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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles Book 1) by Chynna Pace – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles #1)Sweet Nightmares by Chynna Pace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sweet Nightmares is the first book in Chynna Pace’s exciting Dream World Chronicles series. It is a fantasy series aimed at teen readers which focuses on the magic of dreams and nightmares, as well as addressing issues such as bullying and bereavement.

I particularly like the extent to which Pace draws on Polish culture and folklore in this story (especially the food! I could practically taste Mathilda’s amazing cooking). It grounded the story in the real world and drew the sisters’ feelings of disconnect from their heritage into the turmoil they were experiencing.

The sisters, Alex and Zoey, are great! Many young readers will find them relatable, with Alex’s love of retreating into books and Zoey’s creativity in painting. It’s great that they are so close, in spite of an age gap and big differences in personality.

Sweet Nightmares really captured my imagination, and I’m excited to read more of the series! It gets five stars from me. I would recommend this to fantasy-lovers who are interested in the meanings of dreams.

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Avenging Devil Part 2 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #4) by Manda Mellett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Avenging Devil Part 2: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 2: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Part 2 of Avenging Devil, a story from the San Diego Chapter of Manda Mellett’s Satan’s Devils MC series. It pretty much goes without saying, but you’re definitely going to want to read Part 1 first so go do that now and then come back to this book!
Part 1 left me on such a cliff-hanger, I couldn’t WAIT to get started on Part 2. I couldn’t see how Niran and Saffie could possibly survive the situation they were in. And this book didn’t disappoint, resolving some things but then throwing curveballs and keeping the tension and the drama coming throughout.
My favourite thing about this book is that the magnitude of the situation meant that all the Satan’s Devils chapters got involved. It’s great when so many of my favourite characters come together and interact with each other! I particularly enjoyed catching up with Swift, Cowboy and the rest of the Utah chapter.
This is a dark and at times difficult book to read. Like Part 1, it addresses many sensitive and at times scary issues including racism, rape, PTSD and complications in pregnancy. The warmth and camaraderie of the Satan’s Devils helps to balance the darkness and provide a safe space for both the characters and readers to recover.
For me, this is a five-star read. I’ve been thinking about the story constantly since I read Part 1, and found the conclusion very satisfying without being too predictable.

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The Dream Catchers (Prestoria) by J. U. Menon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1The Dream Catchers: PRESTORIA Series Book 1 by J.U. Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Dream Catchers is the first book in J. U. Menon’s Prestoria series. This children’s series is set partially in the real world and partially in the world of dreams, and draws on the Indian folklore that influences the protagonist’s imagination, and therefore the dreams she experiences.
I would have loved this book as a kid, when I tried to plan to have adventures with friends when we were both dreaming. It’s such a cool premise, and Menon develops it brilliantly with the Challenge and the mysteries that surround it. Such a captivating world!
Radhika is a great protagonist. She’s very compassionate and concerned for others, making her a good role model. The challenges she faces in her real life, including grief and moving to a new area and school, are as much a part of the story as the fantastical challenges she faces in Prestoria. I particularly like how her relationships with family are explored, such as her younger brother Aarav who is dealing with his grief in a very different way to his sister.
This book would be great for KS2-3 readers who are confident with longer chapter books. If a child gets anxious about sleeping or dreams, or are experiencing grief, it would be worth an adult reading it before or with them and using it as a discussion prompt.
This book gets a full five stars from me! A superb read!

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Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series Book 6) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Houses of Deception (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 6)Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Houses of Deception is the sixth book in Cynthia Hamilton’s Madeline Dawkins Series. It’s a real page-turner, with yet more mysteries to solve as Madeline, Matt and Samir are drawn into two (or is it three?) missing-persons cases.
In both cases, there’s a personal element to their involvement. Tara disappears mere hours after her anniversary party, which Madeline was involved in organising. And Dylan is the son of a PI who risked everything to help Madeline. So the team can’t really turn them down, even when both cases start to look much bigger and more dangerous than they initially appeared.
I could not put this down! I love the amount of detail Hamilton includes. I kept wondering what was going to turn out to be relevant to solving the case, and what was a red herring or just part of painting a more vivid picture. Speaking of pictures, I loved the art history elements and have enjoyed following up on them and seeing the painting mentioned!
This is a very enjoyable series. I’ve not read the books in order (why? Why do I do this?) and I think reading them in order is probably the best way to watch the characters grow and develop, but you can definitely get away with dipping in and out of the series. It’s great for fans of mysteries with a bit of tension and action. It gets five stars from me!

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A Cold Day In Hell (Life Is Hell Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Cold Day in Hell is the fifth book in Naomi Valkyrie’s paranormal Life Is Hell series. The series will appeal to fans of angels and demons, urban fantasy and found family. It’s worth reading it in order, to get to meet characters as they are introduced and watch them grow through the series.
A Cold Day in Hell follows Hadassah, an angel who has been sent to Earth for a probationary period without her powers after getting into trouble. Her brother Mal encouraged her to stay with him and the Juniper Lake family, to keep her safe. Hadassah is reluctant to make any friends and tries to keep to herself, but Mal is worried about her and pushes her to try and open up and connect with some of his eclectic family. When she eventually does, she ends up overdoing it somewhat and is soon on an impromptu road trip with Jezebel, running from an all too familiar scent.
I really like the opportunity to catch up with characters from the earlier books and see how they’re getting on. For me, it was particularly good to see Jaru thriving!
This book gets five stars from me! I would recommend the series to fans of paranormal stories, found family tropes and LGBT+ representation.

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Caim (Antipodes 4) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Caim (Antipodes #4)Caim by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caim is the fourth book in T.S. Simons’ Antipodes series. If you haven’t already, it’s definitely worth starting at the beginning of the series (Antipodes) to get the full story!
The series is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story. With an impending international crisis, a carefully chosen group of people are placed in safe communities where they will be safe and can rebuild and repopulate the world. There seems to be a vision of a perfect society, with social and environmental harmony, but there are many challenges and the characters begin to realise that things aren’t as perfect as they seem.
In Caim, Freyja receives some shocking news and sets out with Cam, Illy and Luca to seek the truth and set things right. They are hesitant about leaving their children, but determined to do what’s right.
What I particularly like about this series is the way it explores many interesting and topical ethical issues. There’s a conflict between individual and collective needs and the extreme situations increase the stakes.
For me, this is another five-star read! I’d recommend the series to young adult and new adult readers concerned about the environment and how to build a better world.

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Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5)Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lake of Flowers is the fifth book in N.L. Holmes’ Lord Hani Mysteries series. By this point, the characters really feel like old friends and it’s so wonderful to catch up with them and hear how they’re coping in a turbulent world.
I adore Holmes’ writing for how vividly she depicts ancient worlds. Her work is heavily influenced by archaeology and research so while it’s fiction the story follows the course of real historical events. What really makes it special for me, though, is the small details. What characters eat and wear, their physical characteristics, how they travel, that sort of thing. The multisensory depiction immerses the reader in the world, and familiar elements (beer, honey, even garlic which really surprised me and I had to look that one up to see if they really would have eaten it!) brought me closer to the past.
Lake of Flowers begins with a tragic death that threatens to destabilise the kingdom’s political structure. Hani and his family and associates are all invested in the outcome of the inevitable unrest, and the mystery that deepens as the story progresses. Young Neferet plays a prominent role, with her position as a royal physician entangling her in the events of the book. She’s a fantastic character – funny, clever and independent.
I would recommend reading this series from the beginning (Bird in a Snare) to get to know the characters and the setting. There are lots of names to remember but Holmes does a good job of reminding readers in text as well as including a character list to refer to.
For me, this is a five-star read. I’d recommend it to fans of history and mystery! The series might also appeal to fans of high fantasy – although itself not fantasy, the setting and stories do at times remind me of fantasy books I’ve enjoyed with worlds based on history.

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short StoriesBeginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beginnings and Endings is a trio of short stories by Jane Suen. I really enjoy the variety of Suen’s work – I had read several of her books before it really clicked for me that they were by the same author! – and this collection really showcases her skill in storytelling. It gets four stars from me!
Although the three stories are separate and distinct, there is a thread running through them of commitment in relationships. We see couples’ relationships developing and enduring through the ups and downs of life.
My main (only?) complaint is that there isn’t more! The stories themselves are quite short and with only three of them (plus a bonus really cute flash fiction) this will not take most readers very long to read at all. I would have loved a wider variety of stories – perhaps including some in the realm of speculative fiction – that I could dip in and out of.
I would recommend this collection to readers looking for stories they can quickly enjoy in a coffee break or similar. They’re short, satisfying and thought-provoking. I think they could also work really well for reading and discussing with teenagers, as accessible stories touching on important issues as well as excellent examples of the short story format.

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Avenging Devil Part 1 (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #3) by Manda Mellett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Avenging Devil Part 1: Satan's Devils MC San DiegoAvenging Devil Part 1: Satan’s Devils MC San Diego by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Avenging Devil Part 1 is the third book in the San Diego chapter if Manda Mellett’s Satan’s Devils series, and the first in a two-part story. (It ends on a cliffhanger – be warned!).
Avenging Devil is pretty dark, even by the standards of the other Satan’s Devils books which address plenty of difficult and at times scary issues. I would definitely recommend reading some of the other Satan’s Devils books first – Being Lost is the first in the San Diego chapter and a good place to start. Avenging Devil starts with scenes in a different Motorcycle Club that’s incredibly violent and disrespectful and for me knowing that the Satan’s Devils aren’t at all like that helped me get through those scenes.
I could not put this book down, and when I had to at times I was still thinking about it. And I knew it was a two part story and could see I was getting near the end but I was still totally unprepared for the cliffhanger. I went straight to get hold of the second part only to realise it’s not out yet. Oh no! So if you’re as impatient as me you might want to wait until the 23rd July 2021 so you can read both parts of the story together.
I really like the ever-growing family of characters in the Satan’s Devils. From Grumbler’s musical hobbies to Snips’ toothless grins, they’re a fun group and bring moments of lightness and comic relief to the stories.
For me, this is a five-star read and I cannot WAIT for the second part to come out! I would not recommend this as a starting point in the series – there are plenty of good entry points (I started off with Paladin’s Hell, you could also start with Being Lost, Turning Wheels or Road Tripped) and this is a great series whether or not you’re interested in motorcycles – the characters are fantastic and Mellett presents a wonderfully human and diverse array of characters and relationships.

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance) (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Moonlit Kiss (A Venice Romance)Moonlit Kiss by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlit Kiss is a Moonlit Destination romance by Amy McKinley, which can be read as a standalone. After enjoying Moonlit Mirage and Moonlit Whisper I knew I was in for a treat, and something completely different, and Moonlit Kiss did not disappoint!
The main selling point of this series is the settings. It’s like a holiday in a book! I loved exploring Venice with Gianna, savouring McKinley’s vivid descriptions. Speaking of vivid descriptions, readers are treated to plenty of detail in these books – in Moonlit Kiss I particularly enjoyed learning about the fresco restoration work Gianna was doing.
Moonlit Kiss combines destination romance with ghost story, as Gianna seeks to unravel a gripping mystery. Definitely a page-turner, and one I struggled to put down!
For me, this is a five-star read. I’d recommend to anyone who wishes they could pop over to Italy without having to quarantine – this book will take you there for a lot less than the price of a plane ticket!

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Ouroboros (Antipodes III) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ouroboros is the third book in T.S. Simons’ Antipodes series. I would really recommend reading this exciting dystopian sci-fi series in order to get the full story and feel the impact of the various developments and twists as they happen.
Following on from the events of the previous book, Cam is hurting and seeking answers. Never one to stay still for very long, he travels between the dispersed communities of survivors to have some conversations – sharing ideas and hoping to find resolution. It gets pretty emotional at times – may be worth having a box of tissues handy!
This is a great series for a modern audience, drawing on fears of the possibility of a disease spreading around the world and threatening all life. It questions what constitutes an ideal society, with survivor communities built around values such as sustainability.
For me, this is a five-star book and I’m eagerly anticipating the fourth instalment! I would recommend to Young/New Adult readers who enjoy speculative dystopias. For me, one of the best things about the series is getting to “travel” around the world without worrying about restrictions and quarantines!

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection, #2)Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sleeping Angel is the second book in Nikki Lynn Barrett’s Soul Connection series. It could be read as a standalone, with different characters as the focal point, but it follows on nicely from the events of the previous book, Peaceful Slumbers, developing the themes and ideas introduced in that book. And they’re both good so why not start at the beginning and work your way through!
This book is an emotional rollercoaster from the start. It’s a tense mystery where it feels like every page makes you ask more and more questions. There are a lot of characters and stories to keep track of – this is where it helps to have read Peaceful Slumbers first so you meet them more gradually!
I enjoyed the paranormal elements in Peaceful Slumbers and it was great to see those ideas developed further in Sleeping Angel with new angles explored. It’s a great way of giving the victims a voice in the story as well as giving us clues and more mysteries to unravel.
For me, this is a five star read. A real page turner that I couldn’t stop thinking about whenever I had to put it down (alas, work is a thing). I would definitely recommend the series to fans of paranormal mysteries and romance!

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Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler and Brooke Tentler – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Southland Academy for Supernatural YouthSouthland Academy for Supernatural Youth by Sandra Tentler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Southland Academy for Supernatural Youth is an exciting children’s book by Sandra and Brooke Tentler. It’s aimed at confident KS2 readers but would also be enjoyed by KS3 readers (and beyond!).
The story switches between the perspectives of different students at Southland Academy. They’re all different types of supernatural being – a werewolf, vampire and a witch amongst others – and none of them are particularly good at what they’re supposed to do. The werewolf keeps getting stuck with the most awkward parts of both human and wolf. The vampire faints at the sight of blood. Their families hope that sending them to the academy will help them learn to control their abilities (and in the meantime, the proximity to an infirmary is a plus…).
My favourite character is Sheba, a witch’s familiar who can disappear and reappear at will. She has the frustrating task of trying to help a shy witch achieve her potential without interfering tooo much.
For me, this is a five star book. I would have loved it as a child and really enjoyed it now. It’s a great story of unlikely friendships, with a mystery to solve along the way. It would appeal to fans of the Children of the Red King series and other children’s fantasy.

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Apocalypse NOPE!! (Queerpocalypse) by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Apocalypse NOPE!!Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Apocalypse NOPE!! is a teen urban fantasy by Deidre Huesmann about, you guessed it, the end of the world. Awkward teenager Ivy-Jean accidentally sets in motion the series of events that will lead to the apocalypse and now has to figure out what to do about that, on top of all the problems she already had.
This is a fun read, with enjoyable characters. Pestilence, War, Famine and Death undercover at a high school is a great concept, well executed. I think my favourite of the four is War, whose speech is littered with malapropisms and whose response to pretty much every problem is to find someone (or something) to smite! There’s plenty of LGBT+ representation which is varied and sensitively approached.
Apocalypse NOPE!! will appeal to fans of high school paranormal/supernatural stories, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight. And you can’t ignore the parallels with Good Omens (there’s even a nod to it in the text, when the Horsepeople explain why they aren’t Horsepersons) so if you love Good Omens and want a different approach to a similar scenario, this is definitely worth a read!
This book gets five stars from me! This isn’t the first of Huesmann’s books I’ve enjoyed – I was enthralled by the Modern Greek Myth series – and reading this reminds me that I must get round to trying more of her excellent books!

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt Book 2) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Murder at Honeybee Lake (Shadow of a Doubt, #2)Murder at Honeybee Lake by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder at Honeybee Lake is an enticing crime novel with paranormal elements. It’s the second in Jessica Aiken-Hall’s Shadow of a Doubt series and can be read as a standalone or enjoyed alongside the first book.
Randy and Ben’s world is turned upside down when they find a body underneath the dock at their lakeside property. At first it seems like homophobic cops are their biggest problem, until the evidence starts pointing to Randy as the culprit. Their found family is convinced of Randy’s innocence but will have to fight to prove it, and to look after Randy and Ben.
This is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had really happened, and why. There are plenty of developments along the way that kept me on the edge of my seat.
There are some great side characters in this book as well. I particularly liked Dora, the nurse who befriends Randy. She’s such a warm, caring character and was a point of light in an otherwise dark book.
I’d recommend this to fans of paranormal mysteries. If you want a story where the ghost gets involved in solving their own murder, this is the book for you! It gets five stars from me.

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Sure As Hell (Life Is Hell Book 4) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Sure As Hell (Life is Hell #4)Sure As Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sure as Hell is the fourth book in Naomi Valkyrie’s Life Is Hell series. The series is a urban fantasy that focuses on a found family of paranormal characters and their adventures and romances.
Reading the earlier books, particularly Hell in a Handbasket, I developed a bit of a soft spot for Jaru so it was great to have a whole book that focuses on him, particularly as he gets used to his independence and learns that being independent doesn’t mean he can’t turn to others for help.
It was also good to see the character Lark develop. He’s been a fun, mischievous presence and it was interesting to learn more about him and view him not just as a bit of comic relief. And I really liked the bond between Lark and Jaru and how that changed and grew over the course of the book.
This is another enjoyable book in an exciting series. It gets five stars from me! If you like urban fantasy you’ll love this, particularly if you prefer books with LGBT+ characters. It’s definitely worth reading the books in order to get to know the characters and put the events of this book into context.

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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Key West Dead is the sixth book in Mark Nolan’s Jake Wolfe series. This book finds Jake and Cody in Key West, Florida and, as the title suggests, people die. There’s a crime to solve, and the stakes are high as the killer continues planting and detonating bombs.
Cody is a great character, and this is another story where his talented nose is in high demand. We also see Cody, as well as Jake, dealing with their PTSD as well as the ongoing traumatic events. It doesn’t help that what was meant to be a nice, relaxed holiday has turned into a life-threatening case.
It was good to see more of Sarah in this book as well! Although often sent off with friend Alicia while Jake and Cody are investigating, she gets in on the action as well as showing her openness to adventure and skills in handling a boat.
For me, this is a four-star book in an enjoyable series. The Florida setting is fun – made me feel like I was on holiday! I’d recommend the series to mystery and crime fans who like canine characters as much as humans.

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Jinxed (Hell on Heels Book 2) by Maggie Adams – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Jinxed (Hell on Heels, #2)Jinxed by Maggie Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jinxed is the second book in Maggie Adams’ Hell on Heels series. It focuses on Sadie Beauchamp, a natural healer who faces some difficult decisions and whose life is made more difficult by the fact that she appears to be being haunted.
Sadie has a great group of friends around her. I particularly like Mitchell, whose down-to-earth approach balances Sadie’s worldview. It was also great to catch up with Miranda, the protagonist of the previous book in the series, and the other “sisters”.
Jinxed is a fun, short book – great if you’re after something you can read in an afternoon. The main story is nicely resolved, with the promise that another character’s story will be told in the next book. It gets four stars from me, and I’d recommend it to rom-com fans, particularly those interested in holistic medicine.

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To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To Be a Fae Queen is the first book in Tricia Copeland’s exciting new Realm Chronicles series. As the title suggests, it’s a fantasy series set in a vibrant, crystal-studded world of faeries and monsters.
Titania, the protagonist, has been kept protected (over-protected, in her mind) since her older brothers died leaving her the only heir to the throne. She hates being cooped up, particularly when her country is threatened and she knows she could be doing something to help. She’s very practical, coming quickly to solutions and confident in her decisions.
My favourite character is Alfreda, whose primary concern seems to be making sure everyone has enough to eat. She’s very down-to-earth and grounds Titania (in one of my favourite moments, Alfreda intervenes to stop Titania setting out still wearing her nightgown!).
This is an enjoyable, magical book and I look forward to reading more of the series! It gets a full five stars from me. I would recommend it to teenagers who enjoy fantasy and adventure, particularly those who love fairy stories and want something more grown up but just as magical!

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. A. King’s Evil Sushi does what it says on the tin. There’s sushi. It’s evil. I would probably not recommend eating sushi while you read this book. Unless it’s vegetarian sushi – you’re probably safe there.
It’s 2021, so if you’re avoiding pandemic-related horror this is not the story for you. But if you enjoy speculating about how much worse things could’ve been, knowing easily something dangerous could spread and how hard it would be for authorities to stop it in its tracks, this makes for an entertaining read.
There are some great characters, as I’ve come to expect from King’s books. The story centres around two fishermen – Rod and Ned. Both very down-to-earth, practical men, they are both motivated by their love for Ned’s daughter Sally, who Ned hopes his younger friend will one day pluck up the courage to confess his feelings to. They struggle to make a living in a poorly regulated world where big corporations can easily take what they want, leaving little for anyone else.
This is a really entertaining book which left me wanting more (and, fortunately, the sequel is already out!). It gets five stars from me! I would recommend it to fans of quirky horror – if the evil bunny rabbit in Holy Grail is your idea of peak humour you’ll love this!

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Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Ocean’s Light is the first book in Mina Chara’s Blood of the Pirate series. I’ve enjoyed reading Chara’s Hero High series and have often contemplated running away and becoming a pirate so was eager to get into this new series.
Evie is a cool protagonist. She gives up a secure, if uninteresting life to follow a treasure map that’s all she has left of her parents. Intelligent and determined, often to the point of recklessness, she’s met her match in the resourceful pirates and captivating mystery that surround her and her mission.
This is a great book for teen and young adult readers who enjoy pirates and action, with fantasy elements and puzzling mysteries. It’s got plenty to engage and entertain, with a loveable, if rough, crew of characters.
For me, this is a five-star book. I’m looking forward to reading more of the series!

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The World Beyond the Walls: epic dystopian eco-fantasy (Natural Forces Book 3) by Jean Gill – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The World Beyond the WallsThe World Beyond the Walls by Jean Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The World Beyond the Walls is the third book in Jean Gill’s Natural Forces series. The series juxtaposes the sterile and highly regulated Citadel with the wild and free Forest beyond – an enticing and thought-provoking fantasy setting.
It was great to catch up with familiar characters and meet some new ones as well – I particularly like Jeanette whose curiosity and determination get her into trouble and who knows the value of stories.
I really like how this series focuses on bees in the fantasy narrative. It’s very current, with concerns about bee populations dwindling, and also lends itself to an interesting perspective on society and loyalties.
This is the third book in the series, and I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning to enjoy the story in order. Gill does recap some important events of the earlier books so it makes sense on its own but the books are all so good you’ll want to read them all!
For me, this is a five-star read. I would recommend it to confident teen and young adult readers who enjoy fantasy and nature, particularly those involved in activism.

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The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight #4)The Sun at Twilight by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really getting into N.L. Holmes’ books and The Sun at Twilight is another fantastic read! It’s the fourth in the Empire at Twilight series – set in the 13th Century BCE near the end of the Hittite Empire. The books focus on different characters during this period – in this case, it is the King Tudhaliya IV.
As I’ve said before, N.L. Holmes does a fantastic job of bringing historical worlds to life. She draws on historical evidence to inform the stories and their settings, creating vivid pictures of what life might have been like. Empire at Twilight takes place in a time and place I knew very little about so it has been very educational, as well as inspiring me to look into what artefacts have survived from this period.
The story is exciting and compelling. It opens with the protagonist mourning his late father and setting out his hopes and fears for his coming reign. There are already plenty of complications in family dynamics and allegiances, and people waiting to take advantage of the change in leadership. As the story progresses, there are even more twists and turns.
For me, this is a five star book. I would recommend this series to adult readers who enjoy historical fiction and want to be transported far back in time.

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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 3) by Judy Moore – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries to Die For, #3)A Tennis Pro To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Tennis Pro To Die For is the third book in Judy Moore’s Cozy Mysteries To Die For series. With a coastal Florida setting and a book loving accidental heroine, this series is proving a great comfort read!
In this book, Beck is caught up in the mystery when a tennis pro from the club where she has been (reluctantly) having lessons is found dead. A fan of mystery novels, Beck has already found herself caught up in multiple cases before and seems to have a knack for solving them.
The supporting characters in this series are well established by now! I particularly like Scratchoff, the unlikely millionaire who is committed to supporting those in need. There are also some great canine characters, particularly Coquina.
This book could be read as a standalone if you’re particularly looking for a tennis-themed murder mystery. Otherwise, I would definitely recommend starting at A Book Signing To Die For and working your way through, getting to know the characters along the way!
For me, this is another five-star read. I can’t wait to read more of the series!

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Liminal Space is the second book in T.S. Simons’ exciting Antipodes series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, with survivors connected by Stargate-esque portals, this series has me totally hooked!
One of the things I particularly like about the series is the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world, which makes it a great lockdown read (if you can cope with the “disease wiping out most of life on Earth” plot at the moment).
In this sequel, Cam has grown and learnt a lot. He is confident in what he has to offer to his community, and is learning to let go of things outside of his control. All of the characters are adapting to the new way of life, but also missing aspects of their old lives and wondering if things ever could go back to normal.
This series is very much a series for today’s world. As well as themes that relate to our experiences with COVID-19, there is a huge focus on environmental issues and our responsibilities towards the planet. It is a thought-provoking book that I would recommend to young adult readers. It gets five stars from me!

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Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III – Review byGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son's Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and LoveGoddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of the Affection of One Mother for Her Son and Her Son’s Struggle for Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Paul DeBlassie III’s books before so approached Goddess of Everything with excitement which the book definitely lived up to! In Aztlan, DeBlassie has created a spiritual playground where he can draw on different traditions and beliefs to create a thought-provoking fantasy world.
Goddess of Everything is a dark book, filled with death from the opening scene at a cemetery. There are themes of corrupt power and loyalties as well. It’s intense at times, but in a gripping way that will have you frantically turning the pages.
I particularly liked Consuela, a grounding presence in Gabriél’s life. It is hard being the wife in a book about a mother-son relationship and Consuela brings characterfulness and independence to the role!
For me, this is a four-star book, and I’m definitely keen to read more of DeBlassie’s books. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something different from anything you’ve read before!

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire Book 4) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nite Fire: Slash & Burn is the fourth book in the Nite Fire series by C. L. Schneider, whose other books include the Crown of Stones series. It is an exciting paranormal story with elements of urban fantasy (and also dragons – can’t beat a good dragon story!)
By now, Dahlia Nite is an established heroine, and has been through more than her fair share of scrapes. She continues to be tenacious and resourceful, if often impatient. Her previous adventure has given her new powers which could be incredibly powerful, if she learns how to use them.
This is a fast-paced, action-filled book. There’s a lot going on, and plenty of clues to put together as the story progresses. It’s definitely a page-turner!
This book doesn’t really work as a standalone. It’s definitely worth reading the previous three books that introduce the characters and set the stage for what happens!
For me, this is a five-star read. Another great book in the series! I’d recommend the series to fans of urban fantasy who like plenty of action!

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THE BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick IslandThe Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is possibly best described as an American Secret Seven. Set in the late 1940s, it follows a group of young teenagers who enjoy solving mysteries and are relentless in their pursuit of the truth. It has everything you’d expect – code names, clever ways of conveying information and some pretty cool hiding places (there’s even a cave!).
There’s a lively cast of child characters, as well as supporting adults. Some of the adults are understanding of the children’s need to keep secrets and see a case through, whilst others try to stop them. I particularly liked Sibby, who lives in a shack near the Buccaneers’ original club house and looks out for them.
This is an engaging and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to children who enjoy solving mysteries and reading adventure books such as those by Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome. For me, it’s a five-star read!

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THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST AVENGER (ANNIE TILLERY MYSTERIES) by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Mystery of the Lost AvengerThe Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mystery of the Lost Avenger is the fourth book in Linda Maria Frank’s Annie Tillery Mystery series. Aimed at confident young readers, the series follows Annie, who in this book is getting ready to go to college, as she solves intriguing mysteries.
The Mystery of the Lost Avenger takes readers back in time to 1943, to learn about the women involved in aviation during WWII. Annie’s great-grandmother, Charlotte, was a WASP, flying planes to transport them to military bases. When a note written by Charlotte is found in the remains of a crashed plane which disappeared in mysterious circumstances, the whole family gets involved in untangling the mystery of what really happened.
I loved that this book focused on a part of history I didn’t know much about, and it would be a great read for mystery-loving children who are learning about WWII in school. It was also really fun learning about how Annie, as well as Charlotte back in the 1940s and the professionals at NCIS, approached solving mysteries. There are codes to crack, and forensic evidence to process.
For me, this is a five-star book. It’s a really fun read and gave me lots to think about. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series and was able to follow the story without any issues, but now that I’ve read it I’m keen to go back and read about the other adventures Annie’s had!

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Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Hell In A Handbasket (Life is Hell #3)Hell In A Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hell in a Handbasket is the third book in Naomi Valkyrie’s Life is Hell series. It follows demon hunter Oran, who turns to demon Teivel for help when he is unable to find anyone more suitable to help him train to carry out his inherited profession. This turns out to be quite tricky, as Teivel keeps disappearing without warning for long stretches of time and also Oran finds himself rather inconveniently attracted to the demon.
With a cast of characters and a setting established in previous books, Hell in a Handbasket quickly settles into the story. There are mysteries and challenges (not least, the baby left in a basket on Oran’s doorstep). The team works together (mostly…) to protect those who need protecting and face the challenges life throws at them.
This is a fun book with a focus on found family as well as romance. It has an enticing urban fantasy/paranormal setting that will appeal to fans of Supernatural, Buffy and similar media.
For me, this is a five star read. Definitely worth starting at book one to get to know the characters and the world.

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