Black Moon – Ronel Janse van Vuuren

  *I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*     Blurb:   Death is only the beginning… Varsity student, Emma, makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her fellow students from rioters and is taken to Valhalla. Instead of being welcomed …

Evie and the Upside-Down World of Nevermore – Birgitte Märgen

  *I received a free copy of this ebook, with thanks to the author.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*   Blurb:  GIRL, INTERRUPTED MEETS PAN'S LABYRINTH "We all need someplace to escape, and sometimes the mind is just as good of a place as any." A trailer park Alice. A hole that …

The Morgans and the Jewel of Bar-Ran – K.T. Dady

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*   Blurb:  Your world isn’t the only one that exists. There is another, a magical place called Bar-Ran, and it’s about to be destroyed unless the Morgan children can find the royal …

Bookshine’s Best Reads of 2019 – Part 2

  Here we go again, with my favourite books of the second half of 2019! As before, these are books that I read last year, regardless of publication date.  Also as before, my list is very fantasy heavy.  What can I say – it is a varied and fascinating genre and I love every subset! …

Bookshine’s Best Reads of 2019 – Part 1

  Another amazing reading year! I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of the book blogging community and to have made contacts with authors, bloggers and blog tour organisers that have all introduced to me to a wealth of literary riches this year. There have been far too many excellent books to limit myself …

A Midnight Clear – Sam Hooker; Alcy Leyva; Laura Morrison; Cassondra Windwalker; Dalena Storm; Seven Jane

  *I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Black Spot Books - Vesuvian Books and NetGalley.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*     Blurb:  This short story collection includes six stories of not-so-merry Yuletide whimsy. A woman so cold she hardens to ice on a winter's eve. …

Ivory Apples – Lisa Goldstein

  *I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Tachyon Publications and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*   Blurb:  Ivy and her sisters have a secret: their reclusive Great-Aunt is actually Adela Martin, inspired author of the fantasy classic, Ivory Apples. Generations of obsessive fans have searched for Adela, …

Gichi Manidoo – Charles J. Musser

  *I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and BookSirens.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*   Blurb:  “Remember that stories can set us free. Tell her a story from your heart and she’ll know what to do.” 40 year-old Federico Garcia is an Afghan vet …

Pricked – Scott Mooney

  *I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Bleeding Ink Publishing and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*   Blurb:  Briar Pryce has the power to change the emotions of others by handing them a rose. It is a talent that has done surprisingly little for her, besides …

The Last Spell Breather – Julie Pike

  *I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author and Amazon’s Vine Programme.  The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*     Blurb:  A stunning fantasy debut, enter the unique world of the Spell Breathers. Spell Breathing does not come naturally to Rayne - she loathes the hours …