I am reviewing Science Fiction. Alert...you are not seeing things, for the first time in 18 months I am reading sci-fi! It's been a while since we were here, but this week I am taking you on a journey into space in the year 2380 as I talk about and review the first in the Aurora Cycle series, Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw this book (and the rest of the trilogy) recommended by someone over on Bookstagram, but I took a risk and ordered...
Aug 13, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 29
It's a tale as old as time and could be seen in many ways to be the origin tale for Beauty and the Beast (see what I did there?), but in this very modern YA retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone, Bea Fitzgerald has given us definite girl power. Girl, Goddess, Queen is a retelling of this dark Greek myth with a difference. Persephone didn't get dragged down to hell by an obsessive uncle, she jumped into the Underworld looking for salvation. But what did I think of this new version of an ...
Aug 06, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 28
I hadn't planned on posting this treat quite so soon, but work schedules (you know how it is). I was lucky enough to get the chance to chat with the author Kate Eberlen about her latest novel, Ever After, which is a fascinating and moving book following on from her 2016 release, Miss You. It follows Tess and Gus for 7 years of their lives after they meet and fall in love in Florence; their families, the changes they experience and the complexities of life as you're living it. We had a wonderful ...
Jul 30, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 27
This week I had the chance to speak with author Veronica Henry about her latest release, Thirty Days in Paris. It's a story of second chances, of new experiences and follows our main character, Juliet, as she travels to Paris to learn about herself after an amicable divorce. We talk about everything from au pairs to first and second loves, to redemption arcs and travel. And of course, the book, which is a perfect book to read around the pool on holiday or on your sofa on a Sunday afternoon with ...
Jul 23, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Divine Rivals was released at the beginning of March and, since that point, has enjoyed a lot of success, it's proved incredibly popular on socials such as BookTok and Bookstagram. The enemies-to-lovers element of this fantasy has really gripped people, almost as much as Fourth Wing (as an aside can you believe there are over 215,000 ratings for that on Goodreads now?). Any, this week I am talking about this fantasy that is based during a bitter war between the Gods. It is the story of Iris and ...
Jul 16, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Psycho is not my normal fare, in fact it's been decades since I viewed the 1960 Hitchcock film starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, but there is no denying that the shower scene is one that forever remains in your memory once viewed. So, when Lorraine suggested that we talk about this book, the 1959 novel by American author, Robert Bloch...I figured what could it hurt? So...how does the novel stand up against its much more famous namesake? Is it a book that will forever remain on my much-lo...
Jul 09, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 24
This week, as we're halfway through the year, I thought I'd take a look at a few of the books I would recommend to any reader who loves, or is looking to dip their toes into, the world of Greek mythology retellings. There are now so many to choose from that it can get just a little bit overwhelming. So take a journey down memory lane with me and find out, not only how I got into the genre in the first place, but also where I am going next. Featured Episodes Elektra Clytemnestra An Interview with...
Jun 25, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 23
If you're a fan of the crime genre then Mari Hannah is for you. Her first novel came out in 2012, about detective Kate Daniels, and since then she has released 12 more novels. Her 14th, the 4th book in her newer Stone and Oliver series, is released this coming Thursday, the 22nd of June, and it's a doozy. This week I am speaking with Mari about her books, her creations and how she came up with the latest intricate plot. Black Fell is set in both Northumberland and Iceland and the contrast and si...
Jun 18, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 22
This week I am joined by Jordanne from the fun bookish podcast Books to Last, where guests talk about the 5 books they'd take with them to a deserted island. And we're talking about a book that has been on both of our TBRs for quite a while, Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. As always the talk is spoiler-free, but we're not shy when it comes to our opinions. So what did we think of this book that is not only a TV show on Amazon, but is also a full-on legitimate album recorded by th...
Jun 11, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a hit. With a massively positive score on sites like Goodreads, Amazon and Waterstones, if you're a fan of fantasy then it's likely you'll have heard of it. It's been hugely hyped up everywhere, but if you're not sure whether it's your thing but you don't want to read all the spoiler-filled reviews across the platforms, you've come to the right place. You will not often find I fall for a hyped-up book. In fact, this one could have easily passed me by, despite the...
Jun 04, 2023•43 min•Season 4Ep. 20
You know I am always a fan of reading new cosy mysteries, so when I saw this one and then it just kept on popping up on all my social feeds I knew I had to give it a go. What we have here is a murder most gruesome that takes place in a church...Canon Daniel Clement has already got a lot to contend with, what with the resistance to having a toilet fitted, so the last thing he needs is for a body to be discovered in the very last pew. Of course, in the tradition of all cosy crime novels everywhere...
May 29, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 19
If there is one genre I will admit to loving more than any other it's mythology. This week you will truly get to hear me geek out as I talk with author Luna McNamara about her debut novel, a retelling of the myth of Psyche and Eros. A fantastic tale and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk with someone as passionate about the subject as she is. If you love Greek myths and love stories and strong women this is definitely the book for you. Released on the 25th of May in the UK by Orion...
May 21, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 4Ep. 18
I love mythology, pretty much any culture has a wealth of colourful stories whether about creation or existence and in the UK we have tales of King Arthur and his round table, of Magic and Merlin, the Lady of the Lake and the legend that Arthur is a once and future King of England who will rise when he is needed. This latest book by author Alexandra Bracken tells a tale of Avalon in the modern day but it is not the Avalon we have heard about...at least not when Hollower Tamsin Lark arrives on a ...
May 14, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Cathy Bramley is the Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author of The Lemon Tree Cafe and Ivy Lane, to name but two. On the 11th of May her 16th novel, The Sunrise Sisterhood, is due for release and this week I had the chance to talk with her about the book. It's a story of friendship, family and the strong bonds of sisterhood between three women, Liz, Skye and Clare. Give this episode a listen and then go and order yourself a copy of the book. Cathy's Links Instagram Twitter Cathy's Website The ...
May 07, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Mel was first released in the UK in 1988, the story of a 17-year-old girl who hasn't had life easy and just wants to make a future for herself. Of course, nothing is ever straight forward, and when she meets rockstar Mitch Hamilton, who is on a break between gigs and hanging out at his grandfather's junk shop, she has no idea what upheaval his arrival is going to have. This book is one that I read over and over as a teenager, so I thought it would be interesting, now it's back in print, to talk ...
Apr 30, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 15
If you've been listening to this show for any length of time you'll know that I love contemporary romance, especially the books by Paige Toon. This week I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to talk with her about her new book, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, which is released on the 25th of April in the US, Australia and Canada, on the 26th of April in Germany, and on the 27th of April in the UK (order your copy now, if you haven't already). So, get the lowdown on the book, and find out more ...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 14
Isaac and the Egg is the 2022 debut from author Bobby Palmer. A story of grief, pain and acceptance it has fantasy elements that can pull you in. This is what I would refer to as a cry-book. The novel makes you question a lot, is the Egg real? What is Isaac hiding from? Why has he shut himself off from the world. But ultimately, whether it's a cry-book or not, what did I truly think of it? Find out in my latest spoiler-free review. And don't forget to listen to my special announcement at the end...
Apr 16, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Yes, we're back here again, with another cosy mystery, but I had to admit I couldn't stay away from the genre for too long because this sort of book has a lot to offer, whether you're into crime or character-driven plots. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders is the latest offering from Jesse Q Sutanto, the creator of The Four Aunties series, a YA cosy crime and matchmaker duology (so far). In it, she introduces us to Vera Wong, a 60-year-old Chinese mother who runs a tea shop in San Franci...
Apr 09, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Johanna Lindsey started writing historical romance in 1977 and by the time she passed away in 2019, she had released 50 novels. In this episode, I take a look at her books, specifically her Malory-Anderson series and what made them great, what has changed and what I loved about them. Her books were the epitome of what made a bodice ripper, especially when you look at the earlier covers, and there is definitely something to be said for the steamy chemistry between a lot of her main protagonists. ...
Apr 02, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 11
This week Being Bookish has gone to the movies with my guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare. I've hit a bit of a reading slump, but this is still book talk as The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is itself based on a book by Lauren Weisberger which was originally released in 2003. So join us as we talk about what we liked and didn't in this film, how we would both probably fare in the fashion industry and all other things Prada in our review. Featured episodes Practical Magic Where you can find Lo...
Mar 19, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Fantasy is not a genre that I read all that often. However, having recently been reintroduced to it, I decided to delve in feet first with this novel by New Zealand-based author AK Mulford. The High Mountain Court was released in 2021. In a world ruled by the Fae, witches live in fear, hiding their true abilities terrified that the witch hunters will find them. Remy has been in hiding for 13 years, ever since her family and friends were massacred by the King of the Northern Kingdom. When she is ...
Mar 12, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 9
If you've been here for a while you'll know how much I love a good Greek Myth retelling, and here we have another one. The story of Helen of Troy's older sister, Clytemnestra. All but ignored in traditional myth, her story is a long, sad and colourful one that makes up the central tale in Casati's debut novel. Find out what I thought in a 100% spoiler-free review. Featured episodes Elektra Circe The Spanish Love Deception Istória - the candles...
Mar 05, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Practical Magic - you may know the film, but did you know it's a 1995 book? This week I am talking with a guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare about this book and how it compares to the film - does it come out on top? So join me and Lorraine as we find out more about Gillian and Sally Owens and the lives they've built for themselves. Featured episodes The Body Misery (1987) Warhammer 40k (The Eisenhorn Omnibus) Skyward Weyward Lorraine's links I Know What You Did Last Summer Once Upon a Ni...
Feb 26, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 7
If you know me you'll know that I love cosy crime, and also have a huge amount of affection for the TV series Death in Paradise. When I saw The Marlow Murder Club on the shelves in my local book shop - just as I was feeling I needed to buy a new book (nothing new there), I had to pick it up. So, what did I think of this book by the creator of Death in Paradise? Did it fail to impress? Was it too much like other books already on the market, or did it hit the nail on the head? Check out my spoiler...
Feb 19, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Weyward is a story of women, witches, power, and internal strength. A novel about three women from one family line who go against the grain, fighting against their personal situations to improve their lives and find their inner power. A recent release and a debut from author Emilia Hart, it's a tale as old as time, poignant and powerful. To find out what I thought of this book, released on the 2nd of February give this spoiler-free episode a listen.
Feb 12, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 5
It's another new book this week, Really Good, Actually by ex-Schitt's Creek writer, Monica Heisey. A study (filled with pathos and humour) of divorce and moving on in the modern age. Maggie is 29, in a dead-end job and after just 608 days of marriage, she is getting divorced. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and learning in this January 2023 release. Featured episodes Delicacy by Katy Wix Godkiller by Hannah Kaner...
Feb 05, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week we are visiting the world of Middren, where the worship of gods is forbidden and a battle with the old gods all but destroyed a royal dynasty. Her family devastated by sacrifice to the god of fire, Kissen rejoices in the fact that her search for vengeance is sanctioned by a king who wants to move his people on from the old ways. But when Kissen meets young Inara, the daughter of a noble house, bound by unknown forces to Skedi, the god of white lies, she must face her past on a pilgrima...
Jan 29, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In the 1980s, there was nothing like a good old-fashioned bonkbuster to brighten up your bookcases. With their somewhat stylised but garish covers that declared them to be the sort of book you would probably blush when telling your granny about. As well as the handsome but rakish main characters, they sold in their hundreds of thousands. Jilly Cooper was the Queen of Bonkbusters, famous for the heartless but too-beautiful-to-exist Rupert Campbell-Black who broke hearts all over the world. Rivals...
Jan 08, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 1
This year has been a big one. 130 books, 56 new authors, and only 22 re-reads. I have been introduced to new authors, new genres and some incredible new books. So what made it into the countdown? Are there books you're expecting? Is there anything you want me to mention? Go on, it's the final countdown for the year, give it a listen! Featured episodes The Spirit Engineer The House in the Cerulean Sea Delicacy: A memoir of cake and death Death on the Pier The Body Misery Skyward Podcast mentions ...
Dec 30, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Bet you never thought you'd see the day when I read a book in the Warhammer series! Well, today you are going to be surprised. This week I am talking Warhammer, specifically Xenos, the first in the Eisenhorn Omnibus by Dan Abnett with Dev - who really knows his stuff. So, settle back and welcome to Warhammer... Useful links Warhammer Wiki Warhammer beginners guide Warhammer Space Marines Trailer The Astartes Project...
Dec 18, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 40
