Review: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews
2 June 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Fantasy, fiction, Ilona Andrews, Review, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Brilliant
I really loved TKWNKM, it made a great impression immediately and I just fell into the story and fell a little in love with the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to fall down a similar rabbit hole to Maggie – I’m just too big a wuss for that endeavour, not to mention I do read some grimdark and I really wouldn’t want to fall into one of those (even though I love reading them) – but I’m getting ahead of myself.
As the story begins we meet Maggie, naked and confused at first (much like myself – confused that is (not naked)) it seems that she has awoken in the kingdom of Rellas – a fictional setting and in fact a place well known to Maggic as it is the setting from her favourite fictional series. How this has happened has not been explained and tbh I didn’t worry too much about this. Basically, Maggic doesn’t know how it happened, and, seeing as how we learn everything from Maggic, there’s no realistic way that we could know – until she does. Now, Maggic has read her favourite series so many times that she has a good grasp of the world, characters and politics. She comes up with a plan to try and remain safe for the first night and see what happens from there. She has no clothes, no money and no friends – but, she does have some currency, she has a knowledge of what takes place in Rellas and this makes her a very unique and unusual commodity.
I’m actually not going to delve into the plot. I’m a little later that I wanted to be posting this review and as I’m late to the party I feel there are already plenty of reviews that go into some depth. Also, I always worry about giving things away or falling into spoiler territory.
What I can say is that this is something of a chunkster, epic fantasy with plenty of characters and plot points. There is some great world building, a few twists and even a number of critters.
So, I mentioned that this is quite a chunky story – but it doesn’t feel like it. I literally was hooked and was disappointed whenever I set the book aside. When the storytelling is this good a book doesn’t feel long – it actually feels too short if anything.
I really liked the characters. Maggic is a great MC to follow. She’s something of a softie, truth be told, but she also understands that while she’s living in this world, she needs to take realistic steps. I really liked this idea. More often than not the realities of a situation are overlooked or swept aside, like they’re not necessary – but I really enjoy the way Maggic keeps things real. She also has a great knowledge of the kingdom and puts this to immediate use. Maggie has soon come to the conclusion that a catastrophic event from the books is looming and she has decided to try and change things – not least of all because she wants to stay alive – although, so far she appears to be unable to die, well, no, she can die – but lets just stay it doesn’t remain permanent – it doesn’t make the experience of dying any less painful for her though!
Anyhow, rambling aside, it seems Maggie needs to work very hard to try and change the events in the book from unfolding as originally written, and some of her earlier attempts at interference barely scratch the surface. It’s not going to be easy to change the fate of Rellas and it’s main characters, and Maggie finds herself forming a number of very close attachments that she is particularly keen to protect. And, because of the difficulties that Maggic soon discovers and the resistance to her attempts to change the course of events there are quite a number of new diversions as Maggie finds herself going from Plan A, to B to C, etc. Luckily, she thinks on her feet, she’s quick and intelligent and has a great store of knowledge, she’s also capable of making a few educated guesses and on top of that she has a good sense of humour. And, of course, she’s a modern woman thrown into a historical fantasy situation so for once I had no grumbles about irritants like the use of modern phrases or such.
Maggie not only finds herself with a found family, one that she soon realises she wants to defend and keep alive, but there is also a budding romance looming. And, I cannot deny that I loved this aspect to the story. It’s written so well, the dialogue, the tension the slow build – it’s really good.
If you haven’t gathered already this was a great read for me but I’m going to stop my gushing now before I become any more incoherent. In a nutshell, great storytelling, fantastic sense of place, found family, critters, a fictional grimdark world that actually feels kind of cosy now that Maggie is living there – could grimcosy be a thing? Yes, there are some despicable characters and some horrible things happen but there’s nothing gratuitous.
A book that I fell into (do you see what I did there?) I loved it. Okay, I didn’t love the cliffhanger ending but such is life. I now need to exercise a little patience until book 2 is released and in the meantime I could seriously do with a reread.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 wonderful stars
Booking Ahead/Weekly Wrap Up
31 May 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Review, book-blog, Booking Ahead, Books, Caffeinated Book Reviewer, fiction, reading, Sunday Post, Weekly wrap up
Today I’m posting my Weekly Wrap Up and I’m linking up to The Sunday Post over at Kimberly’s Caffeinated Reviewer. Without further ado:
Weekly Update
Hey everyone, hope you’ve all been having a good week. The weather has been absolutely lovely and I’ve been making the most of it doing some gardening. We went on a short city break last weekend, returning half way through the week. I’ve been doing some good catching up both with blog hopping, reviewing and reading – but, it’s still early days, but you know, slowly but surely wins the race (apparently!) Since my last update I’ve managed to catch up with three of my outstanding reviews, I’ve only read one book but it was so good (I’ve already reviewed it – The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett). I’ve made a start on The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden which has started very smoothly.
Next Week’s reads
I’m aiming to complete The Unicorn Hunters and then I shall be picking up The Children by Melissa Albert which I’m really looking forward to.
Reviews Posted:
- The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer
- We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune
- Death’s Daughter by S.A. Barnes
- The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Outstanding Reviews
- This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews
- All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan
- The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
Hoping to see you round the blogosphere this forthcoming week.
Review: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
30 May 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Kathryn Stockett, reading, The Calamity Club
My Five Word TL:DR Review: I loved it.
Okay, I was so excited to be approved for a review copy of The Calamity Club, I loved The Help and was so hyped for this that I could have exploded. Fortunately, I didn’t explode, I did almost have a conniption on a few occasions whilst reading but I can report back that this book is a keeper. An absolute belter.
I think that this is the author’s second book, and, to be honest it’s been a couple of decades (maybe) since I read the first but, all I can say is I would sooner read two excellent books, twenty years or so apart (but who’s counting?) than a whole passel of mediocre books every few years. Quality over quantity all day long. That is all.
This is the story of Birdie and Meg. Two very different characters whose stories eventually converge. Told during the depression of the 1930s and coupled with the era of prohibition that seemed to be coming to an end it’s an absolutely fascinating period piece depicting the struggles from all walks of life but at the same time focusing on a couple of females in particular who have the willpower to survive. It really is a tour de force.
So, the two characters are Meg and Birdie. To be honest they’re miles apart and for a while there I couldn’t see how the two would ever come together. But they do so please have a little patience. While I’m on this subject, yes, this is quite a lengthy book, I mean, I’m not talking Tolkien or Tolstoy here but even so I did have a moment of thinking this might be a little indulgent in some respects, but, I was wrong. I loved this, it is a story to be savoured not rushed through at breakneck pace. The characters are easy to like (or dislike) and I found myself easily falling into the story. I actually didn’t want to rush this, I lingered and enjoyed the writing, I did become very tense as the plot thickened and now that the read has ended I find myself wanting to return to the characters and the place. I shall miss reading about the Calamity Club. I think I have a case of ‘book hangover’.
What really makes this book such a winner for me is the combination of really well drawn characters, the sense of sisterhood and found family, a gentle romance simmering in the background but in no way stealing the show and the fact that it’s a story of hope.
Birdie is a fantastic character and she experiences such amazing and realistic character growth going from strength to strength and eventually believing that she is a strong and independent woman who has things to say and people to help. As the story begins Birdie’s family are struggling, they need money urgently to pay back taxes or they’ll lose their home and so it’s decided that Birdie will visit her sister Frances. Frances has married into an old family, her husband is a banker and they live in a beautiful mansion. However, Frances has gone very quiet when it comes to her own family and Birdie turning up on the doorstep is definitely an embarrassment to her. On top of this something feels off – well, things will be eventually revealed but I won’t elaborate more in that respect.
Meg is living at the orphanage. Her mother disappeared one day and she was taken into custody. Her life at the orphanage is far from pleasant. The woman who runs the show seems to have taken a dislike to Meg and singles her out for some rather despicable treatment so when she is unexpectedly adopted by a very influential family it seems like her luck might have changed. I won’t spoil things other than to say ‘out of the frying pan into the fire’. Meg is a great character. I loved her chapters, the way she thinks and her sense of humour, particularly in the face of her struggles, is refreshing.
Now, the Calamity Club is named very well. This is just one of many names suggested for the eventual plan that Frances and another character called Charlie eventually hit upon to try and raise much needed money urgently. This part of the story is simply brilliant. The new characters are all such good fun, brash, genuine, funny, sassy, bossy, scary and quietly fierce. I loved this group of women. I could have cried. I certainly laughed, my heart was in my throat as the story developed because I felt so genuinely worried about what might be round the corner. And, I will also say that Mrs Tartt (Frances mother-in-law) was an absolute gem. What a wonderful lady she is. This book gave me so many feelings, I felt strongly for so many of the characters and then the characters at the opposite end that made you shudder and increased the sense of dread.
I haven’t got a single negative thing to say about this book. It is excellent. I highly recommend it and can only hope that it is adapted for the big screen. It would make a fantastic movie.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 perfect stars
Revew: We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune
27 May 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Review, TJ Klune, We Burned So Bright
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Such an emotionally powerful story
I didn’t know what to expect with We Burned So Bright. This was my first time reading the author and although I had checked out the description I don’t think it really registered. As it happens my overall feelings about this can be summed up as really well written, actually quite scary in terms of the concept and the grim inevitability of what is happening and then the emotional impact of following two characters that are so easy to read about and enjoy at the same time as reading their own backstory as it slowly unfolds. Such an emotional read, uplifting at times, scary at others, almost a little overwhelming.
I don’t really want to say too much about the story because this is a quick read weighing in at around 170 pages approximately. Basically, we follow a couple who are taking a final road trip to settle unfinished business as the end of the world looms. A black hole approaches literally destroying everything in it’s path.
Okay, what I really liked about this. First and foremost the writing. This is so wonderfully written that its almost impossible to put down. To be honest. on the face of it the story is really quite bleak. The world is ending. There will be no last minute reprieve and in fact very little time is spent dwelling on that fact. This really is a careful reflection by Don and Rodney, a couple making a sort of pilgrimage of their own to find some sort of final resolution. So, spoken of in these terms, and even given the wonderful prose, I would not say this would be my normal ‘go to’ type of read. But, I’m pleased to say it worked well for me. I was intrigued by Don and Rodney’s journey, I felt apprehensive about what they would encounter and I was quietly surprised about the little stories that inject moments of happiness into what is otherwise a totally desperate situation.
Don and Rodney have had a wonderful relationship, but also over the years have experienced some very difficult times. Their history is gradually revealed as their road trip rolls forward. They are a great couple to get along with, which isn’t to say that they haven’t experienced their ups and downs, but, now in their 70s and having been together for 40 years their love and knowledge of each other shines through really strongly and is a pleasure to read. Even with this terrible ‘looming’ black hole. I think my biggest worry was if they would have some sort of resolution before the world was ripped apart.
As I mentioned. This is quite a bleak story, very sad on occasions, a little bit chaotic at others. The couple encounter a number of people along the way. Some quietly help them out (as they themselves also help others). Some are falling apart in a quite scary way. And others are determined to bring light and laughter to their numbered days.
I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before where the end of the world is almost a casual backdrop to a couple looking for closure and it’s refreshingly unique.
And, frankly, I really didn’t expect this to work quite so well for me. I’m having ups and downs with my reading mood and at first feared this might just be too much doom and gloom. As it happens I needn’t have worried. This was compelling, well written and unbelievably emotional.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Review: The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer
22 May 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Horror, Marcus Kliewer, Review, The Caretaker
My Five Word TL:DR Review: I mean, what just happened?
Well, The Caretaker was perhaps one of my most anticipated reads for 2026 and I will say upfront that although this didn’t horrify me in quite the same way that We Used to Live Here did (because that book gave me the heebies) it still held me captivated and turning the pages at an almost indecent pace. It’s an insidious read. It creeps up on you and then jumps out from behind a darkened doorway when you least expect and the ending – well, I feel like I need to read it again because I didn’t expect or want that. That is all.
Macy Mullins is in a pretty desperate way. She’s looking after her sister after the death of their father. She’s seen some pretty low times but being on the cusp of losing the (frankly disgusting and barely passing as fit for human habitation) apartment that they live in really serves to highlight the all time low that these two sisters have now reached. In absolute dire straits Macy takes a job interview for a caretaker role. After a long trek out she finds herself in a fairly prestigious neighbourhood where she is supposedly going to be interviewed for the job of looking after an elderly man whilst his wife is away for a couple of nights. Well, it turns out this is a little bit of a con, the elderly man in question has passed away and his wife wants somebody to continue to keep up his strange series of ‘rites’ that she promised would be maintained in the event he should die. It seems that this ladies husband believed he was saving the world every night by completing a strange series of routine tasks and, trust me, by the end of the book you’ll be wishing that Macy had been a little bit more efficient at following the rules. Macy is offered a very reasonable amount of money for what seems to be a two day role. Of course, she accepts. I mean, the whole thing seems like a bunch of craziness but really how difficult can it be. As it turns out, this is a whole new level of batshit crazy that quickly spirals into mayhem.
Seriously, this book will draw you in. At first you’ll find yourself mildly disbelieving. You’ll read on because you’re oddly compelled, because what the heck is really going on. Then you’ll become gripped. Because, realy, what the heck is going on. Then you’ll be mildly horrified before you descend into shouting at Macy for being so god damned stupid. JUST FOLLOW THE RITES. It’s not rocket science is is? Why with the rabbits though? Kliewer, just why?
Anyway, I’m very hard pressed to really tell you too much about this book without giving away I don’t know how many or what kind of spoilers.
What did I love then?
The slowly mounting tension. The sense that something is ‘off’. What are these ‘rites’ all about after all? Surely this is just some sort of out of the ordinary compulsive disorder? And yet, you find you want Macy to just get on with it. Follow the rules, okay. Don’t mess up. Of course, and I don’t really think this is a spoiler because it would be a very short story otherwise, Macy does mess up. Who wouldn’t. She doesn’t really understand what’s going on, who does? Some of these rules are just crazy and no, she isn’t going to do some of the hideous things suggested in order to rectify her mistake. What could possibly go wrong. Apart from everything.
Secondly, well, it’s the curiosity isn’t it. You’re compelled to read on. Small wonder that ‘curiosity killed the cat’, it nearly gave me a conniption and I had to know. I’m not sure that my curiosity is completely satisfied, but yet, at the same time, everything here is so strange that it also is satisfied. Because of course events unfolded in this way.
Macy. Sometimes she seemed like she really had a grip. Right up until the point that she didn’t. I kind of wanted to shake her. She has an internal monologue running that can definitely be frustrating, not to mention a little bit repetitive and really, although, she liked to think of herself as hardened she really isn’t as tough as she likes to think. But, come on woman, think this thing through! But, of course she didn’t think everything through, why would you, it was all so unbelievable after all and she did make an attempt to stick to the rules. Macy has been through a lot and to say she has suffered with mental health problems would be slightly understating the issue. Definitely this book could be triggering for some readers with it’s unsettling themes so that’s definitely something to bear in mind.
I also really liked the way that everything seemed so simple. Just keep the lights switched off. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to be a problem and yet once you’re thrown into the thick of things you start to feel like you’re mildly panicking yourself.
To be honest. I don’t think I can, or actually want to, say too much more about The Caretaker. I feel like I’m verging on the land of spoilers and I don’t want to be that person.
This is unsettling. It’s actually really very creepy in parts. It hooked me a lot more than I expected and a lot quicker than I anticipated and then it left me reeling. Given the author’s previous book I should have realised that he would shock and horrify me all over again. Maybe not quite as goosebumpy as the first but still a very good read.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars.
Books and travelling with Lynn 