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bluefairybug's reviews
345 reviews
Artificial Agent by J.W. Jarvis
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Artificial Agent is a fast-paced thriller, that's packed with action right from the get-go. The chapters were short and distinct which made it so easy to read. We saw the story from lots of different POVs, and I really feel like I could get to know all of the characters really well.
There was a fair bit of violence in this book, but there's a dark part of my soul that loves that. I thought the level of description for these scenes was just right. I could imagine exactly what was happening to someone, without feeling overwhelmed by the violence. It never felt gratuitous either, it always served a purpose to the storyline.
There were some issues with the tenses at times which niggled a little, but the story was exciting enough that I could ignore those.
The plot was exciting and fraught with danger. I found I was never entirely sure who I could really trust. I found the AIonics absolutely fascinating! I'm not sure if that's something we can already do, or if it's even remotely possible. But it certainly makes for an exciting story.
Overall I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, and actually read it in just one day, despite the month long readalong. I don't know if this is a standalone story, or if there is more to come as I feel the ending was open enough for either. I hope there is more though!
There was a fair bit of violence in this book, but there's a dark part of my soul that loves that. I thought the level of description for these scenes was just right. I could imagine exactly what was happening to someone, without feeling overwhelmed by the violence. It never felt gratuitous either, it always served a purpose to the storyline.
There were some issues with the tenses at times which niggled a little, but the story was exciting enough that I could ignore those.
The plot was exciting and fraught with danger. I found I was never entirely sure who I could really trust. I found the AIonics absolutely fascinating! I'm not sure if that's something we can already do, or if it's even remotely possible. But it certainly makes for an exciting story.
Overall I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, and actually read it in just one day, despite the month long readalong. I don't know if this is a standalone story, or if there is more to come as I feel the ending was open enough for either. I hope there is more though!
The Trips by Pat Murray
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.0
The cover of this book looks like it should be a story about going off on a holiday somewhere hot. But it's not, it's so much more exciting than that.
I thought this was a really solid story. Mainly told through the memories of Carl, a Brit on death row in America. The pacing was spot on, and the short chapters were perfect.
The language flowed well, and was easy to read, despite the book touching on some difficult subjects. I appreciated the level of description, which felt honest and not too full on.
Carl is an intensely dislikeable character, but that's almost too be expected. After all, you don't usually end up on death row for being nice! That's not to say miscarriages of justice don't happen, and just to be clear, I am not in favour of the death penalty at all. But despite the main character being so utterly horrible, I felt sad at the end of the book. I found it interesting how Carl blamed his mother for so much, whilst almost putting his father up on a pedestal. Despite his Mother having been around for him far more. I didn't really understand why he hated his sister so much, but then that's probably why Carl ended up on death row and I'm not a criminal!
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Much more than I expected based on the subject matter.
I thought this was a really solid story. Mainly told through the memories of Carl, a Brit on death row in America. The pacing was spot on, and the short chapters were perfect.
The language flowed well, and was easy to read, despite the book touching on some difficult subjects. I appreciated the level of description, which felt honest and not too full on.
Carl is an intensely dislikeable character, but that's almost too be expected. After all, you don't usually end up on death row for being nice! That's not to say miscarriages of justice don't happen, and just to be clear, I am not in favour of the death penalty at all. But despite the main character being so utterly horrible, I felt sad at the end of the book. I found it interesting how Carl blamed his mother for so much, whilst almost putting his father up on a pedestal. Despite his Mother having been around for him far more. I didn't really understand why he hated his sister so much, but then that's probably why Carl ended up on death row and I'm not a criminal!
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Much more than I expected based on the subject matter.
False Tidings: A Fools Errand by Stephen J. Grant
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Oh my gosh, I don't even know where to start with this book.
I was initially drawn in by the cross genres of history and fantasy, I think that the medieval period lends itself so well to fantasy writing. And the book certainly did not disappoint. I found myself instantly immersed in William's world and I didn't want to leave. This book had everything I love, Witches, monkeys, and so much humour.
I was initially drawn in by the cross genres of history and fantasy, I think that the medieval period lends itself so well to fantasy writing. And the book certainly did not disappoint. I found myself instantly immersed in William's world and I didn't want to leave. This book had everything I love, Witches, monkeys, and so much humour.
Witness to the Revolution: Time Travel Historical Fantasy by Kiersten Marcil, Kiersten Marcil
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
The cover of this book is so beautiful, I love the colours.
Witness to the Revolution is a time-travel adventure novel, set mainly at the time of the American Revolution. This isn't a period I much about, other than the events in Hamilton, which take place couple of weeks before this book is set. However, it certainly feels like the historical elements are realistic, the descriptions of clothing, food and so on certainly matched with what I do know.
I liked the writing style of this book. It was easy to follow and the level of description was perfect. The speech felt real and genuine and there were some real moments of humour at times due to how language has changed over time.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting, although a little slow to start, as well as interesting and vaguely educational. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Witness to the Revolution is a time-travel adventure novel, set mainly at the time of the American Revolution. This isn't a period I much about, other than the events in Hamilton, which take place couple of weeks before this book is set. However, it certainly feels like the historical elements are realistic, the descriptions of clothing, food and so on certainly matched with what I do know.
I liked the writing style of this book. It was easy to follow and the level of description was perfect. The speech felt real and genuine and there were some real moments of humour at times due to how language has changed over time.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting, although a little slow to start, as well as interesting and vaguely educational. I look forward to reading the next installment.
End Of A Century by Paul Carnahan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Me for the first 95% of this book: "Aww, what a lovely story. I hope they find the original owner of the suit."
Me at 95%: "No, no no!" TEARS.
I read Paul's first book (How Soon is Now) last year and it was easily a 5 star read. This means I approached his new book with a mixture of delight and apprehension, what if it didn't live up to the previous one? But I did not need to worry. Paul has knocked it out of the park again and written another 5 star book.
Set in both Glasgow and London in the 1990s, End of a Century is the story of a suit. Yes that's right, a suit. Having bought a second-hand suit in Glasgow, Des decides to go on a journey to find out who it had been made for and why. Whilst I've never been to Glasgow, and was only a child in the 90s, the descriptions of Camden didn't seem too far removed from what it is like now in 2025.
Despite the fact we only "meet" Tyler a handful of times throughout the book, I had an intense dislike for him. On the other hand, Erin only appears as a name in one chapter, and yet I cried. (Getting very close to a spoiler there). Paul really does write fantastic, believable characters bringing just the right amount of backstory to each of them.
This book is an easy 5 star for me, and I can't wait to find out what's coming next.
Me at 95%: "No, no no!" TEARS.
I read Paul's first book (How Soon is Now) last year and it was easily a 5 star read. This means I approached his new book with a mixture of delight and apprehension, what if it didn't live up to the previous one? But I did not need to worry. Paul has knocked it out of the park again and written another 5 star book.
Set in both Glasgow and London in the 1990s, End of a Century is the story of a suit. Yes that's right, a suit. Having bought a second-hand suit in Glasgow, Des decides to go on a journey to find out who it had been made for and why. Whilst I've never been to Glasgow, and was only a child in the 90s, the descriptions of Camden didn't seem too far removed from what it is like now in 2025.
Despite the fact we only "meet" Tyler a handful of times throughout the book, I had an intense dislike for him. On the other hand, Erin only appears as a name in one chapter, and yet I cried. (Getting very close to a spoiler there). Paul really does write fantastic, believable characters bringing just the right amount of backstory to each of them.
This book is an easy 5 star for me, and I can't wait to find out what's coming next.
Finding Home in Hartfell by Suzanne Snow
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
This was a lovely cosy romance story, perfect for reading around Valentines day. It was well paced and kept me interested all the way through. I have to admit though that I found both Pippa and Gil to be thoroughly unlikeable. I can see why they both took against each other, but my word were they grumpy!
I thought this book was really well written, with plenty of humour. It was a lovely glimpse into country life. To me, the narrative felt real and plausible. I love learning a little about animals alongside Pippa too.
This is "you know what you're getting" kind of book for me. Whilst Pippa and Gil seemed to hate each other to begin with, the chemistry between them is obvious, so the romantic element comes as no surprise. But sometimes I like a book to be comfortable and predictable like that.
And whilst the romance was obvious, there was so plenty to discover as Pippa learnt more about herself and her father.
Overall this was a lovely comfort read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I thought this book was really well written, with plenty of humour. It was a lovely glimpse into country life. To me, the narrative felt real and plausible. I love learning a little about animals alongside Pippa too.
This is "you know what you're getting" kind of book for me. Whilst Pippa and Gil seemed to hate each other to begin with, the chemistry between them is obvious, so the romantic element comes as no surprise. But sometimes I like a book to be comfortable and predictable like that.
And whilst the romance was obvious, there was so plenty to discover as Pippa learnt more about herself and her father.
Overall this was a lovely comfort read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad by Daniel Finkelstein
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I'm not a novelist. I mean, I've probably got about 100 stories inside me, but I don't think I'll ever get them onto paper. Not least because the one I most want to write isn't really my story to tell. And the person it belongs to probably doesn't want it out there. I've also never read Aristotle, I'm not sure what that says about me!
But this book was fascinating and helpful as a reader and reviewer too. It made me think about what matters to me when reviewing how good a book is. I'm hoping it's helped my reviews to be more concise and structured.
Laid out in logical and clearly defined principles, Aristotle for Novelists really is a one stop guide to the things you need to consider when writing a novel. Not only is it useful, but it's written in such a humorous style, I really felt like Douglas and I were just having a casual chat together rather than being spoken 'at' or lectured.
Physically, this book is such a great size. Perfect for sticking in my handbag to read when I've got a spare 5 minutes. Plus the cover is so nice and colorful. What's not to like!
But this book was fascinating and helpful as a reader and reviewer too. It made me think about what matters to me when reviewing how good a book is. I'm hoping it's helped my reviews to be more concise and structured.
Laid out in logical and clearly defined principles, Aristotle for Novelists really is a one stop guide to the things you need to consider when writing a novel. Not only is it useful, but it's written in such a humorous style, I really felt like Douglas and I were just having a casual chat together rather than being spoken 'at' or lectured.
Physically, this book is such a great size. Perfect for sticking in my handbag to read when I've got a spare 5 minutes. Plus the cover is so nice and colorful. What's not to like!
The Promise She Made by Julie Hartley
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
The Promise She Made is a well paced historical fiction book set in WW2 England. It's based on both the sinking of the SS Benares in 1940, and also the female SOE operatives who's stories are only just becoming public knowledge. I believe the information was declassified in the 1990's, but it's only been the last few years that books based on the women have become popular. I was slightly confused about the timeline at one point, as I thought a reference to the first female SOE wireless operator being dropped in France was made in 1942, when in reality it was 1943, but it was a really minor point.
As with Julie's previous book, the writing is fluid and genuine. The characters all felt real, and the slightly more complex relationships between some of the characters added to the realism. For example I like how the relationship between Ruby and Antoine wasn't plain sailing, much like real relationships.
The plot was engaging and I just had to keep reading as I was as desperate to find out who had survived as Ruby was, I think I felt every emotion she felt alongside her.
This is only Julie's second book, but she's become a firm favourite author for me. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
As with Julie's previous book, the writing is fluid and genuine. The characters all felt real, and the slightly more complex relationships between some of the characters added to the realism. For example I like how the relationship between Ruby and Antoine wasn't plain sailing, much like real relationships.
The plot was engaging and I just had to keep reading as I was as desperate to find out who had survived as Ruby was, I think I felt every emotion she felt alongside her.
This is only Julie's second book, but she's become a firm favourite author for me. I can't wait to see what she writes next.