Book Reviews

The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis | Book Discussion 📖

As the sixth book published but the chronological starting point for The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis serves as a rich, imaginative prequel to the beloved classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew offers an abundance of themes, characters, and philosophical ideas for reflection.…
The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis | Book Review 📖

As the sixth book published but the chronological starting point for The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis serves as a rich, imaginative prequel to the beloved classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Filled with enchanting world-building, layered characters, and poignant themes, it delivers both a sense of wonder…
Tradition by Brendan Kiely 📚 Book Review

Brendan Kiely’s Tradition is a hard-hitting and necessary young adult novel that exposes the toxic culture of privilege, sexism, and silence at an elite boarding school. Set at Fullbrook Academy, a prestigious institution that prides itself on its long-standing customs, the novel unpacks the dark side of tradition; how it can be used to protect…
The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor 📖 Book Review

D.L. Taylor’s The Beasts We Bury is a YA fantasy novel that weaves together magic, political tension, and personal struggles. At its heart, the novel follows Mancella, heir to the throne, who possesses the power to summon an army of animals, ones she has previously killed. Opposing her is Silver, a skilled thief whose motives…
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan 📚 Book Review

The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, is a turning point in the epic saga. Expanding the world even further, this instalment takes our main characters on separate journeys, deepening the lore, magic, and political intrigue of the series. Rand steps into his role as The Dragon…
The Magician’s Guild by Trudi Canavan 📚 Book Review

Trudi Canavan’s The Magician’s Guild is the first book in The Black Magician trilogy, introducing readers to the city of Imardin, the Magician’s Guild, and a world where magic is a privilege of the upper classes. Following Sonea, a slum dweller who unexpectedly discovers she has magical abilities, the novel explores themes of class divides,…
The Dwarves by Markus Heitz 🪓 Book Review

Markus Heitz’s The Dwarves brings classic fantasy to life with a rich tapestry of characters, political intrigue, and action-packed quests. Originally written in German and translated into English, this novel stands as a testament to Heitz’s mastery in capturing the spirit of traditional fantasy while carving a unique niche in the genre. The Dwarves by…
Wyntertide by Andrew Caldecott ✨ A Haunting and Intricate Sequel

Following the captivating world introduced in Rotherweird, Andrew Caldecott returns with Wyntertide, an intricate sequel that deepens the mystery and magic of this unique series. As the town of Rotherweird prepares for the once-in-a-generation Wynterfaire, secrets resurface, tensions rise, and hidden forces move against the town’s eccentric inhabitants. With masterful storytelling, Caldecott weaves a tale…
Mort by Terry Pratchett | Death, Apprenticeship, and a Whole Lot of Laughs

Terry Pratchett’s Mort, the fourth book in the Discworld series but the first in the ‘Death’ subseries, is often recommended as a great starting point for readers new to Discworld. After reading it, I can see why. The story is an unforgettable blend of humour, fantasy, and philosophy, brought to life by an incredible cast…