ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Drowned City in Books
Apr 15, 2021
Jacobean England, where a year to the day after the failed Gunpowder Plot, a huge wave destroys much of Bristol, killing hundreds of people and destroying homes and businesses. This is a superstitious time, where the blame is put on witches and demons. And Catholics.
Daniel Pursglove is freed from Newgate jail where he has been imprisoned, suspected of witchcraft, by one of King James’ closest advisors, Charles FitzAlan. He is given the task of tracking down Spero Pettingar - the man who got away during the arrests of the Gunpowder Plot. He is suspected of going to Bristol to recruit supporters - namely Jesuits.
The descriptions of Newgate Prison are horrific - as are those of a destroyed Bristol. This is a really atmospheric book with some great descriptions. Not that you’d really want to be, but you can imagine yourself there, amidst the mud, filth and decay.
I really liked how the chapters flashed between Daniel and London, where we would see the King or Robert Cecil (a man who fascinates me!).
Daniel doesn’t seem to me to be the most accomplished investigator. Most of what he discovers he does by accident, but he does get results. Just not the ones he was necessarily asked to get.
I’m really looking forward to reading the next in this series, it really has piqued my interest!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Dark Veil (The Society #2) in Books
Jul 5, 2021
Kindle
Dark Veil ( Society book 2)
By Mason Sabre
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
For the past two years, Cade MacDonald and Gemma Davies have been forced to hide their illicit affair from the Other world, where mating with a species different to your own defies every law and mandate of Society. Considered an indefensible act, it is punishable by banishment from their community, or even worse, by death. However, Cade and Gemma experience a bond few ever do, wolf and tiger connecting deeply and irrevocably. Against all odds, their relationship flourishes and solidifies despite the difficulties.
Yet now, they suddenly find themselves faced with obstacles and danger they could never have imagined. Not only is their relationship and place in Society at stake, but their lives—as well as those close to them—are at risk. Their enemies are many, and the battles they need to overcome seemingly insurmountable. Will they be able to defeat their adversaries, and more importantly, will their love manage to prevail above all else?
This was definitely an improvement from book 1! I mar first I thought really a baby? But it worked and it was better written and paced out really well. Humans really are an awful species! Without giving much away I’m really hoping they can get away! Also loving the new characters and the introduction of witches!
Harry Potter: Death Eaters Rising
8.5
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Harry Potter: Death Eaters Rising captures the difficulties and terrors Harry Potter, Ron Weasley...
Unearthed
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8.0
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Anne Rice, creator of the Vampire Lestat, the Mayfair witches and the amazing worlds they inhabit,...
The Compelled (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #6)
3.6
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The sixth book in the New York Times bestselling series by L.J. Smith. The Compelled is the sixth...
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8.0
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Everyone knows that being exiled is as good as a death sentence. Even worse when you are the son of...
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8.0
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Adventure wasn’t something Lorelei Alundra was interested in. Gifted with two other-worldly...
Young Adult Fantasy Romance
Merissa (12069 KP) rated The Moonshine Heart in Books
Apr 13, 2023
Rohene (human) and Marwa (witch) have the same half-moon birthmark on their hands. Marwa's Mistress is convinced they are to save the world. She gives Marwa a list of instructions to follow which will help the prophecy (which Marwa ignores.) With misunderstandings galore, they start off their adventure to save the world.
I enjoyed this story but wanted so much more. Both of the main characters told us about how sad and lonely their childhood was, but I didn't see it. There was very little world-building and, to be honest, I would have preferred a little more character-building too. By the time it came to the end, I didn't really care whether the world was saved for the humans or not. It was the animals I felt sorry for.
The overall premise of this story was a brilliant one. I'm just sorry I felt a little disappointed once I'd finished it. I would still recommend this author though as she has an amazing imagination.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 13, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Familiars in Books
Apr 30, 2023
Book
The Familiars
By Stacey Halls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 1612 Lancaster, England, the hunt for witches has reached a fever pitch . . .
But in a time of suspicion and accusation, to be a woman may be the greatest risk of all.
Fleetwood Shuttleworth, the mistress of Pendle Hill’s Gawthorpe Hall, is with child. Anxious to produce an heir, she is distraught to find a letter from her physician that warns her husband she will not survive this pregnancy.
Devastated, Fleetwood wanders the estate grounds, where she catches a young woman poaching. Alice Gray claims she is a local midwife and promises to help Fleetwood deliver a healthy baby. But a witch-obsessed frenzy sweeps the countryside. Even woodland creatures or “familiars” are thought to be dark companions of the unholy. And Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft.
Time is running out. The witch trials are about to begin. With both their lives at stake, Fleetwood must prove Alice’s innocence. Only they know the truth.
Set against the real Pendle witch trials, this compelling novel draws its characters from historical figures as it explores the lives of seventeenth-century women. Ultimately it raises the question: Was witch hunting really just women hunting?
I absolutely loved it! Completely devoured it in 1 day! I’ve always loved the stories that are based on the Pendall witch trials and this was so so good!
The characters and story kept me glued to they book.