Essex Dogs is a triumphant novel, full of moments, people and ideas that will stick with me for a very long time.
Historical
Review: Roman Britain’s Pirate King by Simon Elliott
Synopsis: In the mid-3rd century AD Roman Britain’s regional fleet, the Classis Britannica, disappeared. It was never to return. Soon the North Sea and English Channel were over-run by Germanic pirates preying upon the east and south coast of Britain, and the continental coast up to the Rhine Delta. The western augustus (senior emperor) Maximian […]
Review: The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne
The Book of Gothel is beautifully woven, and full of depth and compassion. It’s adventurous, and manages to be classic and modern all at once, giving life to Mother Gothel.
Review: The Fall of Roman Britain and why we speak English
Synopsis: The end of empire in the island of Great Britain was both more abrupt and more complete than in any of the other European Roman provinces. When the fog clears and Britain re-enters the historical record, it is, unlike other former European provinces of the Western Empire, dominated by a new culture that speaks […]
Review: Oathbound (Wolf of Kings Book #1) by Richard Cullens
Synopsis: First in an action-packed historical series featuring Danish warrior Styrkar, and his journey through the Battle of Hastings and the violence of the Norman Conquest. The champion of a dead king has nothing left to lose… And nothing more to fear.England, 1066. Styrkar the Dane stumbles wounded and delirious from the corpse-strewn battlefield of […]
Review: Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
A darkly magnificent retelling of The Juniper Tree.
Review: Shield Breaker (The Wolf of King #2) by Richard Cullen
Synopsis: Styrkar the warrior sails to dangerous lands in this thrilling new historical adventure from Richard Cullen. The sequel to Oath Bound, longlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2022. England, 1068: a land gripped in the iron fist of Frankish invaders. But the Conqueror does not sit easily on his fledgling throne. Rebellion is […]
Review: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men (Gael Song #1) by Shauna Lawless
Synopsis 981 AD. The Viking King of Dublin is dead. His young widow, Gormflaith, has ambitions for her son – and herself – but Ireland is a dangerous place and kings tend not to stay kings for long. Gormflaith also has a secret. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal race who can do […]
Review: Shadow of the Eagle (The Borderlands #1) by Damion Hunter
Synopsis: Will Britain take him in… or mark him as its enemy?’A brilliantly realised world of Imperial ambition and native resistance’ Simon Scarrow’Wonderful, distinct characters … this is a terrific read’ Conn Iggulden Faustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold among the spoils after Claudius’s invasion. Now […]
Review: The Blood of Outcasts (The Bane Sword Saga #1) by D.A. Smith
Masako is a flawed, angry, and desperate person in a dogged pursuit of redemption for her fallen clan. The depths to which she’ll sink to achieve her goal and the questionable methods she uses to get there ultimately make her a compelling, if unlikable character. With twists and turns as sharp as Masako’s katana and a blistering pace that will leave you breathless, The Blood of Outcasts is a must-read for fans of Japanese-inspired fantasy. The tale of the Dattori Clans’ downfall and Masako’s rage-filled quest to restore her Master’s honor will leave its mark on your soul, as it has mine.
Book Tour: Hag of the Hills by J.T.T. Ryder
Let the god of wordsmithing drape me with his cloak and light our night with his inspiration. I will tell you, my dearest Luceo, the tale of how I came to sit next to you at this fire, far from our homeland, after the so-called queen Slighan and her Hillmen tore it asunder. May you always recount my words at anyone’s beckoning. You are a budding bard, and your skill will wilt if your attention wanes.
Review: Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
A gorgeous retelling of Kaikeyi.