iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Cheers. It's so good to be back with the brothers again and I'm enjoying Ermano as a POV character too.

TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

I'm only a few chapters into The Siege of Druine by @cmdebell.bsky.social but I already know it's going to be as fantastic as the other books in her Tales of Isyr series. Superb prose and characterisation, and a plot which is promising another drama-filled, humour-laced, epic humdinger.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

I love the new covers on the relaunched Tales of Isyr books by @cmdebell.bsky.social. The Many Shades of Midnight novel and the In Midnight’s Shadow story story collection are superb, character-driven political fantasy at its finest and these gorgeous covers are as beautiful as the author's prose.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social is an action and emotion-packed novel. I loved the Norns insights, meeting new characters and reuniting with two beloved old favourites. The quality of Tad's lyrical prose and superb storytelling reminded me my heart was never lost to Osten Ard.

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Charlie Cavendish @charliecav.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Hey Gang First review of 2025 - Order of Magnitude by @yuvalkordov.bsky.social A dark blend of sci-fi and horror follows the Vaticans space marines investigate an supposedly abandoned colony on the moon Book Review : Orders of Magnitude by Yuval Kordov fanfiaddict.com/book-review-...

fanfiaddict.com

Book Review : Orders of Magnitude by Yuval Kordov | FanFiAddict

Rating: 9/10 Synopis: The Moon was once colonized. Now it lies silent—mostly.When a mysterious radio signal echoes from the abandoned colony of Serenit ...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Based on all the things I like about your writing, I think you'd enjoy it!

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Tad’s writing creates such a connection with the reader and I’m more than ready to be reconnected to a thing of beauty which will be a joy forever.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Starting #TheLastKingofOstenArd in these early days of 2025 is my new year treat to myself and I’m so happy to be venturing into this world again as an older adult but with the enthusiasm of a giddy child.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I've been looking forward to journeying back to Osten Ard so much since news of the new series first surfaced but have waited until the final book was published before diving back in.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

By the time I finished MST, my life was on a much better trajectory and I'd rediscovered my love of reading and exploring fantasy worlds. That love continues three decades later, the flame rekindled by Tad still burning strong.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Some people describe it as a slow-burn but I was gripped - by the characters, settings, intrigue and wonderful prose. I devoured the rest of the series as the books were released and it was with a heart as heavy as a stone when I bid farewell to that wonderful world 30 years ago.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I bought The Dragonbone Chair while browsing a book store in spring 1991. Its cover sang to me. I was looking for some escapism during a challenging period of my life and it instantly took me back to first discovering the magic, beauty and wonder of LOTR nearly a decade earlier.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I started reading a very special book yesterday. The Heart of what was Lost by @tadwilliams.bsky.social marks my return to the world of Osten Ard after an absence of 30 years. Tad’s Memory, Sorrow and Thorn reignited my passion for fantasy and it remains one of my favourite series. 🧵

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

My review of The Halley Traveler by @mikemollman.bsky.social As a sci-fi novice, I had a blast with this book for its thriller-style plot and the MC’s vengeance-seeking journey with found-family bonding, great banter and lots of learning to trust again. www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter's review of The Halley Traveler (The Children of Mars, #1)

4/5: The Halley Traveler by Mike Mollman saw me boldly go where I’ve rarely gone before with my reading – sci-fi. Fantasy, historical fiction, classics and contemporary fiction are my normal go-to re...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 14/12/2023

My review of The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken: “Tecken is as crafty and cunning as a fox with the twists and turns of her plotting and political intrigue. As bold and fierce as a wolf in the scale of her worldbuilding and the brutality of her combat scenes.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of The Blood Stones

The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken is an immersive, engaging and intriguing epic fantasy which had me utterly engrossed from start to finish. Featuring four point of view characters and encompassing the...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 28/11/2023

I'm excited to start The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken on its release today. The premise sounds great and the ARC reviews have raved about the worldbuilding, intriguing plot, character relationships, powerful themes and stunning prose. I'm here for all that.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 27/11/2023

My review of Ruins of Smoke by João F Silva. “I've said it before and I'll say it again, Silva is a wordsmith who's on fire and he deserves to be setting the fantasy fiction world alight with The Smokesmiths.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of Ruins of Smoke

Holy smoke! João F Silva has worked his magic again, this time packing a novel's-worth of action and emotion into a novella. It's an incredible feat, achieved through relentless combat and awesome m...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 26/11/2023

My review of The Bone Ship’s Wake by @rjbarker.bsky.social includes two homages to the Tide Child trilogy: “What a wonderful journey it’s been All the things and places we've seen The Maiden's tricks, the Mother's blessing All the calls of Keyshan rising.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of The Bone Ship's Wake

The first time I met Joron Twiner he was a shipwreck of a shipwife, wallowing in self-pity and drowning in drink and misery. The journey RJ Barker has since taken him on, from the opening of book 1, ...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 25/11/2023

Next up is Ruins Of Smoke by João F Silva, a prequel to the fabulous Seeds of War.That had me gripped by its unusual, interesting characters, superb action and of course its smokesmiths magic. I'm expecting more great stuff from this novella. And what another awesome cover!

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 25/11/2023

I've just finished Midnight in Flaeres by @cmdebell.bsky.social - a prequel to her novel The Many Shades of Midnight. This short story is a welcome return to the world of Ellasia and foster brothers Alyas and Esar, featuring lots of tension and great action. It's free via the author's newsletter.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 23/11/2023

My review of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social “This excellent sequel ... deluges the reader with wonder and excitement. It ramps up the intrigue and there are sure to be more dark clouds and storms ahead when the Rainfallen series continues.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of Secret of the Thistle

Benjamin Aeveryn’s Rainfallen series continues to deluge the reader with wonder and excitement in Secret of the Thistle. This excellent sequel to Salt in the Wound expands the plot and post-apocaly...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 17/11/2023

I've finished an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social and it successfully expands the engrossing plot and post-apocalyptic setting of book 1 in the Rainfallen series. But be warned, there are a few stings in the tail of this clever, unusual tale. It's out on 20 November.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 15/11/2023

My review of BSH Garcia's Of Thieves and Shadows: “An ancient evil is stirring in the Heart of Quinaria and this epic tale stirred all the right emotions in this reader.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of Of Thieves and Shadows

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 13/11/2023

My Goodreads review of Daughter of the Beast by @greavesec.bsky.social: “The prospect of a rich and unique story inspired by Slavic myth appealed to my desire for something a bit different. The book certainly delivered on that promise.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of Daughter of the Beast

I’d had Daughter of the Beast in my sights after watching a BookTube interview with the author, so when it reached the final of SPFBO 9 I had all the encouragement I needed to bring it to the top of...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 11/11/2023

I've also embarked on the final voyage of the Tide Child trilogy by @rjbarker.bsky.social as part of a Page Turners Discord buddy read. I'm told The Bone Ship's Wake provides a powerful finale to this brilliant nautical fantasy series.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 11/11/2023

Next up is an eARC of Secret of the Thistle by @benjaminaeveryn.bsky.social, the sequel to the excellent Salt in the Wound. I'm excited to see where this Arthurian-infused, grimdark, post-apocalyptic, fantasy-sci-fi-horror-thriller mash-up goes.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 10/11/2023

You're very welcome, Tru. Thanks for writing such a great story.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 09/11/2023

Another belated Goodreads review. This time it's for The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social: “Its motley crew friendships, layers of mystery, unusual, immersive setting, quirky and diverse characters, and storytelling flair all chimed strongly with me.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of The Thirteenth Hour

The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie Skies is a zany rip-roaring tale set in an imaginative world where cruel gods demand worship and their rule is enforced with brutal efficiency. It’s fun, charming, sur...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 04/11/2023

Next up in this fantastic year of indie reads is Of Thieves and Shadows by BSH Garcia. I was first attracted by the fantastic cover and the premise sounds perfect for my tastes - layers of intrigue, allies with conflicting ambitions and potential war over a dwindling precious resource.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 04/11/2023

I've finished #SPFBO9 finalist Daughter of the Beast by EC Greaves and enjoyed this different take on epic fantasy. Inspired by Slavic myth and populated by various non-human species, it stitches together a cool setting, great humour, entertaining plot and interesting characters.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 29/10/2023

Next up from my TBR is Daughter of the Beast by @greavesec.bsky.social. I've seen some great reviews for this and it's a #SPFBO9 finalist so I'm expecting another top-notch indie read. Judging by the scary cover, it seems an appropriate choice for Hallowe'en season.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 29/10/2023

My Goodreads review of The Hunter’s Lament by Steve Pannett: “There are many breathtaking action scenes but the journey also involves beautiful, poignant moments of reflection and some brilliant banter which is as sharp as a bounty hunter's blade.” www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Nick Procter’s review of The Hunter's Lament

The Hunter's Lament is a cracking debut by Steve Pannett. The cover had me intrigued, the premise whetted my appetite and the quality of the writing had me hooked from the off. I love stories about ...

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 29/10/2023

I've just finished an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett and it's a bittersweet triumph of storytelling. The truth is, if you like well-written stories about motley crews, with characters who will make you laugh, swear and maybe shed the odd tear, you'll love this. Review to follow.

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Reposted by TheBookScene

James Lloyd Dulin @jamesldulin.bsky.social · 24/10/2023

In celebration of the release of No Safe Haven, No Heart for a Thief will be *** Free *** on Amazon October 24 and 25! Get both book 1 and 2 of the Malitu series for $2.99.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

I'm loving it too. I'm powering through it and enjoying Sweet's first person perspective. Lapping up his voice and the grittiness.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

I've started an eARC of The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett about a group of bounty hunters. I'm enjoying the world-weary, sardonic tone and the cast of motley crew characters led by Bitter Sweet. It's Abercrombie-esque, particularly Red Country, with its gritty, Western vibe.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

Ha, ha. I like how you take no responsibility. 🤣

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

Eek, lol. Thanks for the warning. I'll brace myself! 😊

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

Thank you and you're very welcome. I've got book 2 and aim to start it in the next couple of months. 😀

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 22/10/2023

I've just finished The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and what can I say? Quirky, crazy, imaginative, fun, charming, surprising, immersive, emotional, intriguing and gripping. I hope you can tell I enjoyed it. It'd be a sin not to!

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

Cheers. I very much am! I hope your writing continues to be fuelled by lashings of tea if this is the result. 😁

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 16/10/2023

Thank you. I'm loving it so far.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 15/10/2023

I've started The Thirteenth Hour by @trudieskies.bsky.social and it looks like yet another indie is going to come up trumps for me, as time is flying by. I'm enjoying the #SPFBO8 runner up's imaginative setting and interesting main characters. It's so well written and utterly charming.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 15/10/2023

No Heart For A Thief by @jamesldulin.bsky.social stole my heart and its sequel No Safe Haven has kept it prisoner. I was again captivated by the compelling characters and their emotional story - an engrossing portrait of colonial oppression, power and humanity. Thanks for the ARC, James.

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TheBookScene @thebookscene.bsky.social · 04/10/2023

Thank you for the warning, Jane. Based on proceedings so far, I believe you rather than the kitten fibber. 😸 🤣 Apologies @rjbarker.bsky.social 😂

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