Page 35 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 53

NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
HENCHMEN
by Matthew Hughes
A gripping, witty fantasy adventure with rich world-building, engaging characters, and masterful storytelling—Hughes delivers intrigue, action, and unforgettable magic.
Matthew Hughes’ Henchmen is a gripping fantasy novel that blends adventure, intrigue, and a touch
of dry humour into a thoroughly enjoyable read. Set in a world where even employment is dictated by a Duke’s decree, the story follows Vunt, a gambler, and Oldo, a farm boy, as they stumble into a job that is both lucrative and deeply suspicious. Their new employer’s shifty dealings soon propel them into a far greater and more dangerous world than they ever imagined.
The novel masterfully balances classic fantasy elements with a refreshing, character-driven nar- rative. Hughes excels in crafting protagonists who feel authentic—Vunt’s cunning contrasts nicely with Oldo’s naivety, making their dynamic both engaging and entertaining. As the pair are drawn into a web of espionage, wizardly schemes, and perilous travels, the plot unfolds with a steady momentum that keeps the pages turning.
Hughes’ writing is rich yet accessible, reminiscent of classic adventure fantasy but with a modern wit that makes it stand out. The setting is immersive, with detailed world-building that never overwhelms the reader. The city of Olliphract, with its unpre- dictable thaumaturges, is a particularly fascinating backdrop.
For fans of fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seri- ously yet delivers on action and intrigue, Henchmen is a must-read. Hughes proves once again that he is a master of weaving intelligent, well-paced storytell- ing with a unique voice. Highly recommended.
THE HOUSE FILLER
by Tong Ge
A beautifully written, emotionally powerful novel that captures resilience, love, and survival amidst the turmoil of war and political unrest.
The House Filler is a deeply moving and richly layered novel that captures the personal cost of war and political upheaval through the eyes of a resilient woman, Golden Phoenix. Set against the backdrop of China’s civil war and Japanese occupation, Tong Ge’s narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Golden Phoenix is a formidable protagonist. Following her husband’s premature death, she is left to raise her children amidst chaos and uncertainty. Her struggle to preserve her family through famine, violence, and separation forms the emotional core of the novel. The most harrowing moments come during the Japanese occupation, where she and her adopted son face unimaginable suffering. Yet, through it all, her spirit never truly breaks.
Ge’s prose is elegant and evocative, immersing the reader in both the beauty and brutality of 20th-cen- tury China. The historical detail is meticulously researched, giving the story a powerful sense of authenticity without ever feeling like a history lesson. Characters are vividly drawn, especially the twin daughters and the son who joins the Nationalist army, each of whom adds depth to the family’s fractured portrait.
Ending in 1965, on the eve of the Cultural Revo- lution, the novel leaves readers with a haunting sense of what is still to come. The House Filler is not just
a tale of survival—it’s a tribute to maternal love, endurance, and the quiet strength required to hold a family together in the darkest of times.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with emotional depth.
MY HUSBAND’S CHILD
by Alison Ragsdale
A beautifully written, emotionally gripping novel with vivid characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a captivating exploration of motherhood and sacrifice.
Alison Ragsdale’s My Husband’s Child is a cap- tivating and emotionally charged family drama that plunges readers into a complex web of love, trust, and heart-rending choices. From the moment a little girl appears at Cora’s doorstep, clutching her baby brother’s hand, with the haunting words, “Mummy said you’d look after me,” the story grips you and doesn’t let go.
Ragsdale paints a vivid portrait of a woman rebuilding her life after heartbreak, only to have it disrupted in the most unexpected and poignant way. The children’s sudden arrival throws Cora into a situ- ation fraught with mystery and emotional stakes. The narrative beautifully captures her struggles as she balances her growing bond with the children against the murky circumstances surrounding their abandon- ment. Themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and loyalty are explored with sensitivity, making every twist and revelation feel both authentic and startling.
The characters are richly developed, and Rags- dale’s writing is evocative and engaging. As Cora navigates the conflicting accounts of her ex-husband and his wife, the tension is palpable, keeping you guessing about whom to trust. Although the novel is deeply emotional, it avoids descending into melodra- ma, maintaining a grounded and relatable perspective on the challenges of raising children thrust into an extraordinary situation.
Fans of compelling family dramas by authors
like Kate Hewitt and Diane Chamberlain will find themselves enthralled. My Husband’s Child is a beau- tifully crafted tale that lingers in your mind long after the final page. It’s a must-read for anyone drawn to stories of resilience and the extraordinary power of love.
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