Review: The Voyage of Freydis

 

Title: The Voyage of Freydis

Author: Tamara Goranson

Publisher: 22nd July 2021 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, viking

My Rating: 2.5 cups

Synopsis:

History set her fate in stone…

Murderer. Mercenary. Temptress.

Trickster. Traitor. Thief.

But under a hammer that falls like thunder, stone will always shatter.

So with her voice she lights the forge.

The Voyage of Freydis sings the silenced tale of Freydis Eiriksdottir, the first and only woman to lead a Viking voyage across the Atlantic in this tempestuous retelling of the Vinland Sagas set at the dawn of the 11th century.

My Thoughts

This is an historical story set in the Viking age and follows the legendary character of Freydis Eiriksdóttir (daughter of Erik the Red and the half-sister of Leif Eriksson). Married to an abusive man, she makes arrangements to escape on a ship bound for North America. If, like me, you loved the TV show Vikings, then this book will definitely hold a certain appeal for you. 

“I am Freydis Eiriksdöttir! I am the goði’s döttir. I am a warrior. By the gods, the next time I have a chance, I’ll kill you with this fearsome blade.”

There are many interesting aspects to this tale, particularly surrounding Norse and Beothuk  (‘skraelings’: the Viking term for Indigenous Americans) cultures. For me, this held the greatest attraction. However, rather than an action adventure, it tends more towards the emotional journey and the treatment of women. 

“Taking a vyking expedition is a perfect way to keep you safe from your husband’s fists,”

Unfortunately for me it was a difficult read because of the degree of abuse, in its many forms, occurring. I understand this is a Viking tale and therefore is not all flowers and chocolates. Yet the depth and breadth of the abuse - domestic violence, sexual assaults, emotional abuse, racism and more - was not balanced out with an accompanying engaging story. 

‘I am standing on the brink, pounded down like sand but willing to go in search of peace. I have found a way to trick him and now I am about to soar.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Freckles

 

Title: Freckles

Author: Cecelia Ahern 

Publisher: 1st September 2021 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, women’s fiction 

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.

But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.

Told in Allegra’s vivid, original voice, moving from Dublin to the fierce Atlantic coast, this is an unforgettable story of human connection, of friendship, and growing into your own skin.

My Thoughts

One of the big attractions of Cecelia Ahern’s latest book is to place yourself in the shoes of the main protagonist, Allegra aka Freckles. With an underlying theme of  'you are the sum of the 5 main people you spend your time with' (not including family) it really gets you considering your own ‘famous five’. Ultimately, this book is about human connections along the spectrum of friendships to loneliness. 

‘That’s why the phrase hurt me. Because some deep primal instinct inside of me knew, faster than my head did, that I don’t have five people.’

The story is simple yet effective and filled with many quirky characters. It goes at a gentle pace (sometimes a little too gentle) and interestingly, there are no speech marks. None. One must focus to determine what is ‘thinking’ and what is ‘talking’. However, ultimately the focus here is searching for the key people in your life and not forgetting to include/find yourself in that process. 

It is definitely a little ‘left of centre’ with Allegra being such a unique individual. In some respects it would appear as if there is little character development but you have to delve deeper to find the true gems. You can embark on a journey and come full circle, right back to where you started but somehow things are profoundly different. To see the same life through a different lens, valuing more of what you already have. 

Freckles, a new style it would appear for Cecelia Ahern, is original and unexpected. However, refreshingly it is most definitely life-affirming in coming to the realisation about the people who make us who we are in this life. 

‘Are you a chicken, Allegra. Bok bok bok. Are you going to let what that man said break you down, knock you off your axis. Are you, Allegra. He called you a loser. He thinks that the five people you spend the most time with are losers and that you’re a loser and maybe you are because look how you’ve reacted, Allegra. Or should I call you Freckles. Who are you since you arrived here. Allegra or Freckles. Come on, make up your mind. ‘

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Other Side of Beautiful

Title: The Other Side of Beautiful

Author: Kim Lock

Publisher: 7th July 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ Fiction& MIRA

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, contemporary

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Lost & Found meets The Rosie Project in a stunning break-out novel where a vulnerable misfit is forced to re-engage with the world, despite her best efforts.

Meet Mercy Blain, whose house has just burnt down. Unfortunately for Mercy, this goes beyond the disaster it would be for most people: she hasn't been outside that house for two years now.

Flung out into the world she's been studiously ignoring, Mercy goes to the only place she can. Her not-quite-ex-husband Eugene's house. But it turns out she can't stay there, either.

And so begins Mercy's unwilling journey. After the chance purchase of a cult classic campervan (read tiny, old and smelly), with the company of her sausage dog, Wasabi, and a mysterious box of cremated remains, Mercy heads north from Adelaide to Darwin.

On the road, through badly timed breakdowns, gregarious troupes of grey nomads, and run-ins with a rogue adversary, Mercy's carefully constructed walls start crumbling. But what was Mercy hiding from in her house? And why is Eugene desperate to have her back in the city? They say you can't run forever...

Exquisite, tender and wry, this is a break-out novel about facing anxiety and embracing life from an extraordinary new talent.

My Thoughts

‘How did she know? Could the woman tell, just by looking at her, that Mercy was crowded by everything? That everything - the whole world - had piled on top of her and she couldn’t breathe anymore?’

This is a brilliant story, I loved everything about it and wish I could place a copy in the hands of everyone I meet. There is sure to be something that speaks to each of you in these pages as Kim has crafted such an emotion filled story that it makes putting this book down very hard. To take this journey - literally and figuratively  - to the other side (Adelaide to Darwin … south to north of Australia) with Mercy, is everything one imagines it could be and more. 

‘Flicking on the indicator to turn right felt portentous, loaded. It felt as though she was signalling not just her intention to turn the vehicle, but admitting she was slicing open the future of her whole life. A future she had never considered.’

There are many themes that are present in this tale. Right at the forefront is panic attacks and anxiety. Then there is grief … for people, for the past and even the present. There is the theme of relationships … those just forming and those that have gone past their expiry date. Kim shines a light on the role of the media/social media in casting opinions and sensationalising issues with little consideration to those directly impacted. Then there is the theme of self esteem, evolvement and discovery. Gosh! I could go on and on! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

‘… she could find somewhere in that great in-between, that place of nuance and clarity and balance. That place where she could do her best, do what she needed to do, and not let the fear of pain and hurt, all the infinite what ifs, crowd her mind until she could do nothing…’

Now let’s talk about my little lockdown heart (which can’t venture 5km from home in any direction!) was totally immersed in the Australian Outback journey and I wish to thank Kim from the bottom of my wanderlust heart for the incredible picture painted with words of this special location. What a backdrop for this tale. I will be one of those intrepid nomads as soon as allowed and probably a Grey Nomad by the time I get there. So for now I basked in hitching my figurative caravan along with all the other vehicles to set out and see more of this great country of Australia. 

‘Silence. It was a kind of unimaginable silence—no road noise, no humming radios or electronics, not even a dog barking. Stars stretched an infinite glinting banner. A slight breeze came up but it made no sound; there were no trees to catch it, make it whistle.’

Lastly, I acknowledge Kim for writing such a profound piece of literature that had me highlighting madly. It was true, authentic and relatable. Poured from her own nervous breakdown (no longer called such, but yes it is very much a breaking of sorts) she brings to life the tale of Mercy and there is much to relate to through both feelings and experiences. You will laugh, you will cry …. so go on! Lose yourself in these pages, cheer for Mercy, bask in a Red Centre sunset, share a wine with some amazing characters and make the journey to the other side, the beautiful other side.

‘For almost three thousand kilometres, this little van had carried her across the country, trying its best to get her to the other side … Mercy looked out the window. ‘Be here now,’ she said. Wherever you ARE.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Devil in Disguise

Title: Devil in Disguise

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Publisher: 27th July 2021 by Little, Brown Book Group UK Piatkus

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance, regency

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

An enthralling and steaming romance between a widowed lady and a Scot on the run—who may have connections to one of London's most noble families. 

Lady Merritt Sterling, a strong-willed young widow who’s running her late husband’s shipping company, knows London society is dying to catch her in a scandal. So far, she’s been too smart to provide them with one. But then she meets Keir MacRae, a rough-and-rugged Scottish whisky distiller, and all her sensible plans vanish like smoke. They couldn’t be more different, but their attraction is powerful, raw and irresistible.

From the moment Keir MacRae arrives in London, he has two goals. One: don’t fall in love with the dazzling Lady Merritt Sterling. Two: avoid being killed.

So far, neither of those is going well.

Keir doesn’t know why someone wants him dead until fate reveals his secret connection to one of England’s most powerful families. His world is thrown into upheaval, and the only one he trusts is Merritt. Their passion blazes with an intensity Merritt has never known before, making her long for the one thing she can’t have from Keir MacRae: forever. As danger draws closer, she’ll do whatever it takes to save the man she loves . . . even knowing he might be the devil in disguise.

My Thoughts

‘Just a reminder. The devil never tries to make people do the wrong thing by scaring them. He tempts them.” Merritt’s forced laugh came out as brittle as overcooked toffee. “Dear, are you claiming Mr. MacRae is the devil in disguise?”

Lisa Kleypas is an author synonymous with Historical Romance and she has a huge following. This book is part of a series (The Ravenels #7) but apart from a few cameo appearances from previous books, this can be read as a standalone. One goes into these Regency reads knowing full well what to expect, yet somehow, this one was not really hitting the mark for me.

My biggest problem was the insta-love and lack of solid plot. The main romance between Merritt and Keir was too much too soon, no build up and just lots of sex. When that is all you get … you kinda wish for some story outside of the bedroom. The story that was there was weak and predictable with the ending of the mystery rather anticlimactic. 

‘A life could change course in a few days. In an hour. A single moment. People could gain and lose the world.’

It is a light and easy read for that necessary brief, in between book one often seeks. I really quite liked Merritt and Keir and only wish that everything wasn’t so fast tracked. I like how they were both a bit older and Merritt is this strong, independent woman. Their chemistry was obviously great … I just wanted more. 

“Let me go with you,” she said earnestly. A faint smile tugged at one corner of her lips. “I’ll be the extra rib that protects your heart.” Keir pulled back abruptly. The motion sent a stab of pain through his ribs, and he swore. Rising to his feet, he sent her a glance of mingled torment and frustration. “You can’t, Merry.” The hint of a smile had vanished. “Because you doubt my abilities,” she said rather than asked. Keir shook his head. “Because you are my heart.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Threadneedle

 

Title: Threadneedle

Author: Cari Thomas

Publisher: 2nd June 2021 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 576 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: young adult, urban fantasy, witches, contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic. ‘Magic and love. Love and magic. They destroy everything in the end …’

Anna’s Aunt has always warned her of the dangers of magic. Its twists. Its knots. Its deadly consequences.

Now Anna counts down the days to the ceremony that will bind her magic forever.

Until she meets Effie and Attis.

They open her eyes to a London she never knew existed. A shop that sells memories. A secret library where the librarian feeds off words. A club where revellers lose themselves in a haze of spells.

But as she is swept deeper into this world, Anna begins to wonder if her Aunt was right all along.

Is her magic a gift … or a curse?

My Thoughts

Threadneedle is the first instalment of a new YA fantasy series. The idea of creating a fantasy in contemporary London was very clever. It is great for young readers to relate to as we follow teenager Anna who is being raised by her Aunt after the death of her parents. Her Aunt believes magic is a sin and should be denied or controlled, thus she is insisting Anna be ‘bound’ and become a trained Binder through magic stitchery (her magic is bound and no longer usable). 

‘Rules. They were the grid lines of her life. They gave things a framework for measurement, for meaning. In her head the grid lines began to rise up, criss-crossing, entangling, floating off into space - but what was left? A rootless, drifting world.’

It is a long book and can at times become slow but the ending is truly worth the journey. Although the first in a new series, there is an ending that is conclusive but with obvious room to grow. This is also most definitely a young adult book with teen dramas and behaviours. Yet a worthy coming of age tale through the exploration of magic -  how clever! 

The themes of this book can be best summarised by the author herself: ‘What drove me to write Threadneedle is just how relevant these questions still feel today (witches: powerful women who must be put back in their place) … tensions running throughout the book (include) - repression, rumour, gossip, fear - but at its heart: feminine power and sisterhood.’

‘All of us. Witches. Women. Souls who question the way things are - free-thinkers, deep-thinkers, the cows who hoped to jump over the moon. All are at risk. Especially the cursed.'  

I believe this is to be a great YA read - beyond the whole teenager angst and schoolyard pranks - there is room through Cari’s good writing to sympathise with Anna who does not agree with her Aunt and wishes for a different future. There are a range of strong characters and some, like Effie and Attis, play pivotal roles.

I enjoyed this book with an ending I found most compelling. Young people will gain much from Anna’s journey to discovery - about her family, her magic and ultimately, herself. 

‘Why would you want to be like other people? I hate other people. We belong to legend, to fairy tale and storybook … Witches, sorceresses and enchantresses … fairy godmothers or wizened hags in the dark of the woods. Sacred. Sinners. Wonders. Wicked. Virgins. Whores. Call us what you will. It's our duty to bring magic into this world.'

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Harbinger Series

 

Title: The Harbinger Series

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: young adult, fantasy, romance

Book 1: Storm and Fury

Pages: 519

Publisher: June 2019 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin)

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

My Thoughts

“Rise up … for what  has begun a millennium ago is now at the door. The Harbinger has arrived.” His voice deepened, booming like thunder, and the words he spoke sent a cold chill straight to my core. “The end is upon us. Stop it, or all mankind is lost.”

This is the first book in a series spinoff from the Dark Element, however, I don’t believe you need to read it to enjoy this tale. This book was packed full of action, romance, sass, and steam.

The beginning was slow, then it would pick up, then slow down again. So a little uneven pacing and drawn out at times. However, JLA's writing by the end was captivating with intense action fight scenes. If you enjoyed Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters series this is sure to please you with similar aspects.

Gargoyles, angels, demons, and witches. A cast of stellar characters, solid world building, and steamy romance. What more could you want from a young adult fantasy?

‘I summoned the sword and felt it respond, hot and heavy in my grasp. I was nothing more than storm and fury as I stepped forward.’

Book 2: Rage and Ruin

Pages: 503

Publisher: June 2020 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin)

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

My Thoughts

Rage and Ruin picks up right where Storm and Fury finished. Trinity is dealing with the aftermath of the book one ending and the plot gets more involved.  The mystery evolves and murders occur, what does it mean that Trinity is a True Born? 

JLA’s writing has loads of fun banter and contemporary references eg. Game of Thrones. I did find, however, Trinity to become somewhat annoying. Yes, this is YA but she is 18 not 8. JLA even describes her as ‘selfish, petty and not a great friend’. The greater part of this book focuses on emotions and relationships and I was missing more of the bigger picture action to progress the story. The ending, however, is a quintessential cliffhanger. Beware! You will be reaching for book three immediately. 

If you love JLA and are a fan of YA paranormal/urban fantasy this series is for you: kick-ass heroines, swoony heroes, sassy humour, action and plot twists to keep you turning the pages.

‘All that rage … (He) sighed as if it pleasured him. “It will be your ruin”.

Book 3: Grace and Glory

Pages: 494

Publisher: 7th July 2020 by HQ Young Adult Australia (Harlequin) 

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.

My Thoughts

Grace and Glory is the final novel in The Harbinger trilogy. It picks up immediately after the events of Rage and Ruin with all the characters returning. Overall, this was a solid conclusion to the trilogy, maybe not as compelling as I had hoped, but still so much for YA readers to love. All the  paranormal elements of angels and demons with stories revolving around heaven and hell were present. 

This book is full of JLA’s signature sass, romance, and battle scenes. I wanted more from this book in terms of the overall harbinger ending which is the main reason why I didn't rate it higher. To me, it didn’t feel like enough happened plot-wise until the end of the book. However, JLA is a great YA storyteller  (if somewhat cheesy at times) with a good combination of action and drama, fun and romance angst.

The Harbinger trilogy is an easy entertaining read (especially in this world of lockdown). Overall, a satisfactory finale to this paranormal series - a must read for YA readers who enjoy stories about angels, demons and supernatural references.

‘What is inside you is the gift. It is both grace and Glory, a power that is beyond what your mind can comprehend and yet a power owned by you. Use it to strike through the heart encased in chaos.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.