Historical Fiction Review: The Long Road 6: Rage of Ares - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 20/10/16
Publisher: Orion

SYNOPSIS:

Arimnestos of Plataea was one of the heroes of the Battle of Marathon, in which the heroic Greeks halted the invading Persians in their tracks, and fought in the equally celebrated naval battle at Salamis.

But even these stunning victories only served to buy the Greeks time, as the Persians gathered a new army, returning with overwhelming force to strike the final killing blow.

For the Greeks, divided and outnumbered, there was only one possible strategy: attack. And so, in the blazing summer of 479 BC, Arimnestos took up his spear one final time at the Battle of Plataea.


REVIEW:

Christian is an author that I always love to pick up and spend time with. I'm guaranteed a cracking story with top notch characters and a level of believability that just transports me to the time period concerned. Here in this final tale in Christian's Long War series we're treated to an epic battle, delightful descriptive prose and all topped off with a principle character that just helps to drive the plot forward. All round a magical experience and for me, if you're looking for a series to pick up for that historical fiction fan in your life, pick up this ancient greek saga. Its an epic that will entertain the spirit of Homer.

SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Passage 3: The City of Mirrors - Justin Cronin

Release Date: 16/06/16
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

In life I was a scientist called Fanning.

Then, in a jungle in Bolivia, I died.

I died, and then I was brought back to life...

Prompted by a voice that lives in her blood, the fearsome warrior known as Alicia of Blades is drawn towards to one of the great cities of The Time Before. The ruined city of New York. Ruined but not empty. For this is the final refuge of Zero, the first and last of The Twelve. The one who must be destroyed if mankind is to have a future.

What she finds is not what she's expecting.

A journey into the past.

To find out how it all began.

And an opponent at once deadlier and more human than she could ever have imagined.


REVIEW:

The third and final outing in Justin’s Passage trilogy and to be honest its been a series that has kept readers glued with each instalment. Whilst the original, The Passage was released way back in 2010, its been a series that has had readers gripped from the beginning. The writing is crisp, the concept delightful, but for me, what Justin does best is bring his characters across to the reader. They are people that you can’t help but create bonds with, characters you care about and above all else a cast that you worry about who will live or die based on the whim of the author.

Add to this great dialogue as well as a plot line that keeps moving with wonderful highs and epic lows, all round make this a series that you have to sit down to devour. For me, the only downside is that they are doorstoppers and as such a huge weight, that said, a kindle makes light work of it all. Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Master of Shadows - Neil Oliver

Release Date: 10/09/15
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

In fifteenth-century Constantinople, Prince Constantine saves the life of a broken-hearted girl. But the price of his valour is high.

John Grant is a young man on the edge of the world. His unique abilities carry him from his home in Scotland to the heart of the Byzantine Empire in search of a girl and the chance to fulfil a death-bed promise.

Lena has remained hidden from the men who have been searching for her for many years. When she's hunted down, at last she knows what she must do.

With an army amassing beyond the city's ancient walls, the fates of these three will intertwine. As the Siege of Constantinople reaches its climax, each must make a choice between head and heart, duty and destiny.


REVIEW:

Whilst I know of Neil as an historian I wasn’t sure if he would be able to make the journey from Factual writer to Historical Fiction author and whilst I did hope for the best, I was a little worried that the book would become bogged down with too much factual information rather than presenting something that I could sit down to enjoy.

What occurs within is a story that is well written and after having the scene set with a bit of background, the author jumps straight into the timeline bringing it to life with a cracking lead character that you feel that you can not only relate to but would want to spend time around. This for me is the key to any book and when you also throw in a solid storyline, good prose as well as dialogue, all round, I was a very happy reader. Will definitely read future HF by him.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Salamis - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 13/08/15
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

Arimnestos of Plataea has already lived through several lifetimes' worth of adventure, from being a rich man's slave in Ephesus to winning glory at the battle of Marathon against the might of the Persian Empire. But the gods - and the Persians - aren't finished with him yet. As an experienced sea captain - his enemies might say pirate - he has a part to play in the final epic confrontation of the Long War between the Greeks and Persians, the Battle of Salamis. It is a battle where many debts of blood will be repaid, ancient grudges settled, fame won and treachery exposed, where the Greeks must finally bury their differences and fight as one - for against them Xerxes, the Great King, has assembled the greatest fleet the world has ever known, his sworn purpose to brutally extinguish the flame of freedom and make every Greek his slave.


REVIEW:

Ah the joys of Christian Cameron’s writing and whilst I do tend to love all his books, I really have a soft place in my heart for his continuing saga featuring Arimnestos of Plataea. I love being wrapped up in this time period since I read David Gemmell’s Lion of Macedon and any chance to journey to ancient days wins a place on my shelf.

What you get from Christian is a story that is full of blistering high octane action, breakneck pace and of course characters that fit in well into a world we can only hazard educated guesses at. The dialogue works well and all round generates a series that is so addictive, that you can’t resist a reread when the new one lands. Superb.

YOUNG ADULT EARLY READER REVIEWS: The Deep Dark Sea - Tony De Saulles and Belinda dn the BEars and the Porridge Project - Kaye Umansky

Release Date: 19/03/15
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A green Early Reader is a first factbook. It's never too early to find out about...THE DEEP DARK SEA. Did you know that there are more living creatures in the sea than there are on land? Or that Lantern fish have glow-in-the-dark bodies to tell other lantern fish that they are nearby? Or that the viperfish has such big teeth that it can't close its mouth? Discover a world of incredible sea creatures in this brand-new full colour non fiction Early Reader from bestselling Horrible Sciences illustrator Tony De Saulles.


REVIEW:

Getting a young reader started on books is always something that can be quite difficult, however when you can find something that they love as the content you’ll find that it becomes an item that will not leave their hands. With a nephew who can’t get enough of sea creatures, this book was an absolute cracker to find. Its got some weird and wonderful animals in it (some of which I hadn’t heard of.) is something that I know he’s going to love.

The language is simple and whilst theres a lot of text it will allow your young reader the joy of making their own way through it as well as having some magical illustrations that will stay with them for a long time. A huge thank you to Orion Childrens Books for this as I know its going to see a lot of use. Magic.

Release Date: 19/03/15
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

Belinda lives in Honeybear Lane with her mum and dad. The house next door is empty ...until, one day, The Three Bears move in. Their house in the woods has been knocked down to make way for a motorway, and now they need Belinda's help to cope with the outside world. After all, bears can't live on porridge alone. Kaye Umansky's new series for Early Readers is just as warm and delightful as her Algy's Amazing Adventures books. Every page is illustrated in full colour by Chris Jevons.


REVIEW:

A young reader story that has a lot to offer as a certain fairy tale gets a reworking to delight readers of today. Its quirky, easy to follow and when added to some cracking illustrations is a book that your young reader will want to read more than once. All round a fun read and one that I had a lot of fun when I sat down with my niece who thoroughly appreciated it.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Tyrant: Force of Kings - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 04/12/14
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

The vast and deadly conflict between Alexander the Great's former generals as they battle for control of his empire has reached a tense stalemate. No one seems able to strike the decisive blow.

But with everything in the balance, a secret emerges: hidden in the remote mountains is a young man who could change everything: Herakles, the son of Alexander.

Whoever aspires to Alexander's mantle must now control his one legitimate heir - or destroy him - and a war being played across the known world is set for its final, bloody conclusion. As the rival armies converge on the village of Ipsus, twin monarchs Satyrus and Melitta know that they too must gamble their own lives and the survival of their Black Sea kingdom on the outcome...


REVIEW:

The latest Christian Cameron title and as usual, one that is on form to give you not only hardcore action but great prose with a cracking storyline.

As a fan of Chrisian’s writing I don’t have a clue how he can turn out so many books with such great form in a year and when you add to this characters that you just want to spend time around which when accompanied with the authors own indomitable writing style all round gives you a cracking treat for the holiday period or even for a time of year you want picking up.

BOOK NEWS: Finding Your Favourite Authors Ebooks just got easier - Hachette Group UK.

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs, 
Our friends at the Hachette Group have let us know about the ease of accessing all thier ebooks, here's the press release:

"Gateway, an imprint of the Orion Publishing Group and sister company to the UK's oldest science fiction publisher Gollancz, is an eBook publisher of classic SF and Fantasy.  It is part catalogue site, highlighting and promoting the thousands of eBooks; part gateway to online retailers from whom these eBooks can be bought; part social network for readers who wish to discuss and recommend authors.

Gateway's parent company, the Orion Publishing Group is owned by the Hachette UK Group, which also owns Little, Brown, Hodder & Stoughton and Headline publishers, among others. Little, Brown is home to one of the UK's major SFF imprints, Orbit, who publish such genre heavyweights as Iain M. Banks, Terry Brooks, David Gemmell, Robert Jordan and Elizabeth Moon. Hodder & Stoughton and Headline are also home to some hugely respected writers of the fantastic, such as Jean M. Auel, Ben Bova and Jack McDevitt, and share Robert A. Heinlein, and Harry Turtledove with Gateway.

In Gateway’s on-going efforts to make the website the ultimate source of classic SF and Fantasy, the imprint are delighted to welcome an outstanding selection of authors from Orbit, Hodder & Stoughton and Headline to the site.

The full list of new authors, whose works are live on the Gateway site from today, includes:

Jean M. Auel

Iain M. Banks

Ben Bova

David Brin

Terry Brooks

Orson Scott Card

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Celia Friedman

David Gemmell

Tom Holt

Robert Jordan

Richard Laymon

Ken MacLeod

Gregory Maguire

Jack McDevitt

Elizabeth Moon

We can't wait to go back and reread some of these classics,

Gareth and Lady Eleanor

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Last Crusaders: Ivan the Terrible - William Napier

Release Date: 07/08/14
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

After the final defeat of the Ottoman Empire at the great naval battle of Lepanto, it seems that Europe is safe. But one day Nicholas Ingoldsby is summoned to London for an audience with the Queen herself. He is to go on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople, the heart of the old enemy - and then onward, to a little-known but rising power called Muscovy. Here the Russian Czar has just proposed marriage to Elizabeth herself. Such a bold offer should be no surprise, for this is no normal leader: Ivan IV Vasil'evich is known to his people as Ivan the Terrible. But this rising new Christian power in the North has also caught the attention of the Ottomans; and their allies, the wild Tatar horsemen of the Asiatic steppes, Russia's ancient enemy. And soon Nicholas and his fellow travellers, Smith, Stanley and the faithful Hodge, are caught up in their most dangerous adventure yet, trapped in a doomed Muscovy ruled by a deranged but cunning Czar Ivan, and with a vast army of Tatar tribesmen riding down upon them, vowed to burn the city to the ground and extinguish Russia forever...


REVIEW:

William Napier is an author that has been on my list of trusted writers for quite some time. I love the way he brings the action of the period alongside cracking portrayal to give the reader not only an experience but adventure within the period in history.

Whilst a lot of historical authors tend to stay in one area, William can flit throughout cherry picking the times and people that have had historians fascinated for years and will do the same for the modern reader. Whilst some of the facts within the book have been adapted to make for a better reading experience, within this book, the madness of Ivan is clearly present.

As with William’s other work, the prose is sharp, the pace wonderful and when added to the authors clear love of his work all round gave me a cracking experience. Magic.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Tournament - Matthew Reilly

Release Date: 30/01/14
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

England, 1546: A young Princess Elizabeth is surrounded by uncertainty. The Black Death stalks the land and with it deadly conspiracies against her. She is not currently in line for the throne, but she remains a threat to her older sister and brother. In the midst of this fevered atmosphere comes an unprecedented invitation from the Sultan in Constantinople. He seeks to assemble the finest players of chess from the whole civilised world and pit them against each other. The prize? Fabulous wealth but also the honour of Christendom. Roger Ascham, Elizabeth's teacher and mentor, is determined to keep her out of harm's way and also continue her education in the art of power and politics. Ascham resolves to take Elizabeth with him when he accompanies the English chess champion to the Ottoman capital. But once there, the two find more danger than they left behind. There's a grotesque killer on the loose and a Catholic cardinal has already been found mutilated in the grounds of the palace. Ascham is asked by the Sultan to use his razor-sharp mind to investigate the crime. But as he and Elizabeth delve deeper into the murky world of the court and the glittering chess tournament, they find dark secrets, horrible crimes and unheard-of depravity. Things that mark the young princess for life and define the queen that she will become...


REVIEW:

I love something a little different and to be honest whilst it was a little slow to start, it was a book that I had a lot of fun with as I loved the way that the author built up the principle characters where we, the reader get to see a different size to Elizabeth 1st as the young Princess is given one hell of an education from a master of strategy, tactics and thoughts.

The prose works wonderfully well and when the reader is taken on an almost unthinkable journey for many of the time period, it’s a tale that works deeply into the psyche. All round I was more than engrossed with this title and when added to some great twists alongside cracking characters it was a book that more than hit the spot. Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Ill-Made Knight - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 01/08/13
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

William Gold comes into the world as his family slides down the social ladder. His head filled with tales of chivalry, instead he is branded a thief, and must make do with being squire to his childhood friend Sir Robert, a knight determined to make a name for himself as a man at arms in France. While William himself slowly acquires the skills of knightly combat, he remains an outsider - until the Battle of Poitiers when Sir Robert is cut down by the greatest knight of the age, Sir Geoffrey de Charny, and William, his lowly squire, revenges him. But with his own knight dead, no honour accrues to William for this feat of arms, and he is forced to become a mercenary. Scavenging a mismatched set of armour from the knightly corpses, he joins one of the mercenary companies now set to pillage a defenceless France, and so begins a bloody career that sees William joining forces with the infamous Sir John Hawkwood and immersing himself in a treacherous clandestine war among the Italian city states. But paradoxically it is there, among the spies, assassins and hired killers serving their ruthless masters, that William finally discovers the true meaning of chivalry - and his destiny as a knight.


REVIEW:

Christian Cameron is one of those authors that I just love to spend time around. He brings historical fiction vividly to life and to be honest with you, the practical side of things within (such as the armour) demonstrates an author who has not only done their research well, but one whose clear love of re-enactment shone through on a practical archaeological point of view.

As with Christian’s other books, the prose is not only razor sharp but something that helps you acclimatise yourself to the timeline wonderfully quickly. Add to this great dialogue as well as characters you want to spend time around. Yet for all this, for me, it’s the author’s wonderful action sequences that stand out. Throughout the book, any action is wonderfully imaginative with easy guides for the reader to visualise which when added to matter of fact nitty gritty manoeuvres all round make this something that you can’t wait to get behind. Another stunning book from Christian and one that I had a great time reading. Thank you.

HISTORICAL FICTION CRIME DEBUT REVIEW: City of Devils - Diana Bretherick

Release Date: 01/08/13
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:
The brightest mind meets the darkest killer

1887

When James Murray, a young Scottish doctor fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind, travels to the vibrant city of Turin, it is to study with Cesare Lombroso, the world-renowned criminologist. But just hours after his introduction to the unconventional Lombroso, the discovery of a horrifically mutilated body in the nearby Piazza Statuto, and a note that appears to implicate the celebrated criminologist himself, changes everything.

With the help of his fellow apprentice, Ottolenghi; Tullio, a local investigator; and Lombroso's beautiful but enigmatic housekeeper, Sofia; Murray must put his learning to the test and endeavour to understand the mind of a truly evil serial killer if he is to stop the rapidly escalating bloodbath and clear the name of his mentor. Have Lombroso's many enemies attempted to frame him? Are the notes an accusation or a challenge? And will Lombroso's own influential theories about criminal behaviour help to catch a cunning and ruthless killer?

Meet the world's first criminologist in this compelling, fast-paced historical thriller.



REVIEW:

OK, so you want a historical thriller that brings a crime story to the fore that you can really get your teeth into. So what are you going to reach for? Well this debut is a novel that I had fun with. I loved the twists and the set up, the pace was solid and whilst for some the prose may be a little overly flowery for me it helped bring the time to life.

What Diana did exceptionally well was, for me, her characters, they felt rounded, they had personalities and quirks which when added to great dialogue made this something that I really couldn’t put down until I reached a conclusion. It was a lot of fun and whilst its going to be a marmite book (either you love it or hate it), its definitely one that has made a striking impression enough to have me watching out for future novels by her.

URBAN FANTASY CRIME REVIEW: We Are Here - Michael Marshall

Release Date: 14/03/13
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

It should have been the greatest day of David's life. A trip to New York, wife by his side, to visit his new publisher. Finally, after years of lonely struggle it looks as though the gods of fate are on his side. But on the way back to Penn station, a chance encounter changes all of that. David bumps into a man who covertly follows him and, just before he boards the train, passes by him close enough to whisper: 'Remember me.' When the stranger turns up in his home town, David begins to understand that this man wants something from him...something very personal that he may have no choice but to surrender. Meanwhile, back in New York, ex-lawyer John Henderson does his girlfriend Kristina a favour and agrees to talk to Catherine Warren, an acquaintance of hers who believes she's being stalked by an ex-lover. But soon John realises that Catherine's problem is far more complex and terrifying than he could ever have imagined...There are people out there in the shadows, watching, waiting. They are the forgotten. And they're about to turn.


REVIEW:

I love a crime story that brings elements of the supernatural into them and to be honest if you want heart palpitations, night frights and to be jumping at every little noise (if you’re reading this alone) then you will more that get your moneys worth from Michael Marshall’s new book.

The writing as usual is crisp, the prose wonderful and when added to a solid pace and an easily visualised scenario’s then you’re in for a treat. Yet whilst this is always key to any book for me, one other thing that I have to add are the characters populating this shadowy world, they’re delightful and whilst the villains are people who truly take the darker aspect of the human psyche you’ll still find yourself fascinated at how well the author manages to meld it altogether without giving the reader information overload. Back this up with a lead character that you just route for and all round I was a satisfied reader. A cracking read all round.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Shakespeare's Rebel - CC Humphreys

Release Date: 14/03/13
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

London 1599, a city on the brink of revolution...He is Queen Elizabeth's last, perhaps her greatest, love - Robert Deveraux, Earl of Essex. Champion jouster, dashing general...and the man that John Lawley, England's finest swordsman, most wishes to avoid. For John knows the other earl - the reckless melancholic - and has had to risk his life for him in battle one time too many. All John wants is to be left alone to win back the heart of the woman he loves, be the kind of father that his son can look up to, and arrange the fight scenes for the magnificent new theatre, the Globe. To realise these dreams, John must dodge both Essex and his ruthless adversary for the queen's affections, Robert Cecil, and remain free to help his oldest friend Will Shakespeare finish the play that threatens to destroy him: THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET. But John is doomed by his three devils: whisky, women and Mad Robbie Deveraux. Despite every effort to evade the clutches of Elizabeth and her cohorts, John is soon enmeshed in the intrigues of court and dragged into the seemingly hopeless war in Ireland, forced to play his part in a deadly game of power and politics, conspiracy and rebellion. From the scaffold of the Globe to the one in the Tower. From ambush in Ireland to even greater menace in Whitehall, John Lawley must strive to be - or not to be - the man who might just save England.


REVIEW:

Ah, a real joy for me is when I get a book by an author whose name I not only know but one that I’ve marked in my diary as an author to watch out for because of what’s gone before. What CC Humphreys brings to the fore is a story that has solid characters that the reader can identify with as well as weaving a tale that not only fits the time period but treats it with respect.

Add to this solid prose, a wonderful sense of viewing a personal film and when added to the authors cracking style of keeping it not only tightly woven but done in such a way that you can’t but help turning the pages just to see who lives and dies, really all round makes this a pleasure just to sit back with. Cracking.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Tyrant: Destroyer of Cities - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 14/02/13
Publisher:  Orion

SYNOPSIS:

Demetrius, son of Alexander's former comrade, Antigonus One-Eye, was perhaps the most dashing and charismatic of the Successors, the Macedonian generals who fought a bitter war for the spoils of Alexander's short-lived empire. Still smarting from his epic defeat at the hands of Ptolemy, Demetrius has his eye on one of the richest prizes in the ancient world - the naval superpower of Rhodes. But the Rhodians know that defeat will mean annihilation, and Demetrius's campaign will entail five separate naval battles over several years before he can begin to breach the city walls - leading him to employ an array of fantastic war machines: ancient super-weapons like his gigantic lens of polished bronze used to focus on the city's wooden ramparts and set them ablaze. If she is to survive against such a merciless assault, Rhodes will need the help of every ally she can muster - including the newly crowned King of the Bosporus, Satyrus, and his fiery twin, Melitta...


REVIEW:

Historical Fiction is a genre that I really get a lot of pleasure from and to be honest one man that’s very prolific is Christian Cameron, each book is not only an adventure but a story that I lose myself in for quite a while from the real world.

What Christian’s writing does is bring cracking characters, top notch action and blends it all with a storyline that moves at a great pace which when wrapped up in his own familiar writing style, makes him an author that I just can’t help but enjoy. Add to the mix characters that you really care about which when blended with some political machinations wraps it all up very neatly. Great stuff.

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Lady of Shades - Darren Shan

Release Date: 30/08/12

SYNOPSIS:

Ed, an American author on the hunt for a story for his next book, arrives in London looking for inspiration. A stranger in a strange city, he's haunted by a deadly secret that refuses to stay buried, and no matter how hard he tries he cannot escape the manifest sins of his past. What Ed wants is answers, what he finds is something he definitely didn't bargain for: the beautiful and untouchable Andeanna Menderes. Andeanna is a woman who is dangerously bound to one of London's most notorious crime lords, and if they are caught together it could mean death for them both. Ensnared in an illicit affair that can only be conducted in the shadows, Ed's world is turned upside down as a series of shattering revelations blurs the line between what's real and what's not...


REVIEW:

Whilst I’ve had this book for a while, its been one of those ones that been sat on a backburner for a while for a number of reasons, firstly because I was hoping to be highly entertained when I was feeling down, and secondly the plotline didn’t quite grab me but I know that Shan’s writing usually exceeds the books blurb.

What unfurls within this is a book that takes the reader on a journey but not until half way through when things start to make a lot of sense when the plot picks up pace. Don’t get me wrong it does have all the usual Shan whistles and bells including solid pace, great characters and of course a plot line that twists enough to keep you guessing for most of the book, but not being able to really get into it until half way through left me feeling that had it not been a known name, a fair few people may well have quit before getting to the payoff.

All in a reasonable title but it is one you have to keep going with regardless of how hard you find it to begin with.

CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: Gone in Seconds - A J Cross

Release Date: 05/07/12

SYNOPSIS:

When the skeleton of a young woman is found near a West Midlands motorway, evidence suggests that it is that of teenager Molly James, who went missing five years ago. Forensic psychologist Dr Kate Hanson and the Unsolved Crime Unit are called in to re-investigate Molly's case. The deeper they dig the dirtier the clues get, and when a second set of remains is unearthed Kate suspects they're looking for a Repeater: a killer who will adapt, grow and not stop until they are caught. Will Dr Hanson manage to unravel the tangle of clues that the killer has left behind before he has a chance to take another innocent victim?


REVIEW:

As a huge reader of Crime titles its starting to feel that these days you can’t pick up a book that isn’t written by someone who has been involved in the investigative side of a crime, whether its from former policemen or pathologists or now from criminal psychologists.

Not that it’s a bad thing as you know that the procedural side of things is correct for the relevant country but also because real life experiences have been woven within to help give it a feel of authenticity. What makes this book a little different is the fact that it’s set over here in the UK (which to be honest in my opinion makes it a little scarier) and whilst some cases aren’t mentioned by name the reader can cast some educated guesses at which ones are hinted at within.

All in, the details are pretty descriptive with the author not giving the reader the chance to miss anything with a solid prose and of course a wonderful lead character to help the reader make their way within this dark aspect of our own world. Back that up with solid deductions, some good side-lines and a plot that keeps you going throughout and all in it’s a cracking debut.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Clash of Empires: The Red Sea - William Napier

Release Date: 05/07/12

SYNOPSIS:

The Mediterranean, 1571. For hundreds of years the Ottoman Empire has ruled the seas. But the seas are only a gateway to the lands they covet beyond.The armies of the Turk are picking off colonies and small islands, and if the Mediterranean falls, then finally perhaps the balance of power between crescent and cross will tip...It has been a momentous summer - armies assembling, Cyprus besieged and men flayed alive, their bodies displayed as trophies on opposing galleys. Now, as the sun rises on one October day, history will be written in blood. Five hours will shape history. Countries all over western Europe have sent ships and men. Caught up in it are Hodge and Ingoldsby - two young English adventurers who have survived the siege of Malta and are already living on borrowed time. Now, it seems the debt must be repaid...


REVIEW:

I love a good historical fiction title and if you want cracking action with gripping battle sequences the William does a cracking job of it. I love the way that the characters step up and keep me moving forward in the story as I learn more about the various sieges of the time period to which, if I’m honest, I was quite ignorant.

All in when you add solid prose, great pace and of course characters that you want to hang around then you’re in for a treat especially when you add some in depth research that gives an authenticity to the whole piece. Great fun all round and for me a top notch new series that is living up to my expectations.

HISTORICAL THRILLER REVIEW: The Crown - Nancy Bilyeau

Release Date: 02/02/12

SYNOPSIS:

London, May 1537: When Joanna Stafford, a young novice, learns her cousin is about to be burned at the stake for rebelling against Henry VIII, she makes a decision that will change not only her life but quite possibly, the fate of a nation. Joanna breaks the sacred rule of enclosure and runs away from Dartford Priory. But when Joanna and her father are arrested and sent to the Tower of London, she finds herself a pawn in a deadly power struggle. Those closest to the throne are locked in a fierce fight against those desperate to save England's monasteries from destruction Charged with a mission to find a hidden relic believed to possess a mystical power that has slain three Englishmen of royal blood in the last 300 years, Joanna and a troubled young friar, Brother Edmund, must seek answers across England. Once she learns the true secret of her quest, one that traces all the way back to Golgotha and the Relics of the Passion, Joanna must finally determine who to trust and how far she is willing to go to protect her life, her family and everything she holds dear.

REVIEW:

Having recently read a thriller that great disappointed, I was more than satisfied when I picked up a Historical Fiction title that not only brought together the elements of the historical beautifully but also wove a mystery within that kept me glued from start to finish. The principle character was elegantly created with a personality that the reader can’t help but associate as well as route for, the setting was wonderfully descriptive and when filled with a cracking supporting cast it can’t help but enchant.

Add to this some decent twists, an author who has a wonderful idea for pace alongside outline and the reader is in for a real treat as the pages fly by. All in, this was a cracking read and one that means that I’ve noted Nancy’s name down for future reading. Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Scottish Prisoner - Diana Gabaldon

Release Date: 01/12/11

SYNOPSIS:

In this highly-anticipated new novel, Diana Gabaldon brings back one of her most compelling characters: the unforgettable Lord John Grey - soldier, gentleman, and no mean hand with a blade. Set in the heart of the eighteenth century, Lord John's world is one of mystery and menace. Diana Gabaldon brilliantly weaves together the strands of Lord John's secret and public lives. Capturing the lonely, tormented, and courageous career of a man who fights for his crown, his honor, and his own secrets, Diana Gabaldon delivers breathtaking human drama, proving once again that she can bring history to life in a way few novelists ever have.


REVIEW:

OK, to those who’ve already Diana’s work I’m not saying anything that they didn’t already know, to those who have seen the authors name and not sure whether or not to take a chance, this is perhaps the review to help you make up your mind.

First of all I was new to Diana’s writing when I was lent An Echo in the Bone. Yes I know, it was the seventh book in the series but the beauty and the story weaving was so exceptional that I had to go all the way back to the first book and read the series back to back.

As with Diana’s other books, this latest title is a story of honour, love, battle and of course the development of roles for the characters within. The fact that Jamie Fraser makes a reappearance will more than please fans of the Outlander series as he gets back to doing what he does best. Add to this a seriously delicious storyline, cracking character development alongside prose that many will fall in love with alongside a masters understanding of pace and it’s a book that is serious value for money. All I have to do now is set up a guard to protect my copy from a certain parent who’s already setting her sights on it.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: God of War: The Story of Alexander the Great - Christian Cameron

Release Date: 05/01/12

SYNOPSIS:

The story of how Alexander the Great conquered the world - first crushing Greek resistance to Macedonian rule, then destroying the Persian Empire in three monumental battles, before marching into the unknown and final victory in India - is a truly epic tale that has mesmerised countless generations of listeners. He crammed more adventure into his thirty-three years than any other human being before or since, and now for the first time a novelist will tell the tale in a single suitably epic volume. The combination of Alexander's life story and Christian Cameron's unrivalled skills as an historian and storyteller will ensure that this will not only be the definitive version for many years to come, but also one of the most exciting historical epics ever written.


REVIEW:

OK, so you want an historical fiction title that will not only impress but one that will give you real characters that have a more 3D feel as well as being people you can associate with. You also want a story that concentrates on giving you factual information without a lot of hocus pocus and tales about divine intervention alongside a story that allows you to get to know the principle players with a realistic feel with the events that shaped them.

Well look no further as this new book by Christian Cameron about the story of Alexander the Great comes to the fore. He’s rounded, he is talked about in the third person and the things that can make a king a villain are also present as the events that shaped his life are brought to the reader’s attention. It’s wonderfully descriptive, the characters are fascinating and above all else it’s the story of Alexander that everyone should read as it allows you to see the man, the not the mythical figure that has made his way through antiquity.

Finally add to this Christian’s wonderful writing style, with cracking prose, a wonderful sense of pace and when backed with an instantly identifiable writing style, it’s a book that is going to take a hell of a lot to beat this year especially in the award season, and lets face it, that’s saying something considering how early this one’s out.