Book Review: When the Dog's Don't Bark: A Forensic Scientist's Search for the Truth by Angela Gallop

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

When the Dogs Don’t Bark follows forensic scientist Angela Gallop as she discusses her 40 year career within the profession. What follows is an outline of a number of her most memorable cases interspersed with the history and development of forensic sciences within the UK and it’s importance in the conviction, and defense, of individuals accused of a variety of crimes. 

What immediately comes across while reading this is just how complicated and varied forensic science is. Far from standing in ditches collecting evidence from a crime scene, forensic scientists are wide reaching and branch into different specialties, from chemical, entomology, and one of the fastest growing - digital forensics. Often they must possess a thought process a little ‘outside the box’ too by taking the extra step of recreating scenarios in labs to determine the most probably outcome and unlock the truth about what happened at the crime scene. Two instances that stand out are when she mentions recreating the action of pushing a mop around a kitchen floor to exonerate a man accused of murder, and shooting a suspended pig carcass with a shotgun to discover where a specific shot went. 

Other than a few glimmers of interesting cases and scenarios, this was a rather dry book to get through unfortunately. A lot of time is spent describing the different kinds of forensic scientists there are, and the various techniques which are used. It’s very science based, and talks in great detail about methodologies. There’s also a lot of detail regarding Gallop’s professional career and various businesses, however I found this could have been condensed, as it really took away from the more interesting cases. I think the book was approached very much like a scientific report, using cases to back up Gallop’s explanations of various techniques instead of letting the cases speak for themselves. It feels almost clinical at times, and there’s just no heart to the stories. A lot of the cases she mentions, she states she doesn’t know the outcome, and this got very frustrating at times as it came across as feeling unfinished and a little emotionless. Perhaps some more of her own personal background may have helped here, as we learnt a lot about her professional life but hardly anything personal.

I do find the synopsis a little misleading, as there’s no real depth to any of the memorable cases, sometimes they consisting of only a few paragraphs, and they are rather few and far between. The bulk of the book is centered around Gallop’s career and her explanations of what forensic scientists do. In this regard it’s meticulous in its presentation, but it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. 

Interesting if you want to expand your knowledge of what forensic science is, but don’t go into it expecting lots of true crime stories or cases.

Book Review: Under the Wig: A Lawyer's Stories of Murder, Guilt and Innocence by William Clegg, QC

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I’ve always been interested in the law. Not to the extent that I’ve wanted to be involved career wise (I’m firmly in team health professional), but I think it’s more an interest in the unknown and archaic world of the British justice system. It’s riddled with traditions that make it distinctly unique (mentioned here are the ‘nosegays’ given to judges at the Old Bailey, and the displaying of one of the great swords of the City of London in the court of the most senior judge) and I just find that fascinating. Under the Wig helps lift that lid into this rather closeted world, and really brought to life a world I, respectfully, hope never to be deeply involved in. 

This read like a memoir in part, as we follow William Clegg QC he starts his career in law, eventually leading to him ‘taking the silk’ and becoming a barrister and head of chambers. Interspersed between this are the stories of some of his most memorable cases in the world of murder, fraud and war criminals. I liked this method of writing, because it broke up would could have been an otherwise ‘dry’ subject with injections of humour, compassion and humility. Law is so complicated, and the book needed this touch of ‘down to earth’ to appeal to a wider audience. 

There were a number of topics that I had no idea about, especially Legal Aid, that I found really interesting. There was a distinct amount of passion for the subject of ‘pro bono’ cases, and the reduction in government funding that has a massive knock on effect in the profession that I had no idea about. Everything in law seems to have a cause and effect that influences everyone from the secretaries and clerks to the solicitors and barristers. It’s stressed a number of times that it’s seen as a family, and this was very endearing to me. 

It was also really interesting to read a book from ‘the other side’, from a defence perspective rather than prosecution. This was particularly true in the Miss Yeates murder trial, where he was on the defence team. I found myself on a couple of occasions comparing it to a number of FBI heavy novels I’ve read (Mindhunter springs to mind), and seeing the various methods employed by both, and the differences they have. It was fascinating. William Clegg QC is very much anti capital punishment because of possible miscarriages of justice, and I thought he did a good job of putting his reasons for this across. 

I did find at times that the author comes across as quite reserved, as if he’s holding something back. I think this is a downfall to his profession, where the poker face is key, but I really wanted a bit ‘more’ emotion. He readily admits at one point that he’s not sentimental or emotional, rapidly moving on from case to case (a decent coping mechanism with such a heavy workload) but I think I could have connected better with him if he’d shown a bit more vulnerability. 

An excellent read into a world that before now has been largely hidden from me. Highly recommended for lovers of the law and true crime to gain a truely unique perspective from the defence side.

Book Review: Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

Catwoman explores the origins of Selina Kyle: assassin, master jewel thief, sister. We see her rise from the poverty stricken streets of Gotham as she fights for her sister’s wellbeing, before being reborn as a Wraith - the ultimate weapon to bring down the city that dismissed her in her time of need.

I liked the story, and I enjoyed the fresh approach to Selina’s story. She’s portrayed as an ultimately vulnerable young woman who’s just trying to find her place in the world and I could often see these undercurrents of sadness as she fights her way across Gotham. I like that she’s multifaceted, which is how Catwoman should be. She’s not a hero, and doesn’t pretend to be one, but she’s also not a villain. Everything she does is for a greater purpose, even if her means of getting there may be portrayed as slightly dubious.

However, it’s her relationship with Ivy and Harley that was a real highlight for me. The three of them are presented as flawed, damaged beyond compare, yet they still manage to form this incredibly strong bond that’s also highly complicated - due in no small part to Harley’s inexplicable bond to the Joker. The three are sometimes a mirror image of each other too, and I think that’s why their relationship is so powerful. Each has a deeply troubled past, lacking in love and respect, and they find this in each other. I would have loved to see more interaction between them and have this relationship explored on a deeper level.

Selina’s relationship with Batwing I found more lacklustre. There’s no real development in their relationship in my opinion, and it just comes across as a little forced. Batwing himself is a decent character with enough backstory to carry a story of his own, but here he really just feels like a stand in to the stars of the show and it comes across as very one dimensional. I do think it’s harder to make the heroes more interesting. There’s less scope to give them complicated moral dilemmas to overcome, and unfortunately Batwing does suffer because of this.

I also found the plot a little lacking. The reveals are a little obvious, told without that art of subtlety I’ve come to expect in Maas. It feels very clunky at times, and the pacing is a bit all over the place - going from fight scene to pages of monologue with no in between.

I think I’m not a big enough fan of the genre to continue the rest of this series, but I’m glad I took the time to read this one. Catwoman is by far one of the most entertaining characters in the DC universe.

 - 3 stars

Book Review: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

It's my birthday today, so I'm reviewing one of my favourite books of last year.

Laini Taylor writes the most beautiful prose, and can spin the most magical stories. Her characters are complex, complicated and flawed. Muse of Nightmares is no exception. This follows directly on from Strange the Dreamer, with no time in between. We’re taken straight into the story, and almost hit the ground running as we see Lazlo and Minya face off for the first time. It’s Minya who’s the star here, especially during the first half of the book. She’s bitter and spiteful, using Lazlo’s love for Sarai for her own agenda. The subtleties she has over her power, the ability to hold and wield the souls of the dead, and the way these are exposed to her ‘family’ are wonderful to read. She’s an individual starved of love who’s witnessed an event no one, but especially a child, should ever witness and it’s changed her irrevocably. She’s an utterly unique and wonderful character to read. Her unpredictability combined with this immense sense of responsibility just makes for such an interesting girl. She’s vicious and unrelenting, yet fiercely loyal.

Muse of Nightmares also sees the expansion of the backstory we are first introduced to in Strange the Dreamer. We see Skathis and the other Gods before the beginning of their reign of terror over Weep, and we finally discover the horrifying reason for the Godspawn. The two stories interweave with a degree of subtlety that develops into a wonderful conclusion, and the introduction of new character’s Nova and Kora fit well into the already developed tale. I was particularly taken with the strong bond between Nova and Kora, and their persistent and ever present belief in each other. They’re another example of the irreparable damage Skathis has caused for his own greedy gain, but also of how strong the bond of love can be and the perseverance of both.

Towards the end of the novel we’re given a little hint of the wider universes and how they link to Laini’s previous novels, which was cleverly done (and made me do a little inward squeal). I really hope that the world’s we’ve been exposed to can be further developed as the conclusion to this story was left open ended enough to do that. I’d love to see Karou interact with these characters who have also been perceived as vile and unnatural, much like the persecuted chimaera of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

I really don’t think my review could ever do this novel enough justice. I just love Laini Taylor’s ability to take characters you wouldn’t expect to find as the ‘heroes’ and flip the idea on its head. The Gods are the antagonists, yet their reviled children are the innocents. It’s just such a unique concept, and I love it and will probably continue to love everything she writes.

 - 5 stars

Book Review: Listening to the Animals: Becoming the Supervet by Noel Fitzpatrick

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Noel Fitzpatrick is perhaps best known in the UK for his tv programme ‘The Supervet’, which centres around his small animal practice treating exceptionally difficult cases with a certain degree of innovation and passion. His book looks deeper into this passion for his work, as well as expanding on Noel’s life growing up in rural Ireland, and his difficult route to the so called ‘field of dreams’.

I have so much respect of Noel. He has a wonderful work, and life, ethic - believing that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough for it. And he has shown that himself from the large amount of time and effort he’s put into his profession, advancing veterinary medicine to the benefit of thousands of animals.

Reading about Noel’s upbringing on a rural Irish farm, there’s a vulnerability to his writing that makes him instantly endearing. It really feels like he’s writing from the heart and you can feel his passion and warmth. He writes honestly about his struggles with bullies and the isolation he felt, and growing up with the beloved farm dog Pirate, who was his only confidante. At times I was truely brought close to tears.

I particularly enjoyed the later chapters, as we join Noel on his quest to secure his own practice and improve the veterinary medicine specialisms of orthopaedics and neurosurgery. I have a dachshund myself, and I know that in the future we may have back problems in Monty that 10 years ago would have meant he would have been put down. Now, thanks to Noel, there’s a hope within the field that he could undergo procedures that could lead to a long and healthy life. That’s all down to Noel and his absolute belief in what he does. Thank you Noel. If only more people had the compassion you show for our four legged family members.

If anything, I would have liked to have read more tales from the various practices he ‘locumed’ for, as I think he spent a greater amount of time describing his experiences on farm animal cases (which I still really enjoyed - especially the story about the drunk lads and the cow ceasarean!). But, honestly, I really enjoyed this. A must read for any animal lover, told with no end of enthusiasm and love.

 - 4 stars

Book Review: The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderfully creepy little book, perfect for this time of year. The Twisted Tree tells the story of Martha, a girl who can feel people’s memories when she touches their clothing, as she returns to Norway after growing concerned for her grandmother’s safety. What follows is a story steeped in Norse mythology, tentative friendships and one incredibly scary monster lurking in the woods.

Martha is a great character. Her ability to see people’s secrets just by touching others clothes is such a unique concept, and one that has come with a price. She’s blind in one eye, scarred for life following an incident at the twisted tree in her grandmother’s back garden. And this incident has perhaps scarred Martha more than she initially lets on. She’s guarded, closed off from her parents and the one friend she has back in London, and unwilling to interact with people. She also sees herself as hideous, a monster, who no one could ever love - let alone like. It’s this vulnerability that really drew me to Martha, and made me really feel for her.

Stig is also an interesting character. From his sudden appearance and very shady, secretive background, to his hidden feelings of jealousy and self hatred - he mirrors a lot of Martha’s personality while also being a different kind of closed off. When the two characters are together, they perfectly mirror each other’s growing confusion and anxiousness to create a wonderfully creepy atmosphere. They bounce off each other on such a level that their tentative friendship feels comfortable and develops perfectly over time. Their feelings for each other are subtle, and enhance the story rather than overpowering it. They both need each other for different reasons.

It’s the atmospheric feel of the book that really gives this an edge, that builds into a frenzied crescendo right until the end. Most of the book is played out within Martha’s grandma’s cabin, and the feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety roll off the pages as we find both Stig and Martha struggling to cope with what lies in wait for them outside, and in. The vast emptiness of outside crowding in, almost as if the environment and the twisted tree are a living being, coupled with the fleeting hints of terror from ghosts, whispers on the winds, and one very tense excursion into the woods all made me feel incredibly creeped out. I loved it.

The only reason for not giving this 5 stars? I felt there was a lot of unfinished business with Stig. At the end of the novel I had more questions than answers with regards to his past and personality and I felt more could have been done to tie up these loose ends.

This is an impressive debut, that’s perfectly suited to those that enjoy the creepy and atmospheric mingled with a unique magical concept steeped in mythology. I couldn’t put it down, and I eagerly await what the author has next to offer. Highly recommend.

 - 4 stars

Book Review: World of Lore: Dreadful Places by Aaron Mahnke

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The latest instalment in the ‘Lore’ series, this follows the stories that surround the dark and sinister places in our lore. As usual it’s easy to read, with a friendly and familiar writing style that lends itself well to these types of stories. It’s as though the writer is talking around a camping fire with old friends, relaying spooky stories - which is exactly how these tales should be told.

The stories and places covered range from New Orleans, Scottish castles, the American colonies and ghost ships and it’s very good at dipping the readers toe into this range of stories and folklore that can then be followed up in greater depth by the reader if they want to. It never lingers too long on one story or subject, offering an introduction and background to the tale and a brief outline before moving on. This meant that if one story didn’t intrigue me, I was quickly swept up into the next one, and the next. I was particularly taken with the sections on New Orleans and ghost ships. These areas were deeply atmospheric and creepy, with unexplained tales that were genuinely chilling.

The first section is very ‘America’ centric, and I was a little less interested in these stories because of their lack of richness and history. America itself is a relatively new country in my eyes, and somewhat lacks the magical and ethereal elements that more ancient cultures have in abundance. I also found it was quite flippant at times in its portrayal of slavery and the associated atrocities.

However, the later chapters do branch out into the wider world and this is where the book came into its own as it allowed for a broader scope in stories. Folklore is so fascinating, and so unique to each culture and local area that I felt it was necessary to do this. It’s an organic thing, that evolves and changes with the people, as well as helping to join a community together through socialisation and the author does well to get this across here. It’s evident he has a passion for the subject, and a need to spread these stories like our ancestors did. It’s a way of keeping the tales alive.

Another great addition to the ‘Lorek series. I really enjoy these books, and this is perfect to read at this time of year for a creepy little night in.

 - 4 stars

Book Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

I’m a slave for fads and those ‘most talked about’ lists, so obviously I had to read this. Especially as I watched the Netflix movie first (granted I haven’t watched all of it yet) and I admit it was cute. I’m not normally a fan of anything contemporary, especially YA, but this I enjoyed.

I think I liked the overall feel the most. It’s like a toasty ham and cheese sandwich. It’s comforting, friendly, with no nasty after tastes. Everything is kept sweet and innocent with lots of lovely family moments, and I enjoyed experiencing them all with Lara Jean. Yes, at times her personality was a little grating. She’s ‘too’ nice sometimes, and comes across as a pushover but then I see a lot of myself at her age reflected in her character. She’s an introvert who loves to read. I’m sure a lot of people on Goodreads can relate to that. I also liked that this isn’t so much a typical YA contemporary. The story feels like it’s as much about Lara Jeans family as it is about friends, and these important boys, in her life.

The romance elements, although obvious, are also well thought out and develop reasonably well over the course of the book. You can see the relationships grow over the course of the story and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I grew to enjoy Peter in particular. He’s charismatic and likeable. The ying to Lara Jean’s yang.

At times I did find the plot a little meandering, with a slow pace. Not much happens between Lara Jean, Peter and Josh for a long time and although I can appreciate that this was to build up various relationships, I would have liked a bit of drama or excitement along the way. Because of this, it took me longer than normal to read as I found I couldn’t invest myself in the story. I’m glad I stuck it out though, as the last third of the story really comes into its own to a rather satisfying (although very much a cliffhanger) conclusion.

It was cute, and I didn’t hate it, which is always a bonus. However, I don’t think I’ll be reading the other books in the series.

 - 3 stars

Book Review: The Towering Sky by Katharine McGee

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Towering Sky is the third and final instalment of futuristic teen series ‘The Thousandth Floor’. Following in the same vein as the previous books, we see our privileged and beautiful narrators as they navigate the fall out of various secrets finally coming to light, mixed in with a little teen angst and drama.

This instalment is really all about Avery and her relationship with adopted brother Atlas, as well as being the ‘darling’ of the New York scene and the travails this incurs. I like Avery. She’s described as a genetically designed perfect individual, but she never sees herself as this. In fact, she’s deeply insecure, constantly comparing herself to her friends while remaining deeply loyal to the end. She comes across as a genuinely good character, who exudes a warmth while remaining charismatic and interesting. This can be hard to do in novels like this, where most characters appear vapid with little substance to them. Avery is more complex than this, and I would say she’s well developed.

Leda is another well developed character, troubled by her unpredictable nature and struggling with her past actions. It was nice to see her interactions with Avery and Watt, although I did find the conclusion to her storyline a little too ‘neat’. I would have liked to have seen her interact with the other narrators a bit more too. Especially Rylin, who she shares a lot in common with.

The weakest character was Calliope. I found her storyline unnecessary, and she comes across as more of an enigma. We don’t know much about her history, and I found myself not really caring. Her story also isn’t linked in anyway to the main plot, and aside from a brief interaction with Avery she doesn’t communicate with any of the other characters - making her a little redundant. I could have done without her to be honest, and felt that as a whole her character had an air of ‘missed opportunity’ about it. She could have been very handy to have around as Avery’s world decends into chaos. I also found Rylin a bit of an accessory, and her storyline was rather bland and predictable.

I found this very similar in tone to the other novels in the series. It’s a total guilty pleasure that is very easy to read, and flows reasonably well. It’s nevr going to win literary awards for the writing style. It’s simplistic, and very ‘young’ in tone - but this suits the overall feel of the novel. I will say that I was disappointed in certain plot points that petered out and didn’t conclude to my satisfaction - such as the murder mystery element that started well, and then was sort of forgotten about only to be hurriedly concluded. I also found certain reveals of secrets that have been built up over the course of the three novels to fall rather flat, which was disappointing. I wanted to see more the fallout, rather than the rushed ending that I got. I wanted more of the trauma, and less of the fairy tale.

That said, this was entertaining and a rather enjoyable light read after some heavy nonfiction. Would recommend.

 - 3 stars

Book Review: The Secret Teacher: Dispatches From the Classroom by Anon

The Secret Tracher follows an anonymous NQT during his first tumultuous years at an inner city school. We see the changing nature of the job, the politics and harsh working environments but most importantly we see the children he teaches and how he learns to adapt and learn from them to become a better teacher.

This was an ok read, perfect for this time of year as we gear up for ‘back to school’. The setting was explored well, and there’s the full range of characters from various background you would expect from an inner city school - from the overachieving or troubled pupil to the ‘perfect’ teacher. At times I found the author skimmed the surface of these characters, going into very brief detail about them before moving on to someone or something else. This meant I didn’t really get any kind of emotional attachment to anyone.

I also found the author a bit standoffish and condescending at times, meaning I struggled to connect with him too. He could come across as quite abrasive, making fun of some of the children he teaches and his colleagues in a way that was quite mean and unnecessary. It felt like he was laughing at the pupils and his colleagues rather than with them, which I didn’t like. I think that if we perhaps knew more about the author he would have appeared more ‘human’.

The writing also jumps from being quite engaging in places to just being a bit dull. I’m not a teacher myself, and have no interest to be, so the sections on the work aspect of the job as opposed to the more emotional side involving the children I just didn’t find interesting. It also doesn’t flow particularly well, with only a rough timeline of events over the course of a few years meaning it was hard for me to read.

I think I’ll stick to my preferred medical biographies, but this might appeal to those within the teaching profession who can perhaps relate to the highs and lows of teaching.

 - 3 stars

Book Review: Unnatural Causes by Richard Shepherd

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw this on Netgalley, I was intrigued. I was already reading a book on the concept of death and what comes after for bodies (The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers) so I was fascinated to read about the work of a pathologist in a world that still feels very inaccessible to the general public. The book encompasses many famous cases that Richard Shepherd has been directly involved with during what could be called the ‘golden age’ of pathology,  as well as examining the personal troubles pathologists may face in the course of their career.

My first thought while reading was just how ‘human’ Richard Shepherd came across in his writing. He treats his patients with obvious care, and has a great passion for the profession and with passing that knowledge on. It was lovely to read about an individual who actively seeks to improve their profession, not only for their own benefit, but for the greater good. His writing certainly made the concept of post mortem more acceptable and less ‘scary’ or morbid.

I found the content itself rather mixed. I think this is a result of the fact it was written over a long period of time, and is full of information, but unfortunately not all of it is that compelling. I loved the chapters based around his work and cases, which ranged from mass disasters like the Marchioness sinking to famous cases such as the Stephen Lawrence murder and Princess Diana. These cases are often described quite clinically, with a detached scientific approach, of how the autopsies are carried out and the processes and agencies involved. It’s empathetic and to the point but without getting too personal. The earlier sections also include some almost ‘Sherlock Holmes’ style deductions to cases that helped determine what happened to the deceased, which I really enjoyed. However, these become less frequent as the book progresses due to the changing nature of pathology as a profession and the introduction of DNA evidence.

There are also some truly heartbreaking chapters dedicated to the difficult, and often controversial, subject of child autopsies. The subject is dealt with delicately, with a range of cases explored, while still managing to convey the emotional difficulties encountered by all involved.

I would say that the book does tend to jump from case to case quite rapidly, sometimes disrupting the overall flow of the book. As it progresses these examples of cases also become less frequent, which was a shame as I found them so interesting. However, the latter half is compelling on a more personal level, as we see the harsher realities of experiencing so much death, as well as the often unnerving cross examinations in court which can lead to self doubt and PTSD. I personally would have preferred less focus on the author’s private life as I was less interested in it, however it does make him feel more approachable.

A thoughtful insight into a closeted world that’s told with obvious passion and extensive knowledge of the subject.

 - 4 stars

Book Review: The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful story. The Storm Keeper’s Island follows Fionn, sent to the island of Arranmore with his sister Tara when his mother becomes too ill to care for him, into the care of his grandfather. Fionn’s grandfather is the Storm Keeper of Arranmore. The maker of storms and wielder of elemental magic that protects against the darkness of ancient sorcery. With Fionn’s arrival, this darkness starts to awaken, leading Fionn to face his fears and protect the people he loves the most.

The characters are so full of life and vigour, and really help to propel the story forward by making you care about them. Fionn and Tara have a typical sibling relationship full of bickering and fighting that’s only heightened by Tara’s teenage love for Fionn’s island enemy Bartley. It’s obvious they love each other however, and the sibling bond comes into full effect as the story progresses. I would have liked to have seen more of Tara. She’s quite the enigmatic teenager who spends most of her time either in her room or roaming the island with Bartley, and I felt she had a lot of potential that wasn’t fully explored as she comes across as quite a resilient and tough character.

It was the relationship between Fionn and his grandfather that really stood out for me. It’s a relationship full of joy and a love for each other that’s also tinged with sadness and sentimentality as it develops. It’s a passing of knowledge and stories about the island and their family from a master to the apprentice, told with a sprinkling of magic and mystery. Add to this Fionn’s desperate longing to hear stories about his father, a man who died a hero before he was born, and you get a real sense of love between these characters. Fionn’s desire to see his father Cormac is built upon to create a wonderful bittersweet moment that is both subtle and elegantly done to such an extent that it took me by surprise, yet was also so obviously meant to happen. The writing really is outstanding.

The secondary characters we meet throughout the story help support and encourage a feeling of community spirit amongst the islanders. You get the feeling that everyone of the island has a strong familial connection to the area, and will do anything to protect it and their ancient traditions. Any outsider would have a hard time integrating into the island life without a host of eyes casting suspicious glances.

The island itself could also be said to be a character in its own right. Descriptions are vivid, and really big to mind a feral and wild environment that’s filled with hidden beauty. It has a personality all of its own that welcomes and calls to Fionn and his desire to be free from his familial responsibilities. The descriptions of the weather also add to this overall atmospheric feel, and allow the reader to become deeply involved in the island. I was desperate to smell the sea air, and feel the gusty wind on my back as I stood at the port with Fionn. It’s also so distinctly and passionately Irish, and I love that.

The plot is full of mystery and magic. It’s well paced and the world building is well explored and explained properly. It’s simple, to the point, yet also compelling and believable while retaining a uniqueness about it. The writing carries you through the story as if told by an old friend or relative, with a hint of folktale about it. You could almost imagine it being told over a fire like tales of the past. My only niggle was the ending. There’s a certain degree of unfinished business that sets the story up for a follow up, however I can forgive this given the wonderful story.

I’m excited for the next novel, and would honestly encourage anyone who loves a story steeped in magic and familial love to read this.

 - 5 stars