Release Date: 13/06/17
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
1358. Oswald de Lacy, Lord Somershill, is in Venice, awaiting a pilgrim galley to the Holy Land. While the city is under siege from the Hungarians, Oswald lodges with an English merchant, and soon comes under the dangerous spell of the decadent and dazzling island state that sits on the hinge of Europe, where East meets West.
Oswald is trying to flee the chilling shadow of something in his past, but when he finds a dead man on the night of the carnival, he is dragged into a murder investigation that takes him deep into the intrigues of this mysterious, paranoid city.
Coming up against the feared Signori di Notte, the secret police, Oswald learns that he is not the only one with something to hide. Everybody is watching somebody else, and nobody in Venice is what he or she seems. The masks are not just for the carnival.
REVIEW:
The new Oswald de Lacy novel takes the reader to the city of masks, Venice, as out hero takes a break from England on a journey to the Holy Land, only to find himself embroiled in a murder in the fabulous floating city.
As with the other books, the story unwinds at a pace that is a pure joy to behold, its organic and doesn't feel rushed in any way. Our hero is well scripted and whilst plagued with his "mother" for the journey, we get to see a more mature character who has undergone a series of trials due to his history.
As with the other books in the series the prose is solid, the dialogue more than satisfactory but for me its the characters and the way that they change as well as develop that really has me glued. All round another solid release and one that was definteily a lot of fun to read through.
Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
The first in an exciting new series from the author of THE SILENCE OF THE SEA, winner of the 2015 Petrona Award for best Scandinavian Crime Novel.
The murder was meant as a punishment - but what sin could justify the method?
The only person who might have answers is the victim's seven-year-old daughter, found hiding in the room where her mother died. And she's not talking.
Newly promoted, out of his depth, detective Huldar turns to Freyja and the Children's House for their expertise with traumatised young people. Freyja, who distrusts the police in general and Huldar in particular, isn't best pleased. But she's determined to keep little Margret safe.
It may prove tricky. The killer is leaving them strange clues: warnings in text messages, sums scribbled on bits of paper, numbers broadcast on the radio. He's telling a dark and secret story - but how can they crack the code? And if they do, will they be next?
REVIEW:
I love spending time between the sheets with a dark crime novel and when it come to bringing the topography of the land to the fore, there are few better authors out there than Yrsa. I love the way Iceland is brought over to the reader, the harsh landscape, the ever changing weather and of coursse a stoic people that deal with the good and the bad of thier home.
Its a pure delight to read and when Yrsa's dialogue appears it really helps draw me into her story by allowing me to get to know the characters. All round a cracking read and one that will keep me company for some time to come.
Release Date: 18/05/17
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
'A rich jewel of a story, full of desire and danger' - Julie Cohen. A dark, gripping tale of love and obsession perfect for fans of The Crimson Petal and the White.
London, 1853. Annie Stride has nothing left to live for - she is a penniless prostitute, newly evicted from her home and pregnant. On the night she plans to cast herself from Waterloo Bridge into the icy waters of the Thames, her life is saved by Francis Maybrick Gill, a talented pre-Raphaelite painter - and her world is changed forever.
Francis takes Annie as his artist's muse, elevating her from fallen woman to society's darling. With her otherworldly beauty now the toast of London, her dark past is left far behind.
But Annie's lavish new life is not all it seems - and there are some who won't let her forget where she came from...
REVIEW:
If you want a story that brings to the modern audience a truly wonderful Gothic adventure with some cracking romance then you have to pick up this title. The principle characters is one you want to spend time around with each chapter giving you the chance to get to know her better.
The writing is crisp, the prose delightful and with the way that the story is character driven all round makes this a real tale of love and loss felt by the reader. All round a magical tale that was a pure joy to spend time with.
Release Date: 05/04/17
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Flavia Albia's day-old marriage is in trouble - her new husband may be permanently disabled and they have no funds. So when Palace officials ask her to help expose a plotter in their midst she is obliged to accept their commission.
The plot could not be bigger. Ever since he died in AD 68, apparently by his own hand, Rome has been haunted by reports that the Emperor Nero is in fact very much alive and about to return to claim his throne.
Two Nero pretenders have emerged in the East and met grisly fates. But now, as the Emperor Domitian, whose tyrannical, paranoid reign grows ever more unpopular, fights a war in faraway Dacia, there emerges a far more sinister contender. What's more the rumour is that this false Nero is already in Rome. Plunged into the conspiracy, Flavia must infiltrate the house of the Parthians who have smuggled in this new impostor, negotiate with spies, dodge the assassins sent by the Palace traitor, and somehow cope with her stricken husband.
Can she succeed before the impostor is revealed? Or will Rome once more be plunged into civil war?
REVIEW:
In Historical Crime Fiction one author that always gives me a cracking tale is Lindsey and I'm pleased to say that she hasn't let me down again as Flavia works her analytical mind to help those in power solve a problem whose answer has eluded them.
As usual the pace it solid, our protagonist a forward thinker alongside a delight to spend time with and a continual joy as she grows into her forced role as things look bleak for her family. Its a pure delight to spend time with and when you throw in a good few twists, some cracking red herrings and a heroine you can't wait to spend time with all round makes it a tale that you'll return to during subsquent rereads to spot clues you may have missed once you know the answer.
Release Date: 07/04/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
***SEQUEL TO THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD SHORTLISTED NOVEL WAY DOWN DARK***
The moment she learned the horrible truth about her life on Australia, the derelict ship overrun with violent gangs, Chan Aitch made it her mission to save everyone she could from their fate worse than death. But her efforts were in vain. Now, everyone she cares about is dead or in prison, and Chan is more alone than ever before.
As the only person to have escaped Australia's terrible crash-landing back to Earth, Chan is now living in poverty on the fringes of a huge city. She believes Mae, the little girl she once rescued on the Australia, is still alive - but she has no idea where Mae is, or how to find her. Everything on Earth is strange and new, and Chan has never felt more lost.
But she'll do whatever it takes to find Mae, even if it means going to prison herself. She's broken out of prison before. How hard could it be to do it again?
REVIEW:
Having loved the original title in the Australia series, I couldn't wait to return to see what the author would do with the not only the world but the characters that inhabit it. I shouldn't have worried as the tale continues in its own way concentrating on the principle character of the original novel.
The prose is solid, the pace fast enough to get your blood up and with dialogue to keep you glued you really get to know the people of James' work pretty well. They're not just after thought, each feels fleshed out and for me, thats the sign of a good book. Back this up with an overall arc that continues to deliver and all round I was a more than happy reader.
Release Date: 06/10/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
THE EPIC SERIES BEGAN WITH WAY DOWN DARK, SHORTLISTED FOR THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD.
IT CONTINUED WITH LONG DARK DUSK.
IT CONCLUDES... NOW.
There was one truth on Australia, the derelict ship on which Chan was born and raised: you fight or you die. Usually both.
But everything on Australia was a lie. Abandoned and alone, Chan was forced to live a terrible existence on the fringes of society, Australia's only survivor after a terrible crash-landing on Earth.
But Chan discovered she was not alone. Together with the unlikeliest of allies, Chan carved out a place for herself on Earth. And now the time has come: she's finally found a reason to keep going. But friends have become enemies, and enemies have become something worse. It's time for Chan to create her own truths, and discover a life beyond fighting and death.
A life beyond Australia.
REVIEW:
The final part of the Australia series and having loved the previous titles I really couldn't wait to see how the series would end. After all in the final book all bets are off as to not only survivability but also as to how the author will round up a lot of the loose threads/
What James does well is keep the characters moving forward, the events of the past having not only shaped them but aided in them becoming friends of the reader. The dialogue is crisp, the prose a joy to read as they have been throughout the series and all round, for me, I was treated to a tale that made me more than pleased I read the others not so long ago in order to help keep events fresh. All round a great series and one I'd reommend for anyone looking for not only a dystopican title but one that centres around believable characters, something that can get lost when you step into the far future. Magic.
Release Date: 12/05/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Guy Gavriel Kay, bestselling author of the groundbreaking novels Under Heaven and River of Stars, once again visits a world that evokes one that existed in our own past, this time the tumultuous period of Renaissance Europe-a world on the verge of war, where ordinary lives play out in the grand scheme of kingdoms colliding.
From the small coastal town of Senjan, notorious for its pirates , a young woman sets out to find vengeance for her lost family. That same spring, from the wealthy city-state of Seressa, famous for its canals and lagoon, come two very different people: a young artist traveling to the dangerous east to paint the Grand Khalif at his request-and possibly to do more-and a beautiful oman, posing as a doctor's wife in her role of a spy.
The trading ship that carries them is commanded by the clever younger son of a merchant family -with ambivalence about the life he's been born to live. And farther east a boy trains to become a soldier in the elite infantry of the khalif-to win glory in the war everyone knows is coming.
As these lives entwine, their fates-and those of many others-will hang in the balance, when the khalif sends out his massive army to take the great fortress that is the gateway to the western world...
REVIEW:
If you love alternate history you at one point have to have tried Guy Gavriel Kay. The writing is delightfully crisp, the prose sharp and when you get right down to it all the books interlink with this one throwing out a lot of references to previous titles.
Its got something for everyone with characters that you just love to spend time with. Top notch dialogue and all wrapped up with a pace that is masterfully done. FInally add to this an overall arc that is not only beautifully creative but takes the reader upon one hel lo fa journey. Cracking.
Release Date: 11/08/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
The name's Gideon Tau, but everyone just calls me London. I work for the Delphic Division, the occult investigative unit of the South African Police Service. My life revolves around two things - finding out who killed my daughter and imagining what I'm going to do to the bastard when I catch him.
I have two friends. The first is my boss, Armitage, a fifty-something DCI from Yorkshire who looks more like someone's mother than a cop. Don't let that fool you. The second is the dog, my magical spirit guide. He talks, he watches TV all day, and he's a mean drunk.
Life is pretty routine - I solve crimes, I search for my daughter's killer. Wash, rinse, repeat. Until the day I'm called out to the murder of a ramanga - a low-key vampire - basically, the tabloid journalist of the vampire world. It looks like an open and shut case. There's even CCTV footage of the killer.
Except... the face on the CCTV footage? It's the face of the man who killed my daughter. I'm about to face a tough choice. Catch her killer or save the world? I can't do both.
It's not looking good for the world.
Poison City is the first in a fantastical new series for fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Lauren Beukes, Sarah Lotz and Stephen King.
REVIEW:
Some books follow trends, others step out not only to forge a different path but to burn their own way through the literary jungle. It's this second group that Paul's stunning Poison City falls into.
It has cracking characters, good solid growth and when you get the backstory for those involved you can see how hard some of the choices are that they have to face. It's definitely quirky, fun to read and gave me a wonderful sense for the part of world where its set. All round its a pure joy to read and with great pace, magical dialogue all round leaves me demanding more. Definitely a book I'm buying for quite a few UF fans I know this year. Magic.
Release Date: 05/10/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
M is a drifter with a sharp tongue, few scruples, and limited magical ability, who would prefer drinking artisanal beer to involving himself in the politics of the city. Alas, in the infinite nexus of the universe which is New York, trouble is a hard thing to avoid, and when a rivalry between the city's two queens threatens to turn to all out war, M finds himself thrust in thrust in the unfamiliar position of hero. Now, to keep the apocalypse from descending on the Big Apple, he’ll have to call in every favor, waste every charm, and blow every spell he's ever acquired - he might even have to get out of bed before noon.
Enter a world of Wall Street wolves, slumming scenesters, desperate artists, drug-induced divinities, pocket steam-punk universes, hipster zombies, and phantom subway lines. Because the city never sleeps, but is always dreaming.
REVIEW:
Daniel has aways been an author whom has trodden his own path being literally the proverbial author of Forrest Gump's Box of Chocolates (you never know what you're going to get) and this title goes to prove that as whilst it is an Urban Fantasy its also so much more as the magical people of NYC come to light in this strange and unusual title.
Its quirky, has many wonderful scenes that make up a picture of the whole rather than focusing on the one character becoming more like a guide to the UF New York that has such a charm about it that its hard to put down. Add to this some wonderful phrases, great mis-en-scenes as well as dialogue that takes you through all round generates a book that was a pure joy to read. Finally back thi up with a writing style that is instantly identifiable alongside a masterly understanding of pace and all round I was a more than happy reader. Magic.
Release Date: 25/08/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Late spring, 1728 and Thomas Hawkins has left London for the wild beauty of Yorkshire - forced on a mission he can't refuse. John Aislabie, one of the wealthiest men in England, has been threatened with murder. Blackmailed into investigating, Tom must hunt down those responsible, or lose the woman he loves forever.
Since Aislabie is widely regarded as the architect of the greatest financial swindle ever seen, there is no shortage of suspects.
Far from the ragged comforts of home, Tom and his ward Sam Fleet enter a world of elegant surfaces and hidden danger. The great estate is haunted by family secrets and simmering unease. Someone is determined to punish John Aislabie - and anyone who stands in the way. As the violence escalates and shocking truths are revealed, Tom is dragged, inexorably, towards the darkest night of his life.
Inspired by real characters, events and settings, A Death at Fountains Abbey is a gripping standalone historical thriller. It also continues the story that began with the award-winning The Devil in the Marshalsea and The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins.
REVIEW:
Plot lines in titles can often become not only convoluted but overly complex and it takes an author with great skill to keep not only the events within on track but to also make sure that the tale doesn’t become mired in Gordian knots that no one can untangle regardless of how well written the book is.
Antonia has always done this for me as a reader as she carefully blends personal issues into a story with greater effects to the world as a whole feeling not only a natural occurance but both with equal importance to the tale. Add to this her delightful manner of bringing the principle characters to the fore, adding dialogue that develops the world further as well as allowing the reader what feels like a snapshot into the past. Back this up with some cracking authorial manipulations, some cracking twists as well as life and death decisions left me as a reader not only short of breath as various scenes concluded but one that just felt that the book couldn’t be left until I found out all the facts alongside conclusion as this standalone title concluded.
Release Date: 28/07/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
In the dying days of the Wars of the Roses a secret war is born. The battle for a crown is about to become a fight for the world.
Bastard son, mercenary soldier, protector of the rightful king, seeker of a secret more treacherous than any in Christendom: Jack Wynter is destined to live in dangerous times.
In England, the Wars of the Roses ended a decade ago with the fall of the House of Lancaster and the victory of King Edward of York. But peace sleeps uneasy in this divided realm and when the king dies unexpectedly it isn't long before old blood feuds and ambitions are awoken.
In the sun-baked city of Seville, unaware of the clouds of war rising over England, Jack Wynter is cursing his fortune. Sent here by his secretive father, king's man, Sir Thomas Vaughan - with a locked chest he has been ordered to guard with his life - Jack wonders if this mission was simply a ruse to get an illegitimate, inconvenient son out of the country. But when a stranger arrives with news that his father has been arrested for treason, Jack finds himself thrust into the heart of a deadly conspiracy.
What is the secret Jack has been guarding? Is it the reason for his father's fall? The only place he is going to find answers is back in England, where young Prince Edward is due to become king . . . unless his uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, decides to make a move for the throne. It is also where Jack's half-brother, Harry, broods bitterly over their father's apparent preference for a bastard son.
Jack Wynter is coming home, to a realm of intrigue and corruption, mystery and war. Somehow, he is connected to a secret that can kill him - or make him. Its influence spans Europe and will draw him towards the very edge of the known world, and beyond, in Robyn Young's dazzling new epic.
The old world is turning.
A new world is rising.
REVIEW:
In recent years, a lot of authors are taking inspiration from the War of the Roses (Aka, The Cousins War). It’s a pretty harsh time to be alive, where the nobility faces death as easily as a serf with each choice leading to possible death, treachery and at times the loss of lands and titles.
Its well written and whilst I did have problems with some of Robyn’s earlier work, this title for me, has gone to show that she has not only matured as a writer but manages to balance the story with great prose, top notch pace and also brings relatable characters together with fictional ones to create a new dynamic.
Add to this solid dialogue as well as a hugely epic over arc and all round, its going to be a series to savour. Thanks Robyn.
Release Date: 16/06/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Imperial agent Cassius Corbulo is about to go rogue. His bodyguard, Indavara, has been kidnapped and has seemingly vanished off the face of the earth. Having spent weeks trying to discover his fate, Cassius's time is up: his superiors want him to return to duty.
But when an old ally's daughter is enslaved, he feels obliged to repay a long standing debt. Refusing the offer of a prestigious post, Cassius - and his Christian servant Simo - join nomadic chieftain Kabir and a trio of warriors, determined to rescue the missing girl. Now operating outside the law, the unlikely band journey across the perilous plague-ridden hinterland of Asia Minor, hunting the slavers. But these are no common criminals, and Cassius finds himself up against ruthless, cunning men with powerful friends and a lot to lose.
REVIEW:
Nick Brown is an author that I’ve loved since I read his original novel in the series. I love the way he brings his characters across and the way he has developed them from the very beginning. Here within this, the sixth outing, we have our principle character Cassius thrown a curveball as his ex-gladiator bodyguard is kidnapped. It leaves him in one hell of a situation and whilst he wallows in his own pity, a request for aid from an old friend soon has him bucking his idea’s up.
As with the other books, it’s well thought out. Gives the reader plenty of meat to chew on and backed it up with solid prose alongside dialogue that trips off the page keeps you glued as you seek to find out more as its gently teased out to you.
If you haven’t read Nick’s work before, start with the first book and you’ll soon see that you’ll be as addicted to his series as we are.
Release Date: 14/04/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
From renowned author Lindsey Davis, creator of the much-loved character, Marcus Didius Falco and his friends and family, comes the fourth novel in her all-new series set in ancient Rome.
We first met Flavia Albia, Falco's feisty adopted daughter, in The Ides of April. Albia is a remarkable woman in what is very much a man's world: young, widowed and fiercely independent, she lives alone on the Aventine Hill in Rome and makes a good living as a hired investigator. An outsider in more ways than one, Albia has unique insight into life in ancient Rome, and she puts it to good use going places no man could go, and asking questions no man could ask.
REVIEW:
Having been disappointed with the previous title in the Flavia Albia series (Deadly Election), I hoped that this one would get back to the dangerous elements where Albia’s success or failure would affect how she survived in the Roman Empire. Thankfully this one did what I wanted and as usual I was treated to a tale that had murder, intrigue and the double edged sword of truthfulness facing off against the machinations of those concerned.
All round, it’s a story that will fulfil what you want as a reader. Solid crime deduction, interesting cast members and above all else a principle character whose personal choices often put her at odds with those she works for. Cracking.
Release Date: 10/03/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
For centuries beyond counting, humanity has served the Others, god-like Eternals who rule from their cloud-capped mountain-city, building a civilization of unimagined beauty and unchecked viciousness.
But all that is about to change. Bas Alyates, grizzled general of a thousand battles, has assembled a vast army with which to contend with the might of Those Above. Eudokia, Machiavellian matriarch and the power behind the Empty Throne, travels to the Roost, nominally to play peacemaker - but in fact to inspire the human population toward revolt. Deep in the dark byways of the mountain's lower tiers, the urchin Pyre leads a band of fanatical revolutionaries in acts of terrorism against their inhuman oppressors. Against them, Calla, handmaiden of the Eternals' king, fights desperately to stave off the rising tide of violence which threatens to destroy her beloved city.
The story begun in Those Above comes to a stunning conclusion in this unforgettable battle for the hearts and minds of the human race, making The Empty Throne the most exciting epic fantasies of recent times.
REVIEW:
Daniel is an author that has entertained me throughout his writing, he manages to bring cracking world building to the fore as he not only weaves a complex story but allows character growth to happen naturally and in this, his second outing (and final for his series) into the Empty Throne world, we get to see all of his skills brought to the fore.
The writing is crisp, the dialogue smooth and when blended with good authorly sleight of hand generates a book that is hard to put down. All round a cracking title although for me, I did feel that the conclusion felt rushed almost as if a deadline interrupted rather than allowing it to finish naturally but even so its still a fun read.
Release Date: 14/01/16
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Grievously wounded private detective Charlie Parker investigates a case that has its origins in a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War.
Broken, but undeterred, private detective Charlie Parker faces the darkest of dark forces in a case with its roots in the second world war, and a concentration camp unlike any other . . .
Recovering from a near-fatal shooting and tormented by memories of a world beyond this one, Parker has retreated to the small Maine town of Boreas to recover. There he befriends a widow named Ruth Winter and her young daughter, Amanda. But Ruth has her secrets. She is hiding from the past, and the forces that threaten her have their origins in the Second World War, in a town called Lubko and a concentration camp unlike any other. Old atrocities are about to be unearthed, and old sinners will kill to hide their sins. Now Parker is about to risk his life to defend a woman he barely knows, one who fears him almost as much as she fears those who are coming for her.
His enemies believe him to be vulnerable. Fearful. Solitary.
But they are wrong. Parker is far from afraid, and far from alone.
For something is emerging from the shadows . . .
REVIEW:
The latest book from John in his Charlie Parker Paranormal series (book 13) and lets just say after events from the previous outing, Charlie is thought to be broken and vulnerable, setting the tale up for a chance for others to get vengeance and what they think they deserve against the tales hero.
As with the other books, its well written and John has an ability to weave two genre’s together in such a way that they mesh seamlessly giving you a cracking reading experience. The prose is sharp, the characters delightful and when as a reader you get a story that brings dialogue that helps make the characters feel real all round gives you something that you know will be worth taking your time to read.
All round, when added to the others in the series I have to say that this is one of my favourites in John’s writing history. It really does bring Charlie to the fore and for me, showing a vulnerable side really helps make him feel more like a mortal man. Cracking.
Release Date: 20/10/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Like Stephen King's The Stand before it, THE DEAD LANDS is an incredible novel set across the sprawling landscape of a nightmarish post-apocalyptic American West.
The world we know is gone, destroyed by a virus that wiped out nearly every human on the planet. Some few survivors built walled cities, fortresses to keep themselves safe from those the virus didn't kill... but did change.
Sanctuary. A citadel in the heart of the former United States of America. Hundreds of miles in every direction beyond its walls lies nothing but death and devastation. Everyone who lives in the safety Sanctuary provides knows that.
Until the day a stranger appears. She speaks of a green and fertile land far to the west, a land of promise and plenty, safe from the ruin the virus has wreaked. She has come to lead the survivors away from Sanctuary, to the promise of a new life without walls.
But those who follow her will discover that not everything she says is true.
REVIEW:
As most people know, books are a guilty pleasure for me. I love to break from the real world, to visit the imaginations of others and thoroughly enjoy being immersed in something different to the norm. What this title from Benjamin does is take the reader into a beautifully descriptive world that paints the picture vividly into their minds. The words are almost poetic and when you add that he’s prepared to introduce and murder people into the mix, works deliciously well to help keep this bleak future at the forefront of the reader’s attention.
The prose is sharp, the pace delightful and when added to solid storytelling made this a book that I had a hard time putting down. That’s not to say it’s not without its faults, the ending felt a bit too fast with a number of issues unresolved and whilst I can accept this in a title I do find it more than a little frustrating as I like clear points to pick up from for future outings.
All round a good read and one that I’m pleased I stayed with especially as it took a little time to get into the authors writing style. Cracking.
Release Date: 20/10/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
I'm not a typical lawyer. I don't maintain a pretty office filled with mahogany and leather. I don't belong to a big firm, prestigious or otherwise. I don't do good works through the bar association. I'm a lone gunman, a rogue who fights bad systems and hates injustice . . .
Sebastian Rudd takes the cases no one else wants to take: the drug-addled punk accused of murdering two little girls; a crime lord on death row; a homeowner who shot at a SWAT team.
Rudd believes that every person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair trial - even if he has to cheat to get one. He antagonises people from both sides of the law: his last office was firebombed, either by drug dealers or cops. He doesn't know or care which.
But things are about to get even more complicated for Sebastian. Arch Swanger is the prime suspect in the abduction and presumed murder of 21-year-old Jiliana Kemp, the daughter of the assistant chief of police. When Swanger asks Sebastian to represent him, he lets Sebastian in on a terrible secret . . . one that will threaten everything Sebastian holds dear.
Gritty, witty, and impossible to put down, Rogue Lawyer is the master of the legal thriller at his very best.
REVIEW:
John Grisham is one of those authors that feels to a reader like he has a new book out every few months and whilst I don’t read him all that often, I am more than aware of his sheer volume of work. Wanting something different to a lot of the other books I’ve been reading recently, I picked up this latest offering and was given what felt like a ton of short stories tied together that were quickly written and ended just as abruptly.
All round it felt like a book that was just churned out to trade upon the authors name and rather than presenting a solid story with a lot of twists that his earlier titles gave me. A great shame and one that will leave me cool to his work for some time to come.
Release Date: 24/09/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Ender's Game meets The Hunger Games in this, the second in an extraordinary trilogy from an incredible new voice.
'I'm still playing games. This is just the deadliest yet.'
Darrow is a rebel forged by tragedy. For years he and his fellow Reds worked the mines, toiling to make the surface of Mars inhabitable. They were, they believed, mankind's last hope. Until Darrow discovered that it was all a lie, and that the Red were nothing more than unwitting slaves to an elitist ruling class, the Golds, who had been living on Mars in luxury for generations.
In RED RISING, Darrow infiltrated Gold society, to fight in secret for a better future for his people. Now fully embedded amongst the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his dangerous work to bring them down from within. It's a journey that will take him further than he's ever been before - but is Darrow truly willing to pay the price that rebellion demands?
A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown's continuing status as one of fiction's most exciting new voices.
REVIEW:
The second book in Pierce’s Red Rising Trilogy and whilst the first burst onto the scene with a massive explosion, for me, the key to whether an author is here to stay or not is how the second book arrives. Firstly is it out within a reasonable time and secondly does it improve on not only what has gone before but also generates a feeling of OMG within the reader due to the sheer quality.
What Pierce brings to the table here is a tale that not only does all that but also allows the characters to not only grow but each work on how their emotions are after the events within the first outing. The writing is solid, delightful prose that keeps you glued alongside well designed characters that have a believeablity about them that really hooks you within its grasp. The pace works wonderfully well and when added to dialogue that just captures the imagination, leaves this as a book that you really don’t want to put down leaving many a reader with the “just one more chapter” feeling.
All round a cracking book that has left me yearning for the final part and one that really has set itself up for one hell of a climax. How the world will turn or change in the final outing is anyone’s guess but at the end of the day part of the fun for me, is imagining how the tale will whirl and finally seeing what conclusions will be reached. I really can’t wait. Thank you Pierce.
Release Date: 24/09/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Dea Donahue has been able to travel through people's dreams since she was six years old. Her mother taught her the three rules of walking: Never interfere. Never be seen. Never walk the same person's dream more than once. Dea has never questioned her mother, not about the rules, not about the clocks or the mirrors, not about moving from place to place to be one step ahead of the unseen monsters that Dea's mother is certain are right behind them.
Then a mysterious new boy, Connor, comes to town and Dea finally starts to feel normal. As Connor breaks down the walls that she's had up for so long, he gets closer to learning her secret. For the first time she wonders if that's so bad. But when Dea breaks the rules, the boundary between worlds begins to deteriorate. How can she know what's real and what's not?
REVIEW:
This book was a strange one. Firstly I loved the premise and with that to give me a good start, I opened the first page and started reading.
What unfurled within was a story that had a good few parts to it, it had mystery, it had a thriller element and blended together with a solid principle character allowed the reader to embark upon a journey that took a good few twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
That said, I have to say that I did have a few problems with the title. Firstly I didn’t think it was very well written, I found the prose a little bit jumpy, rather than a smooth ride and whilst I thought the dialogue was OK, for me as a reader having so many chops and changes jarred the writing style so much for me that I had a hard time going from one scene to another. Don’t get me wrong its full of promise, it does have a great potential but at the end of the day it lacked a smoothness that I wanted and then finished a bit too quickly to allow a solid ending.
Release Date: 06/08/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Imagine a world where everyone is born with a 'skin' name. Without skin you cannot learn, you are not permitted to marry, and you grow up an outsider amongst your own people.
This is no future dystopia. This is Celtic Britain.
It is AD 43. For the Caer Cad, 'skin' name determines lineage and identity. Ailia does not have skin; despite this, she is a remarkable young woman, intelligent, curious and brave. As a dark threat grows on the horizon - the aggressive expansion of the Roman Empire - Ailia must embark on an unsanctioned journey to attain the knowledge that will protect her people, and their pagan way of life, from the most terrifying invaders they have ever faced... and it is this unskinned girl who will come to hold the fate of her people in her hands.
REVIEW:
I love historical fiction, especially when its set in a time period to which I’m familiar. Set in the first century this title by Australian Author Ilka Tampke, brings the plight of Iron Age Britains to the fore as the roman army (under the rule of Emperor Claudius) back to British shores just less than a century after Julius Caesar.
Written from the point of view of an outcast in the Celtic tribal system, we have a book that brings the world to life through her eyes. Its well written, the facts come across easily without seeming like an info dump and we are treated to a tale that allows the reader to see that whilst we think we’re advanced that our ancestors had a lot of the same worries that we ourselves suffer today.
Back this up with a good solid pace, lulls to catch your breath by as well as dialogue that works wonderfully and descriptive prose that really put you there all round makes this a debut I am more than pleased I caught. Cracking.
Release Date: 13/08/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, she isn't expecting much. The Wayfarer, a patched-up ship that's seen better days, offers her everything she could possibly want: a small, quiet spot to call home for a while, adventure in far-off corners of the galaxy, and distance from her troubled past.
But Rosemary gets more than she bargained for with the Wayfarer. The crew is a mishmash of species and personalities, from Sissix, the friendly reptillian pilot, to Kizzy and Jenks, the constantly sparring engineers who keep the ship running. Life on board is chaotic, but more or less peaceful - exactly what Rosemary wants.
Until the crew are offered the job of a lifetime: the chance to build a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet. They'll earn enough money to live comfortably for years... if they survive the long trip through war-torn interstellar space without endangering any of the fragile alliances that keep the galaxy peaceful.
But Rosemary isn't the only person on board with secrets to hide, and the crew will soon discover that space may be vast, but spaceships are very small indeed.
REVIEW:
A different type of space novel and one that fans of firefly as well as Farscape will love as it has a lot of similarities with both series. Its definitely quirky and whilst most novels have a huge arc to work their way through this one felt more like an experiment with the characters to see how they’d interact with each other rather than a full novel in its own right. Don’t get me wrong, I liked this approach but if the characters hadn’t enchanted me as much as they had, I’d have been left wondering what the hell the book was trying to achieve.
All round a solid enough outing and one that having established the crew and universe to the reader, will allow later outings to deliver more on plot and kickass action. Definitely someone to watch.
