Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec

Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over Feb (our first readalong)

Pages - 308

Publisher - We Are White Fox

Source - Review copy for a readalong

Blurb from Goodreads

A visionary debut collection of eleven loosely interconnected short stories explores the rise of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, revealing their profound impacts on human existence. This is not your typical sci-fi - it's an intricate puzzle. Can you solve the mystery that is Peter Byrell?



My Review

So I always say I am not overly a fan of short stories so it isn't often I will pick one up let along agree to read it. However the theme of AI absolutely drew me in, I blame Terminator and Sci Fi for getting into these types of themes. That, old horror movies and how reliant we are on technology these days like look how much our homes/lives use! Anyways back to the book. We kick off this debut meeting Peter Byrell via a memo or email to the company. Whilst Peter pops up in some of the eleven stories all have a theme linked in one way or another.

I think this would be a great book club/book group discussion as there is so much to unpack whether you go individually or as a collective whole. One that hit home was the newer type invention for a type of Fitbit if you like, no spoilers. That being said look how many of us use Fitbits, guilty here, what if we were offered something a bit more invasive, medical style. What if music and technology did more to our very beings, what if we were manipulated and didn't know the whole impact and or control?

The book raised a fair few questions, for me anyway and as I said we had a readalong with this one, our first ever doing that. The questions I posted on our Instagram so you can nosey yourself but it gave a bit more pause for thought for some of the stories. I got a wee bit Terminator vibes in some of them, others you couldn't help but question your own dependence/usage of technology. I did enjoy conspiracy themes, I love a good conspiracy theory myself so watching how characters reacted to situations, tech and even each other in these stories reeled you in!

I am finding the AI & advanced tech in stories are becoming more popular, art imitating life? A strong debut with a new take, characters woven into individual tales with some interloping - I found the last story nodding to the rest of the book was a nice touch, 4/5.

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Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan Blog Tour

Today is my stop on the blog tour for "Leave No Trace" by Jo Callaghan.

For my stop I have my review, non spoiler. The book is out to buy, LINK HERE for Amazon UK.

Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - as able over 3 days

Pages - 383

Publisher - Siimon & Schuster

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

DCS Kat Frank and AIDE Lock return in the provocative new thriller from the author of In the Blink of an Eye.

One detective driven by instinct, the other by logic.
It will take both to find a killer who knows the true meaning of fear . . .

When the body of a man is found crucified at the top of Mount Judd, AIDE Lock – the world’s first AI Detective – and DCS Kat Frank are thrust into the spotlight as they are given their first live case.

But with the discovery of another man’s body – also crucified – it appears that their killer is only just getting started. With the police warning local men to be vigilant, the Future Policing Unit is thrust into a hostile media frenzy as they desperately search for connections between the victims. But time is running out for them to join the dots and prevent another death.


My Review

This is book two in the Kat and Lock series, now I sometimes say you can pick up a book mid series and start but with this one, no go to book one. Purely because I do think you need the background, that knowledge and feel for how everything came together, working with the AI, dynamics within the team etc. So, previously we worked on a cold case, now we are getting to work with a live case, murder, graphic, brutal and it doesn't look like it is going to be a one off. With media watching, pressure building Kat needs to use AI to the fullest effect but it is difficult when people are turning on the thumbs screws (I think that is the expression).

Lock is evolving, book one he/it was brand new but in this book, along with the active investigation we see it gaining more insight. Like itself as we know it is super effective at information collation but this is more insight into itself as a "being". For me it had echoes of Johnny 5 and maybe Jarvis or as he became later, Vision - like not as advance or "living" as they were but as I say, echoes of that. We have ripples from things that happened in book one so again another reason to read that before this.

The murderer we hear from in alternating chapters so it is interesting (well I always thing so) to hear from their view point, selection and what is going on in their mind as they plan or go for their next chosen victim.

Kat is still dealing with her grief and trying to juggle the job, devotion to the job, being there for her son especially after everything he has endured so it is quite a busy book. Murder, investigation, personal lives, team dynamics, power struggles and the voice of the killer peppered throughout, 4/5.

I am very much looking forward to the next in the series and I would love to see Lock become more with personality development which I feel we did see snippets of in this book.

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Forgotten Child by Katie Flynn

Forgotten Child by Katie Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over two days

Pages - 395

Publisher - Penguin books

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

From Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Flynn, Forgotten Child is a heartbreaking, uplifting and totally transporting novel to curl up with by the fire.

Scotland, 1940: Isla Donaghue is just sixteen when her mother dies, and her idyllic life comes to an abrupt end. Unable to cope, Isla’s father sends her to the poorhouse when he joins the merchant navy.

Horrified at the harsh conditions of the poorhouse, Isla is determined to escape. Enlisting the help of her newfound friends Meg and Sophie, she devises a plan to flee to Liverpool.

Despite the difficulties of her new life and the dangers of the Luftwaffe, Isla falls in love for the first time. But her beau is not all that he seems… Will true love prevail or will secrets from the past put an end to their happiness?

Why readers love Katie Flynn...

'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy'
'Hard to put down'
'Her characters are like old friends'
'Heartwarming romance'


My Review

Poor wee Isla, Scotland 1940 and she has had heartbreak (of the family loss kind) and now her da is taking her to a poor house. Isla is in for some cruelty and coldness but Isla is a plucky wee thing and makes a daring plan to break free. This is set during the war and as the girls leave one perilous environment they have to face the threats of war and matters of the heart.

Scotland and Liverpool, could you ask for two better places! Now this is a standalone and I have read a few of Flynn's books and I recognised a name or two from a previous book, I LOVE crossovers. It makes me want to buy up all the back ones and read them in order and of course hope she keeps the next one(s) in the same vein.

We find love, friendship, loss, betrayal and see the story of strength, personal growth, a splash of romance and the past catching up with the present. Skulduggery and shady characters as well as folk with hearts of gold and courage/strength. I think with these books the reason they are so good, not just how they are written obviously but you can slip from your own reality into theirs. Drama, abuse of power, harm to others and I do love a headstrong character who looks out for others, Isla is a fave for sure, 4/5 from us this time, roll on the next please!

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Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 5 days

Pages - 640

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.



My Review

If you haven't read book one, do it then read this one as it is one of those series you absolutely need to know the history and backstory. So after the big reveal Violet and co need to appear as if all is normal and go back to school where everything kicks off. One teacher (lieutenant whatever his title is I call him teacher) clearly has something against Violet and pushes her through her paces. We jump between Violet and Xaden, Violet and co training, the new first years in the position Violet was and repercussions from that which passed in book one.

There is spicy scenes between Violent and Xaden, dragon dramas - I do LOVE Tairn's dry wit/humour and Andarna really comes into her own personality in this one, albeit in short parts. There is a lot of angst and back and forth between Violet and Xaden, trust issues (like more so than book one and a very different theme) which I think some folk will find a bit long in places.

It does have a lot of action, slow in some parts but I think if you are a huge fan you will be happy enough. Spice, emotive, jealousy, war threats and trials as with book one with threats of death if you fail (again like book one) but Violet and co are second years overseeing the first year hopefuls. Then having to do their own trials. Shady characters, some dodgy behaviours a hint of redemption maybe for some? Dun dun dun, 4/5 for us for this one, got book 3 on standby!

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Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to red - 3 days

Pages - 368

Publisher - Anderson Press

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Blumwald is a town overshadowed by an ancient curse: in a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a monstrous Witch. Once a generation, she comes to claim a companion to return with her – never to be seen again. Now that time is drawing near once more...

Mina, daughter of the duke, is grieving and lonely. She has lost all hope of any future for herself in Blumwald. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina offers herself up – though she has no idea what fate awaits her. Stranded with her darkly alluring captor, the mystery of what happened to the previous companions draws Mina into the heart of a terrifying secret that could save her life, or end it.


My Review

A very small town, Mina, daughter of a Duke completely ignored, almost Cinderella vibes although the dad is still alive. She is completely ignored/forgotten about whilst her stepmother and her stepsisters have all the love and attention. The small town is under the curse of a witch, every X amount of years a villager is given to the witch, never to be heard from again. With everything being the way it is and feeling so lonely and isolated Mina tributes herself to go with the witch. The book then follows their journey, the witch being cold, irritated and elusive to Mina's questions. The longer Mina is there with no answers the more she has to explore to try and find out what happened to those before her and what is in store for her.

This is different from anything I have read, a bit of fairy tale hints, witch, town curse, mystery, loner main character who is desperate to be loved/accepted or even just acknowledged. Desperate loneliness, suspicion, hints of a dark truth yet to be revealed. And in between all of that we have some LGBT themes, focusing more on the L. Family, love, relationships, secrets, survival and always with a dark secret looming.

I liked it, I felt it changed and brought something I wasn't expecting nor really hinted at but with witches magic is magic and anything can happen. This was my first time reading this author I would absolutely read her again, 3/5.

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Author Interview with Nur Sharif

Welcoming author Nur Sharif to So Many Books, So Little Time, thanks for taking time out to answer some questions.

Q1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Criminologist who loves true crime and anything creative! Artist/writer! A writer who writes about humanity, People and society as main themes.

Q2. How did you get into writing?

In 2019 when I was in holiday in America, I had a chance to meet special effects artist Rick Baker.  He worked on many films such as American Werewolf in London, Planet of the apes and many more! Here I had a chance to see behind the scenes of how all my favourite films were made and the effects of how each Monster was created.  This then got me into the classic universal Monster films such as Dracula (1931), But wasn't until watching The Mummy (1932), which had a great influence on me and want me to peruse my passion further in creativity. I always loved the art of storytelling and used to write a lot of fan fiction and even wrote my own version of Star Wars and the DC Universe.

Q3. You are currently writing your debut novel, a crime thriller, tell us about it.

I’m currently writing a crime thriller which is about a true crime writer who discovers his biggest fan is a serial killer. Main message of this crime thriller script is that it’s about having the fear of losing yourself and a monstrous side within. Which makes you question on who the real personality was. Main theme is about media sensation and its manipulations and connection to the murder that takes place. They are both connected to the same unsolved murder but in their own way.  Unaware of each other's connections. Which is part of the unexpected twist that will make you question everything.

Q4. What research have you done?

I have read many interview transcripts and documents on real life killers such as Ted Bundy. Even read books around true crime and watched films in the genre to get an idea on the mind of a psychopath works. Walk in their shoes and thoughts. To make the story more suspenseful and realistic. Even read the dialogue in my characters voices to bring them to life.

Q5. As a new writer have you developed any habits, routines, quirks, things you must do when you ate setting up to write for the day?

I normally have to have a cup of tea while I’m writing and have light background music with no lyrics to work. Like to have my notebook of thoughts and ideas next to me as inspiration while I’m writing. I usually find I can write in the afternoon or evenings better as I had time to process the day.

Q6. If you had to compare your book and writing to another author, who and what would it be and why?

I would say Stephen King as he also writes about horror and suspenseful stories. His stories are also about people and society and reflects these themes with his monsters. Pennywise is a perfect example of this. One of the greatest horror writers to walk the earth in my eyes.

Q7. What inspired you to write?

I was always a huge reader and big film lover. I remember watching this classic anthology series called The Twilight Zone by Rod sterling. The first ep featured one character throughout and a compelling story was still told. It changed my life forever and I remember picking up the notebook and pen and writing what was on my mind. I was also struggling with my mental health but I used this in my characters to give them depth and emotion. I always loved the art of storytelling and filmmaking.

Q8. What drew you to this genre and this particular story?

I used to study criminology so most of my inspiration was drawn from the research studies. The true crime writer in my crime thriller was based on John Douglas who is one of the greatest criminologists in modern society. He has interviewed many infamous murderers such as Charles Mansion, John Wayne Gacy and the guy who shot Martin Luther king. He visited my university for a talk and I was so inspired.

Q9. Where can people find you (social media handles etc)

TIKTOK
Instagram

Q10. When is the book coming out and where can people buy it?

Most likely end of year and will be online platforms.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - about 3ish days

Pages - 372

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam's unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women's endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move people to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a portrait of a wounded country and a story of family and friendship, of an unforgiving time, an unlikely bond, and an indestructible love.


My Review

So this has been on my tbrm for years, my pal Mazza recommended this and The Kite Runner (also on my tbrm), we have very different reading tastes but sometimes they match. Miriam is just a wean, fifteen years old, living with her mother away in what amounts to a wee hut style house. Born out of wedlock her father comes to visit once a week, she dotes on him, hangs on his every word and her mum is very bitter and reminds her often of who her father really is. When Miriam decides she no longer is happy being a secret kept away hidden she makes a decision that changes her whole life.

Oh guys, my heart, I just want to hug that wee soul, going through a huge heartache she is married off to a grown man thirty years older than her. She endures abuse and has to abide by the rules he sets. The first approximately half of the book or at least more than a quarter is Miriam then we move onto Layla, the neighbours daughter, another wean, her dad sees Layla's worth as a person and not to be looked down upon as many do in that country. Then the Taliban take over and we see Miriam and Layla thrown together in the most uncomfortable circumstances. Both endure abuse, violence, heartache and the Taliban really get into their stride we seem violence and terror escalate.

The book takes place in Afghanistan, centering on Miriam and Layla over X period of time and their lives in contrast to each other before the Taliban, as they start to come into their own and then as they rule/terrorise their home.

Whilst the book is fiction it does include actual real historical facts woven into the story. I was so mad, sad, raging, upset, furious and rooting for the ladies at different parts. When I finished I was like RIGHT MAZZA we need words lol. Ooft emotive, heartbreaking, shocking and knowing that some of these practices and "traditions" happen still in places in the world just makes for a more powerful punch. Absolutely not an easy read but a very important one, I often find myself reading up on stuff/events/history after reading books like this, 4/5. Be a wee bit before we pick up The Kite Runner I think!

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