Sunday Summary – 5th April 2026

This Sunday Summary is a busy one, and I don’t quite know how I’ve managed it all. 

It’s been a mental week at work owing to the fact that it’s one of our busiest periods. I’ve put in overtime and still managed to put out content and read. Sure, maybe not quite as much as usual, but I’ve not nosedived into the abyss like I should have. Could have…  

Before we get to books read, let’s recap what I’ve put out content-wise this week. First of all, I shared my wrap-up for March on both YouTube and my blog. On Thursday, I reviewed Storm of Mercia by MJ Porter for the publication blog tour. I loved this historical fiction as much as I expected given I’ve enjoyed the prior eight books in the series! 

Friday saw my Books I Turn to in a Book Slump post that was meant to go live last week. Finally, my April TBR went live on YouTube yesterday and on my blog earlier today. Phew! Still with me? 

 

Books Read

Storm of Mercia

My first reading priority of the week was to finish Storm of Mercia ahead of my blog tour review post due Thursday. 

I enjoyed this instalment. It was full of the usual action and intrigue we have come to know and love from the Eagle of Mercia chronicles. However, we have some differences in this storyline to previous books. Whilst Icel doesn’t quite find his sea legs, he does find himself on open waters for the first time. 

No spoilers here, and if you want to find out more, you can read my spoiler-free review here. 

 

The Astral Library

In last week’s Sunday Summary check-in, I was 40% through The Astral Library. This week, I finished the audiobook as I planned. Knowing how much time I had left, I strongly suspected I would! 

The overarching premise of the book is somewhat reminiscent of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library. However, it is entirely its own story and I loved reading this book of books. 

The Astral Library is a sanctuary for those who seek solace in their favourite book. When it comes under attack, Alix steps in to take hold of the narrative and stand up to those who’ve forgotten what, and who, libraries are for. 

I really enjoyed this recent release! It was a fun narrative, with an emphasis on saving libraries and those who would try to take away the key resources they offer. More thoughts on this to follow on my YouTube channel in the near future. Watch this space! 

 

Onyx and Ivory 

Last night, I started my audiobook listen of Onyx and Ivory. This romantasy novel came onto my TBR out of the TBR Jar I used to pick four new reads for this month. 

It wasn’t the audiobook I originally wanted to start with. I had hoped one of the non-fiction picks from that list was available so I could start with that. However, one hasn’t been made for this book so I had to go with Onyx and Ivory itself. 

So far, the couple of chapters I’ve started have engaged me with the storyline. I’m looking forward to listening more over the next week. I’m prioritising this so I can have a break between this and another romantasy I’m reading this month – Crown of Midnight. 

 

1984

Finally, I got back to my read of 1984. I’ve had to shelve this for a couple of weeks in order to read Rose Red and Storm of Mercia. I had review obligations for both of these books, so they had to come first. 

Now those are done and I’m free of deadlines, I’m back to reading my own choice and pace. Progress with 1984 only started again earlier today, but I’ve already read 70 pages this afternoon. Hopefully I’ll get a few more in before the end of today! 

 

Books Discovered

The other half and I watched a series on Netlfix called The Days this week. It’s about events that took place in the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant disaster in March 2011. 

That series is based on a report from the manager of the plant, Masao Yoshida, as well as a book called Meltdown: Inside the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis. It was a really interesting series (fictional, but based on the true events). No surprises it’s on my TBR. I enjoyed reading about Chernobyl (Adam Higginbotham) after all… 

 

Coming Up… 

Blog

On the blog, I’ve got a review of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine planned. It’s been a while since I read and featured this book. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic read and it’s one I’m excited to talk about again! 

Later in the week, I have a unique blog post to share with you. I’m coming up to the nine year anniversary of my blog’s creation. To celebrate that, I am going to look back at what I’ve enjoyed in becoming a book blogger and share where I hope the next nine years will take me. 

Finally, you know the drill. Next week I’ll be back with another Sunday summary, catching you up on my current reads as well as recapping my content for the week in case you missed any.

 

YouTube

This weekend, I’ve recorded a review video for Afger the Forest to go live on YouTube this week. 

As well, I have a short about an upcoming read (Looking at Women, Looking at War) and about books I turn to in a book slump. 

Finally, I’ll share a recap of what I’ve been reading over the next seven days! 

 

Books

In a new section here on the blog, I’ll also tease the books I plan to pick up after I’ve completed my current reads…

 

 

 

Summary 

Given I spent several hours of evening time working this week, as well as working on Good Friday, I’ve not let that stop me in my bookish progress. 

Coming down with the lurgy has not helped brighten my weekend. However, I’m determined to enjoy the rest and relaxation time I clearly need with a few good books in hand! 

That’s everything from me in today’s Sunday Summary – what are you reading? 

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