Tag: book reviews

Blog Tour Review: At the Stroke of Midnight – Jenni Keer

In today’s post I’m excited to share my views on a fun historical fiction novel. I found it very reminiscent of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. If you like cozy mysteries with a Groundhog Day theme, a rich array of characters and a touch of romance, please read on about At the Stroke of Midnight!

Before I share details of the book and then my review, firstly I’d like to thank Jenni, Boldwood Books and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. It’s always a pleasure to be able to to read and participate in these blog tours. A lot of hard work goes into organising them! I appreciate the opportunity to read these books around release and feature them here. I genuinely enjoy them as much as I do the chance to share them with you!

So, I suppose that takes me on to my final note before getting into the book. The opinions expressed in this review are, and always will be, entirely my own.

Now, let’s dive in!

 

At the Stroke of Midnight – Jenni Keer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 357

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 12 Mar 2024

Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

 

Goodreads – At the Stroke of Midnight

 

It’s 1923 and in a decade that promises excitement and liberation, Pearl Glenham and her father are invited to a mysterious country house party on the Dorset coast, by a total stranger.

Her father claims not to have any prior association with Highcliffe House, but upon arrival, it is apparent that he has a shared history with several of the guests, although he won’t admit it. Belatedly discovering that her father was blackmailed into attending, Pearl’s worries are compounded when their host fails to arrive…

Intimidated by everyone at the party, she escapes to the nearby cove and stumbles upon a mysterious mercury clock hidden in a cave. This strange encounter sets in motion a series of events that will culminate in an horrific house fire, claiming the lives of all the guests, including Pearl herself.

But then Pearl wakes up back in the cave, seemingly destined never to live past midnight. She can repeat the day. But can she change its outcome?

 

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

 

My Thoughts…

Plot

I am sure you are familiar with the concept of Groundhog Day. At the Stroke of Midnight unravels a mystery that results in just this occurrence. That is, until protagonist Pearl gets to the bottom of it!

What makes this an intriguing novel is that at the start of the book, we have no idea what historic events have brought these seemingly different and unrelated characters together. They all seem to have a past and secrets to hide. Pearl is seemingly the only guest with no agenda or understanding of what has happened before present day. She comes out of her shell as she finds the courage to start asking difficult questions, even of those she loves.

In At the Stroke of Midnight, we have a set of core events that take place once, some that occur if timeline isn’t altered too much, and then we have some variation where alterations do occur. If that sounds like a lot to take in, I promise you it’s not! We see enough loops in the timeline that we are able to identify what sits where and recognise patterns in actions versus consequences.

I really enjoyed the mystery element to this story, and the resolution of the same fitting nicely with expectation, even if I didn’t predict it. The revelations that occur in the story are intriguing once teased out. Nothing is quite as it seems and we readers are left guessing up until the end how everything ties together.

 

Characters

Pearl undergoes quite a bit of character development throughout the book. At the start of the story, she is a quiet, meek girl who has grown up running a household and taking care of her working father. Keeping house and waiting to be wed to a man so that she can run his household instead are her future prospects.

The events of this book change her life trajectory completely. Without the same constraints of modern day life, Pearl starts to reinvent herself. Free of the consequences of not being able to take back her actions, she becomes far bolder and explores what it is like to live in the shoes of others. The freedom this grants her gives a taste of what it is like to be more than a wallflower, and it suits her.

Whilst Pearl is the main character of this story, she cannot come to be without the supporting cast. The group also invited to the party come from a diverse background and they all have a unique flavour. Some personalities are stronger than others, but each are distinct and enjoyable in their own right!

If a touch of romance in your mysteries is something you enjoy, then the dynamic relationship that forms between Pearl and Ellery is one to look out for. Whilst I’m not especially one for romance, I found their relationship touching given Pearl’s background and encouragement he gives her to come out of her shell.

 

Setting

The vast majority of events in At the Stroke of Midnight take place in Highcliffe House. The books is set in an exclusive, well cared for location with elusive owners and a sketchy past. It definitely has us readers asking questions early on. What is this place, and who are the owners? What relationship do the characters of present day have to these people?

This setting and the tension created by the plot make for an intriguing setting. The Groundhog Day element of the story, coupled with this particular setting, cemented the comparison for me with The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. There are differences in these two books clearly, but it is reminiscent enough that fans of either book will enjoy the other.

There are some small deviations in setting which add some variety and opportunities for character development. However, I broadly enjoyed this exclusivity; I wanted to focus on the events taking place at this recurring party and the aftermath. This is the aspect of the book I enjoyed the most. In my opinion, the execution of this fit in perfectly with the period and setting set out at the beginning.

 

Narrative Style

The style of At the Stroke of Midnight is compulsively readable and easy to digest. I personally felt the chapter lengths were perfect to convey action without unnecessary detail. That said, there are hints of detail if you are keen enough to pick them up. Consequently, if you like to try and work out the mystery as you go along, then At the Stroke of Midnight will appeal.

I picked up this book in the evenings whilst sat cosy at home, and even in my lunch hour at work. As my experience shows, it is a perfect book to pick up and put down as and when time and opportunity suits.

 

Summary

If you enjoy cosy mysteries or books with a historical setting, At the Stroke of Midnight is a book I strongly recommend. With a compelling storyline and complex characters to unravel, together with a protagonist who finds in herself an inner strength she didn’t know she had, there was plenty here for readers to enjoy.

I thoroughly enjoyed picking up At the Stroke of Midnight. It is quite a quick read if you are invested in finding out what is going on in the storyline, as you’ll always be picking up just one more chapter.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s review, and if you go on to read and enjoy the book, I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

Author Bio

Jenni Keer is a history graduate who lives in the Suffolk countryside. Her lifelong passion for reading became a passion for writing and she had two contemporary romance novels published in 2019. She has now embraced her love of the past to write twisty, turny historicals, and The Legacy of Halesham Hall was shortlisted for the Romantic Historical Novel of the Year in 2023.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniKeer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennikeer/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenni-keer

Book Review: Skyward – Brandon Sanderson

Whilst I have the time to catch up on some outstanding book reviews, I’m making the most of the situation and sharing some of my favourites. Today, I share my thoughts on the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s YA sci-fi series, Skyward.

I have a lot of great things to say about this book! At the time of publishing this review, I’ve read three out of the four books currently on the market. I’ll be looking to pick up the next in the series, Defiant, very soon!

 

Skyward – Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Science-fiction

Pages: 513

Audience: Young Adult

Publisher: Gollancz

Publication Date: 06 Nov 2018

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads –  Skyward

Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

Skyward has an interesting plot that sucks you in from the synopsis. In truth though, there is far more to explore underneath the surface.

The narrative in which we explore through Spensa’s viewpoint is far more complex than meets the eye. The world history, Spensa’s upbringing and the discovery of a mysterious ship only start us off on this detailed, action-packed narrative. Although we pick up events from Spensa’s discovery onwards, in reality the set up of what happens in this book begins far earlier, and we unravel this history throughout the present day narrative.

As a military sci-fi, fans of combat will have plenty to enjoy in this book. We graduate alongside Spensa through training into live fighting. The drama and suspense keeps us on our toes as we never quite trust that the characters we grow to love throughout the book are safe. They’re not…

 

Setting

Science fiction fans will not be disappointed with the rich descriptions and detail in Skyward. Both in terms of the physical setting and the political environment Spensa grows up in, there is plenty to explore.

Skyward excels in its ability to stand out in the science fiction genre without too much techno-babble and jargon. As a book aimed at young readers, it’s especially important that Sanderson got this right… and indeed he did! I enjoy science fiction, although I wouldn’t say I have the brains for too much techy speak. I was able to follow everything with ease.

What makes this book extra special is that over time, we come to realise that the world and plot introduced throughout the first 400-450 pages is just a small speck in the galaxy. Skyward paves the way for the epic series it is, and sets the scene for the remaining books excellently!

 

Characters

The book is predominantly told from the perspective of a teenager who has grown up in the shadow of her father. His name is tarred for turning against his fleet in the midst of battle. Many try to discount Spensa and prevent her from training to fly out of fear that she will do the same thing as her father.

And in fairness, Spensa is a loose cannon. She is impulsive and independent, which are not traits conducive to an environment where teamwork is essential. Spensa has a lot to learn over the course of the book, about herself, but also about the perceptions that have tarnished her name throughout her childhood.

Whilst the book does well in sharing a detailed plot with rich descriptions, character development is also very prevalent in this narrative. I would say the book has a reasonable 50-50 split of both of these elements. Whether you prefer an action driven narrative or a character driven narrative, there is ample of each.

 

Narrative Style

With a young adult audience in mind, the narrative needs to be easy to read and approachable for a younger audience. Brendan Sanderson does this very well. This makes both the book and genre approachable to new or less developed readers and would serve as a great introduction to the genre.

At over 500 pages, there is plenty of storyline here to sink our teeth into. It has its fair share of twists and unexpected events. These are entwined into the narrative seamlessly and are shocking but not so complex but they cannot be understood either.

 

Summary

If you are looking for a new sci-fi series to start reading without complex jargon, and with a strong female protagonist, Skyward is one I would highly recommend. As of this post, I have gone on to read further two books in the series, with the fourth book recently out and making it to my reading list soon!

Brandon Sanderson is an author I will go back to time and again regardless of genre. If you are a fan of his fantasy books, don’t let the change of genre put you off giving this a try. He is a fantastic writer and being able to lend himself to different storylines, and indeed genre.

Have you read the Skyward or any other books by Brandon Sanderson that you would love to recommend to my readers?

 

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Blog Tour Review: Sword of Vengeance – Peter Gibbons

I feel especially privileged to bring you a review of Sword of Vengeance on both publication day and for the opening leg of this blog tour!

I’ve had the pleasure to feature two out of the three previous books in the series as part of tours – Warrior and Protector and Brothers of the Sword. I would have featured the second book in the series, Storm of War as well, if not for my oversight of missing the tour invite! This is a great historical fiction series to pick up if you love your Viking era literature.

Before we get into my review, I always take the opportunity to say thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources, and to the author, Peter Gibbons for the opportunity to review the book as part of the tour.

 

Sword of Vengeance – Peter Gibbons

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages:

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 02 Feb 2024

Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

 

Goodreads – Sword of Vengeance

In the aftermath of the great battle of Maldon, justice is demanded and vengeance will be served!

992AD

King Aethelred’s the Unready’s army has been defeated at the historic Battle of Maldon by Viking invaders led by Olaf Tryggvason and King Sweyn Forkbeard.

The strategic turning point of the battle was when Godric, an East Saxon Thegn, fled the battlefield taking with him the Saxon army, leaving behind his brothers to be massacred in a welter of blood and Norse axe blades.

Saxon warrior Beornoth emerges from the ashes of defeat with his heart aflame with vengeance and when King Aethelred sends for Bernoth with orders to punish those traitors responsible for the crushing defeat, he heeds the king’s call.

With a small band of loyal warriors, Bernoth embarks on an unforgiving journey across the perilous landscape to seek out Godric and exact his bloody revenge. They must fight their way through a world teeming with political intrigue, shifting alliances and the ever-present threat of the Vikings.

Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this pulse pounding quest for retribution?

If you enjoyed The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, you’ll love Beornoth’s Quest for Vengeance!

 

Purchase Link

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

Sword of Vengeance is a fact-paced and action-packed narrative. That’s hardly surprising as the precedent was set from the get-go in this series, Warrior and Protector.

Events of the book pick up immediately after the conclusion of book three. I’m not giving away any spoilers here, so rest assured. What I can say is that the consequences of that battle, and the drama, are the driving forces of events in this book.

Beornoth and his brave warriors demand vengeance, and these bloodthirsty men have no qualms in seeking it out themselves! As with previous books though, there is an element of underlying politics and a wider plot which still touches on this very personal narrative. As a prominent warrior, Beornoth cannot wholly serve himself, and his ties to some of the most powerful men in the country ensure his actions have both impact and repercussions across the country.

 

Characters

The narrative of Sword of Vengeance is a very personal one in nature. Through this, we find ourselves investing heavily in characters such as Beornoth and Brand. They are the favourites we have come to know throughout earlier books in the series. In particular, I love their individual intricate stories and relationship with each other.

I never quite know or trust what will happen to characters in these books. Peter Gibbons doesn’t spare characters from rough treatment and puts them in the firing line time and again. After the events of previous books, I cannot be sure that the characters we have come to know and love will come unscathed. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating!

 

Setting

Beornoth and his band undertake a fair degree of travel in the book. New settings are beautifully and vividly described. If you are the type of reader visualise such things as you read, you will not find the narrative or descriptions wanting.

Although the main focus of the plot centres around Beornoth and his quest for vengeance, we still get to enjoy the wider setting of turmoil and conflict. Vikings continue to plague the Saxon peoples. The solution presented by the church to deal with this problem is to try and pay off the Vikings. Naturally, this harbours resentment from those who ultimately end up paying the bill. The people. Warriors like Beornoth know that this is only a temporary solution, and will likely beget a larger problem once word of Saxon riches gets out.

On the whole, the depth of the narrative and setting in which events take place makes for full and comprehensive immersion in the storyline.

 

Narrative Style

What I’ve found really helpful when reading Sword of Vengeance is that main plot points in the earlier books recapped as the narrative goes along. They serve as a great reminder of what has gone before, so if it has been a while since you’ve picked up the series, or indeed, if you haven’t picked up those books yet at all, you still know what’s going on. The only reason I wouldn’t recommend reading Sword of Vengeance as a standalone is because you would miss out on three fabulous books before this one. You absolutely could though, if you wanted to. But why would you want to do yourself dirty like that?

Despite plenty of action, Sword of Vengeance is very easy to read. The action compels you to read on, and the narrative style itself is approachable for all readers. I love historical fiction, especially about this time period. As a result of this, and the ease of reading, it was a book I found myself easily getting lost in!

Peter Gibbons strikes up a great balance in these books between chapter length and descriptive detail. Neither one compromises the other, and we can appreciate both in equal measure. Some people love action in their books… others are more character driven. Sword of Vengeance brings both together in a healthy balance, meaning there are elements of this book for all readers.

 

Summary

If you love action-packed narratives full of conflict and detailed battle scenes, Sword of Vengeance will not disappoint! As a huge fan of the genre and time period of both this book and the wider series, it is very much what I hoped for!

I’ve enjoyed this series every bit as much as other books I’ve read by both big names like Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden, as well as upcoming authors like M.J Porter and J.C. Duncan. If you have read any of my reviews of books by these authors and are looking for something similar, then I cannot stress enough how much you should pick up books by Peter Gibbons.

Although I haven’t read his Viking Blood and Blade series myself, I will share that it comes highly recommended to me by a work colleague of mine. Either of these series are great for fans in the genre, and I’ll be picking up that second one in my own time. If that isn’t testament to how much I enjoy Peter Gibbons writing, then I don’t know what is!

 

Author Bio

Peter Gibbons is a financial advisor and author of the highly acclaimed Viking Blood and Blade trilogy.

He comes to Boldwood with his new Saxon Warrior series, set around the 900 AD Viking invasion during the reign of King Athered the Unready. The first title of the new series, Warrior and Protector, will be published in October 2022. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –

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

Blog Tour Review: Betrothal and Betrayal – Janet McGiffin

I’m excited to take part in the blog tour for Betrothal and Betrayal today in conjunction with TheWriteReads! It’s my first time taking part in one of their tours, and we have a great book to feature today!

Betrothal and Betrayal is a historical fantasy set around Constantinople in the Byzantine Empire. Set in the backdrop of a world run by men, we follow Thekla, a fiery female protagonist. She ventures out of her small town after being stood up by her betrothed for the third time. Her mission is to either find him and hold him accountable to his oath, or have him release her. It’s a foray into a richly set world as independently as any woman of her time can!

Let’s take a look at the details of the book before diving into my review:-

 

Betrothal and Betrayal – Janet McGiffin

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Pages: 250

Audience: Young Adult

Publisher: Scotland Street Press

Publication Date: 01 Aug 2023

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – Betrothal and Betrayal

Seventeen-year-old Thekla needs her quick wits and knife to track down her betrothed, a soldier who has left her at the altar for the third time. Elias the monk travels with her to Constantinople where she meets Irini of Athens, an extraordinarily beautiful orphan her same age who has been brought by powerful Emperor Constantine to marry his son, Co-Emperor Leon. The two women join forces to survive this vigorous capital of the Roman Empire of the East which is rocked by religious and political strife. But will Thekla help the ambitious and ruthless Irini of Athens find the power that she craves?

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

Despite the book being only 250 pages along, there is plenty of action throughout. It’s amazing how much content the author has packed into such a short page count! As a result, content-wise the book still feels like a full and detailed narrative, comparable to books that are significantly longer.

The storyline progresses significantly from its humble beginnings. Thekla, after being stood up at the altar and threatened with marriage to another suitor, sets out to find her betrothed. Whilst she sets out with the hope that she can convince him to marry her, ultimately, she wants any resolution. Even if it means her release from her commitment.

This is just the beginning, and from there we start to explore a more detailed and complex narrative. Thekla meets a variety of characters and learns a lot along her journey. She discovers her identity and what matters to her above all. Thekla is a determined individual who treads her own path. She’s not afraid to do it independently. We watch this young woman bloom. From there, she is wrapped up a wider plot.

 

Characters

Thekla is a fiery protagonist and a breath of fresh air to read about. She stands out from the crowd; she’s bold, is willing to learn and earn her way, and will defend herself and her rights. In a world of and run by men, she is a unique force to be reckoned with. For younger readers, I think Thekla makes a great role model.

Thekla sets off to locate her betrothed at the beginning of the book. However, from there she develops and comes into her own. She doesn’t allow herself to be defined by her experiences and she does everything she can to shape her own future. She is far from a superficial character, and she was a joy to read about.

Although bold and willing to look after herself, there is only so far she would be able to go on her own. Her character helps her makes allies along her way, namely in Elias. As a result, he helps her to travel when she wouldn’t be safe on her own and is regularly reintroduced at different stages throughout the narrative. There is an element of mystery to Elias and who he is, which I’m hoping this will be explored more in future books!

 

Setting

Firstly, I love the historical background in this narrative. I have very limited knowledge of the Byzantine Empire, and so I enjoyed learning about and experiencing this setting. The historical elements and events leading up to the present day have contextual links to plot. There is enough information to add depth to the storyline, but without overwhelming readers either.

Betrothal and Betrayal had religious elements to narrative, but not to the extent that it would make anyone feel uncomfortable. I enjoyed experiencing this perspective, and the narrative goes a long way to help us readers understand the history of the setting and conflicts in the plot.

Together with this, there are a lot of cultural references and terminology throughout. The terms are explained in the back of the book so this can be used as a reference. I read the book without really referring to these and I was able to pick up a decent amount from context alone. As this is a setting that I haven’t got much experience of, I enjoyed getting familiar with the cultural differences that are explored in this book. Betrothal and Betrayal would be a great way of introducing your readers to new cultures and social attitudes.

 

Narrative Style

Betrothal and Betrayal is a great for young readers and adults alike. It makes a great introduction to fantasy as a genre. Its historical setting is under-represented in fiction too. I confess that even though I am not strictly the target audience of this book, I took a lot away from it as well!

The chapters within are relatively short – very suitable with the intended audience in mind. Combine this with an easy to read narrative style, and we’re on to a winner!

 

Summary

If you are looking for a short historical fantasy, explore a new setting, or invest in a relatable and interesting protagonist, then Betrothal and Betrayal has something for you! I read the book in just a handful of days and I enjoyed the short foray into a new series!

I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is the first in the Empress Irini series. Betrothal and Betrayal feels like a set up to bringing these two characters together. Personally, I can’t wait to see how they grow together in future books!

 

About the Author

Janet McGiffin divides her time between her apartment in Manhattan, her family in Washington State, and her friends in Athens, Greece. She was born in Fairfield, Iowa into a newspaper family and learned to write copy as a teenager by writing obituaries for the Ellensburg Daily Record in Washington state. After university, she worked for the Milwaukee Health Department where she gained first-hand knowledge for her best-selling mystery series published by Fawcett Press, NY, featuring Doctor Maxine St. Clair, an ER doctor in an inner-city hospital.

She worked as a press officer for the Washington state senate, then moved to Athens, Greece where she wrote grant proposals for small non-profit women’s organizations in Mediterranean countries. She also wrote a humor column for the Athens News newspaper with field archaeologist Adrian Vrettos, wrote two English language easy readers for Cambridge University Press, UK, and a series of hiking articles for greecetravel.com. She researched her Byzantine-era Empress Irini Series through extensive travel in Greece, followed by six months of research at the Bodleian libraries in Oxford, England. She enjoys hiking in Greece, England, Wales, and Scotland.

Instagram: @janetmcgiffinauthor

Book Review: The Girl in Seat 2A – Diana Wilkinson

Good evening readers and welcome to another review post! If I keep up this pace, I’ll review my backlist in no time, right?! Funny! However, The Girl in Seat 2A get a priority review as the book is coming out in just a few days. I was able to get hold of a copy through NetGalley in order to provide my review ahead of publication on Friday. If you enjoy action-packed psychological thrillers, then The Girl in Seat 2A could well be for you!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the chance to review The Girl in Seat 2A ahead of publication. As always, my opinions shared are my own. 

Now, shall we take a look at the book?

 

The Girl in Seat 2A – Diana Wilkinson

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Pages: 359

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 19 Jan 2023

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – The Girl in Seat 2A

Funny how one lie can spiral…

One thing about me: I HATE flying. It’s my worst nightmare.

That’s why I book seat 2A every time I fly. Since my big win, I’ve been booking seats 2B and 2C as well. They’re my comfort seats, they cushion the claustrophobia, and at last I can afford them.

I am now determined to live the life of luxury. I deserve it, after all.

How to Live Like a Millionaire is the book I’m reading on this flight. When it lands on the floor, a handsome guy hands it back to me. I know he clocks the title, because he’s totally charming and talks to me as if I’m one of the Marbella Millionaire set.

When I land in sunny Spain, I’ll be acting like a millionairess, that’s for sure – even if it’s stretching the truth, just a bit. We all know that money talks, and I intend to talk my way into a better life.

Who knows… maybe this guy, the one who had the cheek to sit down in seat 2C, might be someone special. He has an air of danger, but who cares?

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

The Girl in Seat 2A has a unique and captivating storyline that I have never read before. The book features protagonist Jade, who embarks on a millionaire lifestyle and finding a partner whilst on holiday abroad in Marbella. However, not all is as first appears. Jade has secrets to hide about her funds, and she’s on the clock to secure the lifestyle for good.

There is enough action to keep the plot moving, but not so much to overwhelm. I enjoyed the pace and watching events as they unravelled.

The ending to The Girl in Seat 2A has a few surprises as well. Whilst I’d already got some measure of events as they played out, I didn’t work it all out! You sleuths out there will have your work cut out for you if that’s how you like to enjoy your thrillers!

 

Characters

If I’m honest, I found Jade unrelatable as a character and so I couldn’t really invest in her too much. I wouldn’t have put myself in her position in the first place and then, in my opinion, she makes questionable choices throughout. I spent most of her narrative frustrated with her.

Just because I didn’t get on with her doesn’t mean her part isn’t well written. Her character and personality are consistent throughout. They also shape those decisions I found myself mentally shouting at her for. Overall, she’s a well written character… just not my kind of person.

On the other hand, I found Martha a much more relatable and reliable character perspective. I would have liked to see more of her perspective, or perhaps it be more spaced out throughout the book. There is a perfectly good reason why the chapters and perspectives are set out the way they are, and it works. Had I enjoyed Jade’s character more I might feel differently. Martha was my favourite character though!

It is through Martha’s alternate perspective that we start to see some depth to other characters and events, but also the plot unravel. I’d already come to similar conclusions of what was happening but as I mention, there are still some surprises!

 

Narrative Style

The structure of split perspective’s definitely adds to The Girl in Seat 2A. Through the lens of Martha we get to see truths that we would never have experienced through the perspective of Jade. The change in narrative voice is also distinct and refreshing.

Each perspective is easy to read and follow. The book is also written through a multitude of short chapters, making this an approachable read for all and easy to pick up and put down as necessary.

 

Summary

Overall I rated The Girl in Seat 2A four stars. It’s an enjoyable psychological thriller that’s engaging and keeps the reader guessing what happens next!

Is this on your list of upcoming reads to try?

 

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Book Review: Leadership and Culture – John and Katie McCann

For high performing or aspirational readers who are about to undergo the appraisal and objective-setting season at work, today’s book may just be of interest! In today’s review, I share my thoughts on the practical guide, Leadership and Culture by John and Katie McCann.

Are you looking to develop yourselves or your career in 2024?

I downloaded and read Leadership and Culture after seeing the book available on Netgalley. I am not at a managerial level at work, but I would like to give myself the skillset to be considered in future. Even if you’re not – consider this. Leadership comes from a select few, but workplace culture is a collective environment and contributed to by everyone. We all have the power to change culture. For that reason, I think this book has value to all.

Shall we take a look in more detail?

 

Leadership and Culture – John and Katie McCann

Genre: Non-fiction

Pages: 210

Audience: Adult

Publisher: 27 Sept 2022

Publication Date:

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – Leadership and Culture

Every team has a manager… But not every team is lucky enough to have a true leader. Get ready to break the mold!

Did you know that 82% of employees would consider quitting their job because of a bad boss?

And it isn’t just that you don’t want to be a bad boss… You don’t want to be a boss at all – you want to be a leader. A boss commands … A leader inspires and influences – and that’s the route to happy employees, a dedicated workforce, and an organization that achieves its goals .

Whether you’re a new manager, an aspiring one, or an experienced manager or business owner, there’s always more to learn… and there’s always room to develop your leadership skills so that you can be sure you’re an inspirational and empathetic leader … and not a disconnected boss.

It all starts with the workplace culture you cultivate… one that is positive, inclusive, and authentic … one that motivates your team to go above and beyond… and to do so happily.

Any successful organization has, at its core, a team that trusts and respects its leaders and is willing to do what it takes to help the company reach its goals… and behind every team like this, there’s a leader who knows just what to do to steer the ship.

You can be that leader.

And with this comprehensive guide by your side, you’ll have something to refer to every time you flounder. Inside, you’ll And much more.

Every company has a boss… but the most successful ones have a leader. And if you have any doubt in your mind as to whether you can be one, it’s time to silence that inner critic for good.

If you’re passionate about leading your team to success, you have everything you need to be the driving force behind an outstanding team… All you need now is the manual…

 

My Thoughts

 

Structure

The book is broken down into five key skills, and then further into related chapters with subtopics on each skill. From building trust to inspiring motivation, Leadership and Culture starts from the ground up.

The length of the book makes it approachable to pick up. At 210 pages in its entirety, it concisely covers the skills, examples and action points to succinctly set you on the path for success.

Although I read the book in chronological order, I would argue that it would be possible to go back to any of these sections at any point and revisit the content. To an extent there are references to early chapters and content as a foundation, but this wouldn’t stop anyone from being able to read a section standalone.

On a practical level, it means the book can be picked up countless times and never lose its value, regardless of how many times you pick it up again. I can see myself picking this up and revisiting the book, especially if there are certain skills I want to brush up on, or scenarios where I am inexperienced in handling them!

 

Ideas

The content of the book would be especially great for either aspiring or first time managers, or as a refresher of fundamentals for the more experienced. The book’s content is both approachable and relatable, whilst demonstrating the extensive research that asks up each idea. Throughout, I was able to visualise the examples in the practical terms of my own experience at work.

Not only do the scenarios in the book ring true, but then the author’s have outlined practical action points for managers to adopt to resolve conflict or pressure in a way that promotes positivity. It’s as much a practical guide as it is a compilation of case studies of what can happen when things go wrong.

I think this also has value for all employees. As I mention in the introduction, culture isn’t strictly created by the few at the top. It’s about the whole workplace. Sure, managers and senior staff will have a lot of influence over it, but not entirely.

Leadership and Culture has value in helping us understand where workplace culture isn’t working and raise awareness. Often, we can recognise that something isn’t quite right but are unable to identify a problem exactly. The topics and downfalls explored in this book are ones that I can see happening in every workplace at some point in time. Even in big name companies! Many of the examples within are names we know.

 

Summary

Leadership and Culture is all about positive change. If you are looking to make positive change in your life in 2024, or would like to start making improvements in your workplace, this book is a great place to start!

Are you looking to develop yourselves or your career in 2024?

 

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Book Review: Order and Chaos – An Anthology

Good evening readers! I’m excited to bring you a book review today. I’m sharing my thoughts on a short story anthology I just finished – Order and Chaos!

You may recall that I read and reviewed another short story anthology earlier this year. Taking Liberties was a great anthology that got me to read something different. When Stephanie Bretherton, an author contributing to both these anthologies, approached me for a review for a second time, it was an easy decision!

 

Order and Chaos

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 185

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Breakthrough Books

Publication Date: 31 Oct 2023

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

 

Goodreads – Order and Chaos

Ancient gods in conflict and a zombie on welfare, a disappearing boyfriend and AI with daddy issues, a balloon bound for icy danger and a mysterious theft at the museum, a sinister woodland cabin and a pleasure house that’ll cost much more than you can afford.

Raiding parties in dystopia, art classes in the city, opposites attracting and love catching fire. Separations and siblings, life and death decisions, flying into trouble and traveling to self-discovery…

Which comes first, chaos or order? The cycles between may seem inevitable, and change may be the only constant, but what does that mean for the human experience?

Sixteen authors from the Breakthrough Books collective explore our relationships with nature and technology, science and the sacred, each other and ourselves, offering an array of stories as individual as every reader.

Eli Allison, Mark Bowsher, Stephanie Bretherton, Jamie Chipperfield, Jason Cobley, Stevyn Colgan, Sue Clark, Samuel Dodson, Miles Hudson, A.B. Kyazze, Pete Langman, Virginia Moffatt, Eamon Somers, Nicole Swengley, Damon L. Wakes, PJ Whiteley.

Also from the Breakthrough Books collective, Taking Liberties , a short story anthology on the theme of freedom.

 

My Thoughts

Much like Taking Liberties, Order and Chaos is an anthology of stories that loosely fit around the titular themes. Otherwise, they are very varied! In the grand scheme of things, the themes of the book can be interpreted very broadly… and they are by the authors who have contributed to the book. From stories with science and/or futuristic settings, to modern day encounters, it’s all here!

Order and Chaos is a quick and engaging read. I found it easy to pick up and put down around my busy schedule this month. In truth, I read the book in three sittings, but could easily have read it sooner if I’d read for longer sessions.

The beauty about short stories though is that you don’t have to do that. You can read stories one at a time, or maybe a couple in one go. With none being that long in length, they can fit into a bite-size break as and when time is available. For readers who are on the go, or need to make the most of small window opportunities, this would be a great book to do that with!

Even though Order and Chaos doesn’t require much in the way of commitment to read, the stories are still immersive and emotive. Quality isn’t compromised as a result of the quantity. I enjoyed each of the stories within for different reasons. What they all have in common are characters that I cared about.

If as a reader you are unsure of what to read next, need a spice of variety and/or a palate cleanser between books, look again at anthologies. They are a great way to sample new authors or settings to you decide if you want to explore them further. At least one of the stories in this book references additional material should you want to expand on the story just read if you liked it.

 

Summary

Order and Chaos is a fun anthology that brings together the diverse works of multiple authors around these common themes. Easy to pick up and even easier to read, I enjoyed the flexibility of shorter narratives and being able to try the works of different authors. The change of pace has been enjoyable in the busy days over Christmas; as a result, I recommend this to anybody who wants to try and make the most of even short breaks to pick up a book and read!

If you’re setting yourself a New Year’s resolution to try and read a little more, wouldn’t this would be a perfect start?

 

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Book Review: Ashes of Guilt – Isabella Steele

In today’s book review post, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Ashes of Guilt by Isabella Steele! If you are interested in a fast-paced thriller, full of action and intrigue, then read on!

I disclose here that I received a free copy of the book from Reedsy Discovery for the purpose of review. My review below is my honest opinion.

 

Ashes of Guilt – Isabella Steele

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 222

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Cosmic Phoenix Publishing

Publication Date: 04 Oct 2023

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – Ashes of Guilt

In the chilling heart of a quiet town, Detective Olivia Morgan is thrust into a mystery that’s eerily linked to her darkest secret. At the tender age of eight, an accident led her to mistakenly take a man’s life. Two decades later, as disappearances plague her hometown, Olivia faces a haunting every vanished person had connections to that very man she believed she had killed.

Olivia’s return to her roots becomes a harrowing journey as she grapples with a past that relentlessly shadows her. The town, with its whispers and judgmental glares, doesn’t make it any easier. As the net tightens around the disappearances, the sense of being surveilled grows more acute for Olivia. Mysterious threats, chilling reminders of her traumatic past, and an unexpected appearance by her estranged sister—who seems intent on halting her investigation—makes Olivia question everything she thought she knew. But the most chilling question of all What if the narrative she’d believed for two decades—that she was a murderer—was flipped, revealing Olivia as the victim in a twisted game of deceit and vengeance? Delve into this spine-tingling thriller where secrets of the past entwine with the present’s deadly mysteries. “Detective Morgan’s Haunting” isn’t just a story—it’s an experience you won’t forget. Grab your copy today and unravel the truth alongside Olivia. Can you solve the enigma before it’s too late?

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

Ashes of Guilt throws you right into a busy narrative. With action kicking off in the first few pages, it sets the scene, and our expectations, for the rest of the book.

From the synopsis, we glean that all that has occurred in the past is not as it seems. When Olivia travels back to her hometown to help local police investigate what appear to be a string of murders, she finds her past lurking around every corner.

Quite quickly we progress through events hinted at in the synopsis, leaving the rest of the book to explore the finer details and range into unchartered territory. Ashes of Guilt had me guessing throughout as to who I could trust, and who I could not. What would happen next?

Whilst I had some ideas, there were plenty of surprises to keep me invested and wanting to find out more!

 

Characters

There is a complexity to each of the characters involved in this book that keep us asking questions. Who are these people? What relationships do they have – and are we getting the full picture? For those who enjoy a character-driven narrative, these are the questions that will hook you into this book.

There is more to this narrative than first meets the eye, and this ultimately colours our perception of some of the characters as event play out.

The plot centres round a select few key characters. I quickly formed opinions on some of these central pillars of the narrative. However, there is a full cast of complementary characters that bolster the narrative and create the small-town vibe that lends itself to the genre perfectly.

Olivia cannot feel more acutely that she is an outsider in a town she once called home. As somebody who lives in a relatively small community herself, I can attest to the attitudes of the people in this book. Everyone knows your business before you do, and are more than willing to weigh in on the subject. This is something that Olivia has to deal with on top of trying to track down a potential serial killer. No pressure…

 

Narrative Style

Whilst the pace of this thriller novel is faster than I would typically read, it was no less enjoyable. The stakes are high and has us readers wondering what was coming next.

The chapter lengths are nice and short, keeping the action snappy and to the point whilst retaining our interest. I also enjoyed how the perspectives changed throughout the book. Each individual main character has a unique perspective on the action as it’s taking place. It’s through these different narratives that we get to see the different pieces of the puzzle eventually come together.

 

Summary

Ashes of Guilt is an interesting and twisty page-turner. Compulsively readable, it is a book that draws into the depths of humanity and has us asking ourselves, what could possibly happen next?

 

Have you read Ashes of Guilt yet?

 

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Book Review: The Appeal – Janice Hallett

I’m excited to bring you my thoughts on a fun mixed media book I read in June last year – The Appeal by Janice Hallett. It’s the book that introduced me to this narrative style, and I loved it! I’ve gone on to read other books in this style since and I’m still a fan, regardless of genre.

Shall we take a look at the details?

 

The Appeal – Janice Hallett

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 432

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Viper

Publication Date: 14 Jan 2021

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – The Appeal

 

Dear Reader,

Enclosed are documents relating to the events surrounding the Fairway Players’ staging of All My Sons, and the tragic death of one of its members. Another member is currently in prison for the crime. We have reason to suspect that they are innocent, and that there were far darker secrets that have yet to be revealed.

We believe that the killer has given themselves away. It’s there in writing, hidden in the emails, texts, and letters. Will you accept the challenge? Can you uncover the truth? Do you dare?

 

My Thoughts

 

Narrative Style

The selling point of this book is the format in which the story is told. Written in mixed media, we unravel the lives of a wide cast of characters through emails, texts and posters, to give just a few examples. 

The interesting thing about this format is that you experience a lot of different voices and perspectives. As a result, a lot of the story is told in subtext and us readers need to pay attention to what isn’t said as much as what is.

The opening media is a letter to the junior lawyers, who are in the same position as the reader. We are reviewing the evidence of a murder case, we’re invited to scrutinise everything. We’re told at the beginning that the senior lawyer believes the wrong person has been arrested, and so our journey into the mystery begins…

 

Plot

The Appeal unveils an intricate mystery that starts off quite simple, but quickly branches out. The local Theatre troupe, Fairway Players, pull together when they receive the news that their star performer’s grandchild is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. However, not all is as it seems. Whilst we discover in the opening pages that at some point, a murder takes place, this doesn’t happen early on in the narrative. We spend a good portion of the book getting to the point of this event, and naturally, wondering who the victim is.

The Appeal has a clever, complex and twisty narrative. Nothing is as it first appears. As we delve deeper into the narrative, we uncover truths and deceptions that keep us compulsively turning the pages. Honestly, it is a book where you are best off not believing what you are told and making up your own mind.

Whilst had worked out something fishy was going on pretty early on, there are plenty of false trails planted that kept me from uncovering the truth entirely. I’m sure that will be the same for most readers. I can honestly say that when I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it and trying to unpick the tangled threads that create this fantastic read!

 

Characters

The cast of characters is vast and complex. Couple that with a small town like community, who are distrustful of newcomers by nature and wreathed in gossip, subterfuge and scandal, and this is a simmering pot begging to overspill!

The two-facedness we see in some characters and their relationships with others is relatable. Sadly, it’s something we’re all too familiar with. Naturally, as we experience the narrative through multiple subjective points of view, we rarely get an unbiased view of events. Characters either colour themselves and their actions through rose-tinted spectacles, or alternatively, we get equal or opposing biased viewpoints from others.

Some characters seem more independent and objective than others. But, with questionable pasts, are we getting the truth? Equally, there are blantant attention seekers and liars. For those types, any readers like me will quickly formulate their own opinions as to who to take with a pinch of salt, and those to disregard completely! With a full spectrum of characters and underlying motives, readers can experience every emotion going in this book. The question is, who do we believe?

Imagine trying to unpick a murder mystery from suspects that are in your social circle. You already have your opinions of people; who is most likely to have an agenda, who wouldn’t harm a fly etc. It’s all subjective and consequently full of bias. The same goes for The Appeal! With over 20 characters to keep tabs on at a semi-intimate level, it’s a lot to digest. But, that’s fun if that’s your bag.

 

Summary

The Appeal is a fun and intriguing mystery with a lot of layers and complexity. With questionable characters, events and a narrative style that keeps readers engaged, it’s the perfect read for anyone looking for a change of pace!

Have you read The Appeal, or any other books by Janice Hallett? I own a copy of The Curious Case of the Alperton Angels, but I haven’t read it yet.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts or comments!

 

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Book Review: Cinderella’s Crimes – Kelsey Josund

In today’s review post, I have the pleasure to share my thoughts on a unique fairytale retelling that held my attention throughout. Cinderella’s Crimes is loosely based on the classic fairytale, but quickly deviates and develops a world of its own.

What’s more exciting is that I have the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the book’s re-publication day; it was originally released under the title Pretty Deadly. I hope you are as excited for this book as I am to tell you about it. Let’s check out the details of the book and then dive into my review!

 

Cinderella’s Crimes – Kelsey Josund

Genre: Fairytale Retelling

Pages: 230

Audience: Young Adult

Publisher: Kelsey Josund

Publication Date: 31 Oct 2023

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – Cinderella’s Crimes

 

Cinna would quite literally kill for the throne.

For years, Cinna has been forced to serve her wealthy cousins rather than attend society events alongside them. She has waited for the chance to prove herself and exact revenge. When a ball at the castle is announced, promising to bring many powerful people to town, she seizes the opportunity to strike.

She bets her best friend, Johann, a small-time thief and con-man, that she can land a greater score the night of the ball than he can, and they embark on parallel heists. But as their plots unfold, things begin to unravel: by the end of the night, the castle’s on lock down, a duchess is dead, a mansion has burnt to the ground—and Cinna hasn’t even stolen anything.

Or has she captured something far more valuable than gold and jewels?

 

My Thoughts

 

Plot

A complex heist is the feature of this retelling, and it far surpassed my expectation in details and intrigue. There is no way I had anticipated the events that unfold in the book; it is a real page-turner! If you are a follower of my blog and keep up with my weekly Sunday Summary updates, you will know that I read Cinderella’s Crimes in just a handful of days earlier this month. If that doesn’t prove my point, then I don’t know what does!

Regardless of the intricacies, the plot is easy to follow and engaging to the reader. The narrative is also full of plot twists, with us not knowing what will happen next at any given moment.

Who scores the greatest haul on the night? Well, I’m not going to tell you that! You’ll just have to read the book for yourself!

 

Characters

Cinna, unlike her fairytale counterpart, is a cold and calculating individual. Subjected to a fall of grace in her family as a result of mistreatment by her stepmother and step-siblings, she plots her revenge every day. In order to break out of her desperate circumstances, she plans the most daring of heists, and sets herself against her friend Johann in scoring the greatest haul on the night. Cinna is a complex character and a fun perspective to enjoy this story from.

Johann is also an interesting counterpart to Cinna. Like Cinna, he is far from altruistic, and this isn’t his first criminal venture. It’s by far the biggest yet, however, and he rises to the challenge! With little time to prepare, Johann is incredibly resourceful and determined to best Cinna, even though he suspects deep down she’ll trump him. He’s determined pull it off anyway.

The dynamic between the two adds intrigue to an already high stakes story. I enjoyed their complicated relationship at every stage of the book.

 

Narrative Style

The short and concise chapters make this already compulsively readable story even easier to read.

The chapters intertwine between Johann and Cinna’s perspective, combining two different angles of the heist into one comprehensive story. As these two seemingly separate parts come together into the full picture, we’re surprised by how their daring endeavours unravel in tandem.

 

Summary

Cinderella’s Crimes is a dark twist to a classic fairytale with high stakes, daring adventure, and a shot at revenge that is best served cold!

Are you intrigued by Cinderella’s Crimes? Would you like to read it for yourself?

 

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