Review – True Loaf by L. Austen Johnson
This incredibly short story inspired by Balkan folklore, was a fun read. It’s a cautionary tale of keeping your word, mysterious men, vulnerable girl, going on a night time adventure in the woods.
Reading when I can, Blogging if there's time, Listening on repeat
Review – The Gatekeeper’s Staff by Antoine Bandele
The Gatekeeper’s Staff was heroic, dramatic, full of suspense and the best thing yet was that this world of West African folklore was a mystery. Get the audiobook and you won’t regret it
Review – Hematite by Victoria Maderna and Federico Piatti
Hermatite is a magical read, with all the classic vampire essentials, ending on a cliff hanger which leaves you quietly pacing, eager for the next instalment.
Review – Hexed by Julia Tuffs
Hexed is a fairly topical book, which covers #metoo issues around consent, institutional bias, pervasive sexism and the added bonus of being able to deal with these issues with the power of witchcraft. And set within high school. Seems like a lot of juggling balls, but it all works.
Review – Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
What is it like to be a black teen now? These difficult and topical themes were portrayed in a real, accurate and age appropriate way in Black Brother, Black Brother. A must read.
Review – My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal
This version of the eighties isn’t rose tinted nostalgia. My Name is Leon is about a biracial child in care, how he gets there and how he comes to terms with the realities of his life. Tough in places, well observed and a terrific read.
Review – I Will Not Be Erased by gal-dem
Each story directly or indirectly, references a diary. Knowing you history, remembering your past is key to your present and defining your future. Importance of recording one’s thoughts equates with better knowing oneself
Review – The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
The Midnight Guardians is a journey about a boy and his imaginary friends on a mission to save the world from darkness. This is a fine intertwining the history and mythology of England and providing a message of hope despite overwhelming odds.
Review – Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
Hench, like The Boys, set heroes in a world where they are three dimensional, showing their wants, desires and motivations.
Anna has been at their mercy and didn’t appreciate the experience nor the repercussions. Hench is her journey on fighting backing using modern methods including data mining and social media to take them down.
Hench is engaging, entertaining and a really fun read
WOTD – Groke
Groke is a word for our times: “gaze at somebody while they’re eating in the hope that they’ll give you some of their food”. This old Scottish word needs to come back into everyday usage. I’m looking forward to doing my bit by using it soon #wordoftheday
