Release Date: 16/11/17
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
After the disappointments of Li Heng, Dancer and Kellanved wash up on a small insignificant island named Malaz. Immediately, of course, Kellanved plans to take it over. To do so they join forces with a small band of Napans who have fled a civil war on their own home island. The plan, however, soon goes awry as Kellanved develops a strange and dangerous fascination for a mysterious ancient structure found on the island.
The chaos in the region extends to the metaphysical planes also as a young priest of D'rek starts to question the rot at the heart of the worship of the god of decay. And back in Li Heng, Dassem, now the proclaimed Sword of Hood, finds himself being blamed for a plague which leads him to a crisis of faith - and searching for answers.
During all this, war with the neighbouring island of Nap threatens, recruited allies wonder at Kellanved’s sanity, and powerful entities take more of an interest in the little mage from Dal Hon. Dancer faces a hard choice: should he give up on his partnership? Especially when the fellow’s obsession with shadows and ancient artefacts brings the both of them alarmingly close to death and destruction.
After all, who in his right mind would actually wish to enter an Elder mystery known to everyone as the 'Deadhouse'?
REVIEW:
I love returning to the world of the Malazan and whilst its Steven Erikson that is mainly known for his Decad into the world, his co-creator, Ian also manages to bring the same complexities into his work that delivers pre-Book of the Fallen histories to life.
The characters are top notch, the world wonderfully diverse and complex and all round the reader is delivered a book that is not only richly complex but one of action as well as intrigue that should be used as a blueprint to writing fantasy.
Add to this a tale that really doesn't let up, delivers some wonderful twists and all round give the reader a story that will not only engross them but have them salavating for more. Cracking.
Release Date: 05/08/17
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
77AD. Gaius Valerius Verrens is an honoured member of Emperor Vespasian’s inner circle, but the enmity between him and Vespasian’s son Domitian means that, even in Rome, danger is never far away. Meanwhile, in the outer reaches of the Empire, in Britannia, trouble is brewing.
The governor, Gnaeus Julius Agricola is preparing to march his legions north and Valerius is Agricola’s chief legal adviser and deputy governor. It's the opportunity he seeks to move his wife and son out of reach of Domitian’s wrath. But Britannia is where Valerius cut his military teeth and whetted his sword - and he will soon discover that the ghosts of his past are never far away and are more dangerous perhaps than Domitian.
The massacre of a Roman garrison and suspicious death of the legate of the Ninth Legion throw Agricola’s preparations into confusion. Now his eyes turn west to Mona, the Druids Isle, where the Celtic priesthood still harbours hopes of ridding Britannia of Roman rule. But to deal with the druids and their savage Ordovice protectors Agricola needs a soldier he can trust at the head of the ‘unlucky’ Ninth. Only one man in the province has the experience and the ability . . .
So a reluctant Valerius must put aside his scrolls and pick up his sword once more and march beside the eagle of the Ninth. It’s only as he stands on the shoreline opposite Mona that he understands any glory his new legion wins is likely to be fleeting and tainted - and that he has placed his family in deadly peril.
REVIEW:
I love spending time with historical figures and for me, whilst I can often be found throughout the pages of history, I tend to most often be found during the roman period with authors like Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, Anthony Riches and of course Douglas Jackson
So it'll come as no surprise that with this latest outing (Gaius's Eighth) that I am once again back in the glorious days of Rome. His books all have solid plot, top notch dialogue and a good amount of twists but for me, its his characters that have me returning time and again. I love the way that even supporting cast have a history and our main character continues to change and develop as the events he is subject to mold and shape him. A truly cracking read and if you haven't started this series yet please go back and start from the first as otherwise you'll be missing a real treat.
Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Before the Malazan Empire, there was a time that set the stage for all those tales yet to be told . . .
The winter is bitter. Civil war threatens Kurald Galain for the warrior Urusander’s army has begun its march on the city of Kharkanas. Led by the ruthless Hunn Raal, it intends to cast aside Mother Dark’s consort, Draconus, and set Urusander himself on the throne beside the Living Goddess. Those who would stand in the way of the rebels lie scattered and weakened – leaderless since Anomander went in search of an estranged brother. In his stead, Silchas Ruin resolves to gather the Houseblades of the Highborn families to him, and to resurrect the legendary Hust Legion, but time is not on his side.
Far to the west, an unlikely army musters. It seeks an enemy without form, in a place none can find. And yet Hood’s call has been heard and the long-abandoned city of Omtose Phellack is now home to a rabble of new arrivals: Dog-Runners from the south, Jheck warriors, and blue-skinned strangers from across the Western Sea have come to offer Hood their swords. From the distant mountains and isolated valleys of the North, Thel Akai arrive to pledge themselves in this seemingly impossible war. Soon, they will set forth with weapons drawn under the banners of the living in pursuit of Death itself.
Such events presage chaos, and now magic bleeds into this realm. Unconstrained, mysterious and savage, it begins to run loose and wild and following its scent, seeking the places of wounding and hurt – new and ancient entities gather.
In a world becoming rotten with sorcery, can honour truly exist?
REVIEW:
I've been a fan of Stevens since I read the original Malazan title and with each subsequent book I knew that I was onto something truly wonderful as the characters were not only vibrant but the storyline had wonderfully woven twists, beautifully create prose and of course was so full of colour alongside characters you cared about that it was perhaps one of favourite series of all time.
I love complicated aspects in some fantasy and when its done well it really does give the reader something that they can not only get thier teeth into but generates a hell of a lot of thought as we all try to work out what events will transpire as well as seeing how certain things have been revealed due to the previous books.
However I have to say that whilst I love the fact that Steven has returned to the complex world, I feel that this book left me thinking what the hell for most of it. It was a real struggle to get through and whilst it does have a lot of work and detail within, its the delivery aspect that really has let me down as I feel it was more of a tell rather than show, almost using the book as a way to develop tension for future outings whilst just filling it with dialogue that serves more as a filler than anything else.
All round, not a favourite for me and whilst I will read the next part as I love the Malazan series I just hope it really makes up for this tale that I felt could have been heavily edited with a certain amount of chat slashed in order to let the reader see more than having them sit there praying for top notch action to kick in.
Release Date: 06/04/17
Publisher: Bantam
SYNOPSIS:
‘Composed of over sixty per cent water itself, a human body isn’t naturally buoyant. It will float only for as long as there is air in its lungs, before gradually sinking to the bottom as the air seeps out. If the water is very cold or deep, it will remain there, undergoing a slow, dark dissolution that can take years. But if the water is warm enough for bacteria to feed and multiply, then it will continue to decompose. Gases will build up in the intestines, increasing the body’s buoyancy until it floats again.
And the dead will literally rise . . . ‘
Once one of the country’s most respected forensics experts, Dr David Hunter is facing an uncertain professional – and personal – future. So when he gets a call from Essex police, he’s eager for the chance to assist them.
A badly decomposed body has been found in a desolate area of tidal mudflats and saltmarsh called the Backwaters. Under pressure to close the case, the police want Hunter to help with the recovery and identification.
It’s thought the remains are those of Leo Villiers, the son of a prominent businessman who vanished weeks ago. To complicate matters, it was rumoured that Villiers was having an affair with a local woman. And she too is missing.
But Hunter has his doubts about the identity. He knows the condition of the unrecognizable body could hide a multitude of sins. Then more remains are discovered – and these remote wetlands begin to give up their secrets . . .
With its eerie, claustrophobic sense of place, viscerally authentic detail and explosive heart-in-mouth moments, The Restless Dead offers a masterclass in crime fiction and marks the stunning return of one of the genre’s best.
REVIEW:
The latest book from Simon to feature Dr David Hunter and one that really tests not only his ability to deal with the crimes he's asked to help with but how he deals with things on a personal level when events spiral out of his control.
Its well written with the tale taking the reader on a journey not only of crime but of the heart. Add to this some great twists, an isolated community where no one wants to talk about events as well as families seeking answers all round makes this a book that was a pure joy to spend time with.
All round I did love this book however one of the key points within did leave me wondering if the author was a little outdated for the reasoning as I didn't think it was one worth killing for. However all round, I was more than happy with the authors writing as well as the way the tale was woven so I've overlooked that one niggle. Superb.
Release Date: 01/12/16
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Fighting in Sweden for an ambitious warlord, Sigurd Haraldarson and his small but loyal band of oathsworn warriors are winning fame and reputation. But Sigurd knows that to take on his hated enemy, the oath-breaker King Gorm - the man who betrayed his father, a man Sigurd has vowed to kill - he must earn riches enough to build an army.
Many believe Sigurd to be Óðin-favoured, but his exploits have drawn the eye of another god, too: Loki the Trickster, and when a daring assassination attempt goes wrong, Sigurd finds himself a prisoner of the powerful Jarl Guthrum. Bound like a slave, his luck having seemingly deserted him, Sigurd is taken to the sacred temple at Ubsola, a place where the blood of human sacrifice flows to appease the gods.
It is at Ubsola that Sigurd will face the sacrificial knife. And it is here that he will find a powerful relic, the great spear that was said to have once belonged to Óðin himself. With such a spear in his possession Sigurd might now assemble a host strong enough to challenge King Gorm and wreak the revenge he craves.
For, like Óðin, Sigurd will be the Wild Huntsman tearing through the sky on his fearsome steed, and the rage of his passing will be the sound of wings of the storm.
With Wings of the Storm, one of our finest young historical novelists brings his extraordinary Viking saga - an adventure to that is sure to satisfy any 'Game of Thrones' fan - to a triumphant close
REVIEW:
The final book in the Rise of Sigurd series and one, as usual with Giles, will grab you from the beginning and not let go until that final page is turned. The writing is crisp, the warfare brutal and bloody which when blended with Giles' own unique storytelling style, generates a book that is a triumph and for me, his best to date.
Back this up with great dialogue, norse mythology alongside some magical twists and all round you'll be in for a treat. If you know a fan of the viking and they haven't yet picked up this series, it is a great gift that they;ll devour this holiday season during the cold winter months. Magic.
Release Date: 19/05/16
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
It is the aftermath of civil war in the vast pageant of planets and stars known as The Spin. Three years since he crushed the rebellion, Viklun Haas, industrialist and leader of the Hegemony, is eliminating all remnants of the opposition. Starting with his own daughter.
But Fleare Haas, fighter for Society Otherwise has had a long time to plan her next move. Sprung from her remote monastery prison and reuniting with a team of loyal friends, Fleare’s journey will take her across The Spin to the cluster of fallen planets known as the The Catastrophe Curve - and from exile, to the very frontiers of war.
Meanwhile, in the brutal and despotic empire of The Fortunate, word is reaching viceroy Alameche of a most unusual piece of plunder from their latest invasion. For hundreds of millions of years, the bizarre planets and stars of The Spin itself have been the only testament to the god-like engineers that created it. Now, buried in the earth of a ruined planet, one of their machines has been found . . .
REVIEW:
This is a title that has taken me quite a while to get round to and then after reading, I had to take my time to get my thoughts together about it. Its not that its a book that I hated but there were elements that worked well and then the problem area's for me.
Firstly lets concentrate on the good. What Andrew does well is create a universe that feels not only realistic but one that you'd love to explore, the action sequences are well constructed and of course the prose works for the space opera title very well.
However for me the major problems I had with the book is principly to do with the characters. The support cast were littl emore than 2d stereotypes and the lead for me was a spoilt, arogant stuck up little princess who I absolutely hated and could find absolutely no common ground with to form a bond. OK, thats harsh but its a bugbear of mine. I need people I want to root for to stand beside as we travel the stars.
All round a book that whilst i saw potential was one that whilst I have made a note of the author to look at future series is not a place I wish to return to any time soon.
Release Date: 24/03/16
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
The emperor is dead…long live the emperor!
The fervent hope of the victorious rebels and the survivors of the uprising that liberated the City from tyranny is that the accession of Archange to the imperial throne will usher in a new era of freedom, peace and stability. If only that were so...
As the the City struggles to return to something resembling normal life after the devastation brought on by the rebellion, word arises of a massive army gathering to the north. No one knows where it has come from or who leads it, but it soon becomes apparent that its sole purpose is to destroy the City and annihilate all - man, woman and child - who live within its battered walls. And while warriors go forth to fight and die on the battlefield in defence of their homeland and all that they believe in, bitter family feuds and ancient rivalries, political and personal betrayals, and mindless murder surface within the palaces and corridors of power: it seems the City is under siege - from both without and within . . .
With this new novel, Stella Gemmell brings the astonishing story of the City to a spectacular climax and confirms her place as a master of the genre.
REVIEW:
Having thoroughly enjoyed The City, I’ve been waiting (Im)patiently for this release. After all I want to see how “The City” was affected after the events of the previous novel and in this, the second part of the duology, we get to see not only world development but also emotional alongside it.
Its well written, the prose is sharp and for me with the action sequences goes to show good solid storytelling with a masterful understanding of pacing. Back this up with good dialogue and all round I was a more than happy reader. Cracking.
Release Date: 13/08/15
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
1073 – under the merciless sun of the east, a dark force has risen - a Norman adventurer who could rival the feared King William for bloody ambition. He has conquered his land, he has built his fortress and he has amassed his army. And now he has taken Constantinople's ruler as his prisoner…
It falls to Hereward to rescue this precious captive. For this great English warrior-in-exile and his spear-brothers, it will mean mounting a raid that could prove the most dangerous and deadliest of their lives. Assisting them in their task will be an elite and legendary band of fighters, the Immortals – so-called because they believe they cannot die in battle. But it will not be enough - for enemies hide within the jewelled heart of Byzantium: vipers who spread their poison, who want to see the English dead at any cost and who are to transform a mission that was at best dangerous into an adventure that is now suicidal. . .
With this rousing adventure full of brutal sword play, treachery, camaraderie and honour, James Wilde continues his bestselling account of the action-packed life and times of England's great and now, thanks to his his fiction, perhaps not-so-forgotten hero - Hereward the Wake.
REVIEW:
Hereward is for me, the epitome of a superhero from old tales and here, in this carnation, he’s brought up to date by author James Wilde. As you’d expect there plenty of action sequences, good pace and of course prose that helps you see enough of the scene to get a picture without overly detailing it.
All round a cracking read and a series that I’ve had quite a bit of fun with especially when the author throws a few twists into the plot line alongside the odd piece of sleight of hand to keep it fresh.
Release Date: 27/08/15
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
70AD. Disgraced, dishonoured and banished into exile on pain of execution if he ever returns to Rome, the former military tribune Gaius Valerius Verrens makes his way East through the death and destruction of the savage Judaean rebellion. Valerius knows his only hope of long term survival and a restoration of his family’s fortunes lie with his friend Titus, commander of the Army of Judaea and son of the newly crowned Emperor Vespasian.
But when he reaches the ring of legionary camps around the seemingly impregnable city of Jerusalem he finds Titus a changed man. Gone is the cheerful young officer he knew, replaced by a tough, ruthless soldier under pressure from his father to end the insurrection at any cost. Soon, Valerius finds himself at the centre of a web of intrigue spun by Titus’s lover, Queen Berenice of Cilicia, and her sometime ally, the general’s turncoat adviser, Flavius Josephus, who have an ulterior motive for ending the siege quickly.
Yet the laurels that will regain his honour cannot be won in the negotiations in the murky tunnels beneath Jerusalem. Only amid the fire and blood of battle will he equal the glory that brought him the title Hero of Rome.
REVIEW:
Historical Fiction is always a pure pleasure for me. I love knowing the historical time reference around the title and whilst in books events can be changed to make for a better plot, overall the reader is given the chance to look into the past and see heroism at its highest form alongside courage, principles and politics within.
Douglas has always been an author to deliver on all accounts and when you dive into this, his latest title, you’re jumping into book 6 to feature Gaius Valerius Verrens. As with the previous you’re in for high octane action, love and of course a plotline that doesn’t let up from the start until the end. However what I will advise you is to read the other books in order first. You’ll get much more of a blast from it and lets face it when you need to break from the real world on the build up to Christmas, this could well be a lifesaver for you. (Or perhaps the ideal gifts to ask for.) Cracking.
Release Date: 07/05/15
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
In the seventh year of its war against France, England faces threats from abroad and at home, from above - and below. Buoyed by a series of military victories on land and at sea, French forces are gathering for their final push across the Channel. In Scotland, Jacobites loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie plot to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne. Beneath the bustling streets of London, a subterranean race prepares to rise. And in the realm known as the Otherwhere - home to dragons, demons and gods - civil war has erupted, causing a great and powerful weapon to be cast into the world. That weapon is a clock - a watch, to be precise, of a size to fit comfortably in a man's hand...a watch with a taste for blood - a mechanism that contains the doom of all that lives.
Daniel Quare, of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, was sent by his masters to find that deadly time- piece. But he was not alone in his pursuit: both the mysterious thief Grimalkin and the ruthless French spy and assassin Thomas Aylesford were on its trail. But with the help of Lord Wichcote - an aristocrat of many talents and more disguises - Quare succeeded in seizing the watch. But not for long: Aylesford took it from him - and with it, Quare's hand. And now the French spy is on his way back to his masters, Lord Wichcote lies gravely wounded and Daniel Quare has vanished . . . which would seem to mean that all hope for the world is lost...
REVIEW:
This is a book that’s taken me a while to sit down and review purely because it’s a title that can’t be rushed. There’s subtle nuances throughout and when you throw into the mix a whole heap of trouble alongside a solid pace, its quite easy to miss some of the details within.
As with Paul’s original novel in the series (The Emperor of All Things), the prose is cracking and when you throw into this Pauls action sequences alongside a story that can concentrate on what’s happening rather than giving the reader a lot of the background details (as happened in the original making it a slow starter) makes this a series that I’m pleased I stuck with. Thank you Paul.
Release Date: 18/06/15
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
February 2014: Police Capitaine Ines Picaut is called out to investigate a blaze in the old town of Orleans. This is the fourth in a series of increasingly brutal arson attacks, and at the centre of the conflagration lies a body. An Islamic extremist faction claims responsibility, but Ines and her team cannot trace its whereabouts, or any evidence of its existence. And a partly melted memory card found in the victim's throat is the only clue to his identity. September 1429: Joan of Arc is in the process of turning the tide of The Hundred Years' War. English troops have Orleans under siege, and Tomas Rustbeard, the Duke of Bedford's most accomplished agent, finally has her in his sights. But he knows that killing 'The Maid' - the apparently illiterate peasant girl who nonetheless has an unmatched sense of military strategy and can ride a warhorse in battle - is not enough. He must destroy the legend that has already grown around her. And to do that, he must get close enough to discover who she really is. More fires rage and the death toll mounts while Ines fights to discover what connects an expert in the analysis of war graves, the unquenchable ambitions of the Family which seeks to hold the city in its absolute power, and the discredited historical theories of her own late and much lamented father. When Tomas risks everything to infiltrate the hotly defended inner circle of the Saviour of France, he finally discovers a secret that will prove as explosive nearly six hundred years later as it would do if revealed in his own time. As each thread of Manda Scott's immaculately interwoven narrative unfolds, Ines and Tomas's quests become linked across the centuries. And in their pursuit of the truth, they find that love is as enduring as myth - but can lead to the greatest and most heart-breaking of sacrifices.
REVIEW:
Ah Manda Scott, an historical author who not only always finds a way to keep me glued but presents tales in a way that very few others seem to be able to do so. Here, within this book is a tale told from two points of view, the rich world of modern day Orleans with the time of Joan of Arc
Its definitely a richly woven story and when added to her cracking prose as well as characters you want to spend time around generates a book that really won’t let you go until the final page is turned.
Release Date: 01/01/15
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
"With Die Again Tess Gerritsen proves that she is still at the top of her game. I love this fantastically gripping story and can't wait for more". (Karin). SLAUGHTER THE VICTIMS - In Boston, Detective Jane Rizzoli and Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles are investigating a bizarre murder. A man has been found gutted and hanging in his home. When the remains of another victim are found, it is clear that this murderer has been at work for years, and not just in Boston. THE KILLER - Six years ago, a group of travellers set off on an African safari. None of them are seen again - apart from one woman who stumbled out of the bush weeks later, barely alive. The only woman to have seen the killer's face. THE SURVIVOR - Has the 'safari killer' resurfaced in Boston? Jane is sent to Africa to find the one link between the two cases - the only survivor - and convince her to face death once again...
REVIEW:
As a huge Rizzoli and Isles fan, I really couldn’t wait to see what would happen in their next adventure and whilst I wasn’t sure how the book would turn out with the current law suit in action against Warner Brothers, I shouldn’t have worried.
As usual with Tess the writing really speaks for itself. The prose is sharp, the action thick and when added to cracking dialogue it will more than fulfil most fans demands for their next outing. Back this up with some magical arc weaving all round made this a book that you really can’t miss. Great stuff.
Release Date: 06/05/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Between 1887 and 1895, the British art student Miles Vandercroft travelled around the world, sketching and painting the soldiers of the countries through which he passed. In this age of dramatic technological advancement, Vandercroft was fascinated by how the rise of steam technology at the start of the American Civil War had transformed warfare and the role of the fighting man. This volume collects all of Vandercroft's surviving paintings, along with his associated commentary on the specific military units he encountered. It is a unique pictorial guide to the last great era of bright and colourful uniforms, as well as an important historical study of the variety of steam-powered weaponry and equipment that abounded in the days before the Great War of the Worlds.
REVIEW:
Bart (El Barto) Simpson is the modern Roger the Dodger for the 21st Century that bring humour and mischief to the reader and something that is going to be a great gift for fans of the Simpon. It’s definitely fun, ha a great humour and when added to the likeable nature of the TV phenomenon give the reader a book that is a whole lot of fun.
All round I’d advise that this book is perhaps used as a stocking filler and for me is a book that I’ll have a whole heap of fun reading quite a few more times so I’m up to date on possible future nephew schemes. LOL
Release Date: 09/10/14
Publisher: Bantam
SYNOPSIS:
Run, run, girl. In the name of God, run. 1141. A mercenary watches from the icy reeds as a little girl with red hair is attacked by his own men. He is powerless to stop them. But a strange twist of fate brings them together again. Sheltering in a church, he finds the girl freezing cold, close to death, clutching a sliver of parchment. And now he is certain of what he must do. He will bring her back to life. He will train her to fight. And he will protect her from the man who calls himself a monk, who lost a piece of parchment he will do anything to get back ...An epic account of the brutal winter when Stephen and Matilda tore England apart in their battle for its crown - when atrocities were inflicted on the innocent, but bravery found a home in an old solider and a young girl.
REVIEW:
The final book by Arianna Franklin and one completed by her daughter Samantha to help bring the fans of her writing a final story that they’ve been clamouring for. Yet when you know that a book ha been completed by a family member you are left wondering if the ingredients that made you love the author originally would not only still be there but also left to peak for themselves.
Firstly I have to say a huge congratulation to Samantha for finishing her mother book. It not only works wonderfully well but also is pretty seamless from where she picked up. Add tot hi the cracking continuation of characters that we not only fell in love with but loved and all round it’s a resounding success.
At the end of the day, this book for me was definitely a triumph, I loved the way that the tale came across, I liked the way that he dialogue worked and with the solid prose I think that we could well see future instalments from Samantha. Thank you for that final experience with Ariana Bantam.
Release Date: 09/10/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Jacob Underwood is not like other people. He has Cotard's Syndrome. He believes he is dead. Which makes his job as a hired assassin neutralising 'problems' for DBG, a massive multinational corporation, very simple. He carries out the task - and feels nothing. Now DBG has such a problem. A key employee, Emily Buchanan, has disappeared, taking with her a fortune and priceless information which could destroy the company. Jacob must track her down. In previous assignments, he had worked with cold logical precision, but this time he has to confront a threat that he first must understand before it destroys him.
REVIEW:
Having read John’s work before I pretty much knew what I was getting into with him, a book that had not only a kickas plot but one that once grabbed wouldn’t let you go until the final page and to be honest that’s what I got.
Here within this brand new series we have a set of futuristic circumstances that when added to John’s unique writing style, really works wonderfully well as the high octane action rarely lets up and when it does, the plot throws another spanner into the works that many readers won’t see coming.
All round an absolutely cracking read and one that will appeal to quite a few Thriller reader alongside Sci-Fi fans looking for something a little different. Back this up with great pose and dialogue and I was a more than happy reader.
Release Date: 19/06/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
It's not easy being a Super Hero when you've got a steady job to hold down and girlfriend problems to deal with. Somehow, Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) manages to do it while regularly saving New York City from a rogues' gallery of super villains. In The World According to Spider-Man, the wisecracking hero spills the beans on how he balances his two lives and manages to keep his trademark sense of humour, even while he's tangling with Doc Ock or the Green Goblin. The book comes with a wealth of incredible inserts, including clippings from the Daily Bugle, snapshots taken by Spidey on his adventures, a letter from Oscorp, a note from Mary Jane Watson, a page from Uncle Ben's diary, schematics showing how the web-shooters work, and much, much more.
REVIEW:
Ah, the chance to spend time with Spidey is always time well spent and as a huge fan of the Marvel world anything that gives me chance to delve in there is an opportunity grabbed with both hands.
Here in this title, we get a fun book that is really aimed more at the young reader market with cracking pullouts and additional cards within that will give the reader a whole host of items to keep them glued. Its fun, it has some cracking asides and when it pokes a little bit of fun into the world of the superhero all round makes this a book that is a pure joy to read. In fact, with another couple of these titles coming out shortly, I’d definitely advise you to stash these to one side for stocking fillers. I know that I have and that I have nephews who will be really excited when they find them on Christmas morning.
Release Date: 19/06/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
In The World According to Wolverine, Marvel Comics' favourite stoic loner finally opens up on a range of topics that are close to his mutant heart. With helpful tips on everything from clawed combat to outdoor survival and dealing with the agony of adamantium implantation, this book will delight fans who want to learn how to be just like the grizzled hero. Also featuring Logan's ruminations on an extremely long and chequered life, his global travels, and the art of picking the perfect dive bar, The World According to Wolverine will offer unparalleled insight into one of the most fascinating and mysterious characters in the Marvel Comics universe. The book will also come with a number of removable items, including classified Weapon X paperwork, a report on Wolverine from Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Mutants, war memorabilia, beer mats from Wolverine's favourite bars, travel mementos, James Howlett's birth certificate, and much, much more.
REVIEW:
Excelsior my superhero reading readers, here is the second World According to book and one that not only grabbed my attention but brought my favourite Marvel hero to the fore. Here within this book, you get to hang out with Logan and have a whole host of fun as he brings his point of view to the readers.
Its definitely quirky, has some great pullouts and when added to the gruff bub attitude all round gives you something special. A great book for stocking fillers or even just for that Marvel fan of your life. Great stuff.
Release Date: 11/09/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
A beautifully illustrated collection of short stories by master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, featuring dragons, dinosaurs, cavemen and car races! Dragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthur's knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies. It's a disaster! Luckily, there's a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers. But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store... Fourteen fantastically funny stories from master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, full of time travel and tortoises, monsters and mayhem!
REVIEW:
Ah as a fan of Terry, I have found that some of his more recent books have lacked the sparkle that I’ve come to expect, yet this title for younger readers is one that enchanted me right from the beginning. It’s a quirky book full of wonderfully inventive stories tha when added to the Pratchett magic give the reader a novel that can be dipped into with a feeling of accomplishment at the conclusion of each of the books offerings.
As you’d expect the book has cracking wit, some wonderful twists and when added to pace that just keeps you moving on, makes this a title that I really will be adding to my nephew’s Christmas present as I know it’ll help generate some much appreciated quite whilst they devour the tales. Thank you Terry for this magical title.
Release Date: 28/08/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he's a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president. Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him. This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child's number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris - and then to London. The stakes have never been higher - because this time, it's personal.
REVIEW:
Lee Child is a guilty pleasure of mine and with this being the 19th novel in his Jack Reacher series, you know that he has to have something special to his work to keep the readers glued for such a long time. As with the other stories, Jack is in his element as events unfurl on a world scale with him chasing a would be assassin through the streets of London as the French President appears at the G8 Summit.
All round the prose is sharp, the pace wonderfully fast and when added to a cracking overall arc, the reader is treated to not only a high octane story but one that is nigh impossible to put down. I love the way that it unfurls and the way that Lee keeps you glued throughout.
All round a cracking new instalment and one the is definitely friendly for all fans of cracking high paced stories. Magical.
Release Date: 17/07/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Luisa Zissman shot to fame when she became the runner-up in the 2013 series of the BBC's The Apprentice. A baker by trade, Luisa has been running her hugely successful St Albans cake shop, Dixie's Cupcakery, since 2011. It is her mission to show the world that you don't need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create show-stopping cupcakes like hers. In true Luisa style, her cupcakes are bold and brassy - a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Whatever the occasion, she has a cupcake that's the perfect fit: cocktail cupcakes for a girls' night in; ooh la la cupcakes for romantic liaisons; Dixie cakes, which are perfect cakes for busy mums to cook with their kids; vintage cakes for a stylish soiree and quirky cupcakes with unusual flavours, such as the genius Love Me Hate Me Marmite and Chocolate cupcake. Packed with helpful advice on how to make and decorate your cakes, Luisa's book will put the fun and sparkle back into your kitchen!
REVIEW:
No, its not a book about how to tempt people with evil food but a book on how to create delightfully tasty treats hat not only look wonderful but taste divine.
Within this book are easy to follow recipes, that will help you boost the options available as well as giving you a whole host of recipes to create with your young bakers. (And lets face it, the best bit about that is the licking of the bowl after. Hey, there has to be some chef perks. LOL) It’s a great way to have fun in the kitchen and when you’re done you can sit back with pride and admire the work before devouring. Finally add to this tips and tricks to get that wonderful professional finish and I’m more than happy with this book.
Release Date: 03/07/14
Publisher: Bantam Press
SYNOPSIS:
Spring, 1919. James 'Max' Maxted, former Great War flying ace, returns to the trail of murder and treachery he set out on in The Ways of the World. He left Paris after avenging the murder of his father, Sir Henry Maxted, convinced the only man who knows about the mysterious events leading up to Sir Henry's death is elusive German spymaster, Fritz Lemmer. To find out more, he enlists in Lemmer's network under false colours and is despatched to the Orkney Isles, where the German High Seas Fleet has been interned in Scapa Flow. His mission: to recover a document secreted aboard one of the German battleships. But the information it contains is so explosive Max is forced to break cover and embark on a desperate and dangerous race south, pursued by men happy to kill him to recover the document. The breathless chase will take Max from the far north of Scotland to London and on to Paris, where the world's governments are still bartering over the spoils in the aftermath of the Great War. The stakes could not be higher. It is life and death for all concerned.
REVIEW:
The second title that follows on from Robert’s Way of the World which not only helps expand the readers understanding of the time but gives the reader characters that they’re not only invested in but care about as they try to find their place. It’s definitely a cracking book and for me, this series so far feels like Roberts best work ever.
The research that has been conducted is clear for all to see and the fact that it doesn’t bog down the story telling is a clear sign of a talented author. Back this up with a third part to come and all round I can’t wait to get my hands on it. It’s going to be a long wait and to be honest I’ve got a Granddad who is already making demands. A book for all generations.
