Category Archives: Book Reviews

This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay.

Here’s the blurb

Welcome to the life of a junior doctor: 97-hour weeks, life and death decisions, a constant tsunami of bodily fluids, and the hospital parking meter earns more than you.

Scribbled in secret after endless days, sleepless nights and missed weekends, Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt provides a no-holds-barred account of his time on the NHS front line. Hilarious, horrifying and heartbreaking, this diary is everything you wanted to know – and more than a few things you didn’t – about life on and off the hospital ward.

Review

This Is Going to Hurt is the first book I can say both myself and the wife have both read.. our tastes are different but the book just spoke to us both.(she works in the NHS and I just find what they do amazing!). I actually read this sometime ago now.. at the time everyone was buzzing about this book and to my fault I forgot to join in and leave my review.. Oops.

So the book is a series of diary type entries from a junior doctor.. the real selling point about the book is that this is real life.. real events.. real pressures..real emotions..a reality check for sure!

As you’d expect there are ups and downs during the tale.. it’s extremely funny at times and I can see how certain days a junior doctor must have moments when they can’t help but smile but it was incredibly balanced with the harder moments to show the emotional cost the job can have on a doctor as well as the real life cost to the patient.

I was moved by this tale…even months on those last entries still sticks with me..and it really makes me value all the health care professionals out there..I couldn’t do what they do.

What the author manages to get spot on is the human aspect.. his diary entries speak volumes..stress..pain..anger even..a fun moments too, lots of them. I feel the book for me showed that if you weigh up those good and the bad moments we owe these guys and girls so much gratitude for what they endure.

Certainly a book we should all read.. appreciate what the NHS provide.. you might just see these people as doing their job but they do so much more than that.. they provide a service only very special people are willing to do.. they look after us at our worst..I know we’ve all heard horror stories about NHS care but the vast majority of these people are good people.. underpaid and overworked..they deserve more and that starts with us..read the book and remember next time you go to A&E and have to wait 3 hours to be seen.. that doctor has probably already worked 12 hours.. might have even lost a patient..do you really need to be there? If so just try to put on a smile and be thankful we have the NHS.

I think it’s rather clear already but this was a sure-fire 5 start read!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Wine Boy by L.J. Trafford – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is The Wine Boy by L.J. Trafford

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Historical Fiction

Rome 31 AD.
The aged Emperor Tiberius has retired to Capri leaving his most trusted advisor, Praetorian Prefect Sejanus to run the city in his absence.
To lowly wine boy, Epaphroditus, the Prefect is an example to emulate. From a humble background Sejanus has risen to his current rank through sheer graft and talent. Both attributes sorely missing in the Imperial family.
However an encounter with Palace secretary Caenis reveals the truth behind Sejanus’ rise; treachery on an epic scale. She is determined to bring him down, but she needs Epaphroditus’ help.

Review

The Wine Boy is linked very much to The Four Emperors series which I loved and this short tale is exactly what I needed after that series ended.

If you’ve read The Four Emperors series you’ll easily recognise a few of the names that appear including Epaphroditus.

It’s a real page turner as we learn about Epaphroditus and his early years..his ambitions to be more than just a wine boy… and the fall of Praetorian Prefect Sejanus.

The tale is exactly what I’ve come to expect from the author, all-encompassing and gripping from the first page till the last as we see a plot develop and treachery exposed.

At 60 pages it’s a super quick read but it certainly feels like a full/finished story to me..the pace was perfect, it would be so easy to rush a short tale and throw too much at the reader but The Wine Boy is simply a wonderful quick read. It’s perfect for fans of the author but also a great starting point for those who may not want to commit to The Four Emperors series just yet.

If you enjoy Rome and its backstabbing then this will be perfect for you!

5 Stars!!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Sacrifice by Indrajit Garai – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is The Sacrifice by Indrajit Garai

Here’s the blurb

In this collection, meet:
Guillaume, who gives up everything to protect his child; young Mathew, who stakes his life to save his home; and François, who makes the biggest sacrifice to rescue his grandson.

Review

The Sacrifice by Indrajit Garai is a series of 3 short stories which explores human nature, sacrifice, hope, despair and more..it’s a real ride of emotions.

The Move, the first tale follows Guillaume, a dairy farmer struggling to makes ends meet and to keep his son fed..this certainly set the bar for the book as Gulliaume was such a positive character and managed to lighten the harshness of the tale at times.

It’s a real story of struggle and determination not to give up..and that ending! Wow.

The Listener, 2nd story in the book follows Mathew, a troubled child who’s one love is his beloved tree..and he will do anything to protect it. It’s a real tale of devotion and communication.. the struggle between parent and child creating boundaries they struggle to break..

The most moving of the three tales is The Sacrifice which follows François and his grandson Arthur… François is willing to do anything to make sure Arthur has everything he needs.. he barely eats just so Arthur can..he hides the truth but Arthur is bright..he knows something isn’t right.. in the end their lives are turned upside down but the sacrifice’s François makes will shape Arthur forever.

To say the book is moving would be an understatement. Each story is very different but they work well together as a series and each hit home with a common theme..sacrifice..love..what would you do for those you love.. I know I’d do anything and that’s why this book really resonates.. the emotion seeps though.

The only thing for me the author could do is work on the blurb, beef it up a little..without reading the reviews you can’t really get an insight to the book and for me I like to read both the blurb and reviews as well as look at the cover to form an opinion before buying… the blurb is super important to me.. I might have missed this gem if a book.

Well written and with thought provoking events makes The Sacrifice a 5* read in my opinion.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Watson Letters Volume 1: Something Wicker This Way Comes by Colin Garrow – Review

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Today I’m going to share my thoughts on The Watson Letters Volume 1: Something Wicker This Way Comes by Colin Garrow.

Here’s the blurb :-

Genre – Historical Mysteries

In a not quite Post-Victorian, steampunk parallel universe, Holmes and Watson continue their fight against crime.
Based on the infamous Blog of the same name, this indecorous take on the Holmes and Watson stories pitch the detecting duo into Whitechapel, the Western Isles and the Village of the Damned. Adult humour throughout.

THE WATSON LETTERS is book #1 in this Victorian comedy adventure series.

Review

I chanced upon Colin Garrow while on Twitter.. I’m nosy so had a look at the books he’s written..Sherlock Holmes? YES PLEASE!.

Sherlock has always been a favourite of mine, his humour dark as well as the subjects he explores.

This collection is written from Watson’s viewpoint as he chronicles the cases he and Sherlock examine. More often than not Holmes leaves Watson in the dark and this is where the adult humour really comes in. The relationship between the two was so much fun.. humorous..witty..

I really enjoyed the short sharp style diary entries which made it easy to read. It was exciting and riveting, a thoroughly enjoyable read!

It can’t be easy writing a story based on a well-known figure..how can you live up to expectations? For me Garrow got it spot on and I immediately felt at home with the tale and I loved it from the first page to the last!

Why did I choose to read this book you might wonder? Well I read a lot and sometimes I need a change of pace or an easy quick read. At under 150 pages this filled my needs for a quick read..but what I got was so much more than I could have expected and I’m so glad I took the time to enjoy this beauty of a book.

My rating – 5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blood Scroll of Antares (First Contact) (Warlords Book 3) by Brian K. Larson – Review

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Next up on David’s Book blug is Blood Scroll of Antares by Brian K. Larson!

Here’s the blurb :-

Genre – Science Fiction

In this third installment in the Warlords Series, The Empress must seek the missing Blood Scroll of Antares. Rescued after her crash, she is brought to the under-lands of ancient Earth by a band of Sasquatch. Join them on this magical quest in search for the ancient texts and discover the mysteries of the Kron’Shulooka, or Blood Spirit.Their hope is that the ancient writings will hold the clues of what must be done.

Former Emperor Dumakas, thought to be killed, is returned from Revein’sev, the sacred place where all Antarians believe their ancient ancestors reside. Now seeking to return to power, Dumakas has a stronger fortitude and plans to invade Earth. However, there is strong opposition to him retaking his seat; those closest to the Emperor continue to hold the Empress’ song within their hearts.

Will Dumakas succeed with his invasion plans, or will the Empress return to Antares in time to stop him?

Review

Former Emperor Dumakas is out for revenge in the 3rd instalment in the Warlords series by Brian K. Larson.

The Antarians are an alien race controlled by blood lust and their target is humankind. After Dumakas was defeated there’s a chance for the bloodlust to cease but Dumakas is only injured.. he’s going to return to take back his place as Emperor.

Many years ago the Blood Scroll of Antares were written and the empress must seek the scroll in order to understand the blood spirit and to find the means to defeat Dumakas once as for all!

The empress along with her allies attempt to locate these scrolls on Earth and a well-known mystery/myth  in our own history is explored which gives the book a good link to real life which I quite enjoyed.

The Antarian race is caught up with internal turmoil as the Empresses blood song wains. Some are still loyal to the Empress but others are loyal to the former Emperor. Throw in some power struggles within the human race also and you’ve got quite some conflicts going on.

The Warlords series is a fast paced wild space ride full of gadgets & ancient myths mixing past and present and at times throwing things completely on their head.

Blood Scroll of Antares develops the series well and is a fun read. As always the author has his own style of storytelling.. it’s such a complex plot with multiple angles which means it could be easy to lose your place but the writing style makes it easy to keep up and enjoy. It’s not too technical but the author clearly has fun making up jump sequences etc which give it a punch. With the fast pace and quick chapters sometimes it needed the throttle off the pace to absorb events and these moments did that but also added a little suspense to the tale.

Brian K. Larson is a fun author for me..I always enjoy his books and the style of writing means it’s easy for me to enjoy without overloading me..it’s just and easy, fun and exciting read.

Word of warning, Brian K. Larson likes to weave a long tale..set some time aside so you can really enjoy the series 🙂

My Rating – 5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Scathing (King’s Bane #3) by C.R. May – Review

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Next up for review is The Scathing (King’s Bane #3) by C.R. May

Here’s the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

In an epic tale of courage and ferocity, the kingdom of Mercia is born.

More than a year has passed since the English crossed the German Sea to settle the island of Britain.
Secure now in their Anglian fastness, their gaze turns to the West.
But other kingdoms also covet the middle lands.
Sweeping down from the western hills Cynlas Goch and his army of Powys lay waste the valley of the River Trenta, burning, killing and enslaving as they go.
Heavily outnumbered but trusting to their valour, can Eofer king’s bane and his war band slow the onslaught until the English and their allies wrest a final victory from the ashes of defeat?

The Scathing is the third book in the Bestselling King’s Bane series, the genesis of England.

Review

The Scathing is the 3rd and final book in the King’s Bane series and we are back with Eofer and his loyal troop.

Years have passed since Eofer earned the title of King’s Bane.. he’s older but also a little wiser.

With the Powys on the attack our heroes are tasked the unenviable task of putting an end to their rampage..and they’re heavily outnumbered…they must do what they can to protect those that can’t defend themselves.

This story really develops Eofer for me, many friends have come and gone and he’s haunted by his past as it walks beside him..he will never let the memory of those lost be forgotten. Not only were these moments quite moving but I thought it linked the books together well. Eofer’s memories tugged at my own and I found myself reliving past events in the series.

May sets a vivid scene of tumultuous times..people are dying horribly and something must be done.. many more lives will be lost…it’s a tale of camaraderie and hard-fought battles..

What the author did superbly for me was the connection between Eofer and his men…not only is it believable but each member of the team has value and is developed in their own right… they really are a tight team of loyal men who would die for each other.

The main storyline of war was vivid and engrossing but so emotionally charged..each chapter tearing at me as the tale progressed. So much so that the ending left me shattered..heartbroken..what a cracking ending to a very detailed and exciting series.

The Scathing has the perfect mix of plot and character development, there’s a big picture but lots of personal titbits to make you fall in love with the characters..their humour..I’ll truly miss them.

There’s something to keep everyone happy with this book..it just ticks so many boxes.

I can’t give it any less than a 5 star rating.. that ending.. just wow. Top marks!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Seraphina’s Song by Kathryn Gauci – Review

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Next up for review is Seraphina’s Song by Kathryn Gauci.

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Historical Fiction

Dionysos is a man without a future, a man who embraces destiny and risks everything for love.

“If I knew then, dear reader, what I know now, I should have turned on my heels and left. But I stood transfixed on the beautiful image of Seraphina. In that moment my fate was sealed.”

A refugee who escapes Smyrna in 1922 disguised as an old woman. Alienated and plagued by remorse, he spirals into poverty and seeks solace in the hashish dens of Piraeus.

When he can go no lower, opportunity knocks, and Dionysos’ meets Aleko, an expert bouzouki player, recognising a rare musical talent, Aleko offers to teach him to play.

But Dionysos’ hope for a better life unravels when he meets Seraphina — the singer with the voice of a nightingale. From that moment his life is in danger and there is no going back.

Review

I remember vividly reading The Embroiderer by Kathryn Gauci and the word that still comes to mind is epic…luckily for me the author isn’t a one trick pony!

Seraphina’s Song follows Dionysos.. his life was turned upside down.. he fled his war-torn home but is beaten up with guilt.. just when he’s got a chance of a new life we learn it’s not going to be the happy ending he would like.

Dionysos is down on his luck..scrapping money together of with odd job just to get by. Aleko walks into his life and takes a shine to him. so much so he promises to teach Dionysos to play the bouzouki.

At first Dionysos doesn’t believe him.. but when he goes to the club Aleko claims to play in he soon realises the truth and the chance he’s got.

Soon Dionysos meets Seraphina, a woman who could charm any man.. and Dionysos falls hard a fast..and this ultimately leads to his downfall…he’s not the only man with his eye on her.

What Kathryn Gauci does perfectly is the characters and their development. Each character feels real and they all have their own story to tell.. and little by little we are given more detail..never forced..the chracters just grow naturally.

For me Aleko stole the show, at first little is known about the man but we soon get to learn more about his family and a connection to Seraphina which causes Dionysos to doubt everything.

The tales is paced well and the plot is dark and intense.. you know from the outset the outcome of the tale… but we get to read the journey..and I was hooked.

Seraphina’s Song is a short tale at 172 pages but it’s certainly a well planned and gripping ..another epic read from the author for me. I could never imagine such a dark and emotionally charged tale could be written but that’s what the author does best..you get so much more than you could ever imagine.. rich in detail and a plot that will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

My rating – 5/5 stars!!!!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Music and Misadventure: Modern Magick, 6 by Charlotte E. English – Review

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Today I’m back with a review for Music and Misadventure book 6 in the Modern Magick series by Charlotte E. English.

You know the drill..here’s the blurb 🙂

Genre Fantasy

Ves hasn’t heard from her mother in six years — until now. With nothing but a peremptory summons and some map co-ordinates to work with, Ves has no idea what to expect.

The short answer is: trouble, for Mother Dearest is in rather a lot of it. And like daughter, like mother, for there’s a shiny artefact in the offing, and only a few gigantic lindworms in the way. Who isn’t up for a minor little challenge like that?

It’s off to Faerie for Ves and Jay, for the artefact in question was once the property of the legendary King Evelaern. And as it turns out, the declining and dusty kingdom of the Yllanfalen may hold some unexpected truths about her past…

Review

Ves is back for more mayhem and this time her mother is along for the ride…

After six years of silence a message arrives for Ves from her mother Delia Vesper, and with Milday’s leave she sets out with partner Jay to find out what all this is about.

As it turns out her mother is in a little trouble.. Lindworms..like Dragons..and dangerous..but that’s just the start of it.

After coming to her mother’s aid Ves and co start exploring..and they soon find a portal…but where does it lead?

What happens next is a whirlwind of adventure as the team are whisked off to other lands with legendary artefacts & sprites and oh and we meet….:)

Hey..i’m not going to spoil it all but this book in the series delves further into the main plot of magic decline and its origins but also Ves’s own family and their connection to magic itself.

What I’m really enjoying about this series is how each book has its own focus but you can see the bigger picture starting to form..even though I have no idea where the author is going to go next..the authors imagination means anything is possible!

This is a fun series that is developing well. The book/chapter length is short so this means it’s an easy series to get into and enjoy.

I was left with more questions than answers.. in a good way.. there’s so many ways for this story to continue and I can’t wait to read more.

My rating – 5/5 Stars!!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blog Tour – The Nudge Man by Keith Nixon

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Hi!!!!

Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Keith Nixon’s new book – The Nudge Man.

Follow the tour! Show your support 🙂

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Here’s the blurb –

Genre – Crime Thriller

A washed up reporter, an escaped convict, a sociopathic gangster. All are hunting the Nudge Man…

Wheelchair bound, born again, ex-gangster, Eric Hennessey offers down on his luck reporter, Harrison Vaughan, a job. Track down the Nudge Man, a mysterious vigilante who’s stolen most of Hennessey’s money, ill-gotten gains which now Hennessey wants to use to do God’s work. Trouble is, Harry has no desire to work for a sociopathic murderer, even if he is an apparently changed man.

Harry is estranged from his family since a fabricated scandal destroyed his career. Hennessey tells Vaughan it was the Nudge Man who set him up for the fall. Find The Nudge Man and Harry has the chance for redemption and maybe even his family back.

However, Hennessey has another objective in mind. Unknown to Harry his family were taken into witness protection and had to cut ties with everyone after Harry’s son saw a murder – carried out by Eric Hennessey. Hennessey has been looking for them ever since and now may have a way in – Harry himself.

And others are on the trail of the Nudge Man, including the British government and an American secret service agent. Then there’s the lawyer who offers Harry £1m to stay away from The Nudge Man.

With more questions than answers and hapless guard dog Bonzo, whose bark is definitely worse than his bite, at his side Harry begins his search.

Can Harry find the Nudge Man and save his family? Or will Hennessey exact his revenge?

Review

I’m a massive fan of Keith’s work so jumped at the chance to read/review the book as part of the blog tour.. did I do it for the free book? No! I’ve bought a copy too.. it’s well worth the £1.99 kindle price tag.

Harry hasn’t seen his family in years..he beleives his wife left him after a scandal but we soon learn there’s more too it than that.

Hennessey employs a down and out Harry to track down the Nudge Man..why you might ask..well there’s a personal connection. Hennessey says it’s the Nudge Man who set Harry up all those years ago and cost him his family.

Harry’s not quite sure how he feels about all this..he’s stuck in-between a rock and a hard place and at every turn someone is trying to control his next move. Who can be trusted?

Keith Nixon weaves an exciting tale with some very spectacular turns..it’s riveting and perfectly paced to build up the suspense I like in a gritty thriller.

The plot was exciting but for me the idea of the Nudge Man is what had me sold.. the idea someone can influence events towards an outcome they desire without you even knowing anyone was even involved..brilliant. Keith knows how to develop his characters to make them appeal to his readers and once again the cast in this one were spot on.. special mention has to go to Bonzo the loveable hound.. his attitude had me smiling from ear to ear.

Keith never fails to pack a punch in his work..everything works..nothing is out-of-place or rushed..just perfectly planned and executed pure brilliance. This is the first in a new series for the author so I’ll eagerly be awaiting the follow up to see where this one goes.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Law and Addiction by Mike Papantonio – ARC Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is an ARC review of Law and Addiction by Mike Papantonio due to be released May 7th!

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Legal Thriller

One week before JAKE RUTLEDGE is scheduled to graduate from law school, he receives the devastating news of the death of his fraternal twin BLAKE. What makes this death even more terrible for Jake is that his brother died of a drug overdose. Until hearing of his death, Jake had no idea his brother was even using drugs.

When Jake returns home to Oakley, West Virginia, he takes a hard look at the circumstances of his brother’s death. In the five years Jake has been away for his schooling, his hometown has drastically changed. Because of the opioid epidemic, and the blight it has brought, many now call Oakley “Zombieland.” Jake can see how his town’s demise parallels his brother’s.

Undeterred, the newly-minted lawyer takes on the entrenched powers by filing two lawsuits. Jake quickly learns what happens when you upset a hornet’s nest. The young attorney might be wet behind the ears, but is sure there is no lawyer that could help him more than NICK “DEKE” DEKETOMIS and his law firm of Bergman/Deketomis. Deke is a legendary lawyer. When he was Jake’s age he was making his name fighting Big Tobacco. Against all odds, Jake gets Nick and his firm to sign on to his case before it’s too late.

Mike Papantonio, a member of the Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, knows the ins and outs of the courtroom better than anyone. Law and Addiction is a legal thriller, inhabited by the kinds of characters Papantonio has come to know well. In a setting of despair, it is a book of hope, with the little guy along with truth and justice prevailing.

Review

Jake Rutledge is about to have his world turned upside down. As a youngster growing up Jake and his twin brother Blake were close but when Jake goes off to law school Blake starts to hide the truth from his brother.

After the heart breaking news that Blake has died of a drug overdose Jake returns to his home town.

Soon a picture starts to form… it’s not just Blake who has suffered thanks to drugs..It seems like his home town is struggling to win a win addiction..it’s so much bigger than Jake first assumes.

What follows is a quite an emotional at times but overall powerful tale as Jake sets out to take this all the way to the top..the drug companies themselves.

For me the best bit of the book has to be Jake himself, you she the events play out with different viewpoints, the lawyer and the grieving brother. The plot was seamless and moving as Jake struggles to keep control to do his brother proud.

I couldn’t fault this book, it had me hooked, shocked & gasping at every page turn. To say I was sucked in with this one is an understatement.

This is my first time reading Mike Papantonio’s work but it certainly won’t be my last. Law and Addiction was hard-hitting and edgy and throughly engrossing. The rawness of this tale is what really give it that hard hitting edge I need in a legal thriller..I felt it..

Well written, super plot, reals issues and a great mix of likable characters make this a gem to read.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go of course to the author Mike Papantonio but also Andrea Stein @ Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc for the chance to read and review the book before release.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads