Unpredictable suspense couched in historical fiction

At the start of this third installment, the Brittle Trilogy opens with the devastating toll of the sweeping flu pandemic of 1918. Plot events carry the main characters through WWII providing a fertile backstory perfect for fate to overlap the paths of several characters. The captivating plot is unpredictable and keeps the pages turning. 

Fans of the first two books will be happy to see the return of Richard Blackmore who was injured during the war and hospitalized for a long stay due to a head injury. The love of his life, Maggie, lives in hiding from her ex-husband and the man he hired to kill her. When Richard is able, he sets out looking for Maggie. He’s a good guy with dogged determination and even though years have passed Maggie doesn’t give up hope that she will see him again.

Check out the Review on tiktok

Book review: The Brittle Sky

I’ve had the pleasure of reading the entire Brittle Trilogy which spans decades from pre-WWI to post-WWII. If you’ve read the first two books in the series, book three will not disappoint. The entire series takes on Hitchcockian-style elements with climactic plot twists and an innocent man accused. I recommend the entire Trilogy to those who enjoy Historical Fiction. As a WWII buff, I enjoyed the historical threads woven into this work of fiction. I’d love to share my favorite, but it would be a spoiler, and I’d rather readers get the full enjoyment as the story unfolds. The pacing is on target. Believable. I am happy to give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Top 10 Reads from BookHookup 2023

 As we step into a New Year, it's the perfect time to look back at the best books (IMO) I read last year. For those looking for their next read, here are Book Hookup's Top 10 recommendations from 2023.

The following list in not in order by most to least favorite. They are actually in reverse order of when I read them.

 1.      Fantasy: Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing

A fresh coming-of-age fantasy drama rife with fast-paced battles, kings, kingdoms, and medieval-style politics. A new favorite author.

Pariah's Lament review on TikTok

2.      Fantasy: Dream Walker Chronicles (Books 1-3) by Christopher Patterson

The epic nature of this story’s setting, characters, and plot were both engaging and enthralling. I didn’t want it to end. 

 

3.      YA Action/Adventure: There’s No Basketball on Mars by Craig Leener

The protagonist, Lawrence Tuckerman, is a high-functioning autistic teen and the story is told from his POV. The author does a great job of bringing the reader into his head to understand his actions and motivations in this YA action-adventure as he creates a neurodivergent protagonist in Lawrence who is loveable, sensitive, quirky, and a math genius with a dream of manning Earth’s first mission to Mars one day.

No Basketball on Mars review on TikTok

4.      Christian Coming of Age: Nellie’s Gold by Danie Marie

An inspirational coming-of-age story that follows tomboy Nellie Ward from childhood to adulthood as the youngest child of four. The captivating storytelling, gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall experience back to the late 1940s, into the 1950s, in historic Folsom, California, where red-haired, freckle-faced Nellie Ward loves to read books while sitting in her favorite tree. But home life for this Ward family is not picture perfect. Nellie shares a room with her three older brothers, with only a linen curtain hanging between them for privacy. Her Papa is an abusive drunk and her mother is a Christian woman who prays for them all while making home life the best she can.

Nellie's Gold Review 

5.      Christian Historical Romance: An Unlikely Belle by Danie Marie

Well-written characters that are likable but flawed combined with family secrets on the Stirlingshire Estate. Maddy (the protagonist) isn’t ashamed of her humble standing, or her work in the stables with her brother Nate, but her life changes when Elizabeth Stirlingshire, daughter to the Viscount, accepts Maddy as her best friend. Maddy is invited to participate in social events above her standing. Dressed in Elizabeth’s clothing, Maddy fits right in, and soon her dance card is filled with young men who have no idea of who she really is. 

 

6.      Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald: Women’s Literary Fiction

An emotionally charged, heart-wrenching story that grabs you like a riptide and drags you along through the everyday life of Colleen Gallagher, a mom in her mid-50s who was widowed in her 20s as she was expecting her third child. As the story opens, she is working toward retirement. But life takes a turn when she visits her adult daughter, Sandy when her second baby is due. That’s when Colleen learns that her son-in-law, Tony, has been diagnosed with ALS. None of them understands the impact of what this will mean to their future, but it doesn’t take long for the fatal disease to start to steal Tony’s abilities to function. It’s a reminder that a mother’s love can fix everything. I loved MacDonald’s writing style and I recommend this book to people who enjoy Women's Literary Fiction that touches the heart, those who have been affected by ALS, and caregivers currently caring for someone suffering from a devastating disease.

7.      Futuristic Fantasy: Neglected Merge Trilogy by Eve Koguce

These books can be read as stand-alone stories, but knowing the backstory adds depth to this suspenseful fantasy series filled with plenty of drama. Koguce weaves all the plot threads and relationships to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoy her writing style, her world-building, and the personalities of the Winged Ones as they learn to interact with the Wingless and vice versa.

Where David Threw Stones review on TikTok

8.      Historical Paranormal WWII Fiction: Where David Threw Stones: A Haunting WW2 Tale of Courage, Love, and Redemption by Elyse Hoffman

I have read several from this author and haven’t read a bad one yet. Where David Threw Stones is one of those treasured reads I plan to read again. The plot takes place 30 years after WW II and is a blend of historical fiction infused with mystery and suspense merged with fantasy to create a captivating WWII story of the cursed German town of Brennenbach.

 

9.      Emperor by John Fullerton: Action/Adventure Political Mystery

Reads like today’s news behind the news. This thriller takes the reader behind the political curtains in Beijing and Washington, DC, and delves into the world of international espionage and intrigue as events build toward WWIII. The narrative is so authentic and well-researched it reads like a prophetic foretelling of events before they unfold on the world stage. This spy thriller stays with you even after you finish the book. I didn’t see the end coming. Loved it.

10.  Castle Brave by Hawkings Austin: Military Fantasy

Includes well-known fantasy races like elves and dragons and offers new races like the Vanir, Numen, Aesir, and Jotuns. The plot is rich with magic and futuristic tech. Told from a first-person point of view, but not with a single narrator. The reader gets to hear from each member of the squad. Each chapter delivers the story from a single perspective. It feels like a first-person shooter game that lets you get into the heads of the team members, know and understand their tech, weapons, background, what they are up against, and how they feel about it. This first-hand information draws the reader in. Provides an understanding of what motivates them. Know their strengths and weaknesses. It builds an emotional connection and makes you care.

Suspenseful vampire paranormal romance

I’m not a horror fan. For this reason, I often avoid paranormal romance novels centered on vampires because they lean in that direction, but Knowledge Revealed doesn’t fall into the horror genre. Instead, Author D. S. Williams delivers a captivating paranormal romance that involves vampires who can’t be pigeonholed as stereotypical. It delivers action, but not a ton of gore. I found it a refreshing read with believable characters navigating a small-town world and a story that’s paced to keep the pages turning. Charlotte, the main female character is interesting, flawed, and resilient. At the start of the book, she’s been through more than any human should have to endure, and she is ready to give up. And then all that changes when she meets Lucas—the vampire protagonist of the story.

About the book: Knowledge Revealed

Knowledge Revealed (The Nehemiah Chronicles Book 1 of 5) introduces a host of characters, and the author does a good job of keeping them distinct enough that the reader doesn’t get lost or confused as to who is who as the action plays out. Some have compared this story to another well-known vampire series, but I’m not going there for this review. I found it a fresh approach to a vampire romance, and if I didn’t see others making the comparison it wouldn’t have come to mind at all. I didn’t care for the other series for several reasons. Number one is that the series felt contrived. Not so with Knowledge Revealed. I tip my hat to D. S. Williams as an author. 

Book review: Knowledge Revealed

The story unfolds naturally in a believable way. I’m invested in the characters, and not just Charlotte and Lucas but the townspeople and other vampires in Lucas’s Kiss. It delivers a slow build that’s not boring. It draws you in, sets the hook, and leads you to the cliffhanger but still satisfied. The one thing that did distract me was when Charlotte was dancing with her walking cast on as if it wasn’t there, but that was a minor distraction.

If I rated Knowledge Revealed as a movie I’d say it’s PG 13. It has some violence, but not a bunch of gore. While sex is talked about, it doesn’t happen. I won’t say why because that would be a spoiler. I’m happy to give it four out of five stars and recommend it to those who enjoy suspenseful paranormal romance, vampires, and an unpredictable plot.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received this book for free through the publisher. I have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

About author D.S. Williams

Australian author, D. S. Williams, loves multiple genres and writes just about anything, so like her characters, she can’t be pigeonholed. She especially enjoys writing romances. If mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, etc. can be added to the mix, she’s found her sweet spot. Add a dash of suspense, a little teasing, and her trademark cliffhanger, and she’s found her paranormal romance groove.

D.S. is currently at work on several new projects. She enjoys creating strong male characters paired with unpredictable gutsy and the evolution of complex relationships for all the characters who show up on the pages of her books.

When not writing or reading, she’s still involved with the written word as an editor – The Pedantic Punctuator – specializing in indie author works.

 

You can find D.S. here:

 

Website: https://theworldsofdswilliams.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.S.Williams.Author/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/chunkiepandas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkiepandas/

 

Fresh coming-of-age fantasy

Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing is a fresh coming-of-age fantasy drama rife with fast-paced battles, kings, kingdoms, and medieval style politics. The storytelling balances the plot with bits of humor and a touch of romance laced with intrigue of two potential matches for the fair heroine. This novel takes place in the the realm of the Of Metal and Magic CORE (3 books) where this fantasy unfolds with a natural sense of discovery. The reader knows where they are, has a sense of what to expect, what to dread, who to trust, and where they might turn for help. 

The protagonist is a strong, complex female character by the name of Isy. In her home town and among her family she is identified by how she looks and bullied for it. She fits in nowhere, and has no friends albeit the librarian who treats her kindly when no one is looking. Her reprieve from the reality of life is found in the pages of books, until her hopeless world is turned on its head in a heartbeat as she steps into the role of reluctant hero when she finds her fate entangled with a persecuted race facing extermination and to her dismay, they believe she can help.

Book Hookup Review: Pariahs’ Lament

One of the best fantasy books I’ve read this year. The attention to detail is outstanding. You are there! Pacing is on point. No dragging, or rushing. Just caught up in a natural ebb and flow of events like a pulse delivering life into every page. The unique characters are interesting and engaging. Gripping battle scenes deliver one compelling climax after another with a plot that keeps the pages turning. This one makes it to my top 10 list for books read in 2023. Couldn’t put it down. I give it five out of five stars and look forward to more from this new author. Recommend to fantasy, action adventure fans.

I received a copy of this book through Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

About the author

Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on the characters and their troubles. His short fiction has been widely published, with one story adapted for BBC radio. His debut novel, Pariah's Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021. Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool. Most nights you can find him up into the early hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Find out more at www.richiebilling.com. 

https://mailchi.mp/c8382d667538/join-richie-billings-community

https://www.instagram.com/richiebilling/

https://twitter.com/Magpie_richie

 

Page-turning suspense and drama

If you have not read the historical thriller, The Brittle Sea, book one in The Brittle Saga Trilogy, then know that this review includes spoilers related to book 1. My recommendation is to read The Brittle Sea before picking up The Brittle Land to get the full experience of the intricacies of the plot, but with that said The Brittle Land is written in such a way that it can be enjoyed without reading book 1.

About the book: The Brittle Land

The Brittle Land is the second book I’ve read by Tom Kane. Both are filled with page-turning suspense and drama with an underlying thread of romance that connects it all. Book two opens with the everyday life of Richard Blackmore as he picks up the pieces after being shot by the love of his life, Maggie. What he doesn’t know is that Maggie has a dual personality. The woman who tried to murder Richard was her alter ego, Magda Turner, but for The Brittle Land, Maggie has resurfaced. The plot has the reader cheering for the two of them to reunite even as Richard heads off to war. What he doesn’t know is that the personality that is the Maggie he loves has resurfaced following the trauma of his shooting. She escapes life as Magda Turner in search of Richard, but she isn’t alone. She brings along her young daughter (Richard’s daughter) with hopes of becoming a family.

 

Book Hookup Review: The Brittle Land

The plot is anything but predictable. It offers a Hitchcockian style theme that takes a dark and twisting turn as Magda’s husband sends his evil henchman, William Harker, after his wife who has now reverted to Maggie. Tension and intrigue build against a backdrop of World War I, the Spanish Flu, and Maggie’s personal struggle with mental health to keep Magda in check as she hopes to reconnect with Richard even as her world burns around her. If you’re in the market for a thriller, I recommend this book with four stars. I love the twist at the end that turned everything on its head. I can’t wait to read book 3, The Brittle Sky.

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As BookHookup I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from the author and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

About the author: Tom Kane

Tom Kane was born in the corner of the living room, behind the TV. So said his father many times, and the family agreed wholeheartedly. That seems to have set the tone for the rest of his life. In the corner or behind the TV, what is known about his birth is that it was on a dark and stormy night.

His mother inspired him to write. Doctor Who and Isaac Asimov inspired his love of science fiction. Monty Python inspired him to be silly and he blame Billy Connolly for his infrequent bursts of bad language.

Edge of your seat WWII fiction

Black Fox One is WWII historical fiction written with a twist. If you enjoy unpredictable romance couched in high-risk suspense, set in WWII’s political climate in Germany, this book will thrill you. It follows SS Officer Jonas Amsel and Ava Keller from mismatched childhood friends to young adults with bright futures as Nazis. As a gymnast, Ava hopes to compete in the Olympics for her country. Jonas has loved her since they were children, and his dream is to marry her and have a family. He has the ring, but then Eva and her family disappear. Jonas blames the Jews and throws all his time and energy into his career with the Nazi Party. Even in his work, he always looks for clues to find Ava. 

His success at locating members of the Black Foxes, and anti-Nazi resistance group, earns him the nickname “the Fox Hunter.” When he is tasked with capturing the deadliest Black Fox, the operative known as Black Fox One, he dreams of being awarded a coveted Nazi ring and hopefully one step closer to finding Ava. But the mission leads him to more than he bargains for. He comes face-to-face with the hardest choice of his life: His love for the Reich or the truth he discovers.

@donnasundblad BookHookup Book Review Black Fox One #booktok #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #historicalfiction #wwiifiction #bookish #readersoftiktok #readersofbooktok ♬ original sound - Donna Sundblad

I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, a strong female protagonist, and an impossible romance amid an unpredictable plot, all couched in high-risk suspense set in Germany’s WWII political climate. It’s an edge of your seat read that pulls you in. I award it five out of five stars, and also recommend The Vengeance of Samuel Val, the first book in Project 613 series.

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As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and I received a free review copy of this book and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with Black Coffee Book Tours. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

About the Author: Elyse Hoffman

Elyse Hoffman is a best-selling author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. Having studied WWII since the age of thirteen and with interests in fantasy and Jewish folklore, she loves to combine them in her writing. Elyse started writing novels at fourteen and finished her first historical fiction work at fifteen. She studied English, History, and Law at George Mason University. In her spare time, she loves to read, work on pretty keyboards, and hang out with her co-authors - her Goldendoodle Ari and her ex-feral cat, Echo. Other books to check out include the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust series and The Book of Uriel.