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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: Circus of Mirrors by Julie Owen Moylan

Published September 12th, 2024 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction

Welcome to my bookish thoughts on Circus of Mirrors, which was the SquadPod Book Club pick this month. Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Cabaret dancer falls in love as political tensions rise and the city becomes increasingly dangerous not only for herself, but also for her lover . . .


Perfect for fans of Cabaret and The Whalebone Theatre

‘Julie Owen Moylan writes about mid-20th century women like no-one else’ Laura Price

‘Sexy, electrically stylish, and beautiful – a gorgeous story about sisterhood, and a glamorous, evocative passport to a period we all long to get lost in’ Daisy Buchanan

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BERLIN, 1926: After the death of their parents, sisters Leni and Annette only have each other.
Desperate, but dreaming of better days, Leni finds work at a notorious cabaret: the Babylon Circus.

From the dancer’s barely-there costumes, to the glimmering mirrors that cover the walls, the Babylon Circus is where reality and fantasy merge. For Leni, it’s an overwhelming new world, and she’s happiest hiding in the shadows.

Until she meets the cabaret’s resident pianist, Paul. And so begins a tentative love affair that will play out over the next forty years.

But, in a city whose divisions will define a century, can a love born within the feverish walls of the Babylon Circus ever survive?

And can the bond between Leni and Annette – tugged in opposite directions of their own – also endure?

In Berlin, two sisters dared to dream of a better life – but where in this dark and dazzling city will they find their true home?

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MY REVIEW:

Sexy, stylish, dazzling and evocative, Circus of Mirrors is Julie Owen Moylan’s best book yet. Set in Berlin, the story begins in 1926 when nineteen-year-old Leni and her younger sister, Annette, are living on the street following the death of their parents. Desperate for a way to put a roof over their head, Leni finds a job at the Babylon Circus, a strange and intense place where fantasy blends with reality. And it is there that Leni meets Paul, the resident pianist, and begins an all-consuming romance. But, the course of true love doesn’t run smooth for these lovebirds, and we follow Leni and Annette as they – and their city – experience some of their most tumultuous years in a story of survival, strength, self-discovery, love, dreams and regret. 

I’ve been a fan of Julie’s book ever since her brilliant debut and her books are always a big event on the SquadPod’s calendar. So I was very excited when we were offered the chance to read Circus of Mirrors. Expertly written, intricately woven and perfectly paced, this book is flawlessly crafted and her meticulous research is evident on every page. Babylon Circus and the city of Berlin feel like characters in their own right and are brought to life in vivid technicolour. A city of conflict that is inextricably linked to much of twentieth century history, Berlin is made alive once again on these pages, making me feel like I’d stepped back in time. But that history is a mere backdrop as the lives of the characters take centre stage, Julie breathing life into them so evocatively that it felt like they were in the room with me. I was in her thrall as she wove her magnificent tale around me and I lost myself in it completely. 

One of my favourite things about Julie’s books is how she writes women who are flawed, complex, conflicted and nuanced. These women are recognisable and reliable, reflecting parts of ourselves back at us as we read. She makes us understand them and their actions, even when they aren’t likeable, and Annette was a great example of this. Rebellious, selfish and aggrieved at the things she’s lost or doesn’t have, Annette is someone it would be a nightmare to know in real life, but we can understand her feelings and behaviour because of the things she’s gone through. And in an exploration of how people can experience the same thing with different outcomes, Leni is the polar opposite of her sister. While Annette rebels, Leni is dutiful and responsible, giving up her own freedom to raise her young sister when their parents died and continuing a life of servitude over pursuing her own desires. It is these differences that slowly build a wall of resentment and misunderstanding between them that neither one can breach, though at times they do try. It was heartbreaking to read but wonderfully written. 

And I can’t review this book without talking about the romance between Leni and Paul. Their love story has to be one of my favourites I’ve ever read, primarily because it was so refreshing to see the good guy get the girl. I loved seeing him as the romantic lead instead of the more typical problematic male. Yes, Leni and Paul had their ups and downs, but the obstacles in their relationship come from outside forces and I was rooting for them at every step.

Enthralling, moving and simply unforgettable, this is a must for all your TBRs. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Owen Moylan is the author of three novels: That Green Eyed Girl, 73 Dove Street and Circus of Mirrors.

Her debut novel That Green Eyed Girl was a Waterstones’ Welsh Book of the Month and the official runner up for the prestigious Paul Torday Memorial Prize. It was also shortlisted for Best Debut at the Fingerprint Awards and featured at the Hay Festival as one of its TEN AT TEN.

73 Dove Street was recently named as one of Waterstones’ Books of 2023 and a Daily Mail Historical Fiction Book of the Year.

As a filmmaker Julie won the Celtic Media Award for her graduation film “BabyCakes” before going on to win Best Short Film at the Swansea Film Festival.

Her writing and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications including Sunday Express, The Independent, New Welsh Review and Good Housekeeping.

She has a Masters in Filmmaking and an additional qualification in Creative Writing & English Literature. Julie is an alumna of the Faber Academy.

Circus of Mirrors will be published in Sept 2024

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Art of Belonging by Eleanor Ray

Published September 12th, 2024 by Piatkus
Contemporary Romance, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this hopeful and uplfiting story. Thanks to Vic at Insta Book Tours for the invitation to take part and to Piatkus for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love.

‘A warm-hearted, emotional read’ Daily Mail

‘Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish – one not to miss’ HOLLY MILLER

‘Joyful and tender’ Woman’s Own

‘The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy’ LORNA COOK

‘A delightful, big-hearted story of family and forgiveness’ Good Housekeeping

‘Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for’ PHAEDRA PATRICK

…………………………………………

Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . .

When unexpected circumstances bring Grace’s estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart.

It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other – and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.

This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful.

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MY REVIEW

The Art of Belonging follows three generations of one family septuagenarian Grace, her estranged daughter Amelia, and granddaughter Charlotte. When Amelia’s marriage breaks down she and Charlotte move in with Grace while they get back on their feet, forcing Grace and Amelia to face their complicated relationship and the heartbreak that led to their relationship breaking down. Heartwarming, tender, emotional and endearing, this story of family, friendship, loneliness, forgiveness and healing will warm you from the inside out. 

I loved Eleanor Ray’s outstanding debut so I couldn’t wait to read this book. Once again, Ms. Ray has crafted a thought-provoking story written full of pathos, charm, wit and heart. Difficult and emotional subjects are written with compassion and while the pain of these characters leaps from the pages, so does their joy. We know from the start that Grace and Amelia are estranged and that Grace blames herself, but as the story goes on their history is slowly unravelled, exploring the many nuances of their relationship and reminding us how easy it can be to misunderstand someone or for two people to view the same situation completely differently. Seeing these two women repeatedly misunderstand and hurt one another broke my heart and I was silently screaming at them to talk about things so they could finally see one another for who they truly were. 

The three women at the heart of this book are compelling, complicated, flawed and wonderful characters who I adored. I’ll admit, I had a particular soft spot for Grace and a highlight of the book for me was watching her relationship with Charlotte blossom. The background characters are as richly drawn as the main characters and I loved the varied cast of ebullient characters on these pages. I do love an outsider, so I loved that many of these characters weren’t popular people and had unique traits and hobbies. There are also some beautiful friendships on these pages that were a delight to read, especially the friendship between Charlotte and Sammy. 

So if you’re looking for an uplifting and hopeful read that will make your day brighter, this is the book for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eleanor Ray has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and lives in London with her husband and three young children.

Eleanor was inspired to write Everything is Beautiful by the objects her toddler collects and treasures – twigs, empty water bottles and wilting daisies.

The Art of Belonging is her second novel and was written in lock down. It is about the messy, complicated and wonderful things that can happen when families are together.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers talking part in the tour.

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles 2) by TJ Klune

Published September 12th, 2024 by Tor UK
Fantasy Fiction, Romance Novel, Contemporary Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Gay Fiction, Fantasy Series

Today is my stop on the blog tour for this gorgeous and uplitfting cosy fantasy. Thank you to Stephen at Black Crow PR for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

This is the hugely-anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, a cosy-fantasy triumph and a New York Times bestseller.

Arthur Parnassus has built a good life on the ashes of a bad one. He’s headmaster at an orphanage for magical children, on a peculiar island, assisted by love-of-his-life Linus Baker. And together, they’ll do anything to protect their extraordinary and powerful charges.

However, when Arthur is forced to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself fighting for those under his care. It’s also a fight for the better future that all magical people deserve. Then when a new magical child joins their island home, Arthur knows they’ve reached breaking point. The child finds power in calling himself a monster, a name Arthur has tried so hard to banish to protect his children. Challenged from within and without, their volatile family might grow stronger. Or everything Arthur loves could fall apart.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.

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MY REVIEW:

“There is magic in the ordinary. Magic that has the power to change the world “

We’re back on  Marsyas Island with Linus, Arthur and their motley crew of magical children for the second book in the Cerulean Chronicles. This time the story is told from Arthur’s point of view, opening with a glimpse at the dark past he has risen from before picking up where the first book left off as him and Linus are settling into life as a family with their children, even adding to their brood when David, a young Yeti, moves into their home. But when Arthur is forced to make a public statement about his past, he and Linus find themselves fighting to protect the family they’ve created.

Heartwarming, uplifting, powerful and inspiring, once again TJ Klune has created a balm for the soul with this extraordinary tale. It was such a joy to be back in this captivating magical world with these wonderful characters. The real world around me disappeared as I lost myself in the one Klune has created, brought to life by his colourful, evocative storytelling. A story about love, inclusion, tolerance, self-worth and found family, Klune explores the topic of prejudice even further this time around and adds in the monsters that live inside all of us, asking whether it is ever okay to  proudly claim that side of us  or if it should be hidden. It’s powerful and thought-provoking, but wrapped up in a cosy and whimsical package that stops it from ever feeling heavy. 

But it is the richly drawn and compelling characters that shine brightest for me. These characters may be magical beings and considered dangerous, particularly anti-christ, Lucy, but they are relatable and feel deeply  human. I love how Klune has used magical creatures as a metaphor for the LGBTQ community or anyone else who is different from the ‘norm’. Like Arthur and Linus, I feel protective of them and my heart was pounding as their future came under threat from the Department in Charge of Magical Youth – aka DICOMY. I was raging at the things their representatives said and the things they tried to do, but was cheering as Arthur, Linus, the children, and others on the island all stood against them. 

This series has become one of my favourites, so I am really hoping this isn’t the last we hear from these characters. And don’t miss reading the author’s note at the end. If the book doesn’t break you, then that will 😭😭 

Soulful, spellbinding and full of heart, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is uplit at its finest. A must-read for anyone who wants their day made brighter, add this, and the previous book, to your TBR now. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

SKELF SUMMER: Living is a Problem (The Skelfs, 6) by Doug Johnstone

Published September 12th, 2024 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Noir Ficiton, Crime Series, Women Sleuths

It’s the final week of Skelf Summer and I’m sharing my review for Living is a Problem, the latest brilliant instalment in the series. Thank you to Orenda books for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Drones, gangland vendettas, a missing choir singer, disturbances in the cemetery, PTSD, panpsychism, and secrets from the past … This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as nail-biting, tense and warmly funny as ever!
 
‘Hurroo! The Skelfs — Edinburgh funeral directors and part-time private eyes — are back … the persistence of love in the Skelf household, no matter what fate flings at it, is reassuring and life-affirming’ The Times Book of the Month
 
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The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they’ve been through. But when a funeral they’re conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they’re in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.
 
At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy’s band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.
 
And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.
 
Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy’s boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah’s case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger … while ghosts from the family’s past return to threaten their very lives.
 
Funny, shocking and profound, Living Is A Problem is the highly anticipated sixth instalment of the unforgettable Skelfs series – shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Book of the Year – where life and death become intertwined more than ever before…

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MY REVIEW:

Skelf Summer has come to end so I’m sharing my review for the sixth and latest book in the series, Living is a Problem, which was released last week. As always, it starts with a bang, and this time there’s a drone attack on a funeral that has all the mourners running for cover. And there’s little time to catch your breath as the action keeps going with gangland vendettas, strange disturbances at a grave and a missing mum. 

The Skelf women are back for another witty, tense and twisty instalment in what has become one of my favourite series. What’s impressed me so much about reading these back-to-back is how the quality has remained consistently high with its nail-biting tension and dark wit. These books are complex, layered, chaotic, outrageous and entertaining, keeping me hooked from beginning to end then leaving me wanting more when it’s over. Doug Johnstone’s writing is always exquisite, deeply human and insightful, exploring some serious topics in ways that are relatable, moving and uplifting all at the same time. This time around he explores PTSD, panpsychism (the belief that all things have a mind or mind-like quality), refugees and the loss of a child alongside the usual family drama. Johnstone also examines environmental concerns as we see the Skelf women becoming natural undertakers and holding eco-friendly burials. I found these parts really interesting as I’d never thought about the economic impact of a funeral and it was interesting to hear about the more environmentally friendly ways we can bury or cremate our loved ones. 

But the best part of these books is the characters, particularly the Skelf women themselves. Compelling, full of depth and relatable, I love these women. They feel like old friends at this point and it’s been a joy to follow them on their highs and lows over the past six books. And I still have a soft spot for Dorothy, the matriarch of her family. If only I could be like her now, let alone in my eighth decade. I also love the community surrounding them who I have got to know really well at this point. I think building that connection and familiarity with the characters is my favourite part about reading a series. But what am I going to do now that I face the long wait for a new Skelf book? I will miss these characters so much. 

I can’t recommend this amazing series enough. While you could read this or the others as standalones, I would recommend reading from the beginning. You won’t regret it. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Doug Johnstone is the author of Fourteen novels, includingThe Great Silence, the third in the Skelfs series, which has been optioned for  In 2021, The Big Chill, the second in the series, was longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. In 2020, A Dark Matter, the first in the series, was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year and the Capital Crime Amazon Publishing Independent Voice Book of the Year award. Black Hearts (Book four), was published in 2022, with The Opposite of Lonely (book five) out in 2023. Several of his books have been bestsellers and award winners, and his first science fiction novel, The Space Between Us, was a BBC2 Between the Covers pick. He’s taught creative writing, been writer in residence at various institutions, and has been an arts journalist for twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He lives in Edinburgh.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*these are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Torments (The Annie Jackson Mysteries, Volume 2) by Michael J. Malone

Published September 12th, 2024 by Orenda
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Gothic Fiction, Horror Fiction, Contemporary Horror, Hardboiled, Book Series

Happy publication day to this chilling gothic thriller and welcome to my stop on the blog tour. Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and Orenda for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A tense, creepy page-turner’ Ian Rankin, New Statesman
 
`Malone is the master of twists, turns and the unexpected´ Herald Scotland
 
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Annie surged forward, but she was too slow, too late.
A hand came over and down, and she felt a sharp pain at the back of her neck.
Then all became smoke, and silence.
 
Hiding from the world in her little white cottage on the shores of a loch, Annie Jackson is fighting to come to terms with the world of the murmurs, a curse that has haunted female members of her family for centuries.
 
While she is within the ancient, heavy stone of the old dwelling, the voices merely buzz, but the moment she steps outside the door they clamour to torment her all over again, bringing with them shocking visions of imminent deaths.
 
Into this oasis comes her adoptive mother, Mandy McEvoy, begging for Annie’s help. Mandy’s nephew Damien has gone missing, after dropping off his four-year old son at his mother’s home.
 
Unable to refuse, but terrified to leave her sanctuary, Annie, with the help of her brother Lewis, is drawn in to a secretive, seductive world that will have her question everything she holds dear, while Lewis’ life may be changed forever…
 
The second book in the critically acclaimed Annie Jackson Mysteries series, The Torments is both a contemporary gothic thriller and a spellbinding mystery that deeps deep into a past that should, perhaps, remain undisturbed…
 

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MY REVIEW:

He’s done it again. The second book in Michael J. Malone’s Annie Jackson mysteries is another eerie, haunting and compulsive journey into the unknown. This time Annie and her twin brother, Lewis, are drawn into investigating the disappearance of a family friend, leading them to a darker mystery and long-held secrets that are better left undisturbed….

This is a stay up all night and feel knackered the next day, but it’s totally worth it kind of a book. Malone is a masterful gothic storyteller and this one is deliciously dark, merging folklore and mystery with an unsettling but hypnotic atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages. Exquisitely written, intricately woven and cleverly choreographed, Malone toys with the reader, taking us down a road of misdirection and shocking twists. Other than a theme of the characters being tormented by forces that feel beyond their control, I had no idea how the two timelines or characters were connected or what would happen next and I devoured the book in one sitting, forcing myself to stay awake long into the early hours in my desperate need for answers.

The story is told in dual timelines: then and now. Both narratives are dripping with menace, foreboding, disquiet, mystery and intrigue, chilling me to the bone while keeping me on the edge of my seat. Annie narrates the present and follows as she and Lewis begin their hunt for their missing family friend. Annie is still trying to adjust to life with the murmurs, which remain unpredictable. All she can predict is for some reason they leave her alone when she’s home at her cottage, leading her to isolate herself a lot. I loved Annie’s relationship with her twin brother, Lewis, and think they make a great investigative duo. Meanwhile, the past timeline is narrated by Ben and Sylvia, two lost souls tormented by darkness and found by the wrong kind of people. They are children when their story begins, and I felt sorry for them at the start, but they made my skin crawl when they were adults. Malone has witten them cleverly, surprising me many times with their character arc, particularly  when all was finally revealed. 

Nerve-shredding, dark, twisting and unputdownable, this is a must for your spooky-season TBR. So, if like me you enjoy your thrillers with a slice of gothic, then this book and series is for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Malone is a prize-winning poet and author who was born and brought upin the heart of Burns’ He has published over 200 poems in literary magazines throughout the UK, including New Writing Scotland, Poetry Scotland and Markings. Blood Tears, his bestselling debut novel won the Pitlochry Prize from the Scottish Association of Writers. Other published work includes: Carnegie’s Call; A Taste for Malice; The Guillotine Choice; Beyond the Rage; The Bad Samaritan; and Dog Fight. His psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie, was a number-one bestseller, and the critically acclaimed House of Spines and After He Died soon followed suit. Since then, he’s written two further thought-provoking, exquisitely written psychological thrillers In the Absence of Miracles and A Song of Isolation, cementing his position as a key proponent of Tartan Noir and an undeniable talent. A former Regional Sales Manager (Faber & Faber) he has also worked as an IFA and a bookseller. Michael lives in Ayr.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please chcek out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

Categories
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 1) by TJ Klune

Published September 16th, 2021 by Tor
Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Comedy, Paranormal Fiction, Gay Fiction, Book Series

Welcome to my thoughts on this quirky and mesmerising fantasy. Thank you to Tor UK for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A cosy, enchanting story about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place – and realizing that family could be yours. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an uplifting, heart-warming queer fantasy from TJ Klune.

‘I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect’ – V. E. Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Linus Baker leads a quiet life. At forty, he has a tiny house with a devious cat and his beloved records for company. And at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, he’s spent many dull years monitoring their orphanages.

Then one day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment. He must travel to an orphanage where six dangerous children reside – including the Antichrist.

At the orphanage, Linus must somehow determine if these children could bring about the end of days. But their guardian, the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, will do anything to protect his wards. And, as Arthur and Linus grow ever closer, Linus must choose: his duty, or his dreams . . .

A New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post bestseller.

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MY REVIEW:

“A home isn’t always the house we live in. It’s also the people we choose to surround ourselves with.”

A ray of sunshine. A feast for the imagination. A balm for the soul. These are just some of the descriptions that come to mind when I think about The House in the Cerulean Sea. A warm hug in book form, this is a gorgeous and quirky story about found family, the lasting footprints we leave in each other’s lives, and finding the magic in the ordinary. And it captured my heart and soul completely. 

It follows Linus Baker, 40, who lives a solitary life in his small house with only his cat, Calliope, for company. Linus works as a Case Worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, overseeing the well-being of children who live in government-sanctioned orphanages. One morning, Linus is unexpectedly summoned to a meeting by Extremely Upper Management and given a highly classified assignment: travel to and assess Marsyas Island Orphanage to discover if the six dangerous children who live there are going to bring about Armageddon. But these curious children aren’t the only secret being kept on the island and Linus is unprepared for what he is about to discover.

Last month, when I realised that I was about to listen to my 50th audiobook of the year, I knew it had to be something special. So, I decided to continue my journey into TJ Klune’s backlist, choosing this one in anticipation of reading the follow up later this month. I was apprehensive about all the hype, but this extraordinary story did not disappoint. I became an instant fan of Klune when I read Under the Whispering Door earlier this year and this extraordinary story has solidified his status as one of my favourite authors. Klune is a master storyteller and he brought every word and character to life with his beautiful storytelling and richly imagined and evocative descriptions. His stories are guaranteed to brighten your day and this one is a glorious burst of vivid technicolour. But among the brightness and cheer, Klune also weaves more serious topics into the narrative, this time tackling prejudice in its many forms. 

Then there are the characters. What a unique and entertaining motley crew they were. I loved Linus, the honest and sweet protagonist who goes through life mostly unnoticed. Linus is human, but his job involves magical creatures, including the children at the orphanage. Living at Marsyas Island Orphanage are a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. These children are dangerous and have some frightening quirks, but what I loved about them is that they are like any other children at heart. I even found myself having a real soft spot for Lucy, the twisted but undeniably childlike son of the devil himself. Then there is Arthur, the orphan’s caretaker. Arthur is very mysterious and we can tell he’s hiding something which makes it hard to know if we really can trust this charming man. But what we do know is that there is chemistry sizzling between Arthur and Linus, which I loved and I was willing Linus to give into his feelings. Marysasy Island Orphanage and its inhabitants have a profound impact on Linus and change his life for the better. I loved watching Linus blossom from a wallflower into who he was by the end of the book and the beautiful relationships he formed with the other characters. 

Charming, witty, whimsical, heartfelt and uplifting, this mesmerising fantasy is a clear-your-schedule, lock out the world and read in one sitting affair. And that final line! Oh, my heart. I am so glad I only have a few more days until book two. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

*I listened to this audiobook on Bookbeat. Click here to get 60 days of listening free with my affiliate link.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Goddess with a Thousand Faces by Jasmine Elmer

Published September 12th, 2024 by Renegade Books
Historical Fiction, Mythology

Today is my stop on the blog tour for this gorgeous exploration of godesses and our ancient past. Thank you to Midas PR for the invitation to take part and Renegade Books for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘I loved Goddess with a Thousand Faces. Fascinating, fun and thoughtful and enlightening’ JENNIFER SAINT

‘A beautiful weave of history, myth and storytelling by one of our most exciting new classicists’ DAN SNOW

Steeped in ancient magic, dark divinity and wild ways, Goddess with a Thousand Faces takes you on a historical journey like no other…

Blending mythological retellings with historical research, Goddess with a Thousand Faces traverses the world and transports through time to bring ten formidable and inspiring ancient goddesses to life. Meet Artemis, the Greek goddess of the wilderness, never without her bow and arrow; Sedna, Inuit goddess of the ocean, guarding the icy waters and all its creatures; Isis, Egyptian goddess of healing, who dwells by the River Nile, just to name a few…

Jasmine Elmer explores these goddesses of our past, uncovering their truths, their rebellion and their freedom. For too long, they have been written out of history; lost to the sands of time and stamped into silence. Goddess with a Thousand Faces restores these women to their glory.

Pour over this treasure trove of myths, legends and mighty goddesses. Hear the messages echoing through the ages and see yourself in the faces of these icons. For while their stories might ancient, today they are more important – and more powerful – than ever.

A treasure trove of beautiful storytelling and ancient wisdom, perfect for fans of Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola and Storyland by Amy Jeffs.

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MY REVIEW:

“Welcome to the world of the goddess…” 

Goddess with a Thousand Faces is like no other book I’ve read. Beautiful, poetic and ambitious, it tells the story of nine different goddesses from around the world, blending myth with history and exquisite storytelling to go deeper than the average retelling. Jasmine Elmer tells us the goddesses story and then examines the history of the ancient society that created it, allowing us to understand the environment that created the myths, how they viewed women, and giving us a greater comprehension of what the stories are trying to tell us. All of this merges with Elmer’s evocative imagery to completely immerse her reader in these myths and ancient civilisations. And how could I write a review for this book without mentioning that stunning cover. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful books in my collection.

“So, tell the world, femininity can be dark. It can be angry. Embrace it. Honour it. Next time the Rangda within rages, go to her and listen. Tell her that it’s OK to step out of the shadows… Wear her with pride.”

Each of the nine goddesses in this book are carefully chosen by Elmer and blended with her meticulous research where she asks us to think about what we can learn from these myths and how we can relate to them today. One of the things I liked most about this book was how it was about goddesses from all around the world. I’ll admit, I’ve only really read Greek mythology before this, so although I had read about Artemis before and knew a little about Isis, the other goddesses were completely new to me. It was fascinating and sparked a new interest in me to learn more about different mythology. I loved all of the goddesses, but the one that I felt the strongest connection to was Rangda – Balinese Goddess of Evil, Black Magic and Balance. She was such an interesting, powerful and enthralling goddess and I found myself relating to so much of her story. I will definitely be reading more about her in the future.

Atmospheric, detailed and enlightening, Goddess with a Thousand Faces is a must-read. Even if you’ve not read any mythology before, I think you’d enjoy this book. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A straight-talking expert in ancient cultures, Jasmine Elmer is passionate about opening up this knowledge to everyone in an engaging, inspiring way.

She believes in challenging the traditional approaches, and brings her energy and storytelling skills to use the modern world as a springboard to the ancient one.

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BUY THE BOOK:

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other reviewers taking part in the blog tour.

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Uncategorised

BLOG TOUR: I Died At Fallow Hall by Bonnie Burke-Patel

August 29th, 2024 by Bedford Square Publishers
Mystery, Thriller, Political Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this cosy and mysterious debut. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Bedford Squard Publishers for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Beautifully written, told with empathy and a razor-sharp wit. I couldn’t put it down’. Seth Insua, author of Human, Animal

Anna Deerin moves to a remote Cotswold cottage to become a gardener, trying to strip away everything she’s spent all her life as a woman striving for, craving the anonymity and privacy her new off-grid life provides.

But when she clears the last vegetable bed and digs up not twigs but bones, the outside world is readmitted.

With it comes Detective Inspector Hitesh Mistry, who has his own reasons for a new start in the village of Upper Magna.

Drawn in spite of herself to this unknown woman from another time, Anna is determined to uncover her identity and gain recognition for her, if not justice.

As threats to Anna and her new life grow closer, she and DI Mistry will find that this murder is inextricably bound up with issues of gender, family, community, race and British identity itself – all as relevant in decades past as they are to Anna today.

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MY REVIEW:

I love a good country house mystery so I was excited to read this book. Set in the fictional village of Upper Magna in the Cotswolds, I Died At Fallow Hall follows Anna Deerin, who has recently moved to a remote cottage in the village to become the gardener at Fallow Hall. But one day she digs up more than she anticipated in the vegetable beds: the bones of a young woman that have been hidden there for years. Detective Inspector Hitesh Mistry is sent to investigate, but it seems no one has missed this woman and there are few clues. Anna can’t shake her thoughts of the unknown woman and is determined to give her back her identity and find out what happened, so she begins to make her own enquiries, getting closer to DI Mistry in the process. But it seems there is someone who doesn’t want this mystery to be solved, and Anna and Hitest soon find that their own lives are in danger…

Mysterious, tender, pensive and compelling, this is a wonderful debut. Layered, intricately woven, cleverly plotted and full of surprising twists, Bonnie Burke-Patel crafted an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing up until the final page. The story moves seamlessly between the dual timelines and I really enjoyed the added mystery and tension that arose from the past narrative as we get to know the lady of Fallow Hall and search for clues to her identity and fate as she tells her story. The dual timelines are also used to explore themes such as identity, prejudice, sexism, family, community, and starting again. 

But what shined brightest for me in this book were its characters. Richly drawn and acutely observed, I really cared about them and was invested in their lives. I loved the dynamic between Anna and Hitesh and how they related to each other on so many different levels. I admit that I’d expected a more Christie-esque large cast of characters, but I was pleasantly surprised by the smaller cast. I think this not only helped me feel like I was getting to know the characters better, but it also added to the small, quiet village atmosphere that I loved. 

Gorgeous, alluring and full of heart, this cosy debut is perfect for reading on a cold autumn or winter night. Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in South Gloucestershire, Bonnie Burke-Patel studied History at Oxford. After working for half a decade in politics, she changed careers and became a preschool teacher. She lives with her husband, son, and needy cat in southeast London. Her debut novel I Died at Fallow Hall will be published by Bedford Square in 2024.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

PUBLICATION DAY REVIEW: Blackwater I: The Flood by Michael McDowell

Published September 5th, 2024 by Doubleday UK
Gothic Fiction, Horror Ficiton, Supernatural Fiction, Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Family Sagas, Contemporary Horror

Happy Publication Day to this intriguing gothic story. Thank you to Milly at Doubleday for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Discover the gothic horror phenomenon that is sweeping across Europe, with over 2 million copies sold

‘RIVETING, TERRIFYING…JUST ABSOLUTELY GREAT’ STEPHEN KING

As the dark and menacing waters of the local river submerge Perdido, a small town in the south of Alabama, the Caskeys – a family of rich landowners – must confront the tide of damage caused by the flood. Led by Mary-Love, the powerful matriarch, and by Oscar, her devoted son, the family must pick itself back up. But what they haven’t anticipated is the sudden appearance of Elinor Dammert – a mysterious but seductive young woman with a troubling past. Her sole ambition appears to be to infiltrate the very heart of the Caskey clan…

‘Beyond any trace of a doubt, one of the absolutely best writers of horror’ Peter Straub

‘One of the genre’s most underrated writers’ Poppy Z. Brite

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MY REVIEW:

The Blackwater Saga by Beetlejuice writer Michael McDowell was first published as a series of six volumes in 1983. With fans that include King of Horror Stephen King, it gained a cult following and has recently been gaining in popularity in Europe. Today, it is finally published in the UK and I was thrilled when Doubleday offered me the chance to read the first volume in the series.

The Flood opens with a very haunting and intriguing vibe that had me excited for what I was about to read. Set in Perdido, Alabama, it tells the story of Elinor Dammert, a mysterious young woman who arrives with the dark, menacing floodwater that damages the smalltown. People wonder how she survived the high waters but quickly dismiss their concerns, quickly seduced by the shcoolteachers’ charms. Everyone except for Mary-Love Caskey, matriarch of one of Perdidos wealthiest three families, who takes an instant dislike to Elinor. The conflict between the two women provided much added tension and provided one person who was actually questioning Elinor as everyone else seemed to blindly accept her. This hold she seemed to have over everyone added to the eerie vibes, as did her uncanny ability to make things happen or do things that should be possible. People do question this, but brush it aside or believe it to be kismet/a miracle. But not Mary-Love. She is suspicious of Elinor and wants her out of her town. But as her son, Oscar, has fallen in love with Elinor, that isn’t going to happen anytime soon. 

I enjoyed this quick and readable novella. However there were times it felt a little hollow and I would have liked more of the supernatural element as this is billed as a horror. It sets the scene for book two really well and I think I will pick up the rest of the series at some point as I am intrigued to see what happens next. 

Rating: ✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael McDowell was born June 1, 1950 in Enterprise, Alabama and attended public schools in southern Alabama until 1968. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English from Harvard, and in 1978 he was awarded his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Brandeis.

His seventh novel written and first to be sold, The Amulet, was published in 1979 and would be followed by over thirty additional volumes of fiction written under his own name or the pseudonyms Nathan Aldyne, Axel Young, Mike McCray, and Preston Macadam. His notable books include the Southern Gothic horror novel The Elementals (1981), the serial novel Blackwater (1983), which was first published in a series of six paperback volumes, and the trilogy of “Jack & Susan” books.

By 1985 he was writing screenplays for television, including episodes for a number of anthology series such as Tales from the Darkside, Amazing Stories, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Tales from the Crypt. He went on to write the screenplay for Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), as well as the script for Thinner (1996). McDowell died December 27, 1999 from AIDS-related illness. Tabitha King, wife of author Stephen King, completed an unfinished McDowell novel, Candles Burning, which was published in 2006.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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Beat the Backlist Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG BLAST: The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker

Published June 24th, 2021 by Hutchinson Heinmann
Thriller, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Fiction

Welcome to my review for this extraordinary debut. Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours for the invitation to take part in the blog blast and to Hutchinson Heinmann for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘So that was all it took,’ I thought. ‘That was all it took for me to feel like I had all the power in the world. One morning, one moment, one yellow-haired boy. It wasn’t so much after all.’

Chrissie knows how to steal sweets from the shop without getting caught, the best hiding place for hide-and-seek, the perfect wall for handstands.

Now she has a new secret. It gives her a fizzing, sherbet feeling in her belly. She doesn’t get to feel power like this at home, where food is scarce and attention scarcer.

Fifteen years later, Julia is trying to mother her five-year-old daughter, Molly. She is always worried – about affording food and school shoes, about what the other mothers think of her. Most of all she worries that the social services are about to take Molly away.

That’s when the phone calls begin, which Julia is too afraid to answer, because it’s clear the caller knows the truth about what happened all those years ago.

And it’s time to face the truth: is forgiveness and redemption ever possible for someone who has killed?

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MY REVIEW:

‘So that was all it took,’ I thought. ‘That was all it took for me to feel like I had all the power in the world. One morning, one moment, one yellow-haired boy. It wasn’t so much after all.’

Eight-year-old Chrissie knows she’s a bad seed. After all, everyone is always telling her so. But now she has a secret no one else knows. Something that makes her feel powerful and gives her a fizzing, sherbert feeling in her belly: she’s the one who killed two-year-old Steven. 
Fifteen years later, Julia is trying to be the best mother she can be to five-year-old Molly. Julia worries about everything. But most of all she worries that her past will return to haunt her and social services will take her daughter away. 

“I killed a little boy today.”

When a book starts with a sentence like that it grabs your attention from the start. And this one never let me go. Profoundly dark, unsettling, harrowing and moving, The First Day of Spring is an extraordinary debut. Based on the real-life crimes of Mary Bell, a child convicted of killing two children in the sixties and was later released from prison with a new identity, Nancy Tucker skillfully explores the disturbing psyche of a child killer, asking if some people are born evil, and if forgiveness and redemption are ever possible for someone who kills. This deeply uncomfortable read is a story of murder, toxic families, neglect, poverty, trauma, and the shades of grey that exist between the black and white of morality. Tucker is an exceptional storyteller whose writing is compelling, perceptive, compassionate and menacing. Every word oozes darkness, malice, suffering, pain, and pent-up rage. But there is also helplessness, fragility, sadness and desperation woven in, creating a jarring contrast of emotions that will simultaneously send shivers down your spine and tug on your heart strings. This book broke me. I haven’t stopped thinking about it and I know it will stay with me forever. 

“I liked it that way. It meant I got to be a killer but I also got days off from being a killer. Because being a killer was quite a tiring thing to be.”

Tucker has created a cast of seriously complex characters for this book. They are damaged people trying to survive their hard lives, often resorting to desperate measures, and remind us that no-one is ever all good or all bad. Chrissie is a character I will never forget. She has never known love or affection, she’s always hungry, her clothes are dirty and tatty, and no-one ever wants her around. She is all-too aware that her life is unfair and she’s seething about it. It makes her vindictive and she lashes out at other children, bullying them in an attempt to seize back some power and control. It was devastating to read and my heart broke for her. But, equally, being immersed inside young Chrissie’s mind was a chilling and disturbing experience, something which was enhanced by the juxtaposition of her angry, sinister thoughts and her childish innocence. To me, it felt obvious that her terrible actions were those of a desperate, lost and mixed-up child crying out for love and attention rather than someone who was evil. Though that doesn’t mean I don’t condemn her actions, because I do.

“Because any kid who stayed with me would grow up a jigsaw of rotted, crumbling parts.”

Julia is a very different character.  Anxious, anguished and emotionally scarred, she’s haunted by guilt and feels undeserving of happiness. But, first and foremost, Julia is a mother who loves her daughter, Molly, so much that she hates being separated from her even while she’s at school. She’s determined to be a good mother even though she has no example from her own mother, who was neglectful, uninterested and abusive. I was proud of Julia for refusing to continue this cycle, as it would have been easy to be a bad mother and make excuses. Julia is a bundle of nerves and worries about everything from how she will afford tonight’s tea to if the school mums like her. But the thing she worries about most is losing custody of her daughter. My heart broke for her and I was rooting for her as she really was remorseful and trying her best.

“People kept forgetting me. It wasn’t good enough.”

Darkly atmospheric, intense, haunting, affecting and thought-provoking, this book left me speechless. I loved it but felt totally hollowed out once it was over. This is an easy five stars from me and I’m sure it will be in my top reads of the year. Highly recommended. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Tucker was born and raised in West London. She spent most of her adolescence in and out of hospital suffering from anorexia nervosa. On leaving school, she wrote her first book, THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Icon, 2015) which explored her experience of eating disorders and recovery. Her second book, THAT WAS WHEN PEOPLE STARTED TO WORRY (Icon, 2018), looked more broadly at mental illness in young women.

Nancy recently graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Experimental Psychology. Since then she has worked in an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents and in adult mental health services. She now works as an assistant psychologist in an adult eating disorders service. The First Day of Spring is her first work of fiction.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx