'The Absolution of Otto Finkel'

'The Absolution of Otto Finkel' by John McKay is a fascinating story, full of action and adventure…all told with skill and grace. The story is set in Europe in the era of World War Two. Told without any political agenda it starts out in 1928: Five friends are involved in an incident leaving a man dead and one of the boys disfigured. 1940: Now men, each chooses to serve their respective countries in different ways. Years later - memories fade, but not for Otto.  What I loved about this book was that there are powerful examples of average people in trying times deciding daily between morality and survival. I have been left awe-struck. So, thank you John for writing this book. It has been an honour.

'King Pawn'

King Pawn is an intense portrayal of what's going on in Syria. Raj Nellooli’s gripping novel tells of revenge and honour in the complex setting of an oversimplified war. This story is fiction, but it's set in today’s world, and follows a man named Robert Frost who goes under cover in Syria. If you're tempted to think the current Syrian crisis is simple, Nellooli's unflinching novel should wake you up to the messy, heartbreaking reality of it all. The author has done a fantastic job of telling this gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat with my chest clenched. The only word of warning I would give, set some time aside, because once you start, you won’t stop until you're finished. 

'Dark September'

In an alternative history where German invades Britain, Dark September by author Brendan Gerad O'Brien, tells the tale of a father as he tries to protect his son during world war two. Brendan's début novel reveals him to be fully conversant with all aspects of war as its the authentic tone that had me hooked. A highly entertaining read, full of tension and well drawn characters, as the reader will experience what the characters feel through their love, their loss and their fear. One final note - its very violent in parts, but I suppose that's war!