Gruffudd ap Llywelyn by KR Hebdige is a novel of historical fiction centring on 11th century Wales, and the struggle to unite the country into one kingdom, rather than several smaller ones. In total the tale ranges from the 1020s to 1061, following, for the most part, the life of the eponymous Gruffudd. I […]
As the finale to the Chorus of Dragons series, Jen Lyons’ The Discord of Gods wraps up an intriguing and far-reaching plot. Not gonna lie- I adore this series. I had hoped that one of my favourite characters would find a measure of redemption. In fact, I used his name for two characters I created […]
Immersive and occasionally unsettling, The Wych Elm by Tana French is an engrossing exploration into the fracturing of one’s identity amidst an unexpected crisis. The story revolves around Toby, a charismatic young man from Dublin who suffers a debilitating head injury after a brutal home invasion. French pairs this personal jeopardy with the shocking discovery […]
Jordan’s The Eye of the World is an engaging start to a fantasy series that immerses readers in quite a vast and intriguing world. The story follows Rand al’Thor and several of his friends as they flee their home after creatures of myth attack his village. They are shepherded by Moiraine and Lan, an Aes […]
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco is an atmospheric horror novel that will leave readers with a sense of unease. The story follows Okiku, a vengeful spirit who haunts those who harm children. The author’s writing style is hauntingly beautiful, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. The novel is told […]
Nothing But Blackened Teeth, a novella by Cassandra Khaw, is a chilling and atmospheric horror story that will leave readers with goosebumps. The setting is a decaying Japanese Heian-era mansion, which is described in visceral detail, and adds a haunting backdrop to the tale. Khaw’s prose is sparse, yet evocative, making for a chilling and […]
Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a haunting and unsettling novel that blends horror and fantasy to create a chilling and immersive reading experience. Rock climber Nick Grevers tackles the imposing peak that is the Maudit, and fails. A serious accident leaves Nick horribly disfigured, and haunted. Nick’s lover, Sam Avery, witnesses his descent into […]
Alastair Horne’s book Graves of the Great and Famous offers an intriguing perspective on the final resting places of a number of notable figures from throughout history. This picture and info book provides readers with a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the most prominent individuals in history, through exploring their gravesites and […]
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins This is another thrilling YA novel that features a dangerous competition. The Hunger Games are a fight to the death between young people from different districts, and the story is full of danger, suspense and well-drawn characters. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater If you like Stiefvater’s writing […]
Maggie Stiefvater’s The Scorpio Races is a unique YA take on the Gaelic mythology of the water horse, about a dangerous race that takes place on the island of Thisby every November. The story is narrated by two protagonists, Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly, both of whom are determined to win the race for different […]