Category Archives: Book Reviews

Bonus Review #4: ‘Children of Time’, by Adrian Tchaikovsky

25499718

Published by: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: 21st April 2016 (First published June 2015)

I.S.B.N.: 9781447273301

Format: Paperback

Price: 8.99

 

 

 

Blurb

The last remnants of the human race left a dying Earth, desperate to find a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover the greatest treasure of the past age—a world terraformed and prepared for human life. But all is not right in this new Eden. In the long years since the planet was abandoned, the work of its architects has borne disastrous fruit. The planet is not waiting for them, pristine and unoccupied. New masters have turned it from a refuge into mankind’s worst nightmare. Now two civilizations are on a collision course, both testing the boundaries of what they will do to survive. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, who are the true heirs of this new Earth?

Continue reading “Bonus Review #4: ‘Children of Time’, by Adrian Tchaikovsky”

Alex’s Review: ‘The Planetsider’, by G.J. Ogden

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Published By: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Publication Date: 18th February 2018

I.S.B.N.: 978-1983716720

Format: Paperback

Price: £8.99

Available from Amazon

Blurb

Several generations after ‘The Fall’, the scattered clusters of civilisation that grew in its wake live in ignorance of the past. No-one wants to know what caused such devastation or why. No-one, except Ethan. Ethan used to believe in the guardians; mysterious lights in the sky that, according to folklore, protect the survivors, so long as you believe in them. But the death of his parents shattered his faith and forged within him a hunger to know more. One night, a light grows brighter in the sky and crashes to the planet’s surface. Ethan then embarks on a heartbreaking journey in which harrowing discoveries unveil the secrets of the past, and place him at the centre of a deadly conflict. Powerful, thought-provoking and emotionally absorbing, The Planetsider is a gripping, post-apocalyptic thriller that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Continue reading “Alex’s Review: ‘The Planetsider’, by G.J. Ogden”

May Bonus Review #2

Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall

Published By: Pen and Sword Books

Publication Date: 6th November 2017

Format: Hardback

I.S.B.N.: 9781473893313

Price: £25.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

In the early hours of 10 February 1567 a large explosion ripped through the Old Provost’s lodgings at Kirk o’ Field, Edinburgh, where Mary Queen of Scotland’s consort, Henry Lord Darnley, was staying. Darnley’s body was found with that of his valet in a neighbouring garden the next morning. The Queen’s husband had been suffocated and the ramifications for Mary and Scottish history would be far-reaching.

Lord Darnley cuts an infamous figure in Scottish and Tudor history. In life he proved a controversial character, and his murder at Kirk o’ Field in 1567 remains one of British history’s great, unsolved mysteries – establishing whether Mary was implicated has taxed historians ever since.

In this engaging and well-researched biography, Robert Stedall re-examines Darnley’s life and his murder. It is not to be missed; his investigation brings new light and compelling conclusions to a story surrounded by political betrayal, murder, falsified evidence and conspiracy.

Continue reading “May Bonus Review #2”

May Bonus Review #1

8733324Published by: Icon Books UK

Publication Date: 1st February 2011 (First published 1st February 2005)

I.S.B.N.: 9781848312203

Format: Paperback

Price: £8.99

 

 

 

 

Blurb

A vehement attack on the latest pseudo-scientific claims about the differences between the sexes. Sex discrimination is supposedly a distant memory. Yet popular books, magazines and even scientific articles increasingly defend inequalities by citing immutable biological differences between the male and female brain. That’s the reason, we’re told, that there are so few women in science and engineering, so few men in the laundry room – different brains are just better suited to different things. Drawing on the latest research in developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology, Delusions of Gender powerfully rebuts these claims, showing how old myths, dressed up in new scientific finery, are helping perpetuate the sexist status quo. Cordelia Fine, ‘a cognitive neuroscientist with a sharp sense of humour and an intelligent sense of reality’ (The Times) reveals the mind’s remarkable plasticity, shows how profoundly culture influences the way we think about ourselves and, ultimately, exposes just how much of what we consider ‘hardwired’ is actually malleable.

Continue reading “May Bonus Review #1”

Review schedule – May to September 2018

Hola peeps, it’s the end of April and this time for me to write the reviewing schedule for May. Except I’m starting my dissertation in a few days, so reviewing is taking a back seat. That doesn’t mean there won’t be reviews. Even I need a break from writing occasionally.

Which reminds me, Charley’s War is on to chapter 30 and is only half done. I’ll get there eventually.

So, what have I got booked in for the next few months?

Edit: It’s npw mid-July and some significant progress has been made with the dissertation so I’ve added some reviews to the schedule.

May

  • 6th
    • The Planetsider, by GJ Ogden
    • Alex is reviewing this one. since it’s a YA novel.

June

  • 1st
    • When The Water’s Recede, by Graham Smith
    • Crime novel
  • 20th
    • Tubing, by K.A. McKeagney
    • Crime thriller

July

  • 13th
    • The London Mysteries, books 1 & 2, by Alice Castle
    • Cosy crime set in modern London
  • 19th
    • Wrecker, by Noel O’Reilly
    • Historical fiction set in Cornwall
  • 27th
    • Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, by Gina Kirkham
    • Humour

August

  • 3rd
    • Duck Egg Blues, by Martin Ungless
    • Crime/sci-fi
  •  8th
    • The Cheesemaker’s House, by Jane Cable
    • This is to celebrate the novel’s fifth birthday
    • Mystery/women’s fiction (maybe, I’m not too sure)
  • 18th
    • Implant, by Ray Clark
    • Crime
  • 23rd
    • Love you Stationary
    • A children’s picture book
  • 24th
    • Tommy Twigtree
    • Also a picture book
  • There will also be a couple of promo posts this month:
  • 12th
    • Q&A about ‘The Bespokest Society Guide To London’
  • 14th
    • Promo post for ‘The Camberwell Calamity’, by Alice Castle
    • The London Mysteries #3 – Beth’s adventures continue… 

September – Nothing booked in so far.

It’s a bit spartan, I know and mostly crime, but I need to focus on my writing for a few months. As I said, there will be other, unscheduled reviews, because I have a pile of books waiting to be read.

 

 

 

Review: ‘Under The Woods’, by KA Richardson

underthewoods1.1

Published by: Bloodhound Books

Publication Date: 27th April 2018

I.S.B.N.: 9781912604241

Format: Paperback

Price:

Blurb

When a homeless woman, Cheryl Whiffen, hears voices in her head telling her to do bad things, she can’t help but obey.

But when Cheryl becomes the victim of a serial killer who is collecting angels, this time the voices can’t help her. She is deemed not worthy of being an angel and the killer has to find another way to dispose of her body.

TJ Tulley has connections in the police force – her brother Jacob is a digital forensic analyst and her soon to be sister-in-law is a CSI. She knows many of their colleagues so when someone breaks into her house at the riding stables she owns, it’s not a surprise when the police dispatch CSI Jackson Doherty.

Is there a link between a suspicious fire at the stables and the serial killer?

As TJ and Doherty get closer to the truth they don’t realise the danger they are in. He is a killer – he’s angry at their investigation and he’ll do just about anything to protect his angels…

Continue reading “Review: ‘Under The Woods’, by KA Richardson”

Review: ‘Witchcraft…Into The Wilds’, by Rachel Patterson

Witchcraft...into the wildsPublished By: Moon Books

Publication Date: 23rd February 2018

I.S.B.N.: 978-1-78535-459-5

Format: Paperback

Price: £11.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

Witchcraft… into the wilds leads us through the wilds of nature and back to the roots and bones of witchcraft, a natural witchcraft that works with the seasons and all the natural items that Mother Nature provides, drawing on magical folk lore and a little bit of gypsy magic too. No fancy tools or ceremonial rituals, this is about working with the source. Mother Earth provides us with the changing of the seasons and within that turning of the year she gives us everything we need to work magic with, from natural energy in the form of storms, rain and sunshine to tangible items packed full of magical energy such as seeds, leaves and stones.

Continue reading “Review: ‘Witchcraft…Into The Wilds’, by Rachel Patterson”

Review: ‘Everybody Works in Sales’, by Niraj Kapur

Everybody Works In Sales - Cover Published By: Independently published

Format: Kindle and paperback

Price: £7.00

I.S.B.N.: 9781527219410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blurb

We all work in sales. If you work for somebody, you earn a living by selling their product or service.

If you are self-employed, you earn a living by selling your product or service.

When you buy from Amazon, they always recommended other products similar to the ones you are purchasing or have already purchased – that’s selling.

When you download a song, movie or TV show from iTunes, they always recommend more similar products. That’s selling.

When you register for most websites, they sell their products or services to you through a regular email.

When you attend an exhibition at the NEC, London ExCel, Olympia, Manchester or even a local market, everyone is trying to sell you their product.

We all work in sales, yet few people know how to sell. Until now.

Containing 27 valuable lessons, plus 17 interviews with experts, Everybody Works in Sales combines unique storytelling and personal development to ensure you have the tools you need to do better in your career.

Purchase from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ET89nn

Everybody Works In Sales - Niraj's business photo 2018About Niraj Kapur

​Award-winning executive, Niraj Kapur, has worked in corporate London for 23 years.

From small businesses to a national newspaper to FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, he’s experienced it all and shares his insight, knowledge, big wins and horrible failures.

Containing 27 valuable lessons, plus 17 interviews with experts, Everybody Works in Sales combines unique storytelling and personal development to ensure you have the tools you need to do better in your career.

Niraj has also had several screenplays optioned, sitcoms commissioned, kids’ shows on Channel 5’s Milkshake and CBBC. His movie, Naachle London, was released in select cinemas across the UK.

He’s working on his next book while advising companies and coaching individuals on how to improve their sales.

@Nirajwriter

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nkapur

Continue reading “Review: ‘Everybody Works in Sales’, by Niraj Kapur”

Review: ‘Mark Of The Devil’, By Tana Collins

MARK OF THE DEVIL final

Published By: Bloodhound

Publication Date: 24th April 2018

I.S.B.N.: 9781912604180

Blurb

While Inspector Jim Carruthers and team are busy investigating a series of art thefts they receive an anonymous tip about the body of a young woman on a deserted beach.

The bizarre clues to her identity, and what might have happened to her, include a strange tattoo, a set of binoculars and slab of meat left on the cliffs.

The team’s investigations lead them to a local shooting estate and its wealthy owner Barry Cuthbert. However, Carruthers suspects Cuthbert is not all he seems and the DI soon starts to wonder if the cases of the missing works of art, the dead woman and the estate are connected.

Then when the body of a young gamekeeper is pulled from the sea tensions boil over. The trail of clues lead the team to the unlikely locale of Tallinn and into the sinister world of international crime and police corruption.

Needing answers Carruthers must look further afield than Fife. However, the closer he gets to discovering the truth the more danger he finds himself in.

Since everyone who crosses the vengeful killers seem to end up dead, can Carruthers solve the case with his life in tact?

Continue reading “Review: ‘Mark Of The Devil’, By Tana Collins”

Bonus Review #2: ‘Conan Doyle For The Defence’, by Margalit Fox

Published by: Profile Books

Publication Date: 28th June 2018

Format: Hardback

I.S.B.N.: 9781781253564

Price: £16.99

Received via Netgalley in return for an honest review

 

 

 

Blurb

Arthur and George meets The Suspicions of Mr Whicher: how the creator of Sherlock Holmes overturned one of the great miscarriages of justice.

Just before Christmas 1908, Marion Gilchrist, a wealthy 82-year-old spinster, was found bludgeoned to death in her Glasgow home. A valuable diamond brooch was missing, and police soon fastened on a suspect – Oscar Slater, a Jewish immigrant who was rumoured to have a disreputable character. Slater had an alibi, but was nonetheless convicted and sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment in the notorious Peterhead Prison.

Seventeen years later, a convict called William Gordon was released from Peterhead. Concealed in a false tooth was a message, addressed to the only man Slater thought could help him – Arthur Conan Doyle. Always a champion of the downtrodden, Conan Doyle turned his formidable talents to freeing Slater, deploying a forensic mind worthy of Sherlock Holmes.

Drawing from original sources including Oscar Slater’s prison letters, this is Margalit Fox’s vivid and compelling account of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Scottish history.

Continue reading “Bonus Review #2: ‘Conan Doyle For The Defence’, by Margalit Fox”