Phillip

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employs science, advanced archaeology (both on land and under the sea), radioactive isotopes, and more to dismantle outdated narratives.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.

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. 

 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. 

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. 

From the very first page, this book grips you and refuses to let go until the end, leaving you wanting more. Freya Wallace has crafted something extraordinary. The writing is superb, and the characters feel so real and well-researched. With its tightly woven, compelling subplots, I was completely transfixed from start to finish.

Set in the dark, brooding landscapes of Dartmoor, the story follows Detective Inspector Jacob Knox—a troubled but brilliant soul navigating a complicated life. He has a budding love interest, an alcoholic older brother who constantly stirs up trouble, and a cheerful, loyal dog who brings some light to his world. When two women go missing, Knox dives headfirst into the case.

I wouldn't go so far as to say this is Robert Harris meets Fred West, but it does carry certain elements that make it a chilling and dark horror novel. At the same time, it's surprisingly uplifting and inspiring, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

I have written a blog post on this with more conent that you can find linked HERE..

Wow, what a book. As a Brit, I am finding myself quite obsessed with American Politics. For the past four or so years I have watched with horror what the great United States has become under Trump.
He in the UK we can draw some similar parallels with our own version of Trump although not divisive.

I would say this is one of the best books I've read so far this year. Thank goodness there are people out there like Adam Schiff.

Wow, what a book. As a Brit, I am finding myself quite obsessed with American Politics. For the past four or so years I have watched with horror what the great United States has become under Trump.
He in the UK we can draw some similar parallels with our own version of Trump although not divisive.

I would say this is one of the best books I've read so far this year. Thank goodness there are people out there like Adam Schiff.

Lovely book. Well it's good I must admit and it is a real page turner. However I think the ending could have been a little better in my opinion. Still worth a read methinks.

I love reading books by Stephen Fry as they are witty, enticing and full of humour (especially some of the footnotes). 
stephen has an excellent storytelling style that drwas you in especially this one. The only thing I do struggle with is some of the greek names and the multitude of them but thats not really Stephens fault.
If you want an easy start to Greek Mythology thats not too heavy then this is a good place to start.

I loved this book, I thought it would be quite a hard read at first as you need a bit more about you than reading the same subject material by the brilliant Stephen Fry. The thing I found the most taxing was the introduction but after that it was all plain sailing.

Stephen Fry is a good starting point but if the subject of Greek Mythology grabs you like it did me then this translated versin by Emily Wilson is a very good next step. Now onto Wilson's version of the Illiad (Yes I know its backwards but still)

After watching Ant on channel 4's series about the SAS, I started reading his first book while on holiday in Rome (I had a rather interesting conversation with a priest who spotted me reading this book sat at a bar 5 mins walk away from Vatican City ). 

This second book of his is just as good as the first, Very well balanced and very easy to read. I could not put it down.
Well done Ant, you have written another blinder here.

Wow simply wow. What an incredible twist near the end. I found this book a very easy read and one I could not put down. This book has reignited my love affair with history and the city of Rome, it's culture and it's people.

Well this took me less than a week to read and I goto say it's a lot better than the film. Onto the rest of them now.

I was brought up in the 1980s in a place called Hodge Hill in Birmingham by a Labour supporting family. During my mid to late teens, I got quite involved in my local Constituency Labour Party and at the time I was being groomed in a career with the party perhaps even ending up as an MP.
I remember at around the age of 17 I had been volunteering for Terry Davis's Election Campaign which as history tells was successful.

As a thank you for all my hard work Terry invited me down to Westminster as his guest to the houses of parliament. I was lucky enough to enter the chambers of both the commons and the lords and eventually have lunch on the terrace before watching my MP in the stranger's gallery. I remember at the time that this is the life for me and I became obsessed with becoming an MP in my own right.

I was brought up in the 1980s in a place called Hodge Hill in Birmingham by a Labour supporting family. During my mid to late teens, I got quite involved in my local Constituency Labour Party and at the time I was being groomed in a career with the party perhaps even ending up as an MP. 
I remember at around the age of 17 I had been volunteering for Terry Davis's Election Campaign which as history tells was successful.

As a thank you for all my hard work Terry invited me down to Westminster as his guest to the houses of parliament. I was lucky enough to enter the chambers of both the commons and the lords and eventually have lunch on the terrace before watching my MP in the stranger's gallery. I remember at the time that this is the life for me and I became obsessed with becoming an MP in my own right.

Wow, simply wow. This is an exceptional and excellent book. At times it can be a little slow but from cheaper 20 onwards it simply gets better and better.

Simply brilliant. Was lucky enough to have visited one of the rainforests mentioned in this book

What an excellent book by Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife.

My wife and I Louise are heading to London in a few weeks time and I hope to meet the fellow. I found this book really easy to read yet difficult to pud down due to Chris' storytelling.

Well worth a read and I highly enjoyed every minute of it.

This book has changed my life if I'm being honest. Being from the Gen X generation the suggestions and practices suggested in this book came quite easily for me as I grew up in a time without social media and the World Wide Web. 

However I am a self employed Web Developer and blogger on the subject so placing strict rules on my time was quite difficult. 

The only social network I have on my mobiles is the Goodreads account and I have implemented the news feed eradicator on all my other social networks. I goto bed at 10pm and I'm usually up at 4am being productive, I also leave my mobiles in the office when I hit the sac.

Love this book with a passion and I highly recommend it.
Please read it yourself as it will change your life.

I was in 2 minds if I should give this a 3-star or a 5-star rating on this book. My mind started to wonder about it as I got to the halfway stage of the book. I kept thinking to myself that this bloke is on a huge ego trip.

Yep, there are some excellent nuggets in live lessons and you can tell he really poured his heart and soul into this book. Yes, he does boast about all of his successes but it seems to me that he has worked very hard to get to where he is in his life.

In the end, I came to the realisation that Will Smith simply is no longer bothered about all the money, the fame and all the #1 movies he has achieved but that life is simply the pursuit of happiness that we all need to be searching for in our own lives. For me being wealthy is simply that.

Excellent book and well worth a read.

Wow, quite simply WOW! I feel that this is one of those types of books that can genuinely change life for the better.

Read it and remember to value your time and that you are already enough.

I suppose it was ok as a classic, found it quite surreal at times especially The Metamorphosis. Yet that was the best out the lot and at least it had a happy ending.

I for one won't be rushing back to read this book.

way back in my late teens I was involved in my local Labour Party of Hodge Hill. I was lucky enough to visit the Houses of Parliament with my local MP Terry Davis back when I was about 17. 

I thought back then how much I wanted that life myself for the future. Luckily it did not turn out like that and I am now a self-employed freelance website developer which I love doing.

This book by Jess has been a real Joy to read and is an unabashed and honest look into the life of an MP and the work involved. A lot of us think that all they do all day is shout at each other in the chamber and give interviews on a Sunday morning. However the reality is a lot more than that. 
Give this book a read by my fellow Brummie Jess Phillips. I found it difficult to put down and I wish there was more too it.

I cannot believe how quickly I devoured this book. I started this late last night and within an hour I was at page 110, this morning it only took me 15 mins to finish it.

As a freelance web developer this book really is a great source of inspiration. I love the idea about the analog desk to do the most work  and its something I am going to put into practice.

If like me you too are a creative get this book, you will not be dissapointed.