Indie Author Book Reviews
We have some fantastic indie authors out there working tirelessly to produce some amazing work. Here is a snippet of what I have been reading lately and which I hope you enjoy also:
The Magpie by D.M. Wright
(Suitable for readers 15+ but please note the author’s content warning)
This standalone novella is a clever Australian military adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull. With a complex cast among the 10/27 South Australia Regiment, there is much going on aside from fighting the war. In the depths of the jungle, friendships, relationships and family ties are tested via impulses of lust, infatuation, love, jealousy and heartbreak. Nevermind the enemy, the antics amongst the soldiers themselves are enough to bring each other to the brink. An eye-opening and compelling exploration of a range of diverse characters and their motivations.
The Crystal Dynasty: A Kingdom Divided by Abigail Mader
(Book 1 in the series)
A fast-paced, action fantasy with vivid and highly detailed world building of the land of Ethos. Told from multiple points of view, one of which is the villain, the beautiful but traitorous Queen Elinor ruthlessly overthrows her brother, King James, having him killed and his wife Cecelia imprisoned. Elinor desires ultimate power, searching for the crystal shards that will provide it. But the one crystal she possesses, sends her spiralling into darkness and madness as the power becomes all consuming. The fate of the land of Ethos is on a knife-edge while Elinor is at the helm. The former King’s wife, Cecelia, escapes Elinor’s clutches and embarks of a courageous journey in search of her missing children and the opportunity for revenge. A highly entertaining read!
However, be warned - there are some open-door spicy scenes as foreshadowed by the author.
Arthur Good and The Kingdom of Souls by Carl B. Harrison
(Book 1 in the series)
Eleven-year-old Arthur is swept into an adventure when he answers a ‘help wanted’ sign that draws him into a treacherous job working for old Sir William at Hagedell Castle. He gets the job because he has an optical gift that enables him to see things that other people can’t, including ghostly figures from a parallel world.
He is drawn into the other world, to break a family curse, save his parents and release the lost souls, but he becomes enmeshed in a feud with an immortal and evil King. He befriends a young blind girl, Penny, who has amazing hearing, and together, hey make quite a team. The story is a page-turner filled with mystery and excitement, but it does end on a cliffhanger for some of the characters. To find out what happens next, you’ll need to read book 2 – Arthur Good and the Secret of the Watchful Eye. I really enjoyed it and recommend it for children or adults who love an adventure.
Have you read any of these titles? What do you think about them?
What are you reading at the moment?
Feel free to write a comment or book recommendation below.
