Book Reviews

Mini Book Reviews – July 2024

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into some captivating reads that transport you to different worlds, filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters. In this post, we explore three books that did catch my attention: “Wolfsong” by TJ Klune, “The Book of Azrael” by Amber Nicole, and “A Master of Djinn”…
Uptown Oracle Reads… A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

If you’re a reader who loves a richly crafted fantasy world combined with an engaging queer romance, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland might just be the next book for your TBR pile. But before you dive in, let’s explore what makes this novel stand out—and whether it’s the right fit for…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes | A Fresh Perspective on Medusa’s Myth

In Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes breathes new life into the age-old myth of Medusa, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures. Published in 2022, this novel delves into the story of Medusa, the only mortal Gorgon, whose life is irrevocably altered by the whims of the gods. Unlike…
Discovering the Enchanting World of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett 🧚

If you’ve ever been captivated by the mysteries of faerie folklore or charmed by the cosy atmospheres of low fantasy tales, then Heather Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries” is a book you won’t want to miss. This unique novel, set in the remote Scandinavian country of Ljosland, immerses readers in a world where the…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey

Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey explores the power of intense concentration and focus in a world filled with distractions. Bailey delves into the concept of hyperfocus, which he defines as the ability to concentrate deeply on a task or activity, allowing individuals to achieve greater productivity and creativity. He contrasts hyperfocus with its counterpart, scatterfocus, which…
Uptown Oracle Reads… A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Step into the enchanting world of A Tempest of Tea, where fantasy and adventure collide in a tale of courage, loyalty, and resilience. In this riveting novel by Hafsah Faizal, readers are transported to the bustling tearoom of Spindrift, where a band of unlikely heroes embarks on a daring mission to save their home and…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Caldicott Place by Noel Streatfeild | A Heartwarming Tale of Hope, Friendship, and Unlikely Beginnings

Noel Streatfeild‘s Caldicott Place unfolds as a poignant narrative that captures the essence of family, resilience, and the unexpected turns life can take. When adversity strikes the Johnstone family in the form of a father’s accident, their world is upended, forcing them to leave their home and face an uncertain future in a small London…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapowski | A Riveting Odyssey 📚

Sword of Destiny, the second instalment in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher series, continues the tale of Geralt of Rivia, the enigmatic monster hunter. In this collection of short stories, Sapkowski weaves a tapestry of adventures that delve deeper into Geralt’s character while introducing new challenges, relationships, and moral dilemmas. Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapowski (Affiliate…
Uptown Oracle Reads… Dragonfall by L.R. Lam | A Mesmerising Fusion of Magic, Betrayal, and Unlikely Alliances

L.R. Lam‘s Dragonfall breathes new life into the fantasy genre with a captivating tale of long-banished dragons, gods seeking redemption, and a world teetering on the brink of both wonder and peril. In this epic trilogy opener, Lam weaves a narrative that seamlessly blends magic, betrayal, and the unlikely bond between a desperate thief and…