The Good: Compelling characters (and creatures!), plot twists aplenty, and a return to one of the most nightmarish landscapes in fantasy, this time cranked up on the creep-out factor. The Bad: After a strong start, I personally felt that the foot came off the gas pedal while some of the investigative meandering got underway, but … Continue reading Book Review: Ravencry by Ed McDonald
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Book Review: Crowfall by Ed Mcdonald
The Good: Above and beyond the compelling characters and punchy plot, this is a book that keeps you guessing right up until the final page. The Bad: As with Ravencry, Crowfall embarks on an entirely new direction to a destination that I hadn’t anticipated – some readers may dislike this, but I for one am … Continue reading Book Review: Crowfall by Ed Mcdonald
Book Review: Bloodchild by Anna Stephens
The Good: Everything. Seriously. *SPOILERS* The Bad: IT GAVE ME FEELINGS – I DO NOT LIKE FEELING FEELINGS. The Ugly Truth: THIS. IS. HOW. YOU. END. A. SERIES. (If I could somehow capitalise a full stop I would use it in this review.) Pulse-pounding drama and action to the heart-breaking end. 11/10, A++, all of … Continue reading Book Review: Bloodchild by Anna Stephens
Book Review: We Are The Dead by Mike Shackle
The Good: A pull-no-punches account of the realities of war, complete with a cast of humans (key point: not heroes) whose efforts will likely fail, but if they don’t try, then who else will? The Bad: Not a ‘bad’ for me, personally speaking, but the story does contain scenes that some readers may find upsetting … Continue reading Book Review: We Are The Dead by Mike Shackle
Book Review: The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
The Good: The titular dragons aren’t the only things that come raging out of the pages thanks to the triple-threat of people, ‘places’ and plot, making this Africa (Xhosa) inspired epic an unforgettable read. The Bad: For me? Nothing. Seriously, I love this book. I have seen some people getting put off by the ‘simple … Continue reading Book Review: The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Book review: Witchsign by Den Patrick
The Good: Fantastic concepts, especially in terms of world building and history. Strong themes from start to finish, with shock reveals along the way. The Bad: While Witchsign got off to a cracking start, I felt that the pace slowed in the middle, though it quickened to breakneck speed in the last 10%. Additionally, I … Continue reading Book review: Witchsign by Den Patrick
Review: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Good: One of the most badass and brutal POV characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading, worldbuilding that rises up around the reader without you even realising, and a plot so tightly packed and paced that this veritable tome of a tale turns from page-turner to hair-tearer when you realise it’s all … Continue reading Review: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Review: Empire of Sand
Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Good: Empire of Sand delivers exactly what it says on the tin and THEN SOME! Strong female lead (check), magic by birth but you know there’s more to it than that (check), empires and gods (check), non-western fantasy (in this case inspired … Continue reading Review: Empire of Sand
Review: Priest of Bones
Priest of Bones by Peter McLean My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Good: Colourful characters, grimdark gangsters and good ‘guys’ (and girls!) with grit, and a page turner of a plot packing plenty of pace and punchy prose.The Bad: Several reviews have laboured the ‘this seems familiar’ point as a negative, but for me … Continue reading Review: Priest of Bones
Review: Blood of Assassins
Book Review: Blood of Assassins by RJ Barker. The Good: A return to one of the most relatable POVs in fantasy, development that breathes life into characters-plot-and-world alike, more twists and turns than a maze of mirrors, with a heart at its centre that beats with the life of a full fleshed-out fantasy favourite for … Continue reading Review: Blood of Assassins
