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
Tag: novel
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: 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
Book Review: Legion Versus Phalanx by Myke Cole
The Good: Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read. The Bad: This isn’t your average non-fiction military history, and whilst for me this was a VERY pleasant surprise, there will be some readers looking for more in-depth … Continue reading Book Review: Legion Versus Phalanx by Myke Cole
Book Review: A Boy and his Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher
The Good: A fresh take on what the ‘end of the world’ looks like, a story that is as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking, strikingly simple prose on the surface with plenty of depth beneath, plot-twists that pull the rug right out from underneath you, and most importantly…DOGS! The Bad: As much as I loved … Continue reading Book Review: A Boy and his Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher
Book Review: Gates of Stone by Angus Macallan
The Good: Characters that do what THEY want, and a plot driven by ‘power’ and political machinations, this a different and refreshing take on Asian-inspired fantasy. The Bad: A little bit of a slow starter for me, even though there is plenty of action (physical and otherwise), but once this got going, there was no … Continue reading Book Review: Gates of Stone by Angus Macallan
Book Review: Rosewater by Tade Thompson
The Good: I can’t even attempt to summarise the good in a line or two – all I can say is that Rosewater blew my expectations out of the water in every way possible. The Bad: This will NOT be for everyone. Seriously. It doesn’t get off to a bumpy or even a slow start, … Continue reading Book Review: Rosewater by Tade Thompson
Book Review: The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan
The Good: A line-up of the usual suspects with a plot as thick as thieves, complete with Warcraftian worldbuilding and Lovecraftian lore, making for a truly unique and at times unusual (and this is a good thing!) debut. The Bad: Not so much a trigger warning, but this will NOT be for everyone. There are … Continue reading Book Review: The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan
