This historical fiction novel set between two time periods, Ireland 1014 AD and England 1563 features a mix of real-life people and places amongst a fantasy/supernatural world where vampires exist and Gargoyles come to life to protect people from them, including Elizabeth I.

The writing is very descriptive and the characters likeable and their action and path in life justifiable. The two time zones are easy to follow and the correlation between the two comes clear as the book progresses. I did find myself enjoying the life of Nieve in 1014 AD far more than that of Elizabeth the First though as Nieve was tough, brave, and resilient.

The synopsis had me eager to read this book as I like a book with vampires in it and this offered something different to the usual vampire genre, but I must admit that I tried to read it four times over the space of a year before I thought I would give it one last go (especially with issues around the world in 2020 and my reading taking a hit as my joy for it diminished). I personally think the chapters are too long which made the book drag. I often flicked through the pages checking how many more there were until I reached the next chapter.

I by no means think Phineas Varga and the Revenants of Windsor is a bad book, quite the opposite, it had historical figures, war, plague, vampires, action, adventure, and much more, I just don’t think it is a book for me as I struggled to stay interested in it. If you love all of those things then certainly give this book a read.