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The North Wind By Alexandria Warwick
Lethal with a bow, Wren has spilled her share of Darkwalker blood and has the physical and mentalscars to prove it. Her skills are needed with the protective barrier called the Shade, weakening every day. Only Boreas, God of The North Wind, can strengthen this barrier by spilling the blood of a mortal woman he weds. With the legendary omens appearing, it is time for the ice cold god to select his next young woman from the village. To save her twin sister, Wren sacrifices herself and is taken to the North Wind’s realm in the Deadlands.
The North Wind had me enthralled from the first page. It is the first instalment in the Four Winds fantasy/romance series, where every book is also a stand-alone novel. The author draws inspiration from the Hades and Persephone myth, as well as my childhood favourite, Beauty and the Beast.
While there are definitely similarities, Wren and Boreas’s slow burn romance still feels fresh – a beautiful, dark love story in its own right.
Just a note this book is aimed for adult readers only. The sexual content and fantasy violence is in keeping with this intention.
Reviewed by Abby Soffe
Anna O by Blake Matthew
This is a complex and intriguing psychological thriller with a plot that will keep you enthralled. Written from the perspective of a recently divorced father, Dr Benedict Prince is a forensic psychologist trying to balance the difficulty of his profession with the emotional complications of co-parenting and his divorce. Being an expert in the science behind sleep, Ben is given the task of waking Anna Oglivy, a young woman who hasn’t woken in the four years since she murdered her two best friends while sleepwalking. The world and the internet are still divided on whether Anna is a victim or a monster. Throughout his investigation, Ben is confronted with Anna’s history and has to decide whether he’s fighting for her innocence or praying for her downfall.
lake Matthew’s debut novel combines the complexity of psychology with the excitement of mystery with ease, creating a thought-provoking story that discusses themes of guilt, innocence and morals. With layers of mystery and motive that will keep you captivated, and an ending that will blindside you, Anna O is a lengthy but thrilling read that I would recommend to fans of A.J Finn and readers of the psychological thriller and suspense genre, in general.
Reviewed by Juniper
The Life of Dai Dai Henwood
(with Jaquie Brown)
This is such an inspirational book, embroidered with wisdom that I find I am adopting on my own life’s journey. Most Kiwis will be familiar with Dai Henwood, either as a comedian or on our TV screens with shows such as Lego Masters NZ, Family Feud, 7 Days and the list goes on. I was always a fan of his work and felt the shock when he announced his cancer diagnosis, yet knew nothing about him beyond his entertainment facade.
This book changes that, written as it is with the sort of honesty that makes you feel you could be chatting with the man himself. Dai has shared highlights from his childhood, impressive career and a raw account of living with the big C. His trademark humour is evident throughout the story, which is, ultimately, despite the subject matter, an uplifting read.
My admiration for Dai Henwood has grown a lot since reading this book. I hope he realises what a positive impact he is having on so many people with just this work alone.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Abby Soffe
