When a local farmer announces on social media that he has discovered a bog body in Ardee, the world’s historians are keen to explore the secrets of the life and grisly death of the victim.

Antique journalist January Quail is fighting to keep her newspaper job and uncovers far more than she bargained for. The victim is actually a recent murder, and January uses her nose for the truth to investigate the County Louth town. From shopkeeper to the publican, everyone is a suspect, but when the Gardai can’t find the killer, can January?

Once she sets down the liqueur glass, January gains the confidence of the lead garda investigator. Within days, the case unravels into a much more dangerous situation with a killer on the loose.

Despite the risk, January is electrified that this newest discovery has come at the perfect time to inject some colour into her flailing career. January relinquishes her old ways to fight for survival, abandoning her antiques column and vintage corsets to solve a cryptic crime that has the experts puzzled. This woman who longs to lives in the past must now fight for her life in the present.

This one had me at bog body..I already need to find out what happened!

Masters of Rome (Rise of Emperors Book 2) by Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty

As competition for the imperial throne intensifies, Constantine and Maxentius realise their childhood friendship cannot last. Each man struggles to control their respective quadrant of empire, battered by currents of politics, religion and personal tragedy, threatened by barbarian forces and enemies within.

With their positions becoming at once stronger and more troubled, the strained threads of their friendship begin to unravel. Unfortunate words and misunderstandings finally sever their ties, leaving them as bitter opponents in the greatest game of all, with the throne of Rome the prize.

It is a matter that can only be settled by outright war…

To say I’m a fan of Turney and Doherty would be an understatement! I can’t wait to get to grips with this installment!

Yearn to Fear by Chas Murrell

Sydney scientist, Marcus Hall, is developing a radical 5G Wi-Fi receiver for CSIRO. With access to secretive Lamarr computer chips – this technology promises billions to repair Australia’s ravaged economy. On a caffeine boosted whim, he inadvertently discovers a therapeutic breakthrough in neuroscience. Or so he thinks…
His seemingly trustworthy lab partner, Henry, is an unlikely Australian spy. His official duty is keeping tabs on the project and their Lamarr chips. But the whole project is now classified top-secret.
Marcus remains blissfully unaware of the many secrets surrounding him, until he witnesses the graphic murder of a colleague. Could this event reveal Henry as a master deceiver and ruthless double agent? Will the scientific discovery be fatal for Marcus, those he loves, and the one he yearns for? Marcus faces a soul tearing dilemma: is the only means of stopping the carnage to weaponise his prototype?
Foreign intelligence agencies realise the top-secret breakthrough is priceless. One particular spy leads the race to seize the invention. A psychological master of the long game, espionage, and extortion, his only rule according to Kung Fu: Win.
Friend and foe alike confront this psychotic mastermind. All will FEAR him, but is their FEAR real? Only the next six minutes will tell…

This one just seemed interesting and fresh, I tend to stick mainly with historical fiction novels and this one seemed quite suitable for a change of pace.

Double Identity by Alison Morton

Deeply in love, a chic Parisian lifestyle before her. Now she’s facing prison for murder.

It’s three days since Mel des Pittones threw in her job as an intelligence analyst with the French special forces to marry financial trader Gérard Rohlbert. But her dream turns to nightmare when she wakes to find him dead in bed beside her.

Her horror deepens when she’s accused of his murder. Met Police detective Jeff McCracken wants to pin Gérard’s death on her. Mel must track down the real killer, even if that means being forced to work with the obnoxious McCracken.

But as she unpicks her fiancé’s past, she discovers his shocking secret life. To get to the truth, she has to go undercover—and finds almost everybody around her is hiding a second self.

Mel can trust nobody. Can she uncover the real killer before they stop her?

I’m a big fan of Alison Morton, this is a move away from her established work so I’m exciting to see if this will live up to the high standards set, I know it will 😊

Blog Tour – Family by Owen Mullen

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Today I’m taking part in my first blog tour of the year! I’m going to be reviewing Family by Owen Mullen.

I’m a big fan of the author so jumped at the chance to get involved!

Here is the blurb –

Family – might be the death of you…

The Glass family business is crime, and they’re good at what they do. Vengeance took Luke Glass behind bars – but now he’s free and he’s never going back. Luke wants out of the gangster life – all he has to do is convince his family to let him go.

His brother holds the reins of the South London underworld in his brutal hands – nobody tells Danny Glass no and expects to live – not even DCI Oliver Stanford, bent copper and one of the Met’s rising stars. The way Danny sees it, his younger brother and sister Nina owe him everything. The price he demands is loyalty, and a war with their arch enemy gives him the leverage he needs to tie Luke to the family once more.

Luke can’t see a way out, until Danny commits a crime so terrible it can’t be forgiven. Love turns to hate when secrets are unearthed which pit brother against brother. Left with no choice but to choose a side, Nina holds the fate of the family in her hands.

In the Glass family, Owen Mullen has created a crime dynasty to rival the Richardsons and the Krays. Heart-pounding, jaw-dropping with non-stop action, Family is perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.

Review

Family is the tale of Danny, Luke and Nina Glass. As young children they were forced to fend for themselves and turned to the life of crime… Danny found he quite enjoyed the gangster life and has built up quite an empire with the support of his sister Nina.

Nina is less brash than her brother but is certainly a Glass through and through. She may look good but those teeth are sharp!

Luke on the other hand is a little different. He’s been in prison for the murder of Albert Anderson a rival who dared to go a step too far. He’s always followed his bothers lead but it’s time for that to change.

Each family member has their own agenda and their bond will be tested..it’s not a matter of will the bond break.. but when … and who will be standing at the end.

As Luke is finally released from prison after serving his time it’s a new life he’s after.. but Danny won’t let his brother go that easily and wants to bring him back into the fold.

Times a healer they say…but no one forgets..soon events force Luke back into a world he no longer wants to be part of. An adversary is out for payback.

Matters escalate quickly with a rival gang out for blood and Danny doesn’t give an inch. The hard-hitting plot just keeps serving as the brutality level is ramped up to the max when Danny plans to put an end to things… in the most gruesome and flashy way he can, even if this means harming innocent bystanders. It’s all one big show to Danny.

Luke’s whole world comes crashing down as events spiral, secrets are revealed and the bone chilling reality hits home.. but don’t forget.. Luke is a Glass! It won’t be over until there’s a bullet in his head.

Owen Mullen is quite the wordsmith, it’s brutal and vivid. Lets be fair we all know a gangsters favourite method of getting rid of someone involves a little bit of torture. These scenes weren’t overdone, they added to Danny’s character and his meltdown.. he’s a loose cannon from the start.

Luke’s character develops very well, but what makes it hit the high note is how the author manages to makes his feelings come alive.. you feel that adrenaline rush with Luke..every heart pounding moment you live it with him.

Overall a very enjoyable read. Yeh it’s gut wrenchingly horrid at times what these gangsters will do for power and control but damn it’s a compelling story and I just loved how everything tied together nicely at the end, all those bits of thread woven throughout the tale pulled tight to give the reader that wow moment they are looking for.

Being a fan I had high hopes for this book and Owen Mullen delivered! Mullen constantly delivers high-pressure, fresh and exhilarating tales.

The only downside to the book is that it had to end.. the good news is there’s already a new book planned for July!!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to Owen, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour. I already had the book ordered but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join in on the tour 😊

Do follow the tour and check out the other amazing reviews!

Author Bio –

When he was ten years old, Owen Mullen won a primary schools short story competition and didn’t write another word for four decades. One morning he announced he was going to write a book. He did. Since then he has written seven. Owen was born in Coatbridge, a few miles from Glasgow, where the Charlie Cameron stories take place, and where he ran a successful design and marketing business. A late developer, he has a Masters degree from Strathclyde University which he got in his forties. In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. People tell him he enjoyed himself and he has no reason to doubt them. The journey from rocker to writer has been a fascinating experience and the similarities between the music and book industries, never cease to amaze him. His passions are travel, food and Arsenal Football Club. A gregarious recluse, he now splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete, along with his wife, Christine.

Twitter https://twitter.com/OwenMullen6

Facebook https://m.facebook.com/OwenMullenAuthor

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCirKpr7Dzji0x-0teu2nhqw

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

Stargate Rebellion by Bill McCay

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Stargate Rebellion by Bill McCay. 

Anyone who knows me will know just how much of a fan I am of the Stargate franchise. I missed out a lot when I was younger as I just didn’t push myself to read any books, fiction or non-fiction, I just struggled with motivation.

Now I’ve got the reading bug it was always my plan to read some books that I should have years ago and with 2020 being a bust I needed to go my motivation back and what better way to start than with my favourite series? This book came out in 1995… I would have been 10 years old!

I found in November/December with the whole family at home I valued my time with them so I needed a book familiar to me…something to easily dip in/out of. Turns out it was the perfect choice for me.

Here is the blurb –

When the crack team of scientists and soldiers entered the “Stargate,” armed rebellion on a planet a million light-years away was the last thing on their minds. Now that it’s started, no one can ignore it – not commando Jack O’Neil, not renegade Egyptologist Daniel Jackson, and most of all not the newly freed people of Abydos

Genre – Science Fiction

Review

Forget everything you watched on TV after the movie adaptation. Stargate Rebellion takes place after the events of the original movie/novel but follows a very different track than the TV series.

After Jack O’Neil returns to Earth and submits his report it’s clear Abydos holds the key to technical advancement which could see the US have a hold over their rivals.

Jack is sent back to Abydos, and with the help of Daniel Jackson aims to setup some agreement with the locals to mine Ra’s magic quartz-crystal. 

This is something I really enjoyed about the book, it explores how we would make agreements with another world and it’s difficulties, no employment laws, no unions, no living wage.. knowing that some unscrupulous people would always plan to take advantage.. and how prejudice is something that will always rear it’s ugly head.

The mining company chosen have one aim, essentially exploit the workforce available to them.. they want the most out of them for the least pay.. and this includes ignoring their advice on safe working under the desert sun. This ultimately leads to a divide and revolt isn’t far off.

O’Neil isnt stupid.. He knows Ra might be dead but others may come to take his place. Unluckily for him he’s proved right. 

Hathor has been awoken from her sleep and sets out securing the power and resources she needs to find out what has happened to Ra and if what she suspects is correct, she wants to power for herself.

Just as tension on Abydos reaches its peak Hathor arrives, and everyone must band together to meet this threat or face death together.

One of the main reasons I really enjoyed this book is it went back to basics for the Goa’uld. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know Ra didn’t really have a massive force with him, just a few guards. While he might have enslaved thousands, his power was more about his ability to control those people with fear rather than the size of his army. This book shows the Goa’uld’s vulnerability and how the people of Earth were able to overthrow Ra’s rule back in ancient Egypt.

As much as I love the TV series and its take on the story Rebellion seems more realistic and in keeping with the original movie.

Characterisation wise things are spot on, the characters reminded me of those we met in the movie..everything just tied in nicely and i found it effortless to churn through the pages.

Overall a very enjoyable read that’s helped rekindle something in me. I’m excited.. excited to read more and finish this series!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or check out your nearest 2nd hand book seller!

Blog Tour – A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy!

Follow the tour –

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Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

Lindisfarne, AD793.

There had been portents – famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared.

They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom’s most sacred site.

It is 8th June AD793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun.

While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible.

Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer . . . and there is a time for swords.

Review

Now we all know Matthew Harffy is a master wordsmith. The Bernicia Chronicles has to be one of my favourite sagas and The Wolf of Wessex packs a punch, so of course I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of his latest work… A Time for Swords.

Word of warning, I don’t like spoilers but I can’t help but give little tit bits away on this one.  Otherwise, I can’t do the review justice. Do not worry, I’ll be sure to keep it to a minimum 😊

This is a fresh tale for the author who moves away from his well-established characters to bring us the tale of Hunlaf, a monk, forced to stand tall when the Norse attack!

Oh, you miss Beobrand and his Black Shields just as much as me? Don’t worry.. the author adds some really nice touches to the tale.. it might not be Beobrand’s tale but his legend lives on! It’s this gentle nod the author gives to his tales that really make you appreciate the effort he makes.. he’s writing these tales for you.. he knows exactly what you want to hear.

Hunlaf, where to start. God I loved his character. He loves nothing more than a good book (who doesn’t? 😊 ) and lives a life under the protection of God. Along with his mentor Leofstan he visits Lindisfarne after a exciting discovery is made… only to have his life turned on end.

The Norse attack.. and it’s brutal.. savage.. gut wrenching. This might be a work of fiction but it’s based on real facts..The Norse really did attack, rape, pillage and murder and while we can never really know how it would have felt at the time to see it through Hunlaf’s eyes was hard to swallow.

This battle is a turning point in Hunlaf’s life as he makes a stand in order to save his cousin..he’s not a warrior though.. or does he hold that fire within him to run towards danger rather than away from it?

An unlikely ally emerges from the smoke and fire.. a heathen devil called Runolf. Hunlaf is torn..does he truly believe this man was brought to him by God to help..or does he just not want to see other people die needlessly.

Either way the Norse will return, of that is there is no doubt… they know the riches the monks have. Can Runolf and Hunlaf really stand up against an onslaught?

Help isn’t easy to come by. No one knows when the Norse will return. There’s just not enough fighting men to go around.. It’s all on Hunlaf and a small band of men to turn the tide.

This little band of men really bloody excited me, each have their own talent and purpose for being and they are here to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Hereward, a man I loathed at first.. his role is to lead and on his head be it if Runlof should disgrace his lord.

Drosten, a man of few words.. he prefers to let his fists do the talking.

Gwawrddur, whose skill with a blade cannot be matched.

Cormac, the cocky one with skill but who also needs to keep his temper in check.

When the battle comes it’s intense and there’s a beauty of a twist thrown in. It’s a twist I hoped for if I’m honest..Let’s see if you can spot which twist I’m referring to 😊

Now the ending! Come on! It’s killing me already.. I need more ha. What the author manages quite brilliantly to do is to leave a cliff-hanger so perfect..it’s designed so well for the author he can either write a sequel or leave it as a standalone… Although I do hope this isn’t the end.

Truthfully, I’ve read everything Matthew Harffy has published. I’ve been a fan from day one. A Time for Swords is the best yet from him and quite easily a top read of 2020! Harffy never fails to deliver, every offering is new and refreshing but you instantly feel at home with his writing and warm to the characters.

Flawless!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks as ever go to the author, the publisher and also NetGalley  for the chance of an advance copy of the book. As always I’ve purchased my own copy on the day of release.. there’s no free rides with me. I’ve even pre-ordered the hardback version for the collection 😊

About the author

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Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

Follow Matthew

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Website: www.matthewharffy.com

 

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Fortress of Fury by Matthew Harffy – Review

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Fortress of Fury by Matthew Harffy, Book 7 in The Bernicia Chronicles series.

Yeh, I’m a little late this time as I’m usually one of the first to get reviews up for this series but it’s 2020 afterall… better late than never eh!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

Beobrand is besieged in the action-packed instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles set in AD 647 Anglo-Saxon Britain.

War hangs heavy in the hot summer air as Penda of Mercia and his allies march into the north. Caught unawares, the Bernician forces are besieged within the great fortress of Bebbanburg.

It falls to Beobrand to mount the defence of the stronghold, but even while the battle rages, old and powerful enemies have mobilised against him, seeking vengeance for past events.

As the Mercian forces tighten their grip and unknown killers close in, Beobrand finds himself in a struggle with conflicting oaths and the dreadful pull of a forbidden love that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

With the future of Northumbria in jeopardy, will Beobrand be able to withstand the powers that beset him and find a path to victory against all the odds?

Review

Fortress of Fury is book 7 In The Bernicia Chronicles series. I’m always excited for the next instalment but also worried.. Will it live up to it’s predecessors, will it start to get repetitive or even will this be the last we see of Beobrand….

I need not have worried!

Wow!

A Mercian warhost has been spotted and as Beorand races to Bebbanburg he knows war is not far off, but will the King be there? How will they defend themselves and push Mercian forces back?

This is a gruelling action packed tale that leaves you on edge, woven beautifully with detailed depictions. I can’t really give away too much but in one scene I felt my own heart racing along with Beo and his revered Black Shields as they charge head on into the enemy.

Cynan, one of Beobrand’s most loyal is sent to spur on the fighting forces they need. Along the way his character grows significantly. I really enjoyed seeing his development, it was probably one of the best things about the book. I’d love to see Cynan get his own series one day.. that’s if he can make it out of this alive!

King Oswiu and Beobrand share no love for each other but Beo is his sworn man… his word is iron.. but even Beobrand has his limits and in this tale he’s pushed over the edge… will he defy the King?

Oswiu seems to like to play games and wants to assert his authority but this leads him to disagreements with those he should call allies. It’s a dangerous game to play.

There’s a lot going on in this tale such as war, love and treachery. With so much plot you’d think you might struggle to take it all in but the pace of the tale and it’s flow is spot on, it was almost effortless to digest.

What Harffy does perfectly is balance the focus of war against Penda with Beobrand’s own tale, his development.. and the trouble he’s about it get himself into! He never has luck with the ladies but he’s definitely picked the wrong woman this time!

Beobrand is a delight, his character has grown over the years with experience. He’s got a short fuse but at times can see the benefit in holding his tongue. God help if you get on the wrong side of him though!

One trait of Beobrands I very much enjoy is that he reflects a lot on past events. Even after so many years he still yearns for his lost friend Acennan.. he keeps the memory of those lost along his journey with him at all times and as a reader this had my mind wandering back..vividly remembering scenes when we first meet Coenred the monk for example. I feel this chance to reflect adds something extra to the tale and proves how good of a storyteller Harffy is that his work stays with you.

The final couple of chapters are pure brilliance as Beobrand makes a drastic decision..the consequences to be felt in book 8!

One hell of an instalment, One hell of an epic series!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

Side note! I’m on the blog tour tomorrow for Matthew Harffy’s new book – A Time for Swords! Keep your eyes peeled!!

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The Wreckage by Robin Morgan-Bentley

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Today I’m going to be reviewing the Audio version of The Wreckage by Robin Morgan-Bentley narrated by Emilia Fox & Jack Hawkins.

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Psychological Thrillers

Things will never be the same again….

Ben is driving on the motorway, on his usual commute to the school where he works.

A day like any other, except for Adam, who in a last despairing act jumps in front of Ben’s car, and in killing himself, turns the teacher’s world upside down.

Wracked with guilt and desperate to clear his conscience, Ben develops a friendship with Alice, Adam’s widow, and her seven-year-old son, Max.

But as he tries to escape the trauma of the wreckage, could Ben go too far in trying to make amends?

Gripping and sinister, The Wreckage is guaranteed to keep you up all night….

Review

Ben is driving home from work but unlike his normal commute, today is the day he is going to be involved in an accident that will change his life.

We soon learn of Adam who commits suicide by jumping In front of Ben’s car.

What follows next was very believable as Adam’s wife Alice, and Ben both deal with this tragedy as best they can.

They both feel guilt and this guilt leads them to growing some sort of connection. The connection is disturbing at times, but you can see the motivations behind their actions.

Ben becomes obsessed with Alice and her little boy, he wants nothing more than to keep them safe, to love them, to be there for them. Alice on the other hand seems to only feel revulsion, she hates herself, but is still drawn to Ben.

A lot of what happens comes down to lack of communication or just moving way to damn fast, and it’s this that causes things to spiral out of control when the motivations are quite innocent really. Ben feels he’s offering support but Alice only sees this as Ben forcing himself into her life.. and at one point comes across as a bit of a stalker.

There’s a twist at the end I didn’t really see coming, it’s a little crazy to be honest but that’s what makes it a psychological thriller, it messes with the readers head too and makes you stop and say “Bloody Hell”.

The writing style was good for me and very easy to follow, it alternated perspectives allowing each character to develop and helped me form my own opinion on Ben and Alice and their unlikely connection. The story flowed well so it was a super quick book to get sucked into.

For me the biggest selling point that actually made me buy the book was that Alice as narrated by Emilia Fox who’ve I’ve been a fan of since I watched the remake of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) some 20 years ago now! Jeez. For me it’s the narration from both Emilia and Jack Hawkins that make this a very easy book to listen to. I enjoy audio books but prefer the physical books as I get distracted far too easily if I don’t have something to look at.. but I was quite hooked as I wanted to see how the relationship would play out.

For a debut novel the author did a great job with the characters, their development and the emotions felt raw and real.

Very much enjoyed this one.

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!