Another month has gone and hopefully closer to life returning to normal. I hope you’ve all been keeping well and reading some good books.

We had 9 books reviewed this month, a couple of repeats, and a few new ones.

Ashleigh at The Book Muse read Jane In Love by Rachel Givney and says “This book has it all – history, romance, time travel, and friendship, and lots of nods to the arts.” and “This book was right down my alley for several reasons. One, Jane Austen – I’m busy devouring her works and related books about her this year and adding this one to my list is a great thing. Second, I always love a good book that involves time travel and a touch of romance – and done in a way that allows for the other characters and other aspects to be explored. Getting Jane back to 1803 was equally important as the romance in the story, and this made the book interesting – would Jane get back, and how?” finishing with “Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and recommend it to fans of Jane Austen and romantic comedies. I hope those who end up picking it up enjoy it when they do read”  I have just started listening to the audiobook of this novel and I’m loving it so far.

Emily at A Keyboard and an Open Mind reviewed a short story The Damsel Gauntlet by P.A Mason in which she says “This new short reads series from P. A. Mason promises to be chock-full of things I enjoy. Witches. Sarcasm. Fairy tale characters. Subverting tropes. Humour.”

Kali Napier reviewed The Animals in that Country by Laura Jean McKay and says “Timely, as I’ve just watched the Netflix series Tiger King and there’s a pandemic about. The virus that breaks out across Australia, in this novel, moves through stages. First, people can hear mammals, then birds, and finally insects — when they finally lose their minds. They hear animals with their whole bodies — so that this novel becomes a cacophony of strings of words, guttural spoutings, sensory descriptors. The animal world is one of smells, tastes, uncensored thoughts. It is like the virus unlocks the 90% of the brain humans don’t use, and they become more absorbed into the world. When there is a cure for the virus, the silence is astonishing. The author uses sound and sensory detail to great literary effect. It can be confusing, however, and to the detriment of story.” I’m undecided about this one, but it is definitely on my radar.

The Cobra Queen by Tara Moss (#4 Pandora English) was reviewed by Veronica at The Burgeoning Bookshelf who says “I enjoyed the character of Pandora. She was a bit scared about this whole saving the world scenario and even a little reticent. These are traits I like in a ‘chosen one’ as it makes the story more realistic and we get to see more character growth. I loved all the history, myths and legends of Ancient Egypt. I did enjoy the story and Pandora was very likeable. I couldn’t quite do the ghosts and the sanguine/vampires and yes, the book gave me nightmares. Thank you Tara Moss. Readers who devour paranormal will love this series.”

Jennifer reviewed Poison and Light by Gillian Pollack and says “Ms Polack’s latest novel explores several different themes, including belonging and different manifestations of power. New Ceres may look enlightened but beneath the surface its society is inflexible. Those in positions of power, even those with good intent, cannot see how others might manipulate it. Those without power do not always know how (and who) to ask for help. The rules are complicated; the wrong choice might be fatal.” and “I finished the book with a few things to reflect on as I returned from an uncertain (fictional) world to this one. We are each a composite of our experiences; each experience has an impact. Both kindness (and its opposite) can be found in unusual places.
I would recommend this novel to any reader looking for a well-written novel which explores the difference in similarity (or should that be the similarity in difference?) Or something completely different? There are many possibilities.”

Amethyst Pledge by Leonie Rogers was reviewed by three people, Brenda says “Amethyst Pledge by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is the 1st in a new series – The Albatar Chronicles – and I loved it. I devoured it from beginning to end! Action packed, emotive and filled with tension, I can’t wait for the second in the series. I loved the author’s previous trilogy – The Frontier series – and I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this one as well. Highly recommended.”

While Carolyn says ” I enjoyed the world building in this novel with a fully formed society complete with a system of belief. I suspect there is more to learn in future about the system of magic on Albaran, where those who serve the Lady must find their own individual talent and then learn to develop it. The plot develops gradually with Kazari training with the Hunters who become her surrogate family with the tension and danger ramping up towards the end of the novel. The gorgones and their effects on humans are truly horrible monsters and it looks like we’ll also be learning a lot more about them in the rest of this trilogy. I also liked the way Kazari grows and develops into her role as a Hunter. She is quite young and unsophisticated for a fifteen year old (compared to teenagers in our world) so this novel would have appeal to younger YA readers, as well as older teens.”

And Cloggie Downunder says “Rogers gives the reader a worthy yet relatable protagonist, with interesting, likeable support characters, and presents them in a fascinating arena. The villains are suitably nasty and imaginatively armed. The world-building is subtly done and the necessary history is seamlessly inserted into the story. Likely to appeal to readers of all ages, this is an excellent beginning to a what promises to be an intriguing series, and the second book will be eagerly anticipated. More, soon, please!”

It seems like a unanimous yes for this novel.

We also have Bruny by Heather Rose which is a repeat book on this site and was reviewed by Whispering Gums

And to finish off we have a children’s book Ribbit Rabbit Robot by Victoria MacKinlay which was reviewed by The Book Muse who says “This is a great book for early readers and younger children who are not quite at the stage of learning to read yet. It can be read to all ages as well, as there is something magical about the rhyming that is evocative and soothing, and allows the reader or person being read to feel the rhythm of words, and discover the joy of what language and words can do. It is a lovely book, and captures the magic of reading and words.”

Some great books and reviews to take a closer look at. Until next month, happy reading and make sure to link your reviews here.

Claire Louisa x