Tag Archives: Book Lovers

The Commuter by Emma Curtis – REVIEW

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing The Commuter by Emma Curtis.

Here’s the blurb

I used to dread rush hour. Now I live for it…

Rachel wakes from a coma to discover her controlling husband has been killed, and the police suspect her of involvement.

But all Rachel can recall from the last few weeks are tantalising flashes of a fellow commuter. A man whose name she doesn’t know.

A man who has disappeared without a trace.

Now Rachel is a wealthy widow and the vultures are circling, wanting her in prison for murder, or failing that … dead.

Can Rachel discover the truth in time to save herself?

Review

I attended a boo k talk last year and The Commuter was suggested as a book to pick up and an author to watch, so I immediately put it on my TBR.

Rachel awakes from a coma to find out her husband is dead.. but she has no memory of the events that led up to that faithful day. She’s lucky to be alive but this is just the start of a spiral of events for Rachel as she unravels to truth!

We quickly learn that some instinctively don’t trust Rachel.. although she couldn’t have been there at the time her husband died… there’s gaps in her story that even Rachel can’t fill..

Things go from bad to worse when her husbands will is read and it’s not what everyone is expecting… if anything it raises more questions and causes more tension.

We start to learn more about Rachel and the what happened in the run up as bits of memories come back.. like a puzzle for Rachel to put together.

The quickly see her husband wasn’t exactly an innocent…his daughter is not very likeable and there was someone else in Rachel’s life.. but who.. and what does it mean.. is there a connection?

What unfolds is a very clever and complex plot that ultimately led to an untimely death.

I really enjoyed the flow as the story moves from current day, back to the past as Rachel’s memory returns.

The flow allowed for development of the characters at a natural pace, nothing felt forced or out of place.. the development just matches the flow perfectly in pace and made it a super engrossing read,

Character wise.. and the twists.. wow.. I don’t say it often but I really didn’t know what would happen next and I was hooked. I don’t want to spoil it but Rachel is really put through it!

When to bed each night I was excited for my own commute the next day just so I could pick up the book again!

What made this book such a gripping thriller was the main characters amnesia, as it allowed the author to take the story so many directions… and those twists were gob smacking!

This was more first foray into the authors work but it won’t be my last!.

Well worth grabbing a copy… 5/5  stars

To find our more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Betrayal of Mercia by MJ Porter

1 Reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Betrayal of Mercia by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb

A King in crisis, a Queen on trial, a Kingdom’s survival hangs in the balance.

Londonia, AD835
The deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf is to be resolved. Those involved have been unmasked and arrested. But will justice prevail?

While the court convenes to determine the conspirator’s fate, King Wiglaf’s position is precarious. His wife, Queen Cynethryth, has been implicated in the plot and while Wiglaf must remain impartial, enemies of the Mercia still conspire to prevent the full truth from ever being known.

As Merica weeps from the betrayal of those close to the King, the greedy eyes of Lord Æthelwulf, King Ecgberht of Wessex’s son, pivot once more towards Mercia. He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of ending Mercia’s ruling bloodline.

Mercia once more stands poised to be invaded, but this time not by the Viking raiders the so fear.

Can Icel and his fellow warriors’ triumph as Mercia once more faces betrayal from within?

Review

Is this really book 7 in the series already?? So much has happened to Icel yet it feels like only yesterday we met the young boy, supported by his Uncle, trying to find his place in life!

What’s in store next? Well the deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf was uncovered with the help of Icel and now it’s time for those involved to pay the price.. this includes the Queen!!

Mercia has been forced to not only fight enemies from far afield.. but also those close to home and this is a major concern for all those involved.. King Wiglal.. and Mercia want justice..

The Wessex King and his men won’t let this lie though and Mercia is hit with even more betrayal and death as the tale unfolds.

I don’t want to spoil the plot for anyone but let’s just say the case against the Queen isnt as open and shut as the King would like and she still holds some power…and she’s not as helpless as it may seem.

I really found it fascinating to learn of a person’s worth during such instances, and that being in a position of power almost certainly made you trustworthy.. and the words of the common man/woman almost useless unless someone of power would speak of their worth. It really added the depth to that particular section of the story and added an extra umph when we are so used to excitement of battles and blood being the main focus.

Oh and don’t worry the battles are to come as things come to fruition and Wessex make their move.

Character depth and development was spot on as usual. Being on book 7 it’s credit to the author that they manage to keep adding naturally flowing detail into such a pivotal plot. I really love the little tit bits of the past thrown in too, memories on Icel’s uncle, the burning of Icel’s hand for example. These were great little ways for a new reader to be brought into the tale but also exciting for those devoted to the series as we have the chance to reminisce.

MJ Porter has a talent for historical fiction and this ever clearer when you see the shear amount of characters involved in the tale, which must have taken meticulous planning to not mix up names at pivotal points. I love Porter’s style too, I’ll be the first to admit names can be hard to retain in novels such as this are they aren’t names used in todays world.. but Porter manages to introduce what feels like natural pause points when the reader can reflect, and really absorb what is being told.

I’ve never really liked King Wiglaf but in this instalment It really showed him in a different light… the question is will he figure out who Icel really is and his family links? The King is kind to him now but if he see’s him as a threat to the throne will he be so kind?

How long can Icel hide the truth…

Without spoiling things I can honestly say this instalment is the best yet, flow is effortlessly perfect and the plot excruciatingly riveting.. I’m just glad I have the commute to work to enjoy the tale as I didn’t want to put this one down!

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set. The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood Son of Mercia was published in February 2022.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

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

Bookbub profile: @coloursofunison

Who’s Next? (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 2) by Chris Merritt – REVIEW

1 Reply

Today I’m reviewing Who’s Next? (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 2) by Chris Merritt.

Here’s the blurb

Stumbling to the ground, he claws at the earth around him, trying to stabilise himself, but his attacker is on him in seconds. As he stares at the lights of the bustling streets on the other side of the park gates, he doesn’t even have time to shout for help before everything goes black.

When the body of wealthy businessman Charles Stott is found dead on Wimbledon Common, covered in bruises just feet away from his luxury home, Detective Dan Lockhart is called to investigate the shocking scene. Examining the sickeningly disfigured body before him, Lockhart knows he’s dealing with a brutal killer. Looking more closely, he notices something on the victim’s neck: a small, crudely drawn symbol in black ink. It seems the murderer has marked his victim, but why? Dan needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, so he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green.

As the ensuing media circus puts pressure on Dan and Lexi’s investigation, another victim is found and the headlines are quick to report a serial killer is on the loose. The body of a successful lawyer has been discovered in a park with the same bruising and hand-drawn symbol on his neck. Dan fears that more victims will follow.

As the case intensifies, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago. Determined to follow it up, he must choose between tracking down a serial murderer and finding Jess. Can he make the impossible decision before the killer strikes once more?

Review

After reading the first instalment in the series I was eager for more. Luckily for me being late to the party meant the next in the series has been out somewhile so I was able to get stuck in straightaway.

So we are back with Detective Dan Lockhart and his team. It’s been a while since he and Dr Lexi Green last spoke, but after the events of the previous book can you blame them? It was a stressful time but add to that the connection they seem to share.. things are just a bit awkward.

When a gruesome beating occurs leaving the victim dead Lockhart again needs the support of Green to help profile the killer before they strike again.

A strange symbol is found on the victim but what does it mean?

Lockhart’s team are stretched though, and in the mist of everything there’s also another case to solve.. both cases clash a little and the teams need to go against orders at times to get the job done… better to ask forgiveness than permission..

More beatings take place but can Lockhart and Green put the pieces of the puzzle pieces together in time?

Amongst this Lockhart also needs to confront his own past.. the disappearance of his wife. The events get more complex and juicy for the reader.

Plot wise I was over the moon! Yes Lockhart and Green don’t see eye to eye again at times.. Lockhart is too impulsive and Green, well she just doesn’t see her own worth at times. Both do their best to put the case to bed and they end up risking it all. I particularly loved Green going rogue..

The relationship between them Is complex as neither seems to want to address the connection they have.. but at the same time it’s understandable.. wrong place wrong time but the tension is palpable and believable.

I honestly didn’t think the author could top the previous story with such a spectacular killer and backstory.. but you know what.. Chris Merritt knocks it out of the park delivering another..even better killer.. the motivation behind them..wow..the detail added really just made them come to life and as weird as it is to say.. I kind of like this one..is that bad that I didn’t want to see them caught ha ha.

The main characters develop well, especially Green who is still dealing with the death of her friend after the last time she helped Lockhart. There’s also an awesome new addition and development of the ensemble cast which flowed well but also allowed the reader a break from Lockhart and Green.. I mean I don’t think I could ever get sick of them but the breaks allow you a breather and show the authors talent for development, each ensemble member has their part to play and you look forward to seeing them and what they can do as a team when it matters the most.

I’m quickly becoming a big fan of the authors style and I love the time and effort that must have went into making such a earthshaking plot.. and that ending…talk about edge of your seat!

A resounding 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

A Deadly Truth: A Solomon Gray Thriller by Keith Nixon – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing A Deadly Truth, book 10 in the Solomon Gray series by Keith Nixon!

Here’s the blurb

Has Solomon Gray’s son returned with secrets that could tear their family apart?

Detective Inspector Solomon Gray’s long-awaited reunion with his son, Tom, has been marked by an unexpected chilliness. Tom’s return from Edinburgh raises questions for Gray, who senses there’s more to his son’s homecoming than meets the eye.

Amidst this strained family dynamic, Gray finds himself immersed in an undercover operation, patrolling aboard a Trojan bus in search of troublemakers following a string of anti-social incidents. His vigilance pays off when he intervenes in a violent altercation, leaving notorious thief Mumble Swann hospitalised after a brutal assault. Surprisingly, the perpetrator is revealed to be fifteen-year-old Zoe Doneglan, but she remains tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the fight.

As Gray delves deeper into the incident, he receives an unexpected call from DCI Mackintosh of the Organised Crime Division of Police Scotland. Unbeknownst to Gray, Police Scotland is operating within his jurisdiction, tracking the movements of Callum Strachan, a well-connected businessman with mysterious ties to Thanet. Mackintosh enlists Gray’s help when one of his undercover officers disappears under suspicious circumstances.

The discovery of an unidentified John Doe, barely clinging to life on a nearby beach, adds another layer of intrigue to Gray’s already complex investigation.

In this tense and multifaceted novel, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray navigates the complexities of family strife and clandestine operations, racing against time to untangle a web of deception that threatens to engulf them all

Review

We are back with Solomon Gray and this time I think things are even more complicated for Sol than they have ever been.. if that’s even possible. Fan’s of the series will know the background behind Sol but let’s just say, he’s been through it.

One big change in Sol’s life is Tom.. Tom is Sol’s son who went missing many years ago, after some very chilling events Sol discovered the truth. It was a frosty kind of reunion.. they are more alike than they know.. but things were looking up when last Christmas Tom turned up on Sol’s doorstep.

Things haven’t really moved on much..Tom is living with Sol but they are passing ships in the night and neither are big talkers but Sol senses there’s something else going on.. but what?

There’s another big distraction in Sol’s life too, in the form of Linnet Roach. Roach got her claws into Sol in the last book and she’s not about to give him up any time soon. The great thing about Roach is she knows what she wants and she makes things abundantly clear with Gray but it’s tough for Sol to concentrate on Roach when Tom is playing on his mind… not to mention a new case hits his desk.

Mumble Swann, who is well known to the police, witnesses a crime but before anything can really come of it he’s brutally assaulted.. by a girl named Zoe Doneglan. Zoe’s had a tough start in life.

Gray doesn’t have much time to think about her though when a visit to the hospital reveals two men were brought in last night.. Mumble.. and a John Doe…

Little does Sol know at the time what links the men and the reader barely knows more.. but it teases what’s to come..you can just tell with the setup how good this will be.

Sol tries to take his mind of things and enjoys a night out with Roach but by happenstance ends up meeting an interesting character in the form of Callum Strachan..Sol’s gut tells him something is up.. or is he just being a grumpy old man again? Time will tell.

I don’t want to spoil the plot and development but what we get as a reader is a well thought out and complicated plot effortlessly weaved together in a style I’ve come to expect and love from the author.

What I really enjoyed with this novel and the last is the fresh blood added.. new characters and development of the current ensemble.. Sol’s a brilliant character but now Tom is found the focus has shifted and it’s great to see the supporting cast come into their own for the benefit of not only the plot but they also aid to Gray’s own development too. There’s a few characters that stand out, such as Mackintosh..he’s only small part, but leaves a big impression which no doubt the author can build on.

A Deadly Truth has some amazing twists, its complex but executed perfectly giving the reader the wow factor.. that OMG moment.. the adrenaline rush.. it’s intense.

One thing I’ve always loved about this series is the sheer number of events playing out, and how they connect.. sometimes in small ways.. sometimes big.. but the main thing is there’s no plot holes.. everything has a place and every motivation expanded just when you need it.. some in some jaw dropping scenes.

Being the tenth book in the series you’d be thinking we’ve seen it all… but no.. the author still has things up his sleeve..and if anything I can just see even more chances to keep the development going, new directions.. it’s exciting.

Resounding 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid!

Here’s the blurb

Lonely heart Barry thought Gina might be too good to be true. He was right. Gina preys on vulnerable older men like Barry through online dating sites. She lures them in, uses them to set up a financial scam and then vanishes without trace. But when an angry victim of her fraudulent scheme comes looking for Gina, Barry is drawn into deadly danger and faces having to kill – or be killed.

Review

Recently divorced Barry doesn’t enjoy the single life.. he finds comfort in loving someone, the friendship and shared adventures..he knows where the last relationship went wrong.. he became complacent..ignored the signs..but that’s the past.. it’s time to move on.. he’s not exactly ready but he feels it’s the right time.

Barry takes the plunge and heads to a dating website.. he doesn’t really know how to start things so decides to wait to see if anyone chooses him..so he knows they really are interested…and that’s where his troubles start.

Gina likes to find lonely, recently divorced men as she knows just how to play them. She manipulates them with her sob stories and while they think they are starting a new and wonderful romance.. healing together.. what’s really happening is she’s setting up a fraud scheme that leads back to one person.. and its not her!

By an absolute fluke Barry gets wind of the scheme. At first he doesn’t believe it, then just simply doesn’t want to believe it.. but he’s not blind and kicks Gina into touch.

All’s well now yeah? No.. a blast from Gina’s past is looking to get his money back and Barry is the one in the firing line. Barry will do anything save his skin but Gina’s gone..

Given a deadline Barry uses every ounce of his intelligence and memory to put the pieces together and manages to track Gina down.. not knowing if Gina will help.

Now not to spoil things too much but this is where Gina really develops, as together they try to figure a way out of this mess.. but lets just say it doesn’t go to plan and what follows is murderously hilariously beautiful in it’s madness.

Barry is forced to do things he never would have thought possible.

Plot wise, while crazy and wild was woven superbly well.. I could quite easily see this adapted for TV as it would be one of those mad thrillers full of insane dark humour. It was just soooo good but you can’t help laugh at some of the things Barry get’s himself into.

The plot was certainly gripping but what made it even better was how easily it was mixed with development of the characters..pace and flow was just spot on so this has to be one of my favourite books of 2024 for sure!

Overall I found The 23-Day Girlfriend exhilarating.. I loved Barry’s misfortune and the lines he has to cross to get out of this mess but also cared about the outcome… I was invested.

I came across The 23-Day Girlfriend quite by chance..I took a punt one day on Instagram and noted an author selling signed copies of their book… I’m glad that post showed up on my screen that night.. it was meant to be..

Easy 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! or why not see if the author has any more signed copies available? Ha

SERIES BLOG TOUR – The Green Viper (The James Ryker Series Book 4) by Rob Sinclair – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m taking part in the series blog tour for The James Ryker Series by Rob Sinclair… kicking off with a review of The Green Viper. 

Here’s the blurb:

I need your help. Call me.

Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker receives a coded message through a secret drop point, a means of communication known only to him and one other person. The problem is, that other person is his ex-boss, Mackie… and he’s already dead.

But the cry for help is real, and it’s a request Ryker can’t refuse.

Travelling to New York alone and without official sanction, Ryker has a single goal in mind, yet even he couldn’t have bargained for the violent world he’s soon embroiled in. Caught in the middle of a spiralling chaos with the FBI on one side, and two warring underworld bosses on the other, Ryker must put all of his skills to the test in order to come out on top, and keep his word.

In a world full of lies and deceit, loyalty is everything, and it’s time for James Ryker to pay his dues.

Review

I’ve been a fan of the author the last couple of years or so. I came to his books a bit late but quickly devoured them. Each tale was gripping from start to finish and I had high hopes for The Green Viper.

The Green Viper once again demonstrates the author’s ability to write a heart thumbing thriller. By now you’d think the author would have run out of steam perhaps..where else can he go with the character? Well let me tell you he’s wrote a cracker again!

As with the previous tales in the Ryker series things are personal. The events he gets sucked into are out of his control largely but let’s be honest..He’s a magnet for danger!

A message with links to Ryker’s past sets the wheels in motion on a tense thriller full of suspense. It’s the buildup of the plot that really hooks you in..never quite knowing what will happen next.

Now, not to give the plot of the story away too much Ryker is enlisted to help get someone out of danger..but this individual just can’t see the danger he’s in..or he’s just ignorant to it.

Ryker has his work cut out for him thats for sure and there’s multiple players in the dangerous game; Ryker needs to find out what their interest Is so he can anticipate their next move (easier said than done).

Will he make it out alive? Come on you already know the answer don’t you.. lets just say though Ryker will be haunted by this mission..he struggles to let go of the past and this will certainly eat away at him I’m sure..he needs an outlet for his frustrations and his ex boss may just be able to help.. lets see what the future holds..

A super tense thriller, the plot is great and I loved how it developed. The multiple angles the story was approached from kept me engaged and thoroughly excited to the very last page!

A 5* from Rob Sinclair from me.

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

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so was my pleasure to jump on the tour. Big fan of the authors work here on David’s Book Blurg.

Why not follow the rest of the tour to find out more?

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair

 

The Last of the Bear Tribe by Joey Tawil – REVIEW

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing The Last of the Bear Tribe by Joey Tawil.

This book came recommended by a colleague at work so I was eagar to take a look!

Here’s the blurb

Sam and Jemma stood facing the oncoming raiders with no weapons.

As the raider drew near, the air shimmers by Sam and Jemma’s right hands; an axe appeared in Sam’s hand, while a sword appeared in Jemma’s.

The raiders were dead in a few heartbeats and the weapons shimmered out of existence.

The bears were back.

Review

The Last of the Bear Tribe is a epic fantasy tale condensed to allow younger readers to enjoy and work their way into the genre without overloading them.

Sam awakes one day, his memory lost.. Left for dead on the battle field. As he makes his way in the world to try and find safety he runs into Jemma.

Jemma is on her own journey to find out more about herself.

While they have never met they both have the same goal.. Find the truth about themselves.. For this reason they stick together and try to put the pieces together.

Along the way we get introduced to new, fresh and interesting characters pivotal to the plot itself.

While on their journey they learn about a tribe who had almost been wiped out by their enemies.. Only a few survived but where are they? And what’s it got to do with them?

The tale unfolds at pace and we learn of treachery in the past that threatens their very future..Can they find out the truth and put an end to the deceit and get justice for the Bear tribe at the same time?

I’m a keen reader of young adult books, as a kid I was never much encouraged to read so I missed the stage in life of working my way up through young adult fiction to adult fiction, their can sometimes be a big jump for a young reader, so when you see a gem like The Last of the Bear Tribe I have to get a review out there to let people know just how good it really is! Even if I help sell 1 copy then I’ll class that as a success 🙂

The plot flowed well and was very enjoyable, I kind of didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying it that much.

Development worked well, it’s very fast paced but there’s still time to get to grips with the characters and motivations.

It’s that good I kind of wish it would be developed into an adult epic fantasy just to see what else could be injected into the tale as you can see so much potential within the plot.

My only real comment..and it’s not a negative.. but the synopsis doesn’t sell the book to me.. it teases but there’s so much more!

Easy 5* from David’s Book Blurg!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

The Ark by Christopher Coates

Leave a reply

Today I’m going to be reviewing The Ark by Christopher Coates

Here’s the blurb

The Earth as we know it is about to end.

Technology has developed to the point where a person can be placed in a Sleep State: a cross between suspended animation and a drug-induced coma.

Just as the trial of the new technology is being completed, an unusual comet is discovered approaching Earth, bringing with it radiation that will wipe out all life on the planet. Soon after, the government builds a sleeper facility to save humankind from extinction, taking drastic steps to maintain secrecy of the project.

But when the sleepers awaken, they discover that something has gone terribly wrong… and that the strange world around them is not the one they fell asleep in.

Review

I picked up The Ark as I was fancying something a little different to my normal choice of book. The synopsis stood out as it made me think a little of Deep Impact and Armageddon.. but the focus is changed from trying to save the world to figuring out how to rebuild after the event.

There’s a comet on it’s way by Earth.. it won’t hit, but radiation is detected that will change the landscape of the planet forever.

The government have a few options open to them but the most promising is a new technology. This new technology has the ability to put an individual to sleep, slow the body’s natural processes.. essentially they will be in suspended animation.. The issue is the technology hasn’t be perfected yet for a scale such as this and the government is need to find a suitable location under the extreme pressure of knowing they can only save a very small percentage of the population.

It’s a battle to keep the truth a secret.. if the news were to get out the whole world would panic and it’s likely no one would survive.. there would be riots.. death and destruction and that’s even before the comet passes.

In the run up to the event a few people do come a little close to the truth and the author explores the power and reach of those in charge as silence reigns..

Those chosen for the sleeper program each have skills but learn further skills to better set them up to rebuild after the event.. estimates show they will be asleep for around 20 years.. it’s a lot for those people to take in but they know they are the last ditch attempt at survival and if they are lucky it’s all one big error and they will all be able to go home soon..

At the same time the government put plans in place to build underground shelters.. it’s not going to protect many but at least some will have the chance to live in the hope that these “sleepers” will wake up and will help rebuild the world.

When the sleepers awake there’s a big problem… things haven’t gone to plan.. it’s not been 20 years…the radiation was much stronger than first thought… those in underground shelters only had a certain amount of supplies… did anyone survive? Do the sleepers have anyone to rebuild the world for?

I really enjoyed the plot and I loved the focus on the sleepers, the preparation needed.. the sacrifices made. All the preparation time really helped the development of the characters and I really found myself like liking the team and was investing in their survival, the pace also help set the mood well..you feel the nervous energy pouring off the page.

I also found how the author tackled the question about communication, and how they would keep the threat a secret very well thought out and plausible. I wouldn’t want to be in charge if there was a global threat on the way.

There’s a clear direction for the ply but the author still manages to add some twists and turns along the way.. like you know it’s not going to all go to plan… technology.. nothings ever easy.. but the twists are exciting and add an extra punch to the story.

I was very much sucked into this one.. so much so as soon as I finished I was checking in the hopes this might be a series.. I don’t do much research before picking up a book so was a little deflated at first.. The Ark is not part of a series… well actually it kind of is…while it’s not a series you can imagine my excitement to learn there’s a parallel story.. The Anvil… we see events from the viewpoint of those lucky enough to be brought into the underground shelters.. do they survive..and at what cost? I’ve already finished it and I’ve only good things to say… look out for that review coming too!

4/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman – REVIEW

Leave a reply

Today I’m going to be reviewing THE ANGEL FALLS (Ryan Jarrod series Book 1) by Colin Youngman!

Credit to my wife for this one, she highlighted the author is a local and I’ve been really enjoying tales set In/near my local area lately..Who knew we had such a good author hidden within Ashington!

Here’s the blurb

Six weeks. Just forty-two short days. That’s all it takes to rip the heart out of a city and change the lives of those who live there. Forever. One such life belongs to Ryan Jarrod. In the early hours of a wet winter’s morning on Tyneside, Ryan Jarrod approaches the end of his second shift as a Special Constable when he stumbles across the body of a savagely beaten Teddy McGuffie, a down-at-heel taxi driver. On the same night, an explosion rips through the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne’s student community. Casualties are high; the city brought to a standstill. And the University blast is only the beginning of a bloody reign of terror which threatens the very fabric of the region. With the McGuffie case shelved, Ryan vows to investigate it himself. When he uncovers links between the assault on McGuffie and a series of letters which seem to foretell the terror attacks, members of the force ridicule his theories. Except for one man: DCI Stephen Danskin. Danskin sees a lot of himself in the young Special. He breaks protocol. Invites Jarrod into the case. Together, they dive deeper into the tangled lives of those associated with the letters – and lay a trap to lure the killer to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: The Angel of the North. What could possibly go wrong?

Review

Ryan Jarrod is a Special Constable who stumbles upon a badly beating man.. there’s real rage behind the attack and although Jarrod is only a Special Constable right now he has dreams to become so much more.. could this be his big break?

The really good thing about Jarrod from the off is that he’s selfless.. he’s just wants to bring bad people to justice… he doesn’t have an ego.

On the same night there’s a terrible explosion… but it’s only the first in a series of attacks that will rock those living in Newcastle and the surrounding area.

A local online news outlet dubs the bomber The Tyneside Tyrant.

While the police focus on the bombing Jarrod can’t move past the savage beating of Teddy McGuffie and it’s while he’s visiting his grandma that he starts to see a pattern to the attacks and a link to the McGuffie beating is found.

This Is where Detective Chief Inspector Danskin comes in.. he’s leading the investigation and sees potential in keeping Ryan Jarrod around. Jarrod sees what others don’t.. he’s young and has a lot to learn but it’s also clear he’s got what it takes.

As usual no spoilers from me but there’s twists and turns, and even when you think the case is solved there’s more headed our way.. wow.

I particularly loved the plot and how this is a perfect introduction to Ryan Jarrod…it’s teasing the future as he’s kind of a bystander at times but wow.. what a introduction.

Being based in my local area I found the tale even more fascinating.. reading scenes set in Newbiggin for example just gave me a real buzz.

There’s a tonne of characters each packed with their own development, everything all flowed well, nothing forced or out of place just a full on intriguing plot.

Great start to a series so I’m looking forward reading more soon!.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

BLOG TOUR – Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook

Leave a reply

Today is my turn on the blog tour for Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook.

Thor’s Revenge is Book 3 in the awesome Charlemagne’s Cross series.

Here’s the blurb

A kingdom without a crown.

A boy forsaken by his God.

A warrior bent on revenge.

After the bloody Battle of Jelling, Denmark’s throne lies empty and chaos reigns as Jarls jostle for power.

Sven survives the bloodshed only to return home to find Ribe sacked by those he trusted and Charles, a pawn in a much bigger political game, kidnapped.

Consumed by the loss of Charles, Sven is shocked by the arrival of the Abbess Hildegard, daughter of his nemesis King Louis of East Francia, who seeks the whereabouts of Charles, her son, and also the cross of Charlemagne.

But whilst others want revenge for the chaos Sven has caused, Denmark burns and Sven must stand in the shield wall one more time if he is to survive and rescue his grandson.

Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Sven and Charles must put their fate in the hands of the gods if they ever want to see each other again.

Review

We are back with Charles and Sven the Boar..

Sven returns home after a fierce battle.. you’d think surviving a battle is something to celebrate but not this time… many many many men died and Denmark no longer has a King… this has left bands of disbanded and leaderless warriors ransacking Denmark…

And that’s only part of Sven’s trouble… he learned that his grandson Charles has been taken..Charles is Sven’s redemption in life so his loss breaks the man but at least this time he has people around him to try and knock some sense into him.

His anger soon returns when Abbess Hildegard arrives and pushes him a little too far… there’s a blast from the past that I’ll not spoil but by god I felt the fury pouring of Sven… Abbess Hildegard who we learn is Charles mother so we finally get to learn more about why Charles has been brought up to believe she was dead…I could only imagine how this felt for Charles as he learns the truth about himself.. who he really is.

I really enjoyed that we also learned more about the cross that Charles has been carrying ever since his father’s murder.. Charlemagne’s Cross… of which, if the stories are believed has the power to reunite Francia..

What really makes this instalment shine is the character development, not only do we meet and get to know new characters we see some established characters grow, Thora, Rollo and Sven all have a greater depth added to them while they deal with the aftermath of the battle and Charles kidnap.

Charles’ himself has some very big things to deal with.. being kidnapped… the deaths that have occurred to keep him safe.. it becomes his internal struggle and we see his faith in god shaken…

Plot wise… oh wow… it develops at a fast pace but nothing is really rushed or forced…but by god there’s a lot crammed in and credit to the author that it’s been done in such a well balanced way allowing the reader to keep up the events…and the ending!!! Oh my.. I need more!!

The Charlemagne’s Cross series has quick become a firm favourite!

5/5 stars.

To find out more head to Goodreads or why not buy a copy here?

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England.

Social Media Links –   

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook