What a fantastic read! Many thanks to author Chantelle Atkins for my ARC copy of The Day The Earth Turned, book 1.
It is a gripping read focusing on thWhat a fantastic read! Many thanks to author Chantelle Atkins for my ARC copy of The Day The Earth Turned, book 1.
It is a gripping read focusing on the point of view of the children, (primarily,) after a terrible pandemic kills practically all the adults.
Interestingly, other pov's are also explored including a robin and the menacing crows! This was particularly relatable. Eerily, I saw so many crows during the pandemic in public places. It totally creeped me out. I even remember seeing one in the cafe sitting on a table in the botanic gardens in Cambridge.
After the terror of covid, this is undoubtedly a frightening and all too impactful read. Many aspects are explored, with a slant towards mans' destruction of nature and animals and birds turning against humans. Also, the author explores young communities in which a bully takes charge, loners, rich versus poor, and the benefits of being alert to global danger and benefits of sustainable living.
Groups and factions of children all try to survive in whatever way they can without any parental love or help.
The characters are wonderful. From the bully Gus, to his nemesis Reuben who both hate each other but according to Chess the opposing pair have something in common. Chess is fantastic too; she helps to ground the reader about who Gus is. All the characters are well drawn and vivid.
Chilling, quite grotesque in parts... Atkins doesn't shirk from describing the graphic aspects of death and injury from terrible disease, animal and bird attacks. And the underlying threat in other scenes is cleverly crafted with just the right amount of underlying tension.
5 stars without a doubt. I loved it. The ending was fantastic. It's part one, looking forward to reading more!...more
This is a little different from my usual reading but I enjoyed it!
It’s the story of a young woman, Tilly, who is lacking in confidence after a break uThis is a little different from my usual reading but I enjoyed it!
It’s the story of a young woman, Tilly, who is lacking in confidence after a break up with a ‘a real minger,’ Jed. From that point on, she decides to follow an alternative path from fledgling lawyer to professional escort. Hooked is about following your own path, being independent and not being swayed by the opinions of others, overcoming doubts that you aren’t as good as your siblings, or having to prove your self worth to your parents. I appreciated that sentiment.
It tackles various escort scenarios with lightheartedness, and a touch of humour. Most of the character development in that respect is about her escort relationship with Edward, an older man whose wife had died.
On the whole, it portrays the escort business in a positive light. And didn’t move over into more unpleasant territory. Also, it tackles the difficulties of confessing this lifestyle to friends and family. It is an easy and entertaining read.
Recommended for those who enjoy sexy liberating stories.
Thank you to Donna for the blog tour organisation and to the author for a paperback copy which I was pleased to receive. It’s a quick read, which I am happy to review without bias.
I really enjoyed reading the 2nd book in Fairies, Myth and Magic series. It's a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice, with a fabulous mix of sI really enjoyed reading the 2nd book in Fairies, Myth and Magic series. It's a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice, with a fabulous mix of stories, flash fiction and poetry.
There are details of international myths and legends in the Introduction To The Myths & Legends of Yule section at the end, highlighting pagan yule traditions. Two of my favourites were Iceland's Christmas Troll Grýla! And Amatersu (Shine Your Light,) from Feudal Japan.
I certainly learnt a lot from this book and it is clear the author, Colleen Chesebro researched, loves and breathes magic into her subject matter.
There is a light-heartedness within the collection with the tale of the winter Green Fairy and the fairies drinks recipes which the author shares! This continues with flash fiction pieces such as Trash or Treasure.
As well as this, there are more serious pieces such as Fairy Hoar Frost, a short but powerful piece of flash fiction about the ever growing fear of climate change.
Colleen is an accomplis7hed poet and wordsmith. She runs her own weekly poetry challenge and there is no doubt that her poetry shines. I particularly loved the opening poem, Samhain's song as well as The Night of The Mothers, a celebration of women and motherhood, and the luscious darkness of The Wild Hunt.
Highly recommended. A lovely collection to savour at wintertime. ....more
**spoiler alert** 4.5 stars Melaina is a Shadow Walker with inherited 'despicable' 'forbidden sinister magic,' but her 'fire was weak and manageable, a**spoiler alert** 4.5 stars Melaina is a Shadow Walker with inherited 'despicable' 'forbidden sinister magic,' but her 'fire was weak and manageable, and it had been easy to hide it from the outside world.'
Melaina is a loveable thief, and was once known as the chameleon, she wants to retire... BUT...!!! NOT Going to happen!
I loved the characterisation in this story, the mention of all sorts of magic abilities, the powerful houses, Melaina's disguises, her roller skating and physical exertions even with an injured ankle! And her obvious love and devotion to her family, plus the lovely touches of humour and vivid descriptive scenes.
It's an exciting and intricate tale, which needs a far amount of close reading to understand the finer points of the world building and set up.
Melaina is a fantastic female heroine with guts aplenty!
There is sizzling mention of her attraction to former boyfriend Bradley but in this novel relationships are more focused on family loyalty to her Aunt Camila and brother Aiden and friendships. Though it sits there as a tempting prospect... which I enjoyed!
This is book one. The ending is a little surprising and more heartfelt than explosive but encourages the reader to find out more in book two, Shadow Pawn.
Highly recommended for YA fans of heist, magic, fantasy and shadow characters - a favourite of mine! I am a recent member of Ms. Bazzar's arc team, many thanks to the author for a copy!...more
This is an engaging tale with a fantastic premise. Two women’s lives collide after a terrible accident involving a fatality of a child. Emma is the yo This is an engaging tale with a fantastic premise. Two women’s lives collide after a terrible accident involving a fatality of a child. Emma is the younger of the two women. She is blindly in love and foolish in her choice of abusive partner, Derek. Loretta, the older and more assertive of the two takes Emma under her wing after an estrangement from her partner but is initially unaware of how their lives are so cruelly entwined.
There are several crucial similarities between the two women and a web of unspoken words envelopes them both hiding the shocking truth.
Whilst I was sympathetic to Emma’s plight, and her loss and Loretta’s tragedy I found it difficult to like Emma, though I sympathised with her. Her actions and her struggle to walk away do show just how powerful an abuser’s control can be on a woman and how hard it is to escape and behave and think logically. Both women had undoubtedly suffered so much.
I enjoyed this and would read this author again.
Recommended for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers about women’s lives, abuse, and female relationships.
The clever ending wrapped everything up in a convincing way.
I found this a difficult one to rate. The more I thought about the subtle intricacies in the story the more I liked it. Cleverly done....more
Please note that I am only reviewing an ARC of Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J., one of the ten stories in the Enchanted Forests anthology. I believe thPlease note that I am only reviewing an ARC of Willow Daughter by Astrid V.J., one of the ten stories in the Enchanted Forests anthology. I believe the anthology is raising funds for Rainforest Foundation, a worthy cause.
This is a short enjoyable fairy tale. The language is beautifully conveyed, with vivid description about the Emberling fire sprite, the Willow's daughter, the tinderbox, (and the dogs summoned by it,) and Somrenouc, the creature of the wild, the lord of forests. There is an underlying theme of keeping 'everything in balance,' and mention that 'the treasures are meant to guard the forests.'
I enjoyed the magical aspect of the tale in which you have to suspend belief and just go with it....more
Thank you to the author and to Lola Blog Tours for an advanced copy. I review freely and without bias.
Dark Goddess format: short story with author notThank you to the author and to Lola Blog Tours for an advanced copy. I review freely and without bias.
Dark Goddess format: short story with author notes at end.
Dark Goddess is a short story inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess, Sekhmet. I love Greek tales!
It is pretty gory! And a page turner… that keeps your attention throughout as you can see from this quote: “My cravings taking over, I sat up and sunk my teeth deeper into my father’s flesh until I heard the crunching of bone.”
From author notes: ‘Sekhmet was the goddess of the desert sun, plague, chaos, war, destruction, and healing. She was said to be the daughter of the sun god, Ra, and had been created from the fire of his eye.’
“But you are right, my beloved daughter. The blame does not fully lay on you. I am the one who transformed you into that terrifying force of vengeance and destruction. You were brought forth by my fire—my rage. You are merely an extension of myself.” I enjoyed this short story and would definitely recommend this author. ...more
Thank you to the author and Lola Blog Tours for a copy for advanced review. Opinion given freely and without bias.
I enjoyed this short story and wouldThank you to the author and Lola Blog Tours for a copy for advanced review. Opinion given freely and without bias.
I enjoyed this short story and would definitely recommend this author.
Story format: Short Story with author notes at end – obviously the author is knowledgeable about ancient Egypt and has researched many aspects.
This is Charissa’s back story which was intended to be a bonus chapter for Dark Reflections. The author writes beautifully: “Her slaves moved forward without a single word spoken to them, like soulless bodies, and shielded the sun from touching the young woman’s flesh.
The sight twisted knots into my already aggravated gut. Not only that, the young woman’s skin was as cold as ice to the touch compared to the hot, moist air of the Nile Delta. Like I was being touched by a corpse. I, too, was ruled by a man.”
Something in the back of my mind told me I shouldn’t. Something told me to run. I just couldn’t remember why, and the little voice within quickly slipped into a haze. “Yes. Let’s go home.”
“I am Sekhmet, your sire. And by the blood we just shared, we are now bound together.”
It was the scent of human blood, freshly killed. I licked my lips, ready to battle one of the lionesses for a taste.
Sekhmet : “That’s right. Drusus was an assassin sent to kill me. Apparently, the new emperor feels my quiet existence here in Egypt is a threat to the Roman Empire. Drusus confessed as much. Though I accidently slit his throat and dispatched his body in rage before asking why.”
I enjoyed this short story and it serves as a great introduction to the author, and the wrath of dark goddesses! Would definitely recommend.
I received an advance reader copy of The Last Princess by Shelley Wilson. (Thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for the copy.)
Well, after reading the bluI received an advance reader copy of The Last Princess by Shelley Wilson. (Thanks to NetGalley and BHC Press for the copy.)
Well, after reading the blurb and seeing the beautiful cover I had a feeling I would love this story. And I was right.
This is such a compelling tale of bravery, love, friendship, family, disloyalty, greed, slaves and vikings! Everyone loves a good viking story… who could not? There is passion, war, fight scenes, sword wielding and shield maidens! Yes, women are fierce too. And, I liked the finer touches of this story too… the details of viking marriage ceremonies. It is obvious that Shelley Wilson has researched with care and this is evident in her descriptive passages, and the finer details.
In my opinion, the story really comes into its own as it progresses. I’d say the beginning had me wondering a little… My initial uncertainty was perhaps not quite enough emotion at the beginning given the terrors of what happened to the heroine Edith. But, in the midst of such terror perhaps there is not much time to pause and reflect. This is a time period when such experiences, death is all to common I suppose. So, this slight hiccup, which pulled me momentarily out of the story is soon swept away by the brilliance of the storytelling. Everything thereafter is captivating. A real page turner, I loved this.
My rating 4.5 stars.
I attach my link below (I am a blog tour host, my spot on the tour is 26th May, so look out for that!)...more
As a keen poet myself I was curious to read this poetry book by a teenage author. It’s remarkable that the author, ShantARC Review for Lola Blog Tours
As a keen poet myself I was curious to read this poetry book by a teenage author. It’s remarkable that the author, Shanti Hershenson, was only thirteen when she wrote this! There is a simplicity in Shanti’s stream of consciousness poetry which works well, highlighting the complexity of painful topics such as bullying, panic attacks, sexual assault, verbal abuse, physical assault and thoughts about suicide. There are trigger warnings throughout, each poem is highlighted with content warnings where needed.
It’s not for the faint-hearted and made me feel so sad in places. So please be aware, it is not for everyone.
Ages 14 and up. Some topics may not be suitable for younger readers
I particularly appreciate accessible poetry which is understandable without trying to be pretentious and this is simple, and yet oh so poignant. On a personal level, it’s relatable too – as I moved to a new school – a new country and culture in the last but one year of primary. And yes, I suffered, because I stood out like a sore thumb. And my daughters experienced bullying problems too in their school years.
It’s interesting how Shanti calls the bullied protagonist The Girl. I suppose the point being this reads like a personal account but it could be anyone. Anyone can be bullied. And perhaps anyone, of either gender given certain circumstances can be a bully? The bully, (whom the Girl thought was a friend,) she calls the person – not naming their gender, dehumanising them.
Bullies need to be taught that their behaviour is unacceptable. It’s all about education, tolerance, cultural and other awareness and instilling kindness. It’s about speaking out and ensuring that those in a position of authority, such as teachers, employers, and the like listen to and take appropriate action, adopting a no tolerance attitude to bullies.
These excerpts brought back personal memories…
‘They told her mother that it was
“Just middle school.”
And that, “It happens all the time.”
That night she swears not to stay silent.
Not to listen to her principal
Who thinks she’s burning bridges
Because really, staying silent never did anything.
Whether bullying happens all the time, or not, it is not acceptable. And can do such terrible harm.
Shanti’s poetry is also about not feeling alone in your troubles. Being brave and speaking out.
There is a section at the back of the book with helpful resources.
Wonderful collection from one so young. Impressive. And brave, I wish her every success. 5 stars....more
A lovely picture book with beautifully colourful but simple illustrations from Victoria Skakandi (Illustrator.) It’s a straight forward story which teA lovely picture book with beautifully colourful but simple illustrations from Victoria Skakandi (Illustrator.) It’s a straight forward story which tells the tale of a young girl Tina who has just finished 3rd Grade, (about 8 - 9 years old,) and is about to go on summer school holidays. Tina and her friend Erica chat about the coming changes in the new school year. When she gets home she plans a list with her mum of what to do over the summer. No. 2 on the list is to hear the music from Swan Lake, followed by Sleeping Beauty and fireworks at the Superbowl!
Tina and her friend Erika gets lost…
Note: The story is based on a real life event in the author’s life and is dedicated to Miriam Hurdle’s daughter Mercy.
This brought back a similar memory in my life. My husband and I were frantic after my daughter Natasha disappeared during a wedding event. She turned up safe and well. Thank heavens. Every parents nightmare! Tasha was always going missing, she was quite the adventurer and still is!
Tina Lost in a Crowd delivers such a clear, important message to youngsters who may for whatever reason get parted from their parents/carers. So, I reckon it would be an excellent read for schools – educating pupils about a simple method to keep safe.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. I happily review and give my unbiased opinion.
As part of the blog tour I received an ARC my opinions are unbiased and freely given.
What an ambitious book! A Ghost and His Gold combines two genresAs part of the blog tour I received an ARC my opinions are unbiased and freely given.
What an ambitious book! A Ghost and His Gold combines two genres: Paranormal and Historical Fiction and delivers on both counts. Robbie has done her historical research and it shows as she delivers considerable detail on such matters as the “Scorched Earth,” British military policy Boer War 1899-1902 and the concentration camps for Afrikaner women, children and black people. The story is imaginative, moving, educational and written with exceptional flair. Hats off to Roberta Cheadle, she has done a fabulous job.
The narrative begins with friends getting together partying around an Ouija board in South Africa. If you chance playing with an Ouija board you may welcome a ghost into your home and this is exactly what happens to Michelle and Tom! As the story unfolds we are introduced to the ghosts of Robert, (a British soldier – through his journal, ) a Boer named Peiter, and a young girl named Estelle (Pieter’s daughter,) whose life story is particularly harrowing and poignant revealing the sadness of her home life and the horrendous atrocities against females during the Boer War.
Mysteries are unearthed. Michelle has to come to grips with disturbing revelations that threaten her marriage to Tom.
The Boer women in the story are portrayed as unflinching and immensely determined, even though they suffer terribly.
A Ghost and His Gold is a novel about forgiveness and understanding, and the terrible cost of war in terms of human suffering and regret.
As I read this I kept on thinking this would make a wonderful film!
My recommendation: 5 stars. Highly recommended....more
This is a brilliant sequel to the first in this series: Watching Glass Shatter. Both books can be read as standalone novels but I would recommend reading Watching Glass Shatter first before Hiding Cracked Glass. It is clear from reading the second book how confident a writer James Cudney is. He introduces the characters and the storyline from book one in an effortless way – I was really impressed. Particularly, as I know how difficult it is to write a series (I am currently in the process of doing this myself and finding it mighty hard!)
The second book has a different feel to the first. The emotion I experienced when I read about the death of the father in book one was intense. Here, the tone is slightly lighter to begin with and more focused on the threat of a blackmail note, secrets, and the possible parties who may be involved. Various possible scenarios are eked out about who the blackmailer might be and with all the secrets in the Glass family it’s not surprising that many are feeling vulnerable and worried.
As with the first book in the series, the strength of the writing lies in James Cudney’s ability to create great characters complete with flaws and weaknesses.
This is why these two books truly do grip you. The characters are so believable, engaging and authentic. I love character driven stories and the mystery aspect completes the story in such an engaging way.
I was invited to join the ARC/beta reader group for Poetry of The Heart and Soul.
These are my true and unbiased thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this beI was invited to join the ARC/beta reader group for Poetry of The Heart and Soul.
These are my true and unbiased thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful collection of poetry - personal to the author in many ways and shared in a thoughtful, generous way.
There are considerate touches in this collection - the asterisked explanations of some of the poems enabling the reader to get a deeper insight into the author's thought processes whilst writing Heart and Soul. For instance, in Fears, she explains that the poem was written at a time when she was fed up of giving life to her fears.
There are three lined poems like Minor Key, touching upon the subject of melancholy and Fly which manages to be magical in its brevity. Longer story type poems grace this collection too - such as Lost.
I loved all the poems but especially: Falling (inspired by a visual cue) Blue (which was originally a lyrical piece to put to music) Cease and Desist - that made me smile - our British obsession with the weather! Reach Out (suicide prevention) Imagination Everybody Presently (about holding back the years More than Once (on the subject of life and marriage.) My Kind of Romance A Mother's Love
My recommendation: 5 stars. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts....more
Loading...
