Book Review of The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox

The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is a fantastic children's book for middle grade age range. I loved it!

Kristina Kingsley is a fantastic character. She may not be the most popular girl in school, but I actually liked her. She reminded me of me - I was never the popular girl either. However, where we differ is that she is a lot braver than me! She is given an unusual gift, and she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime!

This is a fantastic children's fantasy novel! There are some wonderful characters in this book. The most likable of them are Clover and Looper (a pair of sibling fairies), Prince Werrien, and Kristina's pet rat, Raymond. This book is also filled with some really nasty characters; The main ones being Queen Sentiz and her gross Zelbocks. There are also enemies that turn into friends and friends who turn into enemies.
I was completely engrossed in this tale! It is full of danger and adventure! In a way, it reminded me of Tolken's Lord Of The Rings, as there is an object (The magic Warble) and a dangerous mission to deliver it to it's rightful place. I loved the subtle humour that the author used to great effect; it lightened the mood, so that the story didn't take a too dark a turn. The story is also told from several character's points of view, which gives a well rounded feel to the book and brought the characters alive. There are also some pictures sketched on a few selected pages to reinforce the story. These pictures are well drawn and show the characters just as described, and how I imagined them without the pictures!

Victoria Simcox has written an amazing children's adventure book! Her writing style is fast paced, but not overly so as to feel rushed. Her attention to detail with regards to the description of the characters, scenery and clothing is exceptional. I could "see" them so clearly in my minds eye! I am now looking forward to reading the sequel, The Black Shard!

I think this story is aimed at girls, but I recommend this book to everyone (adults included) who love fairies, gnomes, dwarves and talking animals in their fantasy novels. - Lynn Worton

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Book Review of The Pram by Betty Woodcock

The Pram by Betty Woodcock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is an intriguing horror story that gripped me from the first page and kept me hooked!

Carrie MacIntyre is an intriguing character. She is a proud mother and a soon to be Grandmother. I liked her, but found her inner monologues a bit rambling and long winded. However, I didn't like her attitude towards "Ghost Baby". She seemed cold and uncaring. Yes, she felt terror that she was losing her mind, but she didn't even consider the baby ghost's feelings.

The other characters were also rather annoying. I found Carrie's daughter whiny and very selfish. Her son-in-law was no better. Gervaise was the least annoying. I actually liked him, but his amused and humouring attitude felt a bit condescending to me.

I must admit that I don't read a lot of books in the Horror genre, but I was intrigued with the synopsis. This book is told in first person, and gives an insight into Carrie's thoughts and emotions. This was a suspenseful read that had me turning the pages! As I am not a mother, I have never experienced what Carrie and other mothers have - the joys and pain of motherhood or of being a grandparent. However, I can understand and sympathize with Carrie's experience. The pram seems to be the catalyst to a supernatural ability for Carrie to see ghosts. That pram has a lot to answer for! The horror that unfolds sent chills down my spine! Unfortunately, it was the ending that disappointed me; up until then, I would have given this story a 5 because I was enjoying it. I'm all for cliched endings, but I felt that it was an easy way out, and a rather abrupt one at that. However, I'll leave you to make your own decision.

Betty Woodcock has written a horror story that was gripping and suspenseful. I liked her writing style, which flowed well. I may consider reading more of her books in the future.

I recommend this book if you love horror, suspense or thriller genres. - Lynn Worton

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Book Review of Perdition (A Goddess of Night Novella #2) by Ley Mesina

Perdition by Ley Mesina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the second novella in the series. I loved it!

Lily Westbrook is part vampire and part witch. I loved her character when I first met her in Reborn. She is a very strong willed young lady, who is still coming to terms with her destiny - that of being the Goddess of Night.

This is another page turning read by this author! The story doesn't begin directly after the end of the first book, but picks up six months later. The action and ever present danger had me sitting on the edge of my seat! This may only be a short story, but it completely captured my attention.
This book sees Lily travelling to the Underworld in search of some answers. While she is doing this, Xander, Drew and Roxy are on a mission of their own. This story is told from several points of view, and is very descriptive. The characters came alive for me, and I could "see" them quite clearly in my minds eye. I felt like I was watching a movie! If there is one negative thing I could say about this book, it would be that it was too short! I must admit that when I reached the end of the book, I was screaming "Nooooo! It's can't end like that!" in my mind! I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Ley Mesina has written an amazing series that contains some fantastic characters! Her writing style is fast paced and fluid, and I am most definitely looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love YA or Paranormal Romance genres. - Lynn Worton

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The Liars' Gospel: A Novel by Naomi Alderman.

The Liars' Gospel: A Novel by Naomi Alderman.

Blurb

This is the story of Yehoshuah, who wandered Roman-occupied Judea giving sermons and healing the sick. Now, a year after his death, four people tell their stories. His mother grieves, his friend Iehuda loses his faith, the High Priest of the Temple tries to keep the peace, and a rebel named Bar-Avo strives to bring that peace tumbling down.

It was a time of political power-play and brutal tyranny. Men and women took to the streets to protest. Dictators put them down with iron force. In the midst of it all, one inconsequential preacher died. And either something miraculous happened, or someone lied.

Viscerally powerful in its depictions of the period - massacres and riots, animal sacrifice and human betrayal - The Liars' Gospel makes the oldest story entirely new

 My Review

This book written from the point of view of four very controversial characters in Biblical times drew me from the start.

The experiences of Mary, Judas and Barabbas really kept me turning the pages and made me see the times in which Christ walked this earth.

The bloody and cruel reality of Roman tyranny was never glossed over and made the grit of the book all the more real for me.

I loved the change in points of view but felt that the latter half of the book became somewhat to politically driven.

This said this is a brilliant book.  One I think that if you like Christian Fiction, then this is a must read.

Do not however think of rainbows and kittens.  This is far too real a novel to have an idealized idea.

Truly a book I would recommend.

WaAr

Star recommendation -- ****

Book Review of Mr. Softee (A Dev Haskell Novel) by Mike Faricy

Mr. Softee by Mike Faricy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review 6******

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is another Dev Haskell novel. I LOVED IT!

Dev Haskell is a skirt chasing, beer drinking, lovable Private Investigator. I love him to bits, but sometimes I want to throttle him too! I honestly don't know if he has a guardian angel looking after him, but he seems to get into trouble at a drop of a hat!

In this page turner of a book, he is hired by Mr. Softee, an Ice Cream mogul, to provide protection. What happens next is a wild ride of explosions, car chases, mistaken identity, double cross and murder!
This is a fantastic story that had me shaking my head at Dev's antics at one moment, and marveling at how someone can have such bad luck the next! I was hooked from the first page! I loved meeting Tony "Dog" Colli. He is decidedly crazy, but I can understand why Dev is his friend; His hygiene habits leave a lot to be desired though! *shudder!!*
I am most definitely looking forward to reading more of Dev's adventures in the future!

Mike Faricy is a fantastic author! I love his writing style. It is fast paced, but it is also witty. He is one of my favourite authors, and I will read any of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this book if you love detective fiction that is highly addictive! - Lynn Worton

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Book Review of Reborn (A Goddess of Night Novella Book 1) by Ley Mesina

Reborn by Ley Mesina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is a page turning read from start to finish! I loved it!

Lily Westbrook is an interesting character! She is aware that she is a half witch/half vampire, but she doesn't know the rest of it! She is a woman with a very powerful bloodline and a destiny to match; that of being the Goddess of Night. I liked her very much, and although I have only met her in print, she felt real to me!

This is an exciting novella! As I said, I found this book a page turner from the first page! This story is mainly told from Lily's point of view, but there are several characters in this short story that also have their say. This gives the story some depth to it. However, I did feel that I was literally dumped into the middle of a story. It was a bit of a shock, but that jolt gave me an insight into Lily's character I would have missed otherwise; She tends to be a risk taker and a bit hot headed. However, as she learns more of her destiny, she starts to think before leaping into dangerous situations. I liked seeing her mature in this way.
I also liked meeting the other characters in the book, especially Lily's Aunt Trudy, Arthur, Nathaniel, Xander and Drew. However, there are two characters that I didn't like. They were Samuel and Alexander. These two characters define the meaning of "bad guys". One's a witch, and the other is a vampire, but both of them made my skin crawl! There are more than a few twists in this short story, but the cliffhanger ending has me wanting to read the next novella as soon as possible!

Ley Mesina has written an amazing novella that captured my imagination, and brought the characters to life! Her story is fast paced, but not rushed, and full of danger and excitement!

I highly recommend this novella if you love YA, paranormal romances or stories about witches and vampires! - Lynn Worton

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Book Review of Beyond (Crossroads Saga #3) by Mary Ting

Beyond by Mary Ting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Crossroads Saga. I loved it!

Claudia Emerson is a fantastic character. I have come to regard her as a friend. She also has a strong personality - she has a stubborn streak a mile wide! She is now training to be a venator, a nephilim demon hunter. But she feels that there is something missing, but cannot remember what.

I was very happy to meet all the characters again, as I have come to think of them as being friends. However, I had been incredibly upset when I read the ending of the second book - I had been left in tears! When I was offered the chance to read the third book, I jumped at it! I wanted to find out what Michael thought he was doing! I know he did what he did out of love, but it left me (and him) heartbroken!
In the meantime, the other Alkins are back in Crossroads. I absolutely missed Devlin! He's a honey! I love his sense of humour. However, it was somewhat subdued in this story; and with good reason! This is an action packed read that is full of intrigue and danger! I did feel somewhat sad for Austin, as his feelings for Claudia went unrequited. However, when you have found your soulmate - and even if you cannot remember him, as Claudia did - then no-one else will do. Micheal is absolutely heartbroken about what he had to do, but I think his love for Claudia made his decision for him. There are a few new characters in this book. They have their own secrets, and finding them out is a big surprise! The ending has left me wanting to read the next book in the series RIGHT NOW!

Mary Ting is an amazing author! Her characters are extremely lifelike and likable. I added her to my favourite authors list a while back. Her books are a joy to read (when they're not making you cry!). They are fast paced, take you on a roller coaster ride of emotion and flow beautifully!

I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love YA, Paranormal Romance, Angels, Demons, Nephilim and Alkins. - Lynn Worton

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