Welcome fellow book enthusiasts! 📚✨ Embarking on a literary journey is one of life's greatest pleasures, and here at 'A Page Book Club' I continue with the exciting reading challenge developed at the beginning of the year that was aimed at enabling me to explore new genres and new authors. Only one more month to go, where has the year gone?
This month the challenge revolved around four captivating themes that promised to transport me to different realms and eras. From the whimsical tales of animals taking centre stage to the pulse-pounding mysteries that keep us up at night, I dipped into the magic of storytelling. I explored the rich tapestry of historical fiction, uncovering the secrets of the past, and witnessed the birth of fresh narratives with a book released this year. Join me as I traversed the literary landscape, exploring new worlds, encountering unforgettable characters, and unlocking the magic that only a well-crafted book can provide. Let the reading challenge continue!
My first challenge was to read an Historical Fiction book, this was not a difficult choice for me as I love this genre and chose .......
Title: 1888 The Ripper Revelation: The Infinity Engines Missions
Author: Andrew Hastie Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel, Historical
Series: The Infinity Engines Missions Book 2 of 2
Date Published: 2019
Book Length: 142
Format: E Book supplied by the Author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: It's 1888, the slums of London's East End are overrun with crime, disease and poverty. In the dark alleys of Whitechapel, a serial killer begins a killing spree, preying on prostitutes and leaving them horrifically mutilated. Detective Inspector Sabien is assigned to the case. A seasoned officer of the Protectorate, the temporal police force of the Oblivion Order, Sabien is tasked with tracking the down murderer.
Seconded to the nineteenth-century, the Inspector has a rare talent, the ability to travel through the timelines of the victims, giving him a 100% track record and earning him the nickname of 'Sherlock'. But this investigation is different, the Ripper seems to be able to hide from him, and as the body count begins to stack up, Sabien finds himself struggling to discover the killer's identity.
Infinity Engines: Missions takes you on a journey into an alternate history, one that might have been if it wasn’t for the work of the Oblivion Order and their mission to save the future, by changing the past.
My Thoughts: 1888 The Infinity Engines Missions book 2 by Andrew Hastie is a science fiction book mixed with history and time travel, a great mixture.
The book starts with short chapters which I think enhances the excitement of a book. The chapters do move back and forth in time which aids the explanation of the book from the very start. As I read through the prose felt truly sympathetic to the situation as it unfolded and enabled me to have a vivid picture of what it was like in my mind. Hastie’s meticulous research shines through providing an authentic backdrop for the adventures of the characters. The intricate plot twists and well-developed characters made the book a page turner for me, so much so I read it in one session. A book I would recommend to lovers of historical crime and time travel. I really enjoyed it.
My next challenge was to read a book that had an animal as a main character. As I had never read Watership Down, I thought this would be an opportune time to read this timeless classic.
Title: Watership Down
Author: Richard Adams Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Puffin
Date Published: 2023 (my version)
Book Length: 640
Format: Hardback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Fiver is very worried. He senses something terrible is about to happen to the warren, the only home he's ever known. While the other rabbits ignore him, his big brother Hazel knows that Fiver's instincts are always right... They must leave immediately. Fiver leads the rabbits on a thrilling quest through the human world to their new home, Watership Down, where they must work together to overcome their biggest challenge yet.
My Thoughts: Watership Down by Richard Adams is an absolute masterpiece that transcends generational boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. This timeless epic weaves a tapestry of courage, friendship, and the triumph of the human (or should I say rabbit) spirit. The heart of the novel lies in the vividly depicted world of the rabbits, each with their own distinct personalities and challenges. Adams brings these characters to life with such depth and authenticity that I found myself emotionally invested in their journey from the first page. The protagonist, Hazel, emerges as an emblem of resilience and leadership, navigating the dangers of the unknown with an unwavering determination that is both inspiring and heart warming. The narrative unfolds like a rich tapestry, blending elements of folklore, adventure, and philosophical contemplation. Adams' ability to seamlessly interweave intricate details about rabbit society with broader themes of courage, loyalty, and the pursuit of a better life is nothing short of brilliant. The world-building is immersive, and the lush descriptions of the English countryside evoke a sense of both wonder and danger. What truly sets this book apart is its universal appeal. While ostensibly a story about rabbits, the themes explored—friendship, survival, the search for a home—are deeply human. The exploration of morality, governance, and the consequences of environmental disruption adds layers of complexity that make Watership Down resonate on multiple levels. Adams' prose is both elegant and accessible, making it a joy to read for people of all ages. The pacing is perfect, with moments of tension and introspection expertly balanced. The language, though simple, carries a profound weight that lingers long after the last page is turned. In summary, Watership Down is not just a novel; it's an experience. A literary gem that stands the test of time, it's a tale of triumph over adversity, of friendship and sacrifice. If you haven't embarked on this journey with Hazel and his companions, do yourself a favour and dive into the warren. It's a literary adventure you won't soon forget
My next choice was to be a book that was released this year and I was asked to review The Great Gimmelmans by the publication company it was an ideal book to choose.
Title: The Great Gimmelmans
Author: Lee Matthew Goldberg Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Level Best Books
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 392
Format: E Book suppled by henryroi publications in return for an honest review Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Middle child Aaron Gimmelman watches as his family goes from a mild-mannered reform Jewish clan to having over a million dollars of stolen money stuffed in their RV's cabinets while being pursued by the FBI and loan sharks. But it wasn't always like that. His father Barry made a killing as a stockbroker, his mother Judith loved her collection of expensive hats, his older sister Steph was obsessed with pop stars, and little sister Jenny loved her stuffed possum, Seymour.
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry's desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible choice: turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
From Jersey, down to an Orthodox Jewish community in Florida where they hide out, and up to California, The Great Gimmelmans goes on a madcap ride through the 1980s. Filled with greed and love and the meaning of religion and tradition until the walls of the RV and the feds start closing in on the family, this thrilling literary tale mixes Michael Chabon and the Coen Brothers with equal parts humour and pathos.
My Thoughts: The Great Gimmelmans by Lee Matthew Goldberg is a tale about family dynamics with mystery and suspense thrown in, and the book gets off to a great start by drawing you in with its description’s. Its raw emotion is rare, you can feel every heartfelt word spoken. There is humour, sadness, and wit in abundance. The prose flows like a great river with ease but sometimes with fierce abandonment a testament to Goldbergs writing. The book had me encapsulated from the beginning to the very end with every word I read wondering what was coming next. as it captivates you with a unique and daring narrative that explores the boundaries of love, loyalty, and crime.
The heart of the story revolves around the enigmatic Jewish couple, whose complexities and flaws are expertly unravelled as they embark on an unexpected crime spree with their children in tow. Goldberg skilfully navigates the delicate balance between the criminal world and the challenges of maintaining a united family front.
What set "The Great Gimmelmans" apart was its ability to unsettle traditional genre expectations. The characters are not mere criminals, but multifaceted individuals driven by a compelling mix of desperation and devotion. The depth of the familial relationships added a layer of complexity that kept me emotionally invested throughout.
The suspenseful plot was masterfully crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's meticulous attention to detail painted a vivid picture of the various settings, immersing me in a world where every decision carried weight and consequences. I felt for the children so much during this read.
One of the novel's strengths lay in its exploration of cultural identity within the context of the story. The portrayal of the Gimmelman family's Jewish heritage is both authentic and respectful, adding an extra layer of richness to the narrative.
Beyond the gripping storyline, the prose is eloquent and evocative. The author's ability to convey the emotional complexity of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face is truly commendable. The dialogue is sharp, reflective of the very unique personalities within the Gimmelman family and the wider family and other individuals they encounter on their journey.
One of my favourite quotes in the book was " I steel myself as he and I travel on the way-back machine to hell, keying in the co-ordinates to our final destination".
In conclusion, "The Great Gimmelmans" is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking, genre-defying experience. It's a testament to Lee Matthew Goldbergs storytelling prowess, leaving you with lingering thoughts about the blurred lines between right and wrong, the resilience of family bonds, and the unpredictable nature of life's twists and turns. This book is a literary gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating.
The last book choice in my reading challenge this month was to come under the genre - Suspense and I chose ..........
Title: The Orphan
Author: S M Reeve Genre: Crime, Thriller, Suspense
Series: Anna Croix Series Book 2 of 2
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 330
Format: E reader I was supplied as part of the ARC team for the author in return for an honest opinion Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: A stalker. A drug dealer. A sex trafficker. Gumby and Napoleon. What do all these things have in common? They just made it to the top of Anna's list. Anna is impulsive, not suicidal. Most days. So what would possess her to traipse across the country in hopes of infiltrating the cartel? Maybe it's been too long since she's chased someone down. Or maybe it's this ho-hum career Spike has saddled or with. Or maybe it's something else entirely ... Either way, her list of douche-mongers continues to grow, and they will be paid a visit.
My Thoughts: The Orphan by SM Reeve is the 2nd book in the Anna Croix series and although I was lucky enough to read the first book The Orphan can be read as a standalone book. Anna and Spike, the main protagonists, continue their journey as partners in work. Anna is feisty, determined, flawed but showing a little vulnerability despite her bravado and Spike is there to pick up the pieces and to try and keep Anna on the straight and narrow. I love them both. I became invested in their relationship all over again a testament to Reeves writing, she holds no punches in her descriptions which adds to the atmosphere. There are numerous storylines running alongside each other and to start with I did have to concentrate. There are elements of a bubbling romance, humour, sarcasm along with all of the action packed, crime fighting drama. This book has it all. Reeves descriptive prose is a force to be reckoned with, I loved every word written. I didn’t want to put it down the action and drama were there until the very last page.
In conclusion this is a hard-hitting, action-packed thriller that will make you want to keep turning the pages until the very end. I didn’t want to put it down There is great character development, and the book is a must for lovers of action, mystery, suspense thrillers.
If any of the books from my Reading Challenge have inspired you to purchase them please click on the links provided, I do earn a small commission from you purchasing and thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to contact me, you can via email at apagebookclub@gmail.com or via instagram at https://instagram.com/alisbookstagram-
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