All you need is a Spark

Amazingly Requiem For Readers has just cracked 5000 page views!!! I want to give a MASSIVE Thank you to all of my readers out there and to celebrate here is a special preview post for you… This little gem is due out next month, enjoy and thanks a million!xx


Moth & Spark - Anne Leonard
Available - April 2014

This is an adventurous fantasy debut for Anne Leonard and it sits quite comfortably in the traditional/historical fantasy camp with a medieval-esk world; swords, spies and intrigue, a great battle of empires and of course dragons!

What is not so traditional is the duel dialogue making both the male and female lead characters equally important even in a somewhat patriarchal society. The female protagonist Tam while being pegged as a commoner is clever, resourceful and practically minded, age both gives and receives strength from our Hero Prince Corin and effortlessly earns her place beside him. The dragons thankfully have a pivotal role, they aren't just a superfluous addition but a beautiful and rather complex layer that ties the story together. 

What I have to say I loved most however is the fact that it's a stand alone novel - in a domain that is fatigued with long winded series that often seem to have no end in sight this is a refreshing escape and a very promising introduction from Anne. 

Which cover do you prefer?….

Epic Fantasy

Shadowfell Series, Books 1&2 - Juliet Marillier
Available - Now

I have to say Juliet Marillier is one of the Greats of the fantasy realm!
Her intelligent and whimsical writing never fails to fascinate and sweeps me away to another time and place all her own making. Her poignant stories are always chock full of strong characters, deep mystery and old magic...

This is traditional fantasy at its best as we follow Neryn on her quest to become a Caller strong enough to stand against the tyranny of their unjust King Keldec. Her journey is filled with tests and hardship, she makes many friends along the way but also encounters fearsome enemies.

This story is so beautiful in ways I had completely forgotten, for example the love story is slowly realised and the feelings portrayed between the characters are deep and true - the lust is there but expressed through a caress or dear word and so honest that a warm glow emanates from the pages. The natural growth of trust through friendship and understanding that turns into a love so strong and undeniable - reminding me of all Juliet's stories I have read and loved over the years showing me what love truly is and how to recognise it, in fact, I am positive that Juliet's writing has made me a better, stronger version of myself and lead me to the love I have today with my amazing fiancee.

While this is technically a YA novel I have found it just as deep and riveting as any of her adult offerings and I would have no hesitation to recommend to all audiences from the age of 14 and above. Book 2 Raven Flight has just hit the shelves this week, so if like me you are new to this series you get two books to dive right into before our torturous wait for book 3 The Caller.

Be that Cat

Days of Blood and Starlight - Laini Taylor
Little Brown - Available now

"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil held a wishbone between them.

And its snap spilt the world in two."

I simply can not say in words how much I loved this book. The stunning sequel to Laini's Daughter of Smoke and Bone is just as brilliant as I had dared to hope it would be - I know we've all had at least one let down from an author we have loved and been super excited for their next offering only to be disappointed, well that fear is not needed here!

Book 2 picks up Karou's story following the disastrous events of book 1 and is just as beautifully brutal in its prose with the story split between Karou and Akiva the two opposing sides of the endless Chimera/Seraphim war, both sides so seeped in blood and suffering that revenge has simply become a way of life - more means to justify the end.

The romantic aspects of the series are muted for the moment, exploring further the inexplicable war that rages on and brining each of these races to new levels of hate. The question is, can the voices of the  battle weary few speak to all, and will it be in time to keep the human world clear of the bloodshed?

Gruesome characters, beautiful monsters and enough mystery to keep the pages flying by, bring on book 3…trust me, some things are worth the wait!