Monthly Wrap-Up – December 2025

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Happy New Year friends and welcome to my last monthly wrap-up of 2025! In today’s post I take a look at reading progress in December 2025. In summary, I didn’t touch much of my December TBR. Once my reading obligations were over and I’d completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge, my brain kinda switched off. 

Nevertheless, I have some progress to share and after a slow, steady festive period and end of the month I’m ready to get back into it! 

 

Books Read 

 

Death of a Billionaire 

Early in December I had a blog tour obligation to review Death of a Billionaire by Tucker May. With a number of ongoing books from the end of November, I had to pick up and finish this one pretty quickly. 

One light night and a review later, I safely ticked Death of a Billionaire off the list. It’s a fun, humorous murder mystery and I enjoyed the lighter tone. If you want to take a look at this for yourself, here’s a link to my review. 

 

Empire of the Dawn

A book I made slow progress with in December was Empire of the Dawn. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t working for me as I had hoped. It’s a chunky book, and I think having the limitation of a heavy, hardback copy is the primary reason I struggled to pick this up. 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get an alternative copy of this book to carry on in another format without additional cost. After trying p persevere with it a little longer, I ultimately soft DNF’d it partway through the month. I love the series and where the story is going so far, so I WILL absolutely revisit this one in the near future! 

 

A Crucible of Souls

I wrapped up listening to A Crucible of Souls mid-month after starting the book in November. Overall, I enjoyed this fantasy book and it was a decent recommendation I picked up as part of a ChatGPT recommendations challenge I started a few months ago. 

However, I did finish this book a little disappointed. The book has a lot of detail and an engaging storyline. That said, the book is very light on explanation or backstory on Caldan so we finish the book with as many, if not more questions, than when we started. 

No doubt the rest of the series would catch up with this intel later. I, however, have decided not to continue with it.

 

Beyond Redemption 

The final book I have picked up towards my ChatGPT recommendations challenge is Beyond Redemption. Admittedly, progress on this book was also light in December. 

In total, I made it 15% into the book. I initially started reading it on my phone at the hairdressers during my appointment mid-month. However, I prefer to read digital books on my kindle and don’t get it charged up till much later in the month. Also, I’d hit my lull by this point despite enjoying what I’ve read to date. With my Goodreads Challenge for 2025 exceeded, my brain switched off from reading and turned to craft projects and downtime instead. 

So, Beyond Redemption will be carried forward into January. To get my reading mojo back I’ve started a short read today. Once that’s done though, I’m going to launch into Beyond Redemption full force. I’m excited to see where this grimdark fantasy takes us.

 

The Housemaid is Watching

Where progress with physical and digital books has been on the slow side this December, today’s monthly wrap-up features far better news on audiobook progress! 

After listening to The Housemaid’s Secret last month, I added The Housemaid is Watching to my December TBR as a contribution to completing my 2025 resolution of finishing 10 series. 

Thankfully, listening to The Housemaid is Watching proved as compulsive as its predecessor. I listened to the entirety of this audiobook in just a few days – a complete change from the lethargy that I have to hold my hands up to otherwise in this monthly wrap-up! 

 

The Doors of Midnight 

Another audiobook I made great progress with in December, but inevitably I’m carrying over into January, is The Doors of Midnight by R.R. Virdi. 

I listened to around 10 hours worth of audio in December (at x1.15 speed for this one, so about 8 1/2 hours of actual listening time). However, as of today, 1st January, I still have 35hrs and 8mins (30hrs 30mins at x1.15 speed) to go! This book is over 800 pages long, so I didn’t really expect completion by the end of December. Still, it was an attempt towards my series completion 2025 resolution. I can’t knock myself given I gave it a good go! 

Now that I’m immersed back into Ari’s life and escapades, I’m excited for this carryover to hopefully be one of my first highly-rated completions of 2026. 

 

Summary 

Audiobooks saved the day again! Whilst I expected this monthly wrap-up to be short (given a lack of reading progress in the second half of December), I haven’t got much to complain about. I picked up a good few, even if they didn’t result in a green, shiny tick before 31st December. 

What was your final read of December? Did you meet your 2025 reading resolutions? I’ll be deep-diving into my progress on last year’s reading resolutions in the next day or two. I hope you can stick around for that! ☺️

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Traditional reading goals to kickstart your New Year!

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Yesterday I shared a list of non-traditional reading goals to kickstart your New Year. If you are looking for inspiration for reading goals to set yourself coming into the New Year, you have come to the right place! 

Whereas yesterday‘s post looked at non-traditional reading goals, today’s post follows the more traditional route and shares numbers-based traditional reading goals you can set yourself coming into the New Year.

Ready for inspiration to hit? Let’s take a look! 

 

Traditional reading goals to kickstart your New Year! 

Read X number of books a year

A goal I set myself every year, because I benefit from having a target to chase, is to read a set number of books. 

This can be set as a total or even as a target for a specific genre. For example, my 2024 resolutions featured a Goodreads challenge of reading 60 books and 15 of those being non-fiction. That goal helped make nonfiction books a regular on my TBR now even without the special effort. 

Whether you want to set yourself a goal to read a total number of books or to focus on a particular genre, having a number to work towards can be a great motivator. I like the Goodreads challenge as it can tell you if you are ahead, behind, or on track. You could, of course, use another tracker or work this out yourself – whatever works best for you! 

 

Number of Pages/Measurable Time Goal

An alternative to a total book count is a quantitative measure of pages or time spent reading. As goals go, it makes this really easily measurable and can go a long way towards building habits. 

Reading 40 books a year might seem daunting… but a goal to read 20 pages or 10 mins a day? That feels far more achievable – and they can amount to the same result. It’s just a matter of framing. If small, regular tasks work better for your time commitment level, consider setting a traditional reading goal to read a little every day. Those bigger reading goals will become far more achievable with a small habit. 

 

Pick up a Fixed Reading List

A new reading goal I’m taking into next year is to pick up a fixed reading list. I’ve compiled a list of books I want to read in 2026. They have made it to the list for a variety of reasons; some are long outstanding on my TBR, some are recommended from fellow readers. There are also some classics that will push me out of my comfort zone. 

Whatever the reason behind your list, setting a time limit to finish these books can help motivate you to finally make time for them. It also helps plan ahead and spread the books over the year so getting to the list isn’t overwhelming. 

 

TBR down to X books

A goal I strongly considered setting this year, but ultimately decided against, is a target to reduce my TBR. If I don’t whittle down my list by this time next year, I’ll HAVE to make this a resolution. 

My TBR has floated at around 200 books for a while. If you have an overflowing reading list and need some motivation to reduce it, setting a goal to reduce your TBR is a great idea. 

Maybe I should review this for myself halfway through the year and see if I need to do this one… 

 

Read a Book from X Genre a Month

Along the lines of trying to read more from a certain genre (touched on in Read X no. of Books a Year), a reasonable goal might be to read a book from a desired genre a month. That’s 12 books over the course of a year – not an insignificant number! Tackling one a month also breaks down the goal to make it feel more manageable too. 

Is there a genre you don’t read much of but want to pick up more frequently? A couple of years ago, it was non-fiction for me. However, you might want to try more classics, literary fiction, or even a non-genre-specific focus like new releases or timeless reads. The criteria is flexible enough that you can pick what’s important to you and your reading goals. 

 

Summary 

Has today’s traditional reading goals post given you inspiration? If you’re looking for some alternative reading goals, try my non-traditional reading goal post for more options. 

As I said yesterday, my reading habit and the blog kicked off with reading for a few minutes before bed in 2017. Small habits help make larger ones! 

What reading goals are you taking into next year? 

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Non-traditional reading goals to kickstart your New Year!

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Whether you are a seasoned reading goal setter, or are looking to set yourself a reading goal for the very first time, we all need inspiration now and then. Today’s post offers some non-traditional reading goals to kickstart your New Year, no experience required!

In the past, I have varied in setting both traditional and non-traditional reading goals. Whilst I am the kind of person who benefits from a traditional numbers-based target to set, there is absolute value in setting non-traditional reading goals. That’s why in my goal setting, I take a blended approach in setting both traditional and non-traditional reading goals. 

Today’s post is about non-traditional reading goals. If having a number doesn’t suit you or your lifestyle right now, I have five suggestions for your next non-traditional reading goal. Even if you don’t take on one of these verbatim, it may give you an idea for a reading goal that will suit you! 

Shall we take a look at some ideas? 

 

Non-Traditional Reading Goal Ideas

 

Prioritise Owned Books

A non-traditional reading goal that’s a strong contender for my reading resolutions list next year is prioritising books I already own. Why? Well, the simple answer is, my physical reading collection is… too big for the space I have. If I’m honest, I probably have the equivalent of a small bookshelf’s worth of books that don’t fit on the shelves I have. 

I typically try to stick to buying physical copies of books I’ll want to read and re-read again. However, sometimes it’s cheaper or more convenient to get books in physical format if there are offers on, or if I have book vouchers to use. Now I’ve got a bit of a collection, and it’s easy done! It’s universally agreed that buying books and reading books are two very different hobbies… 

I’ve done more purchasing than I have reading, so this non-traditional reading goal can help combat the backlist. 

 

Give Yourself Permission to Mood Read

Another non-traditional reading goal could be giving yourself permission to choose what to read as the mood strikes you. 

If you like to read different books in the spur of the moment but try to confine yourself to a set list (and then wonder why you don’t get through it!), this is a great goal for you. Admittedly, this is a goal of benefit from trying. This December, with my reading challenge ‘done’, I’ve switched off from reading a little bit. However, to get back into it, I could have given myself permission to read something not on the list but that I enjoy. 

I’m also guilty of trying to read a book if I’m not feeling it. It’s like trying to cram a square peg in a round hole, and just about as successful. Next year, why not give yourself the gift of flexibility? 

 

Read a book recommended to you once a month

Quite the opposite to the previous suggested non-traditional reading goal, if you do benefit from some structure to your reading, this could work for you! 

Whether you take recommendations from friends, family, or even online, including a recommendation in your reading list can help broaden your horizons. It’s the reason I take part in book clubs. Through these clubs, I pick up books I wouldn’t have been introduced to or picked up of my own volition. The external motivator is a great way to learn and change up your reading. If that’s what you’re looking for, reading a recommendation once a month/quarter, or whatever frequency suits you, is a great non-traditional reading goal to try!

 

Try New Book Formats

If you tend to read books in a particular, or even favoured format, why not try something new next year? 

This non-traditional reading goal can be interpreted a number of ways, so it’s really up to you what you want to do with it. If you read a lot of traditional prose, why not try a mixed media book, manga, or poetry? If you read predominantly physical books, why not give audiobooks a try? 

Really, the world is your oyster with this reading goal. The aim is to try something new. As to how you choose to do it, well, that’s up to you! The beauty of a non-traditional reading goal is that they are more flexible and accommodating to set. 

 

Read in another language (or a book’s translated from another language)

A non-traditional reading goal I’m flirting with setting in my next set of reading resolutions is to read books in, or originally written in, another language. I’ll hold my hands up and admit I read a lot of books by Western authors. With a view to reading more diversely, this is a fun non-traditional reading goal to help meet that desire. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try reading a book in another language. If you want to learn one anyway, it can be a great way to help towards that. The best way to learn about other perspectives and cultures is to read from them. 

Summary 

Has today’s non-traditional reading goals post given you some inspiration? The best advice I can give is to start small. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you don’t get off to a flying start. 

My reading habit and the blog kicked off with reading for a few minutes before bed in 2017. What reading goals are you taking into next year? 

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Sunday Summary – 28th December 2025

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Happy Sunday readers! Today’s Sunday Summary post is a quiet kind of update. Christmas has been and gone, and we are now in the lull between Christmas and New Year. I never quite know what to do with myself in this last week of the year. Ultimately, I’ve enjoyed hobbies and some downtime, but not much in the way of reading, admittedly.

I have some small progress to share though, so let’s take a look! 

 

Books Read

The Doors of Midnight 

In last week’s Sunday Summary update, I shared that I had just started listening to The Doors of Midnight by R.R. Virdi. Over the course of this week, I have listened to just shy of seven hours of this audio. As much as I say I haven’t read much this week, this progress isn’t to be sniffed at! 

Whilst doing some errands, chores, and craft projects this week, I’ve coupled each of these with listening to The Doors of Midnight. Now that I’m a little further into this book, I can share that I’m now fully back in with the story after a long break from reading the first instalment, The First Binding. I’m also keen to see where this book takes us. It’s an interesting Silk Road, Asian-inspired fantasy with a protagonist who likes to stir up trouble. 

The narrative style of this book is the protagonist retelling his tale in hindsight. Regular readers will know this style really suits me, and I like this reflective type of narrative. The switching between timelines also helps keep the action interesting and has asked what has really happened for Ari to end up in the situation he’s in at the present day. 

As you can probably tell, I’m getting on pretty well with this audiobook, and progress will continue over the next few weeks. As of this update, I still have over 30 hours of audio time left in this book. It’s an epic… and definitely one that’ll get carried forward into next year! 

 

Beyond Redemption 

Although I’ve had a good degree of downtime in the last few days, I confess I haven’t spent much of it reading traditionally. I think I need a goal or target to work towards with my reading. Now that I’ve read 47 books out of my intended 45 target, my brain thinks I’m ‘done’ and has switched off prioritising reading 😂 

Nevertheless, in the last day or so, I have got myself to pick up my Kindle and make some progress with Beyond Redemption. This is the final book I’m reading towards my ChatGPT recommendations content that’s coming up, and the introduction of this book has me intrigued. We have morally grey characters (that’s a stretch on the generous side) and embodiments of delusion. Honestly, I have no idea where this narrative will take us, but the less than reputable characters and questionable actions have me intrigued as to how dark this narrative will be.

 

Books Discovered

 

I was fortunate enough to receive two books for Christmas. One of which is an illustrative and interactive copy of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It’ll be a fun way to revisit this book in the future! 

The second book I received is a copy of Margaret Atwood’s memoir, Book of Lives.  I very nearly bought this for myself recently, so that turned out well! 

 

Coming Up… 

Next week promises to be a busy one! With New Year goal setting in the pipeline, I’m sharing two posts in the next couple of days. Each of these posts aims to help with ideas of reading goals, whether you want to go down the route of traditional, numbers-based reading goals, or non-traditional ones. 

Personally, I’m planning a mix of resolutions this year. However, if you aren’t sure yet, hopefully some inspiration will follow. 

On Thursday, New Year’s Day, I’m coming in hot with my December monthly wrap-up. I’ve also got a 2025 wrap-up landing this week, but first I need to recap reading progress in December before looking back over the whole year. At least, in my head I do… 

That year-in-review post is planned for Saturday. In that post, I’ll recap my final thoughts on the year and also where I got to with my 2025 resolutions for the year. 

Finally, I’m back with another Sunday Summary this time next week. Fingers crossed I find my reading mojo again and I have plenty more to update you on. 

Have you got any last-minute reads you’re trying to finish before the end of 2025? 

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Sunday Summary – 21st December 2025

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Happy Sunday, friends! Welcome to my latest Sunday Summary post. Have you had a great week? Are you ready for Christmas yet? This week I’ve done the last of my shopping and wrapping, so I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be… 

Onto less festive matters, what else have I been up to this week? Well, other than feeling rough and even losing my voice for a couple of days, it’s been business as usual. My first post of the week was a Top Ten Tuesday. This week‘s subject was books on our Winter 2025/2026 TBR. If you’re curious to see what’s coming up on my reading list in the next few months, you could take a look at that post here.

Next, this week’s First Lines Friday post featured a festive read. I managed to meet my challenge of featuring a festive book. And it WAS a challenge for me. I’m not a big festive reader, I found a book that is authentically me whilst meeting the target. Win! 

 

Books Read

The Housemaid is Watching 

With everything going on this week, audiobooks still prevail as my most read format. Funny really. Usually they’re the bottom of the list… 

Nevertheless, it’s been really working out for me this week. Although I’ve not read as much overall this week, I did finish my listen of The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden earlier today.

I enjoyed this (unexpected) conclusion to the series, and I’m glad I decided to pick up more than just the first book. It was a really interesting listen, as always, because the pacing has us asking questions right until the end. However, whilst everything is drawn out nicely, all the questions we do have from this book are answered. I’d have been frustrated if they weren’t, but no concerns on that front! 

 

The Doors of Midnight 

After finishing The Housemaid is Watching, I made a start with The Doors of Midnight by R. R. Virdi this afternoon.

I’m only really so far into this book, so there isn’t a whole lot I can say right now. What I can say is that the first few chapters I’ve listened to have helped me get back into the story somewhat. I really enjoy the narrative style of this book, and enjoying it in audio format as opposed to paperback format is a refreshing change. I enjoy reading it in physical format as well, don’t get me wrong. However, the book is about a storyteller telling his own life story. Listening seems to work a little better.

More on this one next week. It’s a tome, so I’m sure The Doors of Midnight will span a few Sunday Summary posts yet. 

 

Books Discovered

In last week’s Sunday Summary post, I assured you I had been good and not added any new books to my reading list because Santa is on his way. Well, that is true than ever. However, I have added a book to my reading list this week. Don’t worry though, it’s one coming out next year!

When writing my First Lines Friday post, I discovered that my featured book has a sequel coming out next year. Having already enjoyed the first book of the series to date, it’s pretty obvious I’m going to want to continue this one. I’ve got a bit of a wait. The Silent Appeal is due out in September next year. Whilst my bank account remains untouched for now, I’ve added this book to the list to make sure I pick it up at a later date.

 

Coming Up… 

So, what’s coming up next week?

Well, with Christmas upon us and a busy New Year imminent, I’ve decided to take a break for a few days next week. 

I’ll be back with my Sunday Summary update at the end of the week. Until then, though, I’m going to take the time to enjoy some of the festive period, catch up on some reading, and enjoy the downtime. 

I’ll still be active on social media, so stay tuned to see more of my content there. 

What are you currently reading? 

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First Lines Friday – 19/12/2025

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I set myself a challenge to feature a festive book in today’s First Lines Friday. As it stands, I don’t read a lot of festive fiction. However, this one is on my radar after reading another book by the same author! 

This week’s feature is a mixed media murder mystery. Do you have an inkling of what book and/or author I feature in this First Lines Friday? If so, let me know in the comments! If not, take a look at the opening below and see if any names ring any bells…  

 

To: Femi Hassan & Charlotte Holroyd

From: Roderick Tanner, KC

Date: 1 November 2023

Subject: A conundrum for you

 

Dear both, I trust you are well. While you establish yourselves in the field of criminal law, it doesn’t hurt to keep the wheels of deduction turning. I have another fascinating case to run past you. Why you? Well, it seems The Fairway Players are once again at the centre of a mystery. 

I’ve read the enclosed and think I’ve worked it out. I wonder if you can. 

Here is a bundle of correspondence from the last few weeks of 2022, during rehearsals for the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

RT Roderick Tanner, KC (retired)

 

 

The Christmas Appeal – Janice Hallett

Genre: Murder Mystery 

Pages: 191

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: 24 Oct 2023

Goodreads – The Christmas Appeal

 

This immersive holiday caper follows the hilarious Fairway Players theater group as they put on a Christmas play—and solve a murder that threatens their production.

The Christmas season has arrived in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive holiday production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for a new church roof. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking among the amateur theater enthusiasts with petty rivalries, a possibly asbestos-filled beanstalk, and some perennially absent players behind the scenes.

Of course, there’s also the matter of the dead body onstage. Who could possibly have had the victim on their naughty list? Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they investigate Christmas letters, examine emails, and pore over police transcripts to identify both the victim and killer before the curtain closes on their holiday production—for good.

 

My Thoughts…

Quite often I steer clear of festive reads because they’re often cheesy. Or romance. Both? Probably. It’s just generally not my thing. However, a murder mystery at the panto? That’s infinitely more interesting to read about! 

If you are familiar with Janice Hallett, you’ll know she’s written a book called The Appeal. I read that book around three years ago now. This sequel follows on from that, with familiar characters and a festive play to make it merry. Oh, and Santa gets murdered… 

What’s more amazing is that in featuring this book/series, I’ve found out there’s another book coming out in September next year. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that it’s a new addition to the TBR… 

But first, I’ll have to read this festive short story. Oh, how tragic! It’s unlikely I’ll manage it before the end of the year, so maybe next Christmas? 

Have you read The Christmas Appeal, or any other books published by Janice Hallett? Is it a festive read you’ll pick up after seeing it on this First Lines Friday? 

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Top Ten Tuesday – Books on my Winter 2025/2026 TBR

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Today’s Top Ten Tuesday features books I’ve got coming up on my Winter 2025/2026 TBR over the next few months. This list takes into account some books on my December 2025 TBR, and some planned reading goals for 2026.

I’ve got a static list of books I want to pick up throughout 2026, so some of those books feature on this Winter 2025/2026 TBR as well.

Interested to take a look at what’s made it to the list?

 

Books on my Winter 2025/2026 TBR

Yellowface

The first book on this Winter 2025/2026 TBR is also a feature on my December TBR. Keen to kick off early, I’m looking to pick up Yellowface by R.F. Kuang very soon.

So far, I’ve enjoyed two reads by R.F. Kuang and rated them both 5 stars (Babel and The Poppy War).  Yellowface is very different from both of these books, which are also quite different from each other. It goes to show Rebecca is a versatile writer, and I’m intrigued to try this more contemporary book.


I Know I’m in There Somewhere

For my work book club in January, I’ve set a theme as opposed to a ‘set’ book. It’s the first time we’re trying out some flexibility, so we’ll see how that goes. However, in case anyone at work wants to stick with a single book, I’ve committed to reading I Know I’m in There Somewhere.

With New Year and new goals in mind, this will be a timely read. I added this to my reading list fairly recently, but I can’t wait to try it out!


A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove featured on both my TTT Summer 2025 TBR and 20 Books of Summer Challenge. However, as of this Winter 2025/2026 TBR, I haven’t picked it up yet.

I’ve read great things about this book, and I’ve been meaning to read it for a while now. So, with this in mind, it’s time to pull my finger out and start reading it!

A Man Called Ove will also make a change. I read a lot of fantasy, especially lately. I’m looking forward to a more contemporary story as a break from what I’ve been reading of late.


1984

For Christmas last year, I was gifted two books, the first of which is the classic that is 1984. I first read this book at school. Now, admittedly, when I had to study this book for my GCSEs, I hated the experience. The reading in class. The discussion and analysis. Yawn. Bloody. Yawn.

However, I later read this book as an adult, of my own volition. Completely different experience. I loved it. And the scary thing is, there are aspects of the book that probably ring truer than we’d like to think.

It’s a classic that I’ll want to go back to time and again. It’s coming back around!


Julia

Also last Christmas, I received a second book that’s a twist on 1984 – written instead from the perspective of a different character – Julia.

My plan is to read the original, and then jump into Julia so I can appreciate the rewrite and different perspective.


Eve

My Winter 2025/2026 TBR has a lot of books I’ve planned to read already, but not got to! Another such book is Eve.

Eve by Cat Bohannon was also on my 20 Books of Summer Challenge, but I didn’t quite get to it either. What I love about the premise of this book is that it emphasises the importance of women and how biologically, they’ve driven the evolution of the human race.

It’s a niche book for sure, and hopefully, a refreshing change of subject!


The Courage to be Disliked

Self-help reading recs are abound in this Winter 2025/2026 TBR! Another such book I plan to read, and I offered as a suggestion in my work book club, is The Courage to Be Disliked.

Whilst the title of the book comes across as a little clickbait (is there an equivalent term in the bookish world), The Courage to Be Disliked is more of a discourse on why we are influenced by the opinions of others and how we can find the courage to make our own way, for our own reasons.


Deep Wheel Orcadia

Another December TBR pick makes for a change to reading style. This month, I’m looking forward to trying the first science fiction book written in Orkney dialect!

Confused? Perhaps I will be too. There’s an English translation, so I can still appreciate the story. The novelty factor sparked my curiosity, what can I say?


The Burning Girls

The last book of this Winter 2025/2026 TBR that also featured on my 20 Books of Summer Challenge was The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor.

Here’s another author I really like going back to time and again. The Chalk Man and The Taking of Annie Thorne were fantastic books. It’s been a while, so I’m excited to read this latest book and enjoy some more thriller vibes before the nights start getting light again. It’s more atmospheric, okay? I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻‍♀️


The Pillars of the Earth

A tome, is what this book is. However, it’s a tome I’ve been recommended by two trusted reader friends. So, I have to pick it up!

Next year, I’m planning to set myself a list of books I want to finish before the end of 2026. The Pillars of the Earth is the first book on that list. At a fraction under 1000 pages, it’s a commitment. However, I trust the recommendations I have and so I’ll be embarking on this journey after the new year.

It’s a highly rated book and has been on my list since 2020, so it’s high time I give it a go!


Summary

My Winter 2025/2026 TBR has lots of great books on it. Have you read any of these? Are any of these books on your TBR?

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Sunday Summary – 14th December 2025

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Last week’s Sunday Summary post came to you from a wet and miserable day. Today isn’t any different. With yet another warning for rain in place, winter has truly taken hold. Not only that, but the winter lurgy is also doing the rounds, and it’s officially my turn. Please bear with me for this post. It may not be my best, but it will be the weekly update you expect!

So, what have I been up to? My first post of the week was a book review for Brandon Sanderson‘s second book in his Skyward series, Starsight. I really enjoyed this young adult series, so it was a pleasure to feature the second book and let you know just how much I enjoyed it.

On Friday, I featured a thriller on my TBR. I would not like to be in the shoes of the victims. Deprived of their senses, victims return to society mentally scarred by their experiences. Interested in hearing more about this book? Take a look at my Shelf Control post using this link.

 

Books Read

 

Empire of the Dawn 

I’m struggling to read Empire of the Dawn, and I don’t understand why.

This is the third week in a row in which I have very little reading progress to update you on. At this point, I’m putting this book down for now and trying again later in the month.

I don’t understand why this book isn’t doing it for me right now. I am enjoying it as when I’m reading it, the problem is I’m just not really picking it up to read it! Sometimes having a heavy physical hardback can be a bit off-putting. However, the reason I think I’m struggling with this book the most is that I don’t want to finish the book (and the series) yet. 

It’s silly, I know. However, for the sake of keeping up with reading progress, I’m going to put this down temporarily and pick up another physical read for now. 

 

A Crucible of Souls

In last week’s Sunday Summary, I had already listened to the vast majority of A Crucible of Souls. With just a short way left to go in the book, I finished this audio this week.

If I’m honest, the book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I had hoped we will find out more about Caldan and his past. Instead, I finished this first book of the series knowing as much about him as I did at the beginning. A bit disappointing to say the least, because this book leaves a lot of questions unanswered. 

I don’t feel so strongly about this book to continue with the series. It was unacceptable lesson, but I wouldn’t say it was really engaging either. That’s just my experience, and a lot of people are of differing opinions. Don’t take mine as gospel if you want to try this on yourselves. 

 

The Housemaid is Watching 

Audiobooks have been a lot easier for me this weekend. I like to listen to them when I’m busy plotting along with household chores and the lake. However, I’ve also turned to audiobooks today because they are easier to listen to then they are to read physically. 

Over the course of this weekend, I’ve listened to over six hours of audio. In terms of p The Housemaid is Watching, I’m currently at around 60% as of this Sunday Summary update. As I found with each of the books in this series, they are pretty easy to listen to. The narrative is engaging and the plot keeps you gripped. What is happening, and are events as they are portrayed as they seem to be? Very often with these books, the answer is no. Whether that is the same for The Housemaid is Watching remains to be seen.

 

Beyond Redemption 

It barely feels worth a mention, but I have started Beyond Redemption this weekend. I initially started the book at the hairdressers yesterday, but given my decision to pause Empire of the Dawn, I’ve read a little more of this book tonight. I’m really intrigued by The narrative and emphasis on delusions shaping reality. 

It sounds like it’s going to be a very dark book, but I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes us. It’s specifically what I asked ChatGPT for in the final prompt I asked, so I hope it lives up to expectation. 

 

Books Discovered

Once again, I’ve behaved and not added any new books to the TBR, or purchased anything, this week. Well, Santa is nearly here right…?

 

Coming Up… 

My first blog post due next week will arrive in your inbox on Tuesday. A regular post I like to feature on this blog is a Top Ten Tuesday. I’ve also done this theme before. Once a quarter, one of the topics is about books on your next seasonal TBR. In this case, I’ll share which books are on my winter 2025/2026 TBR in a couple of days time. 

My next post is also a regular feature, although this week I am setting myself a festive challenge. For next week’s first lines Friday post, I have to feature something festive. Whether the book itself is festive or is set around Christmas time, anything goes. 

Finally, next week I’m back with my latest Sunday summary catch up. Fingers crossed, I’ll have better physical reading progress to share with you. Hopefully switching up my books will help get reading momentum back on track. I have a lot of books to try and pick up before the end of December, so I’m hoping for a miracle 🤞🏻 

That’s all for me and this Sunday summary update though! What have you read recently? Have you read anything worth recommending, or has a book you recently picked up disappointed you? 

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Shelf Control #98 – 12/12/2025

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Today’s Shelf Control post features a thriller I love the sound of. It’s scary if you imagine yourself in the shoes of the victims. I hinted at this feature in last week’s Sunday Summary and I’ve looked forward to writing about it all week. To say I forewent going to the work Christmas party to write it is a lie. However, everyone going is probably running out of steam right now, whereas I’m at home, in my PJs’ living my best life. No regrets!

As always, before I share the details of the book, here’s a recap of what Shelf Control is all about. 

Shelf Control is a meme run by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a celebration of the unread books on our shelves! The idea is to pick a book you own but haven’t read and write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up.

If you want to read more about the Shelf Control feature, check out Lisa’s introductory post.

 

Senseless – Ed James

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 400

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 19 Mar 2020

 

 

Goodreads – Senseless

THREE MISSING PEOPLE… ONE TWISTED PREDATOR.

DAY ONE

Six weeks after vanishing, Sarah Langton is suddenly found – delirious and starved close to death.

The police struggle to find any answers.

DAY TWO

When another missing person reappears, half-crazed and hysterical, a terrifying pattern emerges: a twisted predator is pushing his victims to insanity.

DS Corcoran, haunted by a previous case, and Dr Marie Palmer, a leading criminal psychiatrist, must try to establish a link between the survivors.

DAY THREE

As it becomes clear others are in grave danger, every second will be critical. But can Corcoran and Palmer unravel the deadliest of puzzles in time?

 

My Thoughts

The thought of being deprived of all senses is terrifying. That’s what the victims of Senseless endure, and the effects are frightening. When they’re released, what can thy reveal about the predator that trapped them if they’ve seen or heard nothing?

I love a good time-pressured thriller. And what detective doesn’t have a backstory in these types of books? In some ways, Senseless seems a little cliched but I’m intrigued enough by the plot to give it a go. If nothing else, I like trying to put the pieces of a puzzle together. If it’s written well, I can’t see the ending coming. Can I predict the ending of this one? That remains to be seen!

Senseless is a well-rated book on Goodreads, so I’m hopeful I enjoy this thriller. If you’re a fan of them too, then maybe this Shelf Control feature has made it onto your TBR.

Have you read Senseless? Is this type of thriller on your radar? 

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Book Review: Starsight – Brandon Sanderson

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Young adult science fiction isn’t really a go-to genre and audience I reach for. However, Brandon Sanderson can basically do no wrong in my eyes. After reading several of his books, I branched out and picked up his Skyward series despite not being the intended audience. You know what? It didn’t matter an inch! I loved the first and titular books of the series (which you can read more about here…). 

Naturally, continuing with the series was an obvious choice. That brings us to the second instalment in the series, Starsight. It’s quite a different setting compared to the first book, but that worked pretty well for me. I enjoyed seeing the storyline advance from the introductory plot line of Skyward. Want to find out more? Then read on below!

 

Starsight – Brandon Sanderson  

Genre: YA science fiction

Pages: 461

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co. 

Publication Date: 26 Nov 2019

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

Goodreads – Starsight

All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot. Of proving she’s a hero like her father. She made it to the sky, but the truths she learned about her father were crushing.

Spensa is sure there’s more to the story. And she’s sure that whatever happened to her father in his starship could happen to her. When she made it outside the protective shell of her planet, she heard the stars—and it was terrifying. Everything Spensa has been taught about her world is a lie.

But Spensa also discovered a few other things about herself—and she’ll travel to the end of the galaxy to save humankind if she needs to.

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

Starsight is a very fast-paced book, especially for adult readers. 

The wider world in which Spensa’s home planet of Detritus is expanded on immensely in this second book of the series. At the time, not everyone loved the change of focus. However, in my immediate thoughts after finishing this book, I shared my love for how Brandon Sanderson isn’t afraid to break his own moulds and improve his storylines. Talking about this book after finishing the rest of the series allows for hindsight, and the shift now makes a lot of sense. The rest of the series follows suit, and gets bigger and better the further we explore this world! 

If there is any testament to how fast-paced this book is, it’s the speed I read it. I finished the whole book in less than a week; the second half of this book (which is about 200 pages!) got demolished in one sitting. And if I may say, the broader context of reading this book was that I’d picked up some trickier reads just before it. I wasn’t reading quickly until Starsight turned my slump around. 

 

Characters 

Spensa is a sassy, angsty, and headstrong teenage girl. Well, find me one that isn’t, but that wouldn’t make for an interesting story. 

Enter Spensa—a girl who grew up believing her father a hero, only to have her recollection of who he was dashed. A girl who dreamed of following in his footsteps, but finding out he wasn’t the man she idolised. Just about the worst nightmare combination you can cook up for an already turbulent individual, no? 

I listened to the audiobook of Skyward, but read Starsight traditionally. I enjoyed the book in paperback format, and characters still popped for me even without the characterisations of the narrator. Still, I did miss M-Bot’s Scottish accent just a little! It’s not what you expect for that kind of character, but it is a hilarious aspect of the narrative. 

Starsight is an interesting book in that it introduces a broad spectrum of characters. The set list does a lot for broadening your perspective on the world established in Skyward. It’s done gradually throughout the book so as not to be overwhelming. 

 

Setting 

Where Skyward was limited to the setting of Detritus, Starsight takes us… well, skyward. No longer bound, Spensa undertakes a daring mission to find out more about herself— who she is, and about her home. It’s ironic the circumstances she does this in, but no spoilers here! 

The setting of this book does wonders for the rest of the series. Skyward has quite a sheltered setting by comparison, but it’s fundamental to understand before getting to the events of this second book. 

Brandon Sanderson is a great writer, and his worlds are detailed and interesting to learn about. If the plot wasn’t interesting enough, trust me, the world the book is set in is. 

 

Narrative Style 

With such a fast-paced narrative, you need an easy-to-read style to allow the action to flow. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the intended audience of the book and the popularity/success of Sanderson, that he hit the nail on the head. 

I devoured this book, and that’s a compliment considering the page count. It’s just shy of 500 pages, so not exactly short. However, I binge-read the second half of the book to figure out what was going to happen! The flow and style of the writing made that even easier to achieve. 

 

Summary 

Starsight is a fun sequel to Sanderson’s young adult science fiction series. Spensa is a relatable, young, angsty teen who is determined to live up to the reputation of her father. Starsight takes us beyond the horizons and skylines of Slyward, and it’s an exciting, fun-fuelled adventure! 

Have you read Starsight or any other books by Brandon Sanderson? 

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