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Journeys Through Collection: Volumes 1-3 by James Talisman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3Journeys Through Collection: Volume 1-3 by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through is a wonderful series of metaphysical fiction books. With interconnected stories set in an array of vibrantly described worlds, it really is a treat for readers looking for something a bit different that will fuel their imaginations.
I particularly enjoy how this book sits across multiple genres, with different storylines fitting more into, say, space opera or urban fantasy. Common themes, and the author’s writing style, provide consistency through these different worlds in the MultiVerse.
These three books all get five stars from me, and it’s so handy that they’re all collected together in one volume! I would definitely recommend getting this version if you haven’t already read the first couple of books, so you can move seamlessly between them rather than having to wait until you have an opportunity to get the next book!

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3) by James Talisman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Journeys Through AllCreation (Journeys Through Book 3)Journeys Through AllCreation by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys Through AllCreation is the third instalment of the epic Journeys Through series. It’s a rich and detailed fantasy story that weaves together multiple interconnected threads. I would definitely recommend starting with the first book in this amazing series – Journey’s Through SpaceTime.
The author really has a knack for worldbuilding, and this story which takes readers between different worlds really is a treat! I particularly enjoyed the Himalayan setting on Earth, bringing together the fantasy and the power of the real setting. Plenty of vivid descriptions to keep readers’ imaginations busy!
As with the other books in the series, this is not the easiest to follow at times. It definitely demands a lot of your attention – great to read when you’ve got a lot of time and space (no pun intended) to get truly absorbed in the book. There’s a lot at stake in the MultiVerse so once you get into it it’s an absolutely gripping story!
This book gets five stars from me. I’d recommend the series to fans of sci-fi an fantasy who want to be taken on a truly awesome adventure!

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Clockwork Solution is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles. It is a steampunk fantasy about a young witch whose unique power, Technomancy, puts her at the forefront of a changing world of both magic and technology. This series will delight young adult and older readers who enjoy the intersection between magic and tech, and stories with a historical setting.
In this second book, Arabella is sent to Ireland to see if there is anything her family – both witches and “mundane” relatives – can do to help reduce the impact of the famine. But witches, blamed by many for the famine, are not welcome in Ireland. And there is no guarantee that the forces threatening her in London won’t have followed her across the Irish Sea.
I particularly liked Eliza and Sarah, the Guardians who accompany Arabella and her sister, Rowena, on their journey. Both powerful and experienced, they have strong personalities which at times are in conflict but at others provide a balanced and thorough approach.
This book gets five stars from me, and I can’t wait to see how Arabella’s next adventure turns out. I would recommend readers start with the first book in the series, The Clockwork Witch, to get to know the characters and the wonderful world portrayed in the books.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mesmerist is a stunning fantasy mystery, set in a royal court. It’s a stand-alone story packed with rich details and intriguing secrets that will draw readers in. A real treat for young adult readers!
I was intrigued from the start, with so many questions I was desperate to get answers to. Why was Adrijana’s father so worried about taking her to the city? What would it be like – would it live up to her expectations?
The setting is great! There’s a bit of magic, and it’s heavily tied in to power and politics. The Mesmers can see people’s thoughts and emotions, but there are those who are immune to their abilities, who are also the kinds of people you can’t accuse lightly. So Adrijana and Dragan, the royal Mesmer, have to tread carefully as they try to uncover the truth and deliver justice. At the same time, there’s all the glitz and glamour of a royal court, and the exciting melting pot of different cultures.
This book gets five stars from me! I would recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with a royal setting, such as the Tortall books. I would love to read more, and in a way it’s a shame it’s a stand-alone, but the author has written plenty more that you can enjoy once you’ve savoured The Mesmerist.

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders Book 4) by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Bear at Midnight (Orkneyinga Murders #4)The Bear at Midnight by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Bear at Midnight is the fourth book in the Orkneyinga Murders series. Set in Viking Scotland, this mystery centres around the appointment of a new leader. With lots at stake, everyone is using their physical strength, political power, good looks or whatever they’ve got going for them to try and secure their preferred outcome.

This is a gripping story. I could barely put it down, and only got distracted finding out if I could learn tablet weaving (not having a hole punch handy prevented me going TOO far down that rabbit hole…). I love the level of historical detail – it really brought the story to life! I have friends and family who do nålbinding so it was great to see it getting a mention!

Sigrid and Ketil make a good team, able between them to talk to most people and find out their version of events. There’s a lot to unravel, with secrets and strong feelings being harboured by many. There are plenty of other great characters too, including a troublemaking pig!

I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, and found The Bear at Midnight easy enough to follow so I would say it could work as a standalone. I am now desperate to read the other books when I get a chance, though, so why not start with book one?

This book gets five stars from me! I would recommend it to fans of historical mysteries and any Viking enthusiasts.

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles Book 2) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles, #2)To be a Fae Guardian by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To Be a Fae Guardian is the second book in the Realm Chronicles. It’s an exciting, beautiful fantasy story focusing on a young woman struggling to prove herself as a leader in a world of complicated politics and supernatural threats. If you haven’t already, I would definitely recommend reading the first book, To Be a Fae Queen, to begin with!
I loved the first book in this series, so was eager to read this when it came out and find out what happened next to Titania and her friends and family! In this sequel, Titania has to deal with the backlash of the decisions she made in the previous book. This is really effective – too often it seems like heroes face no consequences for the rules they’ve broken to achieve their goals. And, of course, there are new threats in addition to Titania’s social responsibilities as queen.
I particularly liked Titania’s cousins. They bring light and joy to the darker moments in the book, as well as helping Titania learn more about herself. They also highlight how much Titania has had to grow up, quickly, as they are not much younger than her but free from the authority and responsibility she has to shoulder.
This book gets a solid five stars from me! (Or six, if I’m allowed to give six? Worth a try!). I would recommend it to teen and young adult fantasy fans, as well as adult readers who enjoy fantasy that’s not too grim or heavy. It’s aimed at readers in KS4, but strong readers in KS3 will enjoy it as well.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Exiled South is an interesting read and insight into different perspectives on the world. The protagonist, Lizbeth Gordon, has struggled for decades to reconcile her desire to be a good ally to people experiencing racism with the realities of slave ownership in her family history. For most of her adult life, she has hidden her southern accent and lived away from her family. But when her life is turned upside down, she goes back and begins to learn, and accept, more about her ancestors.
Things in this book are never quite straightforward – from what Lizbeth thinks her family history is, to what she thought her husband’s life was. There’s plenty to unravel, which keeps readers intrigued.
The author does a great job of creating a sense of place. I enjoyed exploring places like Charleston and Rio alongside Lizbeth. In that respect, it’s very much like a holiday in a book!
This book gets four stars from me. I would recommend it to readers interested in family history and the complicated and sometimes uncomfortable history of the American South.

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Moon is the third book in the Shadow Chronicles series. It’s definitely worth reading this series from the start to get to know the characters and context for this fast-paced story.
Wow. This is a fantastic, exciting book! It’s got vampires, werewolves, witches and more. It’s got myths and prophecies and so much magic. It’s a real page-turner that I couldn’t put down. And a perfect story to read during the January Wolf Moon.
The narrative mainly switches between Tasha and Levi’s perspective. This is particularly effective where they are both trying to make decisions to protect each other and you can see how there’s just no way either of them will keep the other out of trouble!
There were a few points where I felt like things were moving a bit too quickly for me to keep track of, but I was able to flick back a few pages and reorient myself. Definitely a book that you want to be giving your full attention!
This book gets five stars from me! I would recommend it to fans of modern fantasy series (if you’re a recovering Twihard you’ll probably love this). And start with book 1, Forbidden Wolf, if you haven’t already read it!

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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Apocalypse Thoughts is the second book in the Pox Series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. It’s set in a world which was recovering from a smallpox-based global pandemic, but then was hit by a new and deadlier wave. The story follows a quest through the Appalachian Trail, narrated by unlikely heroine Kella whose main goal is keeping her brother alive.
Kella’s brother, Huck, is my favourite character. He’s neurodivergent and brings a great perspective to things with coping mechanisms such as using video game metaphors to make sense of the situation they’re in, and entertaining everyone by retelling the entirety of the MCU. I like that Kella and Huck stand up for each other, even when they’re often frustrated with each other as well.
This is definitely not an escapist book for readers wanting to forget about COVID for a bit. But that said, it’s a chance to explore somewhere new from the safety of your home, and will make you grateful that at least we don’t have to deal with zombies!
I would recommend this for teen and young adult readers – it gets quite gory and violent at times so would not be suitable for younger readers. Many of the characters have experienced the loss of someone close to them – parents, siblings, grandparents – and at times they discuss how this has affected them.
This book gets five stars from me! It’s great if you’re looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder on the Moor Book 3) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Shake Loose the Border (Thunder On The Moor Book 3)Shake Loose the Border by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shake Loose the Border is the third book in the Thunder On The Moor series. It’s definitely worth starting with book one (Thunder On The Moor) as a lot happens in the earlier books that impacts on the events of this one.
Thunder On The Moor is a historical fiction series with a time travel twist. The historical setting is the Scottish borders in the mid-16th Century, and a lot of research has gone into the level of historical detail which really paints a vivid picture. Thanks to the time travel, we get to experience the past through modern eyes, as Maggie learns to accept the realities of the world she has found herself in.
This is an emotional book, and there is a fair bit of violence as well. But there’s also plenty of warmth and character to keep it balanced!
I would recommend this to fans of other time travel stories with strong historical elements, such as Outlander. It gets five stars from me – a totally engrossing read!

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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The TravelerThe Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Traveler is an exciting speculative fiction novel. I didn’t really know what to expect when I started it, just that I was intrigued, and can safely say I would never have anticipated what it would actually be like. Totally original, and captivating!
Tristan is very down-to-earth and likes things predictable and familiar. He likes to be able to make sense of things, and isn’t particularly fond of surprises. So when the Traveler turns up, he has a lot of questions. And concerns. And panic.
The Traveler is a fascinating creature, and the more I learnt the more I wanted to know. If you’ve ever been disappointed that aliens and fantasy creatures are often humanoid, this will satisfy your thirst for something different!
There’s something Douglas Adams-y in the tone of the story, and there are similarities between Tristan and Arthur Dent. So I would recommend this book to fans of wacky stories like that! And any fans of speculative fiction looking for something new and a bit different. I would not recommend it to arachnophobes, unless you’re working on exposure therapy…
This book gets five stars from me. There’s a sequel out soon which is definitely going on my tbr list! Can’t wait to read more of the Traveler’s adventures.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Tally and the Angel Book Two, CanadaTally and the Angel Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tally and the Angel is an enchanting children’s fantasy series, and this is the second book which is set primarily in the Yukon. It is appropriate for confident readers in KS2, and KS3. It’s also an enjoyable read for adults, and would be a fun story to read out loud! There is some violence and suspense – as the summary suggests, Tally’s dad is in danger for part of the book. So parents of more sensitive or younger children might want to read the book first and prepare discussions. But Tally is a brave heroine and there are caring characters around her who help her to face her challenges!
I loved the setting of this book. I’ve been to the Yukon, so it brought back loads of happy memories! There are dog sleds and snow and tales of the Gold Rush and lots and lots of warm layers! Tally and her dad are both up for an adventure and so get to explore some stunning scenery.
This book has plenty of mystery and intrigue, to keep readers engaged. We learn more about Jophiel the angel, and encounter more ancient magic.
This book gets five stars from me. I’d recommend it to young readers who enjoy exploring new places in books, and stories with magic and angels.

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Nite Fire: Chain Reaction (Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chain Reaction is the second book in the Nite Fire series. I would definitely recommend starting at book one, Flash Point, so you get to know the characters and the world. It’s an urban fantasy series about Dahlia Nite, a shape-shifting dragon who investigates crimes related to other monsters who have crossed over into the human world.

In Chain Reaction, Nite and her colleagues are presented with a particularly baffling series of cases. Spontaneous human combustion is involved, which makes gathering evidence near-impossible! And also means they’ve got no chance of hiding what’s happening from the public. So it’s a race against the clock to work out what’s happening before it happens again and public panic worsens.

Evans comes into his own in this book. As one of the few humans who knows Nite’s secret, he has declared himself her sidekick and helps cover for her when she needs to use her abilities to gather clues. In this book, we also get to meet Dr Winters, the medical examiner who has the mammoth task of working out what happened whilst she is being kept in the dark about the paranormal aspects of the case.

This book gets five stars from me! I would recommend the series to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal mystery. And anyone who wishes they could turn into a dragon!

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Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds Book 1) by Bree Moore – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds, #1)Thief of Magic by Bree Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thief of Magic is the first book in the Shadowed Minds series. I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy adventure and look forward to continuing to read the series!
Lee, the protagonist, has powers which are strongest when she is in liminal spaces. Empty laundromats, museums after hours and other such places turn up a lot in this book. It makes for a wonderful, mysterious urban fantasy world.
This book features an exciting cast of characters with different powers. All their powers have downsides as well, and I like the extent to which this book explores the cost of magic. For example, Sam (one of my favourites!) can see people’s intentions, but this means he struggles to go out in public where he is overwhelmed by the information he gets from everyone around him.
There are plenty of complications in this book. Everyone wants different things and few, if any, are fully trustworthy. There are mysteries galore, which keep readers turning the pages.
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of urban fantasy and magical heists. This is a very promising start to the series!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Born in Darkness is the third book in the Mafia Elite series. I’ve been really enjoying this series so far, as well as other books by the same author such as the Gray Ghost series, so I was really excited to read it!
The Mafia Elite series centres around the Italian-American Mafia, in particular the young adults who are coming of age and finding their place in their dangerous but glamorous world. There are power struggles, deception and plenty of action!
Born in Darkness focuses on Emiliana and Stefano, who we’ve gotten to know in earlier books. Emiliana is great – she’s a keen cook and strong fighter, particularly when using knives. She’s still haunted by past traumas, but with her brother’s help has channelled this into training so she can defend herself. She does, however, continue to experience PTSD, particularly as it becomes clear that she’s still not entirely safe.
This is a real page-turner, with readers being given enough clues to try and figure out for ourselves who might be leaking information to those trying to harm Emiliana and her friends. There’s never a dull moment! And it’s fun catching up with the couples we’ve gotten to know in earlier books – Max and Lil, and Enzo and Sofia.
This is another five-star read for me! I would definitely advise readers to start at the beginning of the series, with No Way Out. I’d recommend it to fans of action-packed romance!

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Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fall to PiecesFall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fall to Pieces is a tense romantic suspense that’s impossible to put down! Lexi’s career and mental health are threatened by the loss of her husband and the surrounding circumstances. When a new case turns up that reopens old wounds, just when she is being investigated by Internal Affairs, Lexi has to fight to cling on to her job and sanity. And, of course, solve the case.
Arthur Book is a chillingly scary villain. He’s an expert in manipulation and seems able to, literally, get away with murder. I found myself anxiously turning the page, worried about when he would next show up. And there are some twists and turns as Lexi tries to learn more about him to find a vulnerability she can exploit.
Lexi has a great support network, and I love this cast of characters. Trudy and Buzz were my particular favourites! They’re interesting characters in their own right and there to support Lexi or help further the plot where needed.
Xavier is an interesting character, and I like that he has complex motivations and a backstory. He makes a good foil to Lexi – grounded and reaching out to others while she tries to isolate herself.
This book gets five stars from me. I couldn’t put it down! I really hope we get more stories with these characters. I’d recommend it to fans of police dramas and mysteries.

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Love’s Reverie (The Stardust Duet, Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love’s Reverie is the second half of the Stardust Duet. If you haven’t read Love’s Refrain yet, I would definitely recommend starting there as the books very much form two halves of a continuous story! It’s a beautiful, romantic story, set between the present day and 1947.
The story centres around a theatre, and I really enjoyed seeing the theatre at two distinct points in its history. The differences, both technological and social, are fascinating. Time travel allows the readers to see both times, and see the two through the eyes of Kat, from the present day, and Phillip, from the past.
This second half of the story sees the development of Kat and Phillip’s relationship, as well as the exploration of the possibilities and limitations of the magic that brought them together. The couple are presented with difficult decisions to make, particularly now that they are more aware of just how much can go wrong!
The character James really came into his own in this second half, and I enjoyed seeing him get more page-time! He is instrumental in many of the logistics of the story, as well as being a connection between the past and the present as one of the few characters who was there in both times. There are a few other connections as well – I audibly gasped once or twice when things fell into place!
I’ve really enjoyed this series. I enjoyed the first book so much that I immediately started the second and read it in one sitting! It definitely gets five stars from me – I wish I could give it six stars!

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love’s Refrain is the first book in the Stardust Duet. It’s a romantic story that follows a couple, Phillip and Kat, who seem destined to be together despite being born several decades apart. It’s an enchanting story, set in a historic theatre and with music running through the story.
The magical time travel elements of the story are nuanced enough that it does not feel like a huge departure from reality. The focus is more on representing the two times – present day and 1947 – and the connection between Phillip and Kat that reaches across the gap.
I particularly like the vivid descriptions of things like the theatre, clothes and music. It really draws me into the story! Kat is very glamorous and has a taste for vintage clothing, which features prominently throughout the book, and I loved exploring the theatre with her and discovering its secrets!
This is a two-part series, and the second book (Love’s Reverie) is also available. I barely paused for breath before moving on to it! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The second book fully concludes the story, so it is a satisfying, complete series.
This book gets five stars from me. I really enjoyed it! I would recommend it to fans of Audrey Niffenegger and Cecelia Ahern.

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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Sweet ChristmasA Sweet Christmas by Nicole Richard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sweet Christmas is a Sweet Confections Novella. It’s a short, fun, festive story! Great for romance lovers looking for something to read around the holidays, when you can get an hour or so to yourself.

For me, the big draw of this story is the baked goods. Thea runs a bakery and there’s plenty of description of the delicious cakes she makes! I love reading about food (although I love eating it more… this book could come with a free cupcake?)

Ben is a great character! I like how much he looks after Thea, and his sister Becca. Becca is also a great character – so friendly and enthusiastic!

There’s a little bit of tension and drama, enough to keep it interesting but not so much that it isn’t a comforting, light read.

This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to romance fans looking for something light but sexy to read over the holidays.

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twilight’s Curse is an exciting fantasy novel, suitable for teen and YA readers but also perfectly enjoyable for adults. It is the first book in the Twilight Realm trilogy, set in a world of elves, brownies and magic.

It’s a wonderful, original world with loads of cool details. I particularly like Zoe’s magic tattoos – given to her against her will, but proving too have power beyond what her parents could have guessed. And the tree houses – bigger on the inside and brimming with nature magic.

The narration is first person, switching between Nix and Zoe’s perspectives. The story jumps around in time a bit, filling in the gaps between the initial tragedy that sets off the events of the book and the present day where Nix and Zoe come into their destinies. It’s always made clear whose perspective we’re getting, and where each section fits in the timeline.

This story gets five stars from me, and I would recommend it to fantasy lovers looking for something a bit different! Plenty of magic and adventure to be found here.

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fate, Frankincense & Funerals is a paranormal shifter romance by Naomi Valkyrie. It centres around Acheron, a vulture shifter whose restlessness results in him being sent on an unusual and dangerous assignment.
Death is a main theme in this book. Acheron, by virtue of being a vulture shifter, is responsible for carrying out end of life rituals. I really liked the rituals and traditions Valkyrie detailed in this book – it’s a well-developed culture and presents an interesting perspective on life and death.
To an extent, I felt like the romance between Errapel and Acheron was a bit rushed. I would have appreciated more time for trust to build between the two of them. That said, it’s a short book and where fate is involved one can skip through courting.
This is a sensitive and interesting story, which gets four stars from me. Valkyrie has definitely whetted my appetite and I would love to read more with these characters! I’d recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy M/M romance looking for something they can comfortably read in one sitting.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood Oath is the second book in Amy McKinley’s exciting Mafia Elite series. The series focuses on the Italian American mafia, with book 2 focusing on different characters than book 1 (No Way Out) but with familiar characters returning on the sideline.
Sofia, our heroine in this book, is a fashion designer as well as being a mafia “princess”. So we get a fun insight into the fashion world, with her preparations for Milan fashion week. She’s defiantly independent – driving those who are meant to be protecting her up the wall! I particularly liked her friendship with Katya – against her family’s wishes, but definitely proving to her advantage!
The narrative swaps between Sofia and Enzo’s perspectives. This is particularly effective as Sofia is privy to some big secrets that Enzo knows nothing about. It’s fun seeing both sides of the story!
A word of warning: don’t read this book when you’re meant to be paying attention to your surroundings! I nearly missed my stop on the train I was so engrossed in this book! So read it somewhere safe where you can afford to lose track of time…
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend starting with book 1 but McKinley gives readers enough background (and a handy character list) that you should be able to keep up if you come in at book 2.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Elements of the Crown is the first book in Kay L Moody’s magical The Elements of Kamdaria series, collecting what were originally four shorter novellas. It’s an enchanting fantasy story that follows young Talise as she uses her magic powers to escape from the poverty and danger she was born into.
There’s some excellent world-building here. I was particularly interested in the justice system, which punishes whole families when one commits a crime. It was fascinating to explore how that would work, and how people in power would attempt to justify it.
This is a great story for fans of magic schools. Talise is a cool protagonist, and the high-stakes social mobility situation adds to the tension, with plenty of other sources of tension and intrigue. It’s aimed at teen/YA readers but will be enjoyable for older fantasy lovers as well!
This book gets five stars from me – I’d better get on to the next book! I’m glad I read the collected volume rather than the separate novellas as they would definitely all have left me wanting more, but reading the novellas separately might be preferable for a less confident reader who would benefit from something they can get through more easily.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a gripping novel by Gledé Browne Kabongo. It’s a psychological thriller, following a seemingly normal woman as her life completely unravels. Framed for a murder she hasn’t committed, and with a stalker determined to get revenge, Shelby has to work hard to prove her innocence and protect her family.
This is a real page-turner – once you get started you will need to know why Shelby is being targeted, and if/how she will make it through this onslaught. Changes of narrative perspective drip-feed information to the reader, whilst keeping us in suspense.
One thing I particularly like about this book is the highlighting of women, in particular women of colour, in STEM. Shelby is involved in some really cool scientific research, and is committed to encouraging other women and girls to get into STEM. It’s really great to get this sort of thing in books that aren’t specifically about women in STEM, but that will still get readers interested and raise awareness of some of the difficulties they face.
For me, this is a five-star read. It isn’t a genre I read much but I was absolutely hooked and will definitely look to read more of Browne Kabongo’s work in the future. I would recommend it to any readers looking for something that will have them on the edge of their seats.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kingdom of Embers is the first book in Tricia Copeland’s Kingdom Journals series. It’s an urban paranormal fantasy series that draws on many familiar creatures and tropes while bringing something fresh to the reader. I particularly liked the incorporation of imaginary friends!
Alena is a fun heroine, trying hard to be a normal teenager whilst dealing with her decidedly unnormal home life and powers. Her goals for the year include getting decent grades and being a successful teenager. She’s not interested in dating. She’s definitely not interested in drawing too much attention to herself.
This is an engaging, enjoyable book! It reminded me a bit of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, with the threat of dangerous vampires and the protagonist with a flair for gymnastics and cheerleading. It will appeal to fans of this and other high school-based urban fantasy.
For me, this is a five-star read. I’m pleased to see that there are quite a few books in the series already – they’re definitely going on my tbr list!

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death Under Palm Trees is the fourth book in Carmen Radtke’s Jack and Frances mysteries series. It takes place primarily in Nice, where a festive gathering is doubling as a trap to identify a leak of information from the British Government.
Jack and Frances are supposed to be enjoying a much-deserved break, after visiting Jack’s mother in London. They enjoy the journey, with wonderful sensory descriptions of the scenery they pass, but before they arrive they learn that their mystery-solving skills will be needed and they make arrangements to take on undercover roles that will enable them to snoop more effectively.
I really like how the undercover roles Jack and Frances take on allow us a view of the servants’ lives. We see their routines, the demands they must attend to, the gossip and secrets they are privy to. It’s clearly well-researched! And it’s fun to see them struggling to maintain the façade of being strangers to each other and to Aunt Mildred and Tommy, who they have come to visit.
There’s plenty of glamour as well in this book, although even the most glamorous characters seem to have something to hide. There are plenty of secrets to keep readers turning the pages. Is this character acting strange because they’re involved in stealing the secrets, or do they have a secret of their own to hide?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it gets five stars from me! Now I need to go back and read the rest of the series… I would recommend it to mystery fans, particularly those who like a 1930s setting!

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Why We Don’t Die in Dreams: Book 1 by Debbie Zello – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Why we don't die in DreamsWhy we don’t die in Dreams by Debbie Zello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why We Don’t Die In Dreams is an exciting thriller by Debbie Zello, focusing around a detective who’s dreams seem to be giving him clues about a serial killer. It is the first in a series, leaving some mysteries to be answered in the next book.
This book is an erotic thriller, and the protagonist Gavin definitely spends a lot of time fantasising about (and, occasionally, sleeping with) women. Personally I didn’t feel like I needed a description of every female characters’ boobs but I do get that, in a story told from Gavin’s perspective, that was a detail he would consistently pick up on. With the killer’s approaches seemingly S&M-adjacent, Gavin and his partner Lou investigate the local S&M scene which is approached sensitively and positively.
My favourite characters include Jules, Gavin’s long-term friend-with-benefits who outlines the unfair differences in expectations of men and women in her kind of work, and Josie, the “twenty-year-old stuck in a sixty-year-old’s body” who runs the bar Gavin frequents.
For me, this is a four-star book. I’d recommend it to people who enjoy getting their teeth into a good, weird mystery and are into reading erotica. It’s a page-turner that will occupy your brain until you’ve finished it (and a good while after…)

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Wild Desire (The Protectors Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Wild Desire (The Protectors, #1)Wild Desire by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wild Desire is the first book in Toya Richardson’s The Protectors Series. It is a paranormal romance with a magical, dangerous forest setting.

I really like the focus on conservation and nature in this book. Mila feels called back to the forest to protect it, knowing the same forces her parents fought against continue to threaten it. She encounters the beautiful local deer, who she soon discovers are more than they first appear. But at the same time she encounters her childhood nemesis, who is illegally hunting in the forest.

At times it felt like the narrative moved too quickly – I would have liked to have more time at the start of the book to get to know Mila and the setting, perhaps with details of her past dripped in more gradually, but then I did like how the immediacy of certain events forced Mila and Elias to skip formalities and dive into their relationship. And there were plenty of mysteries kept for later in the book!

The series focuses on a different couple in each book, allowing Richardson to develop the world whilst giving us a new romance every time. I’m looking forward to reading more of them, and exploring this fantastic world!

For me, this is a four star read. I’d recommend it to fans of paranormal shifter romance, who like a beautiful outdoors setting!

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A Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Natural PassionA Natural Passion by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Natural Passion is a standalone romance by Tammy Mannersly. It’s a sweet story that centres around turtle conservation, raising awareness of the risks this species faces (and providing an excuse for plenty of swimwear and beach scenes…)
Mannersly introduces the love triangle from the get-go, and in many ways it’s the classic “girl choosing between a bad boy and a nice guy” setup but there’s more to it. Dylan is reluctant to make a move, aware of how he could end up taking advantage of his position as Kyra’s mentor. Jake has also been playing the long game, waiting until he had enough money saved up to treat Kyra to ask her out. But there’s something about his behaviour that bothers her.
I found aspects of the story a bit predictable, but there’s something comforting in reading a story where you’ve got an idea how things will pan out. There’s still plenty of tension, both between the characters and with the fact that the turtles are in serious danger.
My favourite thing about it was the seaside setting. I felt like I was with Dylan in his kayak, exploring the coast. A mini-break in a book!
This book gets four stars from me. I would recommend it to animal lovers looking for a light, romantic read.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out is the first book in Amy McKinley’s Mafia Elite series. I’ve really enjoyed reading some of McKinley’s other books – the action romance series Gray Ghost and the romantic Moonlit Destination series – so was excited about a new series to get into!
No Way Out is an action-packed page-turner from the word go. Max has been set a dangerous mission, and one that speaks to his own troubled past. He has to maintain his new identity to get close to his target, and avoid attracting too much attention. McKinley treats us to plenty of details along the way, whilst keeping some twists to drop later in the book.
As usual in McKinley’s writing, we have a fantastic heroine in Liliana. Although often in need of a bit of rescuing, McKinley’s heroines always hold their own and bring something unique to the table. Liliana has much to come to terms with about her family and Max is well placed to help her if she can trust him, but understandably she is very careful about where she places her trust.
I’ve not read much mafia fiction previously, so this was a great insight into the world. If you’ve enjoyed McKinley’s other action romances, or are a fan of mafia romance, this is definitely worth a read!
This book gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read more of the series when they come out.

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