Tag: historical fiction

Sunday Summary – 21st September 2025

Posted on September 21, 2025 by fantasyst95

For the second week in a row, my recent break has paid its dividends! In today’s Sunday Summary, you’ll see I have a number of updates and books to catch you up with progress on!

Before I get into the books I’ve read over the course of this week, let’s catch up on the blog posts I’ve shared over the internet.

My first post was a book review for Wolf of Wessex by Matthew Harffy. If you enjoy historical fiction, you’re having a field day with content right now. Not only am I talking about historical fiction in terms of these backlist reviews, but I’ve also been reading a lot of historical fiction this week. More on that in a bit!

On Friday, I returned to more modern fiction and featured a legal thriller by a big-name author I am yet to try. This author has three books currently on my TBR and I’ve still not read a single one of them yet. A few of these are featured in my Shelf Control posts now, so I imagine it won’t be long before one of them finally comes around. If you’re intrigued to know who that is, take a look at my latest post.

Books Read

Betrayal of Mercia

I finished my audiobook listen of Betrayal of Mercia earlier today!

As I mentioned in my last Sunday Summary, it’s the first time I’ve picked up a book in this series as an audiobook. It was really interesting to experience this book in this new format. Historically, I’ve kept up with the series by reading the advanced review copies before the books come out. It gives me a unique opportunity to provide a review of the books in this format.

I really enjoyed Betrayal of Mercia. The book takes on a slightly different form in that there is significantly less travel in the book than I remember from earlier instalments. However, that makes sense in the widest storyline and it was interesting to delve deeper into the allegiances of powerful characters and how that impacts other people’s actions.

I’m also glad I finished it because it means I can start reading Shield of Mercia as soon as I finish my current read. That’s also another historical fiction book, this time by the well-known Bernard Cornwell. By the time I finish all these books, I’ll definitely have read my share of historical fiction for a little while…

The Pagan Lord

I’ve enjoyed going back to Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon stories series in picking up The Pagan Lord this week. Admittedly, I didn’t read this book for the first few days of this week. The vast majority of my progress has come later in the week. However, when it started, it happened quickly!

As books go, The Pagan Lord isn’t actually that long. I read decent-sized chunks of the book per sitting as opposed to chipping away at it. The only reason I would say progress is a little slower than usual is that I borrowed this book via Libby from my library. That means I’m reading the book on my phone, which is probably my least favourite way to do so. However, my eagerness to return to the series and getting into the book has enabled me to get past that.

Algospeak

After finishing Betrayal of Mercia earlier today, I started listening to the British short Algospeak by Adam Aleksic.

I downloaded an Audible copy of this book a few months ago now as I was interested in the subject. I had a place to study linguistics at university but ultimately made the decision not to go. That said, I still have an interest in the subject and particularly how social media has had its influence on language in more recent years.

My only gripe with this book so far is that although I’m not uninvolved with social media and technology, it made me feel a little bit like a dinosaur. If you are from Gen Z, you’ll probably find some of the topics and commentary a bit more relatable. However, from an educational standpoint, I’m enjoying the book so far.

As of this Sunday Summary, I’ve already listened to a couple of hours’ worth of the audiobook and I have around 2 1/2 hours left. Needless to say, I’m optimistic. I’ll be able to polish this off early next week and start another audiobook before the end of the month! Will I get to finish it though? That’s the million-dollar question!

Books Discovered

For the second week in a row, I haven’t added any new books to my reading list and I’ve managed to tick some off via completions!

Is this the start of a run on getting my TBR below 200 books? Place your bets now 😂

Coming Up…

Blog

I was looking around online for some inspiration for a spooky book club read for our work book club. I’ve now chosen the book we’re gathering to discuss in October. However, that sparked a content idea though. I want to share my book recommendations for spooky book club reads. That’s going live on Wednesday.

On Friday I’m back with a First Lines Friday feature. My most recent First Lines Friday features have all had a theme. As of drifting this Sunday Summary, I have no particular theme in mind for this post. Perhaps I’ll share a book coming up on my October TBR? I won’t commit myself, but we’ll see.

Finally, you know what’s coming last. This time next week I’m back with another Sunday Summary update and fingers crossed, I’ll be much closer to the end of my monthly TBR. I’ve already surpassed my reading list in some ways. However, we’re just a couple of books left, I can’t get lazy. Check out next week’s Sunday Summary to see if I keep up the pace.

Patreon

On Patreon, I’m planning to step up the content and post as regularly there as I do here. Next week will be a bit crazy as I’m posting two sets of content. Going forward though, my blog content will broadly be historic Patreon content. So, if you want to see my posts exclusively before everyone else, please subscribe to me there. I’m also launching my book club Discord chat for subscribers, so there are plenty of perks to enjoy!

As a sneak preview, I’m posting my review of Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff, a Shelf Control post, and a more in-depth and personal Sunday Summary there.

That’s all for me and today’s Sunday Summary update, though!

What have you been reading?

Book Review: Wolf of Wessex – Matthew Harffy

Posted on September 17, 2025 by fantasyst95

Historical fiction fans are having a field day with my content right now! I have a lot of current and upcoming content in the genre. As of this post, I’m reading two further books that fit into this same setting and genre – Betrayal of Mercia by M. J. Porter and The Pagan Lord by Bernard Cornwell. If you are looking for inspiration on what to pick up, be sure to check out my thoughts below on Wolf of Wessex by Matthew Harffy.

Wolf of Wessex – Matthew Harffy

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 400

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 14 Nov 2019

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – Wolf of Wessex

AD 838. Deep in the forests of Wessex, Dunston’s solitary existence is shattered when he stumbles on a mutilated corpse.

Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man’s daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed.

Rushing headlong through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his long-buried past – becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.

My Thoughts

Plot

Compared to other books I’ve read in the genre, Wolf of Wessex is a little superficial in plot. That’s not necessarily a downer. If you’re looking for a light and easy read or are new to the genre, Wolf of Wessex is a good place you could start.

In fact, Wolf of Wessex gave me insights into Saxon Britain that I’ve yet to read anywhere else. It’s a great perspective to read and helps me appreciate the time and history of the period, regardless of what I’m reading.

That said, I wasn’t gripped by the plot line. It was perfectly acceptable to read, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was memorable. Prior to writing this review, my recollections of this book were that it contains a lot of violence. I did have to refresh myself on the events that took place, and the comments I shared in my Sunday Summary and monthly wrap-up post at the time.

Setting

Wolf of Wessex is a good entry-level book to the historical fiction genre, or even this time period, because it isn’t too heavy on historical background. There’s enough background included for the plot to make sense, so there are no concerns on this front. Beyond that though, it doesn’t matter if you are familiar with the historical context of the book or not. I have a personal preference towards more detail and depth in my narratives, that didn’t put me off reading this book. In fact, it contributed to this book being quite a quick read!

Characters

A bit like the plot development, I found some of the characters lacking any spark. Unfortunately, the female main character, Aedwen, served only to irritate me. She exists in the plot purely to be saved. She’s so docile, she may as well have not been there after the opening event.

Dunstan isn’t much better. He’s defined throughout the book by his age and physical frailty, yet manages to keep up with all the young whippersnapper warriors? The messaging isn’t really consistent… or he’s an extremely lucky sod!

The action throughout is entertaining, if predictable. At no point was I particularly concerned for the characters’ welfare or thought they were in real danger.

Narrative Style

The book was very readable. Wolf of Wessex was a light, easy read. I read the book in just a few days.

It’s this easy style that makes the book perfect for newcomers or anyone looking for a light reading experience. You don’t have to concentrate too much and the writing flows well.

The book reads to a level of mature young readers, even if the content is not best suited. In terms of language, it’s appropriate for adult readers of all ages. The archaic time period and language differences don’t alienate readers, which again, helps with readability.

Summary

Wolf of Wessex has far higher praise online than I have to offer it here. Whilst I enjoyed the book, I don’t intend to go on and read any other of his books. It could be that I was in a bit of a reading slump at the time. If you read my review of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, the book I read before this one, you’ll see that was a middle-of-the-road review as well.

Whilst this is a great introduction to the genre, there are other series I’d recommend if you prefer greater depth of detail. Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon stories, M. J. Porter’s Eagle of Mercia chronicles and Peter Gibbons’ The Saxon Warrior are a few.

Ultimately, this book has its place and it’s a decent read, if not standout or remarkable. Admittedly, I’ve decided not to pursue reading any more books by this author, but maybe I’m missing out…

Have you read Wolf of Wessex by Matthew Harffy?

Sunday Summary – 14th September 2025

Posted on September 14, 2025 by fantasyst95

Another week has come and gone! I can’t believe how fast this week has flown. So yes, I’m back here again with another Sunday Summary update, and it’s a good one! I hope you’ve had a good one too?

It’s mostly been a return to normal this week. After our trip to Iceland last week, we had Monday off to relax and catch up with the usual house admin. Washing… it’s always there for you, no?

Otherwise though, it’s been a case of getting and into routine. Work and home, books and blogging. So, what’s been on the agenda this week?

My first post went live on Monday. No rest for the wicked here! With us being nearly a third of the way through the month, I figured it was time to share my September 2025 monthly TBR. And, I’m in a really good place with that reading list! Although it looked ambitious, I’m ahead of where I need to be to complete it by the end of the month. More on that below 😌 Who knows, I may even get some extra in. Let’s not get ahead though!

On Friday, I shared the final book I’m reading towards my ChatGPT book recommendations challenge/post. I’m planning to pick these books up in October, so ahead of that timeline I’ve teased the final book in my First Lines Friday. If you’ve yet to take a look and fancy a dark, gritty fantasy where delusions shape reality, go take a look at that feature.

On Patreon, I shared my review of The Anxious Generation. This is a non-fiction I recommend everyone read. It’s really informative and backed up by science, but in an interesting and engaging way.

Books Read

Sensitive

In last week’s Sunday Summary I confided my confidence that I’d finish the remaining 2 hours I had of Sensitive soon.

And that’s true. I chipped away at this audiobook whilst commuting to and from work; I finished it about halfway through this week.

It’s been a good listen and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. No doubt we all have someone sensitive in our lives, or are sensitive ourselves and maybe don’t yet recognise it. It was a really validating read.

A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison

This week I also finished A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison. You may recall this is the book club read over at the Cottagecore Fantasy Book Club.

It’s the first time I’ve finished a club book early, and I’m not the only one. It puts me in a great place to prompt readers and discussion about the book. It’s a habit I want to continue; it’s much less stressful than making apologies for being behind 😂

I enjoyed this book. Although there is a romance element to two of the main characters development arcs (and this isn’t something I love in my books), it was okay. Obviously if you love this sort of thing, great!

The mystery was interesting, although somewhat predictable. However, there was a comfort in seeing broadly where the storyline was going. The details and finer points of the storyline were the interesting and less predictable points.

Gran Familia

In the last 24hrs, I’ve read a manga I’m planning to feature on my blog later this month! I don’t read manga very often, but I enjoyed picking something up that’s very different.

As I’ve read more in the way of traditional prose lately, I blitzed Gran Familia. The book is only around 200 anyway, but being image-based, it was really quick to read. In fact, I read most of the book today. I’m looking forward to sharing more about this book on my blog soon.