By: CA Byford ISBN: 9780008821717 HQ Fiction (2026) This is a fascinating and atmospheric novel which will draw you in and keep you reading. There is some great imagery, and wonderful turns of phrase, as well as an interesting story. I felt the world building was a little weak, and created minor problems for the … Continue reading The Night Market
Author: Lorraine C
I've been reading for as long as I can remember, and I've loved books almost as long. I began reviewing books in University, and over the years have reviewed for multiple publications and sites.
A Pen to Change the World
By: Solomon Schmidt ISBN: 9781648210983 Skyhorse Publishing (2026) This book is badly written, badly structured, and largely unenlightening. I found it boring for the most part, despite the potentially interesting subject matter. I can’t recommend it to anyone. This is an unauthorised biography of JK Rowling, famous for writing the Harry Potter novels. As you’d … Continue reading A Pen to Change the World
The Swan’s Daughter
By: Roshani Chokshi ISBN: 9781399717571 Hachette Australia (2026) This is essentially a fairy tale, told in a modern and wry tone, and with a modern sensibility. I thoroughly enjoyed it; as expected, there are some predictable story beats, but this is told with a zest and originality that makes those moments part of the fun. … Continue reading The Swan’s Daughter
A Treason of Magic
By: Melissa Marr ISBN: 9781662536939 47North (2026) This is an interesting fantasy novel, with a narrative tone that brings to mind old fashioned fairy tales, but a social environment that is in many ways very modern. Some readers may like to note that although this reads in large part like a young adult novel, there … Continue reading A Treason of Magic
Out Law
By: Jim Butcher ISBN: 9798347030026 Podium Entertainment (2026) This novella will be a delight for fans of the Dresden files. Although it doesn’t advance the overall story much (if at all), it reminds us of the reasons we care so much about what happens to the wizard Harry Dresden. Dresden owes gangster Marcone, and although … Continue reading Out Law
Man One
By: Loren D. Estleman ISBN: 9781448316052 Severn House (2026) I first read one of Estleman’s Amos Walker novels several decades ago, and it was such a pleasure to read a new one. Estleman has maintained the noir tone and characters that I love, while subtly moving Walker into the current day. Sage Holland was acquitted … Continue reading Man One
Lies Weeping
Book 12 of the Black Company By: Glen Cook ISBN: 9781035929832 Head of Zeus (2026) Fans of the Black Company novels are going to thoroughly enjoy this. New readers may find it a little difficult to get into, but many will enjoy it regardless. After a disastrous campaign, the Black Company has retreated to their … Continue reading Lies Weeping
The Diamonds of Tilly Devine
By: Jackie French ISBN: 978 1 0389 0390 7 HQ Fiction (2026) This is a compelling and emotionally engaging story which most readers will find absorbing. The central character is sympathetic and interesting, and the story is emotionally complex with a fairly straightforward plot. Tilly Devine is an important character in the novel, but is … Continue reading The Diamonds of Tilly Devine
Power Moves
By: Leesa Ronald ISBN: 978-1-76147-274-9 Allen & Unwin (2025) Leesa Ronald’s second novel, “Power Moves” is a romance but not a rom com. This winds a tale of a developing romance around serious issues, and although there are moments of levity, overall I didn’t find it humorous. It is, however, very engaging and a pleasure … Continue reading Power Moves
Death in the Palace
By: Barbara Hambly ISBN: 9781448314881 Severn House (2026) This is a lovely piece of historical fiction which will engage readers on the strength of the characters. These are a mix of real and imagined, but all are interesting and strongly drawn. The novel is set in the 1920s, in the midst of the still fledgling … Continue reading Death in the Palace
Other Dreams, Other Lives 