Masquereads

Blood stone coven. A horror book club advertising on a table.

Blood Stone Books. Horror - Thrillers - Crime. Table with books.

At the Christmas light switch on in Sunderland. Saw Blood Stone Books advertising their book club in Newcastle.

Raven Scholar, Antonia Hodgson. Black cover edition. On a white background.

It may have slipped by me but has anyone read or heard anything about Raven Scholar?

Saw it in waterstones and the dust cover description sounds interesting, so I figured I'd check if anyone here has any thoughts on it.

We're only a few days away, and found the link to the #Norsevember hub by @blogspells.bsky.social - give it a look if you want to see what previous years contained.

spellsandspaceships.home.blog/blog/welcome...

We're coming into the final week for the KS for Mr. Styke, my new Powder Mage novella. You can get the book early, send more money to the author (me!) and put your hands on some great swag! www.kickstarter.com/projects/bri...

Not long until I'll be making a trip to Glasgow to see @misterkristoff.bsky.social for the Empire of the Dawn event. Looking forward to it as that will let me meet another author I've thoroughly enjoyed the works of. #EmpireOfTheDawn

We're only a few days away, and found the link to the #Norsevember hub by @blogspells.bsky.social - give it a look if you want to see what previous years contained.

spellsandspaceships.home.blog/blog/welcome...

The world burning in the background. Me with my pile of books

Current situation #booksky

As we approach November I feel it's worth reminding people, new and old, that a couple of years ago some amazing bloggers ran #Norsevember to celebrate norse mythology and culture. I believe those resources are still about so if you're interested, check the tag and look out for shared links.

#MasquereadsReads2025 Book 7 #TheFreeBastards. The Lot Lands have declared war on Hispartha. Half Orcs are fleeing for the Lot Lands. The Hoofmasters are united under a common goal, but outside forces see an opportunity to lay claim to Hispartha. Will Fetching make deals with the enemy of her enemy?

Anyone have any spoiler free reviews for these? Or any other recommendations they'd like to drop so I can add them to my wishlist to keep an eye on as little treats.

Daughter of the Otherworld. Shauna Lawless. On a bookshelf.

Double stamps at Waterstones today. Popped in for a look about. Saw @shaunalawless.bsky.social new book in the wild.

#MasquereadsReads2025 Book 6 #TheTrueBastards. The Kiln has been destroyed, the Orcs turned away. The Lot Lands are weaker. When strangers arrive, and Hispartha starts preparations to reclaim the Lots, Ruin is drawn close. How will the Half Orcs survive?

I wish you all a pleasant resipiscence

#MasquereadsReads2025 Book 5 #TheGreyBastards. The Lot Lands, the unforgiving home of the half-orc hoofs, gifted following the last Orc Incursion. The span of land holding the Orc hordes from Hispartha. But Orc tongues stir, the vanguard to an army musters.

Book folks, anyone read any of the following? Spoiler free reviews welcome.
- Richard Swan - Empire of the Wolf.
- Gareth Hanrahan - Land of the Firstborn.
- Andrea Stewart - Drowning Empire.
- Ed McDonald - Redwinter Chronicles.
- John Gwynne - Bloodsworn saga.
- RJ Barker - forsaken trilogy.

A kindle paperwhite. Mostly displaying First Law books.

With Prime day having swung round, I decided to treat myself to a new kindle since my old one was nearing 15 years old.

It'll be nice for reading when I'm on my holiday at the end of August into September.

“You look happier!”
Thanks, I bought myself a book.

This is a rather important one, folks.

Rookscroft book covers.

I was in York recently. Meant to post this sooner, but there's a little bookshop dedicated to one series, with a bunch of little memorabilia. Just figured it's a bookish thing worth sharing. #Rookscroft.

Rookscroft book covers.

I was in York recently. Meant to post this sooner, but there's a little bookshop dedicated to one series, with a bunch of little memorabilia. Just figured it's a bookish thing worth sharing. #Rookscroft.

Any reviews for any of the below series?

Putting together my bookish wishlist for friends and family so they know what is missing from my shelf but I've had my eyes on.

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets and The Land of the Living and the Dead. By Shauna Lawless.

Saw these 3 in Waterstones York, not only do they look amazing, but the first was a great read I'd been meaning to continue from for a while. Now I have no excuse. @shaunalawless.bsky.social

Glad to hear it. It's definitely one I'm more sure of.

Book folks, anyone read any of the following? Spoiler free reviews welcome.
- Richard Swan - Empire of the Wolf.
- Gareth Hanrahan - Land of the Firstborn.
- Andrea Stewart - Drowning Empire.
- Ed McDonald - Redwinter Chronicles.
- John Gwynne - Bloodsworn saga.
- RJ Barker - forsaken trilogy.

Probably meeting famous authors?

Met Sebastien De Castell at the #Soulbinder book signing, his #Greatcoats books are why I own rapiers.

Met RJ Barker and John Gwynne at the book event for #WarlordsOfWyrdwood and #FuryOfTheGods. My beard got compliments from John Gwynne.

Oh for sure, this year took me 5 months to read 3 books. I just couldn't get into them, focus on them, or muster the reading energy.

Oh, well worth it. I think I was sold on it by BookMeanderings praise before the great migration.

For sure. I knew I wanted it after the "Die Hard but fantasy" selling point given how much I enjoyed Cameron Johnston's Maleficent Seven.

Just finished #TheLastShield. This was a great book to get me back into my reading stride.

Thinking of returning to the #LotLands and #TheGreyBastards next.

#MasquereadsReads2025 Book 4 #TheLastShield.

Sunweald is protected by Shields, warriors dedicated to the royal family, and their Wyrm Vault. Home to terrifying arcane artefacts.

But when brigands led by a sorcerer stage a heist, Briar is faced with betrayal, and a race against time, and injuries.