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callum_mclaughlin's reviews
819 reviews
Swamp Ghosts by Marcia Meara
5.0
Swamp Ghosts gripped me from the opening scene and held me until the very end. The writing is fantastic; the story one that is both original and entertaining in equal measure.
The book's first major draw for me was Maggie, the charismatic and instantly likable protagonist who was very skilfully realised. The second highlight was the phenomenal attention to detail when it came to describing the wonderful, vibrant setting and all its natural inhabitants - Meara's love for nature and knowledge of the area shine in abundance from her words.
All in all, this is a book full of tension, intrigue, action and romance that I am glad I read, and an author whose other work I'm excited to explore.
The book's first major draw for me was Maggie, the charismatic and instantly likable protagonist who was very skilfully realised. The second highlight was the phenomenal attention to detail when it came to describing the wonderful, vibrant setting and all its natural inhabitants - Meara's love for nature and knowledge of the area shine in abundance from her words.
All in all, this is a book full of tension, intrigue, action and romance that I am glad I read, and an author whose other work I'm excited to explore.
The Snow Killer by Melissa Holden
4.0
The Snow Killer is a very short but interesting book. I'm always intrigued by stories with an anti-hero or flawed characters and this certainly has that, plus I liked the way the tale was structured to reflect the fragmented mind of the protagonist.
Heart of the Arena by Mishka Jenkins
5.0
With this being the fourth of Jenkins' books I've read, I went into it expecting a fun, easy, entertaining read with a good mix between action and romance. I wasn't disappointed at all and found it very easy to sink into the story. Care was taken to make the setting and dialogue feel authentic and this really added to the enjoyment, as did the cool concept, great heroine and likable supporting characters.
The Watch: The Poetry And Art Of Jonathan Ojanpera by Jonathan Ojanpera
5.0
This collection explores a number of themes in the form of many different styles. As a whole piece of work, it is thought-provoking, immersive and intelligent - but this never lessens the impact of each individual poem. The addition of artwork is a fantastic touch and while I flew my way through the entirety of the book in one go, it is a collection I know I will return to, discovering yet more charm in its many layers every time.
Nothing but the Rain: A Collection of Poems by Phen Weston
5.0
Nothing But The Rain is a moving and intelligent collection of poems. Every word has earned its place, with each piece crafted with meticulous care. Some feel deeply personal, others utterly whimsical, but all feel powered by a narrative touch that adds to the encompasing nature of this little book.
Despite planning to take an inital quick glance, I ended up reading the entire collection in just one sitting. I think that alone speaks volumes.
Despite planning to take an inital quick glance, I ended up reading the entire collection in just one sitting. I think that alone speaks volumes.