Maddy's Book Blog

  The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown   After being thoroughly captivated by The Book of Doors , I had high expectations for Gareth Brown’s second novel—and it didn’t disappoint. He returns with the same intoxicating blend of magic, danger, and high-stakes adventure that made his debut so memorable. This time, we’re introduced to the Society of Unknowable Objects—a secretive group tasked with protecting powerful artifacts that, if unleashed, could wreak havoc on the world. The story follows Magda, one of four descendants sworn to safeguard these objects. When a new artifact surfaces in Hong Kong, Magda races to retrieve it, barely escaping with her life. But danger follows her home, and what unfolds is a gripping escalation that threatens not just Magda, but the entire Society. Brown’s world-building is rich and imaginative, with magical elements that feel both wondrous and perilous. The pacing is taut, the stakes are real, and the sense of mystery linger...

  Ever After by Amanda Prowse   Amanda Prowse has long held a spot on my favourites list — and with good reason. Often hailed as the Queen of Family Drama, she has a knack for turning everyday domestic life into gripping, emotionally charged narratives. Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, she lobs in a perfectly plausible twist that upends everything, keeping you hooked until the final page. Enya’s world has shrunk in the wake of her husband’s death. Now in her early fifties, she finds comfort in the familiar: caring for her son Aiden, his childhood sweetheart Holly, her lifelong friend Jenny — Holly’s mother — and her loyal cat, Pickle. But when a chance encounter in an airport car park sparks an unexpected connection with a stranger, Enya is caught off guard. The moment lingers, and she finds herself unable to shake the feeling that something is shifting. What do you do when the life you built crumbles overnight — and the one person you’d usually lea...