Tag: historical fiction

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Queen of Fives by Alex Hays

Published January 30th, 2025 by Headline
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction, Domestic Fiction

Happy publication day to this clever and cunning slice of Victoriana. Thank you to Headline for the invitation to take part in the blog tour and for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing is quite as it seems in Victorian high society, in the twisty and original new novel from the author of THE HOUSEKEEPERS…

They whisper her name in every corner of town.
The lady with a hundred faces, a thousand lives.
Five moves, five days – for such are the rules of her game.

1898. Quinn Le Blanc, London’s most talented con woman, has five days to pull off the seemingly impossible: trick an eligible duke into marriage and lift a fortune from the richest family in England.

Masquerading as a wealthy debutante, Quinn is the jewel of the season. Her brilliant act opens doors to the grand drawing rooms and lavish balls of high society – and propels her into the inner circle of her target: the corrupt, charismatic Kendals.

But as she spins in and out of their world, Quinn becomes tangled in a dangerous web of love, lies and loyalty. The Kendal family all have secrets of their own, and she may not be the only one playing a game of high deception…

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MY REVIEW:

1898. Quinn Le Blanc, London’s most talented con woman, is the reigning Queen of Fives. For her latest con she has just five days to trick an eligible duke into marriage and take a fortune from him. But Quinn isn’t the only one with a trick up her sleeve; someone else is playing their own con. And their sights are firmly set on the Queen of Fives…

Alex Hay transports us back to Victorian high society for this clever, cunning, shrewd and daring story of subterfuge and fortune-hunting. Skillfully written and cleverly choreographed, Hay had me in his thrall from start to finish. I was on tenterhooks as I tried to predict who could trust who or what would happen next and totally invested in Quinn’s game. I loved that while Quinn is so focused on her game she’s also unwittingly embroiled in a play of someone else’s making, raising the stakes higher than ever before. With its many storylines it kept me on my toes as Hay expertly and intricately wove the many storylines together to create an explosive and jaw-dropping finale. 

Furnished with a cast of fascinating and richly drawn characters who were so much fun to read, no-one is what they seem in this complex tale. Feisty, spirited, crafty and undaunted, Quinn thrived on the high stakes games she plays, unlike her faithful assistant Mr. Silk, who is much more jaded. The pattern of opposites continued with the Kendal Family as we have the feisty, independent and determined Tor alongside the much quieter and weary Duke. The ‘boy in the blue waistcoat’ was a dastardly villain who added a tantalising air or mystery that kept me guessing right up until the big reveal. 

Audacious, immersive and fiendishly delightful, this story of Victorian high society, high jinx, deception and danger is one not to be missed. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alex is the bestselling author of The Housekeepers, which won the Caledonia Novel Award 2022. He grew up in Cambridge and Cardiff in the United Kingdom, studied History at the University of York, and wrote his dissertation on female power at royal courts, combing the archives for every scrap of drama and skulduggery he could find. He has worked in magazine publishing and the charity sector, and is a graduate of the Curtis Brown Write Your Novel course. His second novel, The Queen of Fives, publishes in January 2025. Alex lives with his husband in South East London.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*these 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.

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025 Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Quick and the Dead by Emma Hinds

Published January 16th, 2025 by Bedford Square Publishers
Historical Fiction, LGBT Literature, Occult Ficiton

Welcome to my review for this darkly atmsohperic and immserive novel. Thank you to Bedford Square Publishers and Ed PR for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Wonderfully evocative, this book transports the reader to the dark underworld of late Elizabethan London. I was gripped from the first page.’ Tracy Borman

It is 1597 and Kit Skevy and Mariner Elgin have just robbed the wrong grave.

They are young criminals in the pocket of a gang Lord named Will Twentyman, the Grave Eorl of Southwark. Mariner is the best cutpurse around, a strange Calvinist girl who dresses like a boy and is partner in crime to Kit Skevy, Southwark’s best brawler who carries a secret: he cannot feel pain.

When caught out in their unfortunate larceny, Kit is kidnapped by the menacing alchemist Lord Isherwood (a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his hopes for the Red Lion elixir) and his studious son, Lazarus Isherwood, with whom Kit develops a complicated intrigue. When Mariner enlists the help of a competing French alchemist, Lady Elody Blackwater, Mariner and Kit are thrust into the shadowed, political world of Tudor alchemy, testing both their friendship and their lives.

It matters not who you are born to… but where you are made!

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MY REVIEW:

1597. Criminals Kit Skevy and Mariner Elgin are owned by Will Twentyman, also known as the Grave Eorl of Southwark, who rules his streets with a terrifying fist. But Twentyman’s reputation fails to save them when Kit is kidnapped as they rob a grave for the gang Lord. Kit has been taken by Lord Isherwood, a menacing alchemist who wants to find the secret to Greek Fire. Mariner is desperate to save her friend, but Twentyman has no interest in rescuing his prized fighter, so she turns to competing alchemist, Lady Elody Blackwater, for help, sparking a chain of events that sees Kit and Mariner thrust into something much more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

Emma Hinds debut novel, The Knowing, was a standout read of 2024 and one I’ve recommended many times, so I was very excited when the SquadPod were offered the chance to read her sophomore novel, The Quick and the Dead. Darkly atmospheric, immersive and mesmerising, Hinds not only lived up to the expectations set by her debut, she surpassed them, crafting a sensational historical novel brimming with secrets, conflict and intrigue. I devoured this book in under a day, unable to put the book down once I’d started. Masterfully written, cleverly plotted and intricately interwoven, Hinds held me in her thrall as she explored the dark underbelly of Elizabethan London. Hinds’ extensive research is evident in every facet of the story from the threat from Spain that lingers over every page to the alchemy practiced throughout, and finally in the layered narrative of political intrigue. Hinds also takes us on an engaging exploration of gender and sexuality that I didn’t expect but found to be one of the most powerful aspects of the story. 

The story is narrated by Kit and Mariner, the thieves at the heart of the novel. Mariner Elgin is a strange girl who dresses male, and despite being Twentyman’s best cutpurse, lives in fear of being sent to the brothel. She is also Portuguese, so the hatred of Spain that is prevalent affects her more than most. Kit, a prized fighter, is a young man who is often mistaken for someone much younger. He also doesn’t feel pain, a helpful yet dangerous secret, that isn’t’ the most dangerous thing he hides. Both were easy to root for and I was completely invested in their stories. With the other characters, we never quite knew who among them we could trust. There were some despicable and debased characters where it was obvious they were the villains, but there were others whose motives weren’t so clear and I enjoyed the extra tension this brought to the story. 

This is a must-read addition to the TBR of any historical fiction fan.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emma is a Queer playwright and author living and working in Manchester. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of St Andrews. She focuses on historical narratives, female voices, and Queer stories. Emma’s debut novel, The Knowing, is an exploration of female trauma in the vivid and cruel world of the Victorian freak show and is available through Bedford Square Publishing. Emma has been longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition twice and was a participant of the Penguin Random House Write Now Scheme in 2018.

Her latest play, PURE, was featured in Turn On festival at Hope Mill Theatre Manchester and she was the recipient of the Artist Development grant at Hope Mill Theatre.

She has written a few previous non-fiction books in her capacity as an academic (in another life she was a theologian) with an essay published, Tarantino and Theology; with Gray Matter Books and her book, Ineffable Love: Christian Themes in Good Omens; published by Darton Longman Todd. Emma uses she/her pronouns.

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BUY THE BOOK:

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

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Published February 2nd, 2021 by Pan Macmillan
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction

Welcome to my review for this phenomenal masterpiece. Thank you to Bookbreak and Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A powerful, stirring, wind-swept tale set in Depression-era America that makes your heart break and soar in equal measure.’ – Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library

The Four Winds, an instant New York Times number one bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club Pick, is a deeply moving story about the strength and resilience of women and the bond between mother and daughter, by the multi-million-copy bestselling author of The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah.

‘Powerful and compelling’ – Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing

She will discover the best of herself in the worst of times . . .

Texas, 1934. Elsa Martinelli had finally found the life she’d yearned for. A family, a home and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when drought threatens all she and her community hold dear, Elsa’s world is shattered to the winds.

Fearful of the future, when Elsa wakes to find her husband has fled, she is forced to make the most agonizing decision of her life. Fight for the land she loves or take her beloved children, Loreda and Ant, west to California in search of a better life. Will it be the land of milk and honey? Or will their experience challenge every ounce of strength they possess?

From the overriding love of a mother for her child, the value of female friendship and the ability to love again – against all odds – Elsa’s incredible journey is a story of survival, hope and what we do for the ones we love.

‘A story of love, family, unbreakable bonds, bravery and hope. I loved this book so much!’ – Christy Lefteri, author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

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MY REVIEW:

Kristin Hannah has done it again. Powerful, moving, mesmerising and timeless, The Four Winds is another unforgettable masterpiece. A story of love, loss, survival, courage, heroism and hope set during the Great Depression, it follows Elsa Martinelli as she fights to survive on the Great Plains during the Dust Bowl era and then as she travels to California with her children in search of a fresh start. Will it be the land of milk and honey as she’s been promised?

This atmospheric and all-consuming tour-de-force packed a strong emotional punch and has left me with a huge book hangover. I could have lived inside this story forever and was bereft at finishing it. I’ve now read three books by Ms. Hannah and each one has been magnificent, so it seems I’m guaranteed something spectacular with every book and I’m excited for what her backlist has in store for me. 

Masterfully written, I was totally immersed in this epic saga which transported me back to the Great Depression. Hannah’s meticulous research is evident on every page, and with evocative imagery she paints vivid scenes that bring to life the dust-swept plains of Texas and the bleak reality of these people’s lives – dust storms that last weeks, the dust choking you and coating every surface, the muddy milk of cows forced to eat dust-covered grass, the gnawing hunger they felt as their crops failed, and the heartache of watching your loved ones slowly waste away. Desperation, drudgery and fear permeates every page, but there is also resilience, determination, bravery, and a fierce strength that left me in awe. Hannah explores a multitude of themes on these pages including the complexities of motherhoods, the power of community, social injustice, and the American Dream, creating a relatable, stirring and timely story that I got lost in.

Hannah has filled the pages with richly drawn, flawed and compelling characters, creating a strong connection between her characters and the reader and making us feel invested in their stories. The book’s protagonist, Elsa, is a formidable woman who battles against seemingly insurmountable odds, facing one hardship after another. We meet her as a spinster from a well-off family but when she becomes pregnant Elsa swaps her life of comfort and finery for one of toil and hardship when she’s forced to marry Italian farmer, Rafe. It’s a huge change, but she learns to love her new life. But after Rafe leaves, the Great Depression hits, and drought and winds turn the land into the Dust Bowl, things get even harder for Elsa and we see just how much strength she has, but we also see her vulnerability and fear. The other narrator, Elsa’s daughter Loreda, was my favourite character. She is a firecracker and I loved her spark, spirit and ferocity. You could tell this girl would go far and I loved watching the lessons that she and Elsa taught each other. 

Phenomenal, breathtaking and extraordinary, I can’t recommend this book highly enough and if I could give it more than five stars I would. Read it now! 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. You can listen for 60 days free by clicking my affiliate link here*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Kristin’s Website: Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People’s Choice award for best fiction in the same year.  Additionally, it was a selection of the Reese Witherspoon Book Club in 2023. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week.  In 2018, The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.

The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstores’ bestseller lists.  Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and the Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.  

The Nightingale is currently in production at Tri Star, with Dakota and Elle Fanning set to star.  Tri Star has also optioned The Great Alone and it is in development.  Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out.  The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.  

A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.

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BUY THE BOOK:

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

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Upon A Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar

Published September 21st, 2023 by HQ
Fairy Tale, Fantasy Ficiton, Romantic Fantasy, Gothic Ficiton, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Fantasy, Festive Fiction

I listened to this dreamy story on Bookbeat. You can get 60 days listening for free with my affiliate link here.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘An enchanting new twist on a classic tale’ Elodie Harper

When the snow falls, she will be free…

The invitations always arrive the same way – without warning, appearing around the city on the first snowfall of the year, simply inscribed with ‘Tonight.’

When struggling artist, Forster, finds an invitation, he’s bewitched by the magic of the evening, swept up in the glamour of this notorious annual party and intrigued as to who is behind them.

Determined to find out more about the mysterious host, Forster discovers an abandoned manor house silent with secrets and a cursed woman who is desperate to be free…

From the bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood, comes another spellbinding literary fairy tale that’s The Great Gatsby meets Swan Lake.

Tropes:
🎄 Finding the magic of Christmas
❤️ True love
☃️ Festive fun!

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MY REVIEW:

When the snow falls, she will be free…

Decadent, dreamlike, moving and original, Upon a Frosted Star is an enchanting tale perfect for the winter days. A reimagining of The Great Gatsby merged with Swan Lake, M. A. Kuzniar transports us to the roaring 1920s for her sophomore novel which tells the story of Forster, a reclusive artist living by the lake and his swan wife, Detta. 

Moving between timelines and perspectives, this unusual romance unfolds slowly, pulling us into their strange world of hedonistic parties, ballet and vanishing performers. It is a story imbued with magic, wonder, yearning, and a menacing edge, staying true to the darkness of the original fairy tale. Kuzniar’s magnificent storytelling and evocative imagery bring the story to life, vividly describing the frigid, frosted landscape, extravagant parties, the ballet and the streets of Paris. But the most vivid of all were the descriptions of Della’s agonising transformations that I felt in my own bones and Forster’s heartbreaking yearning for his love when the ground is no longer dusted with snow. I was transfixed and totally lost myself in this deliciously dark fairytale.

A spellbinding wintery tale, this one is perfect for reading this time of year. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maria Kuzniar spent six years living in Spain, teaching English and travelling the world which inspired her children’s series The Ship of Shadows. Her adult debut novel Midnight in Everwood was inspired by her love of ballet and love of The Nutcracker. She lives in Nottingham with her husband, where she reads and writes as much as can and bookstagrams.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BOOK REVIEW: Weyward by Emilia Hart

Published February 2nd, 2023 by The Borough Press
Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Supernatural Fiction, Horror Fiction,

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on this powerful and beguiling debut.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

*As seen on BBC’s BETWEEN THE COVERS

* A #2 Times bestseller

* A New York Times bestseller

OVER 500,000 COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE

‘Humming with a sly, exhilarating magic’ BRIDGET COLLINS
‘A much-heralded epic’ OBSERVER
‘Empowering’ GLAMOUR

Three women, five centuries, one spellbinding story

In the present day, Kate flees a traumatic relationship to the Cumbrian cottage she inherited from her great-aunt; but the cottage hides secrets of its own.

In 1942, Violet rebels against her father’s ideas of a ‘proper young lady’ . . . until he takes matters into his own hands.

In 1619, Altha is on trial for witchcraft, implicated in the gruesome death of a local man.

Three women they tried to cage – but Weyward women belong to the wild. And they cannot be tamed…

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MY REVIEW:

“Witch. The word slithers from the mouth like a serpent. Drips from the tongue as thick and black as tar. We never thought of ourselves as witches, my mother and I. For this was a word invented by men. And with that brings power to those who speak it not those it describes. A word that builds gallows and pyres, turns breathing women into corpses. No, it was not a word we ever used.” 

Spellbinding, haunting, moving, fierce and empowering, Weyward is an outstanding debut that explores the threads that reach across time to connect women. 

The story is told from the perspective of three women: Altha, Violet and Kate. In 1619 Altha, who is a healer, is on trial for witchcraft after being implicated in the gruesome death of a local man. In 1942 Violet lives a suffocating life with her father and brother and rebels against what a ‘proper young lady’ should be. But her rebellion will spark a chain of events that have devastating results. And in 2019 Kate flees an abusive relationship and takes refuge in the Cumbrian cottage she inherited from her great-aunt. But as she will discover, the cottage – and her aunt – hide long-buried secrets of their own. 

Emilia Hart showcases herself as an author to watch with this incredible debut. Beautifully written, expertly crafted and intricately woven, it moves between the three narrators and timelines to slowly unveils their stories and ultimately reveals how their paths are connected. The three women at the centre of the book are strong, fierce, relatable and compelling characters. My heart went out to each of them and the terrible situations they faced but I ultimately found myself in awe of their strength and resilience. Interwoven into each woman’s story is a hint of the supernatural as Hart explores the way that women who are healers or have a deeper connection to nature have found themselves accused of witchcraft. While this is explored in each timeline, Altha’s storyline focuses most on this as she lived at the time of the witch trials and is on trial for witchcraft. 

Hart explores themes such as oppression, male violence and domestic abuse, which each woman experiences despite living centuries apart. It was a sad reminder of how so much may change, yet some things seem to stay the same and women are still battling against the same things as their ancestors centuries ago. And while this is undoubtedly a feminist book, it isn’t man-hating or a book that calls women to take revenge against men. It is simply telling the truth of what women have experienced and encouraging us to find our strength. After all, we women all have a little bit of witch in us. Thank you, Ms Hart, for the reminder.  

Powerful, witchy, bold and beguiling, Weyward is an astonishing debut not to be missed. 

Rating: ✭✭✭✭✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emilia Hart is a British-Australian writer. She was born in Sydney and studied English Literature and Law at the University of New South Wales before working as a lawyer in Sydney and London. Emilia is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative’s Three Month Online Novel Writing Course and was Highly Commended in the 2021 Caledonia Novel Award. Her short fiction has been published in Australia and the UK. She lives in London.​

The award-winning WEYWARD was published in 2023, and Emilia’s latest novel, THE SIRENS, will publish in 2025.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*these links are affiliate link

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Last Princess by Ellen Alpsten

Published November 7th, 2024 by Sunbird Stories
Historical Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Fantasy, Adventure Fiction

The Last Princess is out today! Thanks to Ellen Alspten and Sunbird Stories for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. And don’t miss our chat with the author on November 13th on the SquadPods’s Instagram.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Young and beautiful Gytha Godwinson is the envy of England when her father Harold seizes the country’s crown in early 1066. But soon, treachery tears her house apart, and triumph turns to terror. An evil star appears, heralding the end of an era and a new beginning for Britain. Her family and the country seem cursed. Yet even as she suffers loss, betrayal and humiliation, Gytha is determined to regain what is rightfully hers.

In a stunning re-telling of 1066, international bestselling author Ellen Alpsten has created a captivating new heroine in Gytha Godwinson. Witness the end of England’s ancient house, the demise of a cursed kingdom and the emergence of a new empire: ‘The Last Princess’ bridges between myth and modernity.

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MY REVIEW:

1066. A date we all know. But until now we’ve only heard one side of the story. The Last Princess captures that famous year through the eyes of Gytha Godwinson, the daughter of King Harold II. It is a story of princes and princesses, kings and queens, warriors, sorceresses, fairies, magic, mythology and religion. It is the story of the battle for a kingdom that tears a family apart and the young girl grieving those she’s lost. And it’s a story of survival, strength and resilience. 

Ellen Alpsten’s books are always an auto-read for me and I’ve been a fan of her writing ever since I read her debut, Tsarina. So I was excited when the SquadPod were offered the chance to read The Last Princess as one of our featured books this month.

While I’ve obviously heard of 1066 and the Battle of Hastings, I’ve never gone beyond the basics I was taught in school so I was looking forward to learning more about that time, especially from a lesser-known point of view. I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of Gytha, but I am so glad to have met her through this book. Alpsten captures her essence perfectly, balancing her royalty with someone who is also deeply human and relatable. She’s determined, brave and resilient, but also scared and naive. I felt like I’d stepped into her shoes, feeling every emotion alongside her: her confusion as her father took the throne, her worry as he went to battle, her gut-wrenching grief at his death, her terror as she wondered what her family’s fate might be and her determination to survive against the odds. I loved reading her. 

From the moment I read the author’s note at the beginning of the book I was captivated by this story. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Alpsten transported me back almost one thousand years and immersed me in Gytha’s world, flawlessly educating while also entertaining me. I was so completely immersed that the ending snuck up on me. And what a cliffhanger! I’m going to need book two as soon as possible. 

Historical fiction fans, don’t miss this book!

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellen Alpsten was born and raised in the Kenyan highlands, where she dressed up her many pets and forced them to listen to her stories.

Upon graduating from the ‘Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris’, she worked as a news-anchor for Bloomberg TV London. While working gruesome night shifts on breakfast TV, she started to write in earnest, every day, after work, a nap and a run. So much for burning midnight oil!

Today, Ellen works as an author and as a journalist for international publications such as Vogue, Standpoint, and CN Traveller. She lives in London with her husband, three sons, and a moody fox red Labrador.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024

BOOK REVIEW: Moonstone by Laura Purcell

Published May 23rd, 2024 by Magpie
Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Romance Novel, Regency Romance, Paranormal Fantasy, Lesbian Literature

Welcome to my thoughts on this atmospheric gothic thriller. Thank you to Magpie for the gifted proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A sparkling gothic romance from award-winning bestseller Laura Purcell

‘Brilliant and beautiful, Moonstone is the gothic werewolf love story we’ve all been waiting for. Easily one of my favourite books of the year!’ JJA Harwood, author of The Thorns Remain

Don’t misbehave. Beware the moon. And never go out after dark …

Following a scandal at the Vauxhall pleasure gardens, Camille is sent to the woods to live with her reclusive godmother and her strange daughter, Lucy. Cast out from polite society, she must learn to live by her godmother’s strict rules.

Camille has never met anyone quite like Lucy before, and as they grow closer and cross forbidden boundaries, strange things begin to happen. Mysterious deaths, claw marks raking the doors, and the nights are pierced by the howls of a creature that sounds almost … otherworldly.

Should Camille be more afraid of what’s hiding in the woods – or her own heart?

From the award-winning, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Silent Companions, Moonstone is a haunting gothic romance with real bite.

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MY REVIEW:

Following a scandalous night at the Vauxhall pleasure gardens, Camille’s family send her to stay with Rowena, her reclusive godmother, and her strange daughter, Lucy, until the controversy dies down. It is a huge adjustment for Camille, with strict and bizarre rules she must adhere to. And she has never met anyone like Lucy, finding herself at first repelled but then fascinated by her and the two grow closer, beginning to cross forbidden boundaries. But the closer they get, the stranger things become; howls pierce the nighttime air, claw marks appear on the doors, and there are deaths that can’t be explained. What is behind it all? And should Camille be afraid of what lives in the woods, or someone in the house that was supposed to be her sanctuary?

Gothic fiction is one of my favourite genres and Laura Purcell is one of the best in the genre, so I was excited to pick up her latest book, Moonstone. I mean, just look at that cover! I was delighted to find that what was on the pages was as hauntingly atmospheric as its cover; a sapphic gothic fairytale that blends werewolf lore with a journey of self-discovery and first love. Magnificently written and expertly plotted, this is a narrative that gleams with malice, oozes mystery, blooms with the joy of new romance. Purcell also explores the strict rules that governed women at the time through a quartet of strong, feisty and unusual women who I loved reading. I was in her thrall and flew through this in under a day.

Atmospheric, spellbinding and eerie, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Purcell is a former bookseller living in Colchester, Essex with her husband and pet guinea pigs.

She began her career with two historical novels about the Hanoverian monarchs, Queen of Bedlam and Mistress of the Court before her break-out Gothic ghost story The Silent Companions.

The Silent Companions won the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award in 2018 and was shortlisted for the Goldsboro Glass Bell. It was selected for both the Radio 2 Book Club and Zoe Ball’s ITV Book Club.

Her other Gothic titles include The Corset, Bone China, The Shape of Darkness (winner of Historical Crime Book of the Year at the Fingerprint Awards 2022) and The Whispering Muse (winner of The Dracula Society’s Children of the Night Award 2023) .

Laura’s short stories have been published in a number of collections including the Sunday Times best-selling The Haunting Season and The Winter Spirits. She worked as lead writer on Roanoke Falls, a Realm horror podcast executive produced by John Carpenter and Sandy King Carpenter. It won a silver Signal Award for Best Scripted Fiction.

Laura’s YA debut Moonstone was published in May 2024 by HarperCollins’ Magpie imprint.

Please note that in the USA Laura is published by Penguin Books, where The Corset is titled The Poison Thread and Bone China is called The House of Whispers.

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BUY THE BOOK:

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Witching by C. J. Cooke

Published October 10th, 2024 by Harper Collins UK
Thriller, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Horror Fiction, Suspense, Supernatural Fiction, Contemporary Horror

Welcome to my bookish thoughts on this eerie, haunting and addictive gothic mystery. Thank you to Harper Fiction for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Chilling and beautifully written … C.J. Cooke’s finest novel yet’ Emilia Hart

‘A spellbinding thriller’ Scots Magazine

Four hundred years separate them.

One book binds them.

Glasgow 2024: Clem waits by her daughter’s hospital bed. Erin was found on an idyllic beach in Fynhallow Bay, Orkney with catastrophic burns and only one memory: her name is Nyx.

But how did she get these burns? And how did her boyfriend end up burned alive?

Orkney 1594: accused of witchcraft, Alison Balfour awaits trial. The punishment? To be burned alive.

Separated by four hundred years but bound by the Book of Witching, two women stand imperilled. Can they unlock a centuries-old mystery? And will Fynhallow Bay give up its secrets before someone else dies?

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MY REVIEW:

Two women, four hundred years apart, are bound by a dark and mysterious book: the book of witching in this unnerving gothic thriller. 

The story is told in dual timelines, moving between Glasgow in the present day and Orkney in 1594. In the present, Clem’s daughter, Erin, is hospitalised with catastrophic burns after being found on a beach in Fynhallow Bay. At first she’s unconscious, but when Erin comes around, she doesn’t remember her parents or who she is and insists that her name is Nyx. 1594, Alison is accused of witchcraft and awaiting trial. If convicted, she will be burnt alive. Can she prove her innocence to people who only want to hear she’s guilty? 

In the last few years C. J. Cooke has solidified herself as one of the Queens of the Gothic Thriller, even counting Stephen King among her fans. Her books have become a Halloween staple for me so I was determined to squeeze in her latest offering, The Book of Witching, before October was over. Eerily atmospheric, witchy, malevolent and haunting, I inhaled this in a day, completely transfixed by this spellbinding tale. Spectacularly written, perfectly plotted, intricately interwoven and with vivid imagery, she held me in her thrall, my heart in my throat the entire time I was reading. And that ending! Omg. I still have chills. 

Cooke’s meticulous research is evident throughout and she doesn’t shy away from the grisly torture that those accused of witchcraft was subjected to. The lengths these powerful men went to as they tried to force Alison to confess were horrific and even included the torture and murder of people they knew were innocent to try and reach their goal. I could understand why women falsely confessed during the witch trials when they were subjected to such awful torture and it made me angry to think of everything they went through.

Dark, mystical, sinister and addictive, I highly recommend this magnificent bewitching tale. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

C J Cooke (Carolyn Jess-Cooke) lives in Glasgow with her husband and four children. C J Cooke’s works have been published in 23 languages and have won many awards. She holds a PhD in Literature from the Queen’s University of Belfast and is currently Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, where she researches creative writing interventions for mental health. Two of her books are currently optioned for film

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BUY THE BOOK:

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

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Reviews

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

Categories
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:

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 reviewers taking part in the blog tour.