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emeraldreviews's reviews
130 reviews
The Tangleroot Palace by Marjorie Liu
3.0
An intense collection of masterfully crafted tales by a truly stupendous wordsmith. Each story boasts brilliant characters and awesome stories.
Echogenesis by Gary Gibson
5.0
A dive into humanities' varying responses to that which we don’t understand and subsequently fear, all laid upon a foundation of environmental destruction,corporate deception and greed.
This is my first venture into the science fiction mind of Gary Gibson. I was not to be disappointed, what awaited me in these pages was a story that captivated me from the onset. Hitting the reader with a distinctly alien and mysterious opening ingrains a ferocious need to continue through the chapters with insatiable desire! Such is the quality of Gary Gibson’s writing.
The multi-planetary scene setting throughout the book ensures variety in what is a very singular environment. What I mean by that is with a limited group of characters with a limited ability to travel, you are normally enclosed within a similar location consistently. With the flashbacks to Earth before the events of Ecogenesis, Gary ensures ample varying environments on which to flex his descriptive muscle.
The story centres around a base set of characters from varying backgrounds with vastly different skill sets. All of which have woken up at their peak physical performance levels, even if that means they are younger than they remember! In a classic nod to human separationist ideology, ‘cliques’ begin to form based upon backgrounds. We then bear witness to a small band of humans attempting to survive a hostile natural environment in what seems to be an ultimate dose of karma.
A story full of twists, magnificent environment design and stellar storytelling…Ecogenesis will have you second guessing your own environmental impact and the way you treat your fellow humans. I had a great time reading this book and implore any sci-fi fans to take a chance on this!
This is my first venture into the science fiction mind of Gary Gibson. I was not to be disappointed, what awaited me in these pages was a story that captivated me from the onset. Hitting the reader with a distinctly alien and mysterious opening ingrains a ferocious need to continue through the chapters with insatiable desire! Such is the quality of Gary Gibson’s writing.
The multi-planetary scene setting throughout the book ensures variety in what is a very singular environment. What I mean by that is with a limited group of characters with a limited ability to travel, you are normally enclosed within a similar location consistently. With the flashbacks to Earth before the events of Ecogenesis, Gary ensures ample varying environments on which to flex his descriptive muscle.
The story centres around a base set of characters from varying backgrounds with vastly different skill sets. All of which have woken up at their peak physical performance levels, even if that means they are younger than they remember! In a classic nod to human separationist ideology, ‘cliques’ begin to form based upon backgrounds. We then bear witness to a small band of humans attempting to survive a hostile natural environment in what seems to be an ultimate dose of karma.
A story full of twists, magnificent environment design and stellar storytelling…Ecogenesis will have you second guessing your own environmental impact and the way you treat your fellow humans. I had a great time reading this book and implore any sci-fi fans to take a chance on this!
Black Mouth by Ronald Malfi
5.0
A brooding and haunting story from the mind that brought us ‘Come With Me’.
Ronald Malfi returns with another scary story ripped from the depths of hell! Proving once again that he is one of top authors in the genre! Black Mouth is a tale of personal torture, a terrible family past which impacts our characters entire lives.
The story mainly follows the character Jamie who has to deal with a troubled past and a present fight for sobriety whilst dealing with multiple bizarre scenarios that reunite him, his special needs brother and his friends. Ronald’s characterisation is exceptional and each of the friends has distinct personalities and their own back stories which promote their own growth.
The story is haunting and rich. There is so much to take in and so many disturbing events that set the mind racing. Each personal struggle of each character culminates in shared experiences and the whole novel is a journey through multiple eyes.
Black Mouth is another classic from Ronald Malfi and will keep the fear levels rising and the suspense simmering whilst you make your way through this haunting story.
Ronald Malfi returns with another scary story ripped from the depths of hell! Proving once again that he is one of top authors in the genre! Black Mouth is a tale of personal torture, a terrible family past which impacts our characters entire lives.
The story mainly follows the character Jamie who has to deal with a troubled past and a present fight for sobriety whilst dealing with multiple bizarre scenarios that reunite him, his special needs brother and his friends. Ronald’s characterisation is exceptional and each of the friends has distinct personalities and their own back stories which promote their own growth.
The story is haunting and rich. There is so much to take in and so many disturbing events that set the mind racing. Each personal struggle of each character culminates in shared experiences and the whole novel is a journey through multiple eyes.
Black Mouth is another classic from Ronald Malfi and will keep the fear levels rising and the suspense simmering whilst you make your way through this haunting story.
The Face You Wear by Faith Pierce
5.0
A tormenting and terrifying tale that will make you look at your dreams and nightmares with a new degree of fear.
Faith Pierce comes out swinging with her first novel! This is an evil, nightmare inducing, horror fest of a novel which you most certainly read at night! Especially if you share your bed with a loved one!
Jana is a superb character with a deep back story and traumatic history, which always makes for a good horror story character! Jana goes through hell and back physically and psychologically in The Face You Wear and we as the readers, will share this torment!
The supporting cast of characters have their own distinct personalities and Faith’s writing allows us to view these from the eyes of Jana which encourages the deeper attachment with the book.
Multiple times I had literal goose bumps and actual shivers down my spine! Never have I been so unnerved when reading a book and the ending…shook me to my very core. Read this with the lights on.
Faith Pierce comes out swinging with her first novel! This is an evil, nightmare inducing, horror fest of a novel which you most certainly read at night! Especially if you share your bed with a loved one!
Jana is a superb character with a deep back story and traumatic history, which always makes for a good horror story character! Jana goes through hell and back physically and psychologically in The Face You Wear and we as the readers, will share this torment!
The supporting cast of characters have their own distinct personalities and Faith’s writing allows us to view these from the eyes of Jana which encourages the deeper attachment with the book.
Multiple times I had literal goose bumps and actual shivers down my spine! Never have I been so unnerved when reading a book and the ending…shook me to my very core. Read this with the lights on.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless
5.0
A spellbinding novel steeped in heart and vengeance that blends myth and history whilst being led by ferocious heroines!
Shauna Lawless arrives in the fantasy world with a magical explosion! Fans of Game of Thrones, Sarah J. Maas and Bernard Cornwell get ready to read your new favourite author! Shauna Lawless weaves Irish myth with history like a master at the loom! I knew nothing of Irish history or myth and thanks to Shauna, I am fully invested. The series ‘Gael Song’, which ‘The Children of Gods and Fighting Men’ kicks off, is already one of my favourite current series and I’m already counting down the days to the next release. At the time of writing this, the first one hasn’t seven released yet!!
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a tale of generational rivalry, magical gifts and centred at its heart…humanities bonds. Within these covers is the start of what promises to be a magnificent series. Masterfully depicted battle scenes and treacherous tales of deceit keep the story alive and kicking. Never, at any point, did I feel that the pace slowed or was starting to burn out. From chapter to chapter there is so much to intake but not so much that the story becomes convoluted. There is the perfect amount of storytelling.
Gormflaith and Fódla are powerful female leads with sometimes literal fire flowing through their veins. Their individual journeys throughout the novel are riveting. The growth and development of all of the characters, not just the leads, is superb. Each has a well thought out and described backstory and all of them have a unique part to play in the novel. Shauna created beautiful character based imagery in my mind that stayed with me through each chapter.
A fast-paced blending of myth and history awaits you in this book. Let Shauna Lawless take you on a magical trip through ancient Ireland and fill your mind with beautiful stories and a diverse set of captivating characters. The Gael Song series promises to be a new fantasy classic so jump on board right at the start! Thank you Head of Zeus and Ad Astra for the ARC.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is out September 1st!
Shauna Lawless arrives in the fantasy world with a magical explosion! Fans of Game of Thrones, Sarah J. Maas and Bernard Cornwell get ready to read your new favourite author! Shauna Lawless weaves Irish myth with history like a master at the loom! I knew nothing of Irish history or myth and thanks to Shauna, I am fully invested. The series ‘Gael Song’, which ‘The Children of Gods and Fighting Men’ kicks off, is already one of my favourite current series and I’m already counting down the days to the next release. At the time of writing this, the first one hasn’t seven released yet!!
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a tale of generational rivalry, magical gifts and centred at its heart…humanities bonds. Within these covers is the start of what promises to be a magnificent series. Masterfully depicted battle scenes and treacherous tales of deceit keep the story alive and kicking. Never, at any point, did I feel that the pace slowed or was starting to burn out. From chapter to chapter there is so much to intake but not so much that the story becomes convoluted. There is the perfect amount of storytelling.
Gormflaith and Fódla are powerful female leads with sometimes literal fire flowing through their veins. Their individual journeys throughout the novel are riveting. The growth and development of all of the characters, not just the leads, is superb. Each has a well thought out and described backstory and all of them have a unique part to play in the novel. Shauna created beautiful character based imagery in my mind that stayed with me through each chapter.
A fast-paced blending of myth and history awaits you in this book. Let Shauna Lawless take you on a magical trip through ancient Ireland and fill your mind with beautiful stories and a diverse set of captivating characters. The Gael Song series promises to be a new fantasy classic so jump on board right at the start! Thank you Head of Zeus and Ad Astra for the ARC.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is out September 1st!
Sealskin by Su Bristow
5.0
A heart-breaking yet beautiful tale of family, secrets, myth and ultimately…love.
What begins with a horrific act shakes the foundations of Donald’s family and ultimately the entirety of the extremely close knit community. But that horrific act evolves into its own seemingly close knit family against all odds. Su Bristow envelops the reader in a warm cloak of storytelling whilst stoking the fire of intrigue within.
The story takes place within a small fishing village with a small selection of characters but all of these are rich and extremely well written. The small locational base doesn’t mean that Su is limited with her story but instead fills every inch of the little village with detailed descriptions and fantastic scene setting. This seemingly idyllic little village becomes a stunningly attractive place to live at the hands of Su. Such a beautiful world took over my brain whilst reading.
The main character, Donald, is a deep, mysterious character whose growth throughout the book is absolutely sublime. You will hate him at times, but you will also feel pity for him, feel pain with him and also…love with him. Su Bristow’s portrayal of an entirely silent character is masterful, the characterisation and deep emotional bond she is able to encourage with simple descriptions of hand movements and gestures is pure magic.
Sealskin is a dark story that you will read with bated breath. Let Su Bristow take you on a trip through a Selkie myth which will extract every emotion from you. I cannot wait for more from Su after this. Which is, by the way, her FIRST novel!! Please, if you enjoy dramatic, emotional stories…read this book.
What begins with a horrific act shakes the foundations of Donald’s family and ultimately the entirety of the extremely close knit community. But that horrific act evolves into its own seemingly close knit family against all odds. Su Bristow envelops the reader in a warm cloak of storytelling whilst stoking the fire of intrigue within.
The story takes place within a small fishing village with a small selection of characters but all of these are rich and extremely well written. The small locational base doesn’t mean that Su is limited with her story but instead fills every inch of the little village with detailed descriptions and fantastic scene setting. This seemingly idyllic little village becomes a stunningly attractive place to live at the hands of Su. Such a beautiful world took over my brain whilst reading.
The main character, Donald, is a deep, mysterious character whose growth throughout the book is absolutely sublime. You will hate him at times, but you will also feel pity for him, feel pain with him and also…love with him. Su Bristow’s portrayal of an entirely silent character is masterful, the characterisation and deep emotional bond she is able to encourage with simple descriptions of hand movements and gestures is pure magic.
Sealskin is a dark story that you will read with bated breath. Let Su Bristow take you on a trip through a Selkie myth which will extract every emotion from you. I cannot wait for more from Su after this. Which is, by the way, her FIRST novel!! Please, if you enjoy dramatic, emotional stories…read this book.
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless
5.0
A spellbinding novel steeped in heart and vengeance that blends myth and history whilst being led by ferocious heroines!
Shauna Lawless arrives in the fantasy world with a magical explosion! Fans of Game of Thrones, Sarah J. Maas and Bernard Cornwell get ready to read your new favourite author! Shauna Lawless weaves Irish myth with history like a master at the loom! I knew nothing of Irish history or myth and thanks to Shauna, I am fully invested. The series ‘Gael Song’, which ‘The Children of Gods and Fighting Men’ kicks off, is already one of my favourite current series and I’m already counting down the days to the next release. At the time of writing this, the first one hasn’t even released yet!!
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a tale of generational rivalry, magical gifts and centred at its heart…humanities bonds. Within these covers is the start of what promises to be a magnificent series. Masterfully depicted battle scenes and treacherous tales of deceit keep the story alive and kicking. Never, at any point, did I feel that the pace slowed or was starting to burn out. From chapter to chapter there is so much to intake but not so much that the story becomes convoluted. There is the perfect amount of storytelling.
Gormflaith and Fódla are powerful female leads with sometimes literal fire flowing through their veins. Their individual journeys throughout the novel are riveting. The growth and development of all of the characters, not just the leads, is superb. Each has a well thought out and described backstory and all of them have a unique part to play in the novel. Shauna created beautiful character based imagery in my mind that stayed with me through each chapter.
A fast-paced blending of myth and history awaits you in this book. Let Shauna Lawless take you on a magical trip through ancient Ireland and fill your mind with beautiful stories and a diverse set of captivating characters. The Gael Song series promises to be a new fantasy classic so jump on board right at the start! Thank you Head of Zeus and Ad Astra for the ARC. This is the beginning of my new favourite fantasy series.
Shauna Lawless arrives in the fantasy world with a magical explosion! Fans of Game of Thrones, Sarah J. Maas and Bernard Cornwell get ready to read your new favourite author! Shauna Lawless weaves Irish myth with history like a master at the loom! I knew nothing of Irish history or myth and thanks to Shauna, I am fully invested. The series ‘Gael Song’, which ‘The Children of Gods and Fighting Men’ kicks off, is already one of my favourite current series and I’m already counting down the days to the next release. At the time of writing this, the first one hasn’t even released yet!!
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is a tale of generational rivalry, magical gifts and centred at its heart…humanities bonds. Within these covers is the start of what promises to be a magnificent series. Masterfully depicted battle scenes and treacherous tales of deceit keep the story alive and kicking. Never, at any point, did I feel that the pace slowed or was starting to burn out. From chapter to chapter there is so much to intake but not so much that the story becomes convoluted. There is the perfect amount of storytelling.
Gormflaith and Fódla are powerful female leads with sometimes literal fire flowing through their veins. Their individual journeys throughout the novel are riveting. The growth and development of all of the characters, not just the leads, is superb. Each has a well thought out and described backstory and all of them have a unique part to play in the novel. Shauna created beautiful character based imagery in my mind that stayed with me through each chapter.
A fast-paced blending of myth and history awaits you in this book. Let Shauna Lawless take you on a magical trip through ancient Ireland and fill your mind with beautiful stories and a diverse set of captivating characters. The Gael Song series promises to be a new fantasy classic so jump on board right at the start! Thank you Head of Zeus and Ad Astra for the ARC. This is the beginning of my new favourite fantasy series.
The Butcher by Laura Kat Young
4.0
The Butcher is a dystopian mystery wrapped in a cloak of family & oppression.
Laura Kat Young introduces us to a desolate town in a world of subjugation, where crime is punished in a very extreme way. In the form of atonements. This basically means that a court of ‘Deputies’ will judge your crime and punish with a number of atonements, this involves the removal of the appropriate number of body parts by ‘The Butcher’. Imagine a town where a majority of the inhabitants wander about their daily business with any number of missing limbs! Savage right?
The story follows Lady Mae the apprentice butcher and her journey from child to adulthood. We follow Lady Mae through all sorts of trials and tribulations as she aims to deal with her approaching future as the butcher of settlement 5. Along the way we meet Lady Mae’s mother and a boy called Arbuckle. Amongst these as the supporting cast of townsfolk and the ever present, ever intimidating Deputies.
Laura Kat Young does a stellar job of building a fantastic set of characters and an extremely unsettling environment in which the characters live. The story is full of twists and turns that will deeply unsettle and test the limits of Lady Mae to the extreme.
If you are looking for a new dystopian trip through a horrifically oppressed society then Laura Kat Young has just the book for you. An engrossing storyline coupled with deep, memorable characters ensure a thrilling adventure through the lives of the inhabitants of settlement 5.
Laura Kat Young introduces us to a desolate town in a world of subjugation, where crime is punished in a very extreme way. In the form of atonements. This basically means that a court of ‘Deputies’ will judge your crime and punish with a number of atonements, this involves the removal of the appropriate number of body parts by ‘The Butcher’. Imagine a town where a majority of the inhabitants wander about their daily business with any number of missing limbs! Savage right?
The story follows Lady Mae the apprentice butcher and her journey from child to adulthood. We follow Lady Mae through all sorts of trials and tribulations as she aims to deal with her approaching future as the butcher of settlement 5. Along the way we meet Lady Mae’s mother and a boy called Arbuckle. Amongst these as the supporting cast of townsfolk and the ever present, ever intimidating Deputies.
Laura Kat Young does a stellar job of building a fantastic set of characters and an extremely unsettling environment in which the characters live. The story is full of twists and turns that will deeply unsettle and test the limits of Lady Mae to the extreme.
If you are looking for a new dystopian trip through a horrifically oppressed society then Laura Kat Young has just the book for you. An engrossing storyline coupled with deep, memorable characters ensure a thrilling adventure through the lives of the inhabitants of settlement 5.
The Creak on the Stairs by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir
5.0
Suspense, darkness and mystery await you in between the covers of this modern classic.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir begins her ‘Forbidden Iceland’ series with The Creak On The Stairs … a majestically written phenomenon of a novel. Crime writers make room! There is a new Queen of the genre in town. This story is a tightly formed mystery with deep characterisation and divine delivery.
Following the story of police officer Elma who is returning from Reykjavik CID to her hometown police force, believing it to be as quiet as it once was. However when the first case appears on her desk, Elma does not foresee the mystery that will require unravelling. Elma is a complex and compelling character with her own detailed past that itself will require the reader to discover as we journey along with Elma.
One of the most spectacular aspects of Eva’s writing is her ability to convey the landscape around the characters. Eva never shies away from detailing the environment in its entirety, portraying a stunning and tense aura that wraps itself around the novel throughout each chapter.
The story is tense and foreboding with twists and turns around every corner. The time jumping in-between the story of Elma is an incredible addition to the novel creating an additional layer that pulls you deeper into the story.
If you are looking for your next new thriller or mystery novel then look no further than this stunning first entry in a new, mysterious series by an impeccable author! A dark and tense novel with deep, memorable characters, A Creak On The Stairs is a masterpiece of modern Nordic noir that mustn’t be missed.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir begins her ‘Forbidden Iceland’ series with The Creak On The Stairs … a majestically written phenomenon of a novel. Crime writers make room! There is a new Queen of the genre in town. This story is a tightly formed mystery with deep characterisation and divine delivery.
Following the story of police officer Elma who is returning from Reykjavik CID to her hometown police force, believing it to be as quiet as it once was. However when the first case appears on her desk, Elma does not foresee the mystery that will require unravelling. Elma is a complex and compelling character with her own detailed past that itself will require the reader to discover as we journey along with Elma.
One of the most spectacular aspects of Eva’s writing is her ability to convey the landscape around the characters. Eva never shies away from detailing the environment in its entirety, portraying a stunning and tense aura that wraps itself around the novel throughout each chapter.
The story is tense and foreboding with twists and turns around every corner. The time jumping in-between the story of Elma is an incredible addition to the novel creating an additional layer that pulls you deeper into the story.
If you are looking for your next new thriller or mystery novel then look no further than this stunning first entry in a new, mysterious series by an impeccable author! A dark and tense novel with deep, memorable characters, A Creak On The Stairs is a masterpiece of modern Nordic noir that mustn’t be missed.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
4.0
A magical voyage of self discovery, mystic abilities and friendship.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison is a whimsical novel that has a lot to say about self love and the power of the human mind. Rachel presents to the reader a really light, easy read that is both humorous and exciting in equal measure. A true fantasy story that, although about witchcraft, isn’t overly dark but has moments of pure terrifying suspense.
Annie is a wonderful character that I’m sure can relate heavily to a lot of people, I certainly can to some aspects of her life and the parts that aren’t quite as relatable to me cast a feeling of “that’s Sod’s law’! An English term that boils down to…that was a typical outcome!
Sophie is a foreboding and mysterious character who has such pleasantness on display. You can’t help but be wary of her and what can only be assumed as an underlying mighty power!
The story plays out at a beautiful pace with plenty of lightheartedness to match the shadowy presence of suspense that is a constant throughout the story. Whilst focusing on Annie and Sophie a superb cast of supporting characters ensure a deep character driven story.
Cackle is a must for all fantasy fans, especially those that are fans of witchcraft and mystics. Rachel Harrison has a brilliantly humorous way with words but can also hold down heartfelt, powerful scenes. Cackle is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, I’m really excited for what Rachel has in store for us next.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison is a whimsical novel that has a lot to say about self love and the power of the human mind. Rachel presents to the reader a really light, easy read that is both humorous and exciting in equal measure. A true fantasy story that, although about witchcraft, isn’t overly dark but has moments of pure terrifying suspense.
Annie is a wonderful character that I’m sure can relate heavily to a lot of people, I certainly can to some aspects of her life and the parts that aren’t quite as relatable to me cast a feeling of “that’s Sod’s law’! An English term that boils down to…that was a typical outcome!
Sophie is a foreboding and mysterious character who has such pleasantness on display. You can’t help but be wary of her and what can only be assumed as an underlying mighty power!
The story plays out at a beautiful pace with plenty of lightheartedness to match the shadowy presence of suspense that is a constant throughout the story. Whilst focusing on Annie and Sophie a superb cast of supporting characters ensure a deep character driven story.
Cackle is a must for all fantasy fans, especially those that are fans of witchcraft and mystics. Rachel Harrison has a brilliantly humorous way with words but can also hold down heartfelt, powerful scenes. Cackle is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, I’m really excited for what Rachel has in store for us next.