Shauna Lawless once again showsBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Shauna Lawless once again shows herself to be an author who can do it all. We are immersed into a truly unique setting that brilliantly blends the gritty history and fascinating mythology of 11th century Ireland, with a generous dose of political intrigue along the way.
Finally dived into this second instalment of the Gael Song trilogy, just before the final book is released next month! Loved book 1 and also the two prequel novellas. Now The Words of Kings and Prophets joins that group.
Once again Shauna Lawless expertly crafts character and tension. As she weaves the different arcs and plot lines together, you feel so tense, as characters cross paths, secrets are revealed and some remain hidden. This is a truly living and breathing world, with mystery lurking around every corner. Many questions are answered, but so many more are asked, so I really cannot wait to turn to book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, in September! So glad now that I waited until now to read book 2, as I won't have to wait long to finish this journey!
Gael Song is just a fantastically written series, within which Shauna Lawless consistently shows herself to be a writer of great talent. I will read whatever she puts out into the world.
My brother recently read and loBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My brother recently read and loved this after it won the Waterstones Debut Award, so I trusted his judgement and picked it up. I am so glad that I did.
Glorious Exploits is a truly unique read. It has characters that leap from the page, an engaging plot, a wonderful writing style and a story you can connect with. All the hallmarks of an excellent book. But this also has that 'X' factor that is so often indescribable. Ferdia Lennon brings all these elements together to weave a truly masterful read that makes you laugh, makes you sweat with fear, and makes you cry. Very few books can achieve all three, and it is done expertly in Glorious Exploits.
We are thrust into 412 BC Syracuse, after an Athenian force have failed to conquer them. The Athenian prisoners has been thrown into a quarry to slowly starve, and during this time two recently jobless potters decide to go to the quarry and feed the Athenian prisoners who can quote lines from the plays of Euripides, an Athenian playwright. This then evolves into them deciding to direct a play, with the prisoners as the cast....
“If I’m honest, some days I still come here to sniff and stroll and lose myself in other worlds, and like when I was a kid, I wonder if the real places are anything like I’m imagining, and just like then, I wince, for something tells me I’ll never know, but it’s still a buzz.”
Glorious Exploits took this very unique premise and runs away with it, with a humorous undertone to the style that was very amusing, but also provoked a visceral reaction at times when it contrasted with the content, which can be very brutal. This could have come across as jarring, but in my opinion a balance was struck that perfectly exploited (my pun of the day) its potential.
This is a read that I would recommend to everyone, no matter if they mainly read historical fiction, thriller, fantasy, horror or poetry. It is a book that hooks you and refuses to let you go, investing you in the characters and exploring the human condition along the way.
I'm there for any Matthew HarffBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I'm there for any Matthew Harffy book, especially when he turns his expertise to crafting a western!
This takes the small ranch vs landowner conflict trope and places it at the centre of Dark Frontier. Chuck in a murder mystery, a man trying to not return to the violence of his past, gun fights, saloon brawls, high stakes and a simple need to deliver justice and you have yourself a fantastic recipe for a Western, especially when that recipe is compiled by Matthew Harffy.
Dark Frontier is a great 2024 publication that takes these classic tropes and makes them feel fresh. We have great twists and turns, vivid characters, with White in particular as a standout, and a huge dose of tension that is crafted and manipulated by Harffy brilliantly.
Lucky to have early access to A Good Deliverance in return for an honest review!
In A Good Deliverance we follow Sir Thomas Malory, often labelled as tLucky to have early access to A Good Deliverance in return for an honest review!
In A Good Deliverance we follow Sir Thomas Malory, often labelled as the father of Arthurian Legend, as he is thrown into prison once again. As he is enveloped with dark memories and isolation, he takes the opportunity to recount the story of his life to a young boy who works in the prison. Malory discusses how his love for Arthur was born, about the Hundred Years War, the Wars of the Roses, forbidden love, the reality of war and more.
This is a totally unique book with a unique approach. It took a little while to adapt to the writing style, but by about the fifty page mark I was starting to really enjoy this read. Clements adopts an element of archaic language, in my opinion crafting a great balance so that the read does not feel jarring, but certainly feels immersive, especially when partnered with his excellent grasp of the historical period.
Whilst I was not attached to many characters, I felt invested in the core few. Malory is great to follow. He proclaims that he is innocent, but sometimes is infuriating in his self-pity, but in a way that makes the read more engaging rather than aggravating. Also, I loved the relationship between Malory and the boy he recites his story to, as their tentative relationship grows over the course of the story, and each comes to depend on each other for different reasons.
If you want a historical read that focuses on the characters in a slower paced, more thoughtful story, this is for you. Especially if you also want a fresh read, which the writing style and structure gives you. Whilst slower pace, the way in which this chronicler's story is framed is captivating, and adds a sense of drive to the story.
Very lucky that the publishers have sent me an ARC of Arthur in return for an honest review!
“He watched them die, those horse lords. Those gods of warVery lucky that the publishers have sent me an ARC of Arthur in return for an honest review!
“He watched them die, those horse lords. Those gods of war. The clamour of it ebbed even as the light leached from the land, but he knew he would hear it always. He watched until it was done.”
We follow a grim, disillusioned mercenary named Beran. He kills for money, but then he is ordered to kill a boy. And no ordinary boy at that. It is a boy who could unite Britain, but only if he lives….
I imagine everyone has seen or read or watched many different takes on the Arthurian legend, but please do not let that move you away from this. Arthur, as well as the two companion novels, Lancelot and Camelot, offer such a unique perspective. This is historically based, as we are thrust into a Britain now with little hope of fighting back the seemingly endless waves of Saxons.
Giles Kristian once again proves his writing prowess. His characterisation is simply sensational, with character growth occurring so naturally, in a way that does not feel forced by plot. It is really just amazing how immersive and engaging this story is, and a huge contributor to that is how natural and vivid the characters feel.
“‘The songs say I will come again.’ He lifts his chin. ‘Here I am.’”
I will continue to profess my love for this book as I now turn my attention to the themes. We have the battle between tragedy and heroism, but we also have an exploration of themes that usually aren’t engaged with as much. Such as the double-edged sword of memory is exposed as Beran is forced to confront his past, and finds both solace and pain in it. This engagement with themes that contribute to the plot but also simultaneously enriches the characterisation has such a strong impact on the reading experience. I’ve said it already, but I’ll say it again. Giles Kristian uses his vast writing skills to weave a tapestry that immerses you and shocks you, but also moves you and has a lasting impact.
This is just extraordinary. Arthur like you have never seen it before, yet it resonates in your heart just the same. The character arcs are brilliant, the world vivid, the plot unpredictable, the prose lyrical. It is a joy to pick up.
If you like Arthurian literature, you should love this. If you enjoy historical fiction, you should this. But if you just love an immersive story with standout characters, you should also love this.
Katherine Arden proved herself to be a brilliant writer with The Winternight Trilogy. It has been a few years since I finished Winter of the Witch, soKatherine Arden proved herself to be a brilliant writer with The Winternight Trilogy. It has been a few years since I finished Winter of the Witch, so of course I have been so excited to pick up her very recent release, The Warm Hands of Ghosts. Love the title, sounds like a great premise, with the backdrop of World War One for a story that flirts with fantasy and history throughout, leaving the reader often unsure of what is reality, and what is imagined.....
The Warm Hands of Ghosts did not quite live up to my expectations, but I am still glad that I read it. Because I loved her first trilogy so much, I put very high hopes on this. The reality did not hit those lofty heights, but it is still an engaging, moving story with a diverse cast of characters who feel real and vivid. There was a lull in the second third in my opinion, but overall I would say the story had a good drive, with moments of great tension, and the beginning was really great. Had me hooked very quickly, which is a feat by itself....more
Another saga on my module readiBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Another saga on my module reading list. Papa Gwynne said this is one of his favourites, so of course I could not wait to dive in.
Egil's Saga is just fantastic. It transports us into a Norse family saga, with the main character being the titular character of Egil, who is an incredibly complex anti-hero. I love the pragmatic style to the storytelling and also in the mindsets of our characters, as we see their versions of justice and vengeance, how they deal with love and loss, loyalty and betrayal, tragedy and heroism.
Possibly my favourite text I've read for university so far!
I've finally read book 2, nearlBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I've finally read book 2, nearly two years after I read A Wolf Den. I was slightly worried how this would compare, as the ending of book 1 meant this sequel would have to take quite a different approach to the story, but now I realise that I should never have doubted Elodie Harper!
Just like The Wolf Den, The House with the Golden Door has fantastic characters that invest us in a tense, unpredictable plot that evolves through brilliant prose. Amara finds herself in a very different position in life, but one that is dangerous and fragile in completely different ways.
Elodie Harper has not only thought of a brilliant story with twists and turns and standout characters, she also has the skills as a writer to make every page engaging, with the subtlety to make characters jump off of the page.
I cannot say much more without spoilers, as is the problem when discussing any beyond the first book of a series, but I can say that The House with the Golden Door absolutely blew me away. One of the greatest sequels I have had the pleasure of reading, and one of my favourite reads for a long time.
The first two instalments of thBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
The first two instalments of this series are absolutely extraordinary. So, of course I went into the Temple of Fortuna with beyond high expectations. Elodie Harper delivered!
This is a tense, gripping conclusion that once again increases the stakes from the previous instalment, and expertly brings all the threads together. With the wonderfully varied cast of vivid characters formed from the first two books of the trilogy, Elodie Harper uses the figures we love and the figures we hate to craft an engaging story that somehow weaves the threads together into a climactic and satisfying finale.
Just as with the previous two instalments, I will continue to say that I recommend this series to all, even if this is not a genre you usually dive into. With intricate character work, a smooth writing style, and an intricate plot with twists and turns, there is something for everyone.
In my opinion, this is a work oBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
In my opinion, this is a work of genius.
David Mitchell is a comedian, but also an incredibly intelligent lover of history. All those skills come together to form what is a highly entertaining and simultaneously informative read taking us through the history of the monarchs of England up to 1603.
This is fitting to those who just want to dip their fingers into a bit of history, as well as those who love any period that is covered. Mitchell draws parallels between rulers in history and sprinkles wonderful insights amongst his recounting of the main events of each monarch's rule.
"This is a projection, but I’m not a historian so I don’t need to pretend I haven’t chosen a side. In fact I’d argue that all historians who say they haven’t chosen a side are more misleading in an insidious way, as they definitely have done even if they don’t know it."
Mitchell is no historian, and I love that he does not pretend to be. He is open about his preferences and his opinions, such as heavily supporting Harold Godwinson over William the Conqueror, and I loved how he did this!
Whilst the length means that Mitchell cannot go into the intricacies of his period, he makes sure to investigate in greater detail some very interesting elements in every period he covers. This is also brilliant if you are looking for your next obsession... as we are given a test for every point of time in England from the legend of Arthur all the way to the death of Elizabeth I.
Near the end of Heroes of Chaos and it has been a fantastic read, just like its predecessor. Fantastic build of tension, with a feeling of immersion aNear the end of Heroes of Chaos and it has been a fantastic read, just like its predecessor. Fantastic build of tension, with a feeling of immersion and a great cast of characters. Baptiste Pinson Wu has displayed his skill across every element of storytelling. I cannot wait to finish this and continue with the series.
Heroes of Chaos is a sensational sequel to Yellow Sky Revolt. This second instalment of the Three Kingdoms Chronicles takes all the mayhem, politics, characters and epic scope I loved from book 1, and then somehow made it even better. Our central characters blossom even more, and I loved many of the new characters as they swiftly made their presence known on the page, such as Yu Jin.
I particular aspect I thoroughly enjoyed that was not present in book 1 was the training regime of a 'ranker' in the military, as our central character Liao Hua hits the age where he can impact the events occurring around him, and Baptiste Pinson Wu brilliantly explores the impact that has on his character.
Felt in the mood for some non-fiction, so I decided to jump into this work about the death of Alexander the Great and the chaos that ensued. This was Felt in the mood for some non-fiction, so I decided to jump into this work about the death of Alexander the Great and the chaos that ensued. This was absolutely fascinating. A great choice for those who know very little about the time, but also for those who have a far deeper knowledge. James Romm is fantastic at keeping the reader in the loop as he explores the complex relationships and rivalries and conflicts that were present and emerging among the powerful figures of Alexander's empire....more
Thoroughly enjoyed the 3rd and final instalment to Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy. This is the 6th book I have read by him, and so far I have notThoroughly enjoyed the 3rd and final instalment to Ben Kane's Forgotten Legion trilogy. This is the 6th book I have read by him, and so far I have not been let down. The Road to Rome takes what I really enjoyed about the previous two instalments, making sure to continue in that vein, but also taking the story in fresh and engaging directions at the same time. I really felt the tension build as I entered the final act, and Ben Kane delivered a climactic conclusion that was shocking and satisfying.
Great characters from beginning to end, with an intimate heart to a story that also follows epic events and conflicts that historically had ramifications that were felt centuries....more
This 3rd instalment of the BoudBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
This 3rd instalment of the Boudcia quartet is absolutely exceptional. Such an incredible cast of complex characters. One moment you despise a character, and then one scene changes your entire opinion on them as you see events from their perspective. It is a masterful example of characterisation, each character with their virtues and vices, and their own desires that drive them.
The war between the tribes of Britannia and the Roman legions continues as the latter continues to send a seemingly endless supply of soldiers to suppress and assimilate those who resist them, often with a facade of peace that could shatter at any moment and plunge all the characters we follow and those around them into absolute chaos.
This is a beautiful, brutal, heartwarming, heartbreaking book full of some of the most exceptionally authentic characters you will every come across. The way Manda Scott immerses you in the setting, the cultures and the lives of our characters is just simply outstanding....more
Been quite a while since I last followed Beobrand, and I was glad to be back! Matthew Harffy continues to expand on Beobrand as a character in fantastBeen quite a while since I last followed Beobrand, and I was glad to be back! Matthew Harffy continues to expand on Beobrand as a character in fantastic ways, specifically in this as Beorband feels more comfortable as leader, and as such we see a very different dynamic with those around him.
Dreaming the Eagle was one of mBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Dreaming the Eagle was one of my top two favourite reads of 2022, and on a wider scale also one of my favourite reads of all time. So, Dreaming the Bull had a lot to live up to, but I felt confident that this was also going to be a brilliant story.
I'm happy to say that this is another spellbinding instalment in the series. I was swiftly reminded that Manda Scott is amongst the greatest writers I've had the pleasure of discovering. The immersion just hits a different level. It feels so unique, but smooth at the same time, with characters that obviously have very different mindsets crafted from the time they are living in. I do not think any historical fiction author has managed to capture this aspect so well.
I did prefer book 1, because I love a great coming of age story, but Dreaming the Bull is still a brilliant book. Absolutely fantastic action sequences, this book is full to the brim with tension and an overwhelming feeling of dread throughout. It is a very intense read that has you punching the air at the highs and also has you crying at the lows. It really is a rollercoaster of emotions.
There is a read-along of this series currently ongoing on the Brothers Gwynne discord server if you're interested :)...more
I thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment of this military historical fiction trilogy, where we travel far across and past the borders of the Roman EmI thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment of this military historical fiction trilogy, where we travel far across and past the borders of the Roman Empire during a time of great change. As we dive into The Silver Eagle, the Senate is crumbling, and individuals such as Caesar are gaining more power by the day. Sides are being drawn, and the conflict is only going to escalate.
Whilst this is unravelling we also follow some of our main figures as they attempt to survive far to the east, with a whole host of different trials and tribulations....more
My 100th historical fiction reaBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My 100th historical fiction read!
This is a spellbinding, enthralling read with compelling characters, a vivid setting and smooth prose. An immersive start to a series with a sensational cast of standout characters.
I heard about this through watching an fantastic review by Library of Allenxandria. He said if anyone enjoyed the history of Three Kingdoms, or the game Dynasty Warriors, then this would be a book for them. Well... I went and got this on my kindle straight away, and I loved it!
This is a chronicler's tale, with an old warrior telling the stories of the past, starting with his childhood, much as you may see in The Last Kingdom, The Name of the Wind, Gates of Fire etc... When done well, it is brilliant. And so far, it is being executed brilliantly in The Three Kingdoms Chronicles.
There is so much depth in this book, especially considering that it is under 400 pages. Considering the amount that happens, it is extraordinary that Baptiste Pinson Wu makes sure it does not feel rushed. There is a great balance between build-up, the quiet moments, and then the action and climactic action sequences, of which there are quite a few.
You absolutely do not need to know anything about this historical period, but if you do then you will pick up on some rich Easter eggs that add an extra bit of flavour. But, if you do not, then it will not be to the detriment of your reading experience.
Lustrum continues right from whBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Lustrum continues right from where we left of at the end of Imperium. Cicero hits a whole new stage of his career. A time that will determine how he goes down in history, as he manoeuvres with and around figures whose names have echoed down the millennium. Caesar, Crassus and Pompey continue to vie for power as Cicero also attempts to increase and hold his influence on Rome, but their aims differ significantly. Whilst Cicero loves the idea of Rome being democratic and the power laying with the senate, Caesar is setting in motions events that will change the very nature of the Roman Empire, and everything it stands for.
This is a great read with a lot of tension and a superb use of mystery, misinformation and political machinations. It is astounding that this is a story with very few likeable characters, and yet I still feel so invested in these events, and feel impacted by their outcome. That alone shows Robert Harris' craft as a writer.
“Well, well—be careful of what questions you ask, for fear of what answers you may receive.”
The dialogue, character dynamics and relationships rest art the core of the story, and it is from this brilliant base that the rest of the story springs to life. It feels real. it feels vivid and breathing. It is not over-the top or melodramatic, but brilliantly builds the tension to epic climactic scenes that act as catalysts for significant consequences, but usually provides this sense of dread and apprehension with minimal to no action sequences.
I would like to begin by sayingBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I would like to begin by saying thank you to Angry Robot and Stephen Aryan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is why I read! A historical fantasy work at the very top of it’s game, and it should be on top of everyone’s reading pile. Characters that feel fresh and authentic, a plot that explores the fate of the Mongol Empire with all of the breathtaking action and twists that you love to see in modern fantasy. An early contender for book of the year.
So, The Judas Blossom is nearly out! I read this fantastic book a few months ago, but now I can talk about it and rave about the quality as much as possible! Fantasy and historical fiction are two of my favourite genres, so naturally it is not a surprise that I get excited when I see a historical fantasy work coming out soon. So, I went into The Judas Blossom with high hopes, and safe to say that it delivered!
I am a character driven reader, so I will talk about them first. We follow a few different POV's throughout this story, usually with snappy chapters that makes sure we are always familiar with the cast, and also meaning that the settings stay fresh as we regularly jump to different locations. I love that we follow characters who hold positions of great power, such as Hulagu, one of the most powerful individuals of the Mongol Empire, and a relation to Genghis Khan himself, to Kokochin, who has had everyone they've ever loved killed by the Mongols, and has now been made to marry with no say in the matter.
These characters each have such drive that feel unique, and often do not directly relate to the main "quest" or plot of this story. I love how this makes them feel authentic, so that when events transpire that drag them into the main story, you feel the consequence and ramifications.
Stephen Aryan in my opinion hits a great balance with historical detail. He gives you enough to feel immersed and interested in the period, but does not go to far as to make you feel overwhelmed. This, accompanied by the David Gemmell-esque stripped back prose, allows The Judas Blossom to feel efficient and natural, so that you can properly engage yourself with the story. As Allen over on The Library of Allenxandria said, Aryan does what a good historical writer should do. He made me want to learn more about the period after I closed the final pages.
This is an epic historical fantasy that makes us privy to large sieges, the campaigns of an empire, and the political machinations of possibly the most powerful army in the world in 1260. With compelling characters, fluid prose and an incredibly interesting story with twists and turns, Stephen Aryan has crafted one of my favourite reads of 2023.
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