I knew what I was in for from reading Fish Town. Exceptional storytelling and beautiful writing. The darkest book I’ve read this year. I’ll prepare myself for reading his next book if it’s going to be as bleak!

Poetic and powerful. I like this author's style of writing.

Kelly Noll did a fantastic job creating characters and situations that drew you in and made you care. It’s a thriller and a war story about the worst case scenario in the US, but still she manages to keep politics out of the story, and that’s appreciated.

The brothers of Jerrett and Dean are relatable and have the right amount of flaws to make you feel they are real, and enough empathy to make you care about them and their families (both real and extended).

I’ll definitely be watching for future novels by her.

Amazing book, and big kudos to the Publisher!

‘The Porridge of the Countess Berthe’ is a fairy tale by Alexandre Dumas, père, which goes to further reveal the enormous breadth of the writer’s range, with gems continually being unearthed for the world to enjoy. It does make one wonder, what else of Dumas remains to be discovered?

Alix Daniel has here produced a delightful translation, one which remains faithful to the original and yet speaks to a modern anglophone audience.

You can but enjoy this little novella, so do not think twice about purchasing it!

Really cool read. I’ve read it 2 or 3 times now and it still manages to be creepy and keep me at the edge of my seat. The detail in each short story is gory and well written, with each being connected through some seriously gruesome (and graphic) undertones. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to experiment with horror and stories written in varied form.

This collection of stories is dark, macabre, visceral and not for the faint hearted. For those into their horror films I definitely got Cronenberg-esque vibes from some of the stories. There is clear thread running through the stories that looks to build a dark and unsettling universe. An impressive first outing for an obviously young author.

A book you need in your library!!!
The author Cameron Scott Kirk writes beautifully and enhances the story itself through the story telling. I really enjoyed how the reader gets to see the story unfold through various perspectives. The story delves into themes of political intrigue, social unrest, and the blurring lines between good and evil. The novel is noted for its grimdark elements, blending violent magic with a critique of toxic femininity, set against the backdrop of a society caught between tradition and modernity. Thrilling and unnerving, you never knew what was going to unfold next.

Alexandre Dumas's short story is not one that is typically cited when listing his works. has been masterfully translated into English by Alix Daniel, all the while retaining the structure and tone of a traditional folk or fairy tale. Beneath its seemingly whimsical surface, the story deals with multiple themes, including social responsibility, greed, and the importance of tradition. It is interesting that Dumas chose German folklore with the cobolds as the enforcers of moral order, and the ghostly spectre of the countess reappears several times within the story. The story unfolds over several generations, the characters as varied in personality and morality as the various monarchs of Dumas' time, and could be interpreted as a satire of the society of his era. In the end, the humble and good guy wins, with a charming happily ever after that leaves the reader satisfied and content as a good fairy tale should. Having only read Dumas' more celebrated epic works, this tale was refreshing and delightful for me, and after reading Alix Daniel's English translation, I was curious enough to seek out the original French version for a second look and enjoyment. I really enjoyed this novella!

I’m delighted that The Porridge of the Countess Berthe, one of Alexandre Dumas’s lesser-known fairy tales, has been translated into English! I’ve enjoyed Dumas's more famous works, such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, but this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to read this enchanting tale, thanks to Alix Daniel's superb translation.

Unlike the epic adventures Dumas is famous for, this story features a more intimate and humorous portrayal of his characters. It’s full of charm, and it’s easy to imagine this story being turned into a film.

If you’re a fan of Dumas or just love fairy tales, you’ll definitely want to check this out. Highly recommended!

The French translation of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market," crafted by Alix Daniel, is a noteworthy achievement that deserves attention from both French and English-speaking readers. This version successfully captures the essence of the Victorian narrative poem while making it accessible to a new audience.
The translation's standout feature is its unique presentation: the original English text is juxtaposed with the French version, allowing for immediate comparison between the two languages. This approach is particularly valuable for literature students and poetry enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to explore the nuances of poetic translation.
While the translation inevitably loses some formal aspects of the original poem, notably its rhymes and alliterations, it admirably compensates with carefully crafted French prose that captures Rossetti's rich imagery and symbolism. The sensual descriptions of the goblin fruits and the dramatic tension between sisters Laura and Lizzie are rendered with a precision that preserves the enchanting atmosphere of the original text.
Alix Daniel has succeeded in maintaining the poem's central themes - temptation, sacrifice, redemption - while making them accessible to a French-speaking audience. The translation allows French readers to appreciate the multiple levels of interpretation of the poem, whether feminist, religious, or psychosexual readings.
The translator's afterword adds further value, providing historical and literary context that enriches the understanding of the poem. It notably highlights Rossetti's involvement with St. Mary Magdalene's House, an aspect of the author's life that resonates with the poem's themes.
In conclusion, this French translation of "Goblin Market" is an excellent example of how a classic work can be made accessible to a new audience without losing its depth and complexity. It offers French-speaking readers a fascinating window into Victorian literature, while preserving the magic and mystery that have made this poem renowned.
The side-by-side presentation of the original and translated texts makes this edition particularly valuable for students of poetry and translation. It allows readers to experience the nuances, exquisite vocabulary, and emotions that the original poem is meant to evoke, while simultaneously appreciating the artistry involved in rendering these elements in another language.

A Second Revolution is a fiery, dystopian debut by Kelly Noll that resonates with unsettling echoes of our own world. This gripping tale of love, loss, and loyalty unfolds in a near-future USA, where the government’s oppressive control looms large over its citizens.

The story begins with the protagonist, Jerrett, witnessing a disturbing event: an elderly man being beaten and forcibly taken away by the ‘Elite Guards,’ a shadowy police force seemingly connected to the government. This harrowing scene immediately sets the tone, immersing readers in a world fraught with danger, where state power is wielded to crush the will of the people. The tension is brilliantly mirrored in an adrenaline-charged bike race that opens the novel, foreshadowing the frantic journey that lies ahead.

Noll excels in portraying the intimate and close-knit relationships within Jerrett’s family and circle of friends. The Nolan family initially appears ordinary—a tight-knit group focused on supporting one another and getting through life’s challenges. But as political tensions reach a boiling point, it is Jerrett’s deep love for his family that propels him to stand against the shocking and extreme persecution they face.

In a world that mirrors our own, where oppressive government actions are all too real, Noll’s novel provides a glimmer of hope through the indomitable power of the human spirit. Jerrett’s relentless fight for his values and loved ones drives the narrative forward with relentless energy. The pacing is masterful—Jerrett’s cross-country journey is swift and intense, yet the underlying dystopian menace remains ever-present, lending the book a chilling sense of realism.

Noll’s style and thematic consistency ensure that the novel’s messages hit their mark. While the prose may not stand out for its literary flourishes, Noll’s storytelling is undeniably compelling, never losing focus or momentum. For a debut tackling such weighty themes, A Second Revolution is remarkably coherent and engaging. The world Noll builds is both convincing and disturbingly familiar, with threats that feel all too real. While the characters occasionally brush against cliché, their everyday nature is what makes them so relatable and grounds the story in a daunting reality.

Ultimately, A Second Revolution is an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read. What is particularly satisfying is that Noll doesn’t compromise readability for the sake of delivering powerful political messages—those are as impactful as one could hope for, without detracting from the novel’s pace or engagement.

A delightful bilingual English/French edition of Christina Rossetti’s classic poem, Goblin Market, skillfully translated by Alix Daniel, who also contributes an insightful postscript on the poem and Rossetti's life. The enchanting illustrations by Eva Vasileva add an extra layer of magic to this timeless tale. Whether you are discovering Rossetti for the first time or revisiting a classic, this edition is a must-have for poetry lovers.

Once again, reading one of Christina Rossetti's poems was one of the best sensations in the whole world. The way she writes is most hypnotic and feels as if you are listening to rivers flowing along the banks. The illustrations are beautiful and convey an
otherworldly, archaic, and exotic tone that resonates thoroughly with the wonderful goblin tale. The book starts off with two beautiful maidens listening to the goblins coax them into
buying their poisoned fruits. While the women resist hard, the goblins persist harder. Laura succumbs to the excruciating temptation and longs for more fruit as her health drastically
deteriorates. Lizzie, who is portrayed as sensible as well as heroic, refuses to eat the fruits, tries to save her sister, and visits the goblins to buy their fruit. There, the goblins attack her
and smear the fruit juice all over her face, but Lizzie returns with the fruit juice and encourages Laura to lick the juice off her face. In the end, Laura is healed. I'd like to mention that the primary topics addressed are sisterhood, desire, temptation, and redemption. The language used is entirely evocative and captivating, as the words fuse together to make an exhilarating tale. This book is especially advantageous if you are bilingual, as it has been marvelously translated by Alix Daniel. I would say this is one of Christina's best poems, as I have read many of her other masterpieces, including 'Cousin Kate' and 'Remember', all of which were enjoyable to read. At the end of the book, there is
an excellent postscript that tells us much about the famous Rossetti, and I learned a lot about her. Knowing that the writer was not interested in poetry for pleasure but to impart
help and concern was quite fascinating. To sum up, I am in awe of this incredible work. Hats off to the author and translator, and I would overall vehemently recommend this book.

What a beautiful read of the classic ‘Goblin Market’ by Christina Rossetti. As enchanting as the poetry, the illustrations amplified it hugely. You could feel the strength of sister through the writing and the illustrations emphasised it very well. Really well translated by Alix Daniels and I really enjoyed her postscript as it went into more detail into the story and the context behind the creation of Goblin Market. For those who know both French and English are in for a treat with both languages side by side.