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The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal is a delightful addition to Jodi Taylor’s universe, linking seamlessly with both The Chronicles of St Mary’s and the Time Police series. This time, the spotlight falls on the dynamic bounty-hunting duo of Lady Amelia Smallhope and the ever-enigmatic Pennyroyal.

While it’s not essential to have read the previous books, having background knowledge from the St Mary’s and Time Police series certainly enhances the experience. Be aware, though there are a few nods and spoilers that might reveal more than you’d like if you’re not already familiar with the broader world.

Taylor delivers once again with her trademark wit, lively pacing, and irresistible character chemistry. This book is packed with humour, warmth, and those delightfully chaotic moments that make her writing such a joy. It also offers a deeper glimpse into the lives and histories of Smallhope and Pennyroyal something fans will especially appreciate.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page and found it hard to put down. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we see of this formidable pair I’d welcome a sequel with open arms.

If you’ve enjoyed Jodi Taylor’s previous novels, rest assured: you’ll be right at home here

Julia by Sandra Newman is an ambitious and thought-provoking feminist reimagining of George Orwell’s 1984, retold through the eyes of Julia Worthing, Winston Smith’s lover and a character often overlooked in Orwell’s original narrative. This novel doesn't merely revisit the dystopian world of Airstrip One; it reframes it, offering a fresh lens that sheds light on the gendered dynamics and complexities of life as a woman under the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother.

Newman enriches the world Orwell created by delving into Julia’s background, motivations, and daily existence within the Outer Party. We’re given more political context, deeper world-building, and an insider’s perspective on the mechanisms of control, complicity, and resistance. Julia is not just a rebel through sex; she is cunning, pragmatic, and much more politically aware than we might have assumed from 1984. This shift in viewpoint is not only timely but vital, resonating with today’s conversations around surveillance, gender, autonomy, and power.

That said, I found reading Julia to be a challenge. It took me over seven months to finish, not because it lacked substance, but because it didn’t fully grip me. I kept putting it down and struggled to stay engaged. While the concept is powerful and the writing is often sharp, the pacing felt uneven at times, and I didn’t find the emotional pull I was hoping for.

Still, Julia is a worthwhile read for those curious about reinterpretations of classic literature, especially through a feminist lens. While I personally wouldn’t return to it for a second read, I respect what Newman set out to do and admire the boldness of the project.

Lights! Camera! Mayhem! is yet another delightful and riotously funny addition to Jodi Taylor’s much-loved Chronicles of St Mary’s universe. Known for her sharp wit, clever storytelling, and knack for historical chaos, Taylor once again delivers a short story packed with mischief, mayhem, and the wonderfully unpredictable adventures we've come to expect from the time-travelling historians of St Mary’s.

Though brief in length, this story brims with the same energy and charm as the full-length novels. The characters remain as eccentric and endearing as ever, and Taylor’s signature humour shines through in every page. Whether it’s a disastrously mismanaged trip or a simple task spiralling into comic catastrophe, this tale is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

While Lights! Camera! Mayhem! can technically be enjoyed on its own, but it truly comes to life when read as part of the larger series. For those new to the world of St Mary’s, I highly recommend starting at the beginning to fully appreciate the character dynamics, running gags, and emotional depth that Taylor has built over time.

In short, this is a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave you laughing out loud and wanting more. If you're looking for a dose of clever comedy, a touch of history, and a break from the ordinary, Jodi Taylor delivers yet again.