Review: Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum

Harriet Hates Lemonade is an entertaining story that expresses the importance of friendship. In the same vein as A Man Called Ove the curmudgeon Harriet learns that life is better when you loosen up and share it with friends.

Harriet has been widowed for over a year now. It had always been just her and Les. They only ever needed each other and Harriet has spent the last 12 months upholding Les' ideals of keeping the neighbourhood in check and reporting anyone who steps out of line.

Through Harriet's memories we see how her life was with Les and slowly Harriet comes to realise all was not as rosy as she thought.

I really liked Harriet's character. She was all bluster and lacking in tact, saying exactly what she thought. Many readers may not like Harriet's abrupt manner but I knew she didn't mean to offend, she was just stating facts and I found it all very amusing.

Harriet Hates Lemonade is an easy read even with the heavy themes of domestic violence, gaslighting, manipulation and control. These themes are offset by lighter themes of friendship, community and personal growth.

The story starts off with humour and I was taken unaware as it slowly escalates to scenes of domestic violence and then turns to a heartwarming story of new friendships.

Harriet Hates Lemonade is at times funny, foreboding and always heartfelt. I picked up the book every spare minute I had.

My rating 4 / 5 

Content: domestic violence

               murder

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Publication date: 12th February 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 330

Source: eCopy courtesy of the publisher

Follow the blog tour below:

#harriethateslemonade #wowwomenonwriting #kimmccollum #contemporaryfiction #blogtour #ausbookbloggers 

Review: Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness

 Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a return to Patrick Ness' iconic world of Chaos Walking.

If you have read the Chaos Walking trilogy; The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer and Monsters of Men, you will know the how and why the humans have inhabited this new world. If, like me, you haven't read the previous books you will have a lot of questions and be chomping at the bit to read the previous three books.

Piper at the Gates of Dusk takes place twenty odd years on from the Chaos Walking books. Viola and Todd are still very much around and part of the community but this series is about their sons, Ben and Max, and is narrated in the alternating point of view of the two boys.

Strange things are seen far off in the sky and burning monsters have appeared in the forests. A new threat is coming! The humans and lands live together but all is not harmonious as suspicion and racism abound.

Piper at the Gates of Dusk is rich in action, intrigue and politics. There is a desperate attempt to save the only world they now have and the only world the young people have ever known.

Patrick Ness has a sharp eye for teenage fears and hopes. His teen-aged protagonists struggle to be heard over overbearing adults who brush them off as too young to have valid solutions to the problems presented.

I raced through this book with its never ending action and intrigue.

With themes of activism, social justice, racism, disability and gender dysphoria Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a book for our times.

The book ends on a super cliffhanger that has me eager for the next book.

I absolutely have to read the previous trilogy as I have a multitude of questions. Did humans invade the New World? Were the Land indigenous to the planet? Did they start out working together, or was there always animosity? Did the humans learn nothing from the history of the Earth!!??

My rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Recommended age:12 - 18 years (quite suitable for the younger end of this age group)

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 7th April 2026

Series: New World Trilogy #1

Genre: Young Adult / Sci Fi / Dystopian

Pages: 384

RRP: $29.99AU (paperback)

Source: ARC courtesy of the publisher

Review: Stillwater by Tanya Scott

As soon as I read the prologue of Stillwater I was completely hooked into the mystery. 

Tania Scott asks the question in Stillwater; "Can you ever outrun your past?"

Luke Harris is working for a disability support company and gets a call for home help with the Wylie family. Here he meets Emma, sister of Phil who Luke is working with. 

Luke has a self-imposed solitude but he clicks with Emma and they start seeing each other.

Luke and Emma both have stuff  going on behind the scenes and Tanya Scott shows through their interactions that non-one really knows what's going on for you or how your past defines you.

The story goes back in time to different parts of Luke's childhood living with his gambling, lying, cheating father and how he was neglected and abused. Luke learnt from an early age to rely on no one but himself. The mob picked him up and looked after him, for a price. There was no escape.

Stillwater is a harrowing story of being brought up by the mob and trying to build a better life, but trouble always seemed to find Luke. Scott builds empathy for her main character. We get to see his upbringing and want him to succeed.

Stillwater is a gritty story of criminal bosses, paranoia , manipulation and coercion.

Fast-paced and addictive, Stillwater is a powerful debut that I couldn't put down until I'd finished the last page. I'm excited for the next Luke Harris novel coming out in April 2027.

Content: child abuse

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 12th August 2025

Series: Luke Harris Thriller #1

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 375

Source: Own copy

Review: Gunpowder Creek by Alex Dook

Alex Dook's debut novel Gunpowder Creek is a fabulously entertaining read.

Gritty and action packed there is never a dull moment in this high octane crime thriller. 

Emily receives a garbled voicemail from her son Zach about someone coming after him. She races to his flat to find it trashed but empty.

Zach has been mixed up with the wrong people but when his latest job goes terribly wrong he finds himself held captive and his mother must complete the job or Zach will die.

Emily can't believe what she is doing, driving a stolen car to make a delivery to the remote town of Gunpowder Creek. She has three days to deliver or Zach will be killed. She will do anything for her only son.

What ensues is a race across the Australian desert where Emily's every move, every word is being monitored, but there is someone else who wants that package and they will stop at nothing to find Emily.

Alex Dook takes an everyday person and puts them in dire life or death situations showing how a mother's love transcends fear and pain. Emily is like a mother bear fighting off anyone who endangers her child.

I was stunned at how far Emily was pushed however, glimpses of her backstory shows she had a harsh upbringing. She was no quitter. Even though you will need to suspend your disbelief a little I found the descriptions of the punishing outback and Emily's desperation all felt real.

I liked how Dook had Emily fighting against the worst of humankind however when it came down to it she never lost her empathy.

Lots of dark humour had me laughing at times and were a welcome relief from the blood and gore.

Gunpowder Creek is an impressive debut. I raced through it. I'm now very excited to see what Alex Dook comes up with next.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 2nd September 2025

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#gunpowdercreek #alexdook #debut #crime #thriller #ausbookbloggers 

Review: A Slowly Dying Cause by Elizabeth George

I really should do more research before requesting review books that are in a series.

A Slowly Dying Cause is book #22 in the Inspector Lynley series.

" The Inspector Lynley Mysteries series was developed for television by the BBC and ran for six seasons from 2001 to 2007. Britbox announced a reboot of the series to air in 2025."

When the body of Michael Lobb is discovered in his family's workshop police are called in to investigate. As the investigation continues the number of likely suspects increases.

I loved how Elizabeth George delved deeply into each character's life, making the story more about the characters and their nuances than the mystery itself. There seemed to be a theme around men's sexual fantasies and older men lusting after much younger women.

I found A Slowly Dying Cause to be a complex and satisfying read. It's a large book at over 600 pages and the intriguing mystery kept me entertained throughout.

A Slowly Dying Cause is a story about manipulation and deceit , infidelity and desire, and the family ties that bind us.

If you are already a Lynley fan you will not be disappointed with this new mystery however this book is not a good place to start even though the murder case is solved during the novel the focus on the characters' lives and their shared histories left me lost at times.

I enjoyed this enough to find some previous novels in the series to catch up on the characters.

My rating reflects on the fact I didn't know Lynley's and Haver's backstories and I found it hard to connect.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 16th September 2025

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Series: Inspector Lynley #22

Pages: 643

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#inspectorlynley #aslowlydyingcause #elizabethgeorge #murdermystery #crime

Review: No Dancing in the Lift by Mandy Sayer

 With No Dancing in the Lift Mandy Sayer has written a raw, honest and compassionate ode to her late father Gerry Sayer.

Written like a love letter to her father No Dancing in the Lift reflects on the last few months of Gerry Sayer's life when Mandy became his sole carer.

Mandy Sayer's writing is very open and conversational. The story flows effortlessly making it an easy read.

Mandy shares her grief and memories of growing up with a father who was often absent; however their time together built lasting happy memories.

There are lots of fun moments as Mandy recalls many of her father's antics and some dubious fatherly outings. I can see life with him was never boring as we learn how her father's influence shaped the person she is today.

Their bohemian lifestyle as Mandy was growing up was a real eye opener for me and I appreciate the deep love she had for her father despite his failings.

I liked the honest and open way Mandy includes details of her dysfunctional and complicated family.

There is much to learn from Mandy's take on her experiences. Many would have looked back on this life and seen only disaster and neglect however Mandy is a glass-half-full woman and I really enjoyed her outlook on her unusual upbringing. 

If you like to read memoirs No Dancing in the Lift is one I would highly recommend.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Publisher: Transit Lounge Publishing

Publication date: 1st September 2025

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 240

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media

#nodancinginthelift #mandysayer #memoir #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers

Winner of a copy of The Ironbark Promise Announced!!

 I will be posting new giveaways in the first week of every month. March Giveaway is for a copy of The Napoleon of Africa by Phil Smart.

Bookmark my page and check back often so you don't miss a giveaway.

 A huge thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for a paperback copy of The Ironbark Promise by Leonie Kelsall.  The giveaway closed on the 12th February 2026 and the winner was randomly selected (using Wheelofnames) from all correct entries. 

Congratulations to........ 

The winner has been notified and has seven days to provide a mailing address.

 

 

Please check under the Giveaway tab for more great giveaways!

Review: The Ironbark Promise by Léonie Kelsall

 It's been a slow beginning to the year as I've been catching up on reviews.

The Ironbark Promise was my last read of 2025

The Ironbark Promise is best selling Australian author Léonie Kelsall's ninth novel.

The Ironbark Promise has readers back in the lovely rural town of Settlers Bridge where love is in the air once again and one of my favourite characters, Hamish, meets his match.

Léonie Kelsall depicts farming life with ease and her descriptive language makes the town and its residents easy to visualise.

Hamish has a reputation as a bit of a playboy and even though he would secretly like to settle down he still plays up to the image everyone has of him.

Jemma is a high-flying city lawyer. The pressure at work is high and she also seems to have a stalker which is causing her some grief. Jemma decides to get away from the city and spend a few days in the country with her father, Pierce. (You can read Pierce and Sam's story in The Willow Tree Warf).

Kelsall builds tension with a mystery surrounding Jemma's life and the slow burn romance between Jemma and Hamish is filled with a multitude of problems for them both to work through.

I love coming back to Settlers bridge and catching up with all my favourite characters with each new book that Leonie Kelsall brings out. The town of Setters Bridge is a central part of each novel and just as much a character as the people who live there. 

The Ironbark Promise includes many themes relevant to rural living and the subject of criminal law including subtle moral messages making this an interesting and thought provoking read.

I can hardly wait for Léonie's next novel, The Windmill in the Silver Gums. I got goosebumps just reading the blurb!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 6th January 2026

Genre: Rural Romance

Pages: 368

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Other books by Leonie Kelsall

THE FARM AT PEPPERTREE CROSSING

THE WATTLE SEED INN 

THE BLUE GUM CAMP

THE WILLOW TREE WHARF

THE RIVER GUM COTTAGE 

THE HOMESTEAD IN THE EUCALYPTS

THE WINGS ABOVE THE MALEE

THE PATH THROUGH THE COOJONG TREES

Review: The Endless Sky by Di Morrissey

 With The Endless Sky Di Morrissey showcases the beauty of the Australian outback. She doesn't leave out the remoteness but puts greater emphasis on its alluring and fascinating beauty. A night sky devoid of city lights, that dull and dampen, is brought to vivid life on the page.

Renowned journalist Nicole Robertson is searching for the next big story and decides she will go off the beaten track and interview interesting people doing unusual things. She takes Stacie along with her and the two head to remote Central Queensland.

The Endless Sky is a nice, easy read. I really enjoyed the character of Nicole, middle aged, strong and intelligent, her journalistic instincts  always awake. All the supporting characters were well developed and believable.

I feel the story, for me, was let down by the addition of the characters' inner thoughts slowing the narrative.

With themes of fossil hunting, black market fossil trade, palaeontology digs and protecting remote areas from overuse, it is fascinating reading. Nicole interviews volunteers at a dig and is invited on a cave dive.

The Endless Sky is classic armchair travel. I lived it all as I read; the beauty, the danger, and the eclectic people who return to the digs year after year.

There is an unexpected little twist and a blossoming love story. Real photos at the start of each chapter add extra appeal.

The only let downs for me were the pace was a bit slow and there was too much dialogue - just pet dislikes for me.

My rating 3.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐½

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Aus

Publication date: 25th November 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 317

RRP: $39.99AU (hardcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

Review: Twisted River by James Dunbar

 I really enjoyed Mole Creek by James Dunbar and Twisted River is even more compelling!

With Twisted River James Dunbar had me riveted to my seat until I'd finished the book.

I love a book that can grab me from the prologue and hold my attention all the way through.

When charity worker Cate and website designer Rory, a married couple in their thirties, return from their European holiday, they make a nightmare discovery. Their credit cards have been cancelled, their bank account has been emptied, and their phones and internet have been cut off. They finally arrive home to find their house-sitter has disappeared along with their dog. But this is only the beginning, their lives are about to get much messier and they have no idea why someone is targeting them.

James Dunbar does a superb job of getting the reader to like his main characters before dropping some revealing information about them.

There are twists galore in this edge of your seat thriller.

While I found myself holding my breath at times there are also some laugh-out-loud moments rich in dark humour. I also loved getting the dog Iris's point of view. Such fun!

The setting of Kiama on the south coast of New South Wales has its own starring role with Dunbar's evocative descriptions of the town and its surrounds.

I love a good revenge story and Twisted River is plotted to perfection. I couldn't put the book down as I was pulled deeper and deeper into this gut wrenching mystery.

Twisted River is a tense, edge of your seat thriller that will have you second guessing having a stranger house-sit for you.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 30th September 2025

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 310

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Book Giveaway: The Ironbark Promise by Leonie Kelsall

 I recently received two paperback copies of The Ironbark Promise from Allen & Unwin so I am giving one copy away. 

I haven't had time to post my review yet but I can assure you it is a five star read.

The Ironbark Promise by Leonie Kelsall giveaway

Blurb:

When a series of threats force fiercely independent lawyer Jemma Di Angelis to step away from her high-flying career, the last place she wants to be is her father's cottage near Settlers Bridge. But with her security threatened and her routine in tatters, she has little choice. She'll stay just long enough to plan her next move.

Laid-back local farmer Hamish MacKenzie has a roguish charm, a bad-boy reputation and an artistic soul he keeps carefully hidden. From the moment he meets Jemma, sparks fly—he sees a tightly wound snob and she sees a shallow womaniser.

But when Jemma finds herself in real danger, it's Hamish who steps in—unexpectedly gentle, infuriatingly protective and nothing like she imagined. As tangled secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Jemma must decide whether justice always follows the rules—and whether she's willing to risk giving her heart to a man who has made a habit of keeping his hidden.

GIVEAWAY

Enter here to win a paperback copy of The Ironbark Promise. The giveaway is open to Australian addresses only and entries close at 6pm AEDT on 12th February 2026

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced here:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2026/02/winner-of-copy-of-ironbark-promise.html

Review: The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

 I enjoy books set in isolated, freezing places which is why I requested The Land in Winter through Netgalley.

See my review of A Cold Season which was also a rich portrayal of character and a story I loved.

The Land in Winter is Literary fiction. It was shortlisted for the 2025 Book Prize, winner of the

2025 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and the 2025 Winston Graham Historical Prize for Fiction.

I did enjoy the story however I found it slow going and quite weird. I really struggled with it at times. I think Andrew Miller was going for weird and he succeeded on that level.

The Land in Winter is a character driven story about loneliness, depression and past trauma.

"December 1962: In a village deep in the English countryside, two neighboring couples begin the day. Local doctor Eric Parry commences his rounds in the village while his pregnant wife, Irene, wanders the rooms of their old house, mulling over the space that has grown between the two of them.


On the farm nearby lives Irene’s mirror witty but troubled Rita Simmons is also expecting. She spends her days trying on the idea of being a farmer’s wife, but her head still swims with images of a raucous past that her husband, Bill, prefers to forget."

I do find literary fiction hard going and this book was grave and depressing.

I am sure many other readers will love it. The Land in Winter currently has 2,334 5 star reviews and 4,537 4 star reviews on Goodreads.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Europa Editions

Publication date: 11th November 2025

Genre: Literary Fiction / Historical Fiction

Pages: 268

Source: eCopy from the publisher via Netgalley

Review: The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer

The journey of a lifetime - what could go wrong? Everything. 

The Road Trip is another fun read from Australian author Tricia Stringer. It's a laugh-out-loud tragicomedy.

I love how Tricia Stringer can bring all the fun, tragedy, surprises and setbacks of a holiday trip to life on the page.

The Road Trip is armchair travel at its best. I could laugh, groan and follow along with Sharyn and Kathleen's dramas and mishaps without having to leave my seat.

Light and fun, this dual narrative story will have you hooked from the beginning.

 

Sharyn has her big 60th birthday coming up and she is sure her husband Barry will get it right this time. Sharyn is expecting a luxury overseas holiday. However Barry gets it wrong once again and surprises her with a new caravan and a planned trip through Australia from Adelaide to Broome.

What Sharon doesn't know is Barry's best friend Raymond and his sister Kathleen are also coming.

Sharyn is mortified. How will she tell her friends? Sharyn decides to fake it with lots of carefully positioned fun photos posted in the chat group. They will never know.

I love how Sharyn and Kathleen's friendship slowly developed and how both opened up and could see how changes in their life could be a good thing.

There are a couple of little mysteries running through the plot which are an added bonus to a thoroughly entertaining story.

With wonderful descriptions of the Aussie outback and the eclectic characters they meet along the way The Road Trip is an utterly entertaining read. The perfect way for me to experience a road trip. 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 1st October 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 480

RRP: $34.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#theroadtrip #triciastringer #newrelease #ausbookbloggers #contemporaryfiction #bookreview #australianauthor 

Other books I've read by Tricia Stringer

TABLE FOR EIGHT

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

BACK ON TRACK

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Review: Nemesis by Patricia Wolf

 Nemesis is another tension-filled DS Walker thriller from Aussie expat Patricia Wolf. I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books and Nemesis did not disappoint.

Right from the opening pages Nemesis delivers a foreboding atmosphere.

The story moves from Canberra, Australia to Berlin and the fictional town of Mildersee , Germany. I loved all the visually descriptive scenes of Germany told through DS Walker's eyes.

Det Barbara Guerra features heavily in this book and it's good to be back with her and see how she and her sister Rita are coping after their ordeal in book 1, Outback.

The DS Walker series is much more immersive if read in order. Each book has a separate crime that is investigated and solved; however they also have a common plot concerning an outlaw bikie gang running through the four books.

I enjoy Wolf's style of writing with short, sharp sentences. It makes for a fast read.

Barbara is working on a case where a dead body is found adrift in a rowboat in an exclusive lakeside holiday area. The murder plot kept me intrigued and the more Barbara investigated the death the suspect list kept getting longer. A few well-placed red herrings made sure I was kept guessing all the way through.

DS Walker is in Berlin on an investigation of his own which also gives him time to meet up with Barbara and give them both the chance to work out their feelings for each other.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 29th July 2025

Series: DS Walker Thriller #4

Genre: crime / Thriller

Pages: 406

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Reviews of other books in the series:

OUTBACK

PARADISE

OPAL

Review: Crimson Light, Polished Wood by Monica Raszewski

Crimson Light, Polished Wood is a poignant, literary fiction novel about love, acceptance, inheritance and the things we leave behind.

It explores all areas of inheritance, not only property, but the handing down of stories, culture, knowledge and the unintended inheritance of pain.

Leonora, a British teacher, has relocated to Melbourne and falls in love with Margaret, a fellow female teacher who three years later dies of cancer. While still grieving for Margaret, Leonora meets and befriends Anna, the Polish woman who lives next door.

Crimson Light, Polished Wood is narrated through various timelines, before and after Leonora's death.

Before: we are introduced to Leonora's story as she migrates from England and falls in love with Margaret, her pain over Margaret's death and the burgeoning friendship with Anna and her daughter Lydia.

Leonora's character was perfectly portrayed as the dour English woman who found it hard to open up to people. She was abrupt and withdrawn. I found her hard to like.

After: this takes place after Leonora's death and we follow Lydia as she cleans out Leonora's house. Lydia is eager to learn more about this enigmatic woman and as she sorts her belongings a picture of love, loss and a yearning for acceptance and understanding starts to evolve.

Monica Raszewski's sensitive and lyrical prose perfectly portray the mood of the book. However, as with most literary fiction, I found myself lost at times. Also I never do well with shifting timelines. The characters are complex and nuanced and I never quite got a hold on them. 

Even though I found Crimson Light, Polished Wood a hard read I still quite enjoyed it.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Transit Lounge

Publication date: 1st August 2025

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 224

RRP: $32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Quikmark Media

Winner of a copy of Rumour has It Announced!!

 A huge thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for a paperback copy of Rumour Has It by Karly Lane.  The giveaway closed on the 10th January 2026 and the winner was randomly selected (using Wheelofnames) from all correct entries. 

Congratulations to........ 

The winner has been notified and has seven days to provide a mailing address.

 

Thank you to Allen & Unwin who will sending out the prize. 

 

Please check under the Giveaway tab for more great giveaways!

 

Review: The Napoleon of Africa by Phil Smart

The Napoleon of Africa will be my giveaway book for March.

The Napoleon of Africa is set in the early 1800's after Napoleon's fall. A time when many military trained men had to seek a new career.

Royal Naval Commander Stephen Cowen, with his wife and three children, set sail for India and a new life. Their ship encounters a violent storm off the coast of East Africa and the three children, Nathaniel 16, Andrew 14 and Beatrice 12, are swept overboard in a longboat.

What follows is a riveting story of survival on a deserted beach and then discovery and welcoming into the Zulu tribe of Shaka as advisors to the king.

I really enjoyed how Phil Smart cleverly included the three children into the true story of Shaka and his rule of the Zulu nation.

The Napoleon of Africa is a truly engrossing story. Phil Smart's writing is immersive. He writes through lived experience having spent months in the African bush and this shows through in a plot that is filled with tension. I soon became invested, not only in the lives of the Cowen children, but also the Zulu tribesmen and women.

The story is narrated by multiple characters which gives a rounded view of how the plot is developing.

The majority of the story is with the Zulu tribe with tribal wars, witch doctors, spirits and superstitions. The children become a valuable commodity when Nathaniel introduces western warfare, from his experience in the Naval Academy, into the lives of the Zulu warriors.

Simmering through the story is the question of whether the children will ever be rescued and be reunited with their parents.

The Napoleon of Africa has it all; wild battle scenes, deception, betrayal and murder. The plot moves along at a steady pace.

The world of the Zulu's was beautifully described with the sparseness and serenity of the land set against the brutality of tribal warfare.

It took me a few pages to get into the author's writing style but I find this with every book I read where the author has their own distinct style.

I would recommend The Napoleon of Africa to readers of Wilbur Smith's novels or anyone who enjoys a good battle story or historical fiction set in Africa.

My rating 4 /5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date:  20th July 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

RRP: $30.00AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the author

The book can be ordered directly from the author's website: 

https://philsmartauthor.com.au/