Gazing out of his window one night, fifteen year old Jake thought he saw something falling to the ground – the icy weather was unusual but what h4.5★s
Gazing out of his window one night, fifteen year old Jake thought he saw something falling to the ground – the icy weather was unusual but what he thought he saw that dark night was even more unusual. Grabbing his torch and jacket, he snuck outside to head for the park – what he found had him wondering at his sanity…
Pale and translucent, the angel girl had an ethereal beauty that Jake couldn’t believe; as she regained consciousness, her terror was obvious. And when she fled, Jake didn’t follow – he didn’t want to scare her further.
Jake's younger brother Daniel and he had lost their mother three years previously and their Dad now seemed distant; unapproachable. Plus Mrs Henders next door was acting strangely and always watching him. What on earth was happening?
As the freezing conditions intensified, Jake and his friends found themselves in grave danger – but did they even realize it? And what did Cari, his angel girl, have to do with the weird, eerie strangeness that had descended upon them all?
What an amazing fantasy novel by Aussie author Ruth Fox! I really enjoyed The City of Silver Light and can’t wait to read the second book in the Bridges Trilogy. A great young adult fantasy novel, this one will appeal to a large audience; young and not-so-young alike. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my copy to read and review.
Merged review:
4.5★s
Gazing out of his window one night, fifteen year old Jake thought he saw something falling to the ground – the icy weather was unusual but what he thought he saw that dark night was even more unusual. Grabbing his torch and jacket, he snuck outside to head for the park – what he found had him wondering at his sanity…
Pale and translucent, the angel girl had an ethereal beauty that Jake couldn’t believe; as she regained consciousness, her terror was obvious. And when she fled, Jake didn’t follow – he didn’t want to scare her further.
Jake's younger brother Daniel and he had lost their mother three years previously and their Dad now seemed distant; unapproachable. Plus Mrs Henders next door was acting strangely and always watching him. What on earth was happening?
As the freezing conditions intensified, Jake and his friends found themselves in grave danger – but did they even realize it? And what did Cari, his angel girl, have to do with the weird, eerie strangeness that had descended upon them all?
What an amazing fantasy novel by Aussie author Ruth Fox! I really enjoyed The City of Silver Light and can’t wait to read the second book in the Bridges Trilogy. A great young adult fantasy novel, this one will appeal to a large audience; young and not-so-young alike. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my copy to read and review....more
Vilas had been kept prisoner in the small cell for decades, his power controlled by the collar, the Bindings, around his neck. When the Queen, Ima, neVilas had been kept prisoner in the small cell for decades, his power controlled by the collar, the Bindings, around his neck. When the Queen, Ima, needed his help in finding the Brutes, plus the rebels, he agreed on the condition he was freed after his success. Accompanied by the Radiant, Tano, the one who controlled his Bindings, Vilas hunted, following trails the Brutes had left. When Yadira joined the party, Vilas knew he was cornered, but escape and his freedom was always on his mind. The fire consumed him, and his rage wanted to set it free, to destroy. What would be the outcome for Vilas, whose whole kind had been brutally killed; who only wanted revenge?
Knee-Deep in Cinders is a standalone, dark fantasy novel by Aussie author Ashley Capes which I thoroughly enjoyed. Vilas is a great character; his power, self-control and shrewdness kept him one step ahead, most of the time. I also liked Vilas' companions - well written, easy to read and entertaining, Knee-Deep in Cinders is highly recommended to fans of the genre.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Lord James Fitzroy's manor in the quaint village of Tillyhenge, was in preparation for Samhain Eve, when the veil between two worlds was the thinnest.Lord James Fitzroy's manor in the quaint village of Tillyhenge, was in preparation for Samhain Eve, when the veil between two worlds was the thinnest. The villagers and their scepticism about all things magic meant Caitlyn Le Fey - who was still searching for her mother - the Widow Mags (Caitlin's grandmother and owner of Bewitched by Chocolate), Bertha (her aunt) and all others with magical abilities, spent time arguing points of view with them. And when James' sister Vanessa was involved in an accident and ended in hospital, the police were looking at her as the one responsible for a death in the manor. But was it Vanessa in the hospital? And when finally Caitlin met her mother, it was to discover she was under arrest...
As it came closer to Samhain Eve, Caitlin couldn't find her kitten, Nibs. The person she was sure had taken him, wouldn't admit to it, but Bran, the slobbery, affectionate dog, surely knew where he was. And with Ferdinand, the gentle bull, on the loose, and the search still on for the Widow Mags' missing grimoire - a powerful book of spells - plus Caitlin's uncle Viktor up to mischief again, Caitlin and her cousin, Pomona, had their hands full. Would they end up having a successful Samhain Eve, and would the culprit of the death in the library be found?
A Fondant Farewell is the 9th and final episode in the Bewitched by Chocolate series by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and it was lots of fun. Viktor is enchanting; an ancient old vampire with a heart of gold who sticks (mostly) by Caitlin's side. There was plenty of magic, lots of chocolate, and a whole lot more in this series, which I have no hesitation in recommending. If you haven't read the earlier books, I'd suggest starting at the beginning :)
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Taylor and her mum, Michelle, were travelling from Sydney to Settlers Bridge near Adelaide in South Australia - a long drive - to stay with Taylor's gTaylor and her mum, Michelle, were travelling from Sydney to Settlers Bridge near Adelaide in South Australia - a long drive - to stay with Taylor's grandparents for awhile. Taylor was studying to be a doctor, had her best friend Cassie close by, and Zac, her exciting boyfriend. Although on the uni break, Taylor didn't want to be away from all she knew in Sydney for too long. Her grandparents were old, but fit and healthy, running their farm with the occasional help from nearby neighbours. But shattering news that her parents were divorcing saw Taylor's world shift significantly.
Taylor accompanied Michelle back to Settlers Bridge after sorting her life in Sydney. She would transfer her studies to the Adelaide University and work out the rest later. While staying in the homestead with her grandparents, Taylor's dreams saw her watching Anna in 1877, her family and siblings as they worked their farm in Settlers Bridge, went to church on Sundays, lived a simple but joyful life; she wasn't sure what was going on. The dreams were so real, she knew Anna and Luke, the man who rescued her from the bushfire. Anna's brother Deiter was so clear - Taylor was frightened for her own mind. What was happening to her?
The Homestead in the Eucalypts is another exceptional book by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall. Different in many ways from her usual work - dual time frames, both set in Settlers Bridge - the time in 1877 with Anna, Emilie (Anna's younger sister), older brother Deiter, the five year old twins and their parents; plus 2008 with Taylor, Michelle and the homestead where Michelle's parents lived. The timeframe with Anna in 1877 was my favourite part of the book, and the way it was done was unusual, but worked well. The author's note at the end explained how the story came about, with a dedication to Taylor, the author's daughter. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted fro4.5★s
Wilhelmina Fiordlasher was only seven years old when her life changed forever. On the run through Scardia, fearful for her life, Nina drifted from place to place, always hiding, changing her name as she saw fit, never staying in the same place too long. As she neared eighteen years of age, she knew she could claim what was rightfully hers, and to do so she needed to cross Scardia and make her way east and to her mother's family. The journey would be filled with danger as the murderer of her parents, the Usurper, and his trackers, were still searching for her.
Keely accompanied her and then Erik joined them. Dolce, Nina's beloved horse, did all she was asked, faithfully and without fear. But things went wrong and Nina knew she had to stay one step ahead. Would she find her mother's family, safely and without loss? Or would the Usurper win another round?
Heir to the Ice Flame by Aussie author Rose Harvey is a fascinating tale of mystery, magic and intrigue. It doesn't say it's the first in a series, but it feels like there will be another to follow, so I hope that's the case. Nina was a strong, independent character - as she'd had to be - and barely relied on anyone else. Lisette is a sweet little budgerigar, keeping Nina company on her journey, and Erik became an endearing but tough kid. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Mei was Thorn's prisoner, but he wanted her help to defeat the Moon Father. He also needed Iggy's power and while Mei was excited to know she would seMei was Thorn's prisoner, but he wanted her help to defeat the Moon Father. He also needed Iggy's power and while Mei was excited to know she would see her brother again soon, she was wary of a trap by Thorn. Meanwhile Anyo and his friends were fleeing across the mountains, while his thoughts were in turmoil, doubting himself. He was determined to reach his goal, but with the dangers surrounding them all, would that happen?
Iggy was getting closer to Mei - he could feel it - and with the three sisters guiding him, admittedly with a plan of their own, he knew his goal of no longer being the "faceless boy" was coming closer. Rokura was close to rescuing Asaro, but treachery was nearby. Could he overcome those who cared nothing for him - a former Greyshield?
Stars Burning is the 3rd and final in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie author Ashley Capes and it was an excellent wind-up to an addictive series! Mei and Iggy, Anyo and Rokura - all great characters - had a lot of support, but many enemies as well. The tale is woven deeply, exceptionally well written and exciting, with plenty of magical powers along the way. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Mei was still in search of her brother Iggy, who was banished from their lands. Her journey had taken her far and now, joining with a merchant and a sMei was still in search of her brother Iggy, who was banished from their lands. Her journey had taken her far and now, joining with a merchant and a sorcerer as they continued their journey to an island everyone feared, to locate special sand which would help in Mei's search, she wondered if they would succeed. But danger was close.
Meanwhile Rokura was a considerable distance from Mei - neither of them knowing of the other. Rokura was looking after Iggy, accompanying him on his journey to the person who could give him a face. Iggy's power was undiminished - all who witnessed it were stunned. And Anyo was drawing closer to danger on his journey, the corpse-singer by his side, his promises to her sitting badly with him. The vision which caused people to freeze, their eyes vacant and filled with a faceless moon, was not just in one place. What was it? Would Mei ever find Iggy?
The Faceless Moon is the 2nd in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie Ashley Capes and it has my heart pumping with each different scenario. An excellent read, with well-crafted characters, I'm looking forward to the last in the Trilogy soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When Iggy, the boy who was born without a face, was exiled from his village, he ran off, determined to make his own way. Water was his lifeblood, so tWhen Iggy, the boy who was born without a face, was exiled from his village, he ran off, determined to make his own way. Water was his lifeblood, so the boat he took downriver would keep him safe. In the meantime, Mei, Iggy's sister, left her village, the one that showed no care for her brother. Admittedly his power caused some problems, but it wasn't his fault. Mei was determined to find him and share his journey.
When Greyshield, Rokura, was following the trail of prisoners, intent on finding the rebels and rescuing those he could, he came across Iggy, saving his life. But it wasn't long before they separated, both heading off on their own journeys.
In her search for Iggy, Mei journeyed through the Moon Gate, aware of the dangers ahead. Her telekinesis was powerful, but would it be enough? She was sure Iggy was ahead - probably about two days - and was determined to find him. But she was captured by Anyo and his band of men. Instead of killing her, they needed her help. But would they set her free if she did as they asked?
A Drifting Sun is the 1st in the Exiles Trilogy by Aussie author Ashley Capes and it was fascinating. The author has a great talent for the magical fantasy elements, and with MCs Mei, Iggy, Rakura and Anyo, set on tasks that get more dangerous by the minute, the intrigue has me looking forward to #2 soon. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Miss Phoebe Astin was tending to her client, Mr Walker, in her business as mortician at The Economic Undertaker in Brisbane, which was owned and run bMiss Phoebe Astin was tending to her client, Mr Walker, in her business as mortician at The Economic Undertaker in Brisbane, which was owned and run by her grandfather and brothers, Julius and Ambrose, along with herself. Her gift as medium to the spirit world allowed her to see Mr Walker and hear his pleas to solve his murder - which the police had passed off as an accident. And so began the most dreadful case in many a year, for all involved.
Mr Walker was a private investigator and had been searching for a woman and her four children, at the request of the woman's parents in England. But he must have come too close to the truth... When a woman's body was found beneath the heartstone of a local cottage, Detective Stone knew they were on the right track. With another private investigator - a friend of Julius Astin - a local newspaper reporter - friend of Phoebe - the police and the undertakers comparing notes, their race to catch the murderer before someone else was sucked into the web, was on. But would they succeed?
The Missing Brides is 1st in The Lady Mortician's Visions series by Aussie author Helen Goltz and is a fascinating, yet horrific tale of mystery, intrigue and mild fantasy, based on factual evidence in 1890s Australia. Excellent characters, a well paced plot and a satisfying conclusion - I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will check out #2 asap. Highly recommended....more
Alexandra Jennings and her boyfriend Kaiden were preparing to celebrate Kaldoras - Christmas in Alex's earthly words - so once they'd given each otherAlexandra Jennings and her boyfriend Kaiden were preparing to celebrate Kaldoras - Christmas in Alex's earthly words - so once they'd given each other their gifts, they headed to Woodhaven, where family and friends waited. Alex's past few years in Medora had been life changing, and the friendships she'd made kept her warm. She still ventured into the Library and through the painting, but not often any more. And with her best friend Jordan preparing for his future, Alex was happy for her other best friend, DC, a princess and the finest person she knew...
Kaldoras is the 6th in The Medoran Chronicles, and the Epilogue, by Aussie author Lynette Noni. It closes the chapters on Alex's life from when she was sixteen and a fresh faced, uncertain young woman as she entered the Medoran Academy, through to graduation and beyond. The adventures were exceptional, the friendships, love, laughter, tears and wonder outstanding. I've loved this series and Kaldoras is a perfect ending, (with perhaps a space for something later down the track...) Highly recommended....more
Lillian Velvet, brought up by a cold, stern woman she called Grandmother; home schooled, never meeting other children, feeling lonely but not knowing Lillian Velvet, brought up by a cold, stern woman she called Grandmother; home schooled, never meeting other children, feeling lonely but not knowing any other life. When Lillian's tenth birthday arrived, Grandmother gave her a pickle jar filled with gold coins, with only the instruction of not spending them all at once. But something strange happened when she put some of those coins in her hands. Whisked away from her home in Bomaderry, south of Sydney, Australia, to the magical world of the Kingdoms and Empires, Lillian was stunned and bemused.
The Mettlestone family comprised of mother, father and twelve children. They were a magical family with varying gifts, but the day the parents had to leave, to pretend to die, was devastating for the family. But surely they'd be back soon? Wouldn't they?
What would Lillian Velvet have in common with the Mettlestone family? As she helped various people during her short visits to the Kingdoms and Empires world, she couldn't help wondering if every small child's life changed so dramatically once they turned ten...
The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is a fun and entertaining middle grade novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't realise it was #5 in the Kingdoms & Empires series, and once I did, I located the first four and bought them. Christmas gifts coming up!! Aussie author Jaclyn Moriarty has a magical touch which I've just discovered, and I'm keen to read more. Although The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is over 500 pages, I flew through the pages, captivated by Lillian's journey. And yes, this one can be read as a standalone. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
One More Time is the story of Grace Burrows and Charlie Wilson and their move through life together. The story starts at Grace's 70th birthday celebraOne More Time is the story of Grace Burrows and Charlie Wilson and their move through life together. The story starts at Grace's 70th birthday celebration, with Charlie as a guest to his beloved's party, and their daughter, Hope, keeping guests and her parents happy. But something happened to change the direction of life...
Charlie Wilson was a Vietnam veteran who held a lot of guilt deep inside, suffered terribly from nightmares and tried to find solace inside a bottle. Charlie's treatment of his wife, Grace, was something he regretted deeply. The heartache he'd caused her was something he desperately wished he could change. Grace and Charlie had seemed like, had been, soulmates...
One More Time by Aussie author Mandy Magro is a different take on her usual romance novel, and I'm not sure it was right for me. It focuses on second chances and is done in an unrealistic, fantasy-like scenario. For fans of Ms Magro, I recommend One More Time, but unfortunately it didn't hit the right note for me.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Amelia Spelled was still unable to cook, so it was fortunate that the cake shop she'd inherited from her aunt - along with the house - came with her nAmelia Spelled was still unable to cook, so it was fortunate that the cake shop she'd inherited from her aunt - along with the house - came with her now good friend Thyme. Thyme was an excellent cook, with cakes, cupcakes and the like turning out to perfection. Amelia only succeeded in setting the oven on fire.
When Amelia discovered a dead body on her front verandah, she was horrified. The police were suspicious of a new resident in town, Dianne but once they'd cleared her, Amelia became a suspect. Who was sending photos to the police with her and the victim together? Amelia had never met him before. Could she discover the culprit before she was jailed for murder?
Dizzy Spells is the 2nd in The Kitchen Witch series by Aussie author Morgana Best and it was fun and entertaining. There were several suspects, some witchy spells and two adorable cats (Amelia's familiars). But the best character of all is Amelia's house! Recommended....more
Pyper Rayne and her best friend Jade were shopping for a vintage design dress for her to wear at the opening of the art show the following week. When Pyper Rayne and her best friend Jade were shopping for a vintage design dress for her to wear at the opening of the art show the following week. When Pyper found owner, Ruby's, body at the back of the shop, she'd been strangled, the second woman to be strangled in a short time. But worse was to come - Pyper was next on the list to lose her life...
Pyper was a medium and owned the local coffee shop, working beside Jade, who was a witch. Jade's husband Kane was also a witch, and had been Pyper's good friend for many years. But it was the arrival of Julius, a ghost who could appear in solid form, who would help them all, plus the witch council, as they set out to find the killer. But was it too late for Pyper?
Spirits, Stilettos & a Silver Bustier is the 1st in the Pyper Rayne series by Deanna Chase and I quite enjoyed it. I don't read a lot of ghostly, witchy books, but this one was fun and entertaining, which I needed after my last book. I think I'd best check out #2 :) Recommended....more
For the past twelve months, Imani, seventeen years old with an affinity to iron and named as one of the greatest Shields of all time, had been mourninFor the past twelve months, Imani, seventeen years old with an affinity to iron and named as one of the greatest Shields of all time, had been mourning her brother, lost to the Forbidden Wastes. She, her younger sister Amani and their parents all missed Atheer greatly, so when Imani received word that her brother may not be dead after all, she approached the Qalia Council for permission to head into the sands to find, and hopefully rescue Atheer. With a team led by Taha, an arrogant beastseer whose falcon, Sinan circled the skies above them, their pace was fast. But Imani knew she wasn't welcome in the group. Her magic was fierce, and what they didn't know was that Qayn, a djinni, was bonded to her dagger, and it was his knowledge of where Atheer was that made Imani feel safe.
Drinking the misra tea before each daily mission meant their magic was heightened for the day - but their fear of the monsters that were ahead of them kept them cautious. Once they reached the Spice Road, Imani could feel they were getting close. But they had many battles to fight before they reached their destination. Would Imani and Qayn find Atheer or had he already perished?
Spice Road is the debut fantasy novel by Aussie author Maiya Ibrahim and the first in The Spice Road trilogy, and I loved it! It was epic, with betrayal and treachery high on the agenda, as Imani had to find her way through the secrets, deception and many setbacks to reach her goal. At almost 500 pages, this action packed novel's pages flew by. I'm very much looking forward to #2! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Loading...
