Book Review: Dire Sorrows (The Cracklock Saga #4) by C. A. Deegan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Dire Sorrows

Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #4)

Author: C.A. Deegan

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 4

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63357125-dire-sorrows

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is the 4^th book in the series, and just as good as the others. Jack’s dad is still stuck in the Mirror Realm when Chronos’ Sickle causes a rift. The Dire escapes and enslaves people, Fae, and animals alike. Will Jack escape its influence and find help?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Like the first three in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the fourth book in the series, and fits well after the stand-alone, The Tale of Nathaniel.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

When darkness falls, who carries the light?

 

An ancient peril will consume the world. Seemingly unstoppable, nothing can resist its sweet invitation to oblivion. Locked away for millennia, the Dire has only two things it wants. To become one, and to conquer all.

 

Unaware of the dangers, Jack and his friends have other problems to solve. And Anastasia is running scared. So, when everything goes spectacularly wrong, to whom can a boy turn? His father, of course.

 

The sorrow is coming. And unlikely allies are all that will stand against it....

About the Author:

 

 

Book Review: Leverage by Katherine Black

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Leverage

Subtitle:

Author: Katherine Black

Genre: Thriller

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57961745-leverage

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Another cleverly written book by this author. Meet Beth, whose friend persuades her to go speed dating. This is where she meets Marc. But is all as it seems? And is an offer of help really the best help Beth could accept? Lots of intrigue, manipulative behaviour and psychological games. What else could you expect from this author?

What I liked about the book:

This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing I disliked about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I understand the author has written many other books, and I’ve read several.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book finds itself in the category of psychological thrillers. It is written to a very high standard.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.

 

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Leverage is testament to how one innocuous ad in the local paper can turn your world upside down.

 

Two people come into Beth’s life. ONE gives her a reason to die. THE OTHER gives her no other option.

 

She appears out of nowhere and wants to be Beth’s friend. It would be sweet if it wasn’t so damned creepy.

 

Beth can’t shake her. She won’t take no for an answer and Beth’s gentle life becomes a vortex that she can’t control.

 

Black’s trademark knack of delving into the psyche and finding the pockets of humanity that nobody wants to admit to have never been more in evidence than in Leverage. In this book, she bypasses black and goes to whatever black becomes when it gets darker.

 

This is a story about power - how much influence can one person have over somebody else?

 

Be Beth’s friend and find out.

About the Author:

.

Book Review: The Pale Skulls (GoldenEars #2) by Jane H Wood

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Pale Skulls

Subtitle: (GoldenEars #2)

Author: Jane H. Wood

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58263738-the-pale-skulls

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Edmund is now a wild-life ranger and is determined to find his friend who disappeared. Joe, a native American, helps Edmund to find out about the spirit wolf and his relationship with GoldenEars. Will he find him again and save the wolves and the world they live in?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, the second in a series. I understand this is the last in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

A story about the link between a young boy and a wild wolf. It’s a great nature story.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about the wilderness and the link between human and wild animals, with lots of action, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Filled with optimism, Edmund vows to find his beloved wolf, GoldenEars. Returning home on leave, our newly-fledged forest ranger begins his task of researching the myths and legends surrounding wolf lore in the hope it will answer some puzzling questions. During a visit to the library, Edmund is introduced to a Native American, named Joe. Intrigued by the boy's interest in the newspaper archives, Joe agrees to assist him. He learns of Edmund's friendship with a wolf; confirming his suspicions that the boy's wolf is indeed special and that their destiny is bound together. He warns Edmund of the coming dangers, and a journey that he alone must undertake; enter a world beyond his imagination if he is to find his wolf. Evil stalks Canada's western wilderness, hiding in the shadows, threatening the existence of every living creature, including the people who live there. When communications cease in that region, Chief Ranger Max tasks his rangers to investigate. A terrible truth is revealed, one Edmund can barely comprehend. The story takes a devastating twist, forcing Edmund to dig deep into his soul. He must overcome heartache, jealousy and rage and rise above the hurt if he is to save himself and the wolves and make a better life for them all.

About the Author:

Jane H Wood, is an award-winning, multi-genre author. Born in the UK, Jane enjoys reading, creative art, and photography. Jane is an animal rights advocate and environmentalist.

 

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls #2

“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

Fiction-animals, Literary fiction, Mystery, Family-drama. Friendships.

https://authorshout.com/2022-reader-r...

 

This is a recent review found on NetGalley.co.uk

Review of: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.

Awarded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewer: Aishling K

https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/2250...

 

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain #1

“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

 

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls#2.

5 Star Review and Emblem Winner Awarded by Stellar Media Club.

 

Awarded 5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

 

 

5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

“The Whispering Mountain ( GoldenEars #1 )”

Animal fiction adventure. Middle grade to adult readers.

For the love of wolves. Heartwarming and thrilling.

 

Book Review: The Whispering Mountain (GoldenEars #1) by Jane H. Wood

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Whispering Mountain

Subtitle: (GoldenEars #1)

Author: Jane H. Wood

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45323287-the-whispering-mountain

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Meet Myra and her young pups. Two of her litter are afflicted with golden, droopy ears, and are ostracised by the the rest of the pack.

Edmond is a teenage boy, who is asked to join his father and a friend to a remote cabin. But what teenager wants to leave the conveniences of modern life behind. When he then gets pressurised to join the adults in hunting, he refuses and stays behind. His chance meeting with the pup, and the rescue that follows sets a whole new chain of events in motion.

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, the first in a series. I can’t wait to read the second book, too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

A story about the link between a young boy and a wild wolf. It’s a great nature story.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about the wilderness and the link between human and wild animals, with lots of action, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Mira lay deep inside her den, nuzzling her newborn pups. As the weeks pass, the unusual appearance of two of her offspring grows more pronounced and with that, the pack’s behaviour changes. A strangeness hangs in the air, compounding the onlookers’ superstitions. As fear turns to aggression, Joel, the alpha male, is forced to assert his dominance and defend his family…

 

Edmund Rainer is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Carrying him back to the cabin, Edmund rescues the pup, fascinated with his beautiful ears. A friendship blossoms between the two, but when a devastating storm propels them on an extraordinary journey, they must use their instincts to survive the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.

 

Unwittingly, Edmund becomes embroiled in the treachery revolving around the young pup and his life becomes increasingly under threat as he tries to protect GoldenEars from harm.

About the Author:

Jane H Wood, is an award-winning, multi-genre author. Born in the UK, Jane enjoys reading, creative art, and photography. Jane is an animal rights advocate and environmentalist.

 

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls #2

“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

Fiction-animals, Literary fiction, Mystery, Family-drama. Friendships.

https://authorshout.com/2022-reader-r...

 

This is a recent review found on NetGalley.co.uk

Review of: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.

Awarded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewer: Aishling K

https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/2250...

 

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain #1

“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

 

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls#2.

5 Star Review and Emblem Winner Awarded by Stellar Media Club.

 

Awarded 5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

 

 

5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

“The Whispering Mountain ( GoldenEars #1 )”

Animal fiction adventure. Middle grade to adult readers.

For the love of wolves. Heartwarming and thrilling.

 

Book Review: The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock by C.A. Deegan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock

Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #0)

Author: C.A. Deegan

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: stand-alone

Best read after earlier books in series? Maybe

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62621647-the-tale-of-nathaniel-cracklock

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book may fit bets after the third in the series and before the fourth, but can be read as a stand-alone. Where in book 3 we met Alice and her grandad Nat Cracklock, we learn what happened all those years ago to the American branch of the family. How Nathaniel needed to escape the UK following a pub brawl gone wrong. And what happened when he reached America. Why do the American relatives fear the Fae?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Like the first three in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is a stand-alone book in the series, and the fourth book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to read the next. I’m looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The US Cracklocks avoid the Fae. Why? The answers lie in the 17th Century…

 

Fleeing the Witchfinders of England, Nathaniel Cracklock boards a ship bound for the Americas. In Boston, a quieter life beckons. Or that was his intention.

 

However, Nathaniel is not the only stranger to those shores. The New World holds a lost secret, buried deep for aeons. And when misguided others awaken this ancient terror, dark days lie ahead for humanity and the Fae both. Only Nathaniel and a desperate few can stand against it. But the toll they must pay will echo through the ages forever after…

 

This is a tale of love, loss, darkness and light. The present-day Cracklocks should heed it well. Their future depends on it.

About the Author:

 

 

Book Review: Alice and the Mirror Glass by C.A. Deegan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Alice and the Mirror Glass

Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #3)

Author: C.A. Deegan

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60502225-book-3

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A phone call from America with a plea for help. Alice is in danger. Her grandpa has been taken prisoner by a shadowy organisation, and she is at risk of the same happening to her. But what is the link between Alice and Jack? Can they save her? What does she know about Jack’s father?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Like the first two in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book in the series, I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the next. I guess I’ll need to read The Tale of Nathaniel Cracklock first as number four doesn’t appear to be out yet.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Book 3 – Alice and the Mirror Glass

 

Space and time. A recipe for disaster…

 

 

A plea for help, long lost family members, and a shadowy organisation hell-bent on stopping a terrible threat they think is the Fae. Jack and his friends are really in trouble this time.

 

What has Jack's dad really been up to? It's got a lot of people pretty angry. And the Cracklocks have got their hands on something they shouldn't. Something they don't understand. Something that they should have left well alone. And when Fae glamours don't work, what can be done to save the day?...

 

An adventure like no other, where the monsters aren’t just from Fairy Tales. What happened to David Cracklock? And why is the family ageing children prematurely? When fanatics wants to exterminate you, the catacombs under Cracklock Manor are certainly no place for a Fae…

 

Book 2 picks up directly from Book 1. Things are going to get complicated…

About the Author:

 

 

Book Review: Let Me by Tracey Gerrard

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: LET ME

Subtitle:

Author: Tracey Gerrard

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Part of a series? No (but could be)

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60768790-let-me

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A mother who abandons her family for another man. A father who drinks himself to death. Now Jennifer is the guardian for her younger brother. Making ends meet is more important than her dreams of a career. A vicious attack leaves her close to death. Zach wants to help, but will she let him?

What I liked about the book:

I liked the book in its entirety. There was plenty of suspense and I was kept on my toes the entire time.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When we find out the reason behind the suspense.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The author has written other books too, and although this is described as a stand-alone, it appears more suited to fit after the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a romantic suspense novel.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably not
Adult	Yes

 

If you like romantic suspense, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Fall in love with Zach and Jen in this emotionally thrilling, romantic suspense story.

Jennifer is familiar with the words ‘let down’. She’s learnt first-hand not to rely on anyone and she’s come to terms with the fact that her dream of becoming a wedding dress designer will never happen. Ever since her mother walked out when she was eighteen, and her father dying two years ago after drinking himself into an early grave, she’s had no other choice than to work all the hours God sends as a waitress.

Taking care of her teenage brother is paramount. Putting food on the table, clothes on their back, and a roof over their head, as well as making sure Joshua stays out of jail and away from the wrong kind, she’s had her hands full. Being his full-time guardian means he comes first, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. So, there’s no time to enjoy herself with friends and definitely no time for men.

Especially a certain man with hypnotic eyes, a gorgeous smile, and the ability to make her heart stutter when he says her name.

Zacharia Slater isn’t used to the word ‘no’. His job gives him stature and the private club he frequents, which he is part owner of, tends to his needs. So why, for the best part of a year, is he still pursuing the same woman?

When Zach attends an engagement party of a close colleague, he’s left revaluating what he wants from life. Jennifer, the raven-headed server with the icy blue eyes, playing a permanent part in it.

After she is attacked, left hospitalized, and in fear for her brother’s safety, will she accept the help from the man who will do anything to keep not just her but her brother safe? Or will she still be determined to push him away and go it alone?

 

This book is intended for mature readers..

About the Author:

 

Book Review: The Lost and The Departed by C.A. Deegan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Lost and the Departed

Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #2)

Author: C.A. Deegan

Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59557575-the-lost-and-the-departed

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Jack Crackley’s life isn’t what he thought it was. This book follows on where the first left off and Jack now knows about the plight and the danger the Fae world finds itself in. Can he help them to survive when his evil family is set to destroy the Fae world and their own if needed?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and action-filled.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Like the first in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series, I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

There are other places, other realms, and they are wonderful. But not for much longer if the Cracklocks have their way.

 

Jack's world has changed beyond all comprehension. He has Faery friends, his dad's whereabouts are a mystery, and his estranged family want him in their custody. And then there's the mysterious tube, the one with the blue eyes that talks in your head.

 

The Cracklocks need Jack for their wicked plans, and nothing and nobody is going to stand in their way of Faery’s destruction. Nothing except Jack and his friends. And that is going to be more difficult than they would ever believe...

 

An adventure like no other, where the monsters aren’t just from Fairy Tales. What happened to David Cracklock? And why is the family ageing children prematurely? When fanatics wants to exterminate you, the catacombs under Cracklock Manor are certainly no place for a Fae…

 

Book 2 picks up directly from Book 1. Things are going to get complicated…

About the Author: