Thursday 25 March 2021

Book Review | The Rising Tide by Sam Lloyd | prettylittlewriter

I was lucky enough to be gifted this early advanced readers copy via ebook from Bantum Press of The Rising Tide by Sam Lloyd via Netgalley. 

Lloyd's second thriller novel, and having not read his debut novel, I was going into this completely blind, but with curiosity thanks to the brilliant synopsis provided.

'Lucy has everything she could wish for: a beautiful home high on the cliff tops above the Devon coast, a devoted husband and two beloved children.

Then one morning, time stops. Their family yacht is recovered, abandoned far out at sea. Lucy's husband is nowhere to be found and as the seconds tick by, she begins to wonder - what if he was the one who took the boat? And if so, where is he now?

As a once-in-a-generation storm frustrates the rescue operation, Lucy pieces together what happened on board. And then she makes a fresh discovery. One that plunges her into a nightmare more shocking than any she could ever have imagined . . .'


 There are so many twists and turns in this novel; an absolutely thrilling ride from start to finish.
One minute I believed I knew exactly what had happened and that I'd cracked the case, next I was second-guessing everything I thought I knew!

If you're not familiar with certain sailing/boat lexicon, the novel can seem slightly complex to begin as there were a few words used that I had no clue about, but if you skim over that, the plot, characters and twists will grab you and make you want to keep reading!

I don't want to give much away, as this novel isn't due to be released until 8th July 2021, but I will say that it is a rollercoaster of emotions, with some heart-breaking and thought-provoking moments that really make you feel for the main character, Lucy, and her family.
Lucy is a strong protagonist, and I had so much empathy for her and her situation. However, at one point I did think she could have been a baddie herself!

I would highly recommend this to any thriller fan that loves a bit of a whodunnit!

4/5 stars



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Thursday 18 March 2021

Book Review | The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night | prettylittlewriter

Whenever I start a new fantasy fiction novel, I always wonder how they are going to make it different from the hundreds of other novels out there. 
But, The Crowns of Croswald truly is unique.
Slightly similar to a certain wizarding world franchise at the beginning, orphan girl living a hellish life until she finds out she is magical and is whisked off to a fantastic school.
However, that’s where the similarities end.

'Ivy Lovely is 16 and she has no idea who she is—or what her powers could be. When she crosses a magical boundary, she discovers a whole new world of enchantment and mystery. Making friends that will last a lifetime—and save her life—she steps into her own abilities and discovers more about her hidden past, magical blood, and the power of Croswald’s mystical stones. But all is not well: a dark history and an evil Queen threatens all that is good. Will Ivy’s bravery and wit be enough?' (amazon description)

Every single character is unique; the weird and wonderful names, the different creatures, the fact that the school teaches ‘royals’ and ‘scrivenists’ (the truly magical ones IMO). All of it is just so incredibly clever. (side note: I really hope Ivy gets to meet Rimbrick again)
It took me just over two days to devour this book.
I’m now desperate for the second novel!

I’m not sure on the age of audience this is particularly aimed at, but I will say that it is quite ‘wordy’, so anyone under 14 may find it a bit tiresome (I myself did skip over a few parts that were mainly describing lessons or objects within the magical world), but it certainly doesn’t take away from how incredible it is!
I honestly can see this becoming a well-received, highly popular and successful movie (if done right).

I honestly couldn't recommend this more to anyone that enjoys fantasy fiction, especially the magical kind (literally and metaphorically!). 
I didn't realise, but D.E. Night is a self-published author also, which I think is absolutely incredible. It's hard getting your novels published, but to create such a unique and wonderful world, I was so surprised a publisher hadn't snapped the idea up in a heartbeat!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Stories Untold Press for gifting me this eARC and introducing me to the wonderful world of Ivy Lovely.

5/5 stars!
 

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