fast paced comic horror with some fantastic characters. An interesting fantasy novel where a bartender whose lost his way suddenly finds himself running a bar, that appears to be in two different dimensions. This has engaging characters and optimum for a binge read for the weekend !

This was a super cute book, focused around bars as the center of a community. It just so happens to be a magical community. I thought this was such a neat idea! There’s a reluctant hero, which is the most fun of all, especially because yes, I can definitely relate to him not wanting to do all the potentially deadly stuff. The horror was fun and creepy, but also not too scary, and the humor was a nice counterbalance for it. There were times towards the end, though, when the pacing felt really off, and I wanted a better feel for the second world. Overall, though, I had fun with this book!

this was a lot of fun to read, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the story and going through it. I'd be interested in reading more from the author.

The Axe and Grindstone by Paul Phipps-Williams was received direct from the publisher and I chose to review it. I had never read this author before, and from the title I was unsure what this book would be about. I generally don't go into plot details in my reviews, int his case I will because the book is from across the great pond (some of you will get that reference). Imagine owning a pub, then imagine owning a pub that crossed a dimensional boundary, making you own two pubs that you have to keep the peace for them both? This makes for interesting storyline that at times, keeps too wrapped up in slow dialogue but overall, I enjoyed the book after a little bit of skimming. If this sounds interesting to you or to someone you buy gifts for, certainly give it a read.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

I loved this book. I got from it exactly what I wanted. For someone reason this gave the great 80 horrors vibe so when I started this I did not expect anything more and for that I LOVED IT! The atmosphere was everything I wanted it to be. I loved the plot and storyline in the book. I loved the characters in this story. It gave me all the feels I was looking for when I started reading this. I highly recommend this author. I loved the writing. I will be looking for other works in the future from this author.

Mark Adams is a bit of a layabout. He knows how to manage a pub and that’s about the extent of the ambition he wants to have. When his previous job ends and he finds himself at the helm of an out of the way pub that seems inexorably linked to a tavern in another world - one filled with fantastic beings and a looming terror, Mark has to decide whether to step up or forget it all in a pint or two.

THE AXE AND GRINDSTONE starts out great. A bit of light fantastic, very British, a touch of humor and darkness, but as the novel progresses and Adams finds himself wrapped up in a massive prophecy regarding the pubs, a growing evil and the end of both worlds, it loses the plot a bit. As the story got more complex, it became weighed down in an awkward mix of import and wackiness. All the same, I do recommend it as a fun, rather quick read if you enjoy fantasy-meets-modern stories.

(This review was originally printed in TABLETOPS & TENTACLES MAGAZINE - Vol. 1, Issue 1)

Title - The Axe & Grindstone

Author - Paul Phipps - Williams

Genre - Fantasy

<i> I have received an e-galley of this book in exchange of an honest review </i>

The Axe & Grindstone attracted my attention especially after I came across author's bio which turned out to be pretty quirky and interesting. I was expecting the same quirkiness when I finally picked up this book during one of my long days and here is my take on whether this book helped me with the same or not.

The story revolved around Mark Adams who apparently had been living a pretty mundane life working in the same bar for years and living above the bar. He sees his colleagues move on to better opportunities but Mark just does not want to change his status quo. As fate would have it, due to certain circumstances Mark finally agrees to run a pub in town that has been unheard of. Turns out, not all is as pretty as it seems to be. Turns out he is now running two bars and also has turned out to be the new landlord for Peacebattle and needs to save the creatures from the screams.

When the reviews said that this book is Stephen King plus Terry Pratchett, i couldn't have been more excited. Alas! this book just turned out to be pretty disappointing. The first quarter of the book did seem quite promising and kept me hooked but it went downhill from there. There were times that I almost considered putting down this book but I did really push myself since I had invested time in it and expected that it might pick up somehow.

Apart from Mark, none of the other characters leave a mark on you and not even the creatures he takes care of. The world building could have been made better but I'm hoping with the sequel the writing might get better. So do I recommend this book? At this point of time, I won't but keeping my fingers crossed for better plot in the next book.

This one was a little to slow for my take. It felt like it drug on forever and after so long I ended up putting it down for good.

I'm always a little wary when authors are compared to Terry Pratchett but this one didn't disappoint me.
There's a little humour, a little horror and interdimensional adventure set within a local country pub.
I found the fantasy creatures original and intriguing. I'm still not sure what Emmet actually is. (Orangutan crossed with a hedgehog dressed like a truck driver ??? At least that how I'm imagining him)
I would add a trigger warning as there is a heavy self harm element (not due to mental health issues, although perhaps the "bad guys" could be seen as the personification of ones internal demons) and brief mentions of suicide.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

This is a fun fantasy book about Mark, the manager of a city-centre bar who is offered the chance to manage his own pub in the Devon countryside.

Upon arriving during a torrential downpour, he finds he is now the landlord to a typical country pub. The only problem is this one has a basement which leads to its twin located in another world.



Paul Phipps-Williams uses his character’s sudden strange situation to great effect before thrusting him into an end of the fantasy world and our world situation. Thrown with religious zealots, torture and plenty of sarcasm and you have, hopefully, a beginning to a new series of fantasy books. Well recommended

An interesting fantasy novel where a bartender whose lost his way suddenly finds himself running a bar, that appears to be in two different dimensions. Not only does he have to supply drinks and appetizers, he has to keep our world safe. Easy right? A lot of interesting characters and situations, complete with sarcasm, wit, and the feels.

Paul Phipps - Williams
The Axe & Grindstone

DNF / DNR - The story didn't suit me as I thought it would.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

Enjoyable book but not Pratchett-like

I enjoyed this book. The world-building is very good, as is the character development. The story is well paced. The book is promoted as Terry Pratchett meets Stephen King. I've read most of Pratchett's Discworld books and I don't see it. The book didn't have Pratchett's humor, clever wording or social commentary. It is however an enjoyable book and is worth reading.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

Not my cup of tea I'm afraid. I was bored with the characters and the story just drawled on. There's not too many books I can't finish, but after suffering through half this book I called it quits, sorry.