From the opening pages, I should have known that the fleeting tranquility wouldn’t last—because where would the excitement be in that? The calm quickly gives way to a tempest of battle, treachery, and survival. Once again, the weather itself feels like a living, breathing character—cold, wet, and relentless. You can practically feel the dampness in…
Historical Fiction
Ashes of Rebellion by Michael Jecks | Book Review
Having read book one of the series but not books two and three, I did find myself missing a bit of context going into Ashes of Rebellion. There’s little in the way of recap, which makes it harder for newer or lapsed readers to fully connect with some of the characters. Because of this, most…
Eagle and the Flame by Adam Lofthouse | Book Review
Eagle and the Flame by Adam Lofthouse is a fascinating reimagining of Roman Britain during the late 360s. This is a world defined by shifting power—Roman forts abandoned, soldiers left unpaid and disillusioned, and tribes across Hadrian’s Wall watching keenly as the reach of Rome begins to weaken. While history tells us the true end…
Warriors of Iron by M J Porter | Book Review
MJ Porter continues to amaze me with her ability to blend breathtaking battle scenes with rich, character-driven storytelling. While the clash of warriors is fierce, the true heart of Warriors of Iron lies in its characters and their relentless journeys. Meddi the Seeress is tireless in her search for Elen, and we learn more about…
The Curse That Binds Us by Katie Hayoz | Book Review
The Curse That Binds Us had a lot of potential with its unique blend of historical and contemporary fantasy and a plot that definitely knows how to grip you, especially in the final stretch. The last 30% of the book was an absolute page-turner—I was hooked, needing to know how everything would unfold. The central…
Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict | Book Review
This offers a compelling portrait of Rosalind Franklin, a woman whose work was essential to one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 20th century. The story takes readers from postwar Paris, where Franklin finds unexpected professional support, to her complicated return to England, where she becomes immersed in the race to unlock the secrets…
The House at River’s Edge by Rachel Burton | Book Review
A deeply moving historical narrative, this book intertwines the lives of two generations—one navigating the idyllic yet shifting world of 1914, and another uncovering its secrets from the lens of 1997. Initially, I found the story a bit challenging to follow due to its large cast and shifting timelines, but once the threads began to…
Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks | Book Review
In the opening novel of his Hundred Years’ War trilogy, Michael Jecks masterfully brings the common soldiers of Edward III’s army to life, crafting a richly detailed, immersive story that lingers long after the final page. Fields of Glory follows Berenger Fripper and his vintaine of twenty archers from their landing near Cherbourg through the…
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May | Book Review
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May is a captivating and emotionally driven World War II novel that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary courage of ordinary women. The story follows Serenity (Wren) Ashworth as she answers the call to serve her country in a covert resistance unit, and her journey from grief to quiet…
Tough Times on Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane | Book Review
Even without reading the earlier books in the series, I found The Close to be a richly woven, emotional story that swept me into the lives of its characters from the very first page. Set during the hardships of wartime, this book beautifully captures the daily struggles of ordinary people—especially the women—trying to protect their…
