Phillip

 I have just finished reading the brilliant Believe by Sarah M Govett and the first thing that pops into my head is that this book lends itself well to become a film or a televised series. Its that good in my opinion. The brilliantly written phycological thriller is gripping, myserious, cerebral and full of surprises. Sarah really keeps you on the edge of your seat with this. I had to force myself to hit the sack at 1.45am this moring as I was about 75% of the way through this book and as soon as I woke up I had to finish it as its a real page turner. The story follows four main charachers with many support cast like pavarotti which incedentially has goto be my favorite character. Ryan and Natalie seem to have the perfect life with a nice suburban house in a posh area of london, good careers and a bright future untill you scratch below the surface and see things aint quite as they seem. DI Stratton and DS Bradley are a new partnership who investige a murder near to where Ryan and Natalie live. Stratton seems to have tunnel vision and goes with her gut instinct all the time while Bradley is more collected and by-the-book leaving no stone unturned and seems to follow every lead. Up untill the last few pages I had a few suspects in my mind never thinking what was about to happen, Sarah Govett really pulls the rug from underneath your feet with this one and I have no issues with rathing this fine novel fove out of five stars. If you are a television producer reading this then please pick up this book and turn it into a mini-series or a film, its that good. This is an incredibly strong debut novel and a complete triumph that is full of tension, dark intrugue and utterly compulsive. Thank you to Sarah Govett and Net Galley for an advaced vopy of this ARC for my complete and Honest review. 

I honestly don't know what to make of this book—which is exactly why I plan to reread it in the future. For now, I'm giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars, though that rating might change on a second read.

If On A Winter's Night A Traveller is certainly a challenge to wrap your head around and not for the faint-hearted. It's an intellectual puzzle of a novel, and I even found my vocabulary expanding with words like edulcorate and excogitate making an appearance.


There's no doubt this is a literary classic, and Italo Calvino has a dedicated cult following. However, for me, it's a bit of a Marmite book—you either love it or hate it. I enjoyed the beginning and the ending, but the middle dragged at times, and I found it slow in places.


The novel consists of 22 chapters: 12 numbered chapters that tell one continuous story, and in between them, fragments of different unfinished novels, each with a unique title. But interestingly, if you string together the titles of these fragmented stories, they almost form a coherent sentence:

“If on a winter's night a traveller... Outside the town of Malbork... Leaning from the steep slope... Without fear of wind or vertigo... Looks down in the gathering shadow... In a network of lines that enlace... In a network of lines that intersect... On the carpet of leaves illuminated by the moon... Around an empty grave... What story down there awaits its end?”

Then there's the overarching story in the numbered chapters, where you—the reader—become the protagonist alongside another reader, Ludmilla, as you both search for the rest of If On A Winter's Night A Traveller, all while navigating a strange and surreal love affair.


This is the first book in my #50BooksAt50Challenge, and it originally came out when I was just three or four years old, way back in 1979. It's certainly a unique reading experience, but one I feel I need to dedicate more time to on a future read. 

First of all, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Helen Phifer, and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of The Vanishing Bookstore in exchange for my honest review. From the moment I saw the intriguing blurb and the beautifully designed cover, I knew this was a book I had to read. Sometimes, we all need a story that offers a satisfying and uplifting conclusion—especially in today's world, where a little hope and magic can go a long way.


I found this novel to be incredibly engaging and wonderfully easy to read. It was one of those books that I simply couldn't put down. The writing is immersive, drawing the reader into a well-crafted world filled with mystery, magic, and history. Helen Phifer has done a remarkable job in her research, bringing both the settings of modern-day London and the historical backdrop of Salem to life with vivid detail.


Interestingly, this isn't a book I would typically gravitate towards when searching for my next read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The dual timeline structure, alternating between the present day and the harrowing events of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, was seamlessly woven together, making for an atmospheric and compelling read.


One of the things I loved most about this novel was its perfect blend of intrigue, mystery, and magic. Themes of reincarnation, family ties, and dark secrets kept me hooked, and there was even a touch of humor that balanced the heavier aspects of the story. And, of course, I have to mention the animals—Hades, the pet crow, absolutely stole my heart! In my opinion, he might just be the reincarnation of Dora's father, which added an extra layer of fascination to the plot. Then there's Caesar, the dog, who also brings warmth to the story.


While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I did feel that the resolution could have been slightly stronger, particularly when it came to Dora's friend, Katie. The epilogue left me a little confused, and I would have liked a bit more clarity on certain aspects of the ending. However, these minor issues didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.


Overall, The Vanishing Bookstore was a captivating read that offered a unique perspective on the Salem Witch Trials while blending history with the supernatural in a compelling way. For readers who love historical fiction with a twist of magic, this book is definitely worth picking up. Helen Phifer's writing is atmospheric and engaging, and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for her future works. 

  The Serpent Called Mercy is a debut novel by Roanne Lau, and what a stunning debut it is! While it's not without its imperfections, I found it to be an engrossing and memorable read, which is why I'm giving it a strong 4-star rating.

The world-building, while evocative, occasionally felt sparse, leaving me yearning for a bit more detail to fully visualize the setting. That said, the descriptions provided were just enough for me to picture the harsh, atmospheric world in which our protagonists, Lythlet and Desil, struggle to survive.

This is the second Advanced Reader Copy I've had the privilege of reading via NetGalley, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity. The Serpent Called Mercy gripped me from the very first chapter, and I could barely put it down. I was also fortunate enough to connect with the author, Roanne Lau, on BlueSky while working my way through this captivating story—a wonderful way to enhance the reading experience.

I started the book on January 2nd and found myself halfway through by the next day. By January 7th, I had turned the final page, left both satisfied and eager to see what Lau writes next. The striking cover immediately caught my attention—it's beautifully designed and perfectly captures the essence of the story. I'd be curious to know who the artist is, as their work deserves recognition*.

Although I occasionally struggled to picture the intricacies of the world our protagonists navigate, I was thoroughly impressed by how well the characters were developed. They leapt off the page with vividness and heart. Among the many memorable figures, I was particularly charmed by the bees and a puppy named Runt, whose speech impediment gave him an endearing uniqueness.

Interestingly, the book evoked a Dickensian vibe for me. While I'm not sure if Roanne Lau intended to evoke the mid-to-late 19th century (though it's clearly not set in London), there's a palpable sense of societal struggle and disparity that resonates deeply. The themes felt strikingly relevant to today's world, especially the glaring gap between the top 1% and the rest of us. It's a sentiment I've often reflected on—being cash-poor truly is expensive, and Lau weaves this truth into her story with poignant effect.

The plot follows Lythlet and Desil as they are thrust into an underground world of illegal combat, where they face terrifying mythical beasts. Their ultimate goal? To pay off crushing debts and escape the relentless grip of poverty. The writing is so immersive that I found myself vividly imagining the gritty action, much like the visceral energy of Gladiator, one of my favorite films.

But this book offers more than just adrenaline-fueled action. Beneath the surface lies a rich tapestry of political corruption, family reconnections, and secrets that shake the foundations of trust. Lythlet's journey is as much about survival as it is about uncovering the layers of betrayal and hope that define her relationships, particularly with Desil, the one person she thought she could rely on unconditionally.

I was thoroughly captivated by The Serpent Called Mercy. For a debut novel, it's an exceptional piece of work—bold, heartfelt, and thought-provoking. Roanne Lau has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, and I congratulate her on this remarkable achievement. I'll be eagerly awaiting her next book and can't wait to see how she builds on this promising start. 

The age-old saying that women should be seen and not heard has never sat right with me—not in my nearly fifty years of drawing breath. But, of course, three and a half thousand years ago (and more), that was the norm in places like Troy, the Roman Empire, Egypt, Greece, and beyond. That’s why it’s refreshing to read a book that gives voice to the women of that time, restoring their stories and challenging long-held assumptions.

Mythica is a vital and eye-opening read. It offers a surprising and thought-provoking look at historical opinions that have been shaped over centuries, if not millennia. Dr. Emily Hauser has clearly poured an immense amount of research into this work, and the result is nothing short of brilliant. It’s one of the best books I’ve had the privilege to read before publication, and I will proudly add it to my growing library. Without hesitation, I give it a five-star rating.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is how each chapter begins—with a short story that feels like a mini-novel in its own right. Just as you get drawn in, you’re hit with a powerful wave of historical and scientific insights that challenge dogmatic views of women in the Late Bronze Age. Hauser employs science, advanced archaeology (both on land and under the sea), radioactive isotopes, and more to dismantle outdated narratives. Each chapter seamlessly transitions into the next, making for an engaging and immersive read.

I found it difficult to put this book down—it’s beautifully written, accessible, and utterly captivating. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in Greek history, mythology, or the Homeric epics (The Iliad and The Odyssey—the former of which I’m currently reading alongside Mythica). The writing never overwhelms with dense academic jargon, making it accessible to all readers, regardless of background.

This book makes it abundantly clear that the women of the Late Bronze Age—across the Mediterranean, Africa, Egypt, and beyond—were far more than just domestic servants, slaves, goddesses, or muses. Dr. Emily Hauser has given them a voice and, in doing so, has crafted an epic story that finally places them alongside the men of their time.

Mythica is a brilliantly researched and beautifully told work, and it has been my privilege to read it. My deepest thanks to Dr. Emily Hauser, Doubleday, and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this book in advance.