Genre: Poetry

Where do I begin with The Perseverance. Raymond Antrobus has cleverly managed to merge emotions and education in this captivating collection of poetry.

Antrobus has built on the work he did with his pamphlet - Too Sweeten Bitter, published by Out-Spoken Press. 

The overarching aim of this collection is clear - to educate readers on D/deaf and British Sign Language (BSL). I must say Raymond has done this with heartfelt emotion and a sense of nostalgia.

Intertwined with the education messages were renditions of stories and memories of Raynonds personal experiences and also of family members - making it gripping and creating intrigue.

Antrobus also puts himself into the words contained in this book. He talks of his own experiences and tells tales of growing up and trying to fit-in without hearing. He does this in a masterful and disarming way.

Below Raymond performs the title poem and talks about his rationale and reasoning behind the collection and also discusses the process involved in putting together the book.

This book deserves no less than five out of five stars, as it encapsulates everything you would want from a poetry collection. Deep personal lyricism followed by a profound understanding of a much wider and topical issue that affects multitudes of people. He brings the personal and the impersonal together - seamlessly. 

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Historical Fiction

​Sovereign is the third instalment of the 'Shardlake' series by C.J. Sansom and it did well to live up-to the previous renditions.

Following Matthew Shardlake across the country to the city of York ahead of the King's progress after the 'Pilgrimage of Grace' in 1536-37.

Sansom cleverly creates intrigue and tension in his usual style as Matthew gets thrown into a case with direct links to the King himself. As the story develops I was constantly kept guessing as to who the culprit was and the twists and turns gave nothing away.

It's incredible how Sansom's description and vivid imagery in his books brings you right back to the Tudor period. The style and narratives that Sansom creates, provides the reader with an insight into how everyday people live in this time. What was interesting with this rendition in the Shardlake series is that the focus was on portraying the lives of lawyers and their interactions with those stationed above them.

Sansom is very clever at weaving twists and turns and generating intrigue, hence my reasoning for awarding this novel 4 out of 5 stars. Being so far from London I did feel that it was hard to include characters we previously got to know in books 1 & 2, but otherwise a great read that I would thoroughly recommend. 

Genre: Comics

Supergirl (The New 52! #20), by K.Perkins, M.Johnson and E.Lupacchino was the first comic I have read and actually I really enjoyed it. Normally, I would class myself as a Marvel girl, but actually this DC Universe comic actually struck a chord with me.

Generally, I like the story of Supergirl. She's a strong female lead that helps save the world from multiple bad-guys. In essence - she's a total badass.

In this story Supergirl has just started her training at the Crucible Academy is being put through her paces. It's a great story and elements aim at humanising her and showing her desire to just be, Cara Danvers.

The imagery within accompanies the text extremely well and does not just accompany the text/dialogue, but enhances the narrative. The reader does not have to work hard to visualise the scenes as this is done so well for them. Instead they are left to concentrate on the narrative and flow of the story.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this comic. it's the first one I have read. And yes, I did chose it because I liked the cover. However, now I think I will look to explore the story of Supergirl and Cara Danvers even more. I will be reading and reviewing more comic books, so watch this space...​

Genre: Poetry

I finally got around to reading Mean Time by the incredible Carol Ann Duffy. I think this is probably one of the only ones I have not read - and honestly, I wasn't disappointed.

There are poems on everything and everything. It has pieces for anyone and everyone.

Filled to the brim with all the Duffy goodness that we have come to expect from our Poet Laureate. This can be used to document happenings and musings.

It's narrative is in the third person and is used to provide a 'bigger picture' effect. This is helped by Duffy's skilful use of technical devices, such as, alliteration, metaphors, similes, etc.

Duffy has lived up to the title 'Poet Laureate' in her tenure of the position. I am sure she will be missed when she steps down from the role she has held for several years.

Genre: Poetry, Autobiography

​After reading the Gold from the Stone by Lemn Sissay I believe that I have gotten to know this poet extremely well. 

This is the first body of work I have read of Mr Sissay, ad I like it - very much.

By pulling poems from all of his other collections this book shows the poets skill with words and verse.

Throughout there is a Mancunian tone, especially when the pieces looks back at his youth or on the places he has called home.

Much of the collection is autobiographical in nature with Sissay focusing on his childhood, family, political and sociological views, etc.

My favourite poem of this collection is 'Remember How We Forgot' - especially the following lines:

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Historical Fiction

​Origin is the fifth instalment in the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown​ set in Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona - focusing on the debate between religious leaders and scientists on creationism.

The main character in this book, Edmond Kirsch, is extraordinarily smart and is the anchor for the books narrative. His discovery causing wide debate and intrigue both in the book and to myself the reader.

From the get-go Brown has me gripped - to the point where I physically could not put the book down. I had to know what this discovery is. 

Brown's writing style and depth of research definitely comes through when reading this captivating novel. Even though the book jumped from Robert Langdon to Prince Julian throughout the book, but it was done in such a way that it did not detract the flow of the narrative, showing Brown's writing mastery.

Gaudi is a central figure in this novel - since finishing the book I have found myself drawn to Gaudi in a way I was not previously. I will look to read more about him and explore his works even more.

​My reasoning for awarding this book a four-out-of-five stars is that some of the twists and turns, even though required by genre doctrine were a little bit predictable. If they had been a bit more obscure and unpredictable then this book would definitely have received full-marks. A really enjoyable read.

Genre: F/F, Romance, Erotica, Female Fiction, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

​Harper Bliss tells the tale of Jessica Porter and her romance with escort Liz in the eighth instalment of the Pink Bean series, Crazy For You.

We were first introduced to Jessica Porter in the previous novel within the Pink Bean series - Love Without Limits, where she gets involved in the physical part of Jo and Caitlin's relationship.

This book struck a cord with me personally as within the narrative it tackles breast cancer and the psychological effects it has on an individual. The reason this resonated so deeply with me is that I have had a number of family members who have also been affected by this type of cancer.

Hearing Jessica's story it highlighted to me how some of my relatives must have felt and possibly what they must have gone through when they had gone through their cancer treatment. It was quite emotional.

The relationship issue tackled in this novel is between Jessica and Liz, who Jessica hires as an escort, but ends up falling in love with. At the beginning I did question the validity of this relationship and the intentions of Liz. However, as they spent more time with each other and I learnt more about both of them it did become genuine and I did feel the chemistry between the both of them. It's an interesting concept.

I gave this book four-out-of-five stars because I really enjoyed it. It hit be personally and drew out emotions in me. The concept of the book I also felt was intriguing and I liked both of the characters - seeing both their strengths and vulnerabilities. This is definitely a must read...

Genre: F/F, Romance, Female Fiction, Erotica, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

Curating a Masterpiece is the first book I have read by Sybil Smith and I must say it was a really interesting read. This book highlights the creation of a relationship between an employee and their boss within the art world.

Rebecca and River work together at the art gallery Minnessak, Rebecca as curator and River as her assistant. It is evident that there is a chemistry between them from the outset.

Sybil's writing style is easy to read and offers an intriguing concept. She has obviously done her research or has had experience within the art world, as she goes into details on contemporary artists and works and the processes of selling them.

Art played a significant role within the narrative of this book and it inspired me to think about art and continue writing my collection Dalí: In Verse, which at the time was focussed 

There was a genuine connection between both protagonists, but what I struggled with was the abuse in power with the main character Rebecca. River was a university art student and she was there on a placement. The formation of a relationship between the pair shows a lack in judgement from Rebecca. Sybil did try to address this, however, it did feel that this was just glossed over instead of debated fully.

This was primarily the reason why I gave this book only three-out-of-five stars. If the issue of 'abuse of power' was addressed fully then I believe I would have given this book a higher rating. Even though, this book was a very enjoyable read and I will look to read more of Sybil Smith's future work.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

​Within Jayne Seymour: The Haunted Queen acclaimed historian and novelist Alison Weir creatively tells the story of Jayne Seymour through fiction. This book has everything from romance, drama, political intrigue to executions and court hearings.

From the epic Six Tudor Queens series Weir clearly captures the tension of the time surrounding Anne Boleyn's fall from grace and power through to Jane's subtle and endearing nature.

I enjoyed Alison's portrayal of Jane, it's how I envisaged her being; trusting, endearing, loving, loyal - but also a little naive. It showed her journey from a country maid to lady at court and eventually Queen of England.

What was really intriguing about this novel was her interactions with other characters and the growth and development of her as an individual from - Jayne the loyal servant, Jayne the loving daughter/sister/aunt, Jayne the loving companion and finally Jayne the Queen. I felt like I had been taken on quite the journey with Jayne.

Personally I did not like the character of Anne in this novel, however it will be interesting if this changes when reading the second novel in the series - Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession. Katherine of Aragon's character was very regal and pious and I look forward to reading her story, especially about the beginning of her relationship with Henry - from her perspective, in Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen. 

I have digested this series in a rather odd way in reading the third book of the series first, however, I had an opportunity through Pigeonhole - and if you have not yet explored this site/app you should, it's awesome - to read this pre-publication. 

This book has been given five-out-of-five stars because I enjoyed it very much and could not fault it in anyway. If you get a chance please do check out Alison Weirs - Six Tudor Queens series. It offers a whole new perspective on such a poignant and critical period within English history.

Genre: F/F, Romance, Erotica, Female Fiction, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

Love Without Limits is the second instalment of the Josephine and Caitlin love story from the Pink Bean series by Harper Bliss. It goes deeper in detail to understanding non-monogamous relationships.

The narrative of this story tests Jo and Caitlin's relationship. It also explores a relationship deeper into it's duration and not just at the formation of the relationship. 

Non-monogamy is debated thoroughly throughout this book and its place within the relationships within modern society. To be honest before reading any of the Pink Bean series and reading about Caitlin and her work/beliefs I had not really known much about non-monogamy. 

Harper's writing lends nicely to the discursive nature of the narrative of this book. It also showed the progression of the characters, especially Jo, from the first book - Everything Between Us, where we were introduced to both protagonists and the exploration of body image and self-confidence within lesbian relationships was shown within the narrative.

The reason why I only gave this book two-out-of-five stars is purely for the non-monogamy element, as personally I do not believe in it. There also was not as much development of the characters within this, especially in Caitlin. However, the book did read well and I could see how some people could enjoy this. It will be interesting to see how the Pink Bean series develops from this...