Recent Reads

reads, Recent Reads

City of Lies

leanbhpearson

I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . .”- City of Lies, Sam Hawke One of my belated book reviews is the debut Fantasy novel City of Lies by Australian author Sam Hawke. The opening line is the best hook for a novel of political intrigue, murder, mystery and… Continue reading City of Lies

research, Writing

Virtual Plotting & Planning

leanbhpearson

I’ve been investigating new ways to develop my world-building for my novel-in-progress Ragnarok Dreaming, inspired by Norse mythology. I am a highly visual person and my imagination (and writing) has become increasingly taxed by trying to remember my mental images and plans for complex landscapes, cities and worlds in my latest work-in-progress. I was keen… Continue reading Virtual Plotting & Planning

reads, Recent Reads

Circe

leanbhpearson

I recently read Circe, a historical fantasy by Madeline Miller, a retelling and exploration of the maligned figure in Ancient Greek mythology, the witch Circe. Circe follows the unusual female figure of Ancient Greek literature, the witch daughter of the Titan god Helios, exiled to Aiaia by Olyimpium Zeus. The details of Circe’s strangely mortal-like… Continue reading Circe

reads, Recent Reads

The Institute

leanbhpearson

I read The Institute by US author Stephen King after many reviews discussed the social issues within the novel and the similarities with the psychologically challenging novels Firestarter and Carrie, both sharing with The Institute, children with powers of telekinesis and telepathy. The Institute focuses on twelve year old Luke Ellis, a boy of exceptional… Continue reading The Institute

research

Iceland: The Icelandic Horse

leanbhpearson

In early September 2019, I travelled to Iceland and visited Eldhestar Icelandic horse trekking company located less than 30 minutes drive southeast from the capital Reykjavik. The Icelandic horse was brought to the island by the Viking settlers. You can read about about Icelandic Viking history and the history of Reykjavik here. There are also… Continue reading Iceland: The Icelandic Horse

reads, Recent Reads

The Bee and the Orange Tree

leanbhpearson

I read The Bee and the Orange Tree by Australian author Melissa Ashley. A wonderful historical fiction set during the early stages of the French Revolution but focused on the female literary circles surrounding Baroness Marie Catherine D'Aulnoy established as an author in her own right after successful publication career of several novels and fairytale… Continue reading The Bee and the Orange Tree

reads, Recent Reads

A Darker Shade of Magic

leanbhpearson

I had read many reviews of A Darker Shade of Magic by US author Victoria Schwab and in October 2019, I decided to delve into this popular series. I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and unique characters of the first book in this trilogy. A Darker Shade of Magic follows Kell, one of two last magicians… Continue reading A Darker Shade of Magic

research

Sweden: Gotland Museum

leanbhpearson

I visited the Gotland Museum in Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden in early September 2019. You can read more about my research visit to the Uppsala Viking Age burial mounds, the History Museum in Stockholm and the medieval city of Visby on Gotland Island. Gotland Museum contains an amazing variety of prehistoric Swedish and Viking Age… Continue reading Sweden: Gotland Museum