Ava - A Priya Novel by Ashley Barron

I have always said that there were Indie Gems out there and Ava is certainly one. Set in Washington DC, this is the first book in a series about a group of wealthy well-connected female friends called the Priyas. Each book in the series will follow a different woman. I enjoyed Ava very much. The writing is excellent and the characters are well drawn.  There are a lot of Priyas and I have to admit to being slightly overwhelmed when I first met them but I realised that it didn't matter. They soon started to sort themselves out, rather like meeting a whole class for the first time. My one complaint would be that the cover does not do it justice. I realise that pink is Ava's colour and I am guessing that each one will be a different colour but I would not have picked it up in a bookshop. I discovered the book from Ashley Barron's excellent website a link to which is on this blog.

The novel is unashamedly romantic and very emotional (there was a tear in the eye - I will admit that), but it never becomes too schmaltzy. I think this is because it is also a thriller. There are lives at stake and I really cared what happened to the characters. This is, I am delighted to say, a cross genre novel and how I love those. Highly Recommended.

Lions of the Grail by Tim Hodkinson

Lions of the Grail is a historical adventure set in Ireland in 1315. The characters are well drawn and believable and the story flows smoothly. Tim Hodkinson sets the scene very well and the descriptive writing is excellent. He is at his best during the action scenes but maybe not so assured when it comes to the more emotional side. The period has obviously been well researched and I found the historical detail interesting and informative. It was skilfully fed into the narrative without sounding like a lecture.
I would have to say that the book is in need of editing as there are many grammatical and spelling errors which I began to find irritating. I am happy to recommend it nonetheless as it is a jolly good read.

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke

Jaguar Sun by Martha Bourke is a paranormal romance for young adults. Maya Delaney is an apparently normal teenager at a New Mexico high school who discovers that she has strange powers and that she is destined to fulfill an ancient Mayan prophecy. I absolutely love the cover and I'm sure it will encourage readers to look inside.  The novel is well written and well researched. The information about the Mayan culture is fed into the narrative without coming across as a lecture. The story moves quickly which is essential for a young adult book and mercifully, there are no vampires. Above all, it is a romantic, coming of age novel about love and freindship which will appeal to its intended audience. It appealed to this considerably older adult and I am happy to recommend it.

Blackmore's Treasure by Derek G. Rogers

I am very happy to recommend Blackmore's Treasure, a historical novel for children and young adults by Derek G. Rogers. Set during the English Civil War this is a time travel story about a thirteen year old boy Tobias Allinson who suffers a serious injury and dreams that he is his own ancestor who fights in the Battle of Naseby. The narrative is clear and easy to read and the period setting very well drawn. The transition from present day to the past and back were cleverly managed and entirely believable. I also enjoyed the historical content and felt that I had learned something. If I have one tiny nitpick it is that when characters speak in dialect this is done phonetically which does have the effect of halting the narrative flow. Having said that, I enjoyed it immensely and I do hope there is more in the pipeline from Derek Rogers. If we are to get children interested in reading and in history, this is the way to do it. Highly recommended.

Peggy Pinch Policeman's Wife by Malcolm Noble

My latest Indie recommendation is Peggy Pinch Policeman's Wife by Malcolm Noble.The novel is set in an English village in 1926 on the eve of the General Strike. Peggy Pinch must solve a murder in order to save her husband's job. It is a murder mystery but more than that, it is a snapshot of village life in the twenties complete with gossip, petty arguments, complex relationships and secrets. This is a very well written book with a light touch and just the right amount of description to set the scene without slowing down the story. I was initially put off by the cover which I do not think represents the contents at all but I am glad I did not judge this particular book by its cover and I am happy to recommend it.

The Serpent in the Glass by D. M. Andrews

My latest recommendation is The Serpent in the Glass by D.M. Andrews. This is a fantasy novel for readers of all ages. Thomas Farrell has been living as an unpaid servant in the home of his adopted parents until on his eleventh birthday, he receives an invitation to attend the mysterious Darkledun Manor, a school for gifted children. So far, so Harry Potter, but although there are several similarities, this is a very different story. The novel is peopled by interesting and believable characters both child and adult, and there are humourous moments which made me chuckle. Although the story starts slowly, the ending is fast paced and satisying and although most of Thomas's questions are answered, there are enough remaining to ensure that a sequel must be on the way.

Gray Justice by Alan McDermott

My latest recommendation is Gray Justice by Alan McDermott. This is a thriller which moves along quickly and  has a few twists and turns along the way. Tom Gray has suffered a double tragedy and finds an original way to bring those responsible to justice. In fact the word original has been used to describe the story and I would agree with that. It is not your run of the mill thriller. The narrative style is easy to read and carries you forward effortlessly.

The ending was not what I expected which always pleases me.  Also the reader is left with unanswered questions which of course will encourage you to buy the second book Gray Resurrection. Both books are available for Kindle on Amazon.