TheBookScene

@thebookscene.bsky.social

Book-lover, particularly fantasy and historical fiction.

I love the new covers on the relaunched Tales of Isyr books by @cmdebell.bsky.social. The Many Shades of Midnight novel and the In Midnight’s Shadow story story collection are superb, character-driven political fantasy at its finest and these gorgeous covers are as beautiful as the author's prose.

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Hey Gang First review of 2025 - Order of Magnitude by @yuvalkordov.bsky.social A dark blend of sci-fi and horror follows the Vaticans space marines investigate an supposedly abandoned colony on the moon Book Review : Orders of Magnitude by Yuval Kordov fanfiaddict.com/book-review-...

Book Review : Orders of Magnitude by Yuval Kordov | FanFiAddict

Rating: 9/10 Synopis: The Moon was once colonized. Now it lies silent—mostly.When a mysterious radio signal echoes from the abandoned colony of Serenit ...

fanfiaddict.com

My review of The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken: “Tecken is as crafty and cunning as a fox with the twists and turns of her plotting and political intrigue. As bold and fierce as a wolf in the scale of her worldbuilding and the brutality of her combat scenes.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Nick Procter’s review of The Blood Stones

The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken is an immersive, engaging and intriguing epic fantasy which had me utterly engrossed from start to finish. Featuring four point of view characters and encompassing the...

goodreads.com

I'm excited to start The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken on its release today. The premise sounds great and the ARC reviews have raved about the worldbuilding, intriguing plot, character relationships, powerful themes and stunning prose. I'm here for all that.

The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken.

My review of The Bone Ship’s Wake by @rjbarker.bsky.social includes two homages to the Tide Child trilogy: “What a wonderful journey it’s been All the things and places we've seen The Maiden's tricks, the Mother's blessing All the calls of Keyshan rising.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Nick Procter’s review of The Bone Ship's Wake

The first time I met Joron Twiner he was a shipwreck of a shipwife, wallowing in self-pity and drowning in drink and misery. The journey RJ Barker has since taken him on, from the opening of book 1, ...

goodreads.com

Next up is Ruins Of Smoke by João F Silva, a prequel to the fabulous Seeds of War.That had me gripped by its unusual, interesting characters, superb action and of course its smokesmiths magic. I'm expecting more great stuff from this novella. And what another awesome cover!

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I've just finished Midnight in Flaeres by @cmdebell.bsky.social - a prequel to her novel The Many Shades of Midnight. This short story is a welcome return to the world of Ellasia and foster brothers Alyas and Esar, featuring lots of tension and great action. It's free via the author's newsletter.

Midnight in Flaeres by CM Debell.

Another belated Goodreads review. This time it's for The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social: “Its motley crew friendships, layers of mystery, unusual, immersive setting, quirky and diverse characters, and storytelling flair all chimed strongly with me.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Nick Procter’s review of The Thirteenth Hour

The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie Skies is a zany rip-roaring tale set in an imaginative world where cruel gods demand worship and their rule is enforced with brutal efficiency. It’s fun, charming, sur...

goodreads.com

Next up in this fantastic year of indie reads is Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia. I was first attracted by the fantastic cover and the premise sounds perfect for my tastes - layers of intrigue, allies with conflicting ambitions and potential war over a dwindling precious resource.

Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia.

I've finished #SPFBO9 finalist Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.

Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves.

My Goodreads review of The Hunter’s Lament by Steve Pannett: “There are many breathtaking action scenes but the journey also involves beautiful, poignant moments of reflection and some brilliant banter which is as sharp as a bounty hunter's blade.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Nick Procter’s review of The Hunter's Lament

The Hunter's Lament is a cracking debut by Steve Pannett. The cover had me intrigued, the premise whetted my appetite and the quality of the writing had me hooked from the off. I love stories about ...

goodreads.com

I've just finished an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett and it's a bittersweet triumph of storytelling. The truth is, if you like well-written stories about motley crews, with characters who will make you laugh, swear and maybe shed the odd tear, you'll love this. Review to follow.

The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett.

I've started an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett about a group of bounty hunters. I'm enjoying the world-weary, sardonic tone and the cast of motley crew characters led by Bitter Sweet. It's Abercrombie-esque, particularly Red Country, with its gritty, Western vibe.

The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett.