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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Close To Death by Anthony Horowitz

Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days

Pages - 419

Publisher - Random House UK

Source - Review copy & bought

Blurb from Goodreads

In New York Times–bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious fifth literary whodunit in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, Detective Hawthorne is once again called upon to solve an unsolvable case—a gruesome murder in an idyllic gated community in which suspects abound

Riverside Close is a picture-perfect community. The six exclusive and attractive houses are tucked far away from the noise and grime of city life, allowing the residents to enjoy beautiful gardens, pleasant birdsong and tranquility from behind the security of a locked gate.

It is the perfect idyll until the Kentworthy family arrives, with their four giant, gas-guzzling cars, a gaggle of shrieking children and plans for a garish swimming pool in the backyard. Obvious outsiders, the Kentworthys do not belong in Riverside Close, and they quickly offend every last one of their neighbours.

When Giles Kentworthy is found dead on his own doorstep, a crossbow bolt sticking out of his chest, Detective Hawthorne is the only investigator that can be called on to solve the case.

Because how do you solve a murder when everyone is a suspect?


My Review

So first thing to note, this is book five in the series, I didn't know this and as a result I had some questions. Once finished I did a bit of reading up and have since ordered book one, will read the previous books before this one and then re read this.

A small gated community, new neighbours move in, a family who are loud, not team players and things start to go wrong. Destruction of peoples property, heads butting, block peoples cars in, a missing dog ooft tensions galore. When the trouble makers are invited to a neighbours meet and they don't show tensions run higher and before we know what happens Giles Kentworthy (dad/new neighbour) is found brutally murdered. Everyone is a suspect, everyone has a motive and the police call in Detective Hawthorne for assistance. He is a unique guy who has some trouble and clouds following him but he is very very good at what he does.

So in between the murder and investigation the book then jumps to the author who is writing about the murder case (so the timeline also jumps) and is meeting some walls and resistance in collating information. At this point the reader knows Mr Kentworthy was killed and the method but not the who. It is clear the author is party to information we don't have and he wants to write the novel and see it through to completion but some people do not. The book then bounces between that and then back to the investigation, murder and everything that transpires.

I did find myself spinning a wee bit trying to keep up, Anthony the fictional author in the book is a bit clueless like us but Hawthorne is sharp as a tack. Anthony is writing the new book which is based on the gated community murder of Mr Kentworthy, Hawthorne is his partner but seems a tad reluctant on this one. They aren't together, Hawthorne is a bit elusive when Anthony is trying to get him and then we timeline jump too.

I think by going back and reading book 1-4 I will probably get a better feel for everything so I fully admit picking this up 5 books in wasn't the best move on my part. However I did love the sound of this and I am glad I picked it up as I think it will be a great series. Hawthorne is so sharp and perceptive, he also gets folks backs up but he is brilliant which is a good mix, 3.5/5 for me. I have ordered book one so will get to that when able.

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February Giveaway

February competition is a wee bit different. As you know we like to support small businesses when we can, so this months giveaway is going to be for x1 of the scented bookish candles from Fictional Flames.

As you can see they have all kinds of bookish related themes but we also got a personalised one done with oor Luna, they really are fabulous and can do just about anything! Ours below was the one we got created.

This will be UK only (don't worry guys I have found a similar one that is US based so will sort this at some point), and we will be doing the normal, Rafflecopter to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mine by J R Ward

Mine by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read -

Pages - 478

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In this gripping finale of The Lair of the Wolven series, destiny and desire are at war in the Black Dagger Brotherhood World as a deadly male holds the key to Lydia Susi and Daniel Joseph’s future…

Lydia knows time is running out, Daniel’s terminal diagnosis has doomed her to grief, and she just wants to spend as much time as she can with him. When his doctor goes missing, however, their secret lab’s location is compromised and suddenly she is at war with an enemy she doesn’t understand.

As a former black ops soldier, Daniel is very familiar with the danger they’re in, and he’s determined to keep his beautiful wolven safe. This means he must turn to his former boss—and relying on a sympathy for anything is a worst-case scenario on a good day. But what choice does he have?

With Daniel’s sixth sense telling him there’s more to the kidnapping, he and Lydia must work with their allies to defend the underground facility. Little do they know that the sympathy has something even more valuable to offer them… but at what cost?


My Review

Guys I do enjoy the Blackdagger Brotherhood books and this is The Lair of the Wolven but we do have Blackdagger crossover. If you haven't read the previous two books STOP READING HERE as it will be a spoiler (as is the above blurb). So Daniel is terminal, his doctor has been kidnapped, their enemy is brutal, almost unstoppable but finally something solid Lydia can go head to head with, a physical albeit not human enemy. Daniel isn't the only one who is on a countdown, can the missing doctor save any of them?

I thought this book was a real slow burner and so much sorrow and sadness as Daniel becomes more frail, the disease gets more of a grip. The focus is quite heavy on that, Xhex and her brother are more featured in this one so I did find that interesting because she is such a great character.

I feel this book left us hanging with so many more questions than it answered AND some areas had more time (their issues with intimacy from a physical point of view and their passion) that I felt needed. Feel free to chin me but I so wanted more about Xhex her brother, the experimentation past of Xhex. Does her brother have his own book as maybe I have missed that and why I have so many questions.

Also the Wolven, ok we do get a bit of shapeshifting in this one but not as much as I would expect nor it adding a whole lot. I did like hearing from Lydia whilst she was in Wolf mode as even in movies/books we rarely get that side.

I felt this was almost a foundation building type book rather than a book three finale. Maybe once I have read all of the BlackDagger Brotherhood books stuff will become clearer. I liked this well enough I just find I have so so so many questions, 3/5.

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