Touching Time by B W Haggart – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book Touching Time by B W Haggart to review. You may find out more about the author on his website.

Here is the book blurb.

Victoria Covington is mysteriously propelled two hundred years into the future. She must not only learn to live in the 21st century, but also keep her beloved Belton Park from being sold to a handsome, but ungentlemanly American, who simply wants the estate to further his own business plans.

Victoria had given up hope of finding a husband among the heiress-hunting ton and contented herself living on her beloved family estate, Belton Park. When reality shifts around her, she doesn’t realize that she’s traveled to the year 2019. She is sure she’s going mad, but fortunately her distant cousin, the Viscount William Covington, recognizes her from her portrait, and guesses she is the famous family member who mysteriously vanished in 1818.

Sam Dalton, a successful real estate developer from America, wants to refashion Belton Park into a conference center with a Regency theme. He is betting the future of his company on the acquisition.

Victoria is shocked to learn the viscount is going to sell Belton Park to Dalton. She is determined to save her family lands while navigating modern society.

Sam is just as determined to own Belton.

Victoria must discover a way to keep Belton in the family while keeping her heart safe and reputation intact.

This is the second title in the Romancing Times series but works perfectly as a stand-alone read. I haven’t read the first book.

The story starts by introducing us to Sam Dalton, American businessman who is hoping to buy Belton Park from Lord Covington. In chapter 2 we skip back in time to 1818 where we meet Victoria Covington and her best friend Kitty Roland. But without her knowledge, Victoria is mysteriously transported about 200 years into the future, where the first person she sees is Mr Dalton.

She wonders why he is dressed so strangely and as for his bad manners. Meanwhile Sam thinks she looks and acts very authentically. But then she thnks he is quite mad as he talks to his snuffbox (aka mobile phone). And she is absolutely horrified by the half-naked tourists wandering round the gardens.

As she enters the house, how can it be, the decor and furnishings have all changed. Where is her uncle? She doesn’t recognise the man in the library, they address as Viscount Covington.

But Lord Covington can’t believe it. He recognises Victoria from his books and paiintings, as the family member who mysteriously disappeared in 1818, never to be seen again. He gently tries to convince her that she has time travelled.

How will Victoria react to that suggestion? And can she adapt to modern day life?

Touching Time is available on Amazon in Kindle format. An excellent time travel romance.

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Being Is Better by Marjorie Jackson – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I downloaded for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book Being Is Better by Marjorie Jackson to review.

Here is the book blurb.

Fourteen-year-old Amber has battled medical challenges – specifically epilepsy – her whole life. Due to her physical limitations, she has no friends, but does her best to trudge through each day with a smile.

Fellow “middle-school senior” Missy has struggles of her own. Following her brother’s death in Afghanistan, her father uprooted them from everything familiar, only to divorce Missy’s mother and move away, leaving Missy friendless and angry, forced to care for her deeply depressed mother.

Two girls with different pasts, both fighting loneliness.

Can they learn to overcome life’s struggles and tragedies? Can they find each other and battle teen awkwardness together?

This is the first title in the Better Together series. In the introduction, we hear how this book was inspired by the author’s daughter who has epilepsy.

The story begins by introducing us to Amber, a teenager who suffers with epilepsy. She lives with her parents and elder brother Mase. Life is a struggle as the seizures exhaust her. Can the new doctor help her? Why has he given her a rock?

Then in chapter 2 we meet Missy who is going through a really bad time. She hates her absent father who she blames for her brother Frankie’s death. She has a lot on her shoulders for someone so young having to shop and cook, as her mother is too depressed to even communicate with Missy.

The chapters alternate between Amber and Missy, sensitively written drawing you into their lonely worlds. Hospital for Amber, counselling for Missy.

What will happen when their lives collide?

Being is Better is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. An amazing emotional story of true friendship.

About the Author
Somewhat of a late blooming author, Marjorie “Marji” Jackson wrote her Better Together Duology in her fifties. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a passionate crafter and volunteer.

She lived with her family in beautiful, rural Colorado amongst the deer and the antelope, before succumbing to a rare breast cancer in January 2021, which she had fought for two years with grace.

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

May It Please The Court by Daniel Maldonado – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an ebook I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book May It Please The Court by Daniel Maldonado to review. You may find out more about the author on his website.

Here is the book blurb.

After a Sweet Sixteen ceremony, Reyna Clifton – the mother of the birthday girl – is found severely injured at the bottom of the grand staircase of the Regal Phoenix Resort and Spa.

The Clifton family blames the resort for Reyna’s fall, and sues for negligence. Daniel Mendoza and his firm are called in to defend the lawsuit, but when Mrs. Clifton is found dead in her hospital room, Daniel’s suspicions arise.

With the help of his legal team and a private investigator, Daniel is determined to find out what really happened to Mrs. Clifton. But who would have wanted to murder her, and is there some other foul play involved?

The book is mainly set in the US, but with a strong Puerto Rican culture running through it. The story starts at a “Sweet Sixteen” party held at the Regal Phoenix hotel for Alejandra, daughter of Reyna and Anthony Clifton with lots of family and friends there. However I found this party to be so unrealistic that it put me off the book before I had even got into it. I have never come across anyone who spends a fortune on such a glitzy affair which is more choreographed than most people’s weddings. And when I was that age, there would have been no way I would have wanted my friends to meet my immediate family, let alone my other relatives.

But to give it the benefit of doubt, perhaps this type of party is typical of Puerto Rican customs, as the author goes into a lot of descriptive detail on the dances and cuisine. Or maybe it is a US thing which hasn’t made it over to this side of the pond.

The second chapter didn’t help to put me in the mood for this book when the reader is introduced to Dana, Anthony’s old girl friend from years ago, who wants him back. I would have been siding with the strangers who didn’t believe Dana needed her dog to be categorised as an “emotional support” dog.

Plenty going on at the party from stolen kisses to outrage to tears to secrets. And then disaster as Reyna falls down the stairs and is badly injured.

Weeks in hospital. Can things get worse? In a word yes!

We’re already about a quarter of the way through the book before we get introduced to Daniel Mendoza who you would assume to be the main character, being named on the cover. Daniel has been hired by the hotel chain to defend against a negligence claim.

So was the hotel at fault or was it something more sinister?

May It Please The Court is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, ausiobook and kindle formats. A legal thriller which sadly did not hit the spot for me.

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A Snowman Wish for Lady Samantha by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book A Snowman Wish for Lady Samantha by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen to review.

Here is the book blurb.

A desperate debutante…

It’s all too much. At least that is how Lady Samantha feels as she slips out into the snow to build a snowman. With her first season bearing down on her, she’d give anything to have her mother’s guidance one last time. But certainly, it isn’t that prayer that sends the Marquess of Longley calling at that precise moment. Nor is it her wish that an avalanche of snow fall on the man’s stiff and serious head. But since he’s arrived, she might as well use him to help practice her charms before the official season begins. What’s the harm in that?

A staunch marquess…

She’s as vapid as she is beautiful. That’s Gavin’s official assessment of Lady Samantha. But even he can’t deny he’s tempted. From the clear blue of her eyes to the pure smile she flashes his way, he can’t help but wish he was the sort of man who could just marry the woman he wanted instead of worrying about what was best for his marquessate. Still, the moment he holds her in his arms during his first dance in years, he has to wonder…

What would it be like to follow his heart?

And as he pictures a future where he’s happy for the first time in what seems like forever, he has to ask himself. Should he pursue the woman that is slipping past his defenses or make the choice he knows is right?

Because it can’t be possible that Lady Samantha is both. Can it?

This is the fourth title in the Seasons of Love series, but each of the titles work fine as stand-alone reads and they are ideal Christmas books. Perfect stories to curl up on the sofa at this time of year  with a cup of hot chocolate. You can find the links to my reviews of the earlier titles at the bottom of this post.

This story features 18 year old Samantha. the youngest of the Maxwell sisters. She is in the garden in front of the house talking and dancing with the snowman she has just made, when a stranger arrives to see her brother. This is Lord Gavin, the Marquess of Longley.

They get off on the wrong foot as he assumes she is a lot younger and on the staff. But ever the hostess, she assists when an avalanche of snow falls from the roof right on top of the hapless Lord.

But can she maintain this, as she tries to charm him at dinner, as practise for her pending season, getting no more than mono-syallabic answers. Whilst he, in need of a marchioness, is tongue-tied.

Can they even achieve a simple conversation, let alone progress from there.

A Snowman Wish for Lady Samantha is available on Amazon in Kindle format. Once again an easy romantic read from Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen.

Here are the links to my reviews of the earlier titles.
A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie
A Snowstorm Serenade for Lady Sarah
A Snowfall Sleigh Ride for Lady Serena

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A Snowfall Sleigh Ride for Lady Serena by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book A Snowfall Sleigh Ride for Lady Serena by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen to review.

Here is the book blurb.

Hunting the hoyden…

The Earl of Rushton is in need of a wife and Lady Serena requires a husband. This ought to be a simple arrangement. And yet…how is a man supposed to court his potential bride when he can’t even find her? Rush always thought he’d marry for love like his parents, but love won’t save his estate from ruin. And so here he is, playing a game of cat and mouse with the headstrong young lady who’d agreed to be his bride during one fateful sleigh ride. He ought to move on, find a lady who’s not intent on leading him on a wild goose chase. And he would, except…he can’t. Because the more he learns about his mysterious bride-to-be, the more he finds himself enchanted. Is it possible that a marriage of convenience could be something more? Possibly. But he’ll have to catch her first.

She’s caught in a trap…

Lady Serena didn’t exactly lie when she’d told the Earl of Rushton she would marry him. She just hadn’t thought it would ever come to pass. After all, everyone knew he was supposed to marry her sister. Even when that agreement fell through, she felt certain he would find some better alternative. He’s looking for a proper countess, and no gentleman would wish for the free-spirited, irrepressible Maxwell sister for that role, even if her dowry is substantial enough to save his estate. But the kind, handsome earl is also surprisingly persistent. Not to mention cunning. A man determined to woo her with dancing and flowery praise, she could easily deflect. But when he offers to take her shooting and leaves her breathless with his kisses…it’s not just her freedom she’s in danger of losing. Now it’s her heart on the line.

This is the third title in the Seasons of Love series, but also works perfectly as a stand-alone read. Each book features one of the Maxwell sisters as the heroine and all have been set at their aunt’s winter houseparty. This time it is Lady Serena’s turn to star.

Just like the title, the story starts with Lady Serena sharing a sleigh ride with Lord Rushton in the convoy of sleighs. But she is bored. She would much rather be galloping on the horse than being pulled along by it and the man next to her is even more boring. She is even more horrified when she realises he wishes to court her rather than one of her sisters.

Rush wanted to marry for love, but his estate needs a dowry urgently. But where is Lady Serena after agreeing to his marriage of convenience. Hiding in the woods, practising her archery of course.

Is really going to work? What do they really want? Can they come to an agreement?

A Snowfall Sleigh Ride for Lady Serena is available on Amazon in Kindle format. Once again a nice light romantic read from Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen.

Here are the links to my reviews of the previous titles in this series.
A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie
A Snowstorm Serenade for Lady Sarah

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A Snowstorm Serenade for Lady Sarah by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book A Snowstorm Serenade for Lady Sarah by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen to review.

Here is the book blurb.

Stranded with a rake…

Lady Sarah Maxwell is in a whole heap of trouble. Which is odd considering, as the bluestocking of her family, she normally spends her time ensconced in books, not adventures. But when a snowstorm traps her in the village, the only person she is able to rely on is her brother’s best friend, known rake, and general ne’er-do-well, the Viscount of Spalding. He also happens to be her least favorite person in all of England. Perhaps the world. And yet, the more time they spend together, the more she wonders if Lord Spalding is what he appears or if there is a good man underneath all his bad behavior…

Stuck with a bluestocking…

The Viscount Spalding has better things to do than babysit a bluestocking. He’s got a business to start, a fortune to make, and a broken heart to mend. And most importantly, he’s got several pints of ale to drink because that’s the only thing that seems to help these days. If he were going to be trapped by a storm in an inn, couldn’t the lady at least have been a potential bride and not his friend’s surly sister? She can barely stand the sight of him and they fight like school children whenever they occupy the same room.

That is until their forced time together starts to be fun and Jake realizes that Sarah is beautiful underneath those wire-rimmed spectacles. And when they find themselves under the mistletoe…well. How can he resist a single kiss? And what’s a man to do when all he can think about is collecting another?

This is the second title in the Seasons of Love series. The story follows on from the first book A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie, for which you may see my review here, with both being set at the same winter houseparty. Lady Sarah and Lady Sophie are 2 of 4 sisters. However it also works fine as a stand-alone read.

The story begins with some of the guests taking a carriage trip to the nearest village. Sarah goes along as she wants to buy a new accounting book but she isn’t too pleased to find that she ends up sitting next to Viscount Spalding in the carriage, her brother’s odious best friend, as the opposite seat is already occupied by Lord and Lady Archibald.

Spalding is planning to see his solicitor but pops into the village inn to fortify himself first whilst Sarah browses the bookshop. But she loses track of time and when she comes out more snow has fallen and the carriages are gone.

Oh no. Freezing cold, does she dare enter the inn alone. But she is not the only one to have missed the carriage back. A drunk Lord Spalding is there too. Well they will have to make the best of a bad situation.

Whatever next? Is Sarah’s reputation ruined? When will they get back?

A Snowstorm Serenade for Lady Sarah is available on Amazon in Kindle format. A lovely light romantic read from Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen.

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

2022 LOLLIES shortlist – Vote now!

Disclosure. Originally I would have received a free pack of 4 of the shortlisted titles, but due to a change in circumstances, it seemed appropriate that the pack should continue to go to the students where I previously worked.

I am thrilled to have been selected as a LOL Crew ambassador for the LOLLIES Laugh Out Loud 2022 Book Awards. These celebrate the best and funniest children’s books in the UK and Ireland, voted for by children. Shortlisting has already taken place, by a panel of judges including Michael Rosen and now you have until 10 December to place your vote.

The shortlisted titles in the age 9-13 category are as follows:-

Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties by Humza Arshad and Henry White
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson
Kay’s Anatomy by Adam Kay
Zombierella: Fairy Tales Gone Bad by Joseph Coelho

Here I share my thoughts on the titles shortlisted in the age 9-13 category. I’ve read two in print format and listened to the other two in audiobook format, all borrowed from the library.

Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties by Humza Arshad and Henry White

“You’ve probably heard of me, right? Little Badman. No? Oh. Well. . . Doesn’t matter. You will do one day. I’m gonna be big.”
I’m Humza Khan, the greatest eleven-year-old rapper Eggington has ever known; soon everyone will know my name.
Only problem is school has got really weird, man. All my teachers are disappearing and our aunties are taking over.
It wasn’t too bad at the start, they keep feeding us delicious snacks. Like, all the time.
But now these aunties are trying to mess with my music, so me and my best friends Umer and Wendy are going to hunt for the truth. Cos something big and bad is going on and we won’t let anything mess with my music… or you know, the world.

A hilarious and fast-paced adventure from comedian Humza Arshad and screen writer Henry White, perfect for fans of David Solomons and David Baddiel.

I listened to the audiobook version of this title and it was so funny. This was the first Little Badman title I’ve read and I’ll certainly be reading some more. The authors have come up with a brilliant hilarious storyline. Definitely the one that got my vote in the LOLLIES!

---

The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson

When people ask me if I would do anything differently in my journey if I were to do it all again, I tell them I would take more underpants.

Facts are everything to Freddie Yates―once you know one, it’s yours to keep. After his grandmother dies, Freddie has to face the facts: his family has now dwindled to just him and his accident-prone stepdad. When Freddie discovers his biological father might be alive and well in Wales, he decides it’s time to get back a family member. Together with his best friends Ben and Charlie, he sneaks off on the adventure of a lifetime (or at least, the summer vacation) to track him down.
Freddie doesn’t expect miracles―they’re not real, after all. But as their road trip gets out of hand and the three boys unwittingly set off a chain of hilarious and unlikely events involving an onion-eating competition, stolen superhero costumes, an angry jewel thief, and some very backed-up plumbing, Freddie discovers that some things can’t be explained―and that sometimes what you’re looking for has been with you the whole time.

Propulsive and laugh-out-loud funny, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of family.

A funny mystery with plenty of mishaps thrown in, as Freddie tries to find his biological father. A great read with lovely illustrations. Sensitively written too. A close second which narrowly missed out on my vote.

---

Kay’s Anatomy by Adam Kay

Discover all the weird and wonderful things that go on inside your body with Adam Kay. Covers key stage 2 / 3 human biology syllabus (in a slightly repulsive way).

‘Hilarious and fascinating! I wish Adam had been my biology teacher’ – Konnie Huq

Do you ever think about your body and how it all works? Like really properly think about it? The human body is extraordinary and fascinating and, well . . . pretty weird. Yours is weird, mine is weird, your maths teacher’s is even weirder.

This book is going to tell you what’s actually going on in there, and answer the really important questions, like:

Are bogeys safe to eat? Look, if your nose is going to all that effort of creating a snack, the least we can do is check out its nutritional value. (Yes, they’re safe. Chew away!)
And how much of your life will you spend on the toilet? About a year – so bring a good book. (I recommend this one.)
So sit back, relax, put on some rubber gloves, and let a doctor take you on a poo (and puke) filled tour of your insides. Welcome to Kay’s Anatomy*.

*a fancy word for your body. See, you’re learning already.

A yucky funny non-fiction book describing the human body, guaranteed to make you laugh whilst educational too. The humour encompassing poo and bogeys will certainly appeal to the target age audience. Great illustrations too.

---

Zombierella: Fairy Tales Gone Bad by Joseph Coelho

The first in a funny, deliciously dark, three-part series of twisted classics, written in verse by award-winning poet Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Freya Hartas.

A yellow moon hangs in a satin sky the night Cinderella, barefoot and in hand-me-downs, slips at the top of the stairs … and dies. But not for long. The Shadow of Death arrives to breathe life back into her bones and, for three nights only, Cinderella goes forth as ZOMBIERELLA. With her skin as cold as ice and her faithful horse Lumpkin back by her side, can she seek revenge on her three cruel, fake sisters, once and for all?

Crawl out of the grave and step into your mushroom carriage for this haunting and humorous adventure of the undead girl searching for her happily ever after.

I listened to the audiobook version of this title which is a unique twist on the classic tale of Cinderella in verse. Rather dark, so suitable for age 11+ in my opinion and not quite so funny as the other three short-listed titles. But definitely an ideal Halloween read.

---

I haven’t read the books in the younger age categories but here are the shortlisted titles.

So which titles get your vote?

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram 

Regardless of the Consequences by L D Lauritzen – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an ebook I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book Regardless of the Consequences by L D Lauritzen to review. You may find out more about the author on his website.

Here is the book blurb.

Sheriff Lance Tallbear’s half-blood Apache heritage leaves him struggling to find his place in a world where neither white nor Indian wants or readily accepts him. He faces the world his shaman father turned away from and acknowledges the one his shaman grandfather prays he’ll return to.

Tallbear’s new case uncovers a mysterious plane wreck discovered in the Superstition Mountains that turns out to stir both his life decisions and ultimate direction. Along with his troubled FBI partner, Brad Hanley, they face a myriad of obstacles in their journey to the truth.

The skeletons at the site hold the clues to not only who the killers were but also why the people died. Tallbear quickly find the crash site hides a deadly secret that reaches out of the distant past to threaten the lives of all who seek it. He will need to use all his skills and experience to discover the answers and stay alive.

The story set in Arizona starts at Hawk’s cleansing ceremony by introducing us to Sheriff Lance Tallbear who is torn between his police career and family duty as the heir-apparent to his Apache shaman grandfather Gray Eagle.

But not long after Hawk discovers a hidden plane containing corpses, in the Superstition Mountains, which has crashed long ago. The case ends up with Tallbear who discovers that the crash victims have been shot.

The story then jumps to California. Meanwhile Thomas Kane from the CIA and FBI Agent Brad Hanley want in on the investigation. Who has jurisdiction? Why are they interested in deaths over 50 years ago? Tallbear refuses to hand over the case to Kane but finds an ally in Hanley.

Plenty of twists and turns in this page turner as the victims are identified and we get introduced to more characters. Secrets abound. More deaths follow. Culture is woven in.

Regardless of the Consequences is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle formats. A compelling read indeed..

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen to review.

Here is the book blurb.

A sudden snowstorm at Lady Winterborne’s Christmastide house party has filled Lady Sophie with an unusually festive sentiment. Which is surely the reason she allows the Duke of Barton a kiss under the mistletoe. But how can she explain that she’d like to allow him to do so again? Despite his handsome façade and impressive title, he’s not right for Sophie at all. And yet as the snow continues to fall, she can’t help but note just how perfect he looks with snowflakes resting on his broad shoulders…

Katherine Ann Madison is a pseudonym of Tammy Andresen, who is a very prolific author. She has recently teamed up with Maggie Dallen, writing sweet Regency romantic novellas together under this pen name.

The story begins with Lady Sophie Maxwell and her sisters Sarah, Serena and Samantha hatching a plan for at least one of them to net a husband at their aunt’s house party, whilst keeping it a secret from their brother Tobias. Their aunt Clara has drawn up a list of potential suitors and has already spoken to the Earl of Rushton about his need for a wife.

But at the party in a case of mistaken identity, Sophie inadvertantly converses with someone thinking he is the Earl of Rushton. A kiss under the mistletoe and a dance before she returns to her sisters whereupon her aunt introduces her to the actual Earl of Rushton.

Sophie is horrified. What has she done. Who was the man she kissed? She subsequently discovers it was the notorious handsome rake, Raith, the Duke of Barton. Whatever next.

A Snowflake Kiss for Lady Sophie is available on Amazon in Kindle format. A nice short light romantic read from Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen.

Here are links to my reviews of other titles written jointly by Katherine Ann Madison and Maggie Dallen.
The Wicked Earls Club prologue
The Earl of Darling

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

The Search for Synergy by Brett Salter – book review

Disclosure.  This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free.  All opinions are my own.

I have received a free e-copy of the book The Search for Synergy by Brett Salter to review. You may find out more about the author on his website.

Here is the book blurb.

“The Search for Synergy” is the story of two young men who are brought together by design to help save the world from the evil that lurks in The Void. Rome and Julian will have to join their fledgling powers and become a fighting duo of knight and dragon, working to fulfill a primordial destiny. This will be especially hard for Rome who, up until now, thought he was merely human.

This is the first title in the Talisman series, but works perfectly well as a stand-alone read, although you can tell towards the end that it is setting the scene for a follow-up to be set in England.

The story starts by introducing us to 13 year old Rome, who whilst messing around, accidentally sets a tree on fire, just looking at it. Meanwhile another boy Julian has seen this and recognising Rome’s abilities, takes him to meet elderly Mr Jones.

The pair try to convince Rome that he is not a human, but a dragon, explaining that Julian is a knight and that the two boys need to train for the Great Synergy to combine their powers. But Rome initially doesn’t believe them.

Weaving in myths from King Arthur’s time, there is a destiny to fulfil.

Portals, monsters, magic all abound in this tale. The roll of the die is crucial.

However I did  have to look up Hackey sack which I discovered to be rather like playing football but using a bean bag instead of a ball. Sounds a fun game that Rome and friends enjoyed.

The Search for Synergy is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback and Kindle format. An entertaining fantasy read, targeted at young adult readers. Suitable from age 11 upwards in my opinion.

Visit Yet Another Blogging Mummy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram