It’s Wednesday again and the excitement of the coronation is all behind us. Instead this week, there’s more excitement for every child in Year 6 in the UK as they have the pleasure of their SATs tests. That means that I’m in school every day this week helping out with the test and supporting individual children. In a strange way, I miss being fully involved with the SATs tests. They were stressful and far too much rides on the results but it’s a time when children and staff really come together and in a strange way, is one of the most enjoyable weeks of Year 6.
Wednesday also means that it’s time for WWW Wednesday. This is one of my favourite memes and I love taking part in it and reading everybody else’s posts. I get so many great book recommendations from them! The meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm, and it’s currently hosted by Sam. It can be found on her blog Taking on a world of words which can be found here.
The idea of WWW Wednesday is just to answer three simple questions about what you are reading, have just finished and are about to read so here goes for this week.
What I’m currently reading
The Fury of Kings by R S Moule
Another one for #WyrdandWonder and off my Net Galley shelf. I am quite behind now with reading my ARCs and struggling to read and review all of the books on my shelf before their publication dates. My resolution of not requesting so many books really fell down recently!!!
This is a fairly typical epic fantasy at the moment. We have a king whose heir has just been murdered, an aging hero with three children who all want very different things and a couple of very determined women who are going to control their own destiny. Add in a couple of rebel kingdoms and rumours of strange gods stirring and you’ve got a fairly good mix. It’s a good story so far although we’re still in the process of getting to know the main characters. There are at least 6 different points of view but the author is avoiding fragmenting the story too much at the moment.
I’ve nearly finished this account of Charles II’s government’s attempts to bring the men responsible for killing Charles I to justice. It’s an interesting read and it became easier to keep track of who everyone was as the book has gone on.
What I have recently finished reading
The Daughters of Izdihar by Hardeer Elsbai
I enjoyed this fantasy loosely based on Egyptian history. The two main characters of Nehai and Georgina were both likeable and good foils for each other. I enjoyed the plot which was basically women fighting for their rights in a male dominated society. Think about the Suffragettes and transfer that to a fantasy setting and you won’t be far wrong. It ended very abruptly which I’m never a fan of especially when you have no idea when the second part will be out.
The Sword Defiant by Gareth Hanrahan
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and my review is here
The Change by Kirsten Miller
This was a gripping read. Three women of a certain age (forty plus) discover that they have strange powers. Nessa hears and sees the dead, Harriett is a witch and and Jo can use her rage in ways that she is only just beginning to explore. They discover the body of a young girl and Nessa is sure that there are more. The police don’t want to know so they begin to investigate for themselves. They discover a group of wealthy, powerful men who prey on young girls and cast them aside once they have finished with them and decide to deal with matters themselves. Their revenge comes in very unique ways although reminded me a bit of Weyward with Harriett’s power over nature.
I loved all three of the women and found the plot sadly believable.
What I am intending to read next
Done to Death by Charles Atkins
This is the third of the books about Ada and Lil and will make a nice change from my recent fantasy fest.
What are you reading this week?