My Review for The Drowners by David A. Anderson

'We're all sprinkled with crazy. Some of us are just better at hiding it.'

You know those books that stay with you for a long time after you've read it? Well, I think this is going to be one of those. The Drowners was incredible, from start to finish. I never know what to expect from a new author, and I often open that first page with a certain amount of trepidation. I needn't have worried about this one though, I was hooked. 

Set in the early 1990s, Aaron is just beginning to understand his sexuality, and it's difficult, the stigma, the apprehension and the judgment of being queer in 1990s Ireland. Aaron is funny, so funny, and when he and Robbie get together the puns are never-ending. I highlighted just a couple of the lines, which had me spitting my coffee out!

'All those years without draining your nuts is enough to send you loopy.'

'That miserable old bollix isn't knocking on Heaven's door, he's booting it off its hinges.'

It wasn't lost on me that the protagonist has the same name as part of the author's and I have no idea whether this novel is semi-autobiographical. If it is, then it's even more heartbreaking, as some of the crap the main character went through was awful.

Check the trigger warnings before you read this, but if you're all good, then I'd 100% recommend you read it. 

Thank you to David A. Anderson for the opportunity to read and review The Drowners.

About the Book

For Aaron, this world is an unfathomable puzzle. Haunted by disturbing dreams, he drifts through empty days, shielding himself behind sarcasm and cynical wit. After being expelled, he sees an opportunity to rewrite his future at a new school. Connecting over a shared love for De Niro films with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent, he unexpectedly finds his companion piece, one person who truly understands him. Together, they navigate the chaotic waters of adolescence, from dramatic first dates to sociopathic bullies, iconic concerts, drugs, and a dead body.

With adulthood fast approaching, can their unique bond survive the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations? Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away.

A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners transports us back to a time when our tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life seemed infinite.

About David

Award-winning author of The Drowners, David Anderson hails from the cold, wet streets of Dublin. Like a Hummingbird, after college, he migrated south to warmer climes. Namely, sunny Spain, where he teaches students who are bemused by hearing the Queen's English delivered in an Irish brogue. In his early thirties, he caught the writing bug. In 2021, he won a YA Watty award.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow David on Bluesky | Follow David on Instagram

Read More

My Review for The Legend of Uh by Aaron N. Hall read by Adriel Brandt

Wizard waffles and a noodle cult!

The Legend of Uh is hilarious! The humour had me laughing out loud and reaching for my phone to add notes, as I listened to this on my long walks through local villages. Often I stopped in the middle of a quiet country road to write something down so I wouldn't forget it in my review. 

The narrator is honestly one of the best I've listened to - and I listen to a lot of audiobooks. He brought the characters to life, and his Scottish and Irish accents were incredible. I have no idea whether those were the accents Aaron was thinking about when he wrote the book, but Adriel nailed it!

I loved the weird and wonderful characters that DJ and his friends met along the way, in particular, the waffle wizard (who pops up in the most unusual places), had my heart and yes, I want to try one of those waffles please!

Aaron hits the mark with the cult of Phillips and Friar Steve. I couldn't help but laugh and enjoy those plain old names that bring such interest and comedy to the story. 

If you enjoy fantasy and humour all rolled into one, I'd recommend you read or listen to The Legend of Uh - but honestly - the narrator is awesome!

Thank you to Aaron N. Hall for the opportunity to listen to and review The Legend of Uh, and for Adriel Brandt for making my walks fly by.

About the Book

Sir Dashing Junior was only knighted because they couldn't knight his father twice. Now he's determined to prove he's worthy of his new title.

With an aspiring ranger, an awkward friar, and a book-loving orc, DJ will venture across the territory of Uh to reach the Amulet of the Goddess, proving that he’s truly worthy of knighthood.

Along the way, he and his companions will encounter a cursed author, a violent noodle cult, democratic goblins, and a whole lot more.

It’s a journey fraught with danger and discovery, and the territory is rich with monsters and magic, so is DJ’s quest for respect really worth the cost?

About Aaron

Aaron N. Hall learned that he loved storytelling when he was only nine years old. He wrote poems, songs, and episodic stories for his friends until he began work on his first novel, Foreordained, at the age of fifteen. By the time he graduated high school, the book’s first draft was complete.

For two years, Aaron N. Hall left on a spiritual sabbatical then returned home to complete a degree in public relations at Utah Valley University. After completing his missionary service and education, he began work on more stories.

Since then, he’s completed the epic Christian fantasy trilogy the Wevlian Chronicles, the tongue-in-cheek superhero satire, the Hammerfist series, and multiple collections of stories and poems, including I’m Sorry, Here’s a Plasma Rifle and Love Letters to a House on Fire. His upcoming YA fantasy comedy, The Legend of Uh, will release in February 2025.

When he’s not writing, Aaron N. Hall serves as the Director of Public Relations and Messaging for the 501c3 nonprofit, Operation Literacy. He enjoys exercising, reading, watching movies, playing Zelda, and sipping herbal tea. He currently lives in Utah.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Aaron on Bluesky | Follow Aaron on Facebook | Follow Aaron on Instagram

Aaron's Website

Read More

My Review for A Thousand Gates of Prayer by Michael Weiss

I was instantly transported to a small Japanese mountain village.

I went into A Thousand Gates of Prayer, completely blind. I'd read the synopsis a while ago when Michael asked if I'd read it, but I haven't read it since, and seeing as I can't remember what I did half an hour ago, I had no idea what it was about! So I dove straight in, and immediately I knew this going to be a story I loved. It's a beautifully written love story about a young Japanese girl who is finding her way into the adult world and the responsibilities that follow. 

It's not just the love that a young girl has for her first romance, it's also the love she has for the village she was born in and grew up in and how she wants it to remain the community space that she knows and loves and that supports her and her family. 

I fell in love with the writing, the characters, and the story. Michael Weiss swept me along as Miyuki climbed the mountain to the hot springs every day and I could easily imagine myself in amongst the mists and greenery of those mountainous paths that were just that little bit off the beaten track.

I would love if this book became something that future generations will read at school. It'll become a part of the curriculum, and young people will write assignments about the tranquility and love stories of this tiny Japanese village.

Thank you to Michael Weiss for the opportunity to read and review A Thousand Gates of Prayer.

About the Book

Miyuki, a humble and determined young woman from the quiet village of Hakone, spends her days steeped in tradition, helping her family make a living by crafting the region’s famous black eggs in the volcanic hot springs. Her life changes forever when she meets Masahiro, the heir to a wealthy Kyoto family. Despite their vastly different worlds, an undeniable bond forms between them, sparking a love that defies societal expectations.

But their budding romance is overshadowed by a looming a powerful construction project that threatens to destroy Hakone’s way of life and sever Miyuki’s ties to her ancestral home. Together, with the help of a fearless journalist, they uncover a web of corruption that runs deep into the heart of powerful institutions.

As they navigate resistance from their families, societal pressures, and the weight of their own fears, Miyuki and Masahiro must decide how far they are willing to go to protect the village, its traditions, and their love.

With themes of courage, sacrifice, and the timeless strength of love, A Thousand Gates of Prayer explores the infinite shades of human connection and the enduring beauty of standing for what truly matters. This is a story of love not just between two hearts but between people and the places they call home.

 

About Michael - by Michael

My story

For the past 50 years, I have lived in Israel, married to an incredible wife, and raising four wonderful children. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the cycle of hatred it perpetuates have been part of my reality almost since the day I was born. 

I realize that while I may not have the power to change this painful reality, I have the ability to offer a glimmer of hope for a better future, built on compassion and acceptance. Through my writing, I aim to send a small beam of hope, and a lighthouse for acceptance and understanding.

My focus is on contemporary love, something I feel our world is in desperate need of. Love in its purest and simplest form. Love as a foundation. Love as a way of living. I firmly believe that love can be the catalyst for change and hope in this world. 

My vision

My vision is rooted in the belief that every love story has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect readers on a profound level. I strive to showcase the beauty and resilience of love as it weaves through different cultures, offering readers not just an escape, but a journey into the heart of what makes us human. Whether it’s a tale of forbidden love in a remote village, a modern romance navigating the complexities of urban life, or a historical love story set against the backdrop of changing societal norms. My books reflect the infinite shades of love.

While I am focusing on my own books for now, my hope is to extend this vision and support talented yet disadvantaged authors from around the world. I dream of helping them bring their love stories to life, offering a platform for voices that can inspire, heal, and remind us of love’s beauty in all its forms. I believe that with your support, we can create a collection of novels that transcend borders and build bridges of empathy and caring.

Timeless Love Publishing 

My mission, through Timeless Love Publishing, is to bring the world closer together by sharing powerful, captivating love stories from every corner of the globe. I’m dedicated to curating and publishing novels that delve into the complexities of love in all its forms, set against the backdrop of diverse cultures, real-life challenges, and timeless traditions. I invite you to discover our world, one love story at a time.

Buy on Amazon UK | Buy on Amazon US

Follow Michael on Instagram

Michael's Website

Read More

My Review for Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Death is hot - and I don't mean the temperature of hell!

Wow - I didn't see any of that coming! Fantasy, romance, and mystery, and a whole host of other stuff all rolled into one book. I honestly didn't know what to expect when Belladonna was chosen as October's read for #bookstabritsbookclub (yes, I know I'm behind with my reviews)!!! I loved it. The mystery and suspense of finding out who the killer was, was addictive, and Signa and Death's relationship was awesome - you'll soon forget that he's not a real person, as they begin to work together to solve the mystery.

Parts of this reminded me of The Secret Garden, I think because Blythe is ill in bed, and she reminds me of Colin Craven, weak and not wanting to help themselves! It was also reminiscent of another book that I can't recall, with Thaddeus Kipling - the library ghost, who quite frankly was an awesome dude! He should have a book written all about him!

Published as a Young Adult novel, I would say it's bordering on New Adult, so just be aware if younger teenagers are reading it. 

I've just realised the next one isn't on my TBR, so I'm off to add it now.

About the Book

Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, orphaned as a baby, has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her last remaining relatives are the Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at the glittering and gloomy estate of Thorn Grove. Thorn Grove’s patriarch, Elijah, mourns his late wife, Lillian, through wild parties and drink, while eldest son Percy grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and daughter Blythe suffers from the same mysterious illness that killed her mother. And when Lillian’s spirit confronts Signa and claims she was poisoned, Signa realizes that Blythe could be next to die.

Signa’s best chance of uncovering the culprit and solving Lillian’s murder is an alliance with Death himself—the very man she hates most. And Death, that fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side, shows her that their connection may be more powerful than she ever dared imagine.

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 Steggie Belle & the Dream Warriors by Elias Pell read by Jay Forrester

I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Listening Copy of Steggie Belle & the Dream Warriors from the author, and I was really honoured to be one of the first to listen.

We are told the story from the point of view of a man called Zoofall, who has shut himself into his room to tell us the tale. Steggie is the boss in the dreamworld and Zoofall is the new recruit. This book is full of fantasy, myth and magic and goes far, far beyond the world of even lucid dreaming. 

I simply loved how Zoofall came to realise that he was different and that he could travel throughout the dreamworld on quests and adventures. Even when you’re dreaming, the world is full of bad people as well as good ones and yes, there is a fair share of enemies for the band of warriors to contend with whilst they’re asleep!

Elias Pell has such a fantastic imagination, writing the story as he does, it’s full of amazing imagery and to me, the sign of a great author is one who can make you believe that what you are reading is true, even in fantasy. When I closed my eyes at night, I went looking for Steggie Belle, Wolf and Zoofall, but alas, I didn’t find them!

If you enjoy fantasy, world-building and a brilliant story, then grab a copy of Steggie Belle & the Dream Warriors. The audiobook is awesome, and Jay Forrester’s voice will draw you into Steggie’s world as he talks in your ears! Kindle and paperback versions are also available.

Thank you to Elias Pell for the opportunity to listen to and review Steggie Belle & the Dream Warriors. I really hope he has more than one sequel up his sleeve.

Book Description

“What if our understanding of dreams is just a poor reflection of another place… 

a real place?”

During a storm, a man who calls himself Zoofall has barricaded himself inside an attic. He has only seven candles worth of time to reveal his extraordinary secrets. How, when he was a child, he discovered the existence of a wild other world, where Reality and Mythology meet, beyond the limits of Lucid Dreaming.

As a boy, after a freak accident results in him making a peculiar acquaintance, a lengthy initiation follows, and Zoofall finally finds himself welcomed into a group of other young dreamers—who call themselves the Freedivers. They teach him hidden truths and the long-forgotten, true history of humankind. Of how the dream and waking worlds, although now separated, were once united as one, until the “cross-overs” began. They show him that the stuff of ancient myths and fairy tales, of folklore and urban legends have never been imaginary at all. These beings had simply migrated for their own safety, away from the waking world, and that these “crossings” are by no means one-way.

Within this magical and terrifyingly real realm, Zoofall must figure out if his own unusual powers make him a possible saviour or a dangerous burden. As dark forces rise up, threatening to engulf their group, he must uncover the greatest mystery of all. Who their incredible leader—Steggie Belle—really is, how she became so powerful, and if by any chance she can be saved?

About the Author

Elias Pell is a London-born, previously published poet and self-confessed dreamer. Disguised as an adult (children have somehow always been able to see through this facade) Elias left England in 2016, putting all his savings towards the dream of writing full-time. Since then, he has sat, scribbling away on a rooftop in Barcelona, spurred on by the raucous cries of seagulls circling overhead. 

Steggie Belle & the Dream Warriors is Elias’s debut Fantasy novel: a story inspired by his own lifelong Lucid Dreaming experiences. In 2020, it was awarded as a Finalist in the Fantasy category of NIEA’s global annual competition (the only self-published novel to reach that shortlist). 

Elias has also published a collection of short stories for adults, entitled Scapegoats & Crowbars, and is currently working on the sequel to Steggie Belle, alongside other new writing projects. He is currently seeking representation, and can be contacted directly at elias.pell75@gmail.com. 

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Instagram |Libro.fm | Website | X

Read More

My Review for Descended by Ingrid J. Adams

Descended is so beautifully written, I couldn’t get enough! Indigo knows he is a little different from his peers. He’s way more in tune with his feelings and surroundings than any of his other friends, and it feels like most of them just don’t ‘get him’. Everything about his story touched my heart, his rapport with Cordelia and the loving way he was accepted into hers and Robbie’s family.

I guess Descended is a coming-of-age story, nothing is trivialised or made to appear worse than it is. It is just all about growing up and the issues that come along with all that and Ingrid J. Adams masters the whole thing brilliantly.

The story is set in the early 90s, and at that time I was in the latter half of my teens. Many of the references that the author makes in relation to music and whatever else was happening at the time melted my heart a little as I remembered what I was doing, who my friends were and the fun times I was having.

Descended is the first in the series and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what is in store for Indigo, Cordelia and Robbie.

Thank you to the author, Ingrid J. Adams, for the opportunity to read and review Descended.

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Read More

My Review for Truly, Madly, Amy by Kerry Wilkinson, narrated by Joe Jameson.

I listened to Truly, Madly, Amy as an audiobook and it blew me away. The story is told from the point of view of Joe, our protagonist, who is now thirty-six, but tells the reader/listener all about his summer as a sixteen-year-old. Very much a coming-of-age book, Joe talks of new experiences in his life, a summer job, a girlfriend, and reading his first ever book for fun! 

Joe has to deal with many things during the six weeks of the summer of 1999, his father’s death, his mother’s depression, his sister moving ahead with her own life, and what he is going to do with his own, once he receives his exam results. He also has to learn how to manage his heightened teenage feelings, both of love and anger, and the consequence of what happens if he can’t control them.

Truly, Madly, Amy sent me straight back to my teenage years, as I reflected on the similarities and differences between my life, and Joe and Amy’s. You learn so much as you grow from childhood into adulthood and I think that what you learn, shapes you as an adult. There are changes I would make if I had my time over again, especially in regard to what I studied. Consequently, this may well have led to making different choices in life, particularly with my career and relationships. I may not have met my best friend or my husband if I had chosen a different career. Who knows!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, coming-of-age and simply a good all-rounder.   Joe Jameson who narrates the audiobook was brilliant and I loved listening to his voice.  I need to find more books that he has done the voiceover for!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review a copy of Truly, Madly, Amy by Kerry Wilkinson.

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter

Read More

My Review for The Boy in Makeup: TikTok made me buy it by Anthony Connors-Roberts

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wanted to get this review out before the end of Pride month and June 20022. A great read, and ideal for younger people who are perhaps coming to terms with their sexuality. The Boy in Makeup is fun, entertaining and in parts heartbreaking as we follow Cory as he deals with the people who can often be narrow-minded, uneducated and prejudiced as well as his close friends who accept him for who he is. He is an inspirational young lad who knows what he wants and goes all out to make it happen despite the obstacles that appear in his way.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters and the author was adept at drawing me into Cory’s life. I was invested in how he was going to deal with bullies and teachers who perhaps weren’t quite as understanding as his friends.

As The Boy in Makeup is a short story, a lot happened in a short space of time, this would be great as a prequel to lots more full-length novels about Cory and I hope Anthony Connors-Roberts continues to write and I’d love to read more about Cory and the challenges he faces as he becomes a young man and leaves school. 

My only comment and the reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that this perhaps needed a final edit as there were a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. However, this in no way detracted from the story and I’d recommend The Boy in Makeup, to everyone, young or old, that may be interested in the difficulties faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Read More

My Review for Some Kind of Comfort by Gary Clark

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Once again, it was a privilege to be an Advance Reader for Gary Clark’s new book, Some Kind of Comfort. It’s totally different from his Interland books, which are a dystopian fantasy series. This one is real-life, sensitively dealing with issues that many teenagers have suffered or are suffering with. 

Charley is our protagonist. A sixteen-year-old girl with severe anxiety issues and ‘thought tangles’, her anxiety has caused Charley numerous problems as she has been growing up, but right now, they’ve hit what is hopefully the peak and she begins to deal with them. 

Admitted to a psychiatric unit for children and young people, Charley makes friends with a group of people who are on the same wavelength as she is and, slowly, with therapy and the understanding she needs, she begins her road to recovery.

Gary Clark is an awesome author, and he has dealt with the topics in this book brilliantly. He delves into each character and we begin to understand why they have the issues they have and how they can be dealt with, with the correct help and support.

There are poignant moments throughout the story, each described brilliantly, and we also realise how difficult it is to be the person on the outside looking in. Parents, siblings and friends are also affected when their loved ones are suffering from mental health problems.

I rarely include trigger warnings in reviews, but I think in this case; they are warranted. Some Kind of Comfort includes issues of self-harm, severe anxiety, eating disorders, OCD and suicide.

That aside, this book is well worth a read. Aimed at a Young Adult audience, it will just as easily be enjoyed by adults who may appreciate it from a position of parents and carers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Some Kind of Comfort and I’d like to thank the author for allowing me to be part of his Advance Reader Team.

Read More

My Review for The Dark (Interland Series Book #3) by Gary Clark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to Gary Clark for sending me an ARC of The Dark, the third book in the Interland series. Once again, it was a privilege to be asked, and I loved reading it and falling into the world of Given and Readers.

After the downfall of Readers, Jay, and her friends and family, are continuing with their lives and trying to get back to some sort of normality. Jay is working in Alf’s bookshop in a dedicated section on the top floor, which she is dedicated to the history of Given. Collecting books from all over the country, Jay has provided a wealth of information for anyone wanting to learn more. 

But something isn’t right. Darkness appears to be just around the corner and Jay, Cassie, Stitch and their friends need a plan of action. They need to discover what is happening and work out how to fix it.

As with his previous books, The Given and Interland, Gary Clark has written a real page-turner with The Dark. Full of tension, thrills and nail-biting experiences, The Dark takes us on a whirlwind journey through countries, islands and varying powers as Jay and her friends attempt once more to take on their enemies. Meeting new friends along the way, anyone with Given powers is eager to help take on the leader of the Dark.

Clark highlights the lengths that some people will go to, to keep their friends safe, even if it means putting themselves in danger, but with the ultimate goal of protecting everyone.

I would recommend The Dark for Young Adults and older. Lose yourself in another world, one where magic is paramount, but not everything will turn out as you expect! I really hope there is a 'next in the series'!

Read More

My Review for City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare, Narrated by Ari Gaynor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have only recently heard about Cassandra Clare’s books, but immediately decided they would be the sort of thing I’d really enjoy. Fantasy, paranormal, and magic - what more could I need to enable me to escape once again to another world.

I downloaded the Audiobook of City of Bones from Borrowbox and lost myself in Idris, the Shadowhunters’ home country.

Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray lives with her Mum in New York City. Just a normal teenage girl, with a normal teenage attitude. However, after a night out in Pandemonium nightclub with her best friend Simon, she realises that the world is not as it seems. Did that young boy really just get killed in front of her and then disappear as though nothing had happened? 

Clary is now part of the Shadowhunters world and learns how she can see things that normal humans (mundanes) can’t. She has a swift introduction to demons, vampires and werewolves and discovers that she has powers of her own.

Focused on friendship, teamwork and ‘doing the right thing’, Clare tells an entertaining story with her vivid and descriptive imagination. Each character has their own back story, and these are explained as we go through the novel. Personally, I loved Jace, a pain in the ass, yes, but he will always have your back.

Too much of a synopsis will spoil the story, but if you love all things paranormal, fantastical and not of this world, then give City of Bones a try - if you haven’t already!

Read More

My Review for Worldlines by Adam Guest

⭐⭐⭐⭐   I reviewed Worldlines by Adam Guest for Online Book Club, and although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I often found myself trying to follow the ‘worlds’ too closely, trying to understand whether there really was the possibility of us occupying several dimensions at once, and this detracted from the flow of the novel.

Worldlines is a sci-fi/fantasy novel about a multiverse rather than a universe, where the protagonist, Gary, gradually realises, with the help of his university professor, that he might be actually existing in more than one world at any given moment. Events are happening around him that he has no memory of and which he cannot explain. With the help of his friends and family, he attempts to discover the scientific background behind what’s going on and whether it could be real.

Wordlines seems to have some sort of science behind them and whether this is based on evidence or just in the author’s imagination is unclear. Regardless of this, it is a well-thought-out and entertaining novel and kept me turning those pages.

It’s difficult to describe the characters due to the nature of the story. For instance, in one worldline, Gary has a girlfriend called Siobhan, however, in another worldline, Siobhan is his best friend, and he has a different girlfriend. I found that the majority of the characters were likeable and added substance to the story. The author’s descriptive writing enables the reader to form a bond with many of them.

The novel focuses a lot on lucid dreaming, and the author does a great job in explaining what this is, whilst still involving the reader in the story. Lucid dreaming enables you to essentially control your dreams, with them playing out the way you want them to. I’m pretty sure that many people who read this novel will have an interest in how they can control their dreams and will research further into this.

I enjoyed trying to work out how worldlines could work whilst I was reading this book and whether living in a multiverse could be a possibility. However, my mind is far from being a scientific one, so I think I just need to accept what I’m reading and enjoy the novel!

For me, the book ended too suddenly. There was no real finality to the last chapter, and I think the author could perhaps have added another chapter to close things down with the main character. In essence, I was left wondering, but perhaps this is the author’s intention and is writing a sequel.

The book would appeal to readers who are interested in sci-fi and fantasy and to those who are curious about the world we occupy. I would recommend Worldlines to Young Adults and upwards. There is no profanity or erotic content and therefore is suitable for all ages.

Read More

My Review for Interland (Interland Series Book #2) by Gary Clark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It was an honour to be asked to read and review Interland (Interland Series Book #2) by Gary Clark before the publication date of 26 April 2021, and I would like to thank the author for this opportunity. Once again it was a delight to read a Gary Clark novel and a joy to discover the next adventures for Jay, Cassie and Stitch.

Towards the end of Gary Clark’s previous novel, The Given, Jay and her friends discovered the Interland and found safety from the warped government officials on the outside. However, it is quickly becoming apparent that the outside world is on a downward spiral, Jay’s friend Cassie has gone missing, and the Readers are slowly getting closer to ruling in a way they believe is right.

Jay, therefore, has no alternative other than to leave the safety of the Interland, search for Cassie and find out what is going wrong on the outside. Accompanied by her friends, and with the help of the energy of the elements around her - the land, the sea, the creatures and the mountains, Jay sets out to once again try and defeat the Readers. Meanwhile, back at the Interland, all is not as it should be, and Jay’s brother Sammy and his friends are left fighting a battle of their own.

Once again, the author’s talent for writing takes you on the same journey as Jay and her friends, and many times I felt that I wanted to be alongside them, helping in any way I could!

The book demonstrates teamwork, and how, with the help and support of others, you can achieve the goals you set yourselves despite the obstacles that often jump in the way.

Although aimed as a book for Young Readers, I would nonetheless recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dystopian fantasy novel, both young and old alike. After all, who doesn’t need to escape now and then!

Read More

My Review for The Given(Interland Series Book #1) by Gary Clark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This review is for The Given (Interland Series Book #1) by Gary Clark. I was given this as an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) by the author, and it was a privilege to read it. I reviewed this in February 2021. Described as a Young Adult dystopian fantasy novel, it drew me in from the outset, and I couldn’t put it down, turning the pages with enthusiasm as I needed to see what happened next!

Jay has just turned 18, and her powers are becoming stronger. She isn’t yet aware of all this entails, however, she is aware that in the society she lives in, having the powers she does isn’t a good thing. Jay and others like her have enemies who are known as Readers, and her Dad, who also has some level of power, is arrested by the Readers and taken away from his family. As the Readers also become aware of Jay, she has no alternative other than to go on the run, and try and find the Interland - the place of legends that her Dad is convinced exists, where she will be safe. Along with her brother Sammy and her two best friends, Cassie and Stitch, she sets out on her journey.

The author’s descriptive writing ensures that your journey along with Jay and experience her travels with her. I was fearful when she was, overjoyed at the same things as her, and downright angry when someone or something got in her way.

The story also briefly follows Jay’s Dad on his journey, and a few chapters are devoted to him, but the majority of the book, as it should, focuses on Jay as her powers develop and she sets out to solve the mystery of the Interland.

The thing I enjoyed most about the book was the feeling that there may be people out there, in the real world, with powers the same as Jay. In my mind, if an author can make you feel like this, then they have drawn you steadily into the world they have created and enfolded you into the story.

The only thing I disliked about the book was that as this was an ARC, there may be a wait for the next instalment, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Jay.

As the book is advertised as a book for Young Readers, as you would expect, there is no profanity or erotic scenes, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fantasy novel and who likes to escape into another world for a while.

Read More