Category: book reviews

Top Ten Tuesday – My Favourite Books by My Favourite Authors

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I’ve been holding out for a Top Ten Tuesday topic that excites me. This week, we’re in the money! My Favourite Books by My Favourite Authors is a fun topic. Not only does it give you a chance to get some fabulous book recommendations, but it also gives you a taste of my reading style, preferences, and ultimately, whether that matches your reading profile. 

In today’s Top Ten Tuesday post, I share My Favourite Books by My Favourite Authors. The broad spectrum of books on this Top Ten Tuesday is reflective of how my reading tastes have changed over the years. Fear not! Although I read a lot of fantasy (it is my favourite genre after all…), it doesn’t dominate this Top Ten Tuesday list. Rather, there’s quite the variety of books.

So, I’m sure there is something for everyone! Shall we take a look?

 

My Favourite Books by My Favourite Authors

Game of Thrones – George R. R. Martin

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that A Game of Thrones features on this list! It’s my all-time series, and it will be very, very hard to beat. I’m currently reading a book about the creation of the TV series. Already, I want to re-read the main series. It doesn’t take much, I have to say 😅 

In the meantime, I think I’ll have to content myself with picking up A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a spin-off, towards the Goodreads 2026 Spring Reading Challenge. In Q3 though, nothing is stopping me from completing a re-read! 

 

Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb

I’m only 7/16 books into this series, but already it’s a favourite. Robin Hobb is such a fantastic writer, and like George R. R. Martin, doesn’t pull her punches when it comes to her protagonists. 

Whilst perhaps not quite as brutal as GRRM, there are a lot of complexities and unpleasant events that affect the protagonists. This isn’t a particularly nice world to live in either. There is magic and dragons, sure. However, there’s also plenty of death, prejudice, and savagery. 

This series has already made a considerable impression on me, and I’m not even done with it yet. I’ll hold my hands up and say it again, Rachael, I’m sorry it took me so long to listen to you! 

On a serious note, this is a story I’d like to progress with before too long as well… 

 

Mistborn – Brandon Sanderson 

I love many Brandon Sanderson books, but Mistborn has a special place in my heart. They are fantastic books in their own right. However, they are also the books that acquainted me with Sanderson. The rest, well, is history! 

I’ve gone on to read many other books by Brandon Sanderson on the back of these. The magic system is impeccable, and I was really impressed with the way the magic evolved from the first timeline to the next. It would have been easy to stay safe and leave things the way fans knew and loved. Personally, I appreciate the growth that takes place between the early books and the later ones. It makes this fantasy world, with its progressiveness, seem somewhat real. 

 

The Midnight Library – Matt Haig

I’m not a huge contemporary reader. However, now and again, I’ll pick up a book from the genre. A handful have blown me away; The Midnight Library is one of those. 

So much so, I’ve already read this book twice in just a few years! I read it for myself in my own time, then again for one of the first work book club reads we ever picked up. It’s a shame the group kind of died a death, as I liked running those and the quality of conversation that came from the books. I picked this one deliberately for that reason. It’s a short book, but not light on its content or discussion prompts! 

 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris

I have a bit of a morbid obsession with WW2 history, in particular reading about stories of experiences with the concentration camps. 

I’m a firm believer in reading these narratives to appreciate the individual stories behind these books. In Heather Morris’ case, she goes a long way to keep fidelity with the person whose account shapes her books. I think that’s amazing. Not only do we get this deeply personal, yet equally harrowing account from someone who was there, but we also get the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. 

The series I really enjoyed, and I think does well with all these points, is The Tattooist of Auschwitz. 

 

My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi Picoult

Another contemporary fiction makes this Top Ten Tuesday list. This time, for the intrigue over the moral dilemma it presents. 

When I first started My Sister’s Keeper, I was sceptical whether it was going to be my thing or not. However, I’ll proudly declare to anyone who’ll listen now (or read, yes, that’s you) that I was wrong and that you should read it too. 

Not only is My Sister’s Keeper about a sibling suffering with leukaemia throughout her childhood, but about the life and choices of the sibling brought into the world specifically to act as donor and saviour. Anna has lived in the shadow of her sister all her life. Undergone countless surgeries, provided transfusions, and it was expected she would accommodate. However, 13-year-old Anna no longer wants to be defined by her usefulness for her sister. She wants her own life, and has to make some difficult decisions which tear her family apart. 

 

Yellowface – R.F. Kuang

Yellowface is another contemporary that touches on another sensitive subject – plagiarism and cultural appropriation. In today’s modern world, it’s important that unique experiences and voices are heard. However, as the narrative of Yellowface explores, that doesn’t always sit well when the story is told from a voice not deemed qualified. 

What I found really interesting about this book, aside from the above topic, is the lengths people will go to in order to justify their behaviour. That’s certainly the case of June, who justifies stealing the literary work of another after they pass away and publishing it under an ambiguous pseudonym in order to pass off accusations of appropriation. 

 

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood

This Top Ten Tuesday would be incomplete without a classic. The one classic I think of, and will read throughout my lifetime, is The Handmaid’s Tale. 

It’s shocking to me that even in what we think are progressive countries in 2026, this book needs to be read more widely. With the likes of abortion law and controls cracking down in the States in recent years, the messaging of The Handmaid’s Tale is still, sadly, all too relevant. 

 

Discworld – Terry Pratchett

Who would have thought that fantasy satire with topical thought-piece commentary would be a combination that would take off?! Nevertheless, Terry Pratchett has made it work and his Discworld series is so popular now, the proof is in the pudding.

Or, well, his estate’s income, I suppose.

From the outright ridiculous world of Ankh-Morpork and out of the mouths of babes, trolls, female Wizards (who are DEFINITELY not witches…) and just about everyone else you can think of, tales that challenge and poke fun at our society. Gender equality, the ridiculousness of Hollywood and the hidden costs of being poor are all topics Pratchett goes to down on through the outlet of these novels. They’re witty and on-point.

 

This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay

Finally, a little more humour to lighten up this Top Ten Tuesday! If you’re looking for a book that will have you crying with laughter one minute, then in tears the next, pick up This is Going to Hurt. Or, frankly, any book by Adam Kay will do, although This is Going to Hurt hit hardest for me. Adam Kay trained to be a doctor, and this book is about the ups and downs of a career in the NHS in service to us all. 

From ridiculous stories of items where they shouldn’t be (use your imagination, don’t make me spell it out…) to heartbreaking stories of coming to terms with chronic illness, this book has it all. Part expose of the dire state of the NHS to the funny moments that brighten your day, I hope you find some laughs, as well as some tears, between these pages. 

 

Summary 

I hope you’ve taken away at least one recommendation from today’s Top Ten Tuesday. Alternatively, have you read any of these books already? Would you second any of these recommendations? 

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Book Review: Wizard and Glass – Stephen King

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***Today’s review of Wizard and Glass contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

Wizard and Glass wasn’t quite the book I expected it to be. So far in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, the narrative has been light on the context of the wider series. Hoping this would unravel later in all due time, I was okay with this. Well, unravel it did. If you’re interested in my thoughts on the earlier books of the series, you can find these here: – 

The Gunslinger

The Drawing of the Three

The Waste Lands

I confess, Wizard and Glass wasn’t quite the books I anticipated, and I almost marked it down for it. Ultimately, it was an interesting book. However, if I’m honest I was a little disappointed Wizard and Glass came across as a bit of an info-dump book. 

However, the book and narrative isn’t without its merits, and overall I rated the book four stars. Before we get into my thoughts in full detail, let’s cover the stats and synopsis… 

 

Wizard and Glass – Stephen King

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 845

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 04 Nov 1997

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Purchase Link – Amazon UK

Goodreads – Wizard and Glass

Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Jake’s pet bumbler survive Blaine the Mono’s final crash, only to find themselves stranded in an alternate version of Topeka, Kansas, one that has been ravaged by the superflu virus. While following the deserted I-70 toward a distant glass palace, they hear the atonal squalling of a thinny, a place where the fabric of existence has almost entirely worn away. While camping near the edge of the thinny, Roland tells his ka-tet a story about another thinny, one that he encountered when he was little more than a boy. Over the course of one long magical night, Roland transports us to the Mid-World of long-ago and a seaside town called Hambry, where Roland fell in love with a girl named Susan Delgado, and where he and his old tet-mates Alain and Cuthbert battled the forces of John Farson, the harrier who—with a little help from a seeing sphere called Maerlyn’s Grapefruit—ignited Mid-World’s final war.

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

Whilst the overall setting and backstory of this book came across as a bit of an info-dump, I can’t actually fault the narrative in itself. This book wasn’t what I expected or hoped for. Instead of a continuation of the present day narrative we’ve enjoyed in books 1-3, very little actually happens in the present timeline in Wizard and Glass. 

Instead, we are taken back to Roland’s youth for the entirety of this book. If not for the level of cohesive detail, and my inability to come up with a way this story could have been told in the detail it is any other way, I would have marked it down. There is so much to this book that I think it was necessary to do in this format. In the grand scheme of the series, the context this backstory provides is relevant to the wider plot and needed to be told. My dislike of the change of pace and plot-line is ultimately preferential and so I couldn’t in good faith by unfair on this point my marking down my review. 

Wizard and Glass is an epic storyline. Hardly surprising for a Stephen King book, but especially in this wider world. Rather than following the established journey towards the Tower, we instead explore the backstory that set Roland on its path. That said, the plot is no less full of action and conflict that we’ve seen in earlier books. Rather, the setting of the book takes us back to what I would describe as a more authentic Western setting. Conflicts, when not handled with words, start with fists and end with bullets or flame. It’s dramatic, tense, and everything I’ve enjoyed in the series so far. 

 

Characters 

As well as the usual cast and crew we’ve come to know and love throughout The Dark Tower so far, we come to know many more in Wizard and Glass. 

Despite almost starting again, and having a whole new cast to introduce and explore, this wasn’t overwhelming to read. Key character are brought into the narrative in good time, not all at once. Even though I went into this book with investment into a set of characters that barely feature in the story (Roland aside, of course), I was still able to relate and motivate myself to explore the new characters and their conclusions. 

The small town community setting of this book is one I know all too well. I live on an island myself, and news, and people, get around. In this even smaller, somewhat isolated group, it’s not difficult to appreciate how difficult it is to keep secrets in a place like this. The conflict and tension of such a setting is engaging. Groups like this often develop their own senses of right and wrong, morality, things like that. For outsiders, it’s entirely skewed. That’s very much the case here, and I liked that. To what extermes will these people go to? Where are the boundaries, if they exist?

 

Setting 

The benefit of a book which essentially addresses flashbacks is that we get to see a whole new setting within the wider world already established. It’s an opportunity to address history and take a look at the places, events and ultimately the backstory that shaped the more modern timeline. 

In Wizard and Glass, we get to experience what I would describe as a book with closer fidelity to a Western style narrative. In earlier books, we’ve had elements of modern societies bleed into the narrative. Blane the mono, abandoned cities and the like morph the setting slightly to something more hybrid. However, in Wizard and Glass, the small town setting and close community brings us back to the book’s Western roots. The self-sustaining community, suspicious of outsiders, set in their ways and opinions and witchcraft especially feels authentic. 

Whilst I’ve enjoyed the other books and their crossovers in setting (it’s a fantasy after all, not a pure Western), I got on well with Wizard and Glass leaning into this more authentic setting. 

 

Narrative Style 

For the most part, we spend the majority of our time in Wizard and Glass flashing back to the past. Whilst we get brief glimpses of present day and the group listening to Roland’s recount of his youth, not much happens here. Even still, these brief interludes help break up that dense, contextually relevant narrative and give Susannah and Eddie the opportunity to ‘ask questions’ to help reaffirm relevance to readers. 

Despite being a chunky read, I read Wizard and Glass pretty quickly. In all, I think I was actively progressing with this book over a span of a couple of weeks. I did have to put it down temporarily to pick up some reading obligations. However, once those were out of the way I dived into the final 30% of the book with gusto. 

For an epic fantasy, I’d say Kings books, Wizard and Glass included, aren’t difficult to read. There’s complexity in the depth of what is going on, sure, but not really in the language, tone or writing style of the book. Even references to phases and elements of ‘own language’ in the book are pretty self-explanatory. 

 

Summary 

Thanks for reading today’s Wizard and Glass review! 

Have you read Wizard of Glass, or any other books in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series? If not yet, pick up a copy of Wizard and Glass here, or start the adventure with The Dark Tower and let me know what you think of this Western-style fantasy. 

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Blog Tour Review: The Eagle Will Rise – M.J. Porter

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As I’ve already established here on Reviewsfeed, I’m a huge fan of historical fiction written by M.J. Porter. So far, I’ve kept up to date with her Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. However, I’m NOT here today with another instalment of that series. No! Instead, I have the pleasure to feature a brand new series, The Eagle Will Rise. With characters from Eagle of Mercia I have come to know and love, it was a shoe-in in terms of me enjoying this! Taking place later than that series, an ageing Icel hasn’t given up his seax just yet. 

Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this brand new series – The Eagle Will Rise, book one of The Sundered Kingdom series. I can only do my best to encourage you to pick up this fabulous historical fiction novel. As expected, given my experience with the Eagle of Mercia series, the book isn’t shy on antics and daring rescues. Fans of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series will find characters overlap significantly; if you love this book, please pick up this one to continue the adventure from a Mercian perspective! 

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, M.J. Porter for the opportunity to read and review The Eagle Will Rise. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this post are entirely my own.

Here are the stats/details for this action-packed historical fiction, then I’ll dive into my thoughts… 

 

The Eagle Will Rise – M.J. Porter

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Pages: 322

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Original Publication Date: 07 May 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – The Eagle Will Rise

 

The king is dead; for Mercia to survive, another must take his place.

Coelwulf, Mercia’s last king, is dead. His legacy and right to rule Western Mercia have been claimed by Alfred of Wessex, but all know Alfred was never to have Mercia. Neither were the Viking raiders, who now command the eastern-most parts of Mercia and the former kingdom of the East Angles.

Icel, the bastion of Mercia’s wars against Wessex and the Viking raiders, lies dying, but he refuses to abandon his beloved kingdom to her long-standing enemies.

Rudolf, the once-young ally of King Coelwulf the second, is summoned by Icel to attend upon him. Grudgingly, he arrives at Budworth, the task laid before him, audacious to say the least; rescue Coelwulf’s acknowledged heir, Æthelred, from Wessex, where he’s held prisoner by King Alfred. To do so, Rudolf must prevail upon the dispersed oath-sworn warrior band of King Coelwulf, and all of them, aside from him, have ignored Icel’s increasingly furious demands to attend upon him. If they won’t obey Icel, then why should they listen to Rudolf?

The fate of Mercia’s survival rests in the hands of a man who should long have been in his grave, and Rudolf, a boy who’s become a man in the most trying of circumstances. They must forge Æthelred into the emblem of Mercian survival. Or die trying. But first they must rescue Æthelred from someone who has always pretended to be Mercia’s ally, and who is anything but.

 

Purchase Links  –      Amazon UK | Amazon.com 

 

My Thoughts… 

Plot

Whilst it’s helpful to have read the Eagle of Mercia chronicles when picking up this book, it’s not essential. A degree of the history that plays out in Eagle of Mercia is relevant to the plot in The Eagle Will Rise. However, there is a degree of refresher or high level explanation, depending on where you start this book at, to fill you in. 

Being the first book of a series, there’s maybe a fraction less action than I am used to. Only a little, though, so don’t worry! In this new series, there’s a good balance between setting the scene of this new adventure and keeping current events moving. Action looks a little different, with some smaller level conflicts taking place throughout the book. It gives us the chance to explore faction dynamics and enjoy a build-up of tension that will inevitably come to a head later. 

Rest assured, Icel, Rudolf and the motley gang aren’t off for a jolly stroll, and plans set out early in this book run far from smooth. We’re kept on our toes as foiled plans, plots and betrayal shape this exciting opening narrative. 

Personally, I can’t wait for events to develop later in the series. This first book is only just out, and I have to wait!

 

Characters

I’m glad to have my favourite character, Icel, play such a prominent part of this story. One of the main reasons I was excited to pick up this new series was to see where his story took him after Eagle of Mercia. 

And it seems, he hasn’t lost too much of the mischief and meddling that shapes his youth. Though much older, and physically frailer at the start of this book, he’s as keen to fulfil his duty to protect others as we have come to love. I’m kind of glad a potential character arc mentioned in the author’s note didn’t happen in this book, at least. I suspected it was, but we can only hope that’s reserved for another day. 

Icel isn’t the only familiar character, however. Cynewise makes a reappearance, but there are also names from the broader histories that didn’t get chance to appear in Eagle of Mercia. I know them from the likes of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom. Guthrum, King Alfred and Lady Ealhswith are names I first came to know from other books first. Getting a different, refreshing perspective on these characters and their roles in history was a fun addition to this narrative. One I hope to explore in future books, as a Mercian perspective isn’t overly prominent in other books of the same period. At least, not the ones I’ve read yet… 

Familiarity aside, there are a number of new characters introduced in this book. I’m sure many of these new names will carve their places in the series and in history as this later series develops. I found this slight change up refreshing, as to date I’ve only read a portion of M.J. Porter’s published works. Until The Eagle Will Rise, they were all from the same series. 

 

Setting

Events of The Eagle Will Rise take us across the British landscape we know today, albeit with different borders and at times, some slightly different town names. If you’re a big reader of historical fiction, like I am, then it’s easy to follow. Even if you’re not, names are the same or at least recognisable to their historical names. Have no fear! 

Travel throughout the book keeps the narrative moving along nicely. Compared to some other books I’ve read by the author, the plot is lighter on battles and has a greater, almost slow-burn build, to the main action at the end of the book. This gives the perfect opportunity to discover the dynamics, relationships and rivalries that govern this revised world. Fewer battles certainly does not mean less action, because that certainly isn’t the case! Icel, Rudolf and the gang find themselves in all manner of conflicts and pickles, just less epic in nature. For now – I have no doubt we’ll see more shield wall action like we do in the conclusion of The Eagle Will Rise soon! 

 

Narrative Style

I have the benefit of going into The Eagle Will Rise familiar with the authors’ writing style. If this isn’t going to be your first book by M.J. Porter, then you can ret assured the style of The Eagle Will Rise is consistent. 

However, if you have yet to read anything else by the author, then perhaps I should elaborate. M.J. Porter’s writing is one of the easiest I find to read. The action combines with the adaptability of shorter paragraphing sentencing and chapters when warranted helped the pages fly by. I consistently read the author’s books in a matter of days. Two, sometimes three, depending on what life’s throwing at me at the time. For The Eagle Will Rise, two days was all I needed! I devoured the book effortlessly; I’m sure you won’t find hard to imagine. 

Although the book heavily features a character I love from Eagle of Mercia, I enjoyed this narrative being told from a fresh voice. Otherwise, it would feel more like a continuation of that series. The new protagonist gives The Eagle Will Rise a distinct new voice, and somewhat separation from that series to add a new voice to the time period. 

 

Summary 

The Eagle Will Rise is a fun, compulsively readable fresh start to a new historical fiction series by M.J. Porter. With characters I know and love, but set in a new time period with a fresh perspective, I already can’t wait for the sequel. What do you mean I have to wait?! 

If you haven’t checked it out yet, why not take a look at where Icel’s journey begins with Son of Mercia?

 

Author Bio

I’m an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries) and fantasy (now published under a different name).

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it’s little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You’ve been warned!

Social Media Links – 

linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor

Book Review: Ship of Destiny – Robin Hobb

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***Today’s review of Ship of Destiny contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

Ship of Destiny is the third instalment of Robin Hobb’s The Liveship Traders trilogy, and the sixth book of her wider Realm of the Elderlings series. The Liveship Traders takes us away from the characters explored in the first Farseer trilogy. Initially, I found the change a little jarring, but this trilogy warmed on me the further I got through it. The conclusion, Ship of Destiny, was my favourite book by far! With events coming to a head, and some redemptive character arcs, Ship of Destiny was the easiest of the trilogy for me to read. 

Let’s recap a summary of the book, the synopsis, and then let’s get stuck into my thoughts! 

 

Ship of Destiny – Robin Hobb

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Pages: 903

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication Date: 10 Sept 2015

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/4tQVw0A

Goodreads – Ship of Destiny

 

The triumphant conclusion to the magnificent Liveship Traders series.

The dragon, Tintaglia, released from her wizardwood coffin, flies high over the Rain Wild River. Below her, Reyn and Selden have been left to drown, while Malta and the Satrap attempt to navigate the acid flow of the river in a decomposing boat.

Althea and Brashen are sailing the liveship Paragon into pirate waters in a last-ditch attempt to rescue the Vestrit family liveship, Vivacia, who was stolen by the pirate king, Kennit; but there is mutiny brewing amongst their ragtag crew, and in the mind of the mad ship itself.

And all the while the waters around the Vivacia are seething with giant serpents, following the liveship as she sails to her destiny…

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Ship of Destiny is as action-heavy, whilst also juggling politics, as its predecessors. 

I love this combination in these books. Whilst in the earlier instalment of the series, it took me a little bit longer to get into the narrative and immersed in the storyline, that’s not the case with the Ship of Destiny. Rather, because we left off at an exciting point in time with the conclusion of the mad ship, I started this book keen to find out where everything ends.

Although not the longest instalment of the Liveship Traders series, Ship of Destiny is not insignificant. Weighing in at over 900 pages, this isn’t a book to pick up lightly. However, fans of the epic fantasy genre will find themselves in safe hands. Politics, magic, and of course, sentient wooden vessels, take centre stage. If you are reading this series after picking up the initial Farseer trilogy, you may be confused as to how events tie together. I confess, I wasn’t entirely sure how these narratives strong together when I first started the series. Fear not, that all comes to light by the end of this book if you haven’t worked it out already!

 

Characters 

In my reviews for Ship of Magic and The Mad Ship, I was pretty vocal about not getting on with one of the main characters of the storyline. Malta Vestrit begins this series as a young, petulant child. She is spoiled, used to getting what she wants, and seldom is she told no. It shows… 

For every bit I didn’t get on with her in the previous books, she redeemed herself by maturing into a young woman. I did not expect to see from her. It made breeding these books feel worthwhile watching her mature and becoming instrumental in the conclusion of this series. It’s not very often I get to say that sort of thing. 

Malta is just one significant person in this final instrument of the trilogy. She is instrumental, but not the only individual involved in this busy plot. Ship of Destiny has a wide cast of characters. These are pretty consistent with the earlier books, Ship of Magic and The Mad Ship. If you’re able to follow along with these ones, Ship of Destiny flows just fine. Another aspect I enjoy in my epic fantasy books is exploring political motives and machinations and relationships between the characters. A lot of this takes place in Ship of Destiny. There has always been a run-up to this, and it was nice to see this take full force. 

It’s unusual, because the Vestrit family are both pivotal to this book, but also not the main stars I expected them to be. Rather, we have other characters introduced earlier in the series that have taken a more active role in the conclusion of this book where I anticipated them to be more of a backseat. 

It’s refreshing to be kept on my toes… that’s also what I love about Robin Hobb! 

 

Setting 

As one can only expect with a book set around ships, there is a lot of travel that takes place in Ship of Destiny. Combine that with an action-heavy plot line, and we have a vast area of the world we get to explore.

Both above the waves and under, we get to see places both large and small, vast and small yet still significant. As with all Robin Hobb books, no detail is left unexplored. For those of us with very vivid imaginations, the descriptions of the places and events taking place make for easy imagining. What I have really enjoyed about the Realm of the Elders series in general is that we see the benefit of both description, but also plenty taking place so that neither element of the book takes over from the other and stagnates the writing.

 

Narrative Style 

The Liveship Traders books, much like many of Robin Hobb’s epic fantasy Realm of the Elderlings series, are complex. The worlds in which these books are set span far beyond where events currently take place. There is a lot going on, and many characters to juggle at any given time. Needless to say, these books aren’t the easiest to read because you need to be concentrating on what is going on. However, this does not detract from the books. Rather, if you really enjoy a gritty, epic fantasy, Ship of Destiny and the earlier books in the Liveship Traders series are going to be right up your alley! 

As you will know, books of this nature very frequently get high ratings from me. They are my favourite kind of book. Whilst I do enjoy a variety of genres, and sometimes a short book is just what you need, epic fantasy is my go-to. These are the kind of books that got me into reading in the first place, and they are a genre I will go back to time and again. Therefore, I am biased. Yes, I admit to that, what I am not, is apologetic about it. The only regret I have about Ship of Destiny and reading Robin Hobb in general is that I didn’t do it sooner! 

So, there is a lot going on in ship of destiny. Even still, The way in which the books are written, their style and chapter Ing, is pretty typical for the genre. Chapters aren’t particularly short overall, but that suited me just fine. Like I say, it’s something I go back to time and again. It’s what I’m used to. If you prefer something shorter, I found there were plenty of places you could take a break without having to do it at the chapters end. Some people don’t like that, but I do it all the time… 

 

Summary 

Have you read Ship of Destiny? Do you want to pick up a copy after reading this review? You can get yours following this link and support my content at the same time – win-win! 

Thanks for reading!

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Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

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***Today’s review contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. By following this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

If modern, contemporary fiction is your thing, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine offers an increasing novel with an interesting perspective and a surprising twist. Especially for fans of arguably (though hotly debated whether Eleanor is a neurodivergent perspective), this book has a lot to offer and not too hefty a page count to deliver it in. 

Let’s take a look! 

 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 390

Audience: Young Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 18 Jan 2018

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/4tHgdv6

Goodreads – Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant has learned how to survive – but not how to live

Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend.

Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything.

One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted – while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she’s avoided all her life.

Change can be good. Change can be bad. But surely any change is better than…. fine?

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

It would only be fair to start my review and say that this book isn’t going to be for everybody. For those especially sensitive to narratives borne from or concerning trauma, this may not be for you. However, if you are open-minded like me and want to read from a vast variety of perspectives, then let’s dive in. 

Now, about said trauma, there are no spoilers here. That would entirely void the enjoyment out of the book and I’m not going to be the person that does that for you.

What I can say is that what takes place in this book shocked me, but in a good way. I wasn’t anticipating this book to take the route it did. But, I’m glad it did. I didn’t anticipate the twist at all and I loved being surprised. I love the growth we see in Eleanor throughout the book as well. For a woman who has taken to safety in sticking to her same-old routine, it was great to see the catalyst events that rock her world. 

 

Characters 

I interpreted this book as Eleanor being autistic. Whilst I have since read that this topic is hotly debated, and certainly not the intention of the author Gail Honeyman, I came out of this book thinking Eleanor was autistic. 

Regardless of whether her character is intended to come across that way because of biology, or because of events that have taken place in her life, there are personality traits and personal difficulties here that neurodivergent people may find very relatable. It’s rare to see a perspective like this. Whether it was intended or not, this could be an interesting book to pick up for anyone wanting to learn about this kind of perspective and the boons and difficulties of such traits can give a person in their life. 

Aside from the autism argument, Eleanor is an interesting character. She is very rigid in her ways and really struggles when she is asked or expected to deviate from her normal routine. This somewhat falls apart in the book when events spiral out of control and she’s forced to confront reality instead of hiding in her manufactured bubble.

 

Setting 

If you want to pick up a book where the setting is very reminiscent of modern day, and doesn’t require too much imagination, this is for you.

The life and situation of Eleanor Oliphant is not too far away from our own. In fact, we may know our own Eleanor Oliphant and we’re completely unaware. It certainly wasn’t too far of a stretch for me to read. Whilst thankfully I’m not aware of anyone in my life going through this circumstance, the mundaneness of office life, challenging work colleagues and the general stresses of life is not difficult for me to imagine – it’s my everyday reality.

I would say this is the only sense in which this book is easy to read. Well, that’s not true. In terms of writing style and engagement, it’s up there as well. Character development and plot though – that is a little bit different, but the best of ways. It’s not simple, or straightforward. Rather, it’s complex but engaging. Hard, but full of mystery and questions and determination to find the answers…. 

 

Narrative Style 

As I mentioned above, in terms of writing style, this book is very easy to read. Combine this with the engaging plot, interesting character dynamics and a mystery to unravel, and this book had me hooked.

So much so, I distinctly remember cramming as much of this booking before a hospital appointment. No panic, just a routine smear test. Why do I remember that? Maybe it’s even weirder that I’m sharing that… but go get checked ladies, it’s nowhere near as bad as you think. 

ANYWAY… this book had me hooked that I wasn’t worrying or even thinking about the appointment coming, other than it’s being a disturbance to my being able to read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I was dedicated to the cause, as always really 🤣 

The chapters are nice and short in this book, meaning I was able to pretty easily put this down in a good place when I did have to go for my appointment. It helps with the overall pacing and snappy changes and revelations that occur later in the book. It works well in the wider narrative style. 

 

Summary 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was an easy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read for me. I didn’t want to put it down! 

Overall, I read the book in just a few days, with the second half of the book being devoured in a single day alone! In my July 2023 wrap up post, I raved about the intriguing plotline and engaging narrative, and that I loved the books focus on mental health. 

Have you read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine? Do you want to pick up a copy after reading this review?

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Blog Tour Review: Storm of Mercia – M.J. Porter

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I took a chance on a new historical fiction series back in February 2022 and well, the rest is history…

Okay, I won’t give up my day job.

When I first picked up M.J. Porter’s book, Son of Mercia, I had no idea I was going to fall in love with the protagonist Icel and storyline of these books so hard. We are now nine books into this series, and I don’t regret featuring any of these on my blog.

Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the latest instrument of this series – Storm of Mercia. Published just yesterday, I’m delighted to bring my thoughts to you hot on the heels of release. I hope I can inspire you to pick up this epic historical fiction series! Full of action and intrigue, there is something for everyone in these books.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, M.J. Porter for the opportunity to read and review Storm of Mercia. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this post are entirely my own.

Are you ready to find out about this action-packed historical fiction? 

 

Storm of Mercia – M.J. Porter

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Pages: 320

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Original Publication Date: 01 Ap 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

 

Goodreads – Storm of Mercia

Wessex has never been Mercia’s ally, neither has it been her only enemy.

Wessex, AD836

The Viking raiders’ devastation has been halted once more by the shields of Mercia as opposed to Wessex. But their whereabouts are unknown.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is keen to ensure the Viking raiders are swept from his shared border with Wessex but these Viking ships are quick and difficult to track and Icel is once more deployed with Ealdorman Ælfstan warriors to do his King’s bidding. However, Icel’s quest is beset with many more obstacles and it’s not all about the seax and shield.

Worrying news from home overshadows Icel’s every deadly encounter. Will the storms of war keep him away or has he time to make one more desperate journey back to Tamworth?

With raging seas driving him ever further from Mercia’s shores, and the threat of a new conspiracy against the Mercian kingship will Icel overpower the sands of time, or will he be defeated by his deadliest nemesis yet?

 

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

My Thoughts… 

Plot

If you love your historical fiction novels full of action and intrigue, Storm of Mercia will not disappoint. As always, I saw throws himself into the thick of the action. Even within the first 10% of this book, I still find himself in the hands of his enemies. Pulling no punches, the author gets us stuck right back into the world we have called to know and love in this series.

There is always something going on in Storm of Mercia. It’s makes for an entertaining read, and the pages just fly by.  Whereas previous instalments of the series have was reaping across the country and fighting battles from horseback, I saw instead find himself in British Waters for the first time. For a book set in this time period, where Vikings are heavily involved in the storyline, I’m surprised we have not yet seen this plot development. That being said, I still definitely feels like a fish out of water, so who can blame him for not choosing this for himself… 

In some ways, the events of Storm of Mercia take us back to the very first book, Son of Mercia. That is the book that sold me onto this series in the first place. Being able to almost go back there and be reminded of I saw humble beginnings and deep character relationships was a fun way to circle back to where it all began. 

But of course, I saw is not without strife getting there. Nothing runs smoothly, but where is the entertainment value in that?

 

Characters

Icel remains one of my favourite characters in this genre and time period, like, ever. I always enjoy going back to these books and seeing what trouble he embroils himself in. As a storm of mercy touches upon, I still has a tendency to rush head first and ask questions later. It wouldn’t make for an interesting book if this was not the case. However, when you consider Icel’s development as an individual from that very first book, he has come a long way. And you know what, it feels very natural. 

Icel is very much of a man shaped by his environment. In his heart his preference would be to heal rather than hurt. However, his role and standing in society puts him in a place where he is there to defend the weak and vulnerable. He steps into this role like it’s a second nature at this point.

Whilst he is the main star of the show, he isn’t on his own. With a strong supporting cast and regular characters coming back from earlier books in the series, the events and the people involved are consistent throughout and easy to follow. Whilst overall the cast of the book is quite large, the characters are somewhat broken down by role and Association. Not only that, but there is a cast list at the beginning of the book for anyone who needs a refresher on who people are. It’s a nice touch when there’s so much going on! 

 

Setting

As with pretty much every other book in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series to date, events take us across the country (and in this particular case, the seas around Britain). It’s a busy time period, with a lot of conflict going on between people both native to the island, as well as Vikings coming to our shows. I saw, as one of the best warriors of Mercia, is always on the front line to any new threat.

The book is already very action packed anyway, but the reflection of travel helps keep events moving in a way that is easy to follow, but also gives us opportunity to explore the wider world of the book is set in. What I appreciate some of the detail and description that is introduced here, there isn’t so much to overwhelm, nor a lack that leaves us asking questions or unable to visualise our surroundings as events unfold. I especially enjoyed the seafaring aspect, setting and difficulties that are major plot conflict drivers in this book. It made a refreshing change whilst also feeling very time appropriate and something naturally Icel would end up getting involved in.

 

Narrative Style

A number of factors help make this series compulsively readable. From an action packed plot two characters we want to invest in, as well as as vivid descriptions that allow our imagination to fly. 

However, the easy, natural writing style of these books helps speed along the page count even more! Sometimes historical fiction can be bogged down with jogging that is difficult to understand. However, Storm of Mercia is unlike these books. M.J. Porter has written the book in such a way that it’s approachable for readers of many backgrounds and reading levels. 

I have always been adamant over how easy these books are to read. They are reasonably quick reads as well, especially if you are as familiar as I am with the world, setting, and other aspects that drive these books. But there is one particular example I can give you now that stresses how easy these books are to read.

I am drafting this blog post at 1am the day this post is due. Unfortunately, timing of the blog tour coinciding with quarter-end, which is one of my busiest work periods, combined with absence out of my team, mean that I’ve taken on more workload. I’ve been working overtime for the last few days. Even still, I have still been able to pick up this book and read it without much effort. Even when I’ve been tired, I wanted to dive back into the pages and see where Icel‘s story takes him next. 

 

Summary 

I cannot stress enough how much I think you should pick up the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. Starting with Son of Mericia, be immersed in a historical fiction series with strong character development, lots of action (and I mean, lots of action!). 

The fact that I have stuck with this series for so long, as well as reviewed almost every book as part of their publication block tours, should be endorsement enough. However, if you need a little more convincing, let me tell you this: this series has convinced me to try every other book and series written by M.J. Porter. Without question. Auto-buy. I love her writing in terms of plot and style, and I cannot wait to read more of her books! 

 

Author Bio 

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea – T.J. Klune

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***Today’s review of The House in the Cerulean Sea contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a cosy fantasy I tried and didn’t expect to love as much as I did. After reading rave reviews on this queer fantasy book, I knew I had to give it a go. And you know what, I’m glad I did! The protagonist of this book is someone I didn’t think I’d end up rooting for, yet I was pleasantly surprised. The House in the Cerulean Sea is heartwarming, both for the kids at the orphanage and the adults too. 

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea – T.J. Klune

Genre: Fantasy 

Pages: 394

Audience: Young Adult

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: 16 Mar 2020

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Purchase Link

Goodreads – The House in the Cerulean Sea

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management, he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realising that family is yours.

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a largely character-driven book. But the overarching plot of sending Linus Baker to Marsyas is the foundation for this deeply personal narrative. What the plot lacks in action, it makes up for in the personal stories of the young individuals at the orphanage, and Linus’s realisation that his interpretation of the orphanage and the reality of the familial dynamic of the group. 

 

Characters 

When we start The House in the Cerulean Sea, Linus isn’t exactly the kind of character that’s easy to root for. Mr Corporate with a capital C, armed with a checklist and a black-and-white view of right from wrong. When he’s sent on a mission to oversee a high-risk orphanage to determine its fate, little does he know his life and world will be turned upside down. 

Unlike Linus, the residents of the orphanage are totally charming. These children, with supernatural abilities, are quirky, unusual, and desperate to find their own place in the world. For some characters, that’s harder than others. Take the Antichrist. He’s a volatile character with the explosive temper of a toddler. However, Arthur Parnassus is the expert at moderating his behaviour. Linus is naturally sceptical at first. However, his time at the orphanage makes him confront that the corporate checklist doesn’t work in reality. 

Linus undergoes a transformation from the corporate lackey he starts the book as. It’s heartwarming to see the influence getting to know and love the children has on Linus. Arthur also contributes significantly to Linus’s change of view. They develop a bond over the book, which absolutely holds the promise of more. It’s tame, as romances go, but the underlying feelings are entirely tangible. I hope it’s explored more in Somewhere Beyond the Sea. 

 

Setting 

The orphanage, based on a remote island and surrounded by the sea, is a magical version of home. It’s cosy, safe. Well, mostly. When Linus visits the orphanage, we appreciate it through the eyes of a man who has lived in a bland terraced house in the city. It’s strange and far from home, but its charms work their magic on Linus. And us readers! It’s the perfect cosy setting. Away from the rest of the world, it helps centre the attention on the small lives of the children at the orphanage. Their hopes. Their dreams of fitting in to a world in which they are not welcome. 

The sheltered existence the children is tragic, but they have the capacity to make the most of it. It really goes to show the best of humanity. Well, sort of… 

 

Narrative Style 

The House in the Cerulean Sea is one of the easiest reads I’ve picked up. Not only is its heartwarming coziness compelling, but the easy narrative style helps the pages fly by! 

At a fraction under 400 pages, The House in the Cerulean Sea isn’t an overlong read. Even still, the way in which the book is written makes the picking up of this book easier. With no-nonsense, plain English, the fanciful premise isn’t dressed up or complicated. On the contrary, these mystical beings are humanised in every interaction and reaction to their surroundings. 

I read The House in the Cerulean Sea pretty quickly, and it’s not a genre I pick up frequently. Nevertheless, I made pretty quick progress and picked this up on several occasions. I wanted to read this book and actively enjoyed reaching for it to see what happened next! 

 

Summary 

The House in the Cerulean Sea was a fun, cosy read. It’s been a few years since I read this first cosy, personal tale, but I’m going to pick up the sequel hopefully soon! 

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Blog Tour Review: The Three Witches – Elena Collins

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The Three Witches is perfect for feminist fans looking for a gripping historical fiction novel determined to set history straight. Since the dawn of time, clever women have been branded dangerous. Troublemakers. Witches. 

In The Three Witches, a mystery spanning two timelines unveils a truer tale – of women doing honest work for a community rife with superstition, and paying the ultimate price. 

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, Judy Leigh (under the pseudonym Elena Collins), for the opportunity to read this and review the book. I knew this book would tap into the historical elements I love with a modern, theatre-based present day narrative. Together, both timelines do justice to the stories of countless women demonised as witches. 

Are you ready to find out more? 

 

The Three Witches – Elena Collins

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Pages: 354

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Original Publication Date: 02 Mar 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Goodreads – The Three Witches

 

Now: When Ruthie gets the part of one of Macbeth’s famous three witches she can’t wait to get started. Inspired by the beauty of the film’s Scottish locations and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, she can leave behind the expectations of her family and her lacklustre love life, at least for now. But as echoes from the past begin whispering in Ruthie’s ear and a restless spirit draws her further into its centuries-old secrets, it soon becomes clear that only she can uncover the truth of a terrible injustice.

1050 Scotland: Isobel and her two sisters have learnt about healing from their loving mother Sidheag, and she in turn has kept them safe. But without the protection of their late father, Sidheag knows that her daughters must find husbands or their futures are at risk.

Isobel believes in love over duty and when she catches sight of King Macbeth’s stepson Lulach she can picture a happiness she had hardly dare imagine. But as heir to a Scottish throne that is drenched in blood, Lulach’s destiny is to be a warrior. When Isobel’s actions leave her and her sisters vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft there may be nothing that can keep the three women safe, not even the great Macbeth himself.

As the calls from the past grow ever louder, Ruthie has no choice. Macbeth’s witches have a story that needs to be told and the truth can no longer stay hidden…

 

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

 

My Thoughts… 

Plot

In the modern day, Ruthie gets the part of playing the third witch in a documentary about Macbeth and the potential existence of three witches in his history. Sent up to the Highlands of Scotland for filming, Ruthie discovers she may have her own ties to the individual whose character she plays. As her role set out to mimic the traditional characterisation of a witch, Ruthie starts seeing signs that a spirit may object to such demonisation, and have their own story they’d like to tell instead.

This modern day timeline is peppered with flashbacks of the lives of three sisters. Their mother was a healer and a pivotal part of the community. When their mother passes, the youngest sibling Isobel takes up this mantle. The three girls are well-known in their small community and do no end of good to support their fellows. However, it seems almost inevitable that dissenting male voices want to change the perception of these young women. The rest, sadly, is history. 

Both timelines were excellent and engaging, complementing each other to form the well rounded story that is The Three Witches. I love watching each timeline unravel and to discover the ultimate fate of the young woman who are ill remembered. I neither favoured one nor the other – rather, switching between the two compelled me to read on. Naturally, I was keen to discover how these two timelines were interlinked and to read about history as we know it. Then, consider the far more realistic story of who these women really were.

 

Characters

A wide variety of characters span the two timelines of The Three Witches. Each have their own story to tell, and are distinct voices I enjoyed hearing from. Naturally, Ruthie and Isobel as the main protagonist in each timeline are our leading ladies in this narrative. Yet, the supporting characters (for want of an expression to define them) don’t feel basic or ancillary. They provide a rich and detailed narrative that makes the story feel realistic. 

There wasn’t really a character throughout this whole book that I didn’t like or feel that they didn’t fit in. Sure, there are less favourable characters in terms of their attitude – especially towards women. However, each individual has their place. All in all, I felt The Three Witches had a pretty accurate depiction of the variety of people in both societies and how they may have helped or hindered the lives of women who men felt intimidated by. 

 

Setting

The location of Scotland was perfect for this tale. The wildness of its history, inhabitants and the elements makes for the perfect atmosphere for such a tale. Of course, it’s also historically accurate! In books like this, I enjoy when an author does their best to honour the true history and take as few liberties as possible. Naturally, historical records aren’t always complete or available. However, it’s clear the author has done as much as she could to make the book as historically accurate as possible with the information available, but also cleverly point out when it wasn’t.

The character of Todd, the documentary director, is instrumental in conveying this information. It’s given organically throughout the narrative. At no point did I feel his role was to info-dump or fill in awkward gaps. 

 

Narrative Style

The Three Witches is an incredibly easy read. If I’m entirely honest, I read most of the book in a single day. Yes, naturally having a deadline to review the book for the tour helped. However, I wanted to read on. I wanted to uncover the untold story. Consequently, the chapters flew by with ease an I was able to read this book for hours at a time! 

What also really worked for me with this book is that I love a multiple timeline narrative. The way The Three Witches is written gives us time to explore each timeline in its own right, but each compliments the other in unravelling the underlying story. 

Whilst we ultimately know what happens at the end of the earlier timeline (because of history, but also because the opening chapters start here), that doesn’t detract from the narrative. Rather, the exploration of the earlier timeline is about figuring out how the protagonist got to this position rather than the ultimate ending itself. As I said, it’s well known how young women could be accused. What’s important to this earlier timeline is why… 

 

Summary 

The Three Witches is a perfect read for historical fiction fans eager to learn the truth of the lives of women falsely accused of witchcraft. It’s a heartbreaking tale that will tug at your heartstrings, cleverly packaged in an engaging, highly-readable mystery. If you want to read a novel that not only highlights the injustice and crimes committed against young women, but gives their voice back, The Three Witches is perfect for you.

I can only hope my review of The Three Witches has done the book justice and you want to read it for yourself! Don’t just take my word for it though – be sure to check out other reviews posted as part of the tour. I particularly like how @Wendyreadsbooks summarised her thoughts on the book, but of course, there are still four more days on the tour and plenty of reviewers to hear from! 

 

Author Bio 

Elena Collins is the pseudonym for Judy Leigh, the million-selling author of Five French Hens , The Old Girls’ Network and The Silver Haired Sisterhood. Judy writes uplifting novels in the ‘second chances’ and ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. Elena Collins’ novels are historical/ dual timelines. In 2025, her novel The Wicked Lady received the RNA award in this category. Judy has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @judyleighuk

Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter

Instagram: @judyrleigh

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

Bookbub profile: @elenacollins

Book Review: The Lost Metal – Brandon Sanderson

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***Today’s review of The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this review, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

If I have one aim out of this review, it’s to convince you to pick up the Mistborn series. I read and adored the first trilogy as a teenager. Honestly, I didn’t think it could get any better, but I was really surprised by the Wax and Wayne dynamic of the second half— that, and how Sanderson isn’t afraid to improve on his established magic system! It’s a rare thing to see an author build upon and change their own world. Risky move, but it worked incredibly well! 

If you want to catch up on my reviews of the series before diving into this final instalment, my reviews of the earlier Era 2 books can be found below: –

 

The Lost Metal – Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Fantasy 

Pages: 507

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: 15 Nov 2022

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Purchase Link – Amazon UK

Goodreads – The Lost Metal 

For years, frontier lawman turned big-city senator Waxillium Ladrian has hunted the shadowy organisation the Set— with his late uncle and his sister among their leaders— since they started kidnapping people with the power of Allomancy in their bloodlines. When Detective Marasi Colms and her partner, Wayne, find stockpiled weapons bound for the Outer City of Bilming, this opens a new lead. Conflict between the capital, Elendel, and the Outer Cities only favours the Set, and their tendrils now reach to the Elendel Senate— whose corruption Wax and his wife, Steris, have sought to expose— and Bilming is even more entangled.

After Wax discovers a new type of explosive that can unleash unprecedented destruction and realises that the Set must already have it, an immortal kandra serving Scadrial’s god, Harmony, reveals that Bilming has fallen under the influence of another god: Trell, worshipped by the Set. And Trell isn’t the only factor at play from the larger Cosmere— Marasi is recruited by offworlders with strange abilities who claim their goal is to protect Scadrial…at any cost.

Wax must choose whether to set aside his rocky relationship with God and once again become the Sword that Harmony has groomed him to be. If no one steps forward to be the hero Scadrial needs, the planet and its millions of people will come to a sudden and calamitous ruin.

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

Events of the earlier books in the series come to an end. As the title of the book proclaims, a significant part of both Wax and Wayne’s aim in this book is to discover a new metal not previously known to their metallurgical talents. Not only that, but events come to a head in the action act and dramatic way he can only expect from Sanderson. Full of tension and unforeseen plot twists, it is hard to anticipate how the lost metal is going to end, and I confess, it had me devastated.

It was a satisfying book to read nonetheless. I love the scope of this book and the series as a whole. If there is one thing I really enjoy, it is an author who is willing to both build upon and in some ways destroy the world they have built in a way that feels plausible to the plot. 

Whilst I can’t really comment on the ties this book has with the Cosmere in general, I believe there are some overlaps that perhaps I’m not ready to appreciate given the volume of unread Brandon Sanderson books on my list compared to those I have. However, I have it on good authority that for the eagle-eyed, there are some links to other books in his wider universe.

 

Characters 

Wax and Wayne are some of my favourite chalk and cheese characters in this series. They are polar opposites; Wax is noble and values justice and fairness. Wayne, well, what’s petty crime when in the name of justice?! Wayne is a bit of a kleptomaniac, but somehow charming and entertaining all at the same time. 

Ballsy. Clever. Intelligent. Witty. These are all easy descriptors for characters in The Lost Metal. Wax and Wayne are by far the stars of the show, but don’t sleep on Merasi. I love her character. She’s bright and desperate to prove herself. To a reader like me, she’s incredibly relatable. 

I love the variety of characters we see in The Lost Metal, but especially loved seeing an old face reappear in this book. The dynamics between the characters are engaging and they really help lift an interesting and clever story up several layers! 

 

Setting 

The latter half of Sanderson’s Mistborn series is Western in vibe. Set both within and on the outskirts of Elendel’s major cities, Wax and Wayne are cowboy-style lawmakers. Guns aren’t their only weapons; I love the magic aspect of the book, and especially how The Last Metal builds on the earlier books of the series. 

The world-building in this book and series is fantastic. Somehow, in every single book, Sanderson has managed to get better, make the story more engaging, and build on the magic we’ve grown with. 

The concept of the magic behind the series is interesting – ingesting metals grants no specific powers. However, we build far more upon that as the books go on. We get more complex ideas, but it’s not complicated or written to confuse readers. The growth and expansion of the plot and magic is the biggest selling point for Mistborn. 

 

Narrative Style 

The Lost Metal, alongside pretty much every Sanderson book I’ve read to date, is easy to read and follow. 

The book is made up of around 70 chapters across 500 pages. It makes the average chapter not too long, but also punchy enough to see plenty of action. The writing style matches the events of the book. Whilst it works really well, I don’t know what else to say here. It facilitates everything else I’ve talked about in this review. It would be a showstopper for me if it was difficult to read. However, it’s far from the biggest selling point. 

 

Summary 

With a series as epic as Mistborn, it’s hard to imagine how it could end in a way that lives up to the hype. Friends, it did! Sanderson lives up to his excellent reputation, and I already know The Lost Metal and the prior six books of the series will be on my TBR again soon!  

If you want to get yourself a copy, you can get it via Amazon here. I’ll definitely be re-reading this one, so we’ll have a chance at a later date to compare notes! 

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Blog Tour Review: Grace – A.M. Shine

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If you enjoy sinister, supernatural horror, you must read on and find out more about Grace by A.M. Shine. This newly released novel packs a punch with its plot-twists; I read the book in just a few days! 

Before I tell you why you should read this book, first I’d like to say thanks to Rachel and the author, A.M. Shine, for the opportunity to read this and review the book. And, I’m reviewing this book on the first day of the organised tour, which is a privilege. I had a great time with this book, and I have no doubt you will too! Let’s just hope I can convince you to pick up this exciting read. 

Are you ready to find out more? 

 

Grace – A.M. Shine

Genre: Horror

Pages: 304

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Original Publication Date: 10 Feb 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.25

 

Goodreads / Storygraph

A haunting, atmospheric modern Gothic horror tale based on traditional Irish mythology, from the author of smash hit The Watchers. Ancient evil is awakened on a lonely isle off the coast of Ireland.

TO LEARN THE TRUTH
WOULD YOU DESCEND INTO HELL?

Off the west coast of Ireland lies a lonely island, isolated and wilfully forgotten. Some say there hasn’t been a child born on the island for thirty years. Others speak of strange deaths there, decades ago. But no one really knows what happened. Locals believe that the dark times are behind them.

They are mistaken.

Grace, adopted at four years old, has never known where she came from. A mysterious phone call leads her back to the island where she was born – and where a terrible evil has been disturbed.

As the evil starts to spread, Grace finds herself dragged back into a living nightmare that threatens to engulf anyone who steps into its path.

Grace is perfect for fans of horror classics, Paul Tremblay, and Kealan Patrick Burke.

 

Purchase Link – https://geni.us/GraceCR

 

My Thoughts… 

Plot

Grace is a spooky narrative with a dark past and sinister current events to unravel. 

Grace has plenty of twists in its tale. Just as we think we know where the plot is going to take us, there’s an unseen curveball that challenges what we think we know. I loved reading this book and questioning what I was being told. What is true, what is just superstition and what isn’t quite what it seems. The answer is a lot, but can you see it coming? 

The tension of the narrative had me reading chapter after chapter. What more could I learn, or discern over the next few pages? I was determined to find out. And so, reading this book became both easy in its compulsivity and challenging in its stretching the supernatural boundaries. I loved it! 

 

Characters

The personification of the Bodach in Irish mythology intrigued me and had me reading more. Turns out, there are also occasional ties of this figure to us here in the Isle of Man (Manannán mac Lir). Might explain why we call the fog Manannan’s cloak, right? I enjoyed this link! Local mythology, not just the Isle of Man, but including the UK and Ireland, isn’t something I see a lot of. However, I enjoyed exploring this in the context of a horror novel. 

I don’t think any character in Grace is innocent. We enter the story of Grace from the titular characters perspective. Grace travels to the island of Croaghnakeela (pronounced KROH-nuh-keel-uh), knowing very little about the history or what she’s getting into. We know very little at the start, but it’s very apparent the residents are hiding something. Something big. They’re frightened, and if we are, then so should we be. These ordinary people have lived extraordinary lives, in supplication to an evil that haunts their past. 

 

Setting

The setting of this desolate, sparsely populated island is deeply atmospheric in a way that felt lifelike. As a Manxie, I live geographically not far away from Croaghnakeela Island. Similar climate, topography, maybe just a bit bigger. Even so, the quiet, sometimes dilapidated small town community of both my life and in the setting of Grace is on-point. Maybe our boats are a fraction more reliable. Maybe… 

The atmosphere of the book lends well to the plot, working alongside each other to complement the supernatural events and secretiveness of the island’s dark past. I loved how well this was done; not laying it on thick and overdoing it, on the contrary, in an entirely believable way. As I say, I have the benefit of a benchmark for credibility, but its fair to say fans of the horror genre will doubt agree with me. 

 

Narrative Style

The pacing of Grace is perfect. Whilst we know very little about events both in the past and what is unfolding in modern day, we’re teased with tidbits as the novel and storyline unfolds. The pace ramps up the further along we get. Towards the end of the book, I was so hooked I stayed up to read to the end and discover the truth. Reading the conclusion of this book at midnight – maybe not for the faint of heart.  

At just over 300 pages, it’s an approachable narrative for readers of all lengths and abilities. I read this book over four days, meaning I was easily averaging 70 pages a day. It wasn’t any degree of effort to do it either – the pacing of the story, combined with the mystery, had me desperate to find out more! 

 

Summary 

Grace is perfect for fans of horror and supernatural reads! At 300 pages, it’s a quick, dark and atmospheric read that leans into Irish mythology to create the sinister plot that has us readers asking questions throughout the narrative. 

If you’re still undecided, check out my fellow reviewers thoughts on the book over the coming days of the tour. You won’t regret giving it a try – promise! 

 

Author Bio 

A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. He is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, The Watchers, has been made into a major motion picture produced by M. Night Shyamalan. Follow him on @AMShineWriter and www.amshinewriter.com

Social Media Links – 

https://x.com/AMShineWriter

https://www.instagram.com/nocturn_al_shine/

 

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