Review: The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence

If Mark Lawrence writes, then I will read. He has a fantastic writing style, creates interesting and flawed characters and has an expansive imagination that holds together the threads of complex world-building. But ... and I hate that I'm writing this, something in this book felt hollow, like going through the motions of writing. The complexity was there (and perhaps too much of it) but I didn't quite get the characters I was hoping for. In fact, they began to feel like any other writer's sci fi fantasy creations and a lot more YA than I was expecting ...

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Review: The Cat and the City by Nick Bradley

There was a lot going on in this short book and I will try and be as disciplined as possible in reviewing it, rather than interpreting it, as right now I want nothing more than just to sit down with someone else who has read it so we can talk about how GOOD that was.

Review: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

I know, I know, I'm super late to the party on this one. I only recently received a copy of this book for review, presumably ahead of Bashardoust's newest book, Girl, Serpent Thorn, and as Girls Made of Snow and Glass is now coming out on Kindle with Hodder & Stoughton. It was such a joy to read though, that I wish I'd got my hands on it sooner!

Review: The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle by Neil Blackmore

Two brothers, home-educated by a redoubtable mother and from merchant stock, embark on the Grand Tour. They set out with the intention of meeting people of Quality, the good and the great of British society, armed with with the classics and a love of Culture. Instead, they find that class cannot be learnt, and that love can be toxic.

Review: Conjure Women by Afia Atakora

Conjure Women is a tale of intertwined lives that is masterfully wrapped around a secure understanding of history. So many tales and experiences are told through one voice, which makes this story rich and heady.

Review: The Ninth Child by Sally Magnusson

Using a clear historical framework from an interesting period in history, The Ninth Child ties together themes around Victorian sensibilities - childbirth, public health, the role of the woman and the realm of something ethereal - against a backdrop of the Scottish Trossachs.

Review: Odriel’s Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow

Hayley was kind enough to reach out to me about reviewing a copy of her book, and I'm glad she did - it is a short but sweet fantasy tale that does the job nicely.