Author: Nicole Sweeney

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Ringlander #2
Release date: August 16 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 619
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

THE SCARS OF A WOUNDED WORLD ARE REOPENING…War continues to blight the Ringland continents of Rengas, from Nord to Kemen and over the Middle Sea to the shores of Sulitaria. The Forbringrs fight in the heavens, leaving those who dwell unto dust, while the human rebellion struggles on against a unifying Bohr front and the treacherous Order of the White Dragon.

As God’s Gift, Abika can wield Soulfire, a power only possessed by Banèmen, but she’s still the unwanted child struggling to answer why she was left for dead. As she searches for meaning amongst a chaotic land, she discovers that the worlds have other plans for her.

Review

Michael S. Jackson is back with the next installment in the Ringlander series and if you’re looking for an engaging, coming of age fantasy adventure, this is a series you absolutely need to add to your TBR.

We pick up after the events of book one, and the war between the humans and the Bohr is far from over. We see some familiar faces, and we also meet some new characters. One of our new main characters is Abika, who can wield Soulfire and is trying to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed her POV, and overall, I thought she was a fascinating, complex character.

Jackson has created a really compelling world with the Ringlander series, and I thought the world-building was excellent. The world feels detailed and well-crafted, and I really enjoyed that we get to see more of the world in this installment. Fallen Shards feels darker and more bloody than The Path and the Way, with some pretty dark and gruesome moments. Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and I often found I didn’t want to put this book down.

Overall, Fallen Shards is a tremendous sequel, one that will leave readers wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, from the intricate, well-crafted plot to that absolutely gorgeous cover.  If you’ve read book one, book two is a must-read, and if you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure with fascinating characters and a compelling plot, Ringlander is a series you do not want to miss!

Book Review: Extremity – Nicholas Binge

Book Review: Extremity – Nicholas Binge

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: September 16 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 176
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

When once-renowned police detective Julia Torgrimsen is brought out of forced retirement to investigate the murder of Bruno Donaldson, a billionaire she worked with whilst undercover, she doesn’t expect to find two bodies. Both are Bruno–identical down to the fingerprints–and both have been shot.

As the investigation sucks her back into the macabre world of London’s rich elite, she finds herself on the hunt for a mysterious assassin who has been taking out the wealthy one by one. But when she finally catches up with her quarry, she unveils an entire world of secrets: impossible documents about future stock market crashes, photographs of dead clones, and a clandestine time-travelling conspiracy so insidious it might just mean the extinction of the entire human race.

If Julia is to have any chance of preventing this terrible future, she’ll have to revisit her own past, the terrible choices she made undercover, and the brutal act that destroyed her once legendary career.

Review

Nicholas Binge is back with a fast-paced science fiction novella that follows ex police detective Julia Torgrimsen as she teams up with a newly recruited constable to uncover who has murdered billionaire Bruno Donaldson. When they discover two bodies – both with the exact same fingerprints – the two become entangled in an investigation into London’s elite and a conspiracy that could destroy life as they know it.

Ascension by Nicholas Binge was one of my favourite reads of 2023, so I was very excited to get to this. The book is less than 200 pages, and I ended up racing through it in a single sitting. This is a gripping and entertaining read that I didn’t want to put down. Binge has created a really compelling plot that is executed so well. If you enjoy police procedurals but with a sci-fi twist, Extremity should definitely be on your TBR.

The story is told from three different POVs, and I thought that worked really well. I really liked Julia; I thought she was a brilliant character. I thought the story came to a really interesting conclusion, and I would love to read another book following the same characters. If you’re looking for a compelling novella that’s full of tension, action, and mystery, that is one you do not want to miss!

Book Review: They Own the Night – Amy McCaw

Book Review: They Own the Night – Amy McCaw

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Release date: September 25 2025
Publisher: Ink Road
Pages: 387
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Mia and Johnny have always been there for each other – particularly since their father was revealed to be a serial killer and is now serving a life sentence for murdering thirteen people.


Studying in a small university town near Edinburgh, Mia’s coping mechanisms are hiding behind sarcasm, horror writing and her somewhat illegal true crime radio station, while Johnny steps up as her warm, sensitive brother and keeps her out of trouble.But when journalist-wannabe Johnny accepts an offer he cannot refuse – the chance to interview a reclusive mega rock star who disappeared from public view three years ago, Mia finds herself stuck on campus when two male students are found dead.

As Johnny grapples with the enigmatic musician, he realises that something about the star’s nocturnal habits doesn’t quite add up. Meanwhile, Mia’s investigation takes her to the most unexpected places – including her dad’s prison…

Review

This gripping YA horror story follows siblings Mia and Johnny. Mia and Johnny are the children of an infamous serial killer who is currently serving life in prison for his crimes. Attempting to put the past behind them, Mia and Johnny attend university in Edinburgh. There, Johnny is offered the job of a lifetime, to interview Vlad Tepez, one of the most famous rock stars in the world. Tepez mysteriously vanished from public life, and if Johnny can find out why, it could make his career, but Vlad isn’t everything he seems. When two students turn up dead at the university, Mia begins to investigate; however, her investigation goes in a direction she absolutely did not expect.

This was such a compelling read. It was fast-paced, engaging, and I absolutely raced through this one. I really enjoyed McCaw’s writing style; it was atmospheric, and it really brought the 1980s to life. I loved the mixed media format of this book – the story features diary entries, interviews, newspaper clippings, and transcripts from a radio show. I thought this really added another dimension to the story, and it was such a fun way to see the story unfold.I thought the characters were terrific. Mia is strong and determined, but also struggling with the knowledge of what her Dad did. I really liked Johnny too, who becomes entangled in a romance that isn’t what he expects. There is lots of character development for both protagonists, and both POVs were really fascinating. I loved the 80s vampires and it was very reminiscent of The Lost Boys and Lestat, which I absolutely adored. If you’re a vampire fan or you’re looking for a fresh take on the Dracula story, They Own the Night is definitely a book you don’t want to miss – this one should absolutely be on your TBR for spooky season.

Book Review: Daughter of the Otherworld – Shauna Lawless

Book Review: Daughter of the Otherworld – Shauna Lawless

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Gael Song Era 2 #1
Release date: September 11th 2025
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Pages: 448
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Over a hundred years after she went missing, Isolde, born to the family of a famous Irish king and a powerful immortal, inexplicably reappears.

Her mother’s kin, the Descendants, are one of the two magical races of Ireland. But no Descendant can understand the reasons for Isolde’s disappearance, and worse yet, she is giftless – born with no magical ability, a dangerous thing when the magic-rich Fomorians, ancient enemies of the Descendants, are growing in strength.

The Fomorians no longer control any Irish kingdoms, but they still desire control over the mortal world. They seek to spread their dangerous webs wider by manipulating England’s Norman lords to invade Ireland.

Not yet eighteen, Isolde’s world is about to change for ever. But when death and destruction seem inevitable, her true worth will show itself, for Isolde is far more than she seems.

Review

Shauna Lawless is back with a new book in The Gael Song series, and it is absolutely unputdownable. Isolde, daughter of Fódla, has reappeared after her disappearance one hundred years ago. But worringly, Isolde has no magical abilities, and the strength of the Fomorians is growing. Soon, everything Isolde knows begins to change, and war is once again on the way. Will Isolde be able to stop the Fomorians from taking control, and at what cost?

I’m pretty sure I could read fifty books about Gormflaith and never grow bored. She’s an absolutely magnificent character, and I’m so happy to be back seeing her scheme and manipulate to get what she wants. Lawless is a master storyteller, and I got completely swept away in this story. The plot is engaging, and I was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters of the book. This series feels incredibly detailed and well-researched, and I love the way Lawless weaves magic and history together in this story. Lawless has such a beautiful writing style that you can’t help getting swept up in the story.I really liked that there were some old familiar faces in this story, as well as some new ones. Isolde is a great protagonist, and I loved getting to see her develop and grow as a character. Daughter of the Otherworld is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year, and I am already dying to get my hands on the next instalment. If you’re a fan of historical fantasy and haven’t had the chance to check out The Gael Song series yet, this should absolutely be your next read.

Book Review: Spiderlight – Adrian Tchaikovsky

Book Review: Spiderlight – Adrian Tchaikovsky

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: September 11th 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 288
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone can remember. The great prophecy has foretold that a band of misfits, led by a high priestess will defeat the Dark Lord Darvezian, armed with their wits, the blessing of the Light and an artifact stolen from the merciless Spider Queen.

Their journey will be long, hard and fraught with danger. Allies will become enemies; enemies will become allies. And the Dark Lord will be waiting, always waiting…

Spiderlight is an exhilarating fantasy quest from Adrian Tchaikovsky, the author of Guns at Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series.

Review

Spiderlight is a gripping epic fantasy tale that follows a group of misfits as they embark on an epic quest to defeat the dark lord Darvezian. To do this, they must first seek help from the Spider Queen. The Spider Queen grants their wish, but sends along one of her children to accompany them. The group knows this quest will be a dangerous one, and those loyal to Darvezian will do anything to stop them.

This was such a wild ride of a book. It was fast-paced, entertaining, and I did not want to put it down. I have read several Adrian Tchaikovsky books in the past, but they have mainly been science fiction, so I was really excited to finally dive into some of his fantasy. I was expecting a ragtag group embarking on an adventure, but I absolutely was not expecting their spider turned into a human companion. This felt like such a unique and engaging idea, and it was executed perfectly.

The characters in this story are really excellent, but Nth is particularly fascinating. He’s attempting to adjust to life in a human body, he’s forced to do as he’s told by the other members of the group, and he’s faced with distrust and revulsion from most of the group. Tchaikovsky does a marvellous job exploring what it means to be different. The book has plenty of humorous moments and a few that are pretty heartbreaking. If you’re looking for an epic fantasy quest story with a bit of a twist, Spiderlight should definitely be on your reading list.

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Summoner’s Circle #2
Release date: July 8 2025
Publisher: Angry Robot Books
Pages: 349
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

From bestselling author of Evocation comes it’s hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A perfect read for lovers of urban fantasy.

Now the High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.

However, Rhys’s insatiable ambition may be his undoing…

The second book in the bestselling Summoner’s Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.

Review

Ascension is the newest release from A Dowry in Blood author S. T. Gibson and the second book in Gibson’s Summoner’s Circle series. Picking up after the events of Evocation, we follow Rhys as he tries to come to grips with his new role as High Priest. Things don’t go quite to plan, and Rhys finds himself with quite a lot on his shoulders. He is supported by his wife, Moira, and boyfriend David, but Rhus is determined to be an outstanding High Priest at any cost, even if that means biting off more than he can chew.

I absolutely fell in love with Evocation, so Ascension was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. It was an utterly compelling read, and I will absolutely read anything S. T. Gibson writes. Gibson has a beautiful and engaging writing style, and as soon as I started reading Ascension, I didn’t want to put it down. I raced through this book in a few sittings, and I am already counting down the days till the release of book three.

The story is pretty fast-paced, and there’s lots going on that will keep the reader hooked and desperate for more. Gibson has a way of crafting these fascinating, complex characters that you just can’t get enough of, and that’s definitely how I feel about Rhys, Moira, and David. I loved exploring the relationships between these three characters, particularly as the story progresses and Rhys becomes consumed by his ambition, while David encounters someone from his past.

This is a compulsively readable series; it’s full to the brim with magic and has some really fascinating and complicated characters. If you’re someone who loves stories with demons and secret societies, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.

Book Review: The Madness – Dawn Kurtagich

Book Review: The Madness – Dawn Kurtagich

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Release date: August 28th 2025
Publisher: Graydon House
Pages: 336
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Beware what waits in the shadows…

With one unexpected email from her estranged best friend, Lucy, Mina Murray’s carefully curated life is turned upside down. Leaving behind her psychiatric practice in London, along with her routine and the calm it brings, she returns to the windswept shores of Wales. Faced with everything she’s left behind, she soon discovers that Lucy’s symptoms mirror those of her mysterious patient with amnesia hundreds of miles away.

With nothing but an untreatable sickness connecting the two women, and with Lucy’s life on the line, Mina finds herself asking questions and being drawn ever-deeper into a web of secrets, missing girls, and the powerful, nameless force at its center—one that has been haunting her for years.

As terrible, ancient truths begin to reveal themselves, Mina prepares to confront her own darkest secrets, and with them, an evil beyond comprehension. Together with a group of smart, savvy women, Mina seizes one last, desperate chance to stop the cycle that began so long ago. But there are dangers to inviting the attentions of what might not be a man, but a monster…

Review

The Madness by Dawn Kurtagich is a dark and addictive gothic horror that follows psychiatrist Mina Murray. Mina receives an email from her old best friend, begging for help. Mina makes the decision to travel back to the Welsh town she left behind. Mina soon discovers Lucy has a strange illness, similar to a strange patient she had back home. As Mina tries to unravel the mystery of Lucy’s illness, she must confront the past she left behind.

This is my second book by Dawn Kurtagich, and it was an utterly compelling, thought-provoking read. Dracula is one of my all-time favourite books, so I’ve read many retellings, and I must say this is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. Kurtagich has a really accessible writing style, and the story was incredibly tense and atmospheric. There are some really eerie scenes in this story, and some gruesome ones too, that definitely sent a shiver down my spine.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was the way Kurtagich wove Welsh folklore into the story. The Madness features some strong female protagonists, and I thought Mina was particularly fascinating. Kurtagich brings you the characters you’re familiar with from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but definitely not in ways you’d expect. This compulsively readable tale will have you on the edge of your seat, and if you’re looking for books for your spooky season TBR, this one should without a doubt be on it.

Book Review: The Rainforest – Michelle Paver

Book Review: The Rainforest – Michelle Paver

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: October 9 2025
Publisher: Orion Books
Pages: 240
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: I received an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 3.25/5 stars

Synopsis

The virgin rainforest seems a paradise to Englishman Simon Corbett. A last chance to salvage his career. A final refuge from a terrible secret.

But the jungle is no Eden. It hides secrets of its own. It does not forgive.

As Simon is drawn deeper into its haunted shadows, he learns to his horror that the past will not stay buried. For there are places in the forest where the line between the living and the dead is thinner than the skin of water.

Review

Rainforest is the new terrifying horror tale from Dark Matter author Michelle Paver. Dark Matter is one of my all time favourite books, and I’ve reread it many times, so I was very much looking forward to reading this dark tale, this time set deep in the rainforest. Simon Corbett is an entomologist, determined to salvage his career; he takes a job in the heart of the jungle. As Simon carries out his research, he soon learns that something dark and deadly might be lurking in the jungle with him.

Rainforest is a really interesting read. It’s less than 250 pages, so it’s pretty fast-paced and a book I read really quickly. I thought the setting was fascinating and loved the depictions of the rainforest. Paver is an absolute master at building tensions, and there were a few scenes that definitely sent a shiver down my spine. The scenes where Simon is lost in the jungle were excellent, and they were the highlight of the story for me.

While I enjoyed the plot, I found it difficult to like Simon. He is a thoroughly unlikeable character, and I found it difficult to read from his perspective. Simon does some pretty questionable things, and the story explores grief, obsession, and stalking. While this isn’t my favourite from Michelle Paver, it was still a fascinating read, and if you’re looking for an atmospheric horror tale that you can read in one sitting, you’ll definitely want to pick up Rainforest.

Book Review: It’s Always the Husband – C L Taylor

Book Review: It’s Always the Husband – C L Taylor

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: June 5 2025
Publisher: Avon
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: I received an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

The school gates have never been so dangerous…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to the enigmatic Will, father to her young daughter’s best friend.

But Will’s devastating past holds questions that nobody knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…

Review

C L Taylor is back with a new twisty thriller, this time following Mum Jude, who finds herself strangely drawn to the Dad of her daughter’s new best friend. Through gossip with the other Mums, Jude learns about Will’s past – two tragedies and two dead wives in a short space of time. Jude soon finds that rumours are flying everywhere, what really happened to his wives, could it have been murder?

I always really enjoy C L Taylor’s books, and this was no exception. It was fast paced, gripping, and had a really interesting plot. I raced through this book in a few sittings. I don’t think I’ve ever guessed the ending to a C L Taylor book, and yet again, the surprise twist was absolutely not what I expected. This is definitely an entertaining read, and there were definitely a few spine-tingling moments that had me glued to the page.

Taylor’s characters are really interesting, and I enjoyed the way Taylor depicted the school gossip mill and the way this can affect people, especially if they are on the outside of the clique. The characters were compelling, and I enjoyed exploring their backstories. I did find Victoria to be a bit on the annoying side and was less invested in her story. Overall, I thought this was a really entertaining and engaging read, so if you’re looking for a fun thriller, definitely check out It’s Always the Husband!

 

Book Review: The Pact – Sharon Bolton

Book Review: The Pact – Sharon Bolton

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: May 1st 2021
Publisher: Trapeze
Pages: 384
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: I bought a copy of this book from my local supermarket
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

A golden summer, and six talented teenagers are looking forward to the brightest of futures – until a daredevil game goes horribly wrong, leaving three strangers dead.

18-year-old Megan takes the blame for the crime, leaving her friends to get on with their lives. In return, they each agree to a ‘favour’, payable on her release from prison.

Twenty years later Megan is free.
It is payback time.
And her friends start disappearing, one by one . . .

Review

The Pact is a taut, gripping thriller that follows six teenagers who make a horrible mistake one night and leave three strangers dead. One of the group (Megan) decides to take the blame for what they did, allowing her friends to go on to their bright futures, but it will cost them one favour each when she is released from prison. Twenty years have gone by, and now Megan has been released. One by one, the group begins to disappear, but can they appease Megan before it’s too late?

The Pact is one of those books that you sit down to read a chapter of and before you know it, you’ve been completely sucked in and you’re still reading hours later. This book completely captivated me from start to finish. It was intensely compelling, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. I thought this was such an intriguing concept – if your friend had sacrificed everything for you, what would you do when they came back into your life to collect on a promise you made twenty years ago? Bolton executed the plot really well and there were lots of twists and surprises I didn’t expect.

Bolton has created a fascinating cast of characters, and I loved that they were all so well developed. Each of the group are living pretty differently lives, and I enjoyed seeing how the pressure of Megan returning affected them. Towards the end of the book Bolton really ramps up the suspense and I read the last few chapters on the edge of my seat. This was a really tense, twisty, thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you hooked till the very end, you don’t want to miss The Pact and I am thoroughly looking forward to reading more from Sharon Bolton.