Category: Book Review

Book Review: Fortune’s Well Project Pandora #supernatural #series

Evil doesn’t stay buried forever…

A few weeks have passed since that nightmarish summer, and for JJ Carson the future is uncertain.

Thrown into care and banned from seeing his uncle, the strange mist that follows him around has become his one and only companion.
Each day it grows stronger and more powerful, but that only draws the attention of a strange doctor with an even darker plan.

As for Darcie Duffield, life is back to normal, as she returns to school and desperately tries to forget the boy she met at the river, and the mysterious power he possessed.

But when her friend goes missing, and a ghost from the past returns, Darcie realises she’s barely scratched the surface of Fortune’s Well’s hidden secrets, and the sinister truth that lies beneath

My review

Highly entertaining novel from two authors I really admire. What a page turner! Loved it. One word sums it up perfectly: exciting!

This is full of supernatural excitement, teen emotion, (loved the relationship vibes between J J and Darcie,) and magical powers!

There is a fair amount of dialogue in this book but the speech is written enviably well that it manages to carry the story seamessly.

You would not guess this is written by two authors, it flows so naturally.

The plot is well devised carrying on with ease from the 1st book in the series, Fortune’s Well Book 1 Hangman’s Revenge, which I read and enjoyed very much.

There is a curious and explosive episode about the mirror girl that leaves me wondering hey how did that happen! The ending brings exciting elements that will encourage the reader into the next book, Fortune’s Well, Book 3, Days End.

There is an awesome teaser snippet at the end.

Look forward to reading more in this enticing supernatural series! Highly recommended.

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Sally Cronin: Variety Is The Spice of Life – @sgc58 #Book #Review #poetry #shortstories #flashfiction

Blurb

Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.

The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.

The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.

My review

Variety is the Spice of Life by Sally Cronin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a beautiful collection of poetry, flash fiction and short stories about life, love, getting older, experiencing as well as cherishing the world and all its magnificent inhabitants: birds, cats, bees, and much more! It certainly lives up to its lovely title: Variety is The Spice of Life and its fantastic cover.

The collection starts with three lovely poems, two to take us with the author on a journey and one to celebrate friendship, love and family: Pilgrimage, Expedition, and Kinship.

There are many relatable pieces including these favourite flash and poetry combos: Bear Witness and Face In The Mirror. Loved the last line: “I’ve morphed into my mother.”

Ha, this is me too! Not that I’m complaining. My mother is a wonderful human being, so if I have morphed into her I have nothing to worry about.

The Waltz is so cute, and my other favourite poems in the collection are:
The Moonlight Concerto,
Dress Rehearsal, Dolphins
Origins ( sad and poignant )
Strawberries ( the words are written so well that you can taste them – the strawberries I mean… not the words!)

Flash and poetry favourites include:

Useful… to be so, with a smile, is a wonderfully good thing to be!

The Robin’s Size Doesn’t Matter and Starlings, Neighbourhood Cats, all were delightful as were all the other garden gems.

The collection ends with a bunch of fantastic short stories.

The Neighbourhood Watch, is one for cat lovers, with a marmalade cat. In The Green Hill we are treated to a poignant long lasting love story. Sadly, there are more serious tales with mentioned abuse in On The Run. There is a touching family tale in The Secret, and a positive and light-hearted tale about getting older in The Home Help, and more besides!

Something for everyone in this lovely collection!

Highly recommended. 5 stars from me. Thoroughly enjoyed.



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Book Review. Do what you Love, by Marjorie Mallon. #bookreview #newrelease #dowhatyoulove #booktwt #writingcommunity #readingcommunity via @RichardDockett1

Thank you so much to Richard for his review of my latest poetry, prose and photography book Do What You Love.

Richard is a talented author – I’ve read many of his books and I can attest to that! So, I value his opinion very much.

Do pop over to read this lovely 5 star review at source … and to check out his  awesome blog.

Source: Book Review. Do what you Love, by Marjorie Mallon.

REVIEW

This is a wonderful, uplifting collection of poems, short fiction pieces and pictures.

The three fates of Greek myth and their imagined interaction with the author is a great way to hold this selection of musings together.  

The overriding message is joy, hope and love. And the celebration of a life well lived.

There are some beautiful descriptions, from the Hibiscus flower to the loss of a sock, the memories of life and the poems span the globe.

I particularly liked the set of poems about the trees and the reminiscences of times spent by the sea.

Recommended for anyone who likes to be taken on a journey through the eyes of another.

Highly recommended.

Jungle Green (The Balcom Dynasty Book 2) @richarddockett1 #scifi #mystery #organisedcrime #drugtheme #bookreview #recommendation

Synopsis

“This one’s a nail biter.” Vine Voice reviewer.
One tablet a day, it’s supposed to keep you alive. But it might just kill you.
TC is the wonder drug. Manufactured in secrecy, on a remote planet at the edge of the galaxy. It makes worlds inhabitable; and Balcom Industrial lots of money. Suddenly, the people who need to take it to stay alive start to die!

For Layla Balcom, the news is devastating. She’s just resumed her rightful place as head of Balcom. This problem threatens to spoil her moment of triumph. Can the drug be flawed? Or is something else going on?

The answer needs to be found, quickly.

Whether Layla or Balcom will survive is not guaranteed.

“One of those books that you can’t put down until finished.”

“Fascinating lead character and intricately plotted”

Phew busy o’ time… time for a quick review before my book launch tomorrow. This is for a favourite author of mine Richard Dee. If you haven’t read any of Richard’s work you are missing out!

Jungle Green by Richard Dee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed the continuation of The Balcom Dynasty. This is book 2 following on from the first book in the series, Ribbonworld which I read and enjoyed too.

Jungle Green has much to recommend it with its mystery, sci fi appeal, planets and also a drug theme – the wonder drug TC for swamp fever and its counterfeit, in this second book… creating opportunities for nasty thugs to get onboard and cause threat, fear and some serious issues.

I thought the concept for this story was brilliant, imaginative, and alarming too!

The pace is a little slow to begin with but really hots up as the story continues. It’s well plotted and the characters and descriptions are fab. I particularly enjoyed Miles Goram, Layla Balcom, and Marissa, and how Layla encouraged Marissa to carry on and be brave, (won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers.)

I listened to this tale on audiobook. The narration from Stephen Bungay was good. He had quite a host of voices to narrate and overall he did a great job.

Highly recommended for sci fi, mystery, organised crime with drug theme, readers,



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Authors Blog: http://www.richarddeescifi.co.uk

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Book Review: Shadow Walker ( Shadow Walker Book 1) @Jina_Bazzar #ya #heist #magic #dystopian #setting #readingcommunity

Goodreads Synopsis

Nine Houses rule the nation, and Melaina stays away from them at all costs. She lives by one hard rule: never mingle with the supernatural.
Driven by fear of discovery, she remains on the fringes of society, occasionally stealing to provide for her aunt and her brother. When the opportunity to work for a corporation not owned by a House falls into her lap, she can’t believe her luck. With a forged non-magical certification in hand, she’s ready to embrace a bright future.
Unfortunately, the future is an ambush by blackmailing thugs, notorious assassins, and an unscrupulous House leader.
Entrenched in House conflict, Melaina’s dream of normalcy has turned into her worst nightmare.
Now, to save her brother and family secrets, she’ll have to partake in one last dangerous heist. Success means exposing her forbidden magic, but failure could cost the lives of everyone she loves

My review

4.5 stars.

Melaina is a Shadow Walker with inherited ‘despicable’ ‘forbidden sinister magic,’ but her ‘fire was weak and manageable, and it had been easy to hide it from the outside world.’

Melaina is a loveable thief, and was once known as the chameleon, she wants to retire… BUT…!!!


I loved the characterisation in this story, the mention of all sorts of magic abilities, the powerful houses, Melaina’s disguises, her roller skating and physical exertions even with an injured ankle! And her obvious love and devotion to her family, plus the lovely touches of humour and vivid descriptive scenes.

It’s an exciting and intricate tale, which needs a far amount of close reading to understand the finer points of the world building and set up.

Melaina is a fantastic female heroine with guts aplenty!

There is sizzling mention of her attraction to former boyfriend Bradley but in this novel relationships are more focused on family loyalty to her Aunt Camila and brother Aiden than to gushing over romantic love. Though it sits there as a tempting prospect… which I enjoyed!

This is book one. The ending is more heartfelt than explosive and encourages the reader to find out more in book two, Shadow Pawn.

Highly recommended for YA fans of heist, magic, fantasy and shadow characters – a favourite of mine! I am a recent member of Ms. Bazzar’s arc team, many thanks to the author for a copy!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Walker-book-dystopian-setting-ebook/dp/B0BFVHDPTK/

A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

Thank you so much to Willow for this lovely review, and beautiful blog post about new book which is currently on kindle preorder, releases November 25th.

Review quote: I really enjoyed this very personal book by Marjorie, her past, present and her future, her family and her friends . The magic she finds in the every day, her love of insects, creatures and trees her love of life. Don’t be put off by the word personal, this book is so welcoming. I strongly recommend it to you all.

Willow

To read the full review and blog post at source click on the link: A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

Book Review: Right Beside You (Maggie Turner Book 2) @Helen_Pryke #suspense #thriller

BLURB

This dark suspense series is set in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and features British journalist Maggie Turner.

They had their future all mapped out until that fateful night destroyed it. Now those responsible must pay.

When Maggie receives an anonymous letter, she realises she’s being stalked. The only connection is a Hampshire gang she helped put in prison thirteen years earlier. As the stalking intensifies, Maggie suspects everyone around her. Even those she loves.

But as Maggie becomes more and more paranoid, one by one the gang members suffer horrifying attacks. Someone from her past is out for revenge, and it’s clear that Maggie is next . . .

When your life is falling apart, who can you trust?

Right Beside You is the second book in the Maggie Turner series. Don’t miss this gripping sequel to The Lost Girls!

Review

I am part of the ARC reader group. Thank you to the author for a copy. Here is my review, all opinions are my own and unbiased.

A Page turning tense suspense thriller

Right Beside You is the 2nd book in The Maggie Turner series of suspense novels. I re-read The Lost Girls just recently and was keen to continue with this wonderful series. Though Right Beside You can be comfortably read as a standalone.

It’s a gripping read! One which kept me reading and intrigued to find out what happened next. It’s somewhat gruesomely revengeful in bits but this is beautifully counterbalanced by the love that investigated journalist Maggie and policewoman Sally share.

I thought the characterisation was superb as was the storyline and there is an interesting twist in the epilogue to set up for more in this series.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a well plotted suspense novel and those who don’t mind gruesome bits! Not gratuitous violence – all plot and character driven.

Rating:  5 out of 5.

Author Bio:

Helen Pryke is a British author who has been living in the north of Italy for almost 30 years, learning everything about Italians, their culture, and their way of life. She now considers herself more Italian than British, even though she has never lost her British accent. Addicted to coffee and chocolate, she has also developed a passion for good food, having married an Italian who is a wonderful cook!

As well as writing suspense novels, Helen also writes emotional women’s fiction set in Italy that deals with the difficult subject of abuse in a sensitive way.

She also writes middle grade fiction under the pen name, Julia E. Clements. You can find her books here: author.to/JuliaEClements

When she’s not writing, she works as a proofreader for indie authors and a translator (from Italian to English). She loves reading, and will read anything and everything.

For all the latest information, excerpts from her upcoming books, general fun, or for a chat, follow Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/helenprykeauthor/

For all her books, social media links, and more, visit her website at https://pinkquillbooks.wordpress.com

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Book Review: The Lost Girls by Helen Pryke @helen_pryke #psychological #thriller #review

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This dark suspense series is set in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and features British journalist Maggie Turner.

Seventeen years ago he lost his sisters. Now he wants them back.

Four years ago, two teenage girls were abducted. Four years ago, a ten-year-old boy was murdered. Both cases remain unsolved.

Desperate to find their missing sisters, Michael and Chloe ask investigative journalist Maggie Turner to help them. And what starts as a simple investigation soon turns into a frantic race against time.

The kidnapper took the girls to replace his sisters. Who died seventeen years earlier.

Forced to face traumatic events from the past, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a nightmare that can only get worse…

Tense, fast paced, and gritty, The Lost Girls is the first novel in the Maggie Turner series.

My Review:

I originally read this novel in 2021 and it has now been republished. The author kindly gave me an ARC copy of the updated version which I re-read. What a fabulous read!

I am impressed. A confident, engaging psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages wanting to discover what happens next.

The strengths of the story lie in its excellent characters: particularly Maggie the investigative journalist who seeks to discover who abducted the two young girls.

In The Lost Girls a deranged person abducts two young girls. As the story progresses I became more aware that this thriller should be praised for its handling of mental health issues with regard to the abductor, and his two young victims. It’s superb in that respect.

This is the first in this series. The ending was emotionally charged, making me keen to read more. So, I couldn’t wait to start the second book, Right Beside You!

This novel is for you if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a dark, disturbing edge to them. Please be aware that there are distressing themes in this novel: abduction, sexual assault of a minor, and scenes of violence. These are written in such a way as not be too graphic, or prolonged. So, considerable praise to the author for handling these difficult passages in such a sensitive way.

An excellent psychological thriller: highly recommended.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Author Bio:

Helen Pryke is a British author who has been living in the north of Italy for almost 30 years, learning everything about Italians, their culture, and their way of life. She now considers herself more Italian than British, even though she has never lost her British accent. Addicted to coffee and chocolate, she has also developed a passion for good food, having married an Italian who is a wonderful cook!

As well as writing suspense novels, Helen also writes emotional women’s fiction set in Italy that deals with the difficult subject of abuse in a sensitive way.

She also writes middle grade fiction under the pen name, Julia E. Clements. You can find her books here: author.to/JuliaEClements

When she’s not writing, she works as a proofreader for indie authors and a translator (from Italian to English). She loves reading, and will read anything and everything.

For all the latest information, excerpts from her upcoming books, general fun, or for a chat, follow Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/helenprykeauthor/

For all her books, social media links, and more, visit her website at https://pinkquillbooks.wordpress.com

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

MJ’s Book Reviews: RibbonWorld by Richard Dee @RichardDockett1 #scifi #bookreview #bookrecommendation


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Miles Goram has a problem. All the down-on-his-luck journalist planned on doing was writing a hotel review and now there’s a body in his bathroom. Far from home on a strange planet, Miles must deal with the fact that somebody wants him dead. Welcome to Reevis, a planet without days or nights where life is only possible under a vast pressure dome. It is on this airless wasteland that Miles finds himself caught up in a mystery involving a huge interplanetary corporation, a powerful man and his ambitious PA, and a beautiful young heiress who has been missing for years. Crossing the galaxy in search of answers, Miles begins to uncover a web of deceit that stretches further than anyone could have imagined. With his life becoming at greater and greater risk, he realises that there is no one he can trust. Will he discover the truth and finally come to terms with his past? And, if he does, will it be enough to save his future…?

My review – Ribbonworld – The Balcom Dynasty Book 1

I don’t often read, or listen to Scifi but I’m glad I picked Ribbonworld up!

Richard Dee has a talent for writing engrossing stories in a variety of genres including scifi. This novel showcases both his ability to worldbuild creating the sci fi world of Balcom, and Reevis, (of Balcom which is “a thin ribbon of land that could just about support human life. And all that meant was that it wouldn’t immediately kill you.”)

There are some fabulous imaginative and descriptive passages. And the character of investigative journalist Miles Goram is well conceived as are all the supporting cast.

This is for you if you like Sci Fi, want to find out what happened to poor murdered hotel owner Nic, can see the parallels in political intrigue in what is happening in many countries (“off-Worlders go home,” and “No more useless mouths,”) tremble at the thought of the (“secret police,”) ( “the usual self-preservation story of corrupt leaders everywhere,”) and enjoy dashes of danger and excitement: (“this place is not a tourist haunt;it can be dangerous…”) and aren’t adverse to a touch of romance and some humour too!

I listened to Ribbonworld on audiobook and also have a copy on kindle. I enjoyed the narrator’s interpretation of all the voices too.

I plan to continue with the series on audiobook continuing with book 2, Jungle Green soon.

My rating: 5 stars.

You can find Richard at https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/ where you’ll find free short stories, regular features on writing, book reviews and guest appearances from other great authors.

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MJ’s Book Reviews: D. L. Finn A Voice In The Silence @dlfinnauthor #paranormal #thriller #romance #bookrecommendations

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Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise— about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.

Can Drea and Adam survive the threats coming from so many directions and save themselves and the animals they’ve grown to love? Or will more tragedy destroy her second chance at happiness? Find out in this thrilling, cozy paranormal adventure.

D. L. Finn is a wonderful author and great supporter of the writing community. This is my review of a Voice in The Silence,

A Voice in the Silence by D.L. Finn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Drea is feeling bereft after the passing of her much loved husband. She lives in a remote part of the forest but joins a bereavement group. Extraordinary one day three furry friends come to join her: a rat, cat and a dog. What she doesn’t know is that they have incredible abilities….

In this unusual tale you are treated to a variety of genres with elements of murder mystery, ghost, human interest, romance, and extra terrestial! And D. L. Finn’s obvious love of animals and her feelings against animal experimentation comes to the fore too.

Some lovely descriptions: The crackling of the fire filled the otherwise quiet room. Night’s shroud concealed the landscape within minutes of the killer’s escape. The darkness offered a break from the snow as the clouds pulled back, revealing stars and bringing the temperature down even further. The full Beaver Moon illuminated the scene, but in the shadows of the forest, a killer lurked.

I enjoyed it. The ending was hopeful and heart-warming and gave a sense of moving on in a sweet way from bereavement and loss.

A Voice In The Silence is recommended if you love novels with heart that are a little different from the mainstream. Good characters, ( both human and otherwise ) and pacing make it a pleasing, at times suspenseful and ultimately romantic read.



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Other books I have enjoyed and reviewed from D. L. Finn: Just Her Poetry, Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories.

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her. You can learn more about Ms. Finn at her website: www.dlfinnauthor.com

Do catch up on all my reviews on my bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/