I was 12 years old when the world ended. For eight years I’ve survived in this crap-hole once known as earth. Fighting the alien parasite that mutated most of the population into blood-thirsty freaks, while the rest of us became the lunch special on their alien menu.
Now things are changing and not for the better. The parasite is evolving. Becoming smarter, stronger, and deadlier.
They’ve already stolen everything from me. My home. My family. Even the man I loved. It’s time for this bullshit to end once and for all.
My name is Bixby, and I’m the resistance.
Mature themes. 17+ Rating

In a genre that is flooded with tons of books, it’s wonderfully refreshing to find one that is unique!

Bixby is orphaned at the age of 12 when the world as we know it comes to an end. Are the people becoming zombies or victims of an alien race of parasites? Whatever is happening, it ain’t good!

Bixby is rescued by a group of survivors and she becomes part of the resistance, tasked with killing the “leeches” that are threatening our world. I love the character of Bixby….foul-mouthed, irreverent but with a good heart.

She is still mourning the disappearance of her boyfriend, Sam, but has a new man in her life. Luke truly cares for her, but she won’t let him in. In her heart, she thinks Sam is dead, but a small part of her expects to find him somewhere.

The book has plenty of action, plenty of snark and plenty of pathos. Just the right blend for a post-apocalyptic book. The characters are well-developed, there are plenty of low-lifes out for their own agenda and a touch of romance.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I look forward to continuing this series!

4*

Strain of Resistance is currently available through Amazon

“Bring the seals together in Tzoladia and you will learn their secrets.” An intriguing, yet simple quest. But nothing is ever that easy. 
Killer monkeys lurk in the woods. Treacherous watchers skulk the underground tunnels. An evil emperor’s minions control the archipelago city. 
Brina is proficient in archery. Moshoi skillfully wields the swords he crafts. Amanki has mastered sailing. But those skills aren’t enough. The three young adventurers must make choices. Choices that mean life or death. Choices with no safe answer. 
The Society of the Word has given them tools: wise sayings, moral stories, mysterious prophecies. But their faith will be tested. Will the star guide them to their destiny or lead them to their doom? Who will survive?

Last month I became completely drawn in by this world when I read book 1, Refugees.  I felt that book 1 was very much a set up for things to come and the payoff in book 2, Seekers, was definitely there!  This book felt more evenly spread over the journeys of the 3, Amanaki, Brina and Moshoi.  I really enjoyed this as I wasn’t left for a long time wondering what was happening with the others as often each of their chapters end on a small cliffhanger. It also really brought home to me that no matter what bad choices they think they are making from one time or another, their journey is actually the same even though they are miles from one another.  I found myself noting the same issues of loss, joy and peril and although manifesting itself differently in each case it really brings home the sense of destiny in their journey and that they are truly on the same path. I also really felt endeared by their naivety, they have all led very sheltered lives but then are thrust upon this journey which leaves them vulnerable because of their trusting nature.  Prominent in this story also was the theme of guidance, either by way of the star or their travelling companions who are their compasses it seems to keep them on the right track when the travellers find themselves being pushed to choose between morality and their journey.

The one thing that this books has in spades is excitement, the first part is non stop in picking up where book 1 finished and it continues to be an amazing page turner.  The world building and attention to all the little details in each of the cultures remains a pleasure to read and never feels overwhelming or like an info dump.

There are some shocking scenes in this book, which I have to say I wasn’t expecting, given it’s coming of age nature. Quite vivid mental images and also some which are left to the imagination seemed out of place.  I understand that a sense of fear and horror had to be built but unfortunately it left me feeling a little uncomfortable.  There does seem to be an underlying sinister tone building under the surface though, with the feet of the webbies being removed in book 1, similar happens here and it’s got me wondering what will be coming next!

I am finding this an immensely enjoyable journey bringing to together many facets of what makes us who we are and exploring areas of humanity and theology, whilst remaining a wonderful and entertaining read.

4*

There’s no such thing as Voodoo. At least, that’s what most of the Baptists in Bellin tell themselves. But Seven LaVey knows better. 
In a small rural town just outside of Nashville, Voodoo conjures and curses simmer and seethe under the noses of the many who will never know. Seventeen-year-old Seven romanticizes about the meaning of life while held captive as a zombie under the shell of a kiddie pool. He’s counting on the strength – and maybe even love – of a certain redheaded clarinet player to save him. But will she?
Filled with betrayal and revenge, two families struggle with a curse that stretches back to Queen of the Voodoos Marie Laveau in this contemporary Southern Gothic adventure. Prepare for a wildly original twist on the paranormal. 

Before I write this review, I must say that I have long been intrigued by all things Voodoo. So, after reading the blurb of this book and being given the opportunity to read a copy by a book review group, I jumped at the chance!

The book started out in an interesting way, from the viewpoint of Seven, so named because he is a seventh generation descendant of the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Seven is infatuated with Penelope Langston (but he calls her Longstocking because she wears black stockings). In fact, he watches her as she practices clarinet from the vantage point of a cave.

The book held a lot of promise, but several things about it made it less than a 4 or 5 star read. First of all, the chapters are told from the viewpoint of many different characters, but you only know that after you have read a paragraph or so. It would have been helpful if the author had titled the chapters with the character speaking.

Also, the book started out reminding me of a YA book, then evolved into the violent torment of Seven and twisted sexual perversions between some of the characters. Without spoiling some of the story, I also found that the few adult characters wavered between all seeing and all knowing and totally clueless.

The best parts of the book were the extensive histories of Voodoo practices and Marie Laveau’s family. The author obviously spent a lot of time researching and it shows throughout the book. I read a book many years ago called “The Serpent and the Rainbow” and later saw the movie based on this book. This book reminded me a lot of that book/movie. That in itself is a recommendation since I read that book over 30 years ago.

If you like twisted tales that involve Voodoo or enjoy reading about YA characters who obviously need a mental evaluation, check out this book. The author is a very good writer and I enjoyed a lot of the book, but I just can’t recommend it as one of my favorites.

BTW, the cover is wonderful!

3*

Blue Bottle Tree is currently available through Amazon and other outlets through Parliament House Publishing

Would you risk everything you thought you knew about yourself if it meant saving everyone you love?
Sixteen-year-old Eden Huntleigh and her family live within the district of Empyrean. Under the rule of The Renegades, and their tyrant leader Cesar, every aspect of life is controlled. Streets are patrolled by humanoid Enforcers. Necessities are rationed. Disobedience is not tolerated.
When Eden receives an omen, and joins a group of Rebels led by the alluring Leo Dillon, her life begins to unravel.
Just as the Rebels are beginning to understand what they are capable of Cesar has kidnapped their families forcing them to strike before they are ready. Once inside the Empyrean palace they discover the horror of what they are truly facing. Does Eden have what it takes to be the legend she was destined to be? Ready or not she’s about to find out.. 

The first thing I want to say about this is don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I think that the cover choice isn’t great for the content – it’s not a criticism of the cover at all, it just didn’t match in particularly with the dystopian premise of the book!

It’s fair to say that this book is fairly short at just over 200 pages but it is such an easy and enjoyable read. Whilst in this book we are left fairly in the dark with the causes of the dystopia our protagonist Eden and her friends find herself in, it’s quickly paced in getting you up to speed. I think it’s fair to say that there is no padding at all in this book which is actually really refreshing. That being said, it gives little time to become fully involved with the characters. This is a clear YA read and I can’t criticise the characters for behaving like teenagers, yes there are a lot of instacrushes but we are talking about teens who have led pretty dire lives of near starvation so I think a little instalust is allowed!

Eden’s world is controlled by the mysterious Renegades, who enjoy the spoils in their ivory tower whilst the proletariat obey and serve. However, on a still night where the stars themselves seem to disappear so do Edens family and the families of her friends. Eden finds herself caught up with a rebel gang of teens who all share the same necklace apparently passed down from earlier generations which marks them with skills an abilities. They proceed on a daring and desperate rescue plan and with trust being handed out a bit too freely, what could possibly go wrong?

This is book one in a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger of epic proportions. There is a lot to be told in this tale and I am excited to know more about how the skills attached to the necklaces will develop alongside of how the group will find their way out of the ending predicament. I found this to be a light and fun read which has been a real antidote to more long winded fantasy. I’m going to definitely continue with the series, and hope that the characters develop a bit more and the story gathers a bit more depth to really lock in groundwork laid in this first book in the series!

Tessa Gratton’s debut epic adult fantasy, The Queens of Innis Lear, brings to life a world that hums with ancient magic, and characters as ruthless as the tides.
The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.
The king’s three daughters – battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia – know the realm’s only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.
Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war – but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided

This is really hard review for me to write, The Queens of Innis Lear is epic in its storytelling and so much thought has gone into the world building, characters and history I feel like I should love it – it’s a high fantasy King Lear retelling with ancient magics, twisty plot and underhandedness, pretty much ticking all my boxes (and all of Shakespears!), but it sadly fell short.  It’s because I appreciate all that must have gone into writing this that I feel so torn with what to put in my review, so I think i’m going to a good old fashioned list of pro’s and con’s

Pro’s – As I said before, this book is epic in it’s story telling, 3 sisters each vying for the crown of the island of Innis Lear when their father passes.  Geala, the warrior, Regan the good wife and Elia (the youngest and favourite of the King) the Star Priest.  What follows is a richly woven tale of court intrigue, old scores to be settled and simmering vengeance.  The sisters must suffer through banishment, loss, grief and anger in order to decide who should rightfully wear the crown, all have different motives and ideas for the Island, but the old magic of an Island ruled by the stars has its own ideas too…..  Whilst I found many of the characters hard to get on with (see cons) my favourite character by far was Regan.  Her journey was one that I found solace in and her character development was off the scale.  There were many moments of brilliance interspersed in the story and at times I felt like I didn’t want to put it down.  I adored the sections about the old root magic and the language of the trees, these magics were beautifully written as were the magics of the stars and made a deserving focal point in the tale.

Con’s – there are no chapters in this book, it shifts around MANY different points of view in a rolling format and whilst it is separated into parts these are sparse. The book is also just far too long, I found myself skimming some parts and then having to go back because a tiny nugget of important information was nestled in the pages and pages of unnecessary explanations of things that had already been explained.  I felt that it was in need of a lot of editing as at times reading it was a was a real endurance – I knew the payoff was coming but it was just so hard to get there.  I wasn’t particularly taken with many of the characters either, there was so much going on and so much subterfuge and double dealing amongst them that it was hard to really build up a relationship with them as many of them had little opportunity to build up much depth.  There is one huge question that I had throughout which never got answered either which was a real failing in continuity.

So in fairness, this is 3* from me.