Sistersong by Lucy Holland is heartbreakingly beautiful. I had never heard of ‘The Twa Sisters’ murder folk ballad but looked it up after I finished reading. Sistersong proved to be as evocative as the ballad is.
Fantasy
Book Tour: Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi
Shadow Shinjuku is a Japanese crime thriller and Ryu Takeshi’s first published novel. It is so interesting that the synopsis mentions noir, as well, because that was the vibe I got while reading it. I found the combination of urban fantasy, crime noir, and thriller to be fascinating. The book also has some supernatural elements, too, so it is hard to nail this book down to one genre.
Recommended Reading: Dragons of Terra by Brian Naslund
I had been putting off reading Brian Naslund’s Dragons of Terra series until it was finished because I was afraid once I started reading it I would not want to stop. I had heard it was absolutely addictive, plus adventure fantasy is my favorite, and also, well, you know, dragons, so I was not interested in waiting a year for book 2, and another year for book 3. And I could not have been more right in that decision. Had I had time between books it would have driven me absolutely bonkers. This is the kind of series that makes me want to shout from the rooftops… *ahem*… let me clear my throat:
READ IT NOW!
Now that the yelling is out of the way, let’s get to the details of what makes this series so good.
Review: The Shadow Sect (Netherdei #1) by Peter Hackshaw
Synopsis Falken Calder dreams of becoming Immortal. But as a mere scullery boy in service of the fabled Ardent Lunar Sect, his chances of rising through the ranks are slim. There is only one way he can take up the title of cultivator – to Awaken before he comes of age. Time is already running […]
Review: The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
The Cat Who Saved Books is a truly enchanting tale of a boy who loses his Grandfather and his journey with a talking cat to save books. Translated from the original Japanese by Louse Heal Kawai it flows wonderfully as it draws you through the story.
Review: The Darkest Dusk (Onyxborn Chronicle #2) by D.W Ross
Synopsis Following on from D.W. Ross’ debut novel Cold From The North, The Darkest Dusk is the next instalment of the adventures of Ogulf Harlsbane and his allies as they attempt to thwart the advances of malevolent forces trying to take over the realm of Gelenea. Battle lines are drawn all over the continent as […]
Review: The Pariah (The Covenant of Steel #1) by Anthony Ryan
The Pariah by Anthony Ryan is the first novel in The Covenant of Steel, an all new epic fantasy trilogy introducing a perilous, yet compelling journey through the eyes of an outlaw.
Review: Master of Sorrows (The Silent Gods #1) by Justin T Call
Master of Sorrows is a slow, but methodical build to a whirlwind of a climax. Read this book!
Review: Paladin Unbound by Jeffrey Speight
Paladin Unbound starts the way that all good fantasies do. With a prologue detailing events that happened millenia ago, leading to a prophecy being left behind that becomes the catalyst for the rest of the book. Speight does this incredible well as it immediately pulls you into the mythology and history of Evelium.
Review: The Hood (Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet #2) by Lavie Tidhar
The Hood delivers myth and magic with a splatter of sweary violence and comedy in all the right places in what is one of the most unique and masterful reads of 2021.
Review: The Fall by Ryan Cahill
Synopsis The Order have watched over the continent of Epheria for thousands of years. But there are those who believe The Order has had its day. That it is corrupt, indulgent, and deceitful – that it is ready to fall. The City of Ilnaen is on fire.Dragons fill the skies.Traitors fill the streets. The Fall […]
Song of the Beast by Carol Berg
Synopsis Brutal imprisonment has broken Aidan McAllister. Once the most famous musician of his generation, celebrated as a man beloved of the gods, his voice is now silent, his hands ruined, his music that offered beauty and hope to war-torn Elyria destroyed. Even the god who nurtured his talent since boyhood has abandoned him. But […]