Reading Round-Up: Jan/Feb 2019

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

We're already well into 2019 and spring is fast approaching - though it might not seem like it just yet! It's been a busy time for my reading, as usual, with the cold weather making me stay indoors and read more. So, let's see what's been going on in my bookish world during January and February!

Book Review: The Red Pearl by C.K. Brooke

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

AD* | Treasure lost, passion found?

Antonia Korelli is on the run from her coven of priestesses. She never desired a life confined to the temple, relegated to chastity and service to the goddess, Azea. Instead, she longs for true love and adventure in the Kingdom of Elat.

Enter Robin Watkins, a fiery dreamer on a mission of his own, to uncover the legendary lost Red Pearl. Only, he must first regain his treasure map, which was stolen by his former best mate and conniving ex-girlfriend.

When Antonia becomes unwittingly entangled with Rob, she's more than dismayed to find herself stuck on his harebrained hunt. But somewhere amidst their bickering and banter, their plight for survival through desert and tropics, and the joint pursuit of impossible dreams, Antonia begins to realize that perhaps she might have found the unforgettable adventure - and romance - she was seeking.

3 Places to Stay in the Derbyshire Peak District

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

Travelling is wonderful, but with such a rich variety of sights, views, history, culture and activities on our doorstep, sometimes there's no need to go further afield for a memorable getaway! Of course, it's no secret that I love getting out and about, exploring as much of my home country as I possibly can, but I'm hoping to share more and more of my travels here on The Writing Greyhound.

As a result, I've compiled a little list featuring just a few of my favourite places to stay in the Derbyshire Peak District - a brilliant part of the country that's off the usual tourist trail.

Book Review: Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet. Ollie is allergic to electricity. Contact with it causes debilitating seizures. Moritz’s weak heart is kept pumping by an electronic pacemaker. If they ever did meet, Ollie would seize. But Moritz would die without his pacemaker. Both hermits from society, the boys develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline during dark times - as Ollie loses his only friend, Liz, to the normalcy of high school and Moritz deals with a bully set on destroying him.

A story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances, this debut is powerful, dark and humorous in equal measure. These extraordinary voices bring readers into the hearts and minds of two special boys who, like many teens, are just waiting for their moment to shine.

Film Review: How to Train Your Dragon 3 - The Hidden World

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

Weighing in as one of my most highly anticipated films of the year, How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World promised to be a fantastic tale and a worthy new addition to a much-loved animated movie series. 

I had purposely avoided watching teasers and trailers before the film’s release, as the last thing I wanted was to inadvertently spoil a major twist or key plot point before seeing the movie in full. Luckily, I succeeded, and after watching the film last Friday evening, I am especially glad that I did!

Book Review: Nirvana by J.R. Stewart

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

AD* | When the real world is emptied of all that you love, how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?

Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone’s deepest desires may be realised - even visits with Andrew.

Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon’s dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kenders’ biggest challenge is determining what is real – and what is virtual.

Interview: Skye McNeil

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

With just over a week until Valentine's Day, what better opportunity to chat with a romance author? Skye McNeil is the author of the wonderful romance novel Hearts Abroad, and she's kindly agreed to stop by the blog for a chat about her writing life.