The Best Northern Books To Read This Winter

The north certainly has a bunch of talented storytellers and here are a few of our favourites to keep you entertained this winter. Whether you want to escape into a reimagined wonderland or explore the history of Lady Jane Grey, there’s plenty to immerse yourself in.

DREAM WALKER

BY BRUCE MARTIN

A captivating dark fantasy that reimagines Wonderland through the eyes of Alison Wilde. Thrust into the Netherworld, Alison must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with fantastical creatures and familiar yet twisted figures like the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts. Martin expertly weaves a tale of magic, deception, and personal struggles, touching on themes of depression and anxiety. This debut novel is a gripping exploration of power, destiny, and the blurred lines between realms. Bruce was born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
£9.99. Published by Bruce Martin.

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DUSK

BY PATRICK IRELAND

Evocative and immersive, this debut novel is a captivating journey through Japan’s iconic cities and remote landscapes. Each word is drenched in emotion, drawing readers into an adventure inspired by Indiana Jones and classic tales of exploration. Patrick Ireland crafts a thrilling narrative that offers a fresh perspective within a well-established genre. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves enchanted by the rich descriptions and engaging characters, making this book a must-read for adventure enthusiasts. Patrick is based in Preston, Lancashire.

£8.99. Published by The Book Guild.

THE PLACE OF TIDES

BY JAMES REBANKS

Dissatisfied with life and seeking fulfilment, author James Rebanks finds himself on the edge of the Arctic, caring for wild eider ducks. His journey started years earlier, during a transformative afternoon spent with one of the women who make their living harvesting eiderdown on these remote islands. Now, he returns to witness her final season on the island. The book unfolds like a novel, weaving together the stories of the women who breathed life into these islands, the harsh realities of sustaining a livelihood from nature amidst the climate crisis, and a personal reckoning with one’s own identity. James Rebanks is a farmer and writer based in the Lake District.

£22. Published by Penguin Random House.

THE TRAGIC LIFE OF LADY JANE GREY 

BY BEVERLEY ADAMS

Trace the nine-day Queen from her early years to her tragic execution on the scaffold in this new book from Beverley Adams. Who was Lady Jane Grey? Was Jane a political pawn, a Protestant zealot, or a mistreated innocent? Adams delves into these questions, unravelling the complex motivations that led to Jane’s execution at just 16 years old, positioning her as one of the most tragic figures in English history. Known for her works The Rebel Suffragette and Ada Lovelace and The Forgotten Tudor Royal, the Preston author is passionate about resurrecting the stories of remarkable women, bringing their overlooked legacies to life.

£22. Published by Pen & Sword.

HOW YOU MAKE ME FEEL: THE LIFE & LEGACY OF MARCUS INTALEX

BY SHERIF DHAIMISH AND MARK O’DONNELL

A kaleidoscope celebration of Burnley DJ Marcus Intalex, weaved together from stories collected from friends and family, unpublished photos and artwork. The book charts his rise from emerging as a DJ on the rave scene in Burnley to surviving ‘Gunchester’ jungle raves and taking his era-defining D&B from Manchester to the world before effortlessly switching to techno under his Trevino moniker; Marcus Intalex was at the bleeding-edge of club culture for nearly three decades. It’s the story of how a humble, restless soul created some of the most emotionally charged underground music of all time.

£19. Published by Pendle Press.

NorthernLife Dec/Jan/Feb 24/25