Category Archives: Book Reviews

Six Strings by Frank Westworth – Review

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Today I’m catching up with a favourite of mine, Frank Westworth and Six Strings.

Here’s the blurb

In a former life, JJ Stoner was a hard-faced military man. Now, discreetly and deniably, he resolves sticky situations for the British authorities. So when the Drug Squad can’t convict a particularly unpleasant pusher, Stoner is tasked with permanently solving the problem. But before he can deploy his very particular skill set, an old acquaintance steps out of the shadows and delivers disconcerting intelligence…

Six Strings is a quick thriller, an hour’s intrigue and entertainment. It features characters from the JJ Stoner / Killing Sisters series. You don’t need to have read any of the other stories in the series: you can start right here if you like.

‘You want me to kill someone.’
Stoner plainly had a grasp of both the gravity and the subtlety of the situation. ‘There’s no need to rattle on so much. Killing people is what I do.’
He paused.
‘But only if he orders me to…’

Six Strings is book 6 in the JJ Stoner series. These books are short and pack a punch!

What I love about the book is that the writing style gives you just enough to develop the tale in such a short page span..it’s not epic tomb of a read.. it’s straight to the point and it’s packed of the good stuff I’ve come to enjoy about Frank’s work.

For me I really think you need to start at the beginning of the series to see the character development. I’ll be brutally honest..this books too short..but wait..that’s not a bad thing.. it really makes you want read the author’s longer works..these are a perfect intro to Frank’s style and offer a quick read when you really need on.

I’m not sure what the authors long-term plans are for the series but I’ve seen real progression and the more I read the more I enjoy them… I’m sure this is far from the end.

With a short tale I always find it hard to give a glimpse into the plot without spoiling it all..rest assured Six Strings is another gem in this developing series. Short tales arent for everyone but these hit the spot with me!

4/5 stars 🙂

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Space Unicorn Blues by T. J. Berry – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is Space Unicorn Blues by T. J. Berry

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Space Opera Science Fiction

A misfit crew race across the galaxy to prevent the genocide of magical creatures, in this unique science fiction debut.

Having magical powers makes you less than human, a resource to be exploited. Half-unicorn Gary Cobalt is sick of slavery, captivity, and his horn being ground down to power faster-than-light travel. When he’s finally free, all he wants is to run away in his ancestors’ stone ship. Instead, Captain Jenny Perata steals the ship out from under him, so she can make an urgent delivery. But Jenny held him captive for a decade, and then Gary murdered her best friend… who was also the wife of her co-pilot, Cowboy Jim. What could possibly go right?

Review

With the tag line “humanity’s last hope…a murderous unicorn” I was instantly attracted to this book. I’ll admit..I bought it as a bit of fun..It not like I thought it would be a bad read but I had no preconceptions..As a bit of a change of pace I thought I’d I’ve the book a go.

That decision happens to be the best I’ve made in a long time. Space Unicorn Blues was one of the most fun and interesting stories I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time.

The story follows Gary, a half-unicorn who was kept captive for his horn. Many years ago Unicorns came to Earth in peace but mankind took advantage and attacked and enslaved the unicorns and many other alien species as they started to explore the universe.

A unicorn’s horn holds great power and as such Gary’s mother took the decision to remove and hide Gary’s so even Gary himself would not find it.

After being held in prison for murder Gary is finally released.. and he wants his ship back…but humans don’t see his kind as equal and he doesn’t have any rights..he sets out to get his ship back but is forced to work with the person who had him sent to jail. It’s time for him to face his past.

A first I thought “this is crazy” everything is so out there and weird and wonderful..but it works..and I craved more.

The characters were fun and interesting, the plot engrossing, so much so that a pre-order for book 2 is already in!

Overall a remarkable tale…I bought this as a bit of a laugh on a whim and it’s turned out a real highlight in my 4 years of blogging.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one from the 1st page to the last.  5*..I can give no less.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

Young Warlock by Mathew Bridle – The One Saga – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is Young Warlock by Mathew Bridle.

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Epic/High Fantasy

On his graduation day at the University of Elements Dekor is shown how to conjure fire, an art forbidden to mages. He immediately succumbs to the lust of the flame. Now a battlemage Dekor is expected to climb through the ranks and become a great mage. His experiments with fire lead him to a confrontation with the Archmage resulting in Dekor becoming a wanted criminal.
He sets out on a night of lust driven destruction securing his transformation to warlock. Now he must flee for his life, pursued by hunters who will stop at nothing to bring him in. He heads north, through dark, spider infested forests, over mountains and through dangerous swamps where he encounters Icthus, a truth provoking creature who becomes his friend. Icthus guides Dekor to a place of refuge but first they must scale vast cliffs and traverse the plains of Oumtuk before they can reach the safety of Gamran Mire where the next part of his journey begins.
Dekor is asked by the enemy of the mages to help them open a magical doorway into the Cavern of Souls though what they really want is something different. With Icthus as guide the party sets out on a simple quest. When he returns Dekor finds he has something unexpected.
War has come to lands of men. Dekor’s homeland is laid waste by armies of goblins and the undead. The people of land flee to the neighbouring kingdom of Grimlaw where they live as refugees. The mage guild is no more, Dekor is a free man. Now he must put his inner demons rest and to put right the wrongs of his night of lust.

Review

From the outset I had a feeling I would like this book, the blurb screams potential.

Dekor is a battlemage, training to offer his support wherever he may be needed..but as with all magic there’s a dark side to tempt you and Dekor is unable to keep his lust for fire in check and turns to the darkness.

All is not as is seems though, there’s a plan and the One has his eye on Dekor and others. With the aid of allies the One sets up the chessboard ready for the war to come. A prophecy long ago foretold is about to come to fruition but many are blind to the danger they are in.

This is most certainly the kind of book I want to read when I think of epic fantasy, there’s gnomes, dwarfs, goblins, orcs and trolls to name just a few! plus the gods they pray too.

The pace of the tale for the most part works well and builds up the plot nicely but at times it did seem things progressed rather fast so didn’t get much page time, one major event stands out.. I’d love to be specific but that would ruin a big piece of the plot… The chapters could have probably done with a timeline of sorts.

What the author gets spot on for me is the setting and its characters..both grew nicely as the tale progressed helping me as a reader understand the bigger picture. I particularly found Icthus and Gestorn highly fascinating. Dekor himself has the most page time and therefore the most growth throughout the tale and it worked pretty well. I’d loved to have seen more inner struggles with the fire.

One of the best things about the book is the build-up, you never quite know who to trust and what their true motives are.. even the One. It made for an exciting read.

Easy 4* for me! I’ll definitely add Mathew Bridle to my authors to look out for list as I’d like to see where the story goes as the ending leaves me in no doubt the adventure will continue.

My thanks go to the author and Charles at Publishing Push for the chance to read/review the book.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Carina by Alison Morton – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is Carina by Alison Morton.

Here’s the blurb

Carina Mitela is still a young inexperienced officer in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces of Roma Nova. Disgraced and smarting from a period in the cells for a disciplinary offence, she is sent out of everybody’s way on a seemingly straightforward mission overseas.

All she and her comrade-in-arms, Flavius, have to do is bring back a traitor from the Republic of Quebec. Under no circumstances will she risk entering the Eastern United States where she is still wanted under her old name Karen Brown. But when she and Flavius discover a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of Roma Nova, what price is personal danger against fulfilling the mission?

Set in the time after INCEPTIO but before PERFIDITAS in the Roma Nova series, this thriller novella reveals hidden parts of Carina’s early life in Roma Nova. And North America isn’t quite the continent we know in our timeline…

Review

Carina is part of the Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. I came late to the series but was instantly hooked in by the uniqueness of the plots.

Think alternative fiction and strong female leads mixed with intriguing and well planned plots.. yeh you’re on to a winner.

This novella is perfectly suited for someone who hasn’t read the other novels in the series yet.. It’s got the detail to make you want read the rest of the series but there’s noting that isn’t explained that would confuse the reader so it’s a perfect standalone read.

Carina is part of the Praetorian Guard.. she’s young and headstrong.. this can only lead to trouble when tasked with a mission to bring back a traitor. Carina must stay under the radar but things quickly start to go wrong…something smells funny..but can Carina figure it out?

I’m always amazed by Alison’s plots, so believable, perfectly executed..real page turners!

Overall another cracking read from the author who has a very unique setting for her tales, Alison Morton challenges female stereotypes and gives the reader a fast paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.

My rating – 5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blog Tour – Russian Roulette by Keith Nixon.

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg It my turn on the blog tour for Russian Roulette by Keith Nixon!

B L O G T O U R (1)

Here’s the blurb

Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp with a dark history and darker future.

Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.

But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.

Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.

Review

I’ve read a lot of Keith’s work and I just love his books!

Konstantin Boryakov is an ex-KGB asset… he wants to stay below the radar..but trouble just seems to find him..

A couple of things I really enjoyed about the book were that the tale is broke up into nice small chunks so you can easily fit these in when you have a quick lunch break. I also really loved the style of writing.. it was like Konstantin was telling the story himself..quite dark with a hint of humour..short but informative sentences.. no bullshit..and throw in the fact it’s a quick read makes this a very easy book to devourer.

It’s quite a grizzly and dirty tale at times..the detail given not only sucks you in but also ignites the receptors in your brain..you really imagine what the characters look like, feel and smell.. I was totally immersed in this world.

Russian Roulette leaves you wanting more.. so much more..Konstantin’s so closed off.. the author holds back divulging too much but just enough to make you want to read more.. I need to see what happens next… I want to know everything!

If you want a book that grips you and won’t let go its this..I just need more!

I can’t give Russian Roulette any less than 5 stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Expired by B. P. Smythe – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m reviewing The Expired by B. P. Smythe.

Here’s the blurb

‘The Expired’ is a psychological thriller masterpiece showing how vulnerable people can be brainwashed to become sleepers (Manchurian Candidates) and used by corrupt politicians to further their own ends. ‘The Expired’ shadows true accounts of government sleeper programmes set up during the Korean War and the East West Cold War.

Commander Gregory Potting is a former head of MI6 Intelligence and the governments most trusted Senior Adviser for Internal Affairs.

His position is put to the test in 1973 when a bizarre psychological plot unfolds that isinextricably linked to a London terrorist attack, a cocaine drug scam, a homosexual called Francis Hodder who suffers from schizophrenia and changes from time to time to Roxanne – a transvestite prostitute who robs and murders his clients.

Francis Hodder is a transsexual who preys on gay men. As a child he is abused by his father who is head of government security. Francis becomes an embarrassment to MI6 because of his gender leaning. He is brainwashed to become a Sleeper assassin triggered by code words to kill personnel who threaten government security. Francis becomes a manipulated pawn, who by mistake during a sexual encounter with a Black September terrorist, uncovers plans for a deadly attack on a densely crowded popular sports event to kill thousands of people to further the cause of EL Fatah and Black September.

 

Review

After reading the blurb about the book I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.. There’s so much going on… I couldn’t quite see how it would work..Well Mr. Smythe sure showed me, I was sucked in from the first page.

The story mainly focuses on Francis Hodder, a transsexual who abused as a child has grown up to have a long list of issues.. first and foremost he’s got a split personality going on. We have Francis but also Roxanne..

A powerful player in the government sees a way to make use of Francis and he’s brainwashed to kill on command.

What happens next is a rather expertly woven series of events where we learn of other individuals that have been brainwashed.. it’s seems this powerful player is setting up a chessboard of pieces so to speak, ready to do whatever they are told to.

As the game goes on players are eliminated while others emerge and a terrorist plot becomes clear..

I’ve not read anything from the author before but from this I felt he must have one hell of an imagination to put this together. We have Francis and his double life but also a terrorist plot which felt like it could have been a separate tale.

It works enough for me to enjoy the tale but the plot line explored towards the end of the book with Francis’s past and present colliding was the best bit and the terrorist plot was overshadowed by Francis.

The author manages to wrap the tale up nicely..It didn’t feel like any loose ends were there and to be honest I quite enjoyed the book even though it’s quite an unusual read for me.

Overall the pace of the tale is good and the chapter length is easy to swallow, add in a strangely unique plot and you’ve earned a 3* on this one.

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read and review the book in exchange for an honest review.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey by Gordon Doherty (@GordonDoherty) – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey by Gordon Doherty.

Here’s the blurb

Greece, 5th century BCE. Kassandra is a mercenary of Spartan blood, sentenced to death by her family, cast out into exile. Now she will embark on an epic journey to become a legendary hero – and uncover the truth about her mysterious lineage.

Review

Gordon Doherty fast became a favourite author of mine while reading his Legionary series. When I heard he was on board with an Assassin’s Creed book I felt two emotions, firstly happiness that Gordon’s work would reach a wider audience and also apprehension… I’m not really a gamer..would I still enjoy the book?

Well I needn’t have worried..Gordon smashed it again!

This tale follows Kassandra who as a child was cast out by her family.. she went against the gods and for that there is no forgiveness…all she cared about was saving little Alexios..her sibling..only for her parents to abandon her.

Years have passed and we find Kassandra using her Spartan skills to get by..she’s a mercenary and for the right price she will sort your problems out for you.

From the off you can tell that while Kassandra needs money..she still has a few morals left. This is confirmed as soon as we meet Phoibe..A little girl Kassandra has decided to take care off..if she doesn’t no one else will. The relationship between these two was a joy to follow.

The plot is well-developed and we have a nice build-up for the character as we see her skills put to use. Tasked with using her talents to obtain a treasure little does she know it’s really just a test and the past won’t stay hidden for long.. it’s going to hit hard.

From one lead to another Kassandra sets out on a path to learn about herself and the fateful night she was lost to her parents.. little does she know that all is not as she first thought.

Gordon Doherty gives us twist after twist and effortlessly paints a picture of Kassandra’s life and the places she visits. This might be an adaptation of a game but Doherty manages to give the written word depth and emotion that no game has been able to give me in the past. It’s written in such a way that young adults and old alike will love it with the perfect amount of detail to keep his diehard fans happy but also suck in new readers without overwhelming them.

I really think Gordon managed to put his own style of writing into an established series which is no mean feat.

Overall Assassin’s Creed Odyssey earns it’s place on my bookshelf..fast paced, exciting and vivid.

I’m always impressed when I read Gordon’s work and he didn’t let me down with Odyssey.. I loved it!

My rating – 5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Michael : The Triptych Chronicle #3 by Prue Batten (@pruebatten) – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m reviewing Michael by Prue Batten.

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Historical Fiction

Michael Sarapion, merchant and thief, returns to Byzantine Constantinople from which he fled the year before in fear of his life. In his company is Tobias, the dwarf brother of an icon thief and Ahmed, an Arab galleymaster with secrets.

Michael searches for his greatest treasure, something lost to him twelve years before. Filled with grief and fury, he intends vengeance, but he must trust in priests, defy the empire and guard those dearest to him as he searches high and low.

As Byzantium’s Angelid dynasty weakens, as Genoa and Pisa challenge Venice’s trading excellence, so merchants become thieves and murderers. Michael understands that to restore what is rightfully his, he must kill… or be killed..

Review

Michael is the third book in the Triptych Chronicle. This instalment follows Michael Sarapion as he confronts his past whilst also trying to keep the secrets he holds deep just that.. secret.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series but the plot of Michael was truly breath-taking and for me was the best yet..The man has lost so much but little does he know glimmer of hope remains.

The main focus of the tale is Michael and has past.. a family lost..his inner turmoil. He seeks to bury the past with work. When he receives his chance of redemption he set outs under the guise of a business trip for his Venetian trading house. How long can he keep his true intent secret?

What the author really does well for me is mix a exciting plot with a very detailed view of trading at the time and the rewards up for grabs.. as well as the dangers they risked. Even friends aren’t always to be trusted when money is concerned and dangers lurk around every corner.

The pace of the tale is set perfect to grab you.. there’s no let up.. there’s always something on the horizon and Michael can’t let his guard down and you can really see how much of a strain this puts upon him as his journey continues… It’s a wonder how he even manages to stand up at times the amount of stress his body must be under.

Prue Batten gives the reader a spectacularly gripping plot and very appealing characters, each has a part to play in the tale and they all get their chance to shine. Its a talent to make a story become so real but Batten does it with ease.

A series to be savioured..Each tale fits nicely with the last but at the same time stands alone..A true joy to read.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blog Tour – Out of the Silence by Owen Mullen

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m reviewing Out of the Silence by Owen Mullen.

Even better it’s part of a blog tour.. I do love taking part..a shared chat about books…what’s not to like.

Join in with the tour!

Out of the Silence Blog Blitz.jpg

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Psychological Thriller

My Rating 5/5 Stars!!!!!

Star investigative reporter Ralph Buchanan’s glory days are behind him. His newspaper has banished him to Pakistan, not knowing the greatest moment of his long career is waiting for him there.

When Simone Jasnin asks him to help expose a grave injustice, he finds himself embroiled in a harrowng tale that began in a dusty settlement in rural Punjab, setting in motion a chain of events that will change the lives of everyone involved.

Seven years later in the city of Lahore, members of a prominent family are being brutally murdered, one by one. The only clue is a hand-carved wooden bangle left at the scene of each crime.

As the list of suspects grows and the tension mounts, Ralph realises the answers might be closer to home than he ever thought possible.

Solving the mystery will put him back on top but at what cost?

Only when the smoke clears will the killing stop and honour be satisfied…

Review

Owen Mullen fast became a favourite author of mine over the last couple of years..his crime thrillers always have me hooked so of course I’d want to read his latest work.. so much so I didn’t even read the blurb.. I knew I’d love it.. I just didn’t know how much ..or that it would move me as much as it did.

Under an amazingly written story we truly get a heart wrenching tale of abuse and injustice..so much so I really felt for all of those involved..it was impossible not to get invested in this story and I promise it will stay with you.

Doctor Simone Jasnin finds a woman in need.. she has a story to tell.. her tale isn’t for the fate hearted but needs to be shared. This is where Ralph Buchanan comes in..he’s flawed like all the best characters, but slowly he earns his chance at redemption.

The tale Simone recounts is a tale of young blossoming love, Afra and Jameel, would be lovers but kept apart simply due to perception of worth. Jameel has nothing to offer therefore is no good.. They end up going along very different paths… and Afra’s is one of immense pain.

While Afra’s tale is retold we also learn what becomes of Jameel..a man who proves he’s worth tenfold..

Jameel and Ralph’s journeys collide as we delve deeper into the life of Afra..no matter her pain she never gives ups.

Out of the Silence is a gut churning tale of abuse and revenge.. a tale that needs to be told.. and Afra’s tale will be heard.

I can’t say I’ve ever been moved by written words before..yes I enjoy lots of books.. I love quite a few..but to be moved by the written word.. that to me is saved for notes from those nearest and dearest to you.. not just any old written word…but..I felt Afra’s pain..it hurt and it made me feel like no book ever has.

This is a tough tale.. not for the faint hearted.. a well written tale that deserves to be shared. A thought-provoking tale that really gets you thinking.. just because we don’t see abuse doesn’t mean it’s not going on.. it’s out there and we need to do what we can to stop it.. hopefully Afra’s tale will help.

Owen is no one trick pony.. he’s pure talent..I dare you to read this and try and tell me you didnt feel something.. it would be impossible.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Law and Crucible Saga by Ioana Visan – Review

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Next up we have a 3 for 1 review! I’m going to be reviewing the Law and Crucible Saga by Ioana Visan.

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Here’s the blurbs.

Genre – Science Fiction

Book 1 – No Port To Land

Nia is one of the few souls left aboard a drifting tomb known as The Pacific. The spaceship carries a deadly plague, and by the time they receive a distress call from an approaching shuttle, they are all close to losing hope they might ever escape alive. When the will of the shuttle crew and that of the survivors on The Pacific clash, Nia has to pick a side to save what she holds most dear.

Book 2 – Point of Origin

Suffering from neural degeneration, Thea is fading away in an asylum with no hope of ever leaving it.
When Captain Law offers her an opportunity to board his ship in return for her help, the astrophysicist is faced with having to learn to trust them or end up in another asylum with slim chance for recovery. And then her secret will be lost.
With a contract that they are desperate to obtain and a rogue asteroid in enemy territory, Captain Law and his crew must keep Thea free from harm, but a missing crew member and a band of misfits thwart their efforts and send them on a mission no one was prepared for.
Can Thea and Captain Law learn to work together for one goal or will long-held secrets and mistrust shake their resolve and destroy their efforts?

Book 3 – Bonds of Steel

On a routine trip across the asteroid field, the robot, Del, and unregistered AI, Vee, meet trouble. With Captain Law and his crew having been put into stasis, their only chance of survival will mean placing themselves at the mercy of what few resources they have. Without a human to assist them, Del and Vee will be vulnerable and so too will the ship and all the lives on board.
Despite their best efforts to avoid unwanted visitors, another ship is en route. Their arrival does not guarantee the safety of those on board, and may ultimately lead to their demise.
With his position on the ship on the line, can Del stave off an attack or are their deaths inevitable?

Review

The Law and Crucible Saga is made up of 3 short stories. The focus of each is different but one common factor is Captain Law and his crew.  Law’s gotten his hands on some information which could be quite valuable but he’s out looking for someone..but who and why?

I enjoyed the series more as I went along. At first I was a little confused as you arrive already into the action so to speak so it’s only as the author give you little bits of info that you piece events together.

When we get to the second book in the series we seem to have lost two of characters from the first book who joined the crew right at the end which through me a little if I’m honest.

The addition of Thea and Del in the later tales saved the series for me and really made me quite enjoy it.

Overall an interesting series which I feel would have worked quite well as full length novels. Just when things start the get interesting you’ve reached the end..I loved the plot but really wished for a bigger page count.

My rating 3/5 Stars

To find out more head to the info pages for book 1 in the series on Amazon or Goodreads