I am hoping that I can get to the Library this afternoon as I have reached the end of this current set of books. Of course, if it proves to be too difficult, I can turn to the amazing ebook service, but I do really prefer to read print books where possible.

Astra by Naomi Foyle

My first read of the week turned out to be not what I had anticipated when I requested the first two books from the Gaia Chronicles series! Here is the blurb for Astra by Naomi Foyle:

Like every child in Is-Land, all Astra Ordott wants is to have her Security Shot, do her National Service and defend her Gaian homeland from Non-Lander ‘infiltrators’. But when one of her Shelter mothers, the formidable Dr Hokma Blesser, tells her the shot will limit her chances of becoming a scientist and offers her an alternative, Astra agrees to her plan.

When the orphaned Lil arrives to share Astra’s home, Astra is torn between jealousy and fascination. Lil’s father taught her some alarming ideas about Is-Land and the world, but when she pushes Astra too far, the heartache that results goes far beyond the loss of a friend.

If she is to survive, Astra must learn to deal with devastating truths about Is-Land, Non-Land and the secret web of adult relationships that surrounds her.

I managed to get quite a long way into the book before I put it aside. This is my short review on Goodreads and I only awarded the book 1 star:

I got about halfway through, but found it so slow and boring that I gave up. It goes against the grain to do this, but I don’t want to waste what reading time I have left! There are so many great books out there.

Of course, this is only my opinion and there are plenty of other reviews available which really rate the book. It just wasn’t for me.

Magefall by Stephen Aryan

My second book of the week was much more successful. Magefall by Stephen Aryan, Age of Dread #02, was a gripping read, although not without faults. I enjoyed the first book in the series, Mageborn, a few weeks ago and will watch out for other books by Aryan in the future. Anyway, here is the blurb:

The land is in turmoil. Mages are hunted by men and gods alike. Even their own kind betray each other in the name of safety and protection.

With their last refuge fallen, two young mages must conspire against a god to show the world that their abilities aren’t a curse; they are the only way to ensure lasting peace. Under the threat of anti-magic fanatics, Wren struggles to find her place as a leader and to keep her people safe as they build a new home. While Danoph searches for answers on a spiritual journey, determined to find out who he really is and where he came from in an effort to calm the coming storm.

Their world has turned against them, yet only they can save the world

And here is my review:

This was a good and gripping read with lots of exciting action. However, like the first book, the constant switching between different points of view means that the story becomes very disjointed. Also, as some of the main characters break off from one plot line, the points of view increase in number! I am wondering if all of this will come together at some point? I hope so!

As I have not read the previous trilogy, I am not aware if this is a regular writing style for Aryan. If so, I am not sure whether I will read other books by him in the future, which would be a shame.

I gave the book three stars, because of this style of writing in the main. I think that it may irritate other readers too!

Vindolanda by Adrian Goldsworthy

My current book is Adrian Goldsworthy’s Vindolanda. You may remember that I wrote about the sequel, The Encircling Sea, a few weeks ago. I reserved Vindolanda at the Library and am now hoping that a third book will be published soon. Anyway, I haven’t quite finished the book yet, so will write about it next week.

Happy Reading to you all!

Best wishes,

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