Can’t Wait Wednesday : The True Bastards (The Lot Lands #2) by Jonathan French
12 June 2019
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Can't wait Wednesday, Jonathan French, The Grey Bastards, The Lot Lands #2, The True Bastards, Wishful Endings
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that was originally created by Breaking the Spine. Unfortunately Breaking the Spine are no longer hosting so I’m now linking my posts up to Wishful Endings Can’t Wait Wednesday. Don’t forget to stop over, link up and check out what books everyone else is waiting for. If you want to take part, basically, every Wednesday, we highlight a book that we’re really looking forward to. This week my book is : The True Bastards (The Lot Lands #2) by Jonathan French. When I saw the cover release for this one I was positively giddy with excitement. I loved the Grey Bastards and have been eagerly anticipating the second book in series – I now have a serious case of grabby hands. Definitely a woohoo moment and you can read all about it below to see why:
Fetching was once the only female rider in the Lot Lands. Now she is the leader of her own hoof, a band of loyal half orcs sworn to her command. But in the year since she took power, the True Bastards have struggled to survive. Tested to the breaking point by the burdens of leadership, Fetching battles desperately to stave off famine, desertion, and the scorn of the other half-orc chieftains, even as orcs and humans alike threaten the Lots’ very existence. Then an old enemy finds a way to strike at her from beyond the grave–and suddenly only one, faint hope for salvation remains.
Expected publication : October 2019
Bookish opinions: good, bad and ugly
11 June 2019
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: That Artsy Reader Girl, The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday, Unpopular book opinions
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme where every Tuesday we look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) bookish examples to demonstrate that particular topic. Top Ten Tuesday (created and hosted by The Broke and Bookish) is now being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and future week’s topics can be found here. This week’s topic is:
Unpopular Bookish Opinions
I wasn’t really sure where to go with this one so I’ve probably gone off on a strange tangent but here are some of my probably unpopular bookish opinions:
- I don’t finish a book if I’m not enjoying it. I used to be absolutely completist and read dogmatically through a book whether I was enjoying it or not. I think I’ve come to realise that life is too short and there are a lot of good books. Therefore if I’m going to find all the good books then I’ll have to stop reading the ones I’m not enjoying. This probably makes my blog and reviews look as though they’re always glowing with praise – but that’s primarily because I only continue reading the books I’m enjoying. Otherwise reading becomes a chore and I tend to go into a slump.
- I’m an absolute convert to e-books. I know – break out the pitchforks! I just find them so convenient. I love physical books, the tactileness of reading them, just turning the pages, well, everything. But, I can’t deny I’ve totally gone over to the dark side. I read on kindle. My kindle has a backlight which I just love. I can carry around hundreds of books – which might feel unnecessary but, hey, you never know. It’s really easy to just highlight chapter headings, names, places or even make notes and I really like some of the other features like knowing how many minutes are left in a chapter – so I can easily prioritise between sleep and reading.
- Similar to the above, I’m starting to get on board with audio books. They don’t all work for me I have to admit and I know there seems to be a whole body of opinion out there that this isn’t really reading, and technically, maybe it isn’t actual reading – but I’m still mentally digesting the book so I say it counts. I did worry that audio wouldn’t work for me and that I’d switch off and miss huge swathes of infortmation but if anything it’s exactly the opposite. And, if you’re listening to a book with difficult place and character names you have the added bonus of correct pronunciation – and if you heard me making a totally ass out of some of the names I’ve read you’d truly understand what a gift this is. Yep, I’m very pleasantly surprised with just how well audio is working out for me.
- I don’t mind books that pay attention to detail. In fact I welcome some of the detail – obviously I don’t need every leaf on a tree or stone in a house detailing, and I don’t want a room describing in full every time a character enters but I like the extra attention that helps to bring the world alive even though I recognise that others may feel this sometimes slows the plot down.
- Ratings. At the moment I don’t rate the books on my blog – basically I don’t always think I make the right choice for my ratings and so I prefer to go off the tone of the review. So, if I’m gushing like a love sick puppy then it’s probably a full 5* whereas if I’m just giving a very straightforward review that tends to have the words ‘enjoyed’ and ‘liked’ as oppose to ‘smitten’, ‘in love’ etc, then that would be a book that was okay, a decent read, but probably 3/3.5 stars. (However, I am considering changing this in the near future. I have to rate my review books after all.
- I like adaptations. I know this can be a mixed bag and that some books adapted to screen can be a disaster but overall I just really like to see some of my favourite books converted into movies or series and I’m happy to take the risk – after all, if I don’t like the adaptation it doesn’t spoil the book for me.
- I can’t listen to music and read. It’s just not possible for me at all – too much conflict of interest – one of them always wins out and usually I realise that I’ve read the same page twenty times and not absorbed a single word because I’m too busy singing – badly singing at that.
- I don’t like every type of book! This is a fairly common misconception – people see you read a lot and so very kindly pass on their books to you – but more often than not they’re not your type of book. Just picture it – somebody brings in a box of books and says ‘you love reading don’t you, so I’ve brought you in some books I was getting rid of’ – firstly, my anticipation has now skyrocketed, BOOKS – what sort of books will they be, excitement am I. Then I open the box and can’t discover a single thing to stay excited about – BUT – because I’m very polite I have to maintain this expression (that is killing my cheeks btw) that everything is just hunky dory. Not to mention this person is then going to relentlessly pursue me for the next six months asking how I liked them all. Doomed. I’m not being ungrateful, seriously I’m not but more often than not I’d sooner not be the local second hand book depository because it rarely works out – I mean, what are the chances of somebody giving me a whole set of amazing fantasy books??
- Certain popular book tropes just don’t work for me – to name a few off the top of my head – instalove (lust by another name), love triangles, mysteriously never present parents, etc.
- I’ve told you mine now tell me yours….
Council (Helga Finnsdottir #2) by Snorri Kristjansson
10 June 2019
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Council, Helga Finnsdottir #2, Snorri Kristjansson
Council is the second in the Helga Finnsdottir series and is another really good story that builds on the world and characters established in Kin.
I’m enjoying this series so far, the second book is undoubtedly different from the first in that Helga has now left the homestead but it continues in the same tone as the first which is something I really enjoyed. There’s a simplicity to the life here plus a casual brutality that is always threatening to break out which adds a layer of tension to the story and makes the pages turn all that much faster.
Taking place a few years after Kin we find Helga living in Uppsala as a healer. She seems to be gaining something of a reputation for herself and is generally well respected. Basically Helga is a young woman who pays attention, she notices things and figures out what they mean or how they relate to events and this makes her unique in many respects because most others simply don’t pay attention. On top of that Helga has learned to keep her intelligence under wraps. For the large part she is ignored by the men around her and she uses this to her advantage.
As the story begins the King is planning a Council in which the leaders of his tribes will meet. This is a time of threat and the atmosphere is loaded with potential violence as the men take part in different bouts to demonstrate their strength. There’s a lot of chest beating that eventually calms down as the real purpose of the meet is discussed but between times a young boy is discovered dead in a nearby field. Helga is asked to take a look at the body and immediately determines that the boy’s death was not an accident. Of course she has to tread very carefully, these are very superstitious times and it would be easy for any actions Helga takes to be misinterpreted. To be honest it’s difficult to really go too much into the plot without giving away things so I’m going to leave it alone. All I can really say is that Helga unwittingly finds herself as part of a delegation where everyone suspects everyone else and things become incredibly tense and rife with deceit.
What I’m really enjoying about this is the atmosphere and sense of place. There’s a real starkness and brutality to the way of life and a simplicity that makes this a very unique murder mystery. There are no crime scenes, no dusting for fingerprints, no forensics, no nothing really. Just one young woman trying to look beyond the immediately obvious and draw conclusions about the whys and wherefores and on top of that there is the odd inkling of god-like interference which is very subtly worked into events.
Helga is a character that I’m really enjoying. She makes mistakes and she can’t always puzzle things out quickly, which means as a reader you’re also in the dark. You only know as much as Helga does and if she is sometimes frustrated by the thoughts that won’t work their way loose then those feelings are sure to be the same for you as a reader. Personally, I like that Helga struggles a little with making her deductions – it makes things more relatable somehow and adds to the air of mystery.
As well as Helga there are a number of other characters here, a character from her past who she is less than happy to see and also a romantic interest. But, many of the characters have their own motivations at heart and this helps to increase the feelings of mistrust between them all and create a real air of confusion. There are also a number of twists and turns (some obvious, some not so much). What I will say is that one of the characters is becoming a real thorn in Helga’s side and needs dealing with – that is all – well, that being said, I’d kind of like this character to pop up and cause trouble again if I’m going to be totally honest. Sorry Helga.
In terms of criticisms. Nothing major to report. I think there was a point in the story where I felt events were lulling a little bit but then the action took off and pretty much didn’t relent until the conclusion – which brings me to my other little issue – this ends on something of a cliff hanger (which I’m not overly fond of). It definitely makes me hankar after the next book all the more and thankfully these books have been published so far in a rather snappy fashion so fingers crossed that the next isn’t a lengthy wait.
Overall I think Council is a really good second instalment that sees the main character really grow having learnt some harsh life lessons. It will be very interesting to see where Helga winds up next and I very much look forward to picking up the next instalment.
I received a copy courtesy of the publishers, through Netgalley, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Weekly Wrap Up : 9th June 2019
9 June 2019
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Elizabeth Bear, My weekly wrap up, The Fall, The Red Stained Wings, Tracy Townsend
Again, I’ve missed a weekly wrap up and so I am combining two weeks in one post. Actually I quite like doing a twofer so perhaps that’s what I’ll do in future – although I’m still torn because the weekly wrap up does keep me more focused and on track. I’ll see – the jury’s still out. Anyway, my reading has been very slow – in fact I had about four days of no reading whatsoever. We’ve been travelling and also spending time with friends so reading has taken something of a backseat. In fairness, slowing down my reading has meant I’m catching up on reviews – so it’s swings and roundabouts. Hopefully my reading will be back to par next week. So, what have I read since my last update:
My books:
- The Red Stained Wings by Elizabeth Bear
- The Fall by Tracy Townsend (RTF)
Next scheduled reads:
- Nocturna by Maya Motayne
- Across the Void by SK Vaughn
- Limited Wish by Mark Lawrence
- The Whisper Man by Alex North
Upcoming reviews
- King of the Road by RS Belcher
- Council by Snorri Kristjansson
- Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
- The Fall by Tracy Townsend
I’d love to know what you’re reading this week.
Friday Face Off : One swallow does not make a summer”
7 June 2019
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books by Proxy, Dhonielle Clayton, Friday Face off, The Belles
Here we are again with the Friday Face Off meme created by Books by Proxy . This is a great opportunity to feature some of your favourite book covers. The rules are fairly simple each week, following a predetermined theme (list below) choose a book, compare a couple of the different covers available for that particular book and choose your favourite. Future week’s themes are listed below – the list has been updated to help out those of you who like to plan ahead – if you have a cover in mind that you’re really wanting to share then feel free to leave a comment about a future suggested theme. I’ve also listed events that take place during the year, that I’m aware of, so you can link up your covers – if you’re aware of any events that you think I should include then give me a shout. This week’s theme:
“One swallow does not make a summer” – A cover that makes you think of Summer
I was trying to find one of those covers that has a sultry feel – I failed. What can I say, perhaps somebody else will have something of the sort. Instead I’ve found a book with summer coloured flowers. This week my book is The Belles (The Belles #1) by Dhonielle Clayton
This is a fairly recent read so i was surprised that it had a choice of covers and the first two definitely have a nice warm glow. My favourite is:
This is a lovely cover, I love the colours and those little prisms of light give this a warm feel – it makes me think of Summer with the colours and the flowers.
Which one is your favourite?
Like last week I’ve added a Mr Linky here so that you can leave a link if you wish or please leave me a link in the comments so we can all visit and check out each others covers. Thanks
I’ve updated the list and included themes through to the end of 2019 – I’ve also included events that I’m aware of so that you can perhaps link your themes up where possible (if you know of an event you’d like to share that let me know in the comments). I also have a list prepared for 2020 and so will set up a separate page soon for forthcoming themes. As always, if you wish to submit an idea then leave me a comment.
Next week – A cover featuring something sweet
Future themes: (if you’re struggling with any of these themes then use a ‘freebie’ or one of your favourite covers)
2019
14th June – “Coraline opened the box of chocolates. The dog looked at them longingly.” – A cover featuring something sweet
21st June – Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year – Pagan rituals/standing stones/blazing suns – a cover with your own interpretation
28th June – “And who decided which people wore the striped pyjamas” – A cover that is striped
5th July – “The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe… has been answered” – a cover featuring something/somebody historic
12th July – A wrap around cover
19th July – “You can’t choose between life and death when we’re dealing with what is in between.” – A cover that is grainy or looks like ‘white noise’
26th July – “Ludo ….. down” – A cover that is Upside Down
2nd August – “There are children here somewhere. I can smell them.” A cover featuring children
9th August – “I’m disinclined to acquiesce to your request.” – A cover featuring Pirates
16th August – “The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagles own plumes” – a cover featuring feathers
23rd August – A cover that is a movie tie in
30th August – “I wandered lonely as a cloud” – a cover that is predominantly yellow
6th September “Warm September brings the fruit” – a cover that is seasonal for Autumn/Fall
13th September – Friday the 13th – unlucky for some! A cover with ‘curse’ in the title
20th September – “Your hair is winter fire,January embers.” – A cover featuring hair
27th September – Freebie
4th October – “Feed me Seymour” – A cover that is 60s horror
11th October – ““And, though there should be a world of difference between the smile of a man and the bared fangs of a wolf, with Joss Merlyn they were one and the same.” – a cover featuring an Inn
18th October – “It’s your favorite scary movie, remember? He had on the white mask, he stalked the babysitters.” – A cover featuring a scream
25th October – for Halloween – pick any scary cover you like
(I’m hoping that November will once again bring to us SciFiMonth – Twitter @SciFiMonth)
1st November – A cover that is predominantly grey
8th November – “big badda boom” – a cover that features an explosion
15th November – “No thinking thing should be another thing’s property, to be turned on and off when it is convenient.” – a cover featuring a robot
22nd November – A cover that is Futuristic
29th November – “When a day that you happen to know is Wednesday starts off by sounding like Sunday, there is something seriously wrong somewhere.” – a cover that is 60s sci fi
6th December – Now is the winter of our discontent, Made glorious summer by this sun of York” – a cover that puts you in mind of winter
13th December – A cover that features a temple/or religious icon
20th December – Longest Night – a dark and foreboding cover
27th December – the festive season – a cover that is glittery or sparkling
(2020 – January is Vintage SciFi month so I’ll be including possible themes to take that on board.)
Books and travelling with Lynn 