Awesome Recommended Reads

Okay, I haven’t posted one of these in a while but I’ve been busy… You can expect more book reviews soon but here’s what I have read and reviewed this year so far….

‘The Memory Wood’ by Sam Lloyd

Immersive, descriptive, addictive and full of mysterious intrigue

Full Review

‘Clear and Convincing Evidence’ by H.C. Helfand

A beautifully written continuation of a fantastic story about life and opportunity…

Full Review

‘Fire at Her Fingertips’ by Rebecca Crunden

‘You know it’s better to lie. To keep the fire for yourself.’

Full Review

‘One of Us: Two families, two traditions… one the hunted’ By Thomas Simpson

A chilling fusion of brutality and horror with descriptive ominous vibes…

Full Review

And so that wraps up a long awaited review of my recent reads. You can expect more soon!

‘One of Us: Two families, two traditions… one the hunted’ By Thomas Simpson – Review

A chilling fusion of brutality and horror with descriptive ominous vibes…

From the very start there’s a kind of ominous vibe that slowly builds as Thomas Simpson introduces the players in this chilling and eventually brutal tale.

We meet the two sides after a brief taste of what is to come and snippets of their plans are fed to readers as mystery and expectation come into play making for that ominous build. While the journey feels slow at times the description in parts kept me drawn into a story along with that build which suddenly flips and then accelerates towards the destination of a satisfying slasher.

For those who are fans of the genre, there’s a few fun references along with atmosphere oozing from the shadowy forest setting that plays host for two very different groups who eventually collide. With characters ranging from the young and naïve to the unhinged and even calculated; their actions and choices make for some fun but chilling reading.

Favourite Quotes:

‘The illusion if nightfall descended. The black clouds smothered the sun as the trees finished off any remaining light that dared to break through…’

‘There was something different about this one, he exuded a dark magnetism behind those silent eyes…’

4 Stars

Recent Reviews

Book Reviews mean everything to authors, they help us grow and provide some all-important feedback that may even possibly shape our future works.

While being published may be a hobby for me, I still take it seriously and have aspirations of one day making it more. I appreciate every review I receive from my wonderful readers who have paved this author path for me.

Here is some recent praise for 3 of my works!

You can find out more about all of my books here.

‘Fire at Her Fingertips’ by Rebecca Crunden – Review

‘You know it’s better to lie. To keep the fire for yourself.’

Rebecca Crunden delivers a powerful tale with deep meaning that immerses readers from the start.

For a shorter read it doesn’t hold back with a writing style that uses every word to create the sense of an enduring journey to finding belonging and home. There is a lot of symbolism and metaphor here paired with poetic writing that displays Crunden’s strengths as an immersive story teller while also carrying an important message. Fire is a force that carries a mystique and power which is embraced here. Its also okay to be different because eventually you’ll find others to accept you for who you are.

Shorter reads like this deserve praise because they may only whisk the reader away for a short time but that important message within will stick around for much longer.

5 Stars

‘Clear and Convincing Evidence’ by H.C. Helfand – Review

A beautifully written continuation of a fantastic story about life and opportunity…

H.C. Helfand has delivered another fantastic and beautifully written story that see’s the continuation of Abigail Fischer’s journey and this second volume of the Arcadia Chronicles takes the reader on another wonderful ride and experience.

From the start, Abby and David have a lot on their plate, from unexpected plans to career aspirations while also maintaining their own farm not to mention the emergence of a long lost relative; straight away that familiar feeling from the first story began to creep in and remind me how likeable the two main characters are in this book – their love, their history and everything about them gives readers an urge to cheer for them. The title which I’ve now leaned from this book has a deep meaning that carries the theme which intertwines with family, drama, law, purpose and career aspirations while being wrapped up in that unique togetherness expressed between our two main characters. There is also a very important subject of mental health that highlights the importance of everyone having a right to freedom, no matter their health situation.

There is of course, some wonderful description in this book, and there are many quotes that struck me as poignant, meaningful and beautifully put. This story is about the drama of life and not necessarily where you are from, but where you are trying to go.

Some of my favourite quotes:

‘The mossy hills in the distance carpeted the barely clouded sky. A chickadee hovered over the cherry trees. Crickets in a choir rubbed their wings in song.’

‘Make the leap, Abby. You’ve done it before…’

‘Sometimes life gives opportunity at the most unexpected of times…’

‘I took my time walking toward the entrance. Rows of windows lined with shades stared at me. Some lowered; some rose. Were they winking? I shook the thought out of my mind…’

5 Stars – A book and series I’d highly recommend!

Every Book I have read in 2022 Pt2

Welcome to Part 2 of every book I have read in 2022. Let us dive in…

‘A Stranger From the Storm’ by William Burton McCormick

Brilliant fun – a historical mystery with plenty of atmosphere

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Witch in the Lighthouse’ by Azalea Forrest

A quaint and fun magical tale…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘The View From Here’ by Leon Stevens

An exploration themed sci-fi novella not of this world…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘The Caverns’ by Olen Crowe

In The Caverns an ancient evil lurks…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Red on White’ by J.P Biddlecome

‘The Wolves came, rising from the waves…’

4 Stars – Full Review

The Perfect Athlete’ by Olivier Doleuze

The Perfect overview and resource for the fit and healthy conscious…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music’ by Dave Grohl

A masterful collection of wonderful and powerful tales…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘SurReality’ by Matt Doyle

‘Everything that happens in SurReality is entirely real’

5 Stars – Full Review

‘The Mermaid From My Nightmare’ by Kristina Gallo

A thrilling and twisting tale with so much beneath the surface…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown’ by Drew Faraday

A unique and immersive vision of survival and life during apocalyptic times…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘The Liar, The Bitch and The Warmonger’ by Morton R Leader

A family affair with darker edges

4 Stars – Full Review

‘House of Tigers’ by William Burton McCormick

‘We’re innocent lambs in a house of hungry tigers…’

5 Stars – Full Review

‘The Watchmaker: A clock can talk’ by Ellen Khodakivska

An enchanting tale of life, destiny and time…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Of Swans and Stars; Finding my own North Star, one poem at a time’ by E.M. McConnell

A uniquely emotive and descriptive collection of poetry…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ by Gary Gautier

A short read with plenty of literary depth…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘They Lie Here’ by N.S. Ford

Thrilling and unputdownable with unique themes…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘The Man and The Crow’ by Rebecca Crunden

A short sharp enjoyable tale of magic and the unexpected

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Sex, Violence, Mars: The Ballad of Left and Right’ by Walrus

Sex, Violence, Mars is back and just as entertaining as the first encounter

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Eileen’s Promise’ by Matthew Villeneuve

A space sci-fi tale of one salvager and his thoughts which are uniquely alive…

4 Stars – Full Review

And so that wraps up part 2 of every book I have read in 2022. To all of the authors who have shaped my reading this year, thank you!

Peace out, rock and roll and reading!

Every Book I have read in 2022 Pt1

Reading books has kept me going throughout this busy and sometimes difficult year. As an indie author myself, I’m very much aware of the struggle fellow authors face in trying to get more reviews. Most of this list is made up of indie/self published books and so here is part 1 of the books I have read in 2022…

‘Fee Simple Conditional (Arcadia Chronicles Book 1)’ by H.C. Helfand

A gem of a read about life, love and land…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Escaping First Contact’ by T.S. Beier

Original and imaginative space sci-fi full of depth and immersion

5 Stars – Full Review

‘The Art of Reading: How Reading Can Help You Become a Better, More Productive Writer’ by J.D. Cunegan

A relatable and open guide about reading to improve your writing…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘The Art & Business of Writing: A Practical Guide to the Writing Life’ by Chris Jones

A valuable easy-to-read resource for the modern writer

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Billy Summers’ by Stephen King

An enduring multi-layered tale of one gun for hire and his final shot…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘A Twist in the Rift’ by Meg Radiant

Original page-turning sci-fi with unlimited portals of potential…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Summer of ’77’ by Rebecca Amiss

An easy-to-read heart-warming story of friendship and nostalgia

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Powerless’ by Vicky Ball

A well-written twisting thriller with darker themes…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Lazy Creativity: The Art of Owning Your Creativity’ by Kyle Bernier 

A detailed, modern and refreshing take on creativity that covers so many applications for success!

5 Stars – Full Review

‘An English Teacher in Mexico: Memories of a Midlife Career Change’ by Irene Pylypec

A fun and insightful well-written account of adventure and culture…

5 Stars – Full Review

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‘The Tolworth Beacon’ by Huw Langridge

Intriguing British mystery with tension, atmosphere and code-breaking vibes…

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Recovering Alice’ by Catherine Morrison

A gripping uplifting tale of romance and relapse…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Sentinel: Galaxii Book 4’ by Christina Engela

Immersive and enjoyable space-sci fi

5 Stars – Full Review

‘A Still Life’ by Elliott Wink

Short and intriguing, an original sci-fi tale perfect for reading in one sitting…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Dead of Winter’ by Antoinette McCormick

‘It comes in the night…’

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Fallout’ by Pat Griffith

An imaginative and highly original tale about first contact with corporeal beings from another world some of which are already here….

4 Stars – Full Review

‘Where Darkness Meets Light’ by Sabrine Elouali

Thought-provoking poetry reflecting many themes surrounding the dark and light…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘San Francisco Suite: A Rudy Parsons Story’ by Ethan McCaffery

Well-written detective mystery with noir tones and a metaphysical twist…

5 Stars – Full Review

‘Pirate Sea’ by Kyler Kuehler

A swashbuckling and sometimes brutal tale packed with action

4 Stars – Full Review

And so that wraps up Pt1 of every book I’ve read in 2022. Thanks for reading and check back soon for Pt2!

The Best Books I have Read in 2022

2022 has been an incredible journey and I’ve read some fantastic books written by some wonderful authors. Their works kept me going through what has been a tough twelve or so months. 

This post is dedicated to the books that stood out to me!

‘Fee Simple Conditional (Arcadia Chronicles Book 1)’ by H.C. Helfand

It has been nearly twelve months since my first read of 2022 but even now it still sticks out to me. H.C. Helfand delivers the wonderful story of ‘Abigail Fischer’ who resonates with the reader as her life unfolds. The style is unique and equally charming and my favourite quote says it all:

Despite life’s inevitable changes, some things are simply unconditional…’

You can read my full review here.

‘Escaping First Contact’ by T.S. Beier

Depth and originality are just some of the many qualities ‘Escaping First Contact’ has and as a huge fan of space sci-fi this one was right up my alley. T.S. Bier delivers a story with a unique concept that champions cohesion between different cultures as well as being a great story.

“Get your weird xenophilia fantasies out of here, Rip!”

You can read my full review here.

‘Lazy Creativity: The Art of Owning Your Creativity’ by Kyle Bernier

Being a reviewer for Reedsy Discovery means that every so often I come across a real gem of a book and Kyle Bernier presents a fantastic guide that provides an important message about owning our laziness when it comes to creativity. In fact, that laziness can be a superpower and while I may not be selling that concept well, trust me when I say if you are a creative, you are going to want to check this one out!

You can read my full review here.

‘Recovering Alice’ by Catherine Morrison

Catherine Morrison delivers a story about heavy issues combined with a wonderful fusion of love and honesty. The balance between them is flawless and makes for a gripping read that has recently been featured by BookBub!

You can read my full review here

‘Dead of Winter’ by Antoinette McCormick

Atmosphere and text book horror go hand-in-hand and Antionette McCormick delivers that and much more in this intriguing wintery horror with a futuristic sci-fi edge. Can a dead woman’s memories unmask her murderer?

You can read my full review here

‘A Stranger From the Storm’ by William Burton McCormick

With murder mystery vibes and plenty of witty dialogue, William Burton McCormick’s ‘The Stranger From the Storm’ is incredibly fun reading experience. Twin sisters make for the main characters who reside in early 1900’s Odessa – a place where a killer is reportedly on the loose. The events that unfold are chilling, unexpected and intriguing.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music’ by Dave Grohl

If you’ve been a fan of rock music in the past thirty or so years you would have probably heard the name Dave Grohl and this candid masterfully laid out memoir is exactly what the title suggests. As a huge fan of the Foo Fighters and the post grunge genre of music I was incredibly intrigued to find out what this book would be about and trust me when I say it is a must read. Anyone who has ever been a fan of Dave or just the wider scene of music to those who are creative – you’ll find something in this book that will resonate with you.

You can read my full review here

‘Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown’ by Drew Faraday

‘Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown’ is quite possibly the most unique book on this list. Another discovery via Reedsy this book is basically a transcript of a confession from the title character as she does her best to convince a judge that she is a good person. With post apocalyptic/pandemic themes which might be a little close to home or recent events, its a great life story that contains heaps of originality.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Watchmaker: A clock can talk’ by Ellen Khodakivska

This unique and enchanting story kind of feels like a feature length version of a fairy tale complete with magical charm and style. Ellen Khodakivska delivers a wonderful story that follows several generations of watch makers in Italy where their lives are ruled by the force all of our lives are ruled by, time. With some great symbolism and captivating moments, this is a book I would highly recommend!

‘Time always shares its wisdom with you if you are a good listener; Time can become your merciless enemy if you neglect it; Time can be your best friend if you manage it smartly; If you respect time, it respects you back…’

You can read my full review here

‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ by Gary Gautier

‘Moral knowledge is easy. Moral action is hard.’ – With that sentiment and message comes ‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ a short read with plenty of depth and a tale of one man’s confession after many years. There are plenty of layers in this story and its definitely one I would like to re-visit again someday. Gary Gautier delivers some fantastic writing through the vessel of existential and moral dilemma.

You can read my full review here

‘They Lie Here’ by N.S. Ford 

This is the second time a book by N.S. Ford has appeared on a list like this and for good reason because yet again she has delivered a great story full of twists. ‘They Lie Here’ is a combination of British Thriller and Pop Music Culture all wrapped up with a style that keeps you reading until the very end.

You can read my full review here.

‘The Man and The Crow’ by Rebecca Crunden

I’m a big supporter of shorter reads and this book came along at just the right time because I needed one. ‘The Man and the Crow’ is a book I read in just one sitting and by page 4 I was immersed. There’s humour and fun along with a page turning writing style that serves as a great showcase for what Rebecca Crunden can do as an author.

You can read my full review here.

All of these awesome books shaped my 2022 for the better and so thank you authors. Of course I must also mention the many more books I read this year and the authors who wrote them!

This post first premiered via Patreon where you’ll find my best guides and exclusive content.

‘Sex, Violence, Mars: The Ballad of Left and Right’ by Walrus – Review

Sex, Violence, Mars is back and just as entertaining as the first encounter…

The Walrus collective are back yet again tell a short but entertaining tale of Sex, Violence, Mars and much more. This time around we see ‘Right’ and ‘Left’ in this kind of buddy story as they try their best to navigate the dangerous but always interesting Mars of the future. Of course there’s a range of themes here and they are all aligned with the title.

Armed with atmosphere suits and a stack of cash they soon realise the desired tender on the planet is ‘electro’ leaving them with a struggle to pay for pretty much anything and that includes the dilemma to charge their suits. While they try to survive on the fringes of Mars and it’s complex society, they find others enduring their own struggle, or perhaps just looking to earn a fast buck from two desperados down on their luck.

“You’re never gonna get that money back unless you do exactly what I want. And now you’re in the hole to me for charge and supplies…”

Their journey takes them on an adventure of action and chasing along with some revelations as we find out more about this planet. Sometimes its them doing the chasing and vice-versa as they target the aptly named ‘Death Corp’ and their mysterious but powerful leader ‘Keiser’. Every so often the lore and backstory of this rich universe is mentioned giving this short but entertaining read depth and range.

Just like the previous encounter the style is delivered with heavy detail on description and chapters/sections move with pace. Our two main protagonists carry a fun chemistry with one another as they do their best to survive, swindle and try not to be swindled themselves. Just how does this link up with the first book? Well, you’ll find out and importantly so, its left open for yet more shenanigans on Mars.

4 Stars – This review first premiered via Reedsy Discovery

‘The Man and The Crow’ by Rebecca Crunden – Review

A short sharp enjoyable tale of magic and the unexpected

Having just read this book in one sitting I found myself enthralled by page 4 where the story unexpectedly flips and takes the reader on a journey of folklore, witchcraft and murder.

With darker tones and a magical theme that merge together well, Rebecca Crunden delivers a well-written tale that might only be twenty four pages long, but it represents hundreds of years of history and lore for the title character. Throughout, the addictive writing style carries a humour that is both fun and perfect for the genre while the imagination is also given plenty of room to work alongside that history and lore suggested here – as the ending promises, that’s the start of the next story!

For anyone looking to be whisked away only for a short time but through some imaginative literature, this is the one for you.

‘Screaming would have been the sensible thing to do; it also proved impossible. Screaming would mean she’d be able to unlock her jaw and at the moment it felt like her jaw had rusted shut…’

5 Stars