You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
traceyroberts's Reviews (675)
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Ninshubar delivers a compelling and lyrical conclusion to Emily H. Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy. I've loved this series and its refreshing to read a myth retelling that isn't Greek. Don't get me wrong I haven't fallen out of love with love the Greek Myths, it's just nice to read something a little different.
Wilson brings myth and history alive through Ninshubar’s unforgettable voice, weaving loyalty, loss, and cosmic stakes into a richly imagined tale. The balance between scholarly myth making and deeply human story telling is flawless.
The ending for me was deeply rewarding. I think this is my favourite book of the series. It was riveting, full of heart and power.
Thank you to Titan Books for granting me a complimentary copy for review purposes.
Wilson brings myth and history alive through Ninshubar’s unforgettable voice, weaving loyalty, loss, and cosmic stakes into a richly imagined tale. The balance between scholarly myth making and deeply human story telling is flawless.
The ending for me was deeply rewarding. I think this is my favourite book of the series. It was riveting, full of heart and power.
Thank you to Titan Books for granting me a complimentary copy for review purposes.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Cat Dragon is certainly not my usual genre of choice but when I received an invite from the publisher, One More Chapter, to read an ARC, I thought I'd give it a shot. The cover and concept seemed cute and might be a delightful YA story. However this was definitely not the book for me.
Cat Dragon has a wonderfully cozy premise, a witch, her reluctant cat dragon, and a magical valley full of quirky charm. There are talking pumpkins, magical guardians and intriguing Cat Dragon companions.
Unfortunately, the execution falters. The prose is dense and sometimes confusing, transitions feel abrupt, and the pacing wobbles between sluggish and rushed. The characters, while likable, don’t always feel fully developed, and even the cat dragon doesn’t shine as much as expected.
In the end, this book has lots of charm in concept but uneven storytelling. Perfect if you’re seeking cozy cottagecore vibes, but less so if you want a polished, engaging read.
Cat Dragon has a wonderfully cozy premise, a witch, her reluctant cat dragon, and a magical valley full of quirky charm. There are talking pumpkins, magical guardians and intriguing Cat Dragon companions.
Unfortunately, the execution falters. The prose is dense and sometimes confusing, transitions feel abrupt, and the pacing wobbles between sluggish and rushed. The characters, while likable, don’t always feel fully developed, and even the cat dragon doesn’t shine as much as expected.
In the end, this book has lots of charm in concept but uneven storytelling. Perfect if you’re seeking cozy cottagecore vibes, but less so if you want a polished, engaging read.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I haven't read this author's previous novels but I do love a locked room thriller so the premise of this book really piqued my curiosity.
A quick summary
Six former graduates reunite after 25 years, by attending a dinner party, following the death of their old professor. What should have been a celebration of a life, quickly turns into a deadly game full of dark secrets.
What I loved
I think that Mark Edwards totally nails the locked-room thriller vibe.
I enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere
The dual timelines (1999 vs. 2024) worked really well.
The creepy psychopath test subplot was really interesting.
The twists that kick in once things really get rolling are sharp and effective .
What I didn't enjoy
The pace at the beginning almost killed it for me. It moves at a snail’s pace. A lot of time is devoted to laying out backstory and atmosphere, which can feel like swimming through treacle.
The characters are OK. The narrator, Will, isn't particularly magnetic. I did feel that Lily showed hints of real depth . But when everything drags, none of the characters offer enough fizz to keep you fully hooked.
However the halfway point through is where things start to get interesting and I found myself being pulled in. The reveals are frequent, the suspense climbs, and the atmosphere gets legitimately unsettling .
So overall The Wasp Trap delivers satisfying twists and psychological creepiness, but the slow start holds it back from being a completely gripping ride.
My thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
A quick summary
Six former graduates reunite after 25 years, by attending a dinner party, following the death of their old professor. What should have been a celebration of a life, quickly turns into a deadly game full of dark secrets.
What I loved
I think that Mark Edwards totally nails the locked-room thriller vibe.
I enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere
The dual timelines (1999 vs. 2024) worked really well.
The creepy psychopath test subplot was really interesting.
The twists that kick in once things really get rolling are sharp and effective .
What I didn't enjoy
The pace at the beginning almost killed it for me. It moves at a snail’s pace. A lot of time is devoted to laying out backstory and atmosphere, which can feel like swimming through treacle.
The characters are OK. The narrator, Will, isn't particularly magnetic. I did feel that Lily showed hints of real depth . But when everything drags, none of the characters offer enough fizz to keep you fully hooked.
However the halfway point through is where things start to get interesting and I found myself being pulled in. The reveals are frequent, the suspense climbs, and the atmosphere gets legitimately unsettling .
So overall The Wasp Trap delivers satisfying twists and psychological creepiness, but the slow start holds it back from being a completely gripping ride.
My thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
One Snowy Day is precisely the kind of uplifting, character-driven novel I reach for when I'm craving comfort, warmth, and human connection. A big thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for review consideration.
A quick summary
One Snowy Day is set in the atmospheric village of Weirbridge. The story unfolds over a single snowy day in the lives of four compelling characters, each at a crossroad in their lives.
What I loved
Shari Low’s trademark warmth shines through this story.
The setting is charming, creating a close knit community feeling.
The characters are relatable, each with a story arc that is easy to connect with.
The time chunk structure keeps the pace engaging.
What didn't quite work
Juggling four storylines in one day means some arcs feel a little rushed. The ending in particular felt a little hurried.
The plot treads familiar ground and can be a little predictable at times.
But overall this novel delivers exactly what you’d expect: a comforting, feel good read with emotional resonance and heart at its core. This would make a delightful winter’s read, perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening, or whenever you need a charming escape.
A quick summary
One Snowy Day is set in the atmospheric village of Weirbridge. The story unfolds over a single snowy day in the lives of four compelling characters, each at a crossroad in their lives.
What I loved
Shari Low’s trademark warmth shines through this story.
The setting is charming, creating a close knit community feeling.
The characters are relatable, each with a story arc that is easy to connect with.
The time chunk structure keeps the pace engaging.
What didn't quite work
Juggling four storylines in one day means some arcs feel a little rushed. The ending in particular felt a little hurried.
The plot treads familiar ground and can be a little predictable at times.
But overall this novel delivers exactly what you’d expect: a comforting, feel good read with emotional resonance and heart at its core. This would make a delightful winter’s read, perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening, or whenever you need a charming escape.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I haven't been reading a lot of fantasy fiction lately. I guess I've fallen out of love with it. But having always had an interest in Tarot, this book immediately caught my attention. It also gave me the opportunity to discover a new (to me) author.
Elise Kova has created something truly special here. Something I've been missing from previous books in this genre. Arcana Academy absolutely delivers on immersive world building and a well crafted magical system.
It's actually the magical system that is one of the highlights for me. It’s thoughtful, structured, and genuinely fascinating. There are clear rules and mechanics behind the magic of inking, reading and wielding the cards. I would bet that the author is familiar with reading tarot to be able to create this magical system that feels both unique and believable.
The world building is equally impressive. The academy itself is atmospheric and vividly detailed, blending the academic with the arcane in a way that feels both classic and fresh. But it’s not just the setting, it’s the history, the societal structure, the magical politics, and the subtle tension woven throughout this world that makes it all feel so alive. I got the sense that every piece of this world has a purpose, and it’s all part of a larger design.
I also loved the main character, Clara. She's scrappy, determined and likes to do things her way. The tension between her and Prince Kaelis is slow burn but delicious.
Overall I loved this one. But that cliffhanger ending was jaw dropping. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary digital copy for review consideration.
Elise Kova has created something truly special here. Something I've been missing from previous books in this genre. Arcana Academy absolutely delivers on immersive world building and a well crafted magical system.
It's actually the magical system that is one of the highlights for me. It’s thoughtful, structured, and genuinely fascinating. There are clear rules and mechanics behind the magic of inking, reading and wielding the cards. I would bet that the author is familiar with reading tarot to be able to create this magical system that feels both unique and believable.
The world building is equally impressive. The academy itself is atmospheric and vividly detailed, blending the academic with the arcane in a way that feels both classic and fresh. But it’s not just the setting, it’s the history, the societal structure, the magical politics, and the subtle tension woven throughout this world that makes it all feel so alive. I got the sense that every piece of this world has a purpose, and it’s all part of a larger design.
I also loved the main character, Clara. She's scrappy, determined and likes to do things her way. The tension between her and Prince Kaelis is slow burn but delicious.
Overall I loved this one. But that cliffhanger ending was jaw dropping. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary digital copy for review consideration.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Sophie Irwin is a must read author for fans of Regency Romcoms with a contemporary vibe. Having read her previous two novels I was excited to receive an ARC of her new book, How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days. My thanks to Harper Collins UK for providing me with a complimentary copy for review purposes.
How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days was pure fun from start to finish. Sophie Irwin delivers sharp banter, a heroine I actually rooted for, and a romance that made me smile, and occasionally roll my eyes (in the best way).
It’s fast paced, maybe a little too convenient at moments, but honestly? I didn’t mind. Sometimes you just want a light, clever read that leaves you happy and this did exactly that. I’m already looking forward to whatever Irwin writes next.
How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days was pure fun from start to finish. Sophie Irwin delivers sharp banter, a heroine I actually rooted for, and a romance that made me smile, and occasionally roll my eyes (in the best way).
It’s fast paced, maybe a little too convenient at moments, but honestly? I didn’t mind. Sometimes you just want a light, clever read that leaves you happy and this did exactly that. I’m already looking forward to whatever Irwin writes next.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
The Prophecy is a solid debut by Lisa Zimmerman. I really enjoyed this fast paced urban fantasy and found the premise of a parallel world intriguing. I also loved the whole destiny and hidden powers plot line.
That said, I feel the book would have benefited from a little more world building. I realise this would slow the pace but I think the plot would have benefitted from some back story of The Guardians for example. I really wanted to know more about them and what they did. The ending, however, was satisfying and it's left the door open for a sequel maybe?
Overall, Zimmerman's voice is compelling, and there's promise in her narrative style. So if you're a fan of YA fantasy or stories with a "chosen one" arc then give The Prophecy a try, especially if you're looking for a lighter, character driven read.
Thank you to Lisa Zimmerman and Bad Ink for inviting me to read an ARC and providing a digital copy for review purposes.
That said, I feel the book would have benefited from a little more world building. I realise this would slow the pace but I think the plot would have benefitted from some back story of The Guardians for example. I really wanted to know more about them and what they did. The ending, however, was satisfying and it's left the door open for a sequel maybe?
Overall, Zimmerman's voice is compelling, and there's promise in her narrative style. So if you're a fan of YA fantasy or stories with a "chosen one" arc then give The Prophecy a try, especially if you're looking for a lighter, character driven read.
Thank you to Lisa Zimmerman and Bad Ink for inviting me to read an ARC and providing a digital copy for review purposes.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
I'm a big fan of Rona Halsall so I was thrilled to receive an ARC from Boldwood Books of her new novel The Getaway. I don't know how she does it but this is her best book yet and my new favourite.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I started reading thinking I’d just read a chapter or two before bed, but the next thing I knew, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!
What really stood out for me was the constant air of unease that runs through the entire book. Even in the quieter moments, there was this underlying sense that something wasn’t quite right and that tension kept me on edge the whole time.
I loved the character of Maddie, she felt so real to me. I honestly felt like I was right there with her, trying to piece everything together. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn I didn’t see coming.
I would definitely recommend you read this if you love thrillers that keep you second guessing everyone’s motives and leave you with that deliciously uneasy feeling, The Getaway is definitely one to add to your list. I’m still thinking about it!
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I started reading thinking I’d just read a chapter or two before bed, but the next thing I knew, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!
What really stood out for me was the constant air of unease that runs through the entire book. Even in the quieter moments, there was this underlying sense that something wasn’t quite right and that tension kept me on edge the whole time.
I loved the character of Maddie, she felt so real to me. I honestly felt like I was right there with her, trying to piece everything together. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn I didn’t see coming.
I would definitely recommend you read this if you love thrillers that keep you second guessing everyone’s motives and leave you with that deliciously uneasy feeling, The Getaway is definitely one to add to your list. I’m still thinking about it!