I've decided to start a read through of the Sherlock Holmes books in chronological order - and this was delightful to start at the very beginning of Holmes and Watson's relationship. I loved the way this book began by introducing the circumstances in which the two meet, followed by an excellent mystery of course.
I really shouldn't be at all surprised that yet another Matthew Reilly has crept onto my favourites list. I adored this, sordid moments and all. This is an atmospheric delight as we romp through history in the midst of a thrilling mystery.
I'm pleased to say that this didn't disappoint following on from the first book - plenty of dragon chaos ensued! I'm still really enjoying this world and the devilish politics going on. There was certainly some interesting character development happening, and I'm no closer to really understanding where I stand with Jehal.
Gosh, I absolutely adored this. I've had this book on my shelf for the longest of times and have been so hesitant to pick it up because the average rating on Goodreads just isn't that great. Because, excuse me, this is brilliant? I don't know how this isn't on everyone's list for dragon-loving fantasy readers.
TLDR: this was so boring it made me angry. Ehhhh. What a disappointment. Having absolutely adored book one, I was sorely let down by this instalment, which felt like it had none of the good stuff that made book one the epic read that it was.
This was my first Beth O'Leary, and it was very much so as pacy and page-turning as I had anticipated. I read this while on a little holiday and I have to say, she makes for excellent vacation reading.
My main takeaway from going through all the July releases is that July is cosy crime month! There were so many fun and quirky mysteries abound (and plenty more that didn't make my list).
It's no secret that I'm a great admirer of anything that Kate Quinn writes – and this is certainly no exception. This book was everything I wanted The Midnight Library to be. A magical library set in another realm (an in-between sort of realm) where you can live in your favourite novel and escape reality.
This was genuinely awesome. I loved every minute and I really loved the full-blown Irish sass of the main character, Kinch.
This is a hard book to describe in detail – it's sat with me for some time since I finished it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. But to put my finger on what exactly made this so good, is difficult. The book has a quiet, complex atmosphere – it's a sophisticated novel of family ties, the plight of women and the scandalousness of witchcraft.
Upside-Down Books 