Astral Travel By Elizabeth Baines

I received Astral Travel by Elizabeth Baines to review as part of Random Things Blog Tours. Astral Travel unravels the mysteries of Jo’s family history as she tries to write a book about her late father.

Astral Travel

After Patrick Jackson’s death his estranged daughter Jo begins to try to unravel the mysteries that always surrounded him. Why did he never talk about his past in Ireland? Why was he always so moody and bad-tempered in the home while a talkative charmer in the outside world? Why, at one time, did he forbid Jo to do family history research? And why did he seem to have it in for her especially, affecting her life into adulthood?

Why, too, do Jo’s memories of her own childhood differ so starkly from her mother’s?

The more Jo questions and digs, the more the mysteries deepen. Until at last she uncovers a chain of secrets forged in the religious and sexual prejudices of the past, but with the power to affect the lives of Patrick’s family in the present day.

Elizabeth Baines

Elizabeth is the author of two previous novels published by Salt, The Birth Machine and Too Many Magpies, as well as two short-story collections, Balancing on the Edge of the World and Used to Be. She’s also been a prizewinning playwright for Radio 4, writing both comedy and serious drama, and has produced and acted in her own plays for fringe theatre. She has been a schoolteacher and has taught Writing in universities, but now writes full time. She lives with her husband in Manchester where she brought up her two now grown sons.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Astral Travel but I wanted something other than a murder mystery to read and was intrigued when reading the blurb.

Jo has so many vivid memories of her childhood and yet some seem to differ so wildly from her mother’s and sisters. She decides writing about her late father will help her understand what happened much clearly. She has to dig quite deep to eventually start getting nearer the truth and slowly, bit by bit the story unravels.

Between religious and sexual prejudice, Jo learns the truth is wilder than she first thought but publishing a book may not be a wise idea for the sake of the family.

Overall I really enjoyed the way Astral Travel is written and reading a different kind of mystery book. Family histories are always interesting but discovering some of the darker secrets can be a real eye opener, not to mention a stark reminder that prejudice can impact people’s lives in such an intense way.

The Adventures of Bella Cutie and Buttons

Izzy received The Adventures of Bella Cutie and Buttons to read and review a few weeks ago. She has read it a few times alone, with Eva and with me as she absolutely loves the book!

The Adventures of Bella Cutie and Buttons’ is a funny and truly endearing story about the friendship between a little girl and a fox cub. Bella is a happy child who is curious about the world. Meeting the talkative fox cub Buttons opens her eyes to the beautiful natural world and amazing wildlife on her doorstep. The two friends get up to many funny escapades and the occasional bit of trouble, all portrayed in a charming and light-hearted way. This feel-good book is sure to bring a smile to both children`s and parents` faces.

Desi Cloete

Desi Cloete lives in the picturesque Surrey Hills with her husband and six-year-old daughter. A keen reader from a young age, she discovered a passion for writing and illustrating short stories. Desi hopes her book will inspire children to value nature and develop an interest in wildlife conservation.

Izzy’s Thoughts

Izzy said the book makes her feel like humans come closer to nature with Bella Cutie meeting and making friends with Buttons. She really enjoyed them having fun exploring the beautiful nature around them. It made her feel really happy reading about their adventures and would love to read more!

My Thoughts

This beautifully written story is a great bedtime story with its feel good vibes as Bella Cutie and Buttons become great friends and have so much fun together. Izzy sat smiling and giggling the whole way through.

The Foreign Girls By Sergio Olguín

I received The Foreign Girls by Sergio Olguín, a brilliant crime/thriller/mystery read. This is the second book I have had the chance to review by Sergio Olguín and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is also the second in the series following on from the success of The Fragility of Bodies. The Financial Times chose The Fragility of Bodies as one of the best three best thrillers of 2019.

The Foreign Girls By Sergio Olguín book cove

Foreign Girls

Veronica Rosenthal has retreated to a cousin’s remote cottage in the province of Tucuman, to recuperate from the traumatic events in The Fragility of Bodies. 

She befriends two female tourists -an Italian and a Norwegian — invites them to stay and starts a sexual relationship with one of them. 

After a party they attend together, Veronica travels on alone but days later discovers that the women have been murdered. 

Suspicion falls on a local Umbanda priest, but Veronica starts to uncover a web of corruption, abuse and femicide in which government, wealthy landowners and a high-ranking official from the Argentina’s ‘Dirty War’ are all implicated. 

Veronica’s investigation, with its unforeseen political dimensions, has alarmed new enemies who will try to stop her at all cost.

Sergio Olguín

Sergio Olguín

Sergio Olguín was born in Buenos Aires in 1967 and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Olguín has won
a number of awards, among others the Premio Tusquets 2009 for his novel Oscura monótona sangre (“Dark
Monotonous Blood“) . His books have been translated into German, French and Italian.

Translator Miranda France

The translator Miranda France is the author of two acclaimed volumes of travel writing: Don Quixote’
Delusions and Bad Times in Buenos Aires. She has also written the novels Hill Farm and The Day Before the
Fire and translated much Latin American fiction, including Claudia Piñeiro’s novels for Bitter Lemon Press.

My Thoughts

Yet again, Sergio Olguín has written another capturing read featuring Veronica Rosenthal. Following on from events in The Fragility of Bodies, Veronica needs a break and heads off on a ‘care-free’ holiday. Or so she thought. With her inquisitive nature, Veronica is determined to get to the bottom of the murder of the foreign girls. This triggers some unexpected enemies and once again Veronica does everything in her power to uncover the truth.

I really enjoyed The Foreign Girls, Sergio Olguín has a fantastic way of setting the scene so you can really see and feel what’s going on in your head as you read. Alongside this, he brings awareness and shines light on dangerous real life situations, this time the femicide of women in Latin America. The rape and murder of women are used as tools of intimidation between warring families of gangs involved in drug trafficking and corruption. Veronica’s character is brilliant, very little seems to put her off from getting to the bottom of things, even dangerous men who aren’t used to taking no for an answer. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy crime thrillers with a strong main character.

The foreign girls blog tour poster

The Searching Dead By Ramsey Campbell

I received The Searching Dead by Ramsey Campbell to read and review thanks to Random Things Tours. The Searching Dead is a horror suspense book that will have you hooked. This the first book The Three Births of Daoloth Trilogy and one of several written by Ramsey Campbell.

The Searching Dead Book Cove by Ramsey Campbell. Green book cover with an image of an eye in the bottom right corner

The Searching Dead

1952. On a school trip to France teenager Dominic Sheldrake begins to suspect his teacher Christian Noble has reasons to be there as secret as they’re strange. 

Meanwhile a widowed neighbour joins a church that puts you in touch with your dead relatives, who prove much harder to get rid of. 

As Dominic and his friends Roberta and Jim investigate, they can’t suspect how much larger and more terrible the link between these mysteries will become. A monstrous discovery beneath a church only hints at terrors that are poised to engulf the world as the trilogy brings us to the present day…

My Thoughts

The Searching Dead is a fantastic read if you love horror stories such as those written by Stephen King. Dominic begins investigating what his teacher is up to after a rather strange incident on a school trip to France. Along with his friends, they slowly begin to uncover what Mr. Noble is up to. It’s nothing quite like any of them could have ever imagined! The first of the trilogy certainly has me hooked and looking forward to finding out what happens next. I’m also curious if the three friends find out together or if Dominic goes it alone.

Ramsey Campbell author photo - The author is pictured in a long sleeved black top with his hands crossed stood in front of bookshelves.


Ramsey Campbell

Ramsey Campbell was born in Liverpool in 1946 and still lives on Merseyside. He is an English horror fiction writer, editor, and critic; writing for well over fifty years. He is the author of over 30 novels and hundreds of short stories. Many of Campbell’s books are widely considered classics in the field. Several of his books are winners of multiple literary awards and three of his novels have been filmed. The Oxford Companion to English Literature described him as “Britain’s most respected living horror writer”. He has been given more awards than any other writer in the field, including :

  • The Grand Master Award of the World Horror Convention
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Horror Guild
  • The World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2015 he was made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University for outstanding services to literature. Among his novels are:

  • The Face That Must Die
  • Incarnate
  • Midnight Sun
  • The Count of Eleven
  • Silent Children
  • The Darkest Part of the Woods
  • The Overnight
  • Secret Story
  • The Cain
  • Ghosts Know
  • The Kind Folk
  • Think Yourself Lucky
  • Thirteen Days By Sunset Beach

His novels The Nameless, Pact of the Fathers and The Influence have been filmed in Spain. He is the President of the Society of Fantastic Films.

Flame Tree Press

Flame Tree Press is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

The Searching Dead Blog Tour

Crane Fly By Kelly-Marie Pollock

Crane Fly by Kelly-Marie Pollock is a Nova Morgan Novella. Throughout the trilogy we see through the eyes of Nova Morgan. With this fantastic Novella – Crane Fly, you see things through the eyes of Bucky. You can read my reviews of Kelly-Marie’s other books and poetry here.

Crane Fly By Kelly-Marie Pollock front cover

Crane Fly

A Nova Morgan Novella 

Synopsis

All Bucky O’Dare has ever wanted is an easy life. But after meeting fiery red-headed vampire, Nova Morgan, he realises his life will never be the same again.

The world of the Inflicted Kin is full of darkness, something Bucky is becoming increasingly more aware of, especially after the charred corpse of local Brothel Madam – Lady Jaine turns up complete with a shiny dagger lodged in her chest.

Bucky realises there’s a new player in town, one who may just make Soul seem saintly.

With Nova and Ruth off world, it’s down to him to unravel the mystery and figure out who is killing off the local working girls and why.

But Bucky is treading a dangerous path, one that may just see him end up as another stiff on the morgue table.

For the wrath of the wicked is nothing compared to the wrath of a vengeful brother.

Content Warning; Contains Profanity, violence, Prostitution, Drug References and Torture.

Genre: Fantasy, Vampire Fiction, Gothic/Noir

My Thoughts

I was honestly so excited for Crane Fly and really couldn’t wait to read from Bucky’s point of view. Honestly, I thought it would answer a few questions for me… I was totally wrong, instead, I’m left with even more questions and left wondering just what happens to Bucky!?

It’s safe to say the The Chronicles of Nova Morgan trilogy and Crane Fly take you to a unique world where you feel utterly absorbed. Each book is written as if the characters were in the room with you. It’s amazing how strongly the characters personalities shine through.

Kelly-Marie Pollock has once again smashed it! Creating a story line that has you gripped until the very end and leaves you wanting more. When I realised I had reached the end i was devastated, I need to know what happens next! It took a full evening of crochet therapy to get over having to wait until the next book now.

Author Bio

Kelly-Marie lives in Dorset with her Husband Mitchell, four young children and menagerie of pets. She’d dreamt of being an Author from a very young age and her late Auntie Julie pushed her to follow her dreams. Kelly-Marie is  a stay at home Mother, full time carer and active Parenting and Mental Health Blogger. You can find her blog over at www.amixedupmummy.blogspot.co.uk

Death Bringer is the second novel  in ‘The Chronicles of Nova Morgan’ trilogy and follows the successful publication of her debut book Cherry Nova. She has also released a book of poetry entitled Forever Blue.

Death Bringer By Kelly-Marie Pollock Book Tour

After sharing the Death Bringer front cover with you all in my last post, today I’m joining in with the book tour too. Death Bringer is the second book in The Chronicles of Nova Morgan, following on from Cherry Nova.

Content warning – contains adult themes such as; Sex  Drug use, Profanity and Violence.

Death Bringer by Kelly-Marie Pollock

Death Bringer

Nova may have won the fight for her freedom, but she’s far from won the war. Journey beside her, Ruth and Chaplin as they leave the gritty streets of Victorian London behind and immerse themselves in the magical living realm of Hindra. 

In a world where dying isn’t forever and living isn’t easy, they’re about to unearth all manner of secrets and lies. Their mission seems clear, infiltrate the Council Chambers and free the captive, Detective Maximus Steele, bringing down The Righteous Ones as they go, but time is moving fast and as Nova comes to realise, time is running out. 

From streetworker to rebellion leader, is her path one of greatness, or has it simply been paved by someone or something, far greater than her? Like pieces on a chess board, is Nova just a pawn in someone else’s game. 

Content warning – contains adult themes including; Sex, Drug use, Profanity and Violence. 

Genre: Fantasy, Vampire Fiction, Gothic/Noir

My Thoughts

As with Cherry Nova, I was instantly drawn into the story, unable to stop until I was done (a welcome escape during lockdown!).

Nova Morgan has very little time to enter the realm of Hindra to free Detective Maximus Steelers and she knows she will face all kinds of trouble along the way. Having raised an army with the help of a banished witch and a drug addicted warlock, they set off to find the gates of Hindra.

Whilst they find the gates of Hindra, they come across countless challenges along the way and once through the gates. This leaves Nova constantly questioning herself and wondering why she was labelled Lady of Death and if she an really free Detective Maximus Steele.

Nova faces such an array of challenges along the way, testing her mentally and physically. Entering an entirely different, magical realm is one thing, attempting to take over an entire council is another! I can’t recommend Death Bringer more, I haven’t come across a story line like this in years and I am completely hooked! It’s safe to say I will be keeping my eyes peeled for the third book in the trilogy too.

Kelly-Marie Pollock

Kelly-Marie lives in Dorset with her Husband Mitchell, four young children and menagerie of pets. She’d dreamt of being an Author from a very young age and her late Auntie Julie pushed her to follow her dreams.

Kelly-Marie is a stay at home Mother, full time carer and active Parenting and Mental Health Blogger, you can find her blog over at www.amixedupmummy.blogspot.co.uk


Death Bringer is the second novel in ‘The Chronicles of Nova Morgan’ trilogy and follows the successful publication of her debut book Cherry Nova. She has also released a book of poetry entitled Forever Blue.

Death Bringer by Kelly-Marie Pollock – Cover Reveal

Death Bringer is the second book in The Chronicles of Nova Morgan trilogy. I’m really excited to take part in this cover reveal having read Cherry Nova, the first book in the trilogy! Kelly-Marie has also written a fantastic collection of poems called Forever Blue.

Death Bringer By Kelly-Marie Pollock Cover reveal

Death Bringer

Nova may have won the fight for her freedom, but she’s far from won the war. Journey beside her, Ruth and Chaplin as they leave the gritty streets of Victorian London behind and immerse themselves in the magical living realm of Hindra. 

In a world where dying isn’t forever and living isn’t easy, they’re about to unearth all manner of secrets and lies. Their mission seems clear, infiltrate the Council Chambers and free the captive, Detective maximus Steele, bringing down The Righteous Ones as they go, but time is moving fast and as Nova comes to realise, time is running out. 

From streetworker to rebellion leader, is her path one of greatness, or has it simply been paved by someone or something, far greater than her? Like pieces on a chess board, is Nova just a pawn in someone else’s game. 

Content warning – contains adult themes including; Sex, Drug use, Profanity and Violence. 

Front and back cover of Death Bringer by Kelly-Marie Pocllock

Genre: Fantasy, Vampire Fiction, Gothic/Noir

Word/page count: 336

Publication Date:  20th May 2020

Kelly-Marie Pollock - Author of the Nova Morgan Trilogy and Forever Blue, a collection of poems.

Kelly-Marie Pollock

Kelly-Marie lives in Dorset with her Husband Mitchell, four young children and menagerie of pets. She’d dreamt of being an Author from a very young age and her late Auntie Julie pushed her to follow her dreams. Kelly-Marie is  a stay at home Mother, full time carer and active Parenting and Mental Health Blogger, you can find her blog over at www.amixedupmummy.blogspot.co.uk

Death Bringer is the second novel  in ‘The Chronicles of Nova Morgan’ trilogy and follows the successful publication of her debut book Cherry Nova. She has also released a book of poetry entitled Forever Blue.

Praise For Cherry Nova

“An amazing book couldn’t put it down. Well written and kept me in suspense can’t wait for the next one. Well recommended.”


“Cherry Nova is an exceedingly strong debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s full of action, twists and turns which all combine to make it a real page turner and I certainly can’t wait to see what happens to Nova next, especially as Pollock has left things poised so perfectly with a teasing cliff- hanger! Parts of the book are quite dark, but for me the there is an overriding message of hope that runs beneath the surface which kept me rooting for Nova throughout. Cherry Nova is more than just your run of the mill Vampire tale, its roots run much deeper and I’m sure its story would resonate with readers on so many different levels. Highly recommended by me and I hope Kelly hurries up with book two as I’m desperate to read it!”


“I immersed myself in a world that I never knew existed. I was riveted from the moment I opened this books pages to read it. I found this book very hard to put down! If you like vampires, an adult theme and fantasy, this is the book for you! Looking forward to the next book!”


“If Stuart Macbride and Simon Kernick joined together to write a fantasy novel….you would get Cherry Nova. Kelly writes with her foot firmly pressed down on the pedal whilst still giving you characters that are all unique and loveable. Despite the fast pace of this book it still gives you a bit of time to breath after each tragedy. The world that Kelly has created here is commendable. I don’t remember enjoying a book of this nature as much as I have since Stan Nicholls Orcs series. I look forward to the second addition.”


Cherry Nova, Book 1 in The Chronicles of Nova Morgan trilogy is rated 5* on both Amazon and Goodreads, available to purchase via Amazon and The Book Depository, free to read for Kindle Unlimited users.

Purchase Links

Cherry Nova Amazon UK

Cherry Nova Amazon US

Cherry Nova Book Depository

Forever Blue Amazon UK

Death Bringer PRE ORDER

The Gene Wizards By Clare Blanchard – Blog Tour

I received The Gene Wizards by Clare Blanchard to review as part of the Damp Pebbles Blog Tours.

The Gene Wizards By Clare Blanchard Book Cover

The Gene Wizards

It’s bad enough you’re from a family of rich bankers, without having to deal with secret genetic engineering factories in the Dakotas.

Especially when you wake up one morning after a tab of E and find you’re thinking in Hebrew.

Follow the adventures of the Vanpyre family as they wrestle with the Dark Side of money and power.

My Thoughts

The second book in the Wizards series – The Gene Wizards is a great read. I haven’t read the first book in the series but The Gene Wizards works well as a stand alone book.

You are instantly thrown into the the Vanpyre family history as told by Curfew the son. He quickly goes on to explain how that this is the story of how they saved the world from one of the worst crimes in human history. Curfew tells how this happens with the help of an Asian butler, multi-player computer games and the mind minders.

The story is quite intriguing although Curfews drug use makes you wonder if he is telling the truth or is actually insane.

Clare Blanchard

Originally from the North Yorkshire coast in England, Clare Blanchard spent half her lifetime in Czechia in Central Europe, where her books are mainly set. Inspired by noir fiction, her settings are often like another character in the plot. She writes crime mysteries and dark urban fantasy with a historical twist.

Clare loves beautiful landscapes and architecture, cross-country skiing, the wine of South Moravia, and of course Czech beer. When she’s not being literary she knits funky socks.

From Triples To Triplets: The Making Of A Triplet Dad By S.C Wood

I received From Triples to Triplets: The making of a triplet dad by S.C Wood to review. A beautifully written book following the personal journey from a life of self destruction into fatherhood with triplets.

From Triples To Triplets

From Triples To Triplets – The making of a triplet dad

Becoming a parent brings big responsibilities – and pressures to match. From triples go triplets charts one man’s journey from a destructive life of anger and alcoholism into fatherhood.

From overcoming the resentments and fears harboured as a result if his own abusive childhood, he was then faced with a high risk spontaneous pregnancy as a first time parent.

Convinced that the principles of love and patience would be enough to hold his young family together through the most stressful of events, this is a raw and honest account of the emotional ride taken by a new parent in a remarkable situation. In becoming a triplet dad.

My Thoughts

I was instantly drawn into S.C Wood’s personal story which begins at the very beginning, from his birth and childhood all the way through to fatherhood. The fact that many of us have unfortunately gone through similar childhoods makes it a very relatable read.

Si writes openly about his struggles with alcoholism and his destructive behaviour and it really is an eye opener, not to mention admirable to see how he pulled himself away from that with the use of meditation. Throughout his journey Si does have moments where he slips away from meditating regularly and you can see the impact that has on his day to day life and struggles. Faced with a high risk spontaneous pregnancy, a terrified wife and a step-daughter struggling with the changes, Si uses the power of meditation to get through each day, one struggle at a time, being the most supportive partner and parent he can be.

I honestly struggled to put this book down, we had contractors due in to fix our windows when the book arrived. I really should have tidied up some more but instead, I found myself wandering around with From Triples to Triplets in my hand doing smaller jobs.

It certainly gave me a different perspective, seeing what a new dad faces, especially around a high-risk pregnancy. I have to admit this made me apologise to the Mr, I never really took the time to consider how he felt through my pregnancies. I simply saw it as my battle to get through. Now I realise just how terrified he was when Eva was born premature and now I completely understand why he wasn’t happy when we discovered Izzy was on her way. I honestly believed he was being selfish but it was me being selfish. Both pregnancies were high risk and he knew that it could have gone very wrong.

The way S.C Wood has overcome each challenge in his life is admirable and his use of meditation has genuinely intrigued me. I have begun meditating using the same method myself, something I wouldn’t usually do in all honesty. I have after just a few days, noticed the calming effect meditating is having on me. I can see how it has helped Si stay calm and focused with triplets to look after!

Overall, I couldn’t recommend this book more. It really is a great read and whilst it is a personal story and not an advice book, I would definitely recommend new fathers giving this a read as they will face similar struggles and may find it a very useful read.

S.C Wood author photo

S.C Wood

Si is a welder, musician, husband, author and a first time biological father to triplet girls and an older daughter. From Triples To Triplets: The Making of a Triplet Dad is his first book and he also blogs over at Tripletdad.blog about his life with triplets and personal struggles.

The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball – Reviewed By Friends

We received copies of The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball by Scott Lauder & David Ross to share with Eva’s Friends. Having really enjoyed reviewing the book herself, Eva thought her friends may enjoy it too and wanted to know their thoughts.

The Three Hares - The Jade Dragon Ball

Matthew’s Review

Matthew couldn’t wait to get started and was already on chapter two by the end of the school day. He even told his mum he would be reading instead of playing his playstation that night!

I Loved the book and it’s use of figurative language and similes. My Favourite character is Shan Wu and Shan Two since they are funny!

Matthew

Celina loves reading books and we often bump into her in our local library. We knew she would love the book as much as Eva and she really did. She kindly shared a review with her own friends on social media and has allowed me to share the photo she too and some of what she has written.

Celina’s Review

Celina's Photo of The Three Hares

I have been reading a book called The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball. It is about a girl who experiences weird visions. Her first vision is that Sara had been in a cave with a dragon on the wall. Sarah has no enemies. Sara and the students were going on a trip to the Beijing Palace Museum and Sarah was excited to visit the Beijing Palace Museum.

Celina.

Kara’s Review

Kara is one of Eva’s best friends and they love to share their favourite stories and games with each other. Eva thought Kara would enjoy the book just as much as her and it seems she did!

I really love the story line, it is fun. I can’t wait to tell all my friends about The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball.

Kara

Overall it seems Eva’s friends really enjoyed The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball and it’s lovely they have all been discussing the book at school and with other friends.

Do you have a book you would love to get your friends to review too? The Three Hares – The Jade Dragon Ball would be a great way to start a little book group with friends.