Well hello again everyone, we are a third of the way through the year, where have those last four months gone? We had 13 books reviewed during April which is pretty good.

Ashleigh from The Book Muse has started reading Emily Rhoda’s Deltora Quest series for children aged 8-12, and has linked books 1-3. Book 1 The Forests of Silence Ashleigh says “Each character has strengths and weaknesses that enable the plot to move forward, and it is the start of an epic adventure series that will have readers of all ages enthralled.”

Book 2 The Lake of Tears she says “This is a fun series, and filled with adventure, friendship and wonder. It is one that has been loved for over a decade, and will hopefully continue to be loved and read for many years to come, if my conversations with fellow readers are anything to go by, as well as the constant lack of it being out of the library when I was much younger. So I am experiencing it now for the first time, and the magic is having as big an impact on me as it would have done had I read it as a teenager or young adult. This is what makes a good book, in my opinion. One that can transcend age and time for all readers and that will engage on many levels and entertain many.”

Book 3 The City of Rats “In the third part of this series, the quest Lief and his companions are on is getting more dangerous, yet still remains age appropriate for younger readers, and has lots of excitement and action to keep them engaged and enthralled throughout. As an adult reader, I certainly am, and each book gets better and there is a sense that there is an unravelling mystery happening throughout that will be revealed at the end of the series.”

Hopefully, she will have the last 3 in the series for us next month. I remember reading these a few years ago and enjoyed them, they are short stories, which are a good length for younger readers.

Dasha reviewed The Shining Wall by Melissa Ferguson a dystopian novel of which Dasha says “Closely tied to survival is health, and in this world of irreparable pollution and environmental destruction, toxic sun and chemical exposure, Ferguson does not shy from depicting defecation, infection, and disease. Though well-written and inventive, more introspection could have been invested into the question I suspect Ferguson wanted to explore in The Shining Wall – namely, what would it do to one’s psyche to live as a clone of an extinct species. Nevertheless, the book’s visceral, gritty environs will appeal to fans of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy and lovers of sci-fi classics such as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”

I reviewed Shona Husk’s new Sci-fi/LGBT/Fantasy novel Severed, which I really enjoyed reading my review here, I cannot wait until book two is released, hopefully later this year. I found the world Shona Husk has imagined to be fresh and interesting.

Amanda at Mrs B’s Book Reviews read What The Woods Keep by Katya de Becerra and said “What the Woods Keep is a mystical adventure of one young woman’s quest to unveil the secrets of her childhood home. A fantasy-based book that transcends the dark recesses of your mind, expect to be tested, as well as shocked by this debut novel from Katya de Becerra.”

Brenda reviewed Sympath by Carolyn Denman, book 3 in the Sentinels of Eden series, book 1 being Songlines which I currently have out of the library. She writes “Sympath is the 3rd in the Sentinels of Eden series by Aussie author Carolyn Denman, and it’s another gripping, fascinating addition to the series. The story of Lainie’s mother as a teen is an intriguing one; of Harry as a youth and Annie’s avoidance at bonding with her Guardian. The tension was ramped up by murder, lies and devious activities; my heart was in my throat numerous times and I found it hard to put down. I’m really looking forward to #4, Shamar, which releases in June 2019. Highly recommended.”

Elizabeth at Earl Grey Editing Services reviewed Tides of the Titans by Thoraiya Dyer book 3 in the Titans Forest series. She writes “Despite being the potential conclusion of the series, Tides of the Titans doesn’t wrap up into a neat ending. People continue to suffer and there are no happily-ever-afters, just new challenges. It is a segment of history and of people’s lives, not a fairy tale. All in all, Thoraiya Dyer has produced another nuanced and thoughtful story in Tides of the Titans.”

As always I will end with a children’s book reviewed by Ashleigh at The Book Muse Mermaid Holidays: The Talent Show by Delphine Davis and Adele K Thomas (illustrator). She says “This was a fun read that younger readers will enjoy reading with a family member, or by themselves for the first time as they explore friendship, and the ups and downs of having friends, ultimately showing that having fun is more important than winning. And that sometimes, doing things you’re unsure about can be as much fun as doing the things you are familiar with. The most important thing is to have fun with your friends – and this is a good message to send to kids of all ages and genders, to teach them to appreciate people.”

So, that’s it for this month, I hope May brings you some wonderful books to read, happy reading and happy linking your reviews to AWW

Claire Louisa x x