Review: The Change – Book 1 of The Wolves of Faol Hall by CV Leigh.

The Change:

Kincaid pack Alpha, Alistair, has called his family back to their ancestral home in the Scottish Cairngorms. His wife, Megan, is losing control of her ability to shift and it has him rattled. When it comes to light that Nathan Trevell, Megan's ex and the lycanthrope who turned her, has travelled from the States and is in the UK, closing in on his family, Alistair is even more determined to keep everyone safe.

Nathan isn't deterred by the Kincaid pack. He's in the UK for a very specific reason, a reason that threatens to turn the lives of the Kincaids upside down - and possibly endanger them.

Being cooped up together in Faol Hall only serves to highlight the differences between the Kincaids, and fighting soon breaks out. Can they put aside their issues and present a united front, before it's too late?

Review:

The Wolves of Faol Hall – Book 1, The Change is an exciting debut from author CV Leigh, published by Tirgearr Books.

First off, though, I must say something about the cover – I absolutely love it! It’s a stunning image but also very relevant and gives a clear insight into the book itself. This cover really sold the book to me, and this reflects why a good cover is so important.

I’m glad to say that the story inside lives up to the promise of the cover. It is probably best summed up as a combination of werewolves and family drama – and there’s plenty of drama – not just through the interactions of this somewhat dysfunctional family (well how could a bunch of werewolves be anything but), but through the build-up surrounding a looming threat that puts their very existence at risk!

The action takes place mainly in the cairngorms with occasional links to Edinburgh and the surrounding area, and I loves this aspect of the story. These are places I know well and I was transported back to those mountains and forests.

There are quite a few characters in this story, but any fears I had that I might get confused quickly dissipated, for the characters are all well drawn and I soon found myself drawn in to their lives and tribulations. This is not just another werewolf story! But to say any more about this might involve spoilers. You’re going to have to read it yourselves to find out why!


So all in all a very enjoyable read, not too dark but with plenty of suspense. I’m looking forward to the sequel and to see what happens next to the Kincaid family. CV Leigh is definitely an author to watch!

About the Author:

Originally from the Nottingham/Lincoln borders, C.V. Leigh now lives in Somerset with her family and pets. She comes from a long line of natural witches, and spent her childhood learning to read tea leaves from her grandmother and Tarot from her mother, so it's no surprise that she has a love for the fantastical and paranormal.

When she's not creating new worlds, C.V. enjoys reading with a hot cup of tea, or exploring the beautiful countryside that Somerset has to offer.

C.V. Leigh's favourite authors include Kelley Armstrong, George R.R. Martin, Douglas Adams, Grant Naylor, Terry Pratchett, and Roald Dahl.

Social Media Links:

Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Amazon/GoodReads

A few reviews and recommendations:

In recent months I’ve come across a few self-published books that are really rather good, and so I thought I would share them with you.

And the Wolf Shall dwell by Joni Dee

Imagine being knocked over by a strange old man on a cold London morning… The man delivers a garbled message about the Queen… Moments later he falls under the wheels of a train… The media calls it suicide, but you know better - something doesn’t quite add up…. That was the start of the day for John Daniel, a foreign professional working in the city of London. Meanwhile, retired MI6 agent Adam Grey receives a call from an old informant: “Your service is rotten...” Soon Adam is dragged out of retirement, and John is dragged into the murky world of international espionage, politics, and jihadi terrorism. An intense and explosive thriller that hits frighteningly close to the truth for a work of fiction.

Quality spy fiction at its best. This novel has all the elements for a top notch thriller – flawed characters – tightly woven plot and a satisfying conspiracy at its core. A gripping read.

Buy And the Wold Shall Dwell at Amazon UK

Oberland by Brian Clegg

When Jo Fuller takes a summer job on a campsite in the Swiss alpine valley of Lauterbrunnen, she does not expect her whole understanding of the world to be turned upside down. A camper dies in suspicious circumstances. With three broken individuals - Bob, Paula and Werner - Jo discovers a strange alternative world at the top of the Schilthorn mountain.

Each of them faces death at the hands of the inhabitants of the alternate world, intent on preserving their secret. But Bob has something that may keep them alive.Amongst the beautiful Swiss mountains, each of the four must face up to their fears and survive. 

This fast-paced fantasy thriller leaves Jo, Bob, Paula and Werner unsure who to trust as they attempt to uncover the secret of the mountain before it is too late.

This Swiss set fantasy is great fun to read. A hidden race of people, hiding high in the mountains which our heroine stumbles across, but who have malevolent intent! In an odd sort of way it reminded me of some of the works of my all time favourite author John Wyndham. If you like lots of chases and excitement this is the book for you.  

Buy Oberland Amazon UK

The Sum of all Sins by Mark Sennen

A web of lies. A terrible secret. A shocking murder.

Catherine and her husband move from London to a remote farm in Devon, hoping to forget their troubles and make a fresh start, but escaping the past isn't always so easy. 

When Catherine discovers her husband has been keeping a terrible secret from her, and a friend turns up desperate for help, she is soon regretting ever leaving the bright lights of the city behind.

This is a excellent suspense/crime novel set in the wilds of Dartmoor. It’s a great read – really atmospheric – the moor is beautifully drawn. The suspense never lets up. Crimes of the past and present intertwine. The characters are relatable and come alive on the page. One you start reading this you won’t be able to stop. All in all a cracking good story.

Buy The Sum of all Sins at Amazon UK