Reviewer: @shelves_by_sim (Instagram)
To say Zephyrus really made a name for himself in The North Wind would be an understatement, so I was really interested to see how Warwick would turn him around and create a an MMC that we would love. I really enjoyed the setting of this book, we move between what’s basically a convent and Under (which is the fae realm). I loved the weird and wonderful creatures in a world like this, how different the fair folk can be! It’s whimsical and I really just love it.
I enjoyed the plot in this one too, it was good to see a more humble side of Zephyrus. He came off as a really broken character in this one and I think his character growth was so well done. The journey into under was exciting, filled with twists and turns and interesting side characters. And Brielle is so determined to complete the task she is given – even if she was paired up with one of the worst girls. Harper really made me want to pull my hair out for most of this book, but again, the character development in some of these characters were so good!
I did like Zephyrus, maybe not a much as Boreas but I have no complaints about him, and the epilogue was so adorable! I am not sure if I really loved Brielle though, she started off strong and I really did enjoy the direction she was heading but then it felt like she kind of got stuck, I would have expected a stronger character with a little more resolve! I think she allowed her life in the abbey to muffle who she could have been! Other than that, I really enjoyed this story!
Reviewer: @fandomsandfiction_ (Instagram)
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reading this book was an experience. Provocative writing, diversely complex characters and a nonlinear narrative make for an intriguing and compelling read. Following the intertwined stories of 4 Nigerian women, each with values and lifestyles vastly different from the other, Adichie explores some of the many facets of African identity, womanhood, race, gender conventions, socioeconomic disparities, and the unique global adjustment that had to be made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I admit when I first picked up this book and realised it was set in the pandemic (at least partly so), I was put-off. I was not ready to reface the chaos and tragedy of this time. I was content with it comfortably and quietly sitting as a memory in the corner of my mind. But I continued reading and soon this memory was sparked into action. Surprisingly, I did not hate it. In fact, I quite enjoyed the reflection it brought. It was somewhat therapeutic.
Reading these women’s stories, getting to experience their experiences and access to their thoughts, opened my world to new perspectives and ideas. There’s dreamy and caring Chiamaka, a travel writer from a wealthy family whose desire for a specific kind of love has her spending the pandemic’s isolation in contemplation over past relationships. Meanwhile, her bold and self-made cousin Omelegor contests with questions of life, happiness and morality. Omelegor constantly clashes with Chia’s best friend Zikora, the third woman in the woven tapestry of this novel. Ambitious and upright Zikora finds herself in an unexpected situation when, despite doing everything “right” in her life, she is left a single mother. And then there’s Chia’s housekeeper, the gentle and hard-working Kadiatou, whose life takes a traumatic turn, exposing the harsh injustice and inequalities of society (this character is based on a real story! which makes it all the more heartbreaking… 💔).
Following the scattered fragments and intertwined links of this novel left me with lots to think about. I really enjoyed Adichie’s writing and found this a stimulating read!
Reviewer: @x_chrissie_reads_x(Instagram)
Khaki Fever is a sweet South African safari story where the plot is of quick succession, bringing forth the hilarious, cute and inspiring self-growth journey of Alex. This is the pinnacle of the South African experience which was described and presented brilliantly by the author! Within the pages of Khaki Fever, a familiar sense of feeling fell over me, the feeling of home. The basis of the story, game drives, braais, the Afrikaans phrases, it all tied into what I love most!
As I turned the pages, smiles and laughter came easily. The sparks that the side characters evoked engulfed the story in a warm ember. Every person had their own unique antics that brought such fun to every chapter. A family filled with avoidance and self-obsessed behaviour, friends who finally offer the hand of friendship to Alex-Khaki Fever brings a warmth to your soul, a cozy blanket of beautiful moments interwoven with the lessons of self-growth x
However, the plot progressed with rapid speed which made the moments of intense importance feel dull and less impactful than hoped. I felt great disappointment when the romantic aspect of the story was not delved into. Small moments of romance leaked through the words, but most of it remained heavily underdeveloped. Alex and her love interest seemed to have a slight disconnect due to the nature of the author’s writing and how the plot was structured.
Even though the writing wasn’t my cup of tea, I still found a lot of joy in reading Khaki Fever. It had introspective messages regarding oneself and was displayed through various character journeys which added that extra touch.
Reviewer: @readingpapillon(Instagram)
Another thrilling Eve Dallas novel I devoured.
It started out reading like a Dan Brown novel – all mysterious and sinister in the prologue. Then chapter one hits you with a murder in New York City under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team.
This time though, it’s a little personal. Eve goes out of her way to ensure the safety of the other targets and to get to the bottom of the case. It’s a cat and mouse chase with the perpetrator trying unsuccessfully to out manoeuvre the NYPSD, but little do they know that Eve and the team are steps ahead.
If you’ve been following the series, then I think this might be the best book yet, because of that personal element to it.
Here we get a glimpse into the mysterious Summerset’s past. His relationship with Eve was always testy at best, but I think in this book, their respect for each other shows more than in other books. Learning of his past and how he lost his family was a little emotional. Then the responsibility he feels when he brings death to the door of Eve and Roarke.
As with all previous novels, the team at the NYPSD work together under the leadership of Eve and the expert civilian consultant Roake to track down and uncover all the hidden treasures of the case, making the arrest that more sweeter for Eve.
There’s lots of research involved in this case and not a lot of field work, but the job is done.
My favourite book out of all so far. I’m looking forward to many more adventures with Eve and Roarke.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Eve, Peabody, Roarke and the team get 5 stars
Reviewer: @theratherslowreader (Instagram)
I went into this book knowing very little about Boudicca beyond the broad strokes of history – and came away feeling like I had walked beside her through fire. This is a novel that doesn’t just retell the story of a rebellion; it reimagines a woman’s legacy through grit, grief, and divine defiance.
P.C. Cast introduces us to a Boudicca who is not only a warrior queen, but a mother driven by love and rage in equal measure. Her leadership isn’t about brute strength alone – it’s about vision, instinct, and sacred connection to the land and her people. The novel doesn’t soften the horrors of Roman occupation or the cost of rising up against it, and that honesty gives Boudicca’s resistance even more weight. There’s blood, sorrow, and trauma here, but also community, ritual, and resilience.
The mythological elements were some of my favorite parts. Rather than feeling like fantasy for its own sake, the presence of goddesses, omens, and Druids fits naturally into the worldview of the characters. These moments add spiritual texture and raise the stakes without breaking the historical immersion. Cast’s writing has a dreamy, ceremonial quality, especially in scenes of prophecy or divine presence, and it contrasts powerfully with the visceral, brutal moments of war.
Though romance is not the focus, there are emotional threads that deepen the story. I wouldn’t call it romantasy – but love, in all its forms, is central.
This is a heavier, more serious novel than some might expect – but it’s bold, moving, and beautifully written. I’d absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with powerful women at the center – and who aren’t afraid to sit with difficult truths.
