#Blogtour The Therapist by B.A. Paris

It’s a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Therapist by B. A. Paris.

About the Author

B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back and The Dilemma. Having sold over a million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 40 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK. Her fifth novel, The Therapist is out now.

Follow @BAParisAuthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon,

About the book 

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

Review

Alice and Leo are just settling into their new refurbished home, which is in a gated community – it gives them both a sense of security. Leo is a bit cautious about getting to know their neighbours, but Alice is trying hard to get to know them. Everyone seems happy to meet her barring certain people who appear to dislike her intensely for no reason.

She has no idea that she has landed in the middle of a mystery that everyone seems to be involved in. It makes her quite paranoid, but it isn’t paranoia when someone is actually out to get you or are they? She becomes obsessed with the woman who lived in her house before her. Alice had a sister called Nina and this woman is called Nina, and Alice obsesses about anyone with the same name.

Err yeh that bit of the premise wasn’t what I would call unrealistic per se, because it would bring back memories and flashbacks, however the way it was delivered was. The dialogue and telling everyone who would listen about the Nina name thing was over the top and superfluous.

I personally didn’t think this was as well put together as prior books by Paris. It lacked her usual flair and specific voice. The premise was okay, however it all came together well towards the end. It’s a dark domestic thriller that plays upon the issues of trust in a relationship and how a lack of it causes an instability in a relationship, which is combined with a creepy murder mystery.

Buy The Therapist at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : HQ pub date 15 April 2021. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski

 It really is a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski, which is an excellent read.

About the Author

Rick Gekoski came from his native America to do a PhD at Oxford, and went on to teach English at the University of Warwick. In 1982, sick of lecturing, he decided to become a full-time rare book dealer, specialising in important twentieth-century first editions and manuscripts. He lives in London and spends time each year in Paris and New Zealand. 

Follow @RGekoski on Twitter, Visit gekoski.com

About the book

James Darke is dreading the first family Christmas without his wife Suzy. Engulfed by grief, his grudging preparations are interrupted by a persistent knock at the door. Questions about the circumstances of his wife’s death force him to confront the outside world and what really happened to her.

Isolated, angry and diminished, James soon faces a crisis both legal and psychological. It will test his resolve and threaten his freedom. Darke Matter is a brilliant, mordant examination of the nature and obligations of love. Both immensely sad and extremely funny

Review

I absolutely adored this read. The style of writing, the voice, the premise and above all the main character. James Darke is true unto himself and others, as no other is. He is unwilling to sway even a little from his idea of what is right, and yet he will acquiesce now and again to the norm demanded by society.

The chapters with Rudy and his grandfather are a testament to the emotions Darke keeps close to his heart and never lets anyone see or experience. He is a man of many words and lets no one in. The death of his wife and his part in it, isn’t something he is willing to expose to the gossip hungry world. Moving on and through the grief are a private endeavour until he is confronted with the legal ramifications of his actions.

I loved the way Gekoski created the fabric of the story by sewing a patterned quilt of poetry within the story. The readers imbibe the poetic and literary nuances almost in a secondary matter, because Darke is the kind of character who demands attention throughout the entirety of the book.

As if the above wasn’t enough to intrigue, the premise itself is one I feel quite strongly about and think is one of the more important moral, ethical and medical issues of our time. Making the right to die a legal option for those who are suffering and want to end their existence on their own terms. Other countries have moved on from the dark ages, the majority of people in society support euthanasia, unfortunately the medical world still believes the individual is incapable of making such a definitive decision.

I can honestly say this author is one I will be returning to if this is an indication of the brilliance he is capable of. He walks that contentious line well, the line many authors are unable to balance successfully – the line between literary intellect and trying to outsmart readers with a sense of their own self importance and said intellect.

It’s a wonderfully smart, insightful, moving and simultaneously dry and factual read with the kind of main character you can’t help but adore just a tad – even when he is being a bit of an elitist snob and crotchety old man.

Buy Darke Matter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Constable pub date 14 May 2020 – hardback £16.99/eBook. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#BlogTour The Archers: Ambridge at War by Catherine Miller

Today it’s has been a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Ambridge at War by Catherine Miller. Ambridge at War is fully authorised by BBC Radio 4, and Catherine Miller, has had exclusive access to the world of The Archers, to create a compelling and faithful novel about what might have happened.

In this wonderful new novel celebrating the 70th anniversary of the beloved radio show, follow the lives of the families of Ambridge before it all began…

About the Author

Catherine Miller is the author of 18 novels under her own name and other pseudonyms. Born to an Irish family in London, her career took her from producing radio commercials to being a voiceover agent for various stellar actors. Nowadays she writes all day at home in Surrey, occasionally lifting her head to raise her daughter and feed the dogs. She writes fiction by day and listens to the Archers by night.

Follow Catherine on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy The Archers: Ambridge at War

Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, has worked closely on Ambridge at War, providing crucial behind-the-scenes insights into the nations favourite radio drama.

About the book

It’s 1940 and war has broken out. It is midnight at the turn of the year, and Walter Gabriel speaks the same line that opened the very first radio episode – ‘And a Happy New Year to you all!’ For Ambridge, a village in the heart of the English countryside, this year will bring change in ways no one was expecting.

From the Pargetters at Lower Loxley to the loving, hard-working Archer family at Brookfield Farm, the war will be hard for all of them. And the New Year brings the arrival of evacuees to Ambridge, shaking things up in the close-knit rural community.

As the villagers embrace wartime spirit, the families that listeners have known and loved for generations face an uphill battle to keep their secrets hidden. Especially as someone is intent on revealing those secrets to the whole village . . .

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers has aired over 19,000 episodes since the first pilot in 1951, and has nearly 5 million regular listeners. In the quarter October – December 2019 it was also the most popular on demand radio programme on BBC Sounds.

Review

The Archers might not be something the younger generations will recognise, although they may have heard their grandmothers or parents talk about this infamous long-running radio show and audio soap opera of its day. It has a solid loyal audience.

Listening to the radio seems to be a little bit of a lost art. I mean really listen to a story or something like the fictional world of The Archers, as opposed to songs, ads and just for the popular breakfast DJ. One of my guilty pleasures as a child was listening to The Whistler late at night, both shows are precursors to the modern audiobook. 

If you have never listened to an episode of The Archers before then perhaps this delightful book can be seen as an open invitation to join them. Even with no prior knowledge it’s a read steeped in delightfully quirky and eccentric rural village life. Everyone knows everyone else’s business, and yet there always seems to be a secret or two. In a world that is once more dealing with the frustration, pain and destruction of war a little semblance of normality, even the village kind, can bring people closer together.

I shall end this review with the highest praise for Catherine Miller for being able to immerse herself so completely in the fictional world that has been listened to by so many since the 1950s and being able to to give readers the Archers we know so well, in this story set before that radio time period. The Archers before we came to love and expect to hear their voices – a prequel to the 19000 strong episode story. She has absolutely captured the world of The Archers accurately.

Buy The Archers Ambridge at War at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Simon & Schuster UK pub date 29 Oct. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Deep as Death by Katja Ivar

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Deep as Death by Katja Ivar.

About the Author

Katja Ivar grew up in Russia and the U.S. She travelled the world extensively, from Almaty to Ushuaia, from Karelia to Kyushu, before finally settling in Paris where she lives with her husband and three children. She received a B.A. in Linguistics and a master’s degree in Contemporary History from Sorbonne University. Evil Things was her debut novel.

Follow @KatjaIvar @bitterlemonpub, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Buy Deep as Death

About the book

Hella Mauzer has just been fired by the police and is now a reluctant private investigator. Escaping the mind-numbing routine of shadowing unfaithful spouses, Hella finds herself at the centre of an investigation of multiple murders.

It all begins when a prostitute is found floating upside down in Helsinki Harbour. Not exactly a high priority case for the Helsinki police, so homicide chief Jokela passes the job to his former colleague Hella. It’s beginning to look like a serial killer is at work when another lady of the night narrowly escapes being driven into the harbour, handcuffed to the car by her client.

What begins like a taut whodunit turns into something more tantalizing as Hella turns her attention to different suspects, often to the consternation of the fascinating Inspector Mustonen, charismatic, ambitious and trying desperately to live up to the standards of his high-maintenance wife. 

Review

Hella is always on the short end of the stick. Her career with the police, as the first female homicide detective, is over and her new role as a private investigator isn’t really bringing in the much needed cash.

She is surprised when her old boss recommends her services on a case he is wanting to brush under the carpet. Pitting her against a charismatic ex-colleague seems counter productive, especially because she is known for digging her heels in even when it gets dangerous for herself and others.

It’s Nordic crime that uses a bedrock of sexism, gender equality and the thin line between law and order and crime, which was still quite a prevalent imbalance in the era the story takes place in.

Ivar’s stories have a Nesbo flair to them, but with more of a noirish feel. The crime within a crime which is laid upon a bed of evil. It makes for a glorius read. The reader is pulled between doubt and certainty, especially in regards to the main characters. Is there ill intent or just fumbling foolishness, real danger or just a paranoia perceived out of circumstances?

Either way Ivar writes a cracking read and is honing her craft. I expect to hear more from this particular author. I wonder whether the mystery mentioned briefly towards the end will be the focus of the next book in the Hella Mauser series.

Buy Deep as Death at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bitter Lemon Press; pub date 2 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Evil Things by Katja Ivar.

#BlogTour The Truants by Kate Weinberg

Today it’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Truants by Kate Weinberg.

About the Author

Kate Weinberg was born and lives in London. She studied English at Oxford and creative writing in East Anglia. She has worked as a slush pile reader, a bookshop assistant, a journalist and a ghost writer. The Truants is her first novel.

Follow @KateWeinberg on Instagram, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy The Truants

About the book

People disappear when they most want to be seen

Jess Walker, middle child of a middle-class family, has perfected the art of vanishing in plain sight. But when she arrives at a concrete university campus under flat, grey, East Anglian skies, her world flares with colour.

Drawn into a tightly-knit group of rule breakers – led by their maverick teacher, Lorna Clay – Jess begins to experiment with a new version of herself. But the dynamic between the friends begins to darken as they share secrets, lovers and finally a tragedy. Soon Jess is thrown up against the question she fears most: what is the true cost of an extraordinary life?

Review

This is very much the story of every young adult who ends up discovering complete freedom in the form of university for the first time, perhaps more so when the place has an aura of elitism.

Jess fawns over her lecturer and equally over the people she comes in contact with. Their worlds are different, hence why the pull is so strong. The need to belong and become part of something so bright, wild and free is bigger than the need to be safe. The connections she makes are electrifying and they transform not only the person she was, but also the person she will be one day.

I loved the feel and voice of this read. Very Room with a View aesthetic meets The Girls by Cline. The devastating upheaval of emotions when you’re coming-of-age and finding yourself. Experiencing the first throes of passion, desire and attraction. Enjoying the freedom of not being tethered by the rules of your childhood and yet somehow reluctantly acknowledging the need for structure when you abandon it completely.

Weinberg delivers a constantly moving river of prose, which surges with the ambiguity of love and life. Moments in time become ethereal, due to the romanticised slant the world of academia and literature is slathered in. The characters become players in a cheap daytime soap and by doing so burst the bubble of egotistical hedonistic culture they have all become immersed in. There is no escaping life itself even if you choose to hide from it for a while – eventually it will catch up with you.

I enjoyed the read. I thought it was subtle, driven by the complexity of the emotions and characters, but ultimately by the powerful writing.

Buy The Truants at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing; pub date out in paperback June 2020 – £8.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke.

About the Author

Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of her career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters. When she’s not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria has always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers’ courses before completing her first novel in 2016.

Follow @VictoriaCooke10 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit victoria-cooke.com, Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria

About the book

Escape to the palm-fringed beaches of the Canary Islands and wash your worries away.

Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing all-male dance troupe – the Heavenly Hunks.

With golden beaches, sparkling blue water and relaxing after work with a glass of sangria – or three – for Kat, it’s summer all year round. But despite life being postcard perfect, Kat can’t help but wonder if she is missing out on the most important thing of all… love.

The dancers are all well-known for their flirtatious antics and aren’t looking for anything serious… except Jay. Sitting by the pool, watching the sun reflecting in the water, Kat feels like she can tell him anything.

Handsome, caring and a good listener, he ignites a fire in Kat’s heart that scares her witless. But her relationship with Jay should stay strictly professional… right? There is absolutely no way that she can be his boss and his date. As the temperature rises, will Kat be able to take the plunge, let go of her past and find romance in paradise?

Review

Kat is the manager of a top-class sweaty, groin thrusting male stripper act. They know how to whip up the crowds of screaming women, and a few men who are there to enjoy the view. The Heavenly Hunks are building a reputation of the kind of act that is tough to follow and a surefire way to keep your audience entertained.

Kat doesn’t partake in the pleasures on offer. Instead her team members are also her friends – people she cares about. Until Jay turns up she doesn’t even consider crossing the line of professionalism. Simultaneously her friends think it is time she put her past and mistrust behind her and started dating again.

It’s a feel good romcom and the kind of escapism that will have readers wanting their own portion of sun, sea and plenty of sangria. Oh and perhaps a wee bit of grinding and knicker-tossing male stripper escapades.

Cooke keeps it fun and light, despite the seriousness of Kat’s past. It’s very much a story of friendship, women in business and the way love often seeps in to your life when you least expect it, but perhaps when you need it the most.

Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 10 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of It Started With a Note by Victoria Cooke.

#BlogTour Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke

Today it’s Publication Day for Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke and also my turn on the BlogTour.About the Author

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series.  She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms ( Linda Sole also writes as Cathy Sharp, Anne Herries and Rosie Clarke) and is a RNA Award winner.  She lives in Cambridgeshire. Click here to sign up to Rosie Clarke’s newsletter

Follow @AnneHerries on Twitter, on Bookbub, on Amazon, on Goodreads,Visit rosieclarke.co.uk, Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls

About the book

Hard times ahead for the Harpers girls…

It is two years since Harpers opened in Oxford Street and Ben is planning to expand the premises. Life is good for Sally and Ben as they look forward to their first child and hope for a prosperous future. Beth is settling into married life with Jack, gradually recovering from her aunt’s tragic death, though still unable to conceive a child.

New girls have joined Harpers and Marion, Janice and Becky all become a part of the daily life at the busy store. Rachel is undecided whether to marry a man she isn’t sure she can trust, while Minnie meets an old love.

The sun is shining in English streets but on the horizon dark clouds gather over Europe and war looms threatening to bring rainy days for the Harpers girls…

Review

This is the third book in the Welcome to Harpers Emporium series. All of these can be read as standalone books, although I would suggest reading the others so you can get to know the characters and their stories.

Sally and Ben are looking forward to the next step in their lives – welcoming their first child. Sally struggles with her body restricting the way she goes about her usual duties. Not being in charge all the time and hands-on is something she finds hard to come to terms with, perhaps also with the fact she is unable to keep up with the trouble others may be having.

Both the new women and the characters already known to us will soon be facing incredible changes as certain events have repercussions that will inevitably change life for everyone. Women will step into roles hitherto forbidden to them as families and couples are ripped apart in the name of honour and country.

It’s historical fiction – a saga of courageous women trying to overcome their own challenges – sometimes alone, but more often with the help of their friends.

There are plenty of characters, perhaps too many with their own storylines, because it sometimes felt a little disjointed. The main characters are swallowed up a little by all the directions the reader is pulled in.

Aside from that it is a read that combines realism with escapism and relatable characters. It is also very much a story of sisterhood and women supporting each other, which is always a great message – in fiction and real life.

Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Boldwood Books; pub date 2 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Boldwood Books.

#BlogTour Camelot by Giles Kristian

Today I am really excited to take part in the BlogTour bring you the second book in The Arthurian Tales series, Camelot by Giles Kristian.

‘Following his acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller, Lancelot, Giles Kristian’s new novel returns us to the realms of Arthurian legend . . .’ Oh yes indeed!

About the Author

Family history (he is half Norwegian) and a passion for the fiction of Bernard Cornwell inspired Giles Kristian to write. Set in the Viking world, his bestselling Raven and The Rise of Sigurd trilogies have been acclaimed by his peers, reviewers and readers alike. In The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury, he tells the story of a family torn apart by the English Civil War. He also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion.

In his most recent novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Lancelot, Giles plunged into the rich waters of the Arthurian legend. For his next book, he continues his epic reimagining of our greatest island ‘history’. Giles Kristian lives in Leicestershire.

Follow @GilesKristian on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit gileskristian.com, Buy Camelot

About the book

Britain is a land riven by anarchy, slaughter, famine, filth and darkness. Its armies are destroyed, its heroes dead, or missing. Arthur and Lancelot fell in the last great battle and Merlin has not been seen these past ten years. Now, the Saxons are gathering again, their warbands stalk the land, their king seeks dominion.

As for the lords and kings of Britain, they look only to their own survival and will not unite as they once did under Arthur and his legendary sword Excalibur. But in an isolated monastery in the marshes of Avalon, a novice of the order is preparing to take his vows when the life he has known is suddenly turned upside down in a welter of blood.

Two strangers – the wild-spirited, Saxon-killing Iselle and the ageing warrior Gawain – will pluck the young man from the wreckage of his simple existence. Together, they will seek the last druid and the cauldron of a god. And the young man must come to terms with his legacy and fate as the son of the most celebrated yet most infamous of Arthur’s warriors: Lancelot.

For this is the story of Galahad, Lancelot’s son – the reluctant warrior who dared to keep the dream of Camelot alive . . .

Review

I will have to try and be careful with this one there are just too many juicy plot secrets that would spoil the read for others. Let me try and declare how much I love this book without telling you exactly why.

Let me start by saying that the first in The Arthurian Tales series, Lancelot, is a hard act to follow – even for the author who wrote it. If you haven’t read it yet then please do, you are missing out on a superb read. Camelot is a continuation of the tale of Lancelot, Arthur and Guinevere or rather of the people left behind after the last great battle saw the demise of the destructive trio.

In an isolated monastery in the middle of the mysterious marshes of Avalon lives a young man who lives in the shadow of his father’s past. He is reluctant to part from his path towards the life of a monk until an old warrior and the young woman who saves his life convince him that perhaps his path is something completely different.

Together with the remnants of Arthur’s loyal comrades they set out on an impossible quest, to restore the power and balance to their country, and their friend. Vague enough for you? Good, because I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the surprises packed into this brilliant story.

Kristian writes about the world of King Arthur as if he were a constant companion in their trials and tribulations, that’s how vivid and realistic his storytelling is. He understands how folklore, myth and history need to become one and the same to fuel the depth of the characters and story.

Both Lancelot and Camelot are an homage to ancient legends whispered and carried along the centuries. Tales of loyalty, courage and magic all fiercely ingrained in the spirit of the isles. Kristian is a pleasure to read – his stories are such a completely immersive experience.

Buy Camelot at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bantam Press – Transworld Digital; pub date 14th May 2020 | Hardback | £12.99. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Lancelot by Giles Kristian.

#BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

About the Author

Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did – with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years. Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself ‘home’, with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation.

With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit lasandcolgotexan.com, Buy Worth Fighting For

About the book

Relationships are complicated. Long distance ones, even more so. When AJ Williams met Lisa Millar online through mutual friends, he wasn’t prepared to fall in love with the woman of his dreams. In a heart-wrenching story of love attempting to transcend miles, AJ finds himself married, fighting a battle against his Bipolar Disorder and on the wrong side of the Atlantic from the woman he truly loves. Will their love conquer all? Or will the intricacies of a relationship woven across the Atlantic be too much to take and tear them apart once and for all?

Review

There are three main characters in this story. AJ, his internal dialogue and Lisa. Keeping the majority of his emotions hidden deep inside, which leads to a constant state of uncertainty and insecurity. Combined with his bipolar diagnosis, lack of honesty in his relationship and the stress of a long distance romance – it’s a recipe for confusion and instability.

AJ fears the repercussions of being completely honest with Lisa. He doesn’t want to be rejected for something society has taught him to be ashamed of. Then the pressure of trying to have a relationship, whilst both are in living two different places, it puts a strain on things.

It’s a contemporary read about men with mental health issues and the way they in particular are viewed by society. There is still so much stigma attached to mental health and a general lack of understanding. It’s seen as a weakness where men are concerned, whereas women have been living under the umbrella of ‘hysteria and women’s ailments’ for many years.

After you’ve finished this story take a moment and read the Author’s Note. Those three pages are a true testament to what McMaster wants to share with her readers. Sincere words, humbling statistics and an acknowledgement of the silent, and yet glaringly obvious tragedy happening around us. Society still hasn’t quite got the grasp on understanding mental health, supporting those with mental health issues and finding sufficient funding to do so.

I would like to see greater depth, especially considering the inspiration. Deeper and darker, because that is the reality.

Buy Worth Fighting For Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Drama Llama Publishing; pub date 28 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of  Bloom Where You’re Planted and Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

#BlogTour Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

It’s an absolute pleasure to take part in the BlogTour for the last part of the Shadow of the Fox series, Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa.

About the Author

Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Fey, Blood of Eden, Talon, and Shadow of the Fox series was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. So, at the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos, and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish, and the odd eel.

When not swimming for her life, Julie immersed herself in books, often to the chagrin of her schoolteachers, who would find she hid novels behind her Math textbooks during class. Her love of reading led her to pen some very dark and gruesome stories, complete with colored illustrations, to shock her hapless teachers. The gory tales faded with time, but the passion for writing remained, long after she graduated and was supposed to get a real job.

To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dogtrainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full time.

Julie now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two obnoxious cats, and a pair of Australian Shepherds that have more Instagram followers than she does.

Follow @Jkagawa on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit juliekagawa.com, Buy Night of the Dragon

About the book

All is lost – In a desperate last-chance attempt to stop the Master of Demons from calling upon the Great Kami dragon and making the wish that will plunge the empire into darkness and destruction – Yumeko and her ragtag band of companions must journey to the wild cliffs of Iwagoto.

But even with their combined skills and powers, this most unlikely team of heroes knows the forces of evil may be impossible to overcome.

And now there is another layer in the battle, a player who has been watching and waiting for the right moment, that no one even realised existed…until now.

As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector must face down the greatest evil of all in the epic conclusion to the Shadow of the Fox trilogy.

Review

This is by far the best series of books Kagawa has ever written. The last few chapters are simply superb and bring this absolutely riveting story to a stunning conclusion.

Although this is YA fantasy it is as intricate and as complex as the majority of high fantasy I have read. When it comes to fantasy I think there should be an extra sub-genre for the more complex body of work that comes under the young adult category.

This book begins where Soul of the Sword left off, the dragon scrolls in the hands of the Master of Demons, who is on his way to set everything in motion to receive the Wish, with destruction and death left in his wake.

Yumeko, the kitsune, has helped Kage Tatsumi regain a decent level of control of his body, despite the demon Hakaimono living inside him. It’s almost as if the demon lets Tatsumi use his power where needed, which is completely unlike the true nature of the powerful demon.

The merry band of fighters, the ragtag group of unlikely friends – and they have become friends after everything they have been through – are determined to stop the opening of the floodgates. Power corrupts and corrodes the soul.

It’s young adult fantasy – a complex myth and culture driven story with extraordinary world-building.

Kagawa is a spectacular writer. This is hardcore evidence of how talented and creative she is, and although plenty of her readers will know how good some of her previous books/series are, with the Shadow of the Fox series she steps it up a notch.

Without going into too much detail, the last few chapters are powerful, heartbreaking, vicious and ultimately they also heal. It’s a read I highly recommend.

Buy Night of the Dragon at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Young Adult; pub date 2 April 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2) by Julie Kagawa.