The Bravest Word by Kate Foster - #bookreview #blogtour

 

I can't do this. I can't do this.

But it's happening. I am doing this.

I'm following my teammates onto the pitch. I'm watching my orange boots, brand new for the brand new season, take step after step across the short grass. I wish I could stop, spin around and run home...

***

A rescue story of love and trust between a boy and a dog from the talented author of Paws.

Matt is a football superstar. He can handle anything. Except lately his chest feels empty and his head is screaming. He can’t concentrate in school or enjoy football anymore, and he is so, so tired. When Matt stumbles across an abandoned dog, there’s no doubt in his mind that he has to save him. But maybe the dog isn’t the only one who needs help.

***

Who does not like a story about a boy, a dog and how they save and support one another through love? I had known I was going to enjoy this book before I even turned the first page, and I was not disappointed.

There is something rather extraordinary about this book. It has a lovely story but it also highlights mental health issues and how it is okay to talk about how we feel. I liked the way that Matt was able to recognize that he has depression through learning to care about his dog.

The author has created great characters in Matt and Cliff, the dog. She also brings the secondary characters to life extremely well. I would even go as far as to say I am a little in love with Matt's dad, who demonstrates such kindness and understanding to Matt when he really needs it.

The book is aimed at middle grade/lower secondary aged readers and every school library should have a copy of this wonderful book. It has been one of the best children's books I have read this year.

I could have cried when I read how Matt finally learned to open up and admit that he is struggling with his mental health (not a spoiler as it's obvious that the book is heading that way.) It was a very emotive part of the book, and I genuinely think it will facilitate young readers into understanding their own feelings and that it is okay to talk about them.

It is a heartwarming book which I will be thinking about for quite some time. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Undoubtedly a five star read.

***

ISBN: 978 1529514216

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  224 (paperback)

About the Author: 

Kate Foster is an award-winning children's author of middle grade fiction originally from a small town in the southeast of England and now living on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

(book and media courtesy of Love Book Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

The Red Citadel by Michael Lynes - #bookreview #blogtour #IsaacAlvarezSeries

 

As the muezzin's cry announced another dawn, shafts of sunlight from behind the peaks of the Sierra Nevada crept across the face of the Alhambra - situated high on the Sabika hill - suffusing the citadel's red walls with a saffron glow. The variegated light glided down the brick ramparts of the fortress to find Granada at its base. It moved on to illuminate the city's terracotta tiled rooftops, pomegranate studded trees, and blue and white mosaic tiled fountains. It even insinuated itself into the shadowy alleyways of the labyrinthine Albaicin, creeping into the homes of the Mudejares finishing their prayers, most too afraid of their Catholic masters to complete their devotions in the few remaining mosques. The sun did not discriminate though - it lit the houses of poor and rich alike...

***

Isaac Alvarez is a heretic, a reluctant spy, and a murder suspect. Can he prove his innocence and quell a rebellion to reunite his family? Granada, Andalusia, 1499 Forced to convert to Catholicism Isaac remains a Jew at heart. Exiled from Seville by King Ferdinand for heresy he is suspected of murdering the Grand Inquisitor, Torquemada. Did he? Andreas, a priest, has been accused of the murder and imprisoned. Alonso, Torquemada's previous deputy and an old foe of Isaac's, has now returned from exile in the Indies determined to prove his childhood friend's innocence. Isaac now lives with Abdul Rahman - a wealthy Muslim spice merchant - his wife Fatima, and his brother Ali Sina, the last apothecary in the city. He works for Archbishop Talavera. Granada is in turmoil. The rulers coerce Muslims to embrace Catholicism. A rebellion is developing, led by Abdul Rahman. The King instructs Isaac to spy on the rebels. He is conflicted by his loyalty to the brothers and his love for Fatima, but reluctantly agrees.

***

This is the third book in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my spoiler free reviews of the previous two books, Blood Libel and The Heretic's Daughter you can do so by clicking on the titles.

I have very much enjoyed reading this series. The book has much to say about religious intolerance, albeit in an historical setting, but there are still lessons that apply to the modern world in which we live.

Isaac is a strong character who we have met in the previous books, and this book continues to develop his personality. I feel as though I know him, and his headstrong daughter Isabel very well by now and I shall miss reading about them as this is the final book in the series. I am unaware whether the author is planning on continuing with his characters but I would be thrilled if he was.

This book continues on from the persecution and intolerance suffered by the Jews in Seville during the Spanish Inquisition. This develops the theme when we see the same attitude focused on those of the Islamic faith.

The book is atmospheric, and Mr. Lynes does an excellent job at bringing his historical environment to life with his vivid and vibrant descriptions. I could almost smell the fires and feel the heat whilst reading. The author has clearly researched his material thoroughly, and it really shows in these books. It was easy to understand the chaotic and bewildering environment in which these people lived.

I learnt more of this difficult period in history through these books, and it was an easy and accessible way in which to become more familiar with the times.

This has been an excellent series which I highly recommend to historical fiction fans.

ISBN: 978 1739185749

Publisher:  Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  358 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, set in late 15th century Andalusia. He won a prize for his debut, Blood Libel, at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah called it, 'immensely gripping,' and the Historical Novel Society said, 'Lynes knows his history and tells the story with verve.' He published his second novel, The Heretic's Daughter, in 2022. Awais Khan, author of The Company of Strangers, said it had, 'everything a historical thriller should have, and more.' He is hard at work on the third book in the series, The Red Citadel, to be published in 2023. Michael is a member of the Crime Writers' Association - he is the founding convenor of the Gulf Chapter - the Historical Novel Society, and The Alliance of Independent Authors. He is an alumnus of the Faber Academy's Writing a Novel course. Originally from London, he lives in Dubai with his family.

(book and media courtesy of Love Books Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

The Heretic's Daughter by Michael Lynes - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Isaac yearns for a place that no longer exists - Seville before the Inquisition. A place where Torquemada did not call out the names of the heretics to be punished. Where Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand did not watch impassively as executioners smeared a blonde-haired girl's tunic with sulphur - to quicken the journey of the flames from the crackling pyre at her feet. A twisted mercy. Where Isaac did not see white tendrils of smoke, hear shrill screams or smell the bitter stink of charred flesh. Where he did not witness Juan's body melt into the inferno.

***

As the Inquisition’s grip tightens Isaac and Isabel must choose between family and faith. Will they survive the consequences?

Isaac seeks revenge on Torquemada for murdering his wife and best friend. He’s not the only one who wants The Grand Inquisitor dead. The King commands Isaac to investigate. Should he save the man he hates? Fail and he loses the King’s protection — the only thing keeping him alive. Feeling abandoned by her father and con!icted by his heresy, Isabel sets out to discover the truth. The trail leads to the darkest places in Seville. She’s unnerved by a shocking revelation and a surprising discovery about her real feelings. Can Isabel use what she unearths to save her father and their family?

***

This book is a worthy follow up to Blood Libel, which was the first in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my review of the first book you can do so by clicking here.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much. It is set in Seville three years after Blood Libel. Isabel is now a young woman and is responsible for the education of her younger brother, Gabriel, and the two orphaned children of a family friend. She is an excellent character and the author has done a great job in developing her character.

Isabel has a large part to play in this book, but there is still plenty of action provided by her father, Isaac. Mr. Lynes takes his readers on quite an adventure with the setting moving to Granada for part of the story. 

It made for an easy read with lots of excitement along the way. The series brings history alive on the page and details the way in which Jews were in fear for their lives during the Spanish Inquisition. There is lots of attention to detail, and the author has clearly completed his research extensively.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of medieval history will enjoy this book. It would work well as a standalone but is worth reading the first book in the series in order to understand the backstory of the characters.

I will be reading the next book, The Red Citadel, later this month and I am looking forward to doing so very much.

ISBN: 978 1739185718

Publisher: Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  330 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, set in late 15th century Andalusia. He won a prize for his debut, Blood Libel, at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah called it, 'immensely gripping,' and the Historical Novel Society said, 'Lynes knows his history and tells the story with verve.' He published his second novel, The Heretic's Daughter, in 2022. Awais Khan, author of The Company of Strangers, said it had, 'everything a historical thriller should have, and more.' He is hard at work on the third book in the series, The Red Citadel, to be published in 2023. Michael is a member of the Crime Writers' Association - he is the founding convenor of the Gulf Chapter - the Historical Novel Society, and The Alliance of Independent Authors. He is an alumnus of the Faber Academy's Writing a Novel course. Originally from London, he lives in Dubai with his family.

(book and all media courtesy of Love Book Tours)

(all opinions are my own)