Category: 4 stars

4 stars, Book Review

Hall of Smoke by H. M. Long Book Review

Hall of Smoke follows Hessa, a hghest priestess of Eang, the Goddess of War. Forsaken by her goddess after failing to complete one of her tasks, Hessa is an outcast to her village and religion when a raid takes place that destroys her entire home and people.

Desperate to seek redemption from her goddess, and revenge for her people, Hessa embarks on a journey to win back favour and discover who caused the deaths of everyone she’s ever known.

But there are powerful forces at play as the High Halls of the Gods are embroiled in a battle of their own, and soon Hessa must face her own crisis of faith as the terrible truths revealed weaken her trust in her goddess. Continue reading Hall of Smoke by H. M. Long Book Review

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4 stars, arc review, Book Review

Free Love by Tessa Hadley Arc Review

Phyllis Fischer is married to Roger Fischer with two children: Collette and Hugh, in a suburban dream that brings peace and stability. However, all that changes on a summer night when the son of an old family friend comes to dinner, exposing Phyllis to something new and exciting. They kiss on that hot summer evening and the world changes for her. Awaken to this new world and new feelings, Phyllis makes decisions that defies her role as mother and wife, exposing her family’s ordinary life to events and the dramatic changes of the society around them… Continue reading Free Love by Tessa Hadley Arc Review

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4 stars, Book Review

Sistersong by Lucy Holland Spoiler-Free + Spoiler Review

A retelling based on a the old, English ballad ‘The Twa Sisters’, a story of betrayal and deceit between two sisters, and this finally gives those woman a voice, as well as a narrative to the rumoured third sibling. The story follows Kenye, Sinne and Riva, three children of a King whose kingdom is under threat of a Saxon invasion, made worse by their weakening connection to the magic after Gilaid, a Catholic priest, arrived and started spreading his religion… Continue reading Sistersong by Lucy Holland Spoiler-Free + Spoiler Review

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4 stars, Book Review, Buzzfeed Recommends

Buzzfeed Recommends Part Ten: Lucky Caller by Emma Mills Audiobook Review

“So when I said that I’d always be your friend, I meant that… I always want to be there for you, no matter what. No matter which way. And if you don’t feel the same way, that’s okay. I understand. I’ll just… keep on loving you. All those other ways.” Continue reading Buzzfeed Recommends Part Ten: Lucky Caller by Emma Mills Audiobook Review

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4 stars, Book Review

Titan by François Vigneault Arc Review

When MNGR first class João da Silva lands on Titan he expects to find those willing to help him increase the mining plant’s productivity so it doesn’t get shut down. Instead he is surprised to find a mining colony plagued by tension between the genetically engineered Titans and the Terran management leaders. Phoebe, a Titan, has left her fighting days behind her when she turned her back on the fighting sport “mixing”, and now she finds herself caught between a past she wants to forget and a future she can’t see. Together the two pull together to find a way to ease tensions and save Homestead, or they risk launching a full on solar-system rebellion lead by the Titans. Continue reading Titan by François Vigneault Arc Review

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4 stars, Book Review, Buzzfeed Recommends

Buzzfeed Recommends Part Eight: Anna K by Jenny Lee Spoiler-Free Review

T/W: slut shaming, revenge porn, drug use, addiction, racism, adultery This is the eighth review of my ‘Buzzfeed Recommend’ series in which I read and review all the books Buzzfeed recommended in their article: ’15 Brand-New Young Adult Novels That Are Just So, So, Good’. You can read the summary for that here. ‘Anna K’ by Jenny Lee is a modern YA retelling of Anna Karenina set … Continue reading Buzzfeed Recommends Part Eight: Anna K by Jenny Lee Spoiler-Free Review

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4 stars, Book Review

As You Were by Elaine Feeney Arc Review

Sinead is a career driven woman with a terrifying secret she hasn’t told her family nor the other patients on the ward, she’s only managed to confide in Google and a sole magpie. But she can’t keep running from her past or her future, and she finds she needs both Jane and Margaret Rose, other visitors to her ward with their own problems and illnesses. Together, the three women bind together to sort through their pasts and presents and find a friendship that will set Sinead free. Continue reading As You Were by Elaine Feeney Arc Review

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4 stars, Asian Readathon 2020, Book Review, Readathons

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Spoiler- Free Review

The story follows Mehr, trapped between two cultures and the illegitimate daughter of a governor and an Amrithi nomad whose culture and magic have been outlawed. Caught one night practising rites that have been forbidden, Mehr captures the attention of the Emperor’s feared mystics and now has to use everything at her disposal to escape their cruel agenda. Continue reading Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Spoiler- Free Review

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4 stars, Book Review, Waterstone's Book of The Month 2020

Waterstone’s Book of the Month May 2020: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Spoiler Free + Spoiler Review)

The story follows Danny and Maeve, two siblings and their lives surrounding the Dutch House, a lavish mansion their father bought years ago. Their father is distant and their mother missing, so Danny looks up to Maeve and together they raise each other. All is well until one day their father brings Andrea home, and though they don’t know it that one choice sows the seeds for the defining loss of their lives. Set over the course of five decades it’s a story of two siblings tied together by love, loss and the bonds of place and time. Continue reading Waterstone’s Book of the Month May 2020: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Spoiler Free + Spoiler Review)

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4 stars, Book Review

Arc Review: When We Vanished by Alanna Peterson

Andi’s dad left her family not long ago to take part in a secret research project for food corporation Nutrexo, but when she overhears at a party the company has a dangerous research project she instantly fears her dad is part of it. She seeks help from a neighbour, Cyrus, and together they try to uncover the truth of what Nutrexo is doing. Their investigation leads them to a confidential research facility and it’s head scientist, and learn the hidden truth is far more dangerous than they originally thought. Continue reading Arc Review: When We Vanished by Alanna Peterson

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