How Not to Vampire – Rodney V. Smith

As a first-timer on Reedsy, the sensible thing I should have done was spending some time trying to figure out the platform. A book caught my attention instead, and I had to take it. The title promised a lot of irony and fun, and I was sold even before reading the blurb. The book in question is How Not to Vampire, by Rodney V. Smith, an Urban Fantasy that is so much more than your average vampire story! The first thing that comes to mind was that it gives the same vibes of some '90s movies I love, those irreverent and crude dark comedies so iconic that stuck with me till today.

The Necklace – Matt Witten

TN follows the journey of Susan, a woman who lost her daughter to a heinous crime. While traveling to North Dakota to witness the execution of the murderer, she comes across new evidence that would clear his name.

Q&A with Lucy May Lennox

Today we're kicking back and chatting a little with Lucy May Lennox, the author of Flowers by Night. I had the chance to read it last year and wow, I was blown away! So, of course, an interview was in order ;D

A Lady’s Revenge – Edie Cay

Despite its historical accuracy, the fact that back then women used to fight isn’t so widespread yet. I wasn’t aware of that myself, and that’s a shame. ALR is not only a refreshing take on historical fiction, it also taught me something new.

The Other Worlds: Offbeat Adventures of a Curious Traveler – T. Mattson

Tom Mattson closes the straps of his backpack, grabs his digital camera and takes us for a ride around the world. Cliché? Nah. Forget about the beaten path, dazzling capitals, monuments and museums, we’re going on an adventure here. And much like Bilbo, we have no clue about where Tom is going to lead us next. We start on a bench in Havana and go from there.

London’s Museums and Galleries – Eleanor Ross

This book offers a comprehensive list of what to visit when you’re donning your tourist hat, from big museums like the British to more secluded places like The Viktor Wynd or Deptford. Divided in sections - that’s handy! - and with a map at the end, it covers the whole city.

Poison in the Pills – August Raine

I think of PitP as a raw gemstone A ruby or an amethyst pulled from a mine, ripe with potential - and since this is a debut novel, I’m here clapping. Good plot, good ideas and twists, nice and not so nice characters, an oppressive setting: bravo

Steam in my Lens: the Reginal Batten Collection – Malcom Batten

SIML is a recount of Reginald’s life, sometimes told in first person and sometimes narrated with the help of his son, Malcolm. An avid photographer, Reginald traveled through the countryside and documented both life and trains. While I didn’t have the privilege to see his country shots (aw!), his railway ones are very nice.

A Bright Young Thing – Brianne Moore

The MC, Astra, is crafted in a beautiful way. Is she pampered and clueless at the very beginning? Yes. Does she make mistakes here and there? Yes. Is she a cardboard cut character? No. She has layers, she grows and changes throughout the whole story, and that’s what I’m after whenever I start a new book. Character growth

Weather – Robert Ford

Weather is the second book I’m reviewing for Amber Books, and I’m noticing a trend here: powerful pictures selected with care and paired with bite-sized, relevant information. It’s a format I appreciate, because it avoids infodumping on the reader - I’m a big fan of minimalism, you know. Teach me things without overwhelming me, just like Robert is doing here.