Historical Fiction |

30Nov 2022 by Luke Harkness 2 Comments

River God by Wilbur Smith book review

As a kid I was a massive Ancient Egypt nerd - I even had a folder in which I'd put a load of information I'd printed off about Ancient Egypt almost as my own encyclopedia of knowledge. I even bookmarked the different sections. I'm not sure what gripped me so much about that era but I found the whole idea fascinating. Something to do with them having different Gods which don't exist today, the way they mummified their dead, the way they built the pyramids, the vast tombs and treasures they built and wielded. Ancient Egypt almost feels like a fantasy culture - that's probably why. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links provided below, I…

19Nov 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid book review

Book reviews, Historical Fiction

I thought The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was one of the best books I've read since I finished it last month. So when Daisy Jones and the Six came in the post, I popped it on Twitter and it received a lot of positive comments, I knew I had to give it a go. And wow - I'm so glad I did! Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. Daisy Jones and the Six is about... it won't surprise you... Daisy Jones and the band called The Six. It follows…

21Oct 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Spirit Engineer by A.J. West book review

Book reviews, Historical Fiction, Horror, Thriller

I was kindly sent The Spirit Engineer by Duckworth Books after I asked if they'd send me a copy (you don't ask, you don't get)! Why did I ask for it? Well, two reasons: the front cover is absolutely stunning and the reviews for it were all coming back as really positive! Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the link below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. Please also note that this book was sent to me by Duckworth Books in return for an honest review. The Spirit Engineer is a (an? who knows!) historical fiction novel based on…

06Oct 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid book review

Book reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a book I've had on my mental TBR for a long time. I've not owned the Kindle version and up until a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have the physical copy either. However, it was high on my list as I'd heard nothing but great things about it with one of my friends saying it was their favourite book of all time. Is it now also mine? Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links provided below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo focuses, as…

28Sep 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke book review

Book reviews, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell has a lot of fans. When I posted that I'd started it on social media, it received a lot of comments and praise from people who had already read it. When I posted I only had 100 pages left, it also received a lot of comments. It's a very popular book with those who have read it. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinions of any of the products. It tells the story of well... Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Mr Norrell is the big magician on the block…

11Sep 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett book review

Book reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

The Vanishing Half was the number one most-voted-for book when I held a poll recently asking people which book I should read from my physical TBR list. After a quick google, I realised I wasn't quite sure what it was I was about to read about. And around 300 pages later, I'm still not 100% sure if I really get what the book was trying to portray. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase products via any of the links provided below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. The Vanishing Half focuses on the lives of twins Desiree and Stella and their two…

09Sep 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Revelation by C.J. Sansom book review

Book reviews, Crime, Historical Fiction, Mystery

The Matthew Shardlake series by CJ Sansom is one of the best historical fiction crime series around. It's likely not an overcrowded genre but nonetheless, Sansom seems to have marked himself down as the one to beat in the genre and the king of historical fiction crime. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links provided below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of any of the products. Revelation is the fourth book in the Shardlake series by Sansom - a series that sees lawyer Shardlake get himself embroiled in murders far more often than he'd like and end up having to…

25Aug 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton book review

Book reviews, Historical Fiction, Mystery

There was quite the hype around The Miniaturist when I posted on social media that I'd bought it. It's a book filled with intrigue, an interesting setting and a lot of mystery. However, as I read it, I felt like more could have been done with it and it felt a little confusing. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via any of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. Set in 1968 Amsterdam, The Miniaturist follows Petronella (known as Nella mostly) as she finds herself wed to a man whom she had no choice over and who also…

17Aug 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Death on the Pier by Jamie West book review

Book reviews, Crime, Historical Fiction

Death on the Pier by Jamie West is West's debut novel set almost 90 years ago on a Brighton Pier Theatre that longer exists. During a play in which the main character is supposed to die at the end of Act 1, she is found to actually be dead when the curtain goes down - but who is the culprit and why? Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. Death on the Pier was sent to me by Jamie West himself in return for an honest review. It releases on 10…

09Jul 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid book review

Book reviews, Historical Fiction, Romance

Malibu Rising is my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book. I've heard a lot about TJR and so was excited to pick this up. When I saw it pop up in my local ASDA on the 2 for £8 deal, I knew I had to pick up Malibu Rising. It's a book that takes you on two separate life journies whilst also telling you a twelve-hour story of one of the most famous (fictional) parties in Malibu. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any product via the links provided below, I will receive a small commission no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. Malibu Rising is a book that tells the…