My Book Reviews

Category: Historical Fiction

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Historical Fiction genre.

  • The Ops Room Girls by Vicki Beeby

    The Ops Room Girls by Vicki Beeby

    The Ops Room Girls

    The Ops Room Girls (The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force #1) by Vicki Beeby

    Release: July 16th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Canelo Saga
    Source: Love Book Tours
    Find it at: Amazon

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    When Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times…
    It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter.

    Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies.

    But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined

    About the Author:

    Vicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.

    Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.

    In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.

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    The Ops Room Girls Review:

    I didn’t expect to enjoy reading this book as much as I thought I would. This book was delightful and has everything from action, adventure, sabotage, espionage, romance and even humor.

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    Firstly, I loved the author’s style of writing. The story-line flows so smoothly that you never have trouble following it. Even though I knew nothing about life at the Air Force, I was able to visualize the details perfectly. Moreover, the author beautifully blends the romance with action and adventure that make this so entertaining to read.

    I also loved the three characters. Evie, Jess and May are unique in their own manner. It was so nice to see how Evie and May let their guard down to give their heart a chance. Jess is energetic and lively and lightened up the scenes. I loved Evie’s romance with Alex. May’s relationship with Patrick is also adorable. More than the relationship, I adored the friendship that the three girls shared. The climax is gripping as the group tries to figure out who is the culprit that is endangering their lives.

    If I had to criticize, it would only be wanting to know more about the characters. I would have loved it if we had more background on Jess’s past. Even after reading the story, she is somewhat of a mystery to me. I also felt that her relationship with Milan was not fully explored, when compared to the others.

    However, since this is book one of the series, I look forward to reading the next book and discovering the characters. Overall, “The Ops Room Girls” is a wonderful start to the series!

    The Ops Room Girls

  • Rags of Time by Michael Ward

    Rags of Time by Michael Ward

    Rags of Time

    Rags of Time by Michael Ward

    Release: July 1st 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Source: Random Things Tours
    Find it at: Amazon

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    ‘Rags of Time’ is set in London in 1639. It tells the story of spice merchant Thomas Tallant, accused of murder and fighting to clear his name, and the enigmatic Elizabeth Seymour whose passion for astronomy and mathematics is only matched by her addiction to tobacco and the gaming tables.

    Can Elizabeth’s brilliance untangle the web of deceit that threatens to drag Tom under, as England slides into civil war?

    ‘Rags’ is a murder mystery but not just a procedural thriller. Tom’s hunt for the real killer takes him on a journey through the ferment of new thinking that’s sweeping London in the 1640s. Change is everywhere – science, street politics, commerce and religion – and this shapes the plot, action, characters and outcome.

    “Rags Of Time’ was published on August 15th 2019. It’s available on Amazon as a paperbook, Kindle and also on Kindle Unlimited.

    About the Author:

    Writing has been central to Mike Ward’s professional life. On graduating from university he became a journalist, working in newspapers and for the BBC. He then went into journalism education, teaching and researching journalism practice before becoming head of the UK’s prestigious Journalism School at UCLan. For the last eight years he has run his own content creation company.

    ‘Rags of Time’ is Mike’s debut novel. Its sequel is due to be published late in 2020.

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    Rags of Time Review:

    This story was just marvelous! A historical fiction masked with a murder mystery, where the lead is wrongfully accused? If you are a fan of either of these genres, it doesn’t get any better than this. I don’t think I have every read a historical murder mystery this good. I loved every minute of it and could not put it down!

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    The author is an amazing storyteller. The style of writing is simple, yet gripping. On one hand, he beautifully depicts the landscape of the 1600s and the mindset of the residents living in London during that time. The story also highlights the unrest and turbulent atmosphere that sparks the English Civil War. Although I know the highlights of the war, reading this book gave me a better understanding of it, and inspired me to further research it.

    On the other hand, we have a gripping murder mystery where the lead is wrongfully accused. As the murders keep piling, Tom needs to investigate and clear his name before its too late. There are a lot of red herrings and possible suspects, which make the story very entertaining. You don’t know who the culprit is, and I was honestly shocked with the reveal.

    The characters are also well written. Tom is stubborn and impulsive, but also determined and kind, and makes you root for him. I also loved Elizabeth. She steps away from the stereotype of the genre and is equally important in the story-line. She is smart, curious and energetic. I loved her passion for astronomy and science. The author also makes nice references to Galileo and William Harvey. It is clear that he has done significant research to the story, making it memorable. Overall,  “Rags of Time” is just perfect and I loved it!

    Rags of Time

  • Storms Gather Between Us by Clare Flynn

    Storms Gather Between Us by Clare Flynn

    Storms Gather Between Us

    Storms Gather Between Us by Clare Flynn

    Release: June 17th 2019
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Canelo Saga
    Source: Love Book Tours
    Find it at: Amazon

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    Life can change in a single moment…

    Living under the watchful eye of her controlling and abusive father, Hannah Dawson’s hopes for freedom and happiness seem a distant dream. Her mother, passive and ashamed of her self-preservation, refuses to challenge her husband. It is the mysterious circumstances of her long-lost Aunt Lizzie’s disappearance that inspires Hannah to seek a better life.

    Since escaping his family’s notoriety in Australia Will Kidd has spent a decade sailing the seas. Content to live the life of a wanderer, everything changes in a single moment when he comes face to face with a ghost from his past on a cloudy beach in Liverpool.

    Hannah and Will are thrown together by fate and bonded by secrets from long ago. Now, they discover a love like no other. But with Hannah’s father determined to see her wed to a man of his choosing they must fight against a tyrant who has ruined many lives. Even if they succeed, can they escape the chains of their histories? And will their plans for a future be possible when the whole world is changing forever…?   

    A compelling tale of family secrets and undeniable love against the odds. Perfect for fans of Susanne Goldring and Fiona Valpy.

    About the Author:

    Historical novelist Clare Flynn is a former global marketing director and business owner. She now lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England and most of her time these days is spent writing her novels – when she’s not gazing out of her windows at the sea. Clare is the author of eight novels and a short story collection. Her books deal with displacement -her characters are wrenched away from their comfortable existences and forced to face new challenges – often in outposts of an empire which largely disappeared after WW2. Clare is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists Association, The Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors

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    Storms Gather Between Us Review:

    This story surprised me! Initially when I started reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was confused with Will’s convoluted family history. There are so frequent references made to his past, and I was wondering perhaps this was a sequel? But, all my insecurities changed when the author introduced Hannah. Hannah’s story-line is intense and gripping, particularly being in the clutches of her evil father. From then on, the story was gripping.

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    The characters are wonderful. I loved Will and Hannah as individuals, and enjoyed reading them together as well. I also loved Hannah’s relationship with Judith and Sarah. Dawson is one of the most despicable characters I have ever read, and I thought the author did a wonderful job in portraying how evil he is. 

    All the supporting characters like Rafqa, Nance, Sam and Bridget are very interesting as well. I loved Nance and wanted to read more of her. Moreover, I liked Will’s friendship with Paolo. One of my favorite scenes was when Will goes to meet Paolo’s family in Italy and the way they treat him. I also loved Sam’s back story and how it impacted Hannah.

    Like I said, the only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because it felt a bit bumpy in the beginning. However, I was engrossed reading it once Hannah and Will met. Also, Aunt Liz is a mystery character that we don’t get any resolution to. Apart from that, Storms Gather Between Us is a very nice historical, contemporary, romance novel.

    Storms Gather Between Us

  • Dabsy on Society by Kenneth R. Leonard Sr

    Dabsy on Society by Kenneth R. Leonard Sr

    Dabsy on Society

    Dabsy on Society by Kenneth R. Leonard Sr.

    Release: October 14th 2019
    Format: Ebook
    Source: YA Bound Book Tours
    Find it at: Amazon

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    Helen “Dabsy” Dabson was young, beautiful, and wealthy beyond belief; everything needed to embrace the opulence of the Roaring Twenties. Birthed into a life of privilege, Dabsy spent time with friends smoking, drinking, and engaging in merriment. Easily bored, Dabsy willingly broke with tradition to try anything that captured her attention. Already a fun-loving socialite with a conscience, Dabsy decides to take over the society pages of her uncle’s newspaper. However, she quickly discovers that what started as a lark has turned into a crusade to report the news. Will Dabsy’s avid curiosity put her life in danger?

    About the Author:

    Kenneth R. Leonard, Sr. is a retired elementary teacher and guidance counselor. An avid writer, Ken’s published work includes a three-volume series, The Bible in Poetry for Those Who Do Not Have Time to Read the Bible; and novels Seth Bromley: Circuit Rider, Fool’s Gold, Missy, and A Bullet for My Brother.

    Originally from the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, Ken currently resides in Columbus, Ohio.

     

    Dabsy on Society Review:

    The main thing which I really enjoyed about the story is how the author brings the 1920s to life. I loved the dialogues, dresses and the drama. Moreover, I had not even heard of some of these terms and thought it was a hoot. The author also added a glossary for slang terminology which I thought was ‘copacetic’! Furthermore, the story is fast and is filled with humor, action, and adventure. I really felt like I was watching an old black and white noir with a touch of humor.  

    But I was conflicted with Dabsy’s character. On one hand, I really liked parts of her, like how she stands up for women’s rights and fights for what is right. She is not scared nor threatened when she collides with men like Joe and Dan. Moreover, she brings up topics about having a woman president and women’s wages which still holds true today. She is lively and a powerhouse and it was interesting to see how she tacked certain situations. 

    However, I felt she was also very reckless and didn’t have high regards for neither her safety nor her colleagues. Sure, she lavished money and strengthened their career. But I thought it was a rash decision to put them on the lion’s den just to get the inside scoop. Moreover, she drives around town like a crazy person and doesn’t listen to other’s opinions.  Also, since the story is very fast, I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters very well, as was plot driven.

    But apart from that, I liked reading this story. Overall, Dabsy on Society is entertaining and a nice book to read.

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    Dabsy on Society

  • Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Mexican Gothic

    Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
    Release: June 30th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Del Rey
    Source: Amazon
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    An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic artistocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets…

    After receiving a frantic letter from her newly wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

    Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer. She’s a glamorous debutante. Her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid. Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring. Not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí. Certainly not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

    Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. He seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes. However, as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.

    About the AuthorMexican Gothic

    Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of the novels Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Certain Dark Things, Untamed Shore, and a bunch of other books. She has also edited several anthologies, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows (a.k.a. Cthulhu’s Daughters).

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    Mexican Gothic Review:

     
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    This is easily one of the best books I have read this year, and probably the best ‘Haunted House’ book I have read EVER! It is eerie, chilling, dark, suspenseful, gory, and just gripping! The author tells the story in such a classic form that makes you think of ‘Dracula’ mixed with ‘Haunting of Hill House’. The haunting imagery of the rotting landscape, the mysterious characters, the paranormal events are all blended in such a beautiful manner. The story is atmospheric and creepy, and has all the classic elements like murder, ghost, sleepwalking, cemeteries, mausoleums and mummies.

    The author also mentions topics like natural selection and genetics, and Mycology. Moreover, the reason as to why these incidents are occurring is explained is very smart and thought-provoking. Even Noemi is wonderfully written as a girl who is outspoken and doesn’t let people come in her way. But, once she reaches High Place, you slowly start to see the fear creep in her and how it affects her physically and mentally. But you still want to root for her to carry on and complete what she started.

    Overall, I loved everything about this story and couldn’t get enough of it! 

    Video Review:

  • In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton

    In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton

    In the Neighborhood of True

    In the Neighborhood of True by Susan Kaplan Carlton
    Release: April 9th 2019
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
    Source: Publisher
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    A powerful story of love, identity, and the price of fitting in or speaking out.

    After her father’s death, Ruth Robb and her family transplant themselves in the summer of 1958 from New York City to Atlanta. The land of debutantes, sweet tea, and the Ku Klux Klan. In her new hometown, Ruth quickly figures out she can be Jewish or she can be popular, but she can’t be both. Hence, eager to fit in with the blond girls in the “pastel posse,” Ruth decides to hide her religion. Before she knows it, she is falling for the handsome and charming Davis and sipping Cokes with him and his friends at the all-white, all-Christian Club.

    Does it matter that Ruth’s mother makes her attend services at the local synagogue every week? Not as long as nobody outside her family knows the truth. At temple Ruth meets Max, who is serious and intense about the fight for social justice. However, now she struggles between two worlds, two religions, and two boys. But when a violent hate crime brings the different parts of Ruth’s life into sharp conflict. She has to choose between all she loves about her new life and stand up for what she believes.

    About the AuthorIn the Neighborhood of True

    Susan Kaplan Carlton teaches writing at Boston University. Her latest novel, In the Neighborhood of True, has been named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon. She received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, and scored 10/10 in YOYA. Carlton’s writing has appeared in Self, Elle, Mademoiselle, Seventeen, Parents, The Boston Globe, and elsewhere. She is also the author of the young adult novel Love & Haight, which was named a Best Book for Young Adults by YALSA and a Best Book by the Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street Books.

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    In the Neighborhood of True Review:

    Many thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me this book for my review. This turned out to be a beautiful story about being true to yourself and fight for your rights.

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    The author did a wonderful job in writing the story inspired by real events. The story is inspired by the bombing of Atlanta’s oldest synagogue. The bombing occurred on October 12, 1958 which made headlines. Although I had heard of this incident, this story made me research it further. Moreover, while the story might be set in the in 1950s, I could still relate to it in our present times. Although we have come a long way in accepting each other, I feel like there are still those who are racists towards other religions, skin colors and sexuality. This story does a great job in highlighting the issues. Moreover, I loved all the 1950s pop culture references, and made me feel like I was actually in the era.

    Also, I thought the author did a beautiful job with her characters. I really liked Ruth as the main character. Ruth wants to live the Southern dream of wearing beautiful dresses and attending dances. She also fits perfectly into the popular crowd and country clubs, but stills feel guilty over hiding her heritage. Similarly, a lot of us face challenges on being true to ourselves, and often have two faces (one for us, and one for the world). The author did a wonderful job in highlighting Ruth’s conflict as she struggles to do the right thing.

    Overall, I truly loved reading this book and encourage reading if you are in the mood for a meaningful historical fiction novel.

  • Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India by Amish Tripathi

    Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India by Amish Tripathi

    Legend of Suheldev

    Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India by Amish Tripathi
    Release: June 20th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Westland
    Source: Amazon
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    A Forgotten Hero. An Unforgettable Battle.

    India, 1025 AD.

    Repeated attacks by Mahmud of Ghazni and his barbaric Turkic hordes have weakened India’s northern regions. The invaders lay waste to vast swathes of the subcontinent—plundering, killing, raping, pillaging. Many of the old Indian kingdoms, tired and divided, fall to them. Also, those who do fight, battle with old codes of chivalry, and are unable to stop the savage Turkic army which repeatedly breaks all rules to win. Then the Turks raid and destroy one of the holiest temples in the land: the magnificent Lord Shiva temple at Somnath.

    At this most desperate of times, a warrior rises to defend the nation.King Suheldev.
    The ruler of a small kingdom, he sees what must be done for his motherland, and is willing to sacrifice his all for it. A fierce rebel. A charismatic leader. An inclusive patriot.

    Read this blockbuster epic adventure of courage and heroism, a fictional tale based on true events, that recounts the story of that lionhearted warrior and the magnificent Battle of Bahraich.

    About the AuthorLegend of Suheldev

    Amish is a 1974-born, IIM (Kolkata)-educated, boring banker turned happy author. The success of his debut book, The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up a fourteen-year-old career in financial services to focus on writing. He is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy, finding beauty and meaning in all world religions. Amish’s books have sold more than 5 million copies and have been translated into over 19 languages.

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    Legend of Suheldev Review:

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    I was excited to read the new novel by Amish, one of India’s most famous authors. This book had its highlights and was a pretty breezy read. The story is short and simple to read, so even if you are not an avid reader, you can still pick up this book. There are also some moments which I really enjoyed in the story. For example, I liked the underlying theme of how united we are as Indians, irrespective of our castes and religions. 

    Some of the characters are very interesting, like Aslan and the monk Ashvaghosh. In fact, I really liked Aslan’s storyline and the whole mystery as to who he was. I also liked Vrishabh and thought the author wrote him well. Moreover, I liked how the author included the relationship of Maqsud and Kerim in the story. Though the author might have added it for controversial reasons, I think its about time Indian fiction started progressive towards same sex romance.

     However, the story was average and didn’t have the same spark as the Shiva trilogy. When Amish wrote The Immortals of Meluha, it was something new and different to the world of Indian fiction. Since then, we have so many amazing talented writers who have surpassed even Amish’s levels. Hence, with expectations riding so high, this book just did not cut it. 

    Even main characters like Suheldev, Tomashi, Govardhan and Abdul are generic feel like a replica from the author’s previous books. Moreover, I also found Suheldev’s romance with Tomashi completely unnecessary! The romance seemed forced and random and didn’t add any value at all. 

    Overall, Suheldev is a nice read but not what I expected.

    Video Review:

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  • Starting from Seneca Falls by Karen Schwabach

    Starting from Seneca Falls by Karen Schwabach

    Starting from Seneca Falls

    Starting from Seneca Falls by Karen Schwabach
    Release: June 23rd 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
    Source: Netgalley
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    Celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment with another historical novel about women’s suffrage from the author of The Hope Chest!

    Bridie’s life has been a series of wrongs. The potato famine in Ireland. Being sent to the poorhouse when her mother’s new job in America didn’t turn out the way they’d hoped. Becoming an orphan.

    And then there’s the latest wrong–having to work for a family so abusive that Bridie is afraid she won’t survive. So she runs away to Seneca Falls, New York, which in 1848 is a bustling town full of possibility. There, she makes friends with Rose, a girl with her own list of wrongs but with big dreams, too.

    Rose helps Bridie get a job with the strangest lady she’s ever met, Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Mrs. Stanton is planning a convention to talk about the rights of women. For Bridie and Rose, it’s a new idea, that women and girls could have a voice. But they sure are sick of all the wrongs. Maybe it’s time to fight for their rights!

    About the AuthorStarting from Seneca Falls

    KAREN SCHWABACH grew up in upstate New York and lived for many years in Alaska, where she taught ESL in the Yup’ik village of Chefornak. She later taught in the education department at Salem College in North Carolina. She’s the author of A Pickpocket’s Tale, The Hope Chest, The Storm Before Atlanta, and Starting from Seneca Falls.

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    Starting from Seneca Falls Review:

    A BIG thank you to Netgalley and Random House Books for providing an advanced copy of this book for my review. This book might seem like a cute friendship tale from the cover, but it is so much more than that. It beautifully blends fiction with the historical events at Seneca Falls for Women’s rights.

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    Bridie and Rose are adorable as the main characters. They face a lot of challenges but stick together and remain positive for a better future. One of my favorite scenes was when Bridie speaks about her mother’s situation with everyone in the meeting. I also loved her fascination of the printing press, and made me curious to visit one myself. Rose is a character that inspires you do better, as she knows the value and importance of education from an early age. She doesn’t let the color of her skin stop her from achieving her dreams.

    The author has done a wonderful job in telling Bridie’s tale while providing historical events of the Seneca Falls in an accurate manner. I always love reading stories that get me interested in historical events. Reading this story encouraged me to research more about Elizabeth Stanton and Frederick Douglass. Furthermore, the story also covered many other topics, like the printing press, phrenology (which I had never heard of) and the Irish Potato Famine.

    I feel this is one of those books that everyone should read. It provides awareness as to how far we have come in the last 200 years, but still have so much further to go. Overall, Starting from Seneca Falls was very entertaining and informative.

  • We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

    We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

    We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

    We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly
    Release: May 5th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Greenwillow Books
    Source: Amazon

    Synopsis:

    It’s January 1986. The launch of the Challenger is just weeks away, and Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware.

    Cash loves basketball, Dr. J, and a girl named Penny; he’s also in danger of failing seventh grade for a second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing.

    The Nelson Thomas siblings exist in their own orbits, circling a tense, crowded, and unpredictable household, dreaming of escape, dreaming of the future, dreaming of space. They have little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga—a failed applicant to the Teacher in Space program—who encourages her students to live vicariously through the launch. Cash and Fitch take a passive interest, but Bird builds her dreams around it.

    When the fated day arrives, it changes everything.

    We Dream of Space Review:

    This was such a thought-provoking story that moved me after reading it.

    All the 3 characters are interesting and distinctive from each other. The star of the story is of course Bird. You can see how she tries to keep her head high and stay positive no matter how volatile her surroundings are. She wants to make the best of the situation but people unknowingly keep bringing her down. Fitch and Cash also added well to the story. Fitch’s storyline with Amanda was interesting and I liked the way the author handled the fallout. Cash’s story was a bit weak compared to the others, but still nice to read.

    Moreover, I also loved how the author captured the 80s. It was entertaining to see references made to video games, Madonna, E.T. etc. The Challenger was one of the most disastrous explosions to air live at that time, so I applaud how the author handled the situation. I was not aware of Judith Resnik and researched her after reading this story. On a side note, Days of our Lives is still one of my favorite shows and I liked how the author made a nod to the soap opera in the book.

    My only complaint is that I wished the parents realized how their actions impacted their children. I really disliked how oblivious they were to raising their children. They got so lost in their hatred towards each other. It was a shame to see how this stayed as is in the story without any improvement.

    Apart from that, this is very important book that I feel that parents should read with their children, if they are part of such a household. Overall, “We Dream of Space” is now one of my favorite stories from the author!

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  • The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

    The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

    Clockwork Crow

    The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
    Release:  September 8th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Walker Books Us
    Source: Netgalley

    Synopsis:

    Evoking the classic fantasy adventures of Joan Aiken and Eva Ibbotson, this darkly delightful new novel from New York Times best-selling author Catherine Fisher glimmers with winter magic.

    Orphan Seren Rhys is on her way to a new life at the remote country mansion of Plas-y Fran when she is given a package by a stranger late at night in an empty train station. The package contains a crotchety, mechanical talking crow, which Seren reluctantly brings to her new home. But when she gets there, the happy Christmas she had hoped for turns out to be an illusion–the young son of the house, Tomos, has been missing for almost a year, rumored to have been taken by the fairies. With the Crow’s reluctant help and a little winter magic, Seren sets off on a perilous journey to bring Tomos home. An enthralling story of family and belonging set in frost-bound Victorian Wales.

    The Clockwork Crow Review:

    A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Walker Books Us for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of “The Clockwork Crow” for my review.

     I loved this book! This is one of those books that immediately makes you feel like you are reading a classic fairy tale. An orphan girl comes to a new town in hopes of a fresh start, but immediately lands on a mystery. The author wrote the story SO well! It is magical, atmospheric, has fantasy, supernatural creatures, a brave heroine and a funny sidekick. I loved how imaginative the story-line progresses with the idea of a simple snow-globe affecting everyone.

    I liked Seren as the main character at times, but thought she could improve. In fact, I thought she was a bit annoying at times where she did things without contemplating it beforehand. Moreover, we really don’t get an idea about Seren’s past or why the Jones were willing to take care of her. Yes, there is a note that mentions the connection, but there is no details of it. We really don’t get to know much about Seren’s past. Perhaps the author reveals it on the following book. On a side note, I was also a bit disappointed when the author reveals who the mysterious person is that handed Seren the parcel. It didn’t turn out to be as memorable as I had hoped.

    However, leaving Seren aside, I LOVED the crow! He is hilarious and provided the much needed humor in this other dark story. Surprisingly, I also liked Mrs. Villiers. Initially I thought she would be a villain, but I liked that she was a misunderstood character instead.

    I am eager to read the second book in the series and I think it might be better than this one. I thought the author did a brilliant job in narrating this story and am eager to read her other works.