TheBookScene
@thebookscene.bsky.social
Book-lover, particularly fantasy and historical fiction.
I'm only a few chapters into The Siege of Druine by @cmdebell.bsky.social but I already know it's going to be as fantastic as the other books in her Tales of Isyr series. Superb prose and characterisation, and a plot which is promising another drama-filled, humour-laced, epic humdinger.
August 9, 2025 at 7:13 AM
I'm only a few chapters into The Siege of Druine by @cmdebell.bsky.social but I already know it's going to be as fantastic as the other books in her Tales of Isyr series. Superb prose and characterisation, and a plot which is promising another drama-filled, humour-laced, epic humdinger.
I love the new covers on the relaunched Tales of Isyr books by @cmdebell.bsky.social. The Many Shades of Midnight novel and the In Midnight’s Shadow story story collection are superb, character-driven political fantasy at its finest and these gorgeous covers are as beautiful as the author's prose.
May 13, 2025 at 12:18 PM
I love the new covers on the relaunched Tales of Isyr books by @cmdebell.bsky.social. The Many Shades of Midnight novel and the In Midnight’s Shadow story story collection are superb, character-driven political fantasy at its finest and these gorgeous covers are as beautiful as the author's prose.
The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social is an action and emotion-packed novel. I loved the Norns insights, meeting new characters and reuniting with two beloved old favourites. The quality of Tad's lyrical prose and superb storytelling reminded me my heart was never lost to Osten Ard.
January 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social is an action and emotion-packed novel. I loved the Norns insights, meeting new characters and reuniting with two beloved old favourites. The quality of Tad's lyrical prose and superb storytelling reminded me my heart was never lost to Osten Ard.
Some people describe it as a slow-burn but I was gripped - by the characters, settings, intrigue and wonderful prose. I devoured the rest of the series as the books were released and it was with a heart as heavy as a stone when I bid farewell to that wonderful world 30 years ago.
January 14, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Some people describe it as a slow-burn but I was gripped - by the characters, settings, intrigue and wonderful prose. I devoured the rest of the series as the books were released and it was with a heart as heavy as a stone when I bid farewell to that wonderful world 30 years ago.
I started reading a very special book yesterday. The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social marks my return to the world of Osten Ard after an absence of 30 years. Tad’s Memory, Sorrow and Thorn reignited my passion for fantasy and it remains one of my favourite series. 🧵
January 14, 2025 at 9:32 AM
I started reading a very special book yesterday. The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social marks my return to the world of Osten Ard after an absence of 30 years. Tad’s Memory, Sorrow and Thorn reignited my passion for fantasy and it remains one of my favourite series. 🧵
I'm excited to start The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken on its release today. The premise sounds great and the ARC reviews have raved about the worldbuilding, intriguing plot, character relationships, powerful themes and stunning prose. I'm here for all that.
November 28, 2023 at 7:34 AM
I'm excited to start The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken on its release today. The premise sounds great and the ARC reviews have raved about the worldbuilding, intriguing plot, character relationships, powerful themes and stunning prose. I'm here for all that.
Next up is Ruins Of Smoke by João F Silva, a prequel to the fabulous Seeds of War.That had me gripped by its unusual, interesting characters, superb action and of course its smokesmiths magic. I'm expecting more great stuff from this novella. And what another awesome cover!
November 25, 2023 at 8:58 PM
Next up is Ruins Of Smoke by João F Silva, a prequel to the fabulous Seeds of War.That had me gripped by its unusual, interesting characters, superb action and of course its smokesmiths magic. I'm expecting more great stuff from this novella. And what another awesome cover!
I've just finished Midnight in Flaeres by @cmdebell.bsky.social - a prequel to her novel The Many Shades of Midnight. This short story is a welcome return to the world of Ellasia and foster brothers Alyas and Esar, featuring lots of tension and great action. It's free via the author's newsletter.
November 25, 2023 at 4:16 PM
I've just finished Midnight in Flaeres by @cmdebell.bsky.social - a prequel to her novel The Many Shades of Midnight. This short story is a welcome return to the world of Ellasia and foster brothers Alyas and Esar, featuring lots of tension and great action. It's free via the author's newsletter.
I've finished an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social and it successfully expands the engrossing plot and post-apocalyptic setting of book 1 in the Rainfallen series. But be warned, there are a few stings in the tail of this clever, unusual tale. It's out on 20 November.
November 17, 2023 at 2:53 PM
I've finished an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social and it successfully expands the engrossing plot and post-apocalyptic setting of book 1 in the Rainfallen series. But be warned, there are a few stings in the tail of this clever, unusual tale. It's out on 20 November.
I've also embarked on the final voyage of the Tide Child trilogy by @rjbarker.bsky.social as part of a Page Turners Discord buddy read. I'm told The Bone Ship's Wake provides a powerful finale to this brilliant nautical fantasy series.
November 11, 2023 at 11:29 AM
I've also embarked on the final voyage of the Tide Child trilogy by @rjbarker.bsky.social as part of a Page Turners Discord buddy read. I'm told The Bone Ship's Wake provides a powerful finale to this brilliant nautical fantasy series.
Next up is an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social, the sequel to the excellent Salt in the Wound. I'm excited to see where this Arthurian-infused, grimdark, post-apocalyptic, fantasy-sci-fi-horror-thriller mash-up goes.
November 11, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Next up is an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social, the sequel to the excellent Salt in the Wound. I'm excited to see where this Arthurian-infused, grimdark, post-apocalyptic, fantasy-sci-fi-horror-thriller mash-up goes.
Next up in this fantastic year of indie reads is Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia. I was first attracted by the fantastic cover and the premise sounds perfect for my tastes - layers of intrigue, allies with conflicting ambitions and potential war over a dwindling precious resource.
November 4, 2023 at 3:58 PM
Next up in this fantastic year of indie reads is Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia. I was first attracted by the fantastic cover and the premise sounds perfect for my tastes - layers of intrigue, allies with conflicting ambitions and potential war over a dwindling precious resource.
I've finished #SPFBO9 finalist
Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.
Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.
November 4, 2023 at 3:33 PM
I've finished #SPFBO9 finalist
Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.
Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.
Next up from my TBR is Daughter of the Beast by @greavesec.bsky.social. I've seen some great reviews for this and it's a #SPFBO9 finalist so I'm expecting another top-notch indie read. Judging by the scary cover, it seems an appropriate choice for Hallowe'en season.
October 29, 2023 at 4:32 PM
Next up from my TBR is Daughter of the Beast by @greavesec.bsky.social. I've seen some great reviews for this and it's a #SPFBO9 finalist so I'm expecting another top-notch indie read. Judging by the scary cover, it seems an appropriate choice for Hallowe'en season.
I've just finished an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett and it's a bittersweet triumph of storytelling. The truth is, if you like well-written stories about motley crews, with characters who will make you laugh, swear and maybe shed the odd tear, you'll love this. Review to follow.
October 29, 2023 at 10:12 AM
I've just finished an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett and it's a bittersweet triumph of storytelling. The truth is, if you like well-written stories about motley crews, with characters who will make you laugh, swear and maybe shed the odd tear, you'll love this. Review to follow.
I've started an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett about a group of bounty hunters. I'm enjoying the world-weary, sardonic tone and the cast of motley crew characters led by Bitter Sweet. It's Abercrombie-esque, particularly Red Country, with its gritty, Western vibe.
October 22, 2023 at 6:55 PM
I've started an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett about a group of bounty hunters. I'm enjoying the world-weary, sardonic tone and the cast of motley crew characters led by Bitter Sweet. It's Abercrombie-esque, particularly Red Country, with its gritty, Western vibe.
I've just finished The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and what can I say? Quirky, crazy, imaginative, fun, charming, surprising, immersive, emotional, intriguing and gripping. I hope you can tell I enjoyed it. It'd be a sin not to!
October 22, 2023 at 9:52 AM
I've just finished The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and what can I say? Quirky, crazy, imaginative, fun, charming, surprising, immersive, emotional, intriguing and gripping. I hope you can tell I enjoyed it. It'd be a sin not to!
I've started The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and it looks like yet another indie is going to come up trumps for me, as time is flying by. I'm enjoying the #SPFBO8 runner up's imaginative setting and interesting main characters. It's so well written and utterly charming.
October 15, 2023 at 7:35 PM
I've started The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and it looks like yet another indie is going to come up trumps for me, as time is flying by. I'm enjoying the #SPFBO8 runner up's imaginative setting and interesting main characters. It's so well written and utterly charming.
No Heart For A Thief by @jamesldulin.bsky.social stole my heart and its sequel No Safe Haven has kept it prisoner. I was again captivated by the compelling characters and their emotional story - an engrossing portrait of colonial oppression, power and humanity. Thanks for the ARC, James.
October 15, 2023 at 12:04 PM
No Heart For A Thief by @jamesldulin.bsky.social stole my heart and its sequel No Safe Haven has kept it prisoner. I was again captivated by the compelling characters and their emotional story - an engrossing portrait of colonial oppression, power and humanity. Thanks for the ARC, James.
I've started No Safe Haven by @jamesldulin.bsky.social and it's great to be back in Ennea. I've been looking forward to my reunion with the engaging characters in this world. No Heart for a Thief was a 2023 highlight for me and I'm expecting another captivating story told through brilliant prose.
October 4, 2023 at 7:52 PM
I've started No Safe Haven by @jamesldulin.bsky.social and it's great to be back in Ennea. I've been looking forward to my reunion with the engaging characters in this world. No Heart for a Thief was a 2023 highlight for me and I'm expecting another captivating story told through brilliant prose.
I've completed Call of the Bone Ships by @rjbarker.bsky.social
and what a gripping, emotional journey it was. Thanks to Jord - youtube.com/@MiddleofNow... - and the Page Turners Discord for hosting the buddy read. Now it's on to the final leg of the voyage, which will be later this month for me.
and what a gripping, emotional journey it was. Thanks to Jord - youtube.com/@MiddleofNow... - and the Page Turners Discord for hosting the buddy read. Now it's on to the final leg of the voyage, which will be later this month for me.
October 4, 2023 at 11:29 AM
I've completed Call of the Bone Ships by @rjbarker.bsky.social
and what a gripping, emotional journey it was. Thanks to Jord - youtube.com/@MiddleofNow... - and the Page Turners Discord for hosting the buddy read. Now it's on to the final leg of the voyage, which will be later this month for me.
and what a gripping, emotional journey it was. Thanks to Jord - youtube.com/@MiddleofNow... - and the Page Turners Discord for hosting the buddy read. Now it's on to the final leg of the voyage, which will be later this month for me.