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 […]
The Ring by Koji Suzuki A classic Japanese horror novel that inspired the popular Japanese horror movie franchise. The story follows reporter Asakawa who investigates a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it after seven days. [A mysterious videotape warns that the viewer will die in one week unless a certain, unspecified act is […]
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 […]
Servant of the Crown was a great finale to the amazing Dragonslayer series! One character, Boudain, really surprised me. He stepped up and at least tried, instead of acting like a young, spoiled royal. It’s clear he has the potential to be a great ruler. Another character I really liked died in this book too. I understand the […]
People of the Canyons is number twenty-six (!) in the Gears’ sweeping forays into North America’s epic deep past. Canyons visits the American Southwest, whose the tribes dwell amidst cave and canyon. As always, the trademark spirituality of the series shines through. The Blessed Sun Leather Hand- a Powerful witch cursed by a even more […]
****TRIGGER WARNINGS: focus on death, suicidal thoughts, drowning, PTSD/ phobias, paranoia, homicide, mental/ physical/ emotional abuse. Five years after a terrible accident nearly killed Olivia, she returns to her childhood home to visit old friends, and to face her fears. The Summer I Drowned by Taylor Hale weaves together elements of a mystery, a psychological […]