Lady knights? A medieval-inspired setting? A rich magical world built around loyalty, sacrifice, and political conflict? It sounded as though it had been written specifically for me. And while there is a great deal here that I genuinely enjoyed, it ultimately never quite came together in the way I’d hoped. … More Review: The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino
Historical fiction lives and dies by its ability to breathe life into figures from the past, and while El-Arifi presents an interesting interpretation of one of history’s most famous women, I never truly felt as though I was reading about Cleopatra. … More Review: Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi
Sycorax is a richly written, character-driven novel that rewards patience and attention. Its beautiful prose, emotionally complex relationships, and unflinching honesty make it a powerful reimagining of a marginalised literary figure. While it may not be a book for those seeking a fast-paced plot, it is deeply satisfying for readers drawn to myth, language, and character above all else. … More Book Review: Sycorax by Nydia Hetherington
If We Were Villains is a novel that draws you in from its very first line and refuses to let go. Dark, theatrical, and deeply immersive, it’s a love letter to Shakespeare, performance, and obsession – and a compelling example of why dark academia continues to resonate so strongly with readers. … More Book Review: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Saltblood is immersive, emotionally resonant historical fiction that gives voice to a woman history largely forgot. Francesca de Tores writes with confidence, empathy, and a keen understanding of character, transforming fragments of fact into a story that feels whole. Despite a few moments that verge on being too much, this is a novel that lingers – salty, sharp, and human. … More Book Review: A Treasury of British Folklore by Dee Dee Chainey
Saltblood is immersive, emotionally resonant historical fiction that gives voice to a woman history largely forgot. Francesca de Tores writes with confidence, empathy, and a keen understanding of character, transforming fragments of fact into a story that feels whole. Despite a few moments that verge on being too much, this is a novel that lingers – salty, sharp, and human. … More Book Review: Saltblood by Francesca de Tores
Sistersong is a novel that gripped me almost immediately – and then, frustratingly, lost its footing just as it reached its conclusion. It’s a book full of promise, rich themes, and strong character work, but one that ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambition. … More Book Review: Sistersong by Lucy Holland
Palin captures Venezuela in all its contradictions: its extraordinary natural beauty and warmth sit alongside an ever-present sense of unease, the legacy of violence and instability that once earned Caracas the grim title of the most dangerous city in the world. … More Book Review: “In Venezuela” by Michael Palin
If ever there was a fantasy series that just keeps ascending, this is it. The Dark Mirror, the long-awaited fifth volume in The Bone Season saga, is everything I wanted – and then some. Samantha Shannon doesn’t just revisit her world – she expands it. … More Book Review: The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon
The Raven Scholar is exactly the kind of fantasy novel I’ve been hankering for. It’s not just escapism – it’s high fantasy executed with intelligence, depth, and a sense of wonder that hearkens back to why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. … More Book Review: The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
The Ink Thief 