Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

I was looking for a new book and found The Wickwire Watch (The Riverfall Chronicles # 1) by Jacquelyn Hagen on BragMedallion. Here are my thoughts on the first book of the series!

Synopsis (from the author):

TRUST NO ONE.

It’s the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It’s also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.

If only he’d never snooped around a dead man’s house. If only he’d never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he’d known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they’re after him.

When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?

Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible.

What I liked about The Wickwire Watch:

There was much to like about The Wickwire Watch! Inkwell was an engaging character. Going from an orphan who struggles to make his way in the world to a player in an increasingly bizarre cat-and-mouse game between the Colonists and the Eutrians, the book was entertaining! In addition, the other characters varied enough to keep me guessing who was right and who was wrong. The magic and steampunk fantasy elements added nicely to the tale and kept me entertained.

What I didn’t like about The Wickwire Watch:

Although I liked the book, The Wickwire Watch dragged in places. It also took a long time for the characters’ relationships to develop, and made the pace a little slow.

Overall impression of The Wickwire Watch:

Overall, I enjoyed The Wickwire Watch! The story differed from most fantasy books I’ve read and the added steampunk elements enhanced it. The characters were interesting, and Inkwell made for an excellent main character. If you want to find a new series, start with this one!

My Rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Jacquelyn Hagen:

Visit Jacquelyn Hagen on her website, on her Amazon Author Page, or her Goodreads page. Discover all her work and maybe pick up a couple (or leave a review)!

Connect with me:

I’m on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Find me and say hi. Let’s talk about books, submarines, and gemstones!

I’ve read and reviewed most of Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group thrillers and thoroughly enjoyed them. I recently reached the latest in the series, Never Go Back, in my TBR list. Read on for my thoughts about the novel!

Synopsis (from the author):

Former SAS officer Ben Greene is a brutal arms dealer.

By ruthlessly killing rivals, he created a massive business supplying illegal weapons.

Twenty-five years ago, Zoe Tampsin led a special forces unit to Northern Cyprus to find Greene and end his evil business.

Greene continues to sell weapons to extremists seeking regime change in Europe. The UK is under pressure to stop him. They send Zoe back to Northern Cyprus to finish the job.

Both of them are older, wiser, and more cunning.

Is Greene still too great a match for Zoe?

What I liked about Never Go Back:

I appreciated the return to the earlier Lambeth Group thriller format. While I’ve enjoyed Gordon Bickerstaff’s books, I prefer the hard-hitting, gritty thrillers. A couple of the more recent books dealt more with the characters’ relationships than the crisis central to the book. Never Go Back starts wide open and doesn’t stop. Zoe and her team are back in form, the plot is interesting, and the action kept me turning the pages. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like about Never Go Back:

My one complaint about Never Go Back was the corrupt officials. While it moved the story forward, it was a predictable part of the plot.

Overall impression of Never Go Back:

As with the other Lambeth Group books, I enjoyed Never Go Back. I liked how Gordon Bickerstaff opened with action and kept it going. The novel returned to the hard-hitting and gritty nature found in the earlier books, and the multiple subplots aligned nicely at the end. If you like thrillers, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Gordon Bickerstaff:

Find Gordon on his website, Amazon Author page, or Goodreads page! Visit, find out about his books (maybe buy a couple?), and leave a review or a comment!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, and let’s connect. I enjoy meeting new friends!

As my readers know, I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Doug J. Cooper’s novels, including Lagrange Rising. When he released Lagrange Calling (Cuss Abbott #2), it went on the TBR list. Here are my thoughts about the Interworld Marshall’s adventures.

Synopsis (from the author):

A daring heist at Avium Pharmaceuticals leaves one dead and a shipment of pleasure drugs missing. The thieves employ unheard-of technology during the crime—a filter that renders them invisible to police surveillance—and escape Lagrange in a stolen spaceship. Interworld Marshal Cuss Abbott and partner Ygo track the criminals to Utopia, a lawless frontier town on Mars. Accompanied by the beautiful Detective Eve Boucher, they sprint in pursuit. During the weeks-long journey to the Red Planet, they strategize and plan, only to arrive unprepared for the harsh reality of life in a mining settlement ruled by criminal syndicates. Forced to rely on their instincts and each other in a hostile society, the line between revenge and justice blurs. Cuss publicly challenges the syndicate bosses in a breathtaking showdown, knowing a single misstep can unleash disaster in a place where criminals make the rules.

What I liked about Lagrange Calling:

I enjoyed getting to know more about Cuss Abbott and Ygo. The speculative aspects of the technology in the book, as well as the police procedural parts, make for an exciting story. Add in the romance between the characters (and an unexpected twist on it), the Wild West-type setting for the showdown, and the book kept me turning the pages. The ending was also satisfying, but no spoilers from me. Overall, it’s a good science fiction read!

What I didn’t like about Lagrange Calling:

My only complaint was the way the book slowed toward the end. The rest of the book moved quickly, but the conflict resolution with the murderers occurred earlier than I expected. The final part may set the stage for another book, but was slow.

Overall impression of Lagrange Calling:

Lagrange Calling (Cuss Abbott #2) was a fast-paced, enjoyable book. The characters continue to grow, and the technology is interesting. The plot was twisty enough to keep things moving, and the ending was satisfactory, though a bit slow. If you enjoy science fiction and police procedurals, try this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars rounded to 5 stars

Connect with Doug J. Cooper:

Find Doug J. Cooper on his website, his Amazon Author Page, and his Goodreads page. Find all his books, maybe pick up one or two, and learn more about the author!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Find me, and let’s connect!

Time for a new review. As is often the case, I found The Finding (Legend of Oescienne #1) by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson on Bragmedallion.com. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found…

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.

But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

What I liked about The Finding:

The Finding was an enjoyable read. I liked Jahrra and the dragon Hroombra. Jaax was just enough of an unknown to thoroughly irritate Jahrra and lend mystery to the story. Jahrra’s friends and their battles against the bullies at school added drama, and the worldbuilding was excellent. Overall, this was a good start to the series.

What I didn’t like about The Finding:

For me, the book dragged in spots, was overly descriptive, and often repetitive. These factors distracted me from the overall story.

Overall impression of The Finding:

Despite the somewhat slow pace of the book and other issues noted above, I liked the book. After reading it, I added the second book of the series to my TBR. If you enjoy epic fantasy with good worldbuilding, try this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Jenna Elizabeth Johnson:

Find Jenna Elizabeth Johnson on her website, Amazon Author Page, and Goodreads page. Discover all her books, maybe pick up a few, and consider leaving a review!

Connect with me:

I’m on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Stop by, say hi, and let’s connect!