Books and Mortar

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In A Gathering of Shadows, the stakes are higher than ever as Kell, a powerful magician, is thrust into the deadly Essen Tasch, a high-stakes magical tournament that pits sorcerers from across parallel Londons against one another. Meanwhile, Lila Bard, a daring thief with her own mysterious powers, plunges headfirst into a world of magic, intrigue, and danger. As dark forces rise and loyalties are tested, both Kell and Lila must confront their fates in a world on the edge of destruction.

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In V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic, four parallel Londons exist—some thriving with magic, others nearly barren. Kell, a rare Antari - or Traveler - between them, smuggles forbidden artifacts until he stumbles upon something truly dangerous. When thief Delilah Bard gets involved, the two are pulled into a deadly fight for survival. With dark magic spreading and enemies closing in, they’ll have to outrun fate itself. Fast-paced, magical, and full of adventure—this one’s a must-read. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Warning: spoilers

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Lost legends, a mysterious sea creature, and a town full of secrets…

When Violet Parma arrives in Eerie-on-Sea searching for her parents, she meets Herbert Lemon, a young lost and founder. 

Together, they uncover the truth about the legendary Malamander - a creature that may not be just a myth…

Dive into this latest episode and let’s explore this thrilling adventure, full of mystery, danger and magic!

This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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Following the dynamic duo of daughter-in-law and father-in-law team, Amy and Steve Wheeler race around the world, chased by contract killers to investigate a series of murders against a ticking clock before Amy is falsely convicted of all three. Of course, world famous author Rosie D'Antonio is along for the ride and what an exciting addition she makes! Richard Osman has crafted the perfect blend of murder mystery, humor and characters to fall in love with. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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Kiela has spent most of her life in the Great Library of Alyssium with a sentient spider plant named Caz as her only company. When the revolutionaries cause trouble and burn the library, Kiela and Caz grab as many spell books as they can and escape to Kiela's home island of Caltrey. Kiela hopes that she won't have to talk to anyone in the village and heaven forbid she have to make any friends, but as Kiela stays on the island, she finds herself more and more drawn to the friendly inhabitants and she realises that she could make a home here after all. If only she can find a way to help the islanders restore balance to their island with magic? This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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From the author of Crazy Rich Asians comes Lies and Weddings. Countess Arabella Leung Grisham just wants what's best for her children. So imagine her chagrin when she finds out what they want, is not quite what she wants. Augusta doesn't want to wear the wedding gown she's painstakingly picked out for her, Rufus doesn't want to marry the girl she's picked out for him and oh my goodness, someone is pregnant! Oh yeah, and they do still have money right? RRIGHT?! Warning: spoilers. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own. 

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This book follows the story of Penelope, aka Nell Stevens who, a forty-something year old, moves back home to London after a break up and failed business to start over. But what do you do when life hasn't gone the way you thought it would? Slight language warning for this one. It's not my fault, it's in the title. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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Temi's announcement that she wants to have a Brazilian butt lift causes shock and outrage amongst the women in her family. Why does she want to do this? Damilare Kuku sensitively, expertly and, at times, hilariously explores how the shape of a woman's body can shape their lives and other events that bring us together or pull us apart. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Trigger warnings for the review and book: sexual harassment, bullying, sexual abuse.

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The sequel to the epic fantasy, Empire of the Vampire, Empire of the Damned is another wild ride by the incomparable Jay Kristoff. The continuation of Gabriel de Leon's tale of his journey with the Holy Grail to finally end Daysdeath and put an end to the reign of the vampires for good. This is an independent podcast and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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This is part 1 of a review of a massive book called Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. A book about two magicians who bring magic back to England after centuries of it being lost, involving themselves with faeries results in a feud between the two magicians that end up creating havoc. This is an independent review and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Warning: spoilers