REVIEW: The Great Orme, Paul D Coombs - 4/5

A group of killers, a text that changes everything, a sea serpent, and a horde of ghosts.

Zac and his 6 closest friends are a bunch of sweet, thoughtful and fun-loving people, aside from the fact they're all murderers, of course. Six years after swearing to take their secrets to the grave in Zac's creaky old house, someone from the group begins to kill again and Zac realises the only way forward is to confess to their crimes and stop the one relapsing on the sin of killing. However, is Zac in the right, or is he as much to blame as the others?

Paul D Coombs is an author I admittedly had never heard of before, however, after Northodox Press sent me his latest title, The Great Orme, I was very much intrigued as to what kind of tale Coombs had spun.

When settling down with a coffee and picking the bookmark to match the title, I was impressed, to say the least, at what I was reading. The first page alone set a brilliantly dark and macabre tone, leading me into the story of Zac and his murderous friends. There was a very dark vibe given out by The Great Orme, and I loved it.

I usually give a book around 100 pages or so to really get a feel for it, and whether I was reviewing this title or not, I would have kept going. There was a fantastic sense of mystery and the unknown in this story, and the setting is something to be admired.

Set in Wales in January, the Great Orme is a rock formation which gets its name from Scandinavian Norse, a Sea Serpent. This little piece of historical information from Coombs helped shape the book into the dark, twisted and unbelievably interesting book The Great Orme became.

The Great Orme is referred to as a beastly Sea Serpent, hovering over Zac and seemingly affecting his choice to confess to his and his friend's sins over the years, as well as causing him discomfort and seven pain.

Having said all this, and while I would definitely recommend The Great Orme, there were some minor issues. While reading, I would sometimes feel as though I was being thrown from one scene to the next, even in the same sentence, which disturbed the flow of the book a little.

Furthermore, there were some small grammatical errors, such as misplaced punctuation; I also felt that, at times, the way the characters spoke to one another was somewhat out of touch, as if no one would really speak that way. This also took a little of the immersion out of it for me.

However, the positives do outweigh the negatives, and Coombs has done a brilliant job of fleshing out so many characters who clash, support one another, and have different personalities, thoughts and ideas.

Zac is the main character within the book, however, there are more than just his six friends to consider. While Zac sends a text message to his friends ordering them back to The Great Orme to tell them to confess to the murders each of them has committed, not only the invited show up.

Partners show up, as well as Rose, a seemingly not-so-sweet old lady who lives next door to Zac; there is also Helen, a local police officer who is investigating the murders in the area, but she too has more to tell than she lets on...

Throughout the book, I read how each member of the friendship group killed their victims; houses set on fire, heads held underwater, car 'accidents'; Coombs really has crafted a dark and twisted tale any crime/mystery reader would love. There was always a sense of mystery, wrongdoing, and of course, the hope that Smokey, Zac's Scottie dog, would live through the events in The Great Orme.

I absolutely loved how the Orme, or as I like to call it, the Sea Serpent, was its own character within the book. It was almost like the Grim Reaper, staring back at Zac from his seat in the study, giving the ghosts he lives with the power to stick around and let Zac become overridden with guilt.

The wonder of who out of Zac's six friends is the new killer was always on my mind just as it was his, as Smokey was attacked and his house vandalised. I was constantly reminded of Zac's wrongdoings, however, they weren't the same as his murderous friends, and the question loomed over me the whole time I was reading: is Zac just as guilty as his friends? And which one has begun killing once again to warn Zac against confessing?

As a crime and thriller lover, The Great Orme definitely hit the mark. Despite some grammatical errors and oddly-written dialogue, this book was a brilliant addition to the genre and Coombs should be very proud of this title.

The Great Orme is out now!

REVIEW: Under Her Roof, A.A. Chaudhuri - 5/5

When Sebastian finds the perfect room to rent in the beautiful area of Hampstead, London, he cannot believe his luck. The rent is beyond affordable, and his beautiful landlady already holds his attention. However, when Sebastian finds out the fate of Adriana's last tenant and that someone has their eyes on him at all times, his ideal life takes a dark turn.

A. A. Chaudhuri is without a doubt one of my favourite authors. Each title I receive from her is a stunning, thrilling, wild ride and I am always in awe by the end. Under Her Roof is no different.

I always adore the beginning of Chaudhuri's books; Under Her Roof begins at the end, with someone on trial for murder. This was the best way to start this title, as while I was reading my mind was often cast back to the start, keeping me well intrigued.

After the e are then introduced to Sebastian, a young writer looking to move out of his friend Jasper's house and focus on his writing. Already, Chaudhuri has created a brilliant character for her readers to follow as we soon find out that the seemingly innocent Sebastian is harbouring a secret that could upend his life.

As Sebastian views the room in Serenity House, he becomes somewhat cautious of the situation as Max, the agent showing him the property, mentions what happened to Adriana's last lodger...

Once again, Chaudhuri has written her characters perfectly, as Sebastian is not the only point of view (POV) we hear from; we also have the POV of Adriana, the landlady. Both characters have their own secrets, worries and issues, but they could not be more different.

Not only are there two characters giving the readers different information and different points of interest to think about, there is also a third character.

This mystery character is the one watching both Sebastian, who of course takes the unbelievable offer on the room at Serenity House, and Adriana, who knows she's under observation.

Chaudhuri has a brilliant way of giving the reader just enough to work with while also hiding so much. Once again, her incredible writing kept me turning page after page, racing to the end of this title.

The mystery character holds a lot over both characters and as they try to keep their anxieties in check, Sebastian and Adriana are contacted separately by whoever blackmails them.

It is also through this unknown character that Sebastian's appearance is revealed; not only this, but Chaudhuri uses this character to delve into Adriana's past which was both traumatic and concerning.

Under Her Roof utilises showing not telling, as Chaudhuri revealed more and more throughout the plot but in such a way that both answered questions I had and created more; the perfect way to write a thriller.

Thanks to Chaudhuri's ability to write characters that are so well fleshed-out and are rich in intrigue and personality, the thoughts and actions they speak about add to the ongoing feelings of danger, dread and genuine fear.

The longer Sebastian stays under Adriana's roof, the more threats he gets from whoever is watching him and his landlady. Sebastian often thinks of the rules his landlady set, including banning him from speaking to the next-door neighbour, Stella. 

Delving into the past is something that can be hit-and-miss within books; chapters that focus on what happened previously in characters' lives can be too drawn out or don't have the fulfilling effect readers hope for - not in this book.

Each 'before' section in this book was unbelievably riveting and filled with information, revelations about both Sebastian and Adriana, and stories about what led each character to where they are now.

Chaudhuri is, and no doubt will always be an author I look forward to reading. Her skills in creating a thrilling plot, and characters you either root for or hope they get their come-uppance.

Under Her Roof is a danger-thrilled ride that does not let up, even for one page. Chaudhuri really has created an environment that scares her characters and forces them to reveal things that they wished to take to the grave.

Some thrillers wait till the end to showcase how incredible the plot is, but this title builds and builds the tension until one of the most incredible and unbelievable endings is revealed.

I absolutely adored this title, and already cannot wait for what Chaudhuri comes out with next.

Under Her Roof is out now!

Bookish Things

 Hello everyone! Happy Sunday 💜

What bookish items do you have in your home? I'm wanting to re-decorate, and thought book-obsessed people were the best to ask!

Any tips on reading nooks, items or even books themselves can be commented below 📚🕮

REVIEW: The Edge of Empire, Stephanie Amey - 3/5

 Historical fiction seems to be a niche genre these days, but after picking up Stephanie Amey's newest read I'm inclined to believe it still has a place in the bookish world.

The Edge of Empire is, admittedly, a book I wouldn't usually pick for myself to read; however, when the title was sent to me by the wonderful people at Northodox Press, I knew it was going to be worth the read.

Stephanie Amey's newest book takes place in 170 AD and sees Aurelius Petrus, Optio (second in command) of Fort Bana, take on the investigation of two murdered soldiers. However, once he begins looking into the deaths of two of the Fort's own, Petrus realises something strange...

The men were seemingly killed by Druids, a cult that was wiped out by Romans 100 years ago; but Petrus refuses to let sleeping dogs lie as the Optio is convinced Druids are not the cause of his men's deaths.

When beginning The Edge of Empire, I wasn't completely sure what to expect as historical fiction isn't a genre I dabble in often. However, the plot sounded amazing, almost like a historical Sherlock Holmes, so I was eager to begin.

The first thing I noticed while reading this book, was the simplicity of the writing. That is not to say this is a bad thing, but the way in which it was written set the tone for the rest of the book.

I immediately liked our main character, Petrus. As a Roman soldier he of course has a harsh side to him, hissing and shouting orders at his men. He also has a softer, more lenient side; I really enjoyed how Amey portrayed his character as he made for a brilliantly inquisitive and interesting man to lead the story.

As I read more and more, my opinion of this book being written simply was set in stone; while I somewhat liked that about this title as it allowed the main character and his comrades to shine a little brighter, it felt almost a shame as the plot and environment suffered ever so slightly.

When the environment was described, it was done well and there was no doubt about that, but I did notice the repeat of certain phrases (such as smells 'filling the air') which felt a little repetitive.

Having said this, the book progressed at a very decent pace. I enjoyed Petrus' travels from the Fort to the Vicus (the settlement around the Fort) as he interviewed men whom he suspected were involved with the murders of the two soldiers.

Petrus was indeed a brilliant main character, as the way he was written definitely made him human as he grew tired often, worked hard and showed love for his wife and son.

About halfway into The Edge of Empire, it seems as though Petrus' superior, Julius Maximus, as found those responsible for the killings of his men... but Petrus isn't so sure. Just as one problem seems to be solved, two more bodies are found, which sets off a series of events that I'm sure no reader could predict.

Despite the somewhat simple writing, lack of environmental description and even the seemingly skipped-over scenes within the book, Amey has written a brilliant ending to this title that I genuinely really loved.

Petrus' suspicions are conformed, a battle breaks out, and true motives are revealed in a matter of moments; the ending of this book is most definitely the best part and I was sat with my jaw agape; even if this scene felt a little rushed, I was intreagued to find out what really happened to the two dead soldiers, and who else was involved...

The Edge of Empire is a slow-burning yet highly-interesting read. It takes the reader back to 170 AD and highlights Petrus, the main character, in brilliant ways and makes him a man worth rooting for. A good, simple read with a somewhat complex twist and a satisfying ending - worth the read for sure.

REVIEW: Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes, Tess Smith-Roberts - 5/5

 Ever been on a less-than-exceptional date? Well, Olive has been on one too many and has a myriad of dating disasters to share!

When I received this book to review, I was pleasantly surprised to find a comic book-style story with a hilarious main character and stunning images to go alongside.

Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes follows the unlucky Olive, a woman who hopes for a normal, fun date, but ends up with the weirdest of both men and women. The book follows her blunders as she almost loses her mind in the world of online dating.

I absolutely loved this book. It was a short, sweet look into the world of online dating and how difficult and, even how uncomfortable it can be.

The comic book style of the book went so well with the story; the brilliant illustrations matched perfectly with the conversations Olive had with her friends.

Not only were the images so well-done and pretty, the way the characters spoke to one another was fantastic. It felt so real and grounded, which was brilliant to see given the somewhat humorous nature and appearance of the book.

The situations Olive gets herself into are downright hilarious, and some are even very questionable. At one point, she finds herself at a speed-dating even, to where one man states that he doesn't think 'incest is that bad'... Poor Olive.

Despite the book being rather short, it is a genuinely beautiful and hilarious read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was fun, different, and a clever way to lay out that, while online dating can be a little odd sometimes, there is someone out there for us all, even if that someone is ourselves!

Disaster Dates and Lucky Escapes is a great mini-read, definitely worth the time for a quick laugh!

REVIEW: The Final Party, A.A Chaudhuri - 5/5

Mystery books can sometimes be hit-and-miss, with the final twist not quite hitting home. However, A.A Chaudhuri's newest thriller, The Final Party, ticks all the right boxes - and then some.

The Final Party is a title I've been excited to read for quite some time, mainly due to Chaudhuri's two previous books, She's Mine and The Loyal Friend, being absolutely fantastic.

This title sees six friends take a trip to a stunning villa in Sorrento, Italy, to celebrate one of the group's 40th birthday. However, by the end of it all one of them will be dead, and the secrets they all hold may not be as secure as they thought...

What happened that fateful night in 2001? Did anyone ever find out? Will the truth come out?

Chaudhuri is by far one of my favourite authors, with She's Mine being one of my favourite crime/thriller books of all time. However, The Final Party may have just edged itself into the top spot.

The book begins at the end, with a body in the water and only five out of the six friends who arrived in Italy remaining. While some books do begin like this, no one does intrigue on this scale like Chaudhuri does.

I was immediately invested in the story and raced on through the pages to learn about the group and what their hidden truths may be.

The group consisted of three couples: Padma and Nick, Vanessa and Marcus, and Johnny and Lana. One of the best things about this title is the genius way Chaudhuri introduces each character, and with each introduction, comes a whole new wave of suspicion, lies, and mystery.

I was delighted that, after reading the first chapter that was dictated by Padma, Vanessa would then take over in the next. Having the book narrated by the entire group was absolutely brilliant, and worked miraculously well in creating a shroud of intrigue around the characters and their sordid pasts.

Chaudhuri is a genius to say the least, with each and every chapter having a distinct point to make, a significant bit of information to tell me, no matter how subtle. For the most part, the facts were told in such an elusive way, that it allowed for the story to flow so beautifully; even with the chapters that took place in the past.

I always feel it is a difficult thing for an author to get right, swapping from past to present. However, Chaudhuri's masterful way of slightly changing the language of whoever is narrating the chapter, to the way the environment changes with her skilful descriptions, makes it easy to follow and as intriguing as ever.

With each page came the addition of tension, and each character having their own version of events made for genuinely thrilling reading, as while Padma may believe one circumstance to be true, Johnny, or even Marcus may know the answers to her questions...

The plot is one of absolute brilliance, as Chaudhuri creates a web of lies, hatred and perhaps in a way, evil. The reunion of friends hides beneath the illusion of a celebration of Vanessa's 40th birthday, but the genuine joy of reading this book is knowing that every member knows something different, and as a reader, you know everything they know (for the most part).

I adored the story within The Final Party, as I read through six different people's lives, I was told shocking truths and horrible secrets, I found out who committed atrocious acts that were covered up, and I was privy to secrets unlike no others...

The Final Party is clever, intriguing, well-written, and has a plot like nothing else I've read. The twists and turns within these pages are a triumph, and I loved every single minute of it.

Each character had their own unique personality and looks (wonderfully described of course), as well as the surroundings for the group being in stunning Italy, a place Chaudhuri herself has visited.

Once again, Chaudhuri has delivered a phenomenal story for us all. I am honoured to not only get an ARC of this title, but to also be in the acknowledgements of one of Chaudhuri's novels for a second time.

This book made me sit up in my seat, verbally wonder what in the hell is going on, and read way into the night; it is definitely a must-read.

Well done Chaudhuri on creating another genuinely fantastic book; I cannot wait to see what else you come up with.

The Final Party is available now!

Question!

Hello everyone!

I have a question for you...

If your favourite book had a soundtrack, what would it be? 🕮

I think mine would have to be The Witch's Heart, with the soundtrack being Soldier, Poet, King (by The Oh Hellos). While the book had quite a dark vibe, and the song is rather upbeat, it just feels right to put the two together 🎔