Book Reviews

Uptown Oracle Reads… Unraveller by Frances Hardinge

Delve into Frances Hardinge’s captivating novel Unraveller, where complex characters and intricate plots weave a compelling tapestry of mystery and magic. This review will explore the depths of Kellen and Nettle’s adventures, revealing the allure of a world where curses are as common as the conflicts they cause, and how the interplay of duty, power,…
Uptown Oracle Reads… The Night Mother Vol 1 by Jeremy Lambert | Unveiling the Shadows

Dive into the shadows of “The Night Mother Vol 1,” a graphic novel that weaves a tapestry of gothic allure and vibrant folklore. Authored by Jeremy Lambert with mesmerising illustrations by Alexa Sharpe, this book invites readers into a darkly enchanted world where the stakes are as high as the night sky. Join young Madeline…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaikovsky

If you’re a fan of epic space operas that combine breathtaking world-building with deep, philosophical questions, then Adrian Tchaikovsky‘s Shards of Earth should be at the top of your reading list. This first installment in The Final Architecture series delivers a thrilling adventure through a fractured galaxy, where humanity faces off against incomprehensible alien threats…
Uptown Oracle Reads… The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix is a captivating young adult fantasy that weaves together elements of magic, political intrigue, and deeply emotional storytelling. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where witches are othered, power is both a gift and a curse, and alliances are as fragile as the…
Uptown Oracle Reads… The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thrilling journey through parallel worlds, where evolutionary possibilities are endless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From the very first page, Tchaikovsky pulls you into a universe where cryptid hunters, scientists, and explorers converge to unravel mysteries that challenge the very fabric of reality. If you’re…
Uptown Oracle Reads… The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLea

If you’re in the mood for a book that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, Phoenix Keeper by S.A. McLean might just be your next favourite read. This cosy fantasy novel combines the everyday challenges of zookeeping with the wonder of magical creatures, all while exploring themes of social anxiety,…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Seven Mercies by Elizabeth May and L.R. Lam

Seven Mercies is an absolute gem that shines brightly in the sci-fi genre, offering a thrilling adventure filled with depth, diversity, and heart. This novel is the second installment in the Seven Devils duology, and it not only meets the high expectations set by its predecessor but surpasses them with a richly woven narrative that…
Uptown Oracle Reads… A Riveting Saga of Espionage and Redemption in Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong

If you’re a fan of rich character development, intricate plots, and historical settings infused with supernatural elements, Chloe Gong’s Foul Lady Fortune might just be your next obsession. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Shanghai, this novel weaves together espionage, romance, and themes of identity and loyalty, creating a narrative that is as emotionally resonant…
Uptown Oracle Reads… To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini | A Grand Return to the Stars: Paolini’s Epic Space Opera

Christopher Paolini, known for his Inheritance Cycle series, ventures into the realm of science fiction with his ambitious novel To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. This expansive space opera brings together complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this book a hit for sci-fi fans and where…