Tag Archives: Bookworm

Blog Tour – Storm of Steel by Matthew Harffy

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m taking part in the blog tour for torm of Steel by Matthew Harffy!!!

Here’s the blurb

AD 643. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and the sixth instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Heading south to lands he once considered his home, Beobrand is plunged into a dark world of piracy and slavery when an old friend enlists his help to recover a kidnapped girl.

Embarking onto the wind-tossed seas, Beobrand pursues his quarry with single-minded tenacity. But the Whale Road is never calm and his journey is beset with storms, betrayal and violence.

As the winds of his wyrd blow him ever further from what he knows, will Beobrand find victory on his quest or has his luck finally abandoned him?

Review

It seems like forever since we last saw Beobrand and his brave gesithas.. in reality it hasn’t been that long.. I’m just impatient ha.

The wait is over..it’s time to join Beobrand on his latest adventure and this time not much of it will be spent on land as we take to the high seas in search of a missing girl.

While on a mission to bring the soon to be new Queen home Beobrand gets a blast from the past and is torn… he’s oath sworn to do as his King requests but that would mean leaving the girl to fate.

Luckily for Beo the decision is taken out of his hands, the new queen is known to Beo and after a night of feasting they have grown rather close..so much so she orders him to do whatever it takes to bring the little girl home.

Beobrand enlists the help if a group of sailors to aid him in his journey and very soon they are bound together in blood as they set sail on the trail of a group of pirates who have taken the girl hostage.

Twists and turns come aplenty and Beo’s life will never be the same.

The best addition to this story for me is young Brinin..he’s betrothed to Ardith, the girl who has been taken, and he joins Beobrand in the hunt. Brinin reminds me a lot of Beo, he’s young and headstrong and has a big part to play.

For me the plot was just amazing..dark and brutally gripping..the past haunts Beobrand and I really enjoyed it when the author gives you the chance to reflect on moments throughout the series that have impacted on the man Beo is today.

The last fight scene was pure wow factor.. brothers at arms..sacrifices are made that will shape the destiny of others.

This series goes from strength to strength and credit to the author that he manages to keep each story so fresh and entertaining.

5/5 Stars!!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

My thanks go to the author and Victoria @ Head of Zeus for the chance to be part of the blog tour!

Buy links:

Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, iBooks

Follow the tour!!!

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About the author

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

 Follow Matthew Harffy:    

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Facebook: @MatthewHarffyAuthor

Website: http://www.matthewharffy.com/

Follow Aria

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Wild Sun by Ehsan Ahmad & Shakil Ahmad ARC Review.

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Next up for review is Wild Sun by Ehsan Ahmad & Shakil Ahmad

Here’s the blurb –

Genre – Science Fiction

On a world enslaved, the last embers of hope are fading into an unrelenting darkness. Conquered and broken, the natives are forced to ravage their own lush planet of its natural resources—all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend.

But not all light is lost. In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself. And her chance to strike is fast approaching.

Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander—a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions. When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.

Review

Wild Sun is an epic tale around slavery/domination and the fight for freedom.

The tale focuses around a few characters, one being Cerrin. She’s forced into servitude but yearns for freedom and will risk it all to get it.

Sonus is another of the unfortunates forced to serve the Vitaari, he’s smart..super smart. When his life is turned upside down it’s time to step-up and get revenge.

While these two have never met their paths are going to collide.

The Vitaari are a race who want only to dominate..they use technology to suppress those they feel are less than them but they are vain..and a little complacent at times..that will be their downfall.

Cerrin’s and Sonus’s path cross with the thanks to some allies.. the time to rebel is fast approaching.

I really enjoyed Vellerik, one of the Vitaari.. while he’s one of the bad guys he’s the best of the bunch..honourable.. when push comes to shove what we he do?

The plot was very good, clear, focused and with enough detail to paint a vivid image of what it must be like for those captives. The writing style meant the book flowed well..There’s a lot to take in at first but after the initial couple of chapters I was easily hooked…it kept getting better and better with every chapter.

I don’t often request books from NetGalley but im glad I requested this one in exchange for an honest review. Well worth reading!

My rating 4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.

Here’s the blurb

PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF ALMOST ANYTHING.

You never know what’s happening on the other side of the wall.

Your neighbour told you that she didn’t want your six-month-old daughter at the dinner party. Nothing personal, she just couldn’t stand her crying.

Your husband said it would be fine. After all, you only live next door. You’ll have the baby monitor and you’ll take it in turns to go back every half hour.

Your daughter was sleeping when you checked on her last. But now, as you race up the stairs in your deathly quiet house, your worst fears are realized. She’s gone.

You’ve never had to call the police before. But now they’re in your home, and who knows what they’ll find there.

What would you be capable of, when pushed past your limit?

Review

The Couple Next Door is a physiological thriller.. a little girl has been kidnapped while her parents were next door.. who did it and why them?

The tale is quite intense as the author delves into the lives of the parents in detail and also the neighbours. Suspicion falls on the parents at first as you’d expect.. something is just not adding up but the author throws in a few twists along the way to throw you off the scent.

I loved the build-up but must admit the ending didn’t give the bang I was expecting.. the author had painted such a vivid series of events that the ending just felt a bit flat.. almost too easy.

The characters themselves were very good, each developed well and has their time to grow. It seems everyone in this book has some skeleton in the closet so it was really fun watching the pieces come together.

The plot was intriguing… from the off I was 99% sure who was involved but had no idea why.. or how they even managed to do it.. this little nugget of info is what makes this book so good.. the author digs her claws into you quickly and you just can’t help but read more…I just had to find out why the kidnap happened in the first place..it certainly had me sucked in.

My wife really enjoyed this one too.. she likes her books but is easily distracted by tv or home improvements (hope she doesn’t read this J ). To know she’s read it was a sure sign to me it was worth reading and I couldn’t agree more.

4 Stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

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