I bought this amazing book for my daughter in law, as I had this book when my children were young and I made the most amazing birthday cakes. May the tradition continue for years to come.
When Yiva Ulfrik is taken from her world of gambling and boozing and forced to enlist in a deadly mission by decree of a tyrant king, she will have to face everything within her that she has been hiding from. As she trains under watch of the deadly yet intriguing ‘King’s Blade’, Aksel Veythar, she can’t deny the tether that draws them to each other.
The Threads That Bind Us is the debut release from Australian-based Kiwi author Helena Potter, and what a debut it is. Potter weaves a rich and unique fantasy world penned in beautifully poetic prose that grab you from the first page to the last.
Potter does an excellent job of balancing action, and romance, while making you care for all of her characters in at times the most heart-wrenching ways. If you love a slow-burn romantasy that’s as heavy on the world-building as it is on the spice, then this is the perfect next read for you.
Perfect if you love:
- Rich fantasy world
- Found family
- Fated lovers
Ive never yearned to be in a murder mystery before but the setting in Paris and just general wholesome cozy vibes of the neighborhood watch made me feel like I was missing out in not being one of them.
The plot was brilliant to be honest and it being set in the wine world also just gave an interesting perspective into a world i know nothing about. The twist had me going and surprised me in the end, was honestly at the edge of my seat but I think the characters deserve the biggest round of applause here. They're all well rounded and i found i wanted to know more about everyone in this story?? They all just played into the cozy mystery vibe so well.
I hope to read more cases taken on by the neighborhood watch!!
What can I say, this book gives you a glimpse into life as a prison officer but it’s much more than that - Rhonda is an inspiring person full of determination, grit, common sense and fun!
Laughed out loud so many times reading this book and read out sections to my family. I’d highly recommend this to anyone
This is a beautifully written Greek mythology retelling focussing on a love story between the goddess of love, Aphrodite and the god of war, Ares. The tension between the two of them at the start was immaculate, I loved how they were so different yet unexplainably drawn to each other!
It was a fast past read as I found myself fully immersed in Saint’s lyrical writing. It was really nice to see Aphrodite shown in a more gentle and caring perspective as in other retellings she can be a little egotistical. I loved that in this retelling she admits her mistakes and truly cares for others. It was very refreshing !
Jade @Nzbooktokgirl
Georgia Summers has crafted an atmosphere that feels both immersive and bold - every detail of the world seems carefully placed to hook you to the book. The romance is beautifully balanced: not too overwhelming but always present enough to keep you invested from start to finish. The magic woven through the story is subtle yet slightly balanced, adding depth without overshadowing the emotions. This isn’t a light read—it’s a story that delves deep, stirring emotions and it’ll leave you reflecting long after you turn the last page.
After waiting patiently (sort of!) For months, I finally got to dive back into the world of Sarah Beth Durst’s imagination - and I wasn’t disappointed! I sailed right through this story, which followed Marin and her journey to save her parents, but also herself. She taught herself the true meaning of what goes around comes around, and even though in testing times having a big heart will reward you in the long run. All in all, this story is about friendship, love and the sea. It was sung beautifully and poetically, with hints of magic and wonder! A must read for the lovers of Sarah Beth Durst!
After waiting patiently (sort of!) For months, I finally got to dive back into the world of Sarah Beth Durst’s imagination - and I wasn’t disappointed! I sailed right through this story, which followed Marin and her journey to save her parents, but also herself. She taught herself the true meaning of what goes around comes around, and even though in testing times having a big heart will reward you in the long run. All in all, this story is about friendship, love and the sea. It was sung beautifully and poetically, with hints of magic and wonder! A must read for the lovers of Sarah Beth Durst!
I knew of Cox through Orange Is the New Black, like most people. But what struck me was that she really made her break on this show at age 40. Cox takes the reader through growing up in a single parent home, with little money, and an identity that did not conform, and how every day is a battle for transgendered people. With her fame, her money, and her involvement in furthering transgender rights, she may seem like that’s in her past, but there is a pain or a hurt in her writing, that she will likely live with forever. The world moved towards acceptance, and Cox was a part of that movement. It’s sad to think how the world is paring that support back, and the life that Cox grew up knowing, might happen again for many more in the future.
It is rare, I think, to get to read a memoir of a brilliant 88 year old, written at 88 years old, and so full of wonderful stories and deep thoughts about them all. Anthony Hopkins reflects on his imperfect but fulfilled life lived; “I could never have organised any of this, or even imagined it”. A reminder that life is not straight forward, not easy, or within our control, but there is joy to be had and beauty to be seen, amongst it all, if we let go of that control and accept successes or failures the same.
A gripping, twisty read with plenty of secrets and surprises. I really enjoyed the suspense and the way the story slowly revealed what was really going on.
Meg Mason could probably write about anything, happy or sad, and make it gripping and interesting. Having spent many hours as a volunteer at literary festivals and many years in book shops and libraries I can vouch for the authenticity of the setting - except NZ authors and international attendees are generally more pleasant (without being boring.)
I don’t usually read romance books and this is my first “enemies to lovers” read. I enjoyed it! The two main characters Simon and Charlie are actors together in a camp sci fi TV series which is a fun foundation for the story. There’s lot of fan commentary on discords etc which is a nice way of supplementing the story. I thought both Simon and Charlie were great characters - and the author did a nice job of showing how their feelings for each other developed through the novel. I liked that it was original, not cliche, and didn’t have an unnecessary shocking ending or any particular twists or turns. Just a nice story that’s well written - and mostly enjoyable because of the characters. Not trying to be anything that it’s not!
I am a Nathan Wallis fan. He is a neuroscience educator and has made an enormous contribution to New Zealanders' understanding of how the brain works. I have listened to him speak, use his findings in my work, quote him often, recommend his videos around the teenage brain to kids and adults and cannot believe how much I am loving this book. It is a compelling read for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who works with people in their first 4 decades.
Great! Its a book we already have so I know its great, to deal with book hero impeccable fast service, slight damage to the front sleeve of the book is my only grumble…
I’m a big fan of James Islington, so I was really excited to pick up this cyberpunk thriller while I wait for the next Hierarchy book to come out. Scion is a bit of a departure from his other works, focussing more on fast-paced action over a relatively short book, rather than the epic world-building scope we are used to. This is definitely not to its detriment, though. The action never overshadows the emotional throughline, and the faster pace still fleshes out the world well without boring exposition.
Azure is a snarky, super-competent upgraded assassin, so this lands somewhere between John Wick and Murderbot Diaries. This is one of those books where pacing, vibes, and plot all come together to make something that is just so much fun that it’s hard to resist one more chapter. I am eagerly awaiting more in the series (and book 3 of Hierarchy).
I haven’t tried using them but just collecting them is great.
The whole thing reads like the set-up of the premise for a better story. It's the backstory for more interesting book that Neal Stephenson is incapable of writing.
Just pointless. Great if you love the kind of sci-fi where Orbital Mechanics are the main character and enjoy regular mentions of Urine Catchment Systems. Otherwise, pure drivel.
It is a very good book. Mogari is the best character but he needs to learn how to swim.
This was a book I couldn't put down - from the very beginning where three year old 'Apple Boy' is found missing from his car seat in West Auckland, to the moment it all concluded. The story of two parents desperately trying to track down their son, and the person trying to keep him - the tension builds and the conclusion delivered exactly what it needed to. I loved the portrayal of all the characters as imperfect humans all messing up in some way but ultimately not 'evil', and the portrayal of 'Apple Boy' was so realistic my heart was gripped thinking about what it would be like for my own daughter to be in his position. An excellent debut and a wonderful local thriller that I think many will enjoy!
Was hooked from the first page. Psychological thriller with themes of isolation survival and impending climate crises. Fast paced with short chapters based on characters point of view.
