David McK (3854 KP) rated The Fallen Sword (The Hundred Years War, #3) in Books
Aug 3, 2024 (Updated Aug 3, 2024)
By which I mean I was expecting something Cornwell-like; an action-adventure set during the period of The Hundred Years War between France and England over the throne of France.
What I got instead was a (I felt) slow-burner of a mystery over three novels, with the war really only providing the backdrop as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates a shadowy conspiracy amongst the nobles of both sides
The fault in expectation, of course, was wholly mine.
This follows on from the largely-Scotland set A Clash of Lions, itself following on from A Flight of Arrows, with Merrivale now back in France as the English besiege the key city of Calais. I have to say, I did find parts of this novel to drag on a bit: for me, it never really gripped me as much as parts of the previous entry did. One of those novels (and series) that I'm happy enough to have read, but not to the point where I would - yet - search out more by the author.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2613 KP) rated Murder at Glenloch Hill in Books
Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)
It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.
Therein Lies the Pearl
Book
Normandy, 1064 Celia Campion, a girl of humble background, finds herself caught in a web of...
Historical Fiction Anglo Saxon History Early Medieval St Margaret
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Destiny Kills (Myth and Magic #1) in Books
Nov 7, 2021
Book
Destiny kills ( Myth and Magic book1)
By Keri Arthur
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Desire calls. Danger Lurks.
But...
When Destiny McCree wakes up beside a dead man on an Oregon beach, she knows only this: she has to keep moving, keep searching, and keep one step ahead of the forces that have been pursuing her from the heart of Scotland to this isolated spot. Why? The death of her lover has left her alone, with little memory of her past. A glimmering serpent-shaped ring is the one clue she has - and a bargaining chip in a most dangerous game.
Enter Trae Wilson, a master thief with a sexy, knowing grin and a secret agenda of his own. Destiny and Trae both have powers far beyond the human - and both are running for their lives. Together they're riding a tide of danger, magic, and lust.but with killers stalking their every move, they must use any means necessary, even each other, to survive - until the shocking secret of one woman's destiny finally unravels..
Keri Arthur is one of my favourite writers I absolutely love all her books. This was no exception dragon shifters are my absolute favourite and this book didn’t disappoint.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Blood Runs Cold (DS Max Craigie #4) in Books
Apr 3, 2023
Once again, Mr Lancaster has written an absolute cracker in this brilliant series and whilst this is the fourth, it is quite successful as a standalone however, I would highly recommend you go back and read the other three because it will help with getting to know the main characters but also because they are just really good books!
DS Max Craigie and his team are strong characters that work well as a small but formidable team rooting out corruption within Police Scotland; Mr Lancaster has written them so well that I have found myself becoming really attached to them. Their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I found myself tittering away to myself at times which helped to lighten what is, essentially, a very dark story.
This is a dark, gritty and fast paced police procedural that I was totally and completely absorbed by from the very start. The plot is scarily plausible and realistic with some excellent twists and turns which adds to the intensity.
Highly recommended and I urge everyone to read this excellent series; I can't wait for the next instalment and I must thank HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant Blood Runs Cold.
Lady MacBethad
10.0
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Power. History. Love. Hate. Vengeance. She will be Queen. Whatever it takes... Daughter of an...
Historical fiction Scotland Alba Macbeth
Fogged Off
10.0
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When travel agent Cyd Redondo’s client and Jack the Ripper expert Shep Helnikov is found dead in...
Stick A Flag In It: 1,000 Years Of Bizarre History From Britain And Beyond
9.0
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From the Norman Invasion in 1066 to the eve of the First World War, Stick a Flag In It is a...
Ugly by Kelly Vincent
8.5
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Sophomore Nic Summers tries to ignore the taunts of “ugly lesbian.” Because she’s not sure...
Young Adult (YA) Contemporary
Once There Were Wolves
8.0
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From the author of the international bestseller Migrations comes a pulse-pounding new novel set in...