Book Review: Of Ash and Shadow by Sarah King

Review in a nutshell: Gritty, dark, yet beautiful. A poignant trip through a dark world, led by a warrior heroine you will adore.

Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine MacDonald

Once again I am blown away! This Sleeping Beauty retelling is a whirlwind of witty banter, stunning scenery and gorgeous worldbuilding. Leo and Talia's adventures through a magical forest as dangerous as it is enchanting had me on the edge of my seat, and occasionally bed, kitchen counter, bath tub and the odd park bench … Continue reading Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine MacDonald →

Secret Society for Supernatural Ass-Kicking, Folkestone Division, or, F-SSSACK, for short (working title)

Martin has been running this place for the last fifty years; insists that the abandoned shopfront off the beaten track of the high street is the ideal locale – less snooping civilians. Or at least, that was the rationale. And well you could believe it. The filthy windows, crumbling windowsills and downright disturbing collection of … Continue reading Secret Society for Supernatural Ass-Kicking, Folkestone Division, or, F-SSSACK, for short (working title) →

Elawyn (excerpt from a work in progress)

Her vision swam in murky water. Stupid. Stupid, Stupid. The sigh had become ragged breaths. She had to take care of this, before the guard came looking for their missing patrol. “Do not let it control you,” her father’s voice said, through the thumping drum beat that filled her ears and the swamp water that … Continue reading Elawyn (excerpt from a work in progress) →

A scene from my Work in Progress.

So I discovered that drawing/painting is an excellent cure for writer's block. “Do you not remember me?”             The wjyrm opened one eye reluctantly. A hazy figure came into sharp focus as she drew closer, her face hidden beneath a hood. But he saw the fire inside, beneath the trappings of her frail form.             … Continue reading A scene from my Work in Progress. →

Mood-lighting

This writer is back at it again. Couldn't quite manage without the candles. My study smells like cinnamon. A perfect setting to continue with a no holds barred bloody fantasy series. Politics, dragons, magic and LGBTQ+ representation abound. I am so excited to finish this one! Anyway, here is a naff picture of some mood-lighting … Continue reading Mood-lighting →

And still we resist

Something like despair had settled over me, muffled everything like a cold snow blanket reduced my flames to ember, taken up residence in my chest, thorny roots dug in and spread in this heart that once had beat with the rhythm of the picket line drum. But tonight, tonight those drums! tonight through the horror … Continue reading And still we resist →

I watch the tide come in…

Helplessly, gleefully, drawn to the sea, to where light dances on waves and comes tumbling ashore in a crash of white foam, to a place that is neither land, nor ocean. Perhaps my home isn't anywhere, but any in between, a place where fey live hidden in twilight a place for ghosts and memories. I … Continue reading I watch the tide come in… →

Stolen Summer

We snatched the summer still sticky and dripping with danger, gathered in gardens and sneaking through country parks, always looking over our shoulders drenched in alcohol and sunscreen, holding each other in long looks, meters apart.