My Review by Witchcraft and Fury by T.T. Greenshaw

"She felt a surge of affection for all of them; to think that, just six months before, they had been at each other's throats, and now they shared friendships that she considered unbreakable."

I'm finally getting around to writing my review for Witchcraft and Fury by T.T. Greenshaw. I really enjoyed this one, and although it has a slightly slow start while the world-building settles in 🏗️, the pace soon picks up and I raced through the second half ⚡️.

Solar, our seventeen-year-old protagonist, is a witch-in-training who’s sassy, bold, and full of confidence ✨. Nothing and no one is going to stand in the way of her training or her dream of becoming the witch she’s always imagined—even if it once felt impossible. I loved Solar's adventures; the friends she made along the way became like family 💛, and by the end, they all had each other's backs. “All for one” and all that! 🧙‍♀️

Full of magic, potions, weird creatures 🧪🦑, and even a flying carpet 🪄, Witchcraft and Fury feels like the start of something wonderful for this series.

Thank you to Love Book Tours and T.T. Greenshaw for the opportunity to read and review Witchcraft and Fury.

About the Book

Solar Carpenter is the first girl to study magic in a hundred years. And maybe the last.

For over a century, only high-born men have wielded magic in Ashwood. The nobility’s youngest sons are taught by the kingdom’s wizards in roving magic encampments. Witchcraft is forbidden, and the women who practise it persecuted.

Yet change is coming.

Solar Carpenter, a girl providing for her family any way she can, is plucked from her life of menial work and petty theft to study at an elite encampment. Under the guidance of one of Ashwood’s greatest wizards, she will learn in the field as a witch-in-training, using her powers to protect the kingdom.

Or die trying.

But what if something other than destiny lies behind her rise to magical prominence? Is Solar merely a pawn in an intricate game of thrones and power? Or the greatest force for change in a hundred years?

About Theo

Theo grew up in Cheshire, England, with twin passions for fantasy novels and history. He followed the latter to study Ancient History and Archaeology at university, researching civilisations from Ancient Mesopotamia to Medieval England. He now works as a customer experience consultant, but satisfies his interest in the ancient world through consuming endless history podcasts.

His love for the written word has led him to write Chronicles of the Divided Isle, found the Leeds Fantasy Book Club, and learn foreign languages, including Mandarin. When not writing, Theo can be found playing the saxophone in various jazz bands, dreaming up new stories on hikes, or touring the nation’s cafes.  

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Theo on Bluesky | Follow Theo on Instagram

Theo's Website

Read More

My Review for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, read by Tom Parker

“No, my friend. We are lunatics from the hospital up the highway, psycho-ceramics, the cracked pots of mankind."

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was November’s read for #classiclitbookclub, and I opted for the audiobook. I found a great copy on Libby narrated by Tom Parker, who absolutely nailed it 🎧.

I went in with zero expectations — classic me, never reading the synopsis 😜 — and it’s not a book I ever came across in school. So I was genuinely surprised when the opening chapters gave me The Green Mile vibes (I know it’s a book too, but I’ve only seen the movie!) 🎬.

The story was incredibly eye-opening. From what I understand, treatments like electric shock therapy, lobotomies, and simply locking people away for having mental health issues were all considered normal at the time ⚡🧠. Horrifying, honestly. And the wildest part is that it really wasn’t that long ago. We’ve come such a long way since then.

Nurse Ratched, though… wow. She should’ve been running a prison, not a ward. The level of control and cruelty she wielded was unbelievable 😳🚫.

I really loved Chief as the narrator. The fact that everyone assumed he was deaf and mute — giving him a front-row seat to everything — added such a clever layer to the story 👀.

I’d definitely like to watch an adaptation. One’s already been recommended to me, so I might give it a go soon 🎥.

About the Book

Tyrannical Nurse Ratched rules her ward in an Oregon State mental hospital with a strict and unbending routine, unopposed by her patients, who remain cowed by mind-numbing medication and the threat of electric shock therapy. But her regime is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy – the swaggering, fun-loving trickster with a devilish grin who resolves to oppose her rules on behalf of his fellow inmates. His struggle is seen through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a seemingly mute half-Indian patient who understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the powers that keep them imprisoned. Ken Kesey's extraordinary first novel is an exuberant, ribald and devastatingly honest portrayal of the boundaries between sanity and madness.

About Ken

Ken Kesey (1935–2001) was an American novelist and a defining voice of 1960s counterculture. He rose to prominence with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a novel inspired by his time working in a psychiatric hospital and participating in early psychedelic-drug studies. In the mid-’60s, Kesey helped spark the psychedelic movement through his cross-country trip with the Merry Pranksters aboard their wild, painted bus “Furthur,” hosting the legendary “Acid Tests.” Beyond his cultural impact, he wrote several other works — most notably Sometimes a Great Notion — and became known for blending rebellion, imagination, and storytelling into a uniquely American legacy.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Read More

My Review for Peter Kay’s Diary: The Monthly Memoir of a Boy from Bolton, read by Peter Kay

"A good cuppa tea can solve most problems, and if it can't, you've probably got bigger issues than a biscuit can fix". 

Peter Kay is one of the UK's top comedians 🎤 and he's absolutely hilarious. In my opinion, he's one of the best at observational comedy 😂 in the business. I was lucky enough to see him on tour earlier this year, which was fantastic, and because I adore his Yorkshire accent 😍, I wanted to listen to his new autobiography so I could linger in those dulcet tones.

In this one, each chapter focuses on a month of the year 📅 — from January through to December. Peter picks a memory or two for each month and captivates the listener as he shares his humorous take on whatever he's talking about, whether it's summer holidays ☀️, Valentine's Day ❤️, or Christmas 🎄. In his own inimitable way, Peter draws you into his world and makes you feel as though you were right there with him.

Never do I laugh so hard as when I'm watching Peter Kay on tour, on TV, or listening to one of his books 🤣 — and this was no exception. I could listen over and over again 🔁, no matter how many times I've heard the stories.

About the Book

‘Think of this autobiography as a twelve-month subscription to my memories and meanderings across the calendar year. With each month reflecting a different phase of my life, complete with dodgy decisions, bizarre plot twists and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.’ 

Peter Kay is back – and funnier than ever – with his most heartfelt and hilarious autobiography yet. Take a whistlestop journey through his life, in a year. From hitting the gym in January, falling in love in February and a nostalgic trip to Ireland at Easter, to buying his first house in May. Then it’s summer holidays at Butlins, a September wedding and, before you know it, he’s packing away the Halloween decorations and sipping a glass of Bailey’s in front of the Christmas telly.

With his trademark warmth and wit, Peter offers a unique take on the calendar year – in a way only he can – cementing his place as one of Britain’s best-loved comedians and a true national treasure.

About Peter

Peter Kay is an English comedian, actor, writer, and director, born on 2 July 1973 in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Known for his warm observational humor and nostalgic storytelling, he rose to fame with his stand-up routines and hit TV shows such as Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere, and Car Share. His stand-up tours have repeatedly broken UK box office records, including The Tour That Didn’t Tour Tour… Now On Tour, one of the best-selling comedy tours of all time.

Kay is celebrated for his ability to find humor in everyday life, often drawing from his Northern upbringing. Despite periods away from the spotlight, he remains one of Britain’s most beloved and influential comedians.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Read More

My Review for A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber

“I have tickets to the Nutcracker. Expensive tickets.” 

A Ferry Merry Christmas was my first venture into Debbie Macomber’s books, and off we trotted to Seattle for a ferry ride across the Puget Sound. The entire story unfolds over just a few hours, as we follow the passengers aboard a rather dodgy ferry ⛴️ that decides to break down mid-journey. 😬

Avery, Harrison, Virginia, James, Beth, Logan, and Olivia are our main characters, all stranded together. And in just a short space of time, each of their lives is going to change—naturally, for the better. 💛

I love how their stories intertwine, how Debbie weaves her Christmas 🎅🏼magic throughout the ferry, and how joy, forgiveness, understanding, and love ripple through every chapter. 💫

If you’re after a cute, Christmassy 🎁 read that will leave you smiling, definitely pick up a copy of this one. 😊

Thank you to Sphere, Little, Brown Book Group, and Hachette UK for the gifted copy of A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber. 📚✨🎀

About the Book

When the holidays don't go to plan, can love chart a new course?

Avery and Reed Bond might drive each other up the wall, but as siblings, they've always had each other's backs - through every triumph, every heartache, and every ill-advised attempt at matchmaking.

This Christmas is their first without their beloved Gram, the woman who raised them and made the season magical. Determined to honour her memory, they plan a holiday escape together. But when their ferry breaks down mid-journey, the festive spirit is in short supply.

Then Avery strikes up an unexpected connection with a dashing sailor who reminds her what magic really feels like. And Reed finds himself seeing his workmate in a whole new - and very unexpected - way.

As the snow falls and the Christmas lights twinkle, the Bond siblings discover that life has a funny way of surprising you. So, could a holiday hiccup turn into the season that changes everything?

About Debbie

Debbie Macomber is a renowned #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most cherished writers, with over 200 million copies of her books sold globally. Her novels beautifully depict meaningful relationships, celebrating family bonds and enduring friendships, and inspire readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s works have collectively remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 1,000 weeks, with fifteen titles reaching the top spot.

In addition to her captivating fiction, Macomber has authored bestselling cookbooks, adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction titles, and beloved children’s books. Known as “the official storyteller of Christmas,” her annual holiday tales are adored by fans, many of which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove series which was adapted into the Hallmark Channel’s first dramatic scripted television series, enjoying a popular three-season run.

Debbie and her husband Wayne are dedicated parents, grandparents, and recently great-grandparents. They reside in the Pacific Northwest—the charming area that inspired many of her books.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Debbie on Facebook | Follow Debbie on Instagram

Debbie's Website

Read More

My Review for Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

“When everything went to hell, at least she could always count on scones.”

I honestly wasn’t expecting to enjoy Foxglove more than Belladonna, but I did! Why did I wait so long to read this series?! 🤦‍♀️ We created a “sequel shelf” at #thatindiebookclub, and thank goodness we did. This one has been sitting there ever since we read Belladonna last year — such a good idea, because otherwise I know I’d never have picked it back up!

I also seem to be on a bit of a run reading about the undead 😁. First this one, and now I’m listening to Good Spirits. Apparently I’m leaning into a theme! I ended up switching between reading and listening to Foxglove because once I’d started, I didn’t want to take a break — but unfortunately real life insisted I get on with things 😅.

I still struggle with the whole “human getting it on with Death” situation 😂. Signa continues her very weird relationship with Death, but this time Fate throws himself into the mix — and what an arrogant twonk he is! (Google it if you’re not British 😆.) Without giving anything away, I thought Byron was a bit of an ass for most of the book 🙄, though fine… maybe he redeemed himself at the end.

I loved the dual points of view, switching between Signa and Blythe, and in this one Blythe definitely makes her mark in more ways than one ✨. More powers appear, more mysteries unfold, and that massive twist at the end will have you popping out to buy the next book immediately 📚💨.

About the Book

A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Signa and Death's story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

About Adalyn

Adalyn Grace is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, IndieBound, and International bestselling author of the Belladonna series and the All the Stars and Teeth duology.

Prior to becoming an author, Adalyn spent four years working in live theatre and studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra. 

Local to San Diego, Adalyn spends her non-writing days by watching too much anime, and by playing video games with her two dorky dogs.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Adalyn on Facebook | Follow Adalyn on Instagram

Adalyn's Website

Read More

My Review for Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, read by Lauren Fortgang and Michael David Axtell

“Even alligators have parents, Dawes. That doesn't stop them from biting”

Ninth House 📚 was the book of choice for November's read for #thatindiebookclub. I didn’t really know what “Dark Academia” 🏛️ was all about when the theme for that month was revealed, and that’s exactly what I love about these book club reads—they push you to try things you might not have picked up otherwise! ✨

I decided to listen to the audiobook 🎧 for this one, and I really liked it. It was slow to start as we’re dropped into Alex’s Yale world—a world she was recruited into rather than earned through school achievements, all because she can see ghosts! 👻 The story is told across two timelines: Spring 🌸 and Winter ❄️. I’m still not entirely sure when Alex arrived at Yale and which timeline features Darlington training her versus after he disappears. But honestly, it doesn’t really matter—I don’t feel the need to understand every single detail to enjoy a story, and I absolutely did. 😄

I loved Alex’s ability to adapt to any situation. She fits in surprisingly well with both ghosts 👻 and humans 🧑‍🤝‍🧑, and she sets out to help solve everyone’s mysteries 🕵️‍♀️. I mean, who wouldn’t want to befriend a dead bridegroom 💀💍, right?!

It’s dark—very dark in places 🌑. Definitely read the trigger warnings ⚠️ before diving in, as it’s not suitable for everyone. Luckily, few things trigger me, and I was happy to lose myself in the secret societies 🏰 and mysterious goings-on 🔮 for a few days!

I’ll definitely pick up the sequel at some point 📖—I’m keen to read more about Daniel Arlington! 😉

About the Book

Galaxy "Alex" Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug-dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. In fact, by age 20, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most prestigious universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. Their eight windowless "tombs" are the well-known haunts of the rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street’s biggest players. But their occult activities are more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive. They tamper with forbidden magic. They raise the dead. And, sometimes, they prey on the living.

About Leigh

Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Familiar, Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology—and much more. Her short fiction has appeared in multiple anthologies including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Los Angeles and is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Leigh on Facebook | Follow Leigh on Instagram

Leigh's Website

Read More

My Review for Within the Space of a Second by Elise Helliwell

'I would let him take me anywhere. Past, present or future. I would give hours of my life to have seconds in his.'

OMFG this book was amazing — addictive, awesome, and such a delight to read. I need the next one right now. How am I supposed to cope until next year??!!

Within the Space of a Second is Elise’s debut novel and she has absolutely hit the ground running. I love a time-travel story (because it’s real, right? People can actually time travel? I just need to crack the method). I was fully immersed in Mariella’s world from page one, and when she starts realising her dreams are actually a form of time travel, I immediately decided that my own incredibly vivid dreams must mean I’m time travelling too. 😂

It’s a love story packed with fantasy, possibilities, choices, and so much more. It’s beautifully written, brilliantly edited, and one of those rare books I already know I’ll reread. I’ve even grabbed it on LibroFM so I can try the audio!

Buy it, add it to your Christmas wishlist, borrow it from a friend or the library — whatever you do, just read it and then tell me you didn’t love it as much as I did.

Thank you to Elise Helliwell, Atria Books, and Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy of Within the Space of a Second.

About the Book

Every morning, Mariella Adams wakes with a strange electrical energy buzzing beneath her skin. Terrified she has inherited her late mother’s mental illness, she tells no one. But when Mariella discovers her mother’s lost journals with an entry dated after her death, she’s desperate for answers.

The mystery only deepens when Mariella is approached by two strangers, Rose and Parker, who claim to be time travelers from the future. They say that interfering with the past – and Mariella – is forbidden, but they need her help to restore Parker’s ability to time travel before they’re caught in Mariella's timeline.

Shocked, Mariella agrees to help them. After all, they might hold the answers she’s looking for. And the more time she spends with them, the more she finds herself drawn to Parker. As she fights to uncover the mysteries of her past and the secrets of his future, will Mariella discover the truth before time runs out – and Parker disappears forever?

About Elise

Elise resides on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, with her husband and two young girls. An avid romance reader, Elise writes contemporary and sci-fi/fantasy romance, juggling themes of love, anticipation and emotional angst. 

Part time scientist/radiographer and full time hopeless romantic, Elise’s writing combines her love of science and the romance genre to produce suspenseful, swoon-worthy love stories that will keep the reader falling until the very last page.

When Elise isn’t parenting or writing, she’s either in her head watching characters and storylines come to life, or curled up at home with a glass of wine in hand, reading romantasy or contemporary romance.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Elise on Facebook | Follow Elise on Instagram

Elise's Website

Read More