Welcome to another rockin’ edition of My Favourite Reads!

I had great plans of once again digging deep into my to-be-read pile and getting through some of the books I’d forgotten were there, or have never been in the mood for. Unfortunately I only managed one because – surprise, surprise – I was once again distracted by a bright ‘n shiny young adult fantasy series. I can’t help it. They’re sooooo goooood!!

Anyway, onto my favourite read(s) which were…

Ink and Bone Fire by Rachel Caine

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Books 1 & 2 in The Great Library series.

Okay, I know I’ve gone a bit nutty over young adult fantasy novels at the moment but what a premise! A world where not only does The Great Library of Alexandria still exist but where it’s all-powerful? Oh yeah, I’m in on that one.

Throw in a band of young people who have themselves and their loyalties tested in their quest to join the library elite, a gorgeous, smart and brave hero (who I have a MASSIVE book boyfriend crush on), smugglers, fanatics, control-freaks, and a cast of older characters who may or may not be trust-worthy, and you have a hell of a ride.

Although not remotely Potteresque, I couldn’t help feeling that there was some kinship with the Harry Potter world. Maybe it was the whole band of friends thing, maybe it was the huge stakes at risk, I don’t know. What I do know is that I gutsed these down and am now feeling bereft that I must wait until July for book 3. Gah!

The Traitor’s Girl by Christine Wells

Oh, it pains me not to have this as my favourite read of the month, and any other time it would have been, but I’m just too obsessed with YA fantasy at the moment. Sorry, Christine! This book was fantastic though. I loved it. The characters were wonderful, especially Carrie and Eve, and I thought the way the story unfolded through multiple viewpoints and across timelines was cleverly done. It really added to the suspense and intrigue. HIGHLY recommended and would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift.

PS. There’s a paperback giveaway of The Traitor’s Girl running on this week’s Teaser Tuesday but it’s closing veeeeery soon so click, swipe or tap here to enter before it’s too late.

Orkney Twilight by Clare Carson

This was a really interesting story about a young woman determined to discover her father’s secrets and, as an undercover policeman, he has plenty. I picked this up mostly because of the Orkney setting as it’s a place I’d love to visit but have yet to make it to. But I found myself more intrigued by the time in which this was set – in the eighties when Great Britain was suffering great political and social unrest. Think shadowy figures and intrigue, and a very strong writer’s voice.

Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter

For a short book this sure made me cry a lot. If you love a Christmas themed story with cowboys and snow and emotional conflicts that really tug at your heartstrings, then this will be right up your alley.

One to snuggle up to on a cold afternoon.

The Secret Life and Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne by Andrew Nicoll

I adored Nicoll’s The Good Mayor which had some of the best portrayals of the complete and utter idiocy of love that I’ve ever read (I still remember the scene showing the lengths the mayor goes to just to peek at his love’s ankles). This is a definite departure from that quirky, sweet book but an excellent one. Set in early 1900s England, The Secret Life and Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne is a compelling murder-mystery on its own, but it’s also a fine insight into class division and human frailty. I really enjoyed it.

Come Quietly by Jessie Logan

In the mood for a scorching hot short tale with a sexy, rich hero and a libidinous librarian, and a few laughs thrown in? Then I suggest you zip on over to Amazon and snap up your 99 cent copy of this story right now. Fun in the stacks with the Dewey system.

What were your favourite reads of April?