Review: The Thrice Bound Fool (Blacktongue #2) by Christopher Buehlman
13 October 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Christopher Buehlman, fiction, reading, The Blacktongue Thief, The Thrice Bound Fool
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Wow, I loved This Book
It was simply brilliant.
I feel like there’s been a bit of a wait for this second instalment. But, I’m not complaining, I read and adored The Daughters’ War, which was, strictly speaking, the start of the story, and I completely understand the author’s desire to tell that tale because its so, so good.
Be warned that this review may contain spoilers for the previous two books. Also, I recommend that you read those books before delving into this one. In fact I will make it a special request – please read The Daughters War and The Blacktongue Thief – I implore you.
This story picks up with our two characters Kinch and Galva and, may I say, it was an absolute pleasure to follow the two of them around. And, trust me, there is a lot of meandering – not a criticism. The two are trying to keep one step ahead of the Taker’s Guild, whilst carrying along a sentient book that is trying to kill them – at the same time as trying to cross deadly mountains during the cold season. What could possibly go wrong. The main objective seems to be to buy time so that Kinch can try and uncover the secrets from the deadly book they carry, whilst Galva tries to protect him. What ensues is the strangest and most unexpected journey that you can imagine – and I do have a pretty good imagination.
Strangely enough I went back to check out my previous two reviews and I would say a lot of the feelings and comments I made for those are still relevant here.
If you’re looking for some sort of epic fantasy with a clearly structured plot that carries the story forward then you might need to give your head a wobble. This is definitely the type of tale that is more about the journey than the destination. And this journey is one major life threatening and twisty story. It’s incredibly entertaining, there is no shortage of action, its a conundrum in that it can be bleak and bloody, laugh out loud funny and indisputably crass and with a range of characters that really do run the gamut of humankind – kindness where you’d least expect, vicious cruelty without need and plenty of emotional scenes that will pull at your heartstrings.
We have giants, fickle and tricky Gods, corvids and although not as many as in previous books, goblins that will give you the heebies.
Lets be honest as well, the stakes in this one are again high. Mankind is possibly on the brink of being wiped out and what Kinch and Galva uncover in this latest instalment makes this possibility more than a little likely.
But, without doubt, the winning element to The Thrice-Bound Fool is the relationship between Kinch and Galva. I mean, to be fair, I absolutely adore Galva and so you could be forgiven for thinking Kinch plays second fiddle for me, but, to be honest, I really like his character too, he’s got such a lot of charm and he comes out with the most outrageous things that I simply explode, unexpectedly with laughter. It’s absolutely crazy. I love it when a book does that – particularly when a turn of the page can equally have me either on the edge of my seat or close to tears.
And I really liked the role that Kinch ends up playing – I’m not going to say what it is because it would give away spoilers, but it feels so ridiculously fitting somehow.
In conclusion, another great instalment. I’d say that The Daughters’ War is still my favourite but the three books are so close together that there’s barely anything in it. An excellent series. Well written, entertaining, outrageous, dark, brutal, bloody, funny and unexpectedly emotional. Also, can I just mention the title – which is absolutely perfect – I love it when the title is really meaningful.
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
Review: A Waltz of Sinister Import Lady and Lord Riven #3 by Stephanie Burgis
12 October 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Waltz of Sinister Import, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Lady and Lord Riven #3, reading, Stephanie Burgis
My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Perfectly Fitting Final Instalment
Well, the door isn’t totally closed, there may be more books in the future, or at least one can but hope.
I was so pleased to have an advanced review copy of A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis. This series has been an absolute delight to read with it’s prickly central character who just so happens to be the leading expert on anything that goes bump in the night, by which I mean supernaturals.
First things first. This is the third in series and so I feel I should mention the possibility of spoilers lurking in this review, although I do my utmost to not drop clangers. Secondly, if you haven’t read the first two books I suggest you do so first. I suppose you could crash into this series at the final hurdle but you would deprive yourself of two very good books, which clearly you wouldn’t want to do, and also your knowledge of Lady and Lord Riven would not be as well grounded – in my opinion that is. Basically, be good to yourself and read all three. They are delicious – strangely enough there is also plenty of mention of tea and cakes so come prepared.
In this final instalment Margaret and her ever so patient vampire husband, Lord Riven, have swapped the Black Forest for the ballrooms of Vienna. A very unpleasant exchange in Margaret’s opinion. She’s not a lover of high society, dislikes all the pomp and ceremony of balls and finds it hard to blend into this so called polite society who are actually more vicious than a pack of wild animals. The couple long to return to the Black Forest but needs must, war is but a hair’s breadth away and Margaret needs to solve the latest mystery before everything goes to hell in a handcart.
I’m not going to say anything more about the story. It’s really well written and a wonderful read. It manages to bring to us magical balls – of the kind that you wouldn’t want to be invited to – political intrigue and, for me at least, unknown folklore in terms of the introduction of a totally fascinating new character.
What I love about this series. It begins with a marriage of inconvenience before quickly becoming obvious that Margaret and Lord Riven were made for each other. Their relationship is the key element in these books, especially in that certain conventions are turned on their head. Margaret, a woman of good standing and wealth, doesn’t like to socialise and has no time for niceties, she’s somewhat to the point, calls a spade a spade and is genuinely surprised if people are affronted. Lord Riven, on the other hand is a well spoken man about town. He has no problem talking and socialising with anybody and he does his best to step up and put himself into the fray in order for Margaret to not have to do so. This is one of the best married couples that I’ve read. They feel so caring and thoughtful of each others needs and emotions – which isn’t to say that Margaret doesn’t put herself in danger without a care in the world and that Lord Riven is nearly driven to distraction.
I actually enjoyed the switch of setting and in fact that’s something else I enjoy about this series. Each instalment brings a different setting, mystery and usually the introduction to something new in terms of fantasy folk and critters.
The dialogue is really good, something I feel Burgis really excels at. There is simmering romance, new friendships and a really fitting ending. Yes, its always a bittersweet feeling coming to the end of a series that you’ve enjoyed but there remains a tiny glimmer of light that we might see Margaret and Lord Riven in the future. Never say never.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Review: A Scholar’s Guide to Demonology & Other Dark Arts by Genevieve Cogman
8 October 2026
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Tags: A Scholar's Guide to Demonology & Other Dark Arts, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fantasy, fiction, Genevieve Cogman
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Great Start to New Series
I have enjoyed a few of Genevieve Cogman’s books and so was excited to pick up a copy of A Scholar’s Guide to Demonology & Other Dark Arts (ASGtDaODA) and it doesn’t disappoint. I did wonder, going into this one if it would have more of a YA feel to it being set in a school and all and of course there are the students but the focus is predominantly on Philomena (or Phil as she is affectionately known).
Phil finds herself in the difficult position of having to leave her scholarly life at Cambridge behind and find a paying job – the horror! Her father has disgraced the family, losing most of their money and desperate times call for desperate measures. So, Phil has applied for a job at Graynes, a school for girls set on the Yorkshire Moors, and although she has no teaching qualifications, she is offered a position, primarily teaching Latin but also it seems odd jobbing at just about everything else involved in school life.
What then follows is a rude awakening as Phil begins to understand that there is more to Graynes than a slightly down at heel gothic building, a bunch of incredibly unruly and highly energetic school girls and a lot of tight lipped colleagues that are either keeping secrets or are blissfully in the dark.
If you’ve heard of the St Trinians then the comparison is inevitable but this book inserts a boost of fantasy into the shenanigans and the fantasy isn’t just tacked on for good measure. This is well thought out, there’s plenty going on at the school and the scope for more adventures is very promising.
As part of the plot we have the inevitable baddie, seeking vengeance and plotting against everyone with the eventual mad dash capers in the concluding chapters as everything comes together for the grande finale.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot. I had fun reading this. It’s light hearted and enjoyable. The characters are easy to engage with. Phil was quite cool headed when put in a fix and although predominantly its all a little tongue in cheek the stakes do take a darker turn towards the end – and yet you simply know that everything will work out. I wouldn’t call this cosy but at the same time its the kind of story that has over the top villains and beleaguered teachers, surrounded by outlandish school children just waiting to be given a free reign.
The school is stuck out on the moors, the local villagers give the place a wide berth, taxis won’t enter the grounds and the education inspectors pay frequent visits to try and catch the school in any wrongdoing and presumably have an excuse to close it down.
On top of this there are mysterious crossroads, strange wards protecting the school, an extensive and labyrinthe like basement with a fascinating array of books and, of course, as the title would suggest, demons. Although here they seem more like familiars.
The rest of the cast are easy to imagine if a little bit cliched. The schoolgirls are wonderfully OTT and there’s an overall whimsical feel to the peace that puts you more in mind of simpler times. That’s probably exacerbated by the fact that mobile phones are made completely useless at the school due to some sort of blockers and also added to by the charm of the local village.
I’ll leave it there because part of the fun of this was letting the story develop bit by bit. I wouldn’t particularly say this is a fast paced read but I liked the tone and I wasn’t in a particular hurry, more just enjoying seeing things develop.
I really look forward to seeing what comes next in this series, like I mentioned above there’s certainly a lot of scope here.
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
Can’t Wait Wednesday: The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune
7 October 2026
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Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Can't Wait Wedesday, Fantasy, reading, The Stars Look Like Home, TJ Klune, 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 Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune. Check out the description and cover below:
From beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune comes The Stars Look Like Home, a funny and moving adventure novel about finding one’s place in the universe from the perspective of a dog.
A promise: The dog does not die in this.
As a puppy, Burke’s mother told him that dogs’ lives are like the stars in the sky: An everlasting light in the darkness. And so, naturally, Burke believes he will live forever.
When he discovers the truth—that he barely has any time at all—he sets out to make the absolute most of life and all it has to offer.
Try as he might to make every day count, he’s shuffled from one place to another, from family homes to training programs.
Until, at last, he finds the man he knows he’s meant to share that life with. But when they’re tragically separated, Burke, a shollie from the suburbs, is sent on an incredible journey through the wilderness, a journey that leads him to the very heart of what it means to have a place in the world, for what little time we’re here.
The Stars Look Like Home is a triumphant story about a good boy on a grand adventure to find a great life.
Expected publication: January 2027
Review: Sleepers in the Snow by Joanne Harris
6 October 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: 'Gothic', Book Reviews, Books, fiction, Horror, Joanne Harris, Sleepers in the Snow
My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Haunting With A Difference
Sleepers in the Snow is a story that seems to blend psychological and gothic horror and in terms of being creepy this is certainly a combination that works.
A man, buys an isolated house on the moor. He’s been through a divorce and longs for some peace and solitude and buying this cosy cottage seems to be the perfect fit. Surrounded by nature and within a five mile walk to the nearest village where cake and tea can be acquired at the local tea room, it really does feel like the ideal place for our divorcee to spend a little quiet time. And yet, as the autumn gives way to winter, the fog, the dark and the snowy depths begin to draw in and what started as a perfectly cosy home begins to feel like a dark and lonely place.
As usual with this author the writing is amazing. It was so easy to picture the house and the setting. The descriptions are perfect and some of the events that take place are perfectly unsettling.
That being said, this isn’t my favourite book by the author. Simply because it really is quite dark in tone. It’s definitely a thought provoking book and also a story that is really difficult to review without giving away spoilers.
What I really enjoyed. As I already mentioned above, JH is an excellent wordsmith. I’ve loved so many of her books that I will never fail to be excited when I realise a new release is on the horizon. She absolutely nails the terrible sense of isolation. The need to hear another voice, the feeling that you’re losing the plot.
Our central characters who remains nameless, initially seems to have fallen on his feet in some respects. He’s been able to buy this cosy cottage which comes fully furnished, even with clothes and kitchen ware – simply as though the previous inhabitants got up and left. In this respect its really quite clever because you’re never quite sure the age of the main character, where does he get his money, exactly what happened to push him to such lengths.
Then he finds diaries or journals from the previous inhabitants of the cottage and this immediately serves to crank up the tension. The local village refuse to talk of them and in fact everything begins to take on a very ominous tone. Where did the previous owners go and why did they leave everything behind.
Then there’s the haunting presence of the pylon itself, which sometimes feels like it’s watching him or whispering in the wind. Then there are the strange actions of the local wildlife not to mention these strange ‘offerings’ for want of a better word. Then we have an old phone that still seems to ring in the dead of night and the recurring appearance of a certain object that I’ll leave you to discover for yourself but is certainly a little bit creepy.
Now, bring on the stark winter months. The intense snow that cuts our MC off from any outside contact. It’s so lonely, cold and dark.
In terms of our MC, this is another element to the story that worked really well here. I would call him an unreliable narrator. He’s also a bit prickly, I found him difficult to get on with at times as he’s very quick to anger or to take affront.
And then of course we have the appearance of other characters who sometimes seem to manifest through the fog – which is totally fitting now I come to think of it.
In conclusion, this is a dark read, ominous and unsettling with a twist in the tale. It is, without doubt, a haunting with a difference and incredibly well executed. Would I say I loved it. No, to be fair. although I really do think it’s very clever. I think it’s maybe darker than I was expecting, or perhaps wanting, not to mention rather sad and packed with meaning that really only becomes relevant when you draw back with the benefit of the full picture. The kind of book that you could easily read again and find so many things that you perhaps didn’t realise were so significant on the first pass.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars rounded to 4
