#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Uprooted by Naomi Novik #fantasy

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

My book group chose Uprooted by Naomi Novik as the January read and I’m so happy they did!

Blurb

Agnieszka loves her village, set deep in a peaceful valley. But the nearby enchanted forest casts a shadow over her home. Many have been lost to the Wood and none return unchanged. The villagers depend on an ageless wizard, the Dragon, to protect them from the forest’s dark magic. However, his help comes at a terrible price. One young village woman must serve him for ten years, leaving all they value behind.

Agnieszka fears her dearest friend Kasia will be picked at the next choosing, for she’s everything Agnieszka is not – beautiful, graceful and brave. Yet when the Dragon comes, it’s not Kasia he takes.

My review

Wow! Wow! Wow!

I loved this book from the very first page and didn’t want it to end. It’s the first book I’ve read by Namoi Novik and she is definitely an author I will be looking to read more of. As I stated above this was a book group choice and we had the biggest turnout ever for it (about 20 of us). Some loved it like me, some had a few issues but they all seemed to have enjoyed it.

Uprooted is a very easy read, the type of book you can devour in a day given the opportunity. I tried to stretch out the reading to savour it, but there were very few breaks in scenes so once I started reading, the book has its hooks in me and refused to let go.

This is a standalone novel, and I felt it worked perfectly as one. The title works on several levels and I love the simple, but brilliant cover design.

The magic was beautifully imagined; it was the star of the book for me. The woods were genuinely creepy and their menace was felt throughout the story.

The only downside for me was that I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters. I liked them, rooted for them, but was not immersed in the characters as much as I was their story.

A few times I felt Agnieszka was a little too naïve. She also discovered the means to defeat the enemy too easily. Her magic’s instinctive yes, but sometimes it felt a little too convenient.

This doesn’t detract from a masterful story. I will be recommending this book to everyone and can’t wait to read it again.

5 epic stars

Have you read it, and if so what did you think?

***

A question for readers and writers:

This is the second book I’ve read this year that uses very few scene breaks. The action flows along so smoothly and without pause that even if you want to stop reading you can’t. I always thought shorter scenes with cliff hanger endings were the best way to hook your reader and keep them engaged. But those breaks do give the reader a chance to put the book down.

I want to know what you think about the two different techniques. What do you apply to your writing? And readers, which type of books do you prefer?

#Tuesdaybookblog Kill Me Again by Rachel Abbott #Thriller #audio #bookreview

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Kill Me Again by Rachel Abbott

Narrated by Lisa Coleman

When your life is a lie, who can you trust?

When Maggie Taylor accepts a new job in Manchester, she is sure it is the right move for her family. The children have settled well although her husband, Duncan, doesn’t appear to be so convinced.

But nothing prepares her for the shock of coming home from work one night to find that Duncan has disappeared, leaving their young children alone. His phone is dead, and she has no idea where he has gone, or why. And then she discovers she’s not the only one looking for him.

When a woman who looks just like Maggie is brutally murdered and DCI Tom Douglas is brought in to investigate, Maggie realises how little she knows about Duncan’s past. Is he the man she loves? Who is he running from?

She doesn’t have long to decide whether to trust him or betray him. Because one thing has been made clear to Maggie – another woman will die soon, and it might be her.

My Review

Well first off I didn’t even realise this was book 5 in the DCI Tom Douglas series until I went to review it on Goodreads. There is no hint of this fact on Amazon UK, but it really didn’t matter to the reading experience, which was excellent. It shows great skill on the writers part that you can pick up her books and read them as standalones, although I do prefer to read books in order.

The premise of Kill Me Again had me intrigued, the story was engaging, the twists were unexpected and I really couldn’t stop listening to it.

There were one or two moments when I found it hard to agree with Maggie’s actions and I would’ve gone to the police sooner rather than risk my children, but overall the story worked.

The ending took me by surprise and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. I’m looking forward to reading the previous books in the series, starting in order this time.

My rating 5 stars.

#Tuesdaybookblog #bookreview A Wedding in Cornwall – Laura Briggs @paperdollwrites #romance

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs

Novella – 92 pages

Romance.

Disclaimer – I won a copy of this book in Rachel’s Random Reads competition back in the summer.

It’s the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can’t believe it’s hers: a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm’s senior planner back in the States hadn’t fallen suddenly sick with the chicken pox, Julianne would never have found herself chosen for a life in one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties, surrounded by rugged shores, quaint cottages, elegant gardens and a house to die for.

But life in Cornwall isn’t exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a resentful, petted snob, the groom is immature and bored, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House has a difficult time believing that an event planner from a mid-level position can handle a wedding this big. And then there’s a personal matter — the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have a strangely complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid plotting to have Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?

My Review

This was a sweet little novella that I would’ve easily devoured it in one sitting if life didn’t get in the way.

The author admits from that start that she’s never been to Cornwall and this did fill me with apprehension, but I need not have worried. There were one or two details that might leap out at people who know the area well, but for me I was transported to Cornwall. I especially liked the visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is a family favourite of ours.

The lead character, Julianne, was likeable and her story flowed from scene to scene. There were no chapters, which I found unusual but it helped keep me involved in the story and I didn’t want to stop reading. I also really liked the love interest in the story, Matt.

With Julianne’s job being an events planner, there were lots of little details like the types of flowers in the displays and food being served, touches I really enjoyed.

The story built up to a satisfactory conclusion and I’ve just seen there is a sequel – A Christmas in Cornwall – perfect for this time of year.

I recommend A Wedding in Cornwall to those who enjoy a light romance story and who like a quick read.

Rating 4 stars.

Check out the book on Amazon UK or Amazon US

#Tuesdaybookblog #bookreview The Sorcerer’s Garden @Dwallacepeach #RBRT #Fantasy

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Sorcerer’s Garden by D Wallace Peach

Genre – Fantasy

Blurb

Recently fired and residing with her sweetly overbearing mother, Madlyn needs a job—bad. In a moment of desperation, she accepts a part-time position reading at the bedside of adventurer and amateur writer Cody Lofton. A near-drowning accident left the young man in a vegetative state, and his chances of recovery wane with each passing day.

Cody’s older brother, Dustin, and eccentric grandmother aren’t prepared to give up on the youngest son of Portland, Oregon’s royalty.

Dustin’s a personable guy, bordering on naïve, and overwhelmed by familial corporate duties and cutthroat partners. Grandmother Lillian’s a meddler with an eye for the esoteric, dabbling in Dustin’s life and dealing out wisdom like a card shark. One innocent conversation at a time, she sucks Madlyn into the Lofton story, dubbing her the princess and bestowing on her the responsibility of both grandsons’ destinies.

And all Madlyn wanted was a simple reading job.

Uninspired by her self-imposed stack of literary selections, Madlyn opts for Cody’s work-in-progress. Fantasy isn’t her favorite, but with only four chapters completed, reading The Sorcerer’s Garden should be no sweat, right?

Little does she realize, the story will begin writing itself and, by the hand of destiny, become her own.

***

My Review

Wow, this was a breath-taking adventure that barely stood still.

I was intrigued by the title and the blurb really stood out for me, anything to do with writing and writers and I’m sold! As I started reading, possibilities whirled through my mind…

The start of the story felt a little over the top in the action sense. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but then I realised this was the start of Cody’s story – his tale of slaying the dragon with his brother. I thought this was very cleverly done by the author. This larger than life action helped to distinguish between Madlyn’s real world and Cody’s work in progress. However, as the story developed everything becomes more complicated for Madalyn and soon the two worlds are colliding and you have no idea what is real and what is part of the world within Cody’s story. I was as confused as Madlyn, but that wasn’t an issue, it made the reading experience more exciting. The only complaint I have is that the action was so full on and constant, sometimes I just needed a breather.

I liked Madlyn, but I really liked the two brothers, Cody and Dustin, and their mysterious grandmother, Lillian.

I loved the end. Everything came together and not as I was expecting it too. I was very happy with the conclusion, and the fact this was a standalone novel. But there could easily be more to this story and these characters.

My final thought – The author showed great skill weaving this tale. It was a very enjoyable read, if not a little exhausting!

I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and loves a story with relentless pace.

4 stars

Check the book for yourself on Goodreads.

Update – 15/12/16 I reviewed this book as part of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team.

#Tuesdaybookblog Book Tag: The Coffee book tag!

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Here’s a great book tag challenge for you to have a go at. I must try it out soon, but in the meantime check out Sissy Lu’s take on the challenge. My book features in her list so I’m feeling rather chuffed!

***

So, I went out and I search for a book tag to do because I was bored and making myself some tea because I’ve already had my cut off amount of coffee for the day [Ugh, it’s sad I have to…

Source: Book Tag: The Coffee book tag!

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas #Romance

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

As promised on my Fridaybookshare post, here’s my review of Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas.

Genre – Romance

Blurb

Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it’s time to put down roots of her own.

Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn’t know a thing about wine – beyond what’s on offer at the local supermarket.

There’s plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy’s new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there’s her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets.

But Emmy will soon realise that in life – just as in wine-making – the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there’s romance in the air…

My Review

First thoughts

This is the first (and only) book I’ve won in a Goodreads competition. I was sent a Marketing Proof by the publishers. Although sadly it doesn’t have this cover, I was still really pleased to be a winner.

Summary

This is a perfect story for escapism. I’m sure in the middle of November, we’re all dreaming of heading off to hot and sunny France. I’d love to visit the vineyards, it all sounds so idyllic.

Main character

I really like Emmy. She’s a genuinely nice person who wants to help everyone and puts their best interests above her own. This has meant she’s put her entire life on hold to look after her dad and younger sister. Her need to look out for others gets her into some very sticky situations.

I did find Emmy’s self doubt a little over the top, but it was completely believable. At times I could have shaken some sense into her and by the end it was gratifying to see her development.

Writing style

It’s mainly told in first person, present tense from Emmy’s perspective. This style really helps to connect with Emmy and understand her thought processes. The situations she gets herself in become more plausible as well.

Issues

I found a part of the prologue annoying and improbable. If someone is telling you to get out their house or they’ll call the police, you don’t suggest a cup of tea (not when your a stranger and a debt collector at that!). It is a sort of comic moment, but it just stopped me believing in the story – thank goodness I carried on reading!

My only other issue would be the amount of simple errors that were present in this copy. As I received a marketing copy, I assume these have been spotted by a proof reader.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book much, much more than I was expecting! I now have a new appreciation for wine, and desperately want to go and visit France. This book created a special feeling about the vineyards and the host of characters Emmy meets. I especially liked Madame Beaumont and her old horse, Henri. It’s a story that stays will you and I will miss reading it. I will definitely read more of Jo Thomas’ books when I want that feel good factor.

Rating 4.5 Stars

Recommend to: Romance readers who like to discover something a little different and want to be transported into another country.

#Audio #bookreview The Teacher by Katerina Diamond #thriller #tuedaybookblog

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Teacher

Katerina Diamond

Narrator Stevie Lacey

Blurb

You think you know who to trust? You think you know the difference between good and evil? You’re wrong…

The body of the head teacher of an exclusive Devon school is found hanging from the rafters in the assembly hall.

Hours earlier he’d received a package, and only he could understand the silent message it conveyed. It meant the end.

As Exeter suffers a rising count of gruesome deaths, troubled DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles must solve the case and make their city safe again.

But as they’re drawn into a network of corruption, lies and exploitation, every step brings them closer to grim secrets hidden at the heart of their community.

And once they learn what’s motivating this killer, will they truly want to stop him?

SMART. GRIPPING. GRUESOME.

This is a psychological crime thriller in a class of its own.

WARNING: Most definitely not for the faint-hearted!

My review

I found this book slow to start. There were quite a few characters introduced in the first few chapters and I was a little underwhelmed and lost.

But several chapters in, I really started to get taken in by the unfolding story. I enjoyed the flashbacks and the slow revealing of each characters’ story. It’s unusual for a detective story to have so many other characters VP’s rather than just the detective and the murderer. I found this refreshing and it helped keep my interest through the book.

The horrific murders really made me cringe, but I wouldn’t say it wasn’t for the faint-hearted as the blurb suggests.

In all, it was a good listen and an enjoyable story. I recommend to those who enjoy thrillers and detective stories.

Rating – 3.5 stars

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview #DistressSignals Catherine Ryan Howard #Thriller

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Distress Signals

Catherine Ryan Howard

Thriller, mystery

Blurb

Did she leave, or was she taken?

The day Adam Dunne’s girlfriend, Sarah, fails to return from a Barcelona business trip, his perfect life begins to fall apart. Days later, the arrival of her passport and a note that reads ‘I’m sorry – S’ sets off real alarm bells. He vows to do whatever it takes to find her.

Adam is puzzled when he connects Sarah to a cruise ship called the Celebrate – and to a woman, Estelle, who disappeared from the same ship in eerily similar circumstances almost exactly a year before. To get the answers, Adam must confront some difficult truths about his relationship with Sarah. He must do things of which he never thought himself capable. And he must try to outwit a predator who seems to have found the perfect hunting ground…

First thoughts

From the very first line, I was drawn in. It was a breath-taking start, literally. I felt myself struggling to breathe as I read it.

Writing style

The book had the unconventional style of having no chapter numbers. Each section/ chapter was from a particular viewpoint character’s perspective and either from their past or present. There was never any confusion of where I was in the story, and this style made for a page-turning thriller.

Issues

It’s hard to find faults with this book. Some of the scenes were quite an uncomfortable read, I sort of knew where they were going but was dreading the outcome. That is in no way a criticism, but a compliment to the writer’s skill.

Final thoughts

I read this book in a matter of days, unable to think of anything else. There were shocks and twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I loved how the breath-taking beginning formed part of the climactic scenes towards the end. This book has everything I want from a thriller, and more.

It is a definite candidate for that book hangover feeling. I haven’t managed to pick up another fiction book since finishing it.

Recommend to

I recommend to thriller lovers and those who love a mystery to unravel.

My rating

A very worthy 5 stars.

***

I’ve been wanting to read Distress Signals ever since Catherine agreed to do a guest post on my blog during the book’s release. Check out her post here on why she chose traditional publishing over self-publishing.

Distress Signals has been shortlisted for Crime Novel of the Year in the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards! Vote for your favourite reads of 2016 here.

It’s currently only 98p on Amazon UK. Well worth reading.

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Rise of the Sparrows – Sarina Langer #fantasy

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Title – Rise of the Sparrows Book 1 of the Relics of Ar’zac

Author – Sarina Langer

Genre – YA Fantasy

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First thoughts

I was really pleased to have won a paperback copy of this book during its blog tour back in May. I’d already bought the book on kindle, but it was great to be able to read the paperback. I think the cover’s great and I was pulled in by the blurb.

Blurb

Growing up homeless and orphaned in a town that hates her, Rachael must assassinate the king of Rifarne to become queen to a people who once wanted her dead. Rifarne is a country opposed to magic. When its people demand harsh action, King Aeric sees himself with no other choice but to outlaw those with the gift. Rachael, who possesses the rare gift of a Seer, soon finds herself with visions of her own violent death. When her escape goes wrong and she ends up in the clutches of a vicious Mist Woman lusting for her blood, she finds she is the only person who can stop the war against people like her – and assassinating the king to take his throne may well be the only way to do just that.

My summary

This is a really great start to a new fantasy series. I like how the background is slowly built up with regards to the history of the people / magic and the prophecy surrounding Rachel. Not everything is revealed in book 1 which makes you want to read on and discover what mysteries are surrounding the Ar’zac.

Characters

The main character is Rachel. I liked Rachel and her attitude to self-preservation, although her continued mistrust of everyone did get to me. But she is an orphan from the streets and I could fully relate to her not willing to trust a single person after the harsh reality of her every day existence. Maybe it’s because I liked Cale (the leader of the Sparrows) from the moment he first showed up and wanted Rachel to put her trust in him more quickly.

Writing style / Viewpoints

There are several viewpoint characters, which were handled with skill. It helped drive the story forward at the right moments and made me able to care more for the other characters. At times I thought the readers were drawn into the characters thoughts a little too much though, especially towards the end when I was desperate to see the story reach its climax through the action without being slowed down by introspect.

Final thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written, easy read with a page-turning storyline.

I look forward to reading more of Rachel and Cale’s story and seeing what the future throws at them. The end of the epilogue certainly leaves me wanting to pick up the next book.

Recommend to

YA fantasy and fantasy fans in general

Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Check out the book for yourself Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Spark and Carousel by Joanne Hall #fantasy

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Spark and Carousel by Joanne Hall

Genre – Fantasy

Note – I won this paperbook a few months ago on twitter during BrizzleLass’ blogiversary giveaway. I’m so pleased I won and found a new author to follow.

First thoughts:

It is a beautiful book to read with its smooth cover and soft creamy pages. It’s heavy for just under 400 pages and I loved reading it in this form rather than ebook. I don’t like the cover art very much because you can’t get a feel for the characters, but the darkness suits the story and there is a hint of the demons that will soon be unleashed on the city of Cape Carey.

The inclusion of demons in a fantasy was something I haven’t seen much, so this really drew me into the story.

Summary:

Spark is a young mage who is untrained and out of his depths, trying to escape his past after the mercy killing of his dying master. He has great power, but because his master was sick, has no training or understanding of how to use his gift. Watch out Cape Carey, and whatever you do, don’t make Spark angry…

Incidentally, Spark is his nickname which he isn’t given until page 83. I did find this a little annoying, but understand it can’t be helped. It’s just in the beginning you are introduced to quite a few characters and it is not immediately clear which one is the main character.

Characters:

One of my favourite characters is Lord Carey’s daughter, Allorise. She is a nasty piece of work and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

All the characters are well drawn and believable.

Issues:

I liked the characters I was supposed to like and hated the ones I was supposed to hate but I didn’t feel any great personal attachment to any of them. This is a shame, as caring for the characters is what makes a book great and truly memorable.

The other issue I found with the book was its description of sex. I don’t feel the level of detail added anything to the story.

Final thoughts:

Spark and Carousel was a real page turner and I had a lot of late nights when I just couldn’t stop reading. I will be looking out for more of Joanne Hall’s books.

Recommend to:

All fantasy fans, especially those who are not phased by graphic sex and death scenes.

Rating:

4 stars (if I had found more of a connection with the characters, it would have been a 5).

Blurb

Spark is a wanted man. On the run after causing the death of his mentor and wild with untamed magic, he arrives in Cape Carey where his latent talents make him the target of rival gangs. It is there that Carousel, a wire-walker and thief, takes him under her wing to guide him through the intrigues of the criminal underworld. But when Spark’s magic cracks the world and releases demons from the hells beneath, two mages of his former order make it their mission to prevent his magic from spiralling out of control. They must find him before he falls into the clutches of those who would exploit his raw talent for their own gain, forcing Spark to confront a power he is not ready to handle. Meanwhile, a wealthy debutante learning magic in secret has her own plans for Spark and Carousel. But the sudden arrival of the mages throws her carefully laid plans into disarray and she unleashes a terrible evil onto the streets of the unsuspecting city—an evil only Spark’s magic can control. Everyone wants a piece of Spark, but all Spark wants is to rid himself of his talents forever.

Check it out on Amazon and Goodreads.