Six 5* reads reviewed by fantasy & children’s author, Wendy Scott, in 2014.

The following books gained my 5* stamp of approval in 2014

Jazz Baby by Beem Weeks.

Masterful storytelling

Vivid imagery – as if I’d slipped into a dream state. A total immersion of the senses – smelt it, drank it, and smoked in this story. An absolute gem and highly recommend for adult readers.

http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Baby-Beem-Weeks-ebook/dp/B007Y7086S/ref

Silvana. The Greening. By Belinda Mellor.

Wondrous and haunting.

Like the last lingering sweet note of a plucked harp string this story echoed through my thoughts long after I’d reluctantly closed the final page. My best attempt to categorize this wondrous story with its eloquent prose would be as a literary fantasy.  The imagery is hauntingly beautiful and a feast for the senses – floral scents and musical lilts almost wafting off the turning pages.  I’m delighted that the next in this series is due out soon.  Silvana is a storytelling masterpiece – highly recommend!

http://www.amazon.com/Silvana-Greening-Belinda-Mellor-ebook/dp/B00HE5J4Z6/ref

At the King’s Pleasure by JL Gorman

Medieval mayhem, murder, and matrimony.

Another rollicking, romantic adventure from The Lionheart Chronicles’ series. Book 2 is just as engaging as the first instalment. Diana, the feisty heroine, manages to place herself into one dangerous situation after another –both physically and emotionally and exasperates Lord MontClaire to the point where he doesn’t know whether to kill or kiss her. The background setting of King Richard’s troubles in France is gritty, bloody, and realistic. The brutal action scenes are tempered by Diana’s humorous escapades and sparky dialogue peppers the pages.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Pleasure-Lionheart-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00QKSJMI2/ref

Her Best Match By Tamie Dearen

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Best-Match-Romantic-Comedy-ebook/dp/B00FR30D16/ref

Delightful ...delicious ... I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance about a match-maker meeting her match. Wonderful warm characters and peppered with hilarious misunderstandings. Highly recommend.

Shadowline Drift by Alexes Razevich

Masterful storytelling

I was enthralled from the first page of this unique thriller – a weave of mystery and supernatural.  The story is populated with diverse and interesting characters with hidden agendas. Descriptive writing at its best – I was sweating alongside Jake as he blundered through the foliage, while pungent jungle scents assaulted my senses. The visual imagery had me utterly immersed in the story.  This is the second book I’ve read by this talented author and I will be seeking out all future works.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadowline-Drift-Metaphysical-Alexes-Razevich-ebook/dp/B00JEP2GBI/ref

Happy Hour In Hell

Tad Williams

Wow! It’s a long flaming way from Green Angel Tower.

Tad Williams is a master storyteller and has once again delivered another cult classic. Dark … disturbing, this tale submerged me into places I wouldn’t travel alone but Bobby Dollar is a fascinating character on a mission and I couldn’t help going along – it was a helluva ride. Sarcastic angels, heavenly bureaucracy, hellish humour … I love this author’s imagination, he never fails to surprise. Thoroughly entertaining series. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Hour-Hell-Bobby-Dollar-ebook/dp/B00CIVLW60/ref