The Little Library Project

I was SO excited to have the opportunity to read Morgan Is My Name. I've long been a fan of all things Arthurian and this first instalment of the trilogy was a brilliant first step back in time and hearing Morgans story.  With so much speculation as to the truth behind the myth of King Arthur, creative license can really be used and what I loved most about Morgan Is My Name is that it wasn't excessive; there are no dragons (yet?) but there is plenty of sorcery, betrayal and feeling to make this an impressive historical fiction.  Plenty of mentions of Tintagel and the surrounding areas of Cornwall add weight to the story, and towards the end we are entering the world of the much-debated Camelot.  Underneath it all - the feminist message is clear (let's face it... I love a feminist message), and I can't wait to see how the story develops, not just for Morgan herself but Alys and Tressa too.  Morgan Is My Name has earned a place of pride on my bookshelf already and the ...

The Thorns Remain is set in Scotland, in the wake of the First World War and in the midst of the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. In a rural Scottish village, Moira Jean is celebrating with her friends, a last hurrah before they go on their separate ways to make their lives their own. But the evening takes a turn when a beautiful stranger comes upon them. Awaking from a daze filled with dancing and strange music, Moira Jean finds herself alone. Her friends have disappeared and it's down to her to find them again. Making bargains with Fae is exactly what she's been told not to do, but how else will she get her friends back? The story was brilliantly written and Moira Jean's character was fantastic - absolutely fearless and possibly even reckless but very likeable. Her determination and almost cavalier behaviour made my inner feminist squeal with joy. The only thing I wish for - MORE OF THE DREAMER. I would have loved to see more of a relationship between him and Moira, the...

  The Snow Child has been on my TBR for a while now. If you haven't gathered already, I love a folklore/fairytale retelling and whilst this didn't technically meet my Christmas read criteria - the Snow element definitely meant I was going to allow the tedious link.  Mabel and Jack have moved from their somewhat comfortable surroundings to Alaska. It's 1920 and they have no idea what they are coming up against. The harsh Alaskan winters are not for the feint hearted but after suffering with what would have been called "melancholy", Mabel wants a fresh start.  Whilst no accurate ages are given, I see the couple as being middle-aged (perhaps early 50's) and as a result, the cruel cold backdrop is a challenge for them physically. On top of this, Mabel thoughts lead us to understand that she is still grieving after a loss years prior.  I wouldn't want to give too much away so I'll leave my synopsis there. This book was an unexpected love for me though - aro...

Having read another Nutcracker retelling immediately before, I was hesitant about jumping straight into A Curse of Frost and Fate but what better time than the weekend before Christmas?! This tale was very different though and in some ways, made for enjoyable easy reading full of cosy imagery and spicy scenes to get the heart rate going.  Klara lives in New York, she's just your typical 27 year old but she has an eccentric uncle, who for Christmas gives her a nutcracker ornament from his travels. After being let down for her Christmas Eve date, Klara ends up in a different realm with the gorgeous Prince Jaemis, looking to rescue the kingdom from the evil Mouse King. I loved this book and couldn't have asked for a better, cosy read to transport me on the run up to the holiday season.  Highly recommended for some festive fantasy escapism!

  I received a copy of The Witch and the Tsar from NetGalley and I couldn't wait to dive in.  Baby Yaga is a witch. In 16th century Russia she is both respected for her knowledge but feared for her talents. Having been persecuted in the past, she lives in the forest with her companions, known as a healer and working with the communities and villages around to protect and cure them of their ailments.  But something strange is happening in Russia - her best friend, the Tsarina has been poisoned and the seasons are no longer behaving as they should. Travelling through the country, Baby Yaga must look to the old Gods to fix what has become unbalanced and see that her Motherland is not destroyed int he process.  The Witch and the Tsar is a beautiful story, mixing traditional Russian folklore with historical fiction set within an almost permanent winter backdrop. It has everything; myth, magic, love and war. I absolutely loved it and adored the way the writer described not...