"... a terrific, exciting and exhausting read."

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Ilfin of Arc

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Review: The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by G.W. Dahlquist

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up a print copy of this book in a local charity shop and the title instantly intrigued me. I mean – The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters – how is that not intriguing?? On the back: A Spy. A Killer. An Imposter. Three extraordinary heroes. Yes, indeed, I was hooked! And to add to the pleasure of buying it, was the size. Huge. Here was a book I could vanish into for quite some while.

I was not disappointed. This book lived up to its title, its blurb and its size! The three main characters – Miss Temple, Cardinal Chang and Doctor Svenson – are utterly believable and their adventures overlap and intertwine so masterly, I was left amazed. Add to that some truly dastardly villains and an intricate and incredibly genius plot, and I was lost for hours.

Then there is the language. Set in a city that reminds of Victorian era London, the English used for the narrative feels as if it from that time, and I loved it. The mannerisms and foibles of the time are put to excellent use, as is the prudish nature of society. Well, prudish until we stumbled into quite the behind the scenes scheming of some powerful folk.

This is definitely a worthy read! Readers of historical novels with steampunk tendencies will lap it up. It well deserves its 5 stars!


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Mending Wall

A Rainbow World

Sometimes one needs to disappear. Saska’s psyche needs soothing, her soul requires difference and her heart desperately seeks distraction. Betrayal forces her into leaving. Amid the rainbows of Pilan she hopes for peace … but, on the eighth day, he comes …

The Rainbows of Pilan

What's the point?

Chasing in circles

Review: The Breakers Series 1 - 3 by Edward W. Robertson

The Breakers Series: Books 1-3 by Edward W. Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is probably the most well-rounded and fleshed-out dystopian set I have ever read. It’s imaginative, downright scary with possibility, and the characters are incredibly real. The way it’s told, from different viewpoints, and yet meshing together, is masterful. I have no hesitation AT ALL I giving this the full, well-deserved 5 stars.

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Review: Michael's Blood by S.S. Bazinet

Michael's Blood by S.S. Bazinet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the get-go, I was utterly gripped. While this is a tale about taking responsibility and redemption, it’s also huge and intriguing. Guardian angels take on a whole new meaning after reading this!

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Optimism and Pessimism

Alexithymia and Monachopsis

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Inspiration

STARS

Perkatory

Collective Nouns :)

Review: IRON by Aiki Flinthart

IRON by Aiki Flinthart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second read and review for IRON, this being the second edition. I loved it even more than the first read!

Firstly, the mixture of cultures and languages (English, Chinese, Arabic) makes this an adventure. Seriously, every cuss word in another language here was spot on – I knew exactly what the character meant without actually knowing what the word itself was, and that is simply brilliant. Kudos to the author!

Secondly, this is an actual adventure that kept me turning virtual pages. The pace is swift, but the characters are well-rounded despite that, and I appreciated that also. I cared about the people on this world. The characters are a mixture of both youthful and more mature, which gives this tale depth … and leads to surprises as well.

The fact that Kalima is a world settled by humankind, only to be cut off from supplies from Earth, means that it is a mixture of olden times and some technology. Interesting, adds a definite twist to the whole.

Cannot wait to read book 2! IRON is a story with a beginning and an end, no cliff-hangers, and yet enough pointers reveal book 2 will be epic. This book certainly sets the scene, and I definitely recommend it to readers of Fantasy who love a touch of Sci-fi weaved in also.


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"Flawlessly written ..."

Thank you, Carol, for a lovely review!

The Kinfire Tree

Typoman

Review: Forbidden Elemental by Toni Cox

Forbidden Elemental by Toni Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes! In this final volume, Maia takes a stand and leaves her people in order to do what she must to save them.

I loved this book. It follows multiple paths as various players prepare for the final battle with the Vampyres. It is now or never; Elveron faces annihilation. As the tale unfolds, the various threads tie together, and suddenly, as a reader, you’re hoping they did enough to prepare for the final confrontation.

Maia travels to Blade’s country, and discovers something unexpected. Midnight becomes a true leader. Family and friends everywhere face not only the darkness on approach, but also their own inner demons.

Absolutely awesome! Recommend reading the entire series!


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Review: Elemental Betrayal by Toni Cox

Elemental Betrayal by Toni Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when your own kind betrays you to an alien race? You deal with it, and you prepare to fight!

In the first book, the Elves fought for survival and thought they had won the war, but the same war is about to befall them once more, only this time it will be worse. Betrayal is terrible. Again Maia and Blade stand forth, but everyone denies their connection. They too must fight their own kind in order to be heard.

I have to say this: my favourite character is Midnight! This dragon is awesome! Without further ado, fantasy readers, grab a copy of book 1 and a copy of this one – you won’t be disappointed.


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Review: Elemental Rising by Toni Cox

Elemental Rising by Toni Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantasy is my favourite, from the unexpected to the expected. After all, every writer tells a different story. Having said that, Elemental Rising gives the reader both! The expected – Elves, dragons, and other creatures (including a tame wolf!) – but also the unexpected, in that humans inadvertently land up this world known as Elveron. Given that, I delved in.

Maia is a Prime Elemental, which means she has many talents, including that of Life. Her nemesis seems to be her counterpart – a Death Elemental. Without giving anything away, know that all is not what it seems.

This is clever and imaginative. It’s also inspiring to read about a world as glorious as Elveron. Yet darkness is on approach, and that is where the real tale comes in.

Fantasy readers will love this! Definitely recommend grabbing yourself a copy.


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Spiritual

Review: Eloah: No Religion by Lex Allen

Eloah: No Religion by Lex Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in an incredible story. I started out with book 3, but that did not detract from the tale at all; it was easy to gather in the gist of the greater tale as I went along. All kudos to the author. Of course, now I do want to go back and read from the beginning, but this part is as good as I suspect the first two books to be.

A story weaved from religion and the misconception of the ages always intrigues me. I have read many, and yet Eloah: No Religion surprised me. It’s different. It’s also insightful. Yes, there is a life and death battle happening, and leaders both political and religious are being told in no uncertain terms to get with the real program (the truth) and yet it’s the insight that gripped me. Via fiction, the author offers us a different look into what truth is, and I appreciated that. Putting that aside, though, I believe this third book is a fitting end to a massive story.

The pace is swift, and every event is intriguing. Highly recommend you read this, whether you’ve read 1 and 2 or not!


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Review: The Butterfly Code by Sue Wyshynski

The Butterfly Code by Sue Wyshynski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lots of crazy secret stuff going on in this tale, something Aeris becomes embroiled in when she sees Hunter on the other side of a street. One look, and she’s a goner. From almost killed to meeting the strangest people, Aeris’ life will never be the same.

Fast paced and filled with action and OMG moments. A brilliant premise and populated with great characters, from good to bad and not so pretty, this is an exceptional read.


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Review: The Lazarus Succession by Ken Fry

The Lazarus Succession by Ken Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read a fair few of Ken Fry’s stories, I was looking forward to this one quite a bit. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed!

There is something primal in the chase between hunter and prey, especially when sometimes prey becomes the hunter. This is exactly that – a chase of note, and hunter and prey swap roles and back, until you’re reading with bated breath and wondering what’s going to happen next.

Add into that a holy painting with a mysterious history even those of no faith wish to lay their hands on, and you’re all set to enter a riveting tale.

Loved it! Recommend all readers of thriller and mystery stories take note, and go and get yourselves a copy. Now!


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Review: An Unexpected Home by Bree Kraemer

An Unexpected Home by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A well rounded romance. Worth a read!

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A Matter of Scale by Jonathon Burgess

A Matter of Scale by Jonathon Burgess
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved it! Love the over the top language and the whole just desserts set-up. Short as this is, I still recommend it!

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Review: The Breath of Aoles by Alan Spade

The Breath of Aoles by Alan Spade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly refreshing and imaginative read!

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All New! IRON by Aiki Flinthart

Good news! IRON by Aiki Flinhart is now on pre-order!

A while ago we did review this awesome tale HERE, and at the time speculated that the author had pulled it due to a publishing contract. Indeed, that happened, but now the rights have returned to Aiki Flinhart and she has re-worked it (adding new scenes and generally updating and editing) and has put IRON up once again. It also has a brand new and glorious cover!

I am reading the updated version and will tell you all about it when done :)

Now on pre-order until 28 October - GRAB A COPY! - Seriously, do grab a copy!

Lodged

Break Time