Book Review of Ariadne by Jennifer Saint: Luscious, Visceral Mythology Retelling

Everyone knows the heroic story of Theseus in the labyrinth, and how Ariadne helped him to defeat the terrifying Minotaur. Yet with this act of bravery, a betrayal of her tyrannous royal father, Ariadne's story is only beginning. The epic tales of ancient poets rarely pause to consider her sacrifice, or what it meant to leave behind her Cretan home and family. Lost in a new kind of labyrinth, Ariadne must quickly learn what it means to be a woman, and a mortal, in a world ruled over by men and gods.

Empowering Non-Fiction Reads for International Women’s Day

Tuesday 8th March is International Women's Day! It's a perfect time to celebrate the incredible strength and achievements of women around the world, as well as acknowledging the obstacles we face. With that in mind, I've put together a list of my favourite feminist non-fiction reads.

Book Review of Girl A by Abigail Dean: Complex & Sensitive Thriller

Lex has spent years trying to forge an identity for herself beyond that of Girl A - the one who escaped from her parent's horrific abuse and raised the alarm to save her siblings. Now an adult, with a successful legal career in New York, she is dragged back to her childhood trauma when her mother dies in prison and names Lex as executor of her will. As Lex reconnects with her siblings, many of whom she hasn't seen for years, she must confront the insidious grip they have on each other's lives, not to mention the dark coping strategies that can hold back the past no longer.

10 Dark & Twisted Romances to Make You Glad You’re Single

Ahh, Valentine's Day - love is in the air. Or, if you're single, maybe you're already simmering with cynicism and disdain. In that case, the most twisted love stories in literature are on hand to help you feel smugly unattached.

Book Review of The Comfort Book by Matt Haig: A Hug in Word Form!

When author Matt Haig was in the darkest days of his depression, he noted down any and all of the quotes, advice, observations, inspiration, or anecdotes that brought him comfort and hope. The Comfort Book grew from this principle of hope and Haig's desire to share it with readers. Designed to be a cover-to-cover companion on the worst days, or simply to dip into when you're feeling a little lost, this unique read offers a gentle dose of affirmation and self-care within every page.

Book Review of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell: Devastating & Emotive Family History

In a modest Stratford house, in the late sixteenth century, a boy is searching for help. His twin sister, Judith, has fallen ill, and he has no idea what to do. His mother will come, carrying kind words, herbal remedies, and fear in her heart. The plague should not be here - the playhouses in London may close, but here in Stratford, far away, they are supposed to be safe. Heedlessly, the sickness has arrived from another world, crept into their home, and waits with insatiable power to shatter a family beyond recognition.

My Top 10 Books of 2021!

2021 has been quite the year! I graduated university, set up my own business as a freelance writer, and just generally entered the daunting world of adulthood. Books have been there through it all to provide a reassuring sense of constancy and plenty of opportunities to escape reality. So without further ado, in no particular order (because I am extremely indecisive!) here are my top 10 favourite books of 2021...

Book Review: Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead (Magazine Article)

Are you looking for your next indigiqueer read? I've written a book review of Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead - an intimate and vulnerable novel that became a Lambda award winner in 2019.

Books Recommended by Black Feminists (Magazine Article)

Black History Month may be over, but the process of decolonising our bookshelves shouldn't be. It all starts with where we get our book recommendations! With that in mind, I've compiled a list of reading recs from black feminists including Roxane Gay, Candice Carty-Williams, Laverne Cox, Renni Eddo-Lodge, Bernardine Evaristo, and Janet Mock. Whether you're into historical fiction or powerful memoirs, there's something for everyone...

Subtly Creepy Books to Enjoy this Halloween!

Confession: I'm a massive wimp, and for me full-on horror films or books are an absolute no-no. When I was younger I was traumatised by E.T. the alien for weeks, and my Mum once had to walk me sobbing out of the cinema when I freaked out over Dobby in The Chamber of Secrets. If you share my cowardly streak, you'll love this list of books that sit safely outside of the horror genre, but still provide a creepy and unsettling vibe to get you in the mood for spooky season...