'Hartmann: Malicious Rules' by Helen L Lowe

On my blog I have been reviewing books for a little while now, however my type of books are generally fantasy. I especially love ones that are set in a medieval type world which can whisk me away. So when I was presented with the opportunity, which was not my usual style, I was excited and also worried. Would I like reading a thriller? A crime thriller at that?

'Hartmann: Malicious Rules' writtenby Helen L Lowe is set in the swinging sixties in London. Initially I wasn't sure how it would pan out knowing nothing of London and very little about the sixties. However much to my surprised the location and time frame is very easy to follow even if the odd reference went over my head.

The story's main character Dr Julian Hartmann is easy to adjust too and can immediately begin to understand why he thinks how he does. Having loved and lost he is still hung up on his first love, only for her to come springing back into his life and turn it all on end: he has a son.

Following on the story many colourful characters are brought up in his ongoing search for his son. Laced with death, drugs and destruction the novel is gripping from the first word to the last. Though quite confusing from the start with many characters all being brought in, thankfully by the end its clearer to what's going on.

The most surprising aspect of the book is the sudden spring into the bdsm world which seems to come out of nowhere. I'm not sure if I enjoy this being in the book as to me it takes away the 'innocence' and would leave it a book I wouldn't give to my mother to read. I can understand it has a place and adds dimension to the book. However with the novel already being gripped by murder and homophobic tendency's, I can't help but feel it's gripping at straws to cover more bases. I would have instead had further expansion on the murders plus added more depth to the characters and their backgrounds.

Overall though it's a great read I wouldn't personally go on to read more of the series; simply because I think my preference of books are just too different from this genre however at only £2.99 its worth a go if crime thrillers are your thing.

What are you currently reading? Do you enjoy crime novels? Let me know down below in the comments.

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PS: This book was given to me for review purposes. I believe in giving an honest review on items on this blog and money will never sway my opinion.

 
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Bella Broomstick by Lou Kuenzler

Today I bring you a review on a very charming children's book named “Bella Broomstick”. I was very lucky to be given a copy of the first book from the series written by Lou Kuenzler and can not wait to read this to my little one as she gets a bit older.

Brimming with magic and cuteness, the book follows the story of a little girl named Belladonna who just happens to be the “most helpless young witch in the whole of the magic realm.” Unlike her Aunty Hemlock and the rest of her school pupils she just doesn't seem to grow any warts. Bella doesn't seem destined for the Magic world, however she does have something much better in store; living with the Persons.

The first book of the series follows the adventures of Bella as she gets up to witchery and wonderment as she follows her promises plus hopes to finally fit in. With a big bright flamingo and kitten 'Rascal' at her side little Bella is the perfect companion for any night time reading.

I particularly like how the book is set out. With doodles and more of her thoughts written in as apposed to typed, it really comes to life like a diary of Bella's. This gives the book a special feel and helps the reader to connect deeper with the characters. With larger text and the perfect length this is sure to hold the attention of any little readers.

This book would be perfect for any little girls who love magic and amusement. Packed full of funny names, tales and colourful characters, this is sure to cause a smile and encourage reading development.

 

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PS: This book was given to me for review purposes. I believe in giving an honest review on items on this blog and money will never sway my opinion.

 
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'City in Ruins' by R.K. Ryals

A Time flys when your having fun right? Time for the last review of the 'Scribes of Merdesia' series. If you havent read the first two reviews here are the clickable links for 'Mark of the Mage', 'Tempest' and 'Fist of the Furor' by R.K Ryles. Lets get started:

After saving her people things are still not the way they are meant to be. Stone is still trapped inside a world of politics and gods. With Prince Cadeyrn at her side they venture to save much more than just Merdeisia. Dark times are coming for Sadeemia that could effect them all.

After the amazing first three books in the series this one just did not live up to them. It was quick paced, too quick. The poetic writing was still there but it had lost the sparkle the other three had. Parts of the novel felt like it was a filler. The story line was fantastic but the depth was lost and could have easily have went on for two if not more books. I did enjoy it, but felt like this book was an unneeded addition too what would have been a fantastic trilogy.

I do however thing i will be checking out this author to see what else has written. I really enjoyed her writing style and descriptive language. 

You can purchase this one along with the fantastic first three on Amazon.

Have you ever read a book that didn't live up to expectation? Let me know down below.

Much Love,

Umber x

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'Tempest' & 'Fist of the Furor' by R.K Ryles

In the first book from the series 'Scribes of Medesia' I was completely hooked. By the time it finished I was eager to know what happened next. As quickly as I could I jumped straight back into the amazing world to follow Stone and her adventure. You can jump to the review of the first book 'Mark of the Mage' by R.K Ryles by clicking here. 

'Tempest' followed straight on from the last novel. Immediately you were immersed inside the beautifully detailed world as Drastona continues her fight to protect her homeland Merdeisia. Heartache and death follow her as she travels across the vast land known as Ardus. Tragedy strikes and Stone is left feeling more broken than before.

War I looming ever closer and in 'Fist of the Furor' that day is finally here. With a world of magic, nature, dragons and love at her side Stone is forced into fulfilling the role of becoming the Phoenix. With all hopes and spirits pinned on her plus armed her new friend Prince Cadeyrn of Sadeemia she takes off to reclaim the land that her people called home.

These books are magical, filled with such vivid images that help you see the world clearer through Stones eyes. Every page brings new light to the story with no pages endlessly babbling as if to fill it out. Every word seems so perfectly placed. My only issue is that the final big battle seemed a bit quick. I wanted to really enjoy the climax of the novel but it seemed so short compared to the three book lead up.

However with that said it didn't ruin the whole reading experience and I really recommend these novels.

'Tempst' is currently £1.95 for the kindle.

'Fist of the Furor' is currently £1.90 also for the kindle.

 These are also available in paper back.  

What are you currently reading? Let me know down below.

Much Love,
Umber x

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'Mark of the Mage' by R.K Ryals

Today i'm bringing you  a review of  'Mark of the Mage' by R.K Ryals. This is the first book in the Scribes of Merdesia series with there being four in total. First off I have to say it is very beautifully written. Each word paints a very vivid picture of the wonderful world of Miss Drastona (Stone) Consta-Mayria. 

Born illegitimately into this world she seeks solitude in a world of books and parchment. Very quickly we find out that the world of Medeisia is changing around. It has other plans for Stone with marriage seen as the only option to save her from a life of unknown pearl. But her step-mother has other ideas by announcing the use of magic, which is forbidden by rule of the King, resulting the death of Stone's very much loved nurse maid. From that moment on Stone's life is forever changed. Branded with a tattoo for the forbidden practise of scriber, her tattoo echoes her life with her inkwell that was her sanctuary now cracked. 

Every word written flows so freely through the book leading you to very much be taken in by the writing. The scenery is described as the story goes, without the stopping and starting effect that many books have.

 Along the way you meet characters who you love and hate with the flip of a coin as you feel Drastonas pain and suffering. With Magic, dragons, tree whispers and a wolf, this book is sure to take you in to the descriptive heart tugging world.

-* The book is avalible for purchase on amazon*-.

 If you haven't seen the previous wednesday book reviews be sure to click here.

Much Love,
Umber x

Love reading? Check out more book reviews here. 

 

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Blood and Milk: The Fall of Grace by Melodie Moon

I just could not wait to get stuck into the next instalment by Melodie Moon, and boy was I not disappointed. Gripping to the very end I was hooked into knowing the fate of Maya and her vegetarian vampire boyfriend Adrian.

Avalible on Amazon

Armed with a blood red fruit tea I dove straight in, only looking up to check on the time and having to return to mother dutys with little one waking from her nap. She always seem to know when the best bits are. Spending the rest of my day dreaming on the possible outcome, I was relived when it was sleepy time so I could take myself off into the vampiric land and loose myself in somebody else's life. 

I was well in truly captivated by this novel. Questions from the last book were answered with questions of there own in a never ending path of darkness and light.

This all sounds quite vague, but I would hate to give away any spoilers. If you are yet to read the book, which by the way if you coudnt tell, you definitely should. You can find the first book's review clicking here.

Maya's world flips upside down with the knowledge that self-righteous Nicholas now knows of her relationship with Adrian. Fearing for there lives things take a deeper turn with sorrow hitting all members of there group. In this instalment we find out some of the reasons for the manic actions of the fellow murderous vampires. Becky is a sweet and charming girl lost to the world of abuse and abandonment leading to her Fall from Grace which is hard hitting. Ill admit I shed a tear learning and loving her character.

 

The perspective of the book really makes you feel included in the story. I could feel myself getting upset when Maya did, knowing her sufferings and longing for her to have her every wish granted.

My biggest annoyance of the book however is how it stopped so suddenly and left without answers to the jaw dropping ending. I hope that there will be a conclusion to these fantastic books. I wait eagerly for the next.

-*Avalible from Amazon*- 

Much Love,

Umber x

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Blood and Milk: Tainted Dreams by Melodie Moon

Over the years iv fell out of love with reading. Toddler raising and house duties have taken up most of my time, and what little time I get to myself is usually spent on lounging in front of netflix aimlessly. 

But there was just something about this book that sent me scrambling for my bank card at 2.39am after shouting at Amazon asking "why wont you let me buy the next one!" I had forgotten iv changed banks so Amazons details are now out of date, what an annoying 10minute inconvenience as I chomped at the bit for the next instalment off Blood and Milk by Melodie Moon.

Avalible from Amazon

The book is a thrilling tale written from the perspective of Maya and her mundane daily life and how a night at the Glow-Wyrm turned life on its head when Mister Leather ass, or should I say PVC ass, strummed into her life. 

The characters are full of charm from Maya's mater of factly attitude, Adrian's endearing attempts to woo her and all the wonderful colourful friends that fulfil her Gothic life. 

I found myself relating to Maya, her uneventfully that was then sparked by a love interest dropping out of nowhere and sweeping her off her feet. All those who work in retail or the restaurant business will know how repetitive life is, and any distraction is very much welcome. It is especially welcome from all the murders happening around Aberdeen, which Maya has battled with since discovering a body in the woods near by.

Arians old fashioned nature and kindness is sure to make your heart melt and root for them to be filled with happiness together, however his manic band members arnt so thrilled. 

But did I mention there was a twist? Adrian isn't just a gentlemen, oh no she much more, he's a vegetarian vampire....

-*You can find the novel in both kindle edition and paper back on Amazon*-

Much Love,

Umber x

PS: Stephenie Meyer take note, this is how you make a vampire novel. 

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