Tag: AI

Sunday Summary – 30th August 2026

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Happy long weekend friends! We’re back with another fresh Sunday Summary post this weekend, and I hope you’re looking forward to catching up on the latest. But first, obviously the news you’ve been waiting for. It’s the final bank holiday between now and the festive season. The big supermarkets are already capitalising. Yes, mince pie fans! You can now get your fix in stores near you. Madness… 

I jest. Hopefully you’re here for my bookish commentary. Yes? Good. My first blog post of the week was a low-down of my top 3 reads of 2026 so far. If you’re looking for a book recommendation to uplift your 2026 reading list, I’ve got you covered. See, that’s the premium quality content you expect! As well as that, I shared my review of a fun graphic novel based around the game of Dungeons & Dragons. 

Books Read 

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

Reading the final 80 pages of Supremacy went slower than I thought, but I can say as of this Sunday Summary, we got there. 

This boo has been a bit of a slow-burn project, but one I’ve enjoyed reading. In the grand scheme of things, I’m looking to expand my knnokedlge of AI, its birth into the technology we are using today. Supremacy has helped a long way towards that. Aside from its history, the book also looks at sentiment as the technology has grown, including fears over its longer-term use and impact. Discrimination is still very much a problem with the software, by all accounts. Well, when you train it on unfiltered data from a society with underlying discrimination on race, gender and socio-economic factors, it’s hardly a surprise its ingrained in the tech and rears its head in unusual places. 

The Midnight Train 

I’ve made solid progress with The Midnight Train by Matt Haig, listening to the entirety of this relatively short audio this week. 

You may recall in previous posts, like my August TBR, that I had reservations about his book. After its publication earlier this year, there have been mixed reviews published about this latest instalment. Like me, readers went into this book with high expectations based on the success and profoundness of The Midnight Library. They felt The Midnight Train didn’t meet the same standard. 

However, I can’t say I agree with that sentiment. On the contrary, I enjoyed the varied angle this books takes, whilst still nodding in several ways to the format and meanings of that first book. I even enjoyed the ties at the end that link the two books especially. 

In all, the message of The Midnight Train is an important one, and one I’m glad I read despite the mixed feelings online. Sometimes, books, or opinions of them, are overhyped. I’m glad I read and made my own judgement on this one. 

The Other Life of Mary English

Finally, I started a book that I will be reviewing here at Reviewsfeed very shortly. My review of The Other Life of Mary English is going live on Tuesday. As ever, I’ve got a good way of the book to go through before I’m able to draft my review. So, you know how I’m spending my bank holiday Monday tomorrow right? 

I’ve made a decent start to this book, and I like where it is going so far. For a book and setting where women are far from prominent or able to stand in society, The Other Life of Mary English is doing a great job of making the protagonist the leading lady in a period of history where that is difficult to achieve. 

A fairly light update as of this Sunday Summary. More to follow on this one very soon! 

Books Discovered

I’m proud of myself – today I went for a mooch through town, looked in the window of a bookstore… and then walked away! I know, not like me at all! So, there are no new additions this week to report in today’s Sunday Summary. 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Here’s my reading plan over the next seven days:- 

  • Finish The Other Life of Mary English – blog tour obligation 01/09/2026
  • Start Julia by Sandra Newman
  • Start the audiobook of The Language of Liars

Blog

I’ve already mentioned that I’ve got an imminent blog tour obligation. So, needless to say, that’s going to be my first post of next week! 

Aside from that, I’ll be leaning into my usual content posts that fall at month-end. First will be my monthly wrap-up for reading progress in August. Given the blog tour post, that will go live on Wednesday or Thursday next week. After that, I’ll share my planned September TBR later in the week. I’ve got an idea for what I want my September TBR to look like, but I’m going to keep my cards close to my chest for now. You’ll just have to find out next week what my plans are 😈

Finally, another Sunday Summary update will conclude another week of reading, amongst other things.

Summary 

Today’s Sunday Summary feels a little lighter than I originally planned. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed the reading progress I’ve made at a pace that’s been sustainable to me. 

What book have you read this August that you recommend? 

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Sunday Summary – 23rd August 2026

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Sunday has rolled around again folks! Where has the weekend gone? It’s time for another Sunday Summary post, and I have some good bookish updates to share this week! 

Before that though, let’s recap the blog posts I’ve shared so far this week! First, I posted a blog tour review post. That book is The Knife Maker of Venice by David Gilman. Then, I posted a Shelf Control post looking ahead to a Booker prize-winning book on my TBR. It handles tricky topics like race and discrimination. Naturally, they’re topics I like to read about, so I’m excited for this one! 

Books Read 

The Knife Maker of Venice

Last week I’d only just started The Knife Maker of Venice. Naturally, it was my priority read of the week and the one finish I absolutely had to have on today’s Sunday Summary. 

I really enjoyed this historical adventure novel. Set initially in the UK, but covering many international locations including Tunisia and Venice, there was plenty to explore. The book predominantly focuses on the lives of Richard and Beth, siblings, who are captured and enslaved in England before being taken to Venice. Separated, Richard is sold to a blacksmith whilst Beth is held by their capturer, one time flame Challenor. 

The slavery aspect was interesting to read, but what I enjoyed most was learning about the cultural history and tensions in places at this time. It’s not something I’ve read before, so it was a learning journey as well as a fun read! 

Tower of Dawn 

When I left off in last week’s Sunday Summary, I had just 3 and a half hours of audio left. 

I had plenty of time to listen to that amount of audio this week. However, I confess I only finished it today. I listened for around 20 minutes midweek, but finished Tower of Dawn this afternoon. 

I wasn’t expecting Tower of Dawn to take the route it did, but it made for a great change. It’s also set up for a reunion in the final book, and I’m intrigued as to how this series will wrap up. I foresaw the romances, and even the twist in this one. So, nothing too surprising or revelatory in this book. However, it was a decent penultimate book of the series. 

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

Today, I’ve made more progress with Supremacy. As of drafting this Sunday Summary though, it’s still a current read. I’m hopeful I’ll finish it tonight so I can start a new physical read next week. New week, new start and all that 🤗 

Although I’ve progressed slowly with this one, it’s an informative read. Personally, I’m trying to learn more about AI, its development and limitations as I start to use the tool myself. At work, that is. I don’t use it for my blog. The most techy thing I do here is use speech-to-text to dictate my content sometimes. I’m not sure there’s any other way I would use the tech for my blog, except maybe to brush up social media content wording. 

I’ve got another 80 pages to read tonight, so I won’t be bored! 😅

Dungeons and Dimwits 

Finally, I picked up a graphic novel I’m reviewing next week last night. It was a quick read, given the nature of the book. But you know what? It was a refreshing change and I enjoyed the storyline. 

Based on the gameplay of dungeons and dragons, it leans into my nerdy enjoyment of games and fantasy. It also has a few funny moments, which I wasn’t expecting but loved nonetheless. I can tell you already I would like to read more of these. I can’t wait to review this for you next week. 

The Midnight Train 

Finally, after finishing Tower of Dawn today I started The Midnight Train. In all, I likely listened to about an hour and a half of the audio, or a little less. 

So far, I’m enjoying the story. I’ve had reservations previously that this book won’t live up to The Midnight Library. However, I’ll just have to give it a chance. So far, so good! More to follow on this one in my next Sunday Summary update. 

Books Discovered

As things stand, there are no new books on my TBR this week. I’ve kept my head down, and thankfully my recent finishes mean the TBR is headed in the right direction 🎊🎉

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Here’s my reading plan over the next seven days:- 

  • Finish The Midnight Train – only 4hrs 15mins audio left
  • Finish Supremacy if I haven’t done by tonight
  • Start and finish e-book of The Other Life of Mary English – blog tour obligation 01/09/2026
  • Start Julia by Sandra Newman, but prioritise The Other Life of Mary English
  • Start The Language of Liars audiobook after The Midnight Train

Blog

I want to start next week pretty casual, featuring some of my top reads of 2026 so far. A year is a long time to wait for ‘best of 2026’ content. So, I’m going to share my top three books so far, and why I love them. 

My blog tour review for Dungeons and Dimwits is due on Thursday 27th. Thankfully I’ve finished it already, so I can start documenting my thoughts. 

Finally, I’ll be back with my final Sunday Summary of August this time next week. How much of a dent can I make in my August TBR between now and then? Let’s find out! 

Summary 

As always, thanks for checking out today’s Sunday Summary. 

What are your favourite reads of 2026 so far? I want to check out yours, and maybe give them a read for myself, so drop the titles in the comments ♥️

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Sunday Summary – 16th August 2026

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Happy Sunday folks! Welcome to my latest Sunday Summary update. Depending on where you are, you may have had mixed weather today. I’m actually going to say it’s a bit cooler and some rain has come in. I wasn’t made for heat 🤣

What have you been reading this week? As for myself, I’ll be answering that question very soon. However, first, let’s recap the content I have shared so far this week.

First on the list is a Top Ten Tuesday post in which I talked about the books I was reading at this time over the last seven years. I’m surprised I had to go back this far. Given I’m usually listening to an audiobook and reading a physical book at the same time, I figured I’d only have to go back five years to get to a total of 10 books in this post. However, they were quite a few years where that wasn’t the case… 

Next, I shared a book review yesterday for Stephen King’s The Shining. I enjoy talking about this book, although it has been a while since I read it. I picked up this book in November 2023, to give you an idea of how far back I had to cast my memory. What horror should I pick up this Halloween? Get your recommendations in now! 😂 

Books Read 

Tower of Dawn 

In last week’s Sunday Summary, I shared I’d started and made around four hours reading progress with Tower of Dawn. 

I’ve been at home enjoying a week of annual leave this week. So, I’ve had plenty more time to listen to audiobooks whilst pottering around the house, the garden and enjoying my crafty hobbies. Whilst I haven’t listened every day, the days I have listened, I have read solid chunks. In total over this week, I have spent just over 8 hours and 20 minutes listening to Tower of Dawn. Accounting for reading at x1.5 times speed, that means I’ve listened to just dry of 13 hours worth of the audiobook this week. 

How much do I have left? At the increased speed, I have 3 1/2 hours left of listening time. At default speed, that’s just over five hours of audio. 

This book has taken a bit of an unexpected turn, at least as far as my expectations went. However, I’ve enjoyed the detour if you like from the main storyline, and it’s been good to catch up with the characters within. Can I say I’m a huge fan of the romance in this story? No. It’s also a trope I really don’t like in romance, so I’ve not really vibed with that. However, I like the characters concerned on an individual level so it’s been a tolerable listen… and I’m intrigued as to how this is going to come together with main storyline in the final book!

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

When I chatted with you in last week’s Sunday Summary, I had not long started Supremacy. What I had hoped to finish this book this week, I am still reading this book as of this Sunday Summary. I’ve had to pop this down temporarily in order to pick up and read a blog tour obligation book, being The Knife Maker of Venice which I’m due to review on Wednesday next week.

I made the majority of my progress with this book on Wednesday this week. I’m enjoying the topic of AI and exploring how it came to be the technology. We are learning how to use in such a short period of time from its inception. 

As of this Sunday Summary update, I have just over 120 pages left of this book before the acknowledgements and source material. I’m hoping this won’t take long to finish, but The Knife Maker of Venice has to come first. 

The Knife Maker of Venice

Finally, I’ve started The Knife Maker of Venice today. I had intended to start it earlier than today, but there we go. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed the start and can’t wait to read more. I’m intrigued as to what is going to happen to the protagonists to separate them. That will follow soon I’m sure. The first couple of chapters are already setting the scene.  

I’ve only got a short deadline, so obviously I’ll be continuing this tonight and making this the top priority today and tomorrow. 

Books Discovered

We’re back to a week of no updates this week. After adding Yesteryear last week, there’s no new additions on my TBR. 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

As of this Sunday Summary, here’s what I’m looking to read next week:- 

  • Finish Tower of Dawn – reading at x1.5 speed, I’ve got around 3 1/2 hours of audio left.
  • Listen to The Midnight Train 
  • Start and finish The Knife Maker of Venice – blog tour obligation 19/08/2026
  • Continue and finish Supremacy

Blog

My blog tour review for The Knife Maker of Venice is due on Wednesday next week. Naturally, my reading priority is to finish this book so I can share my thoughts on this book on time 🤗

Later in the week, I’ll return with a regular Friday feature. Next week, I’m due to share another Shelf Control. My intended feature is a Booker Prize winner that handles race and discrimination. Curious? I hope so! I can’t wait to share with you ☺️

Finally, I’ll be back with another Sunday Summary this time next week. I’m back at work next week, so it’s back to normal routine. That shouldn’t change my reading habits though! 

Summary 

Thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary post. What have you been reading this week? 

I’m also looking for recommendations ahead of Halloween this year – are there any supernatural or horror books you want to recommend to me? 

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Sunday Summary – 9th August 2026

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Last week’s Sunday Summary went live first thing on Monday morning. However, you could be forgiven if you didn’t see it. This week I undertook some behind-the-scenes work to transfer my domain to another provider. After having some IT issues for some time, I logged a ticket with my provider after ruling out my own settings as the problem. However, a distinct lack of service prompted me to make the change. 

That change took place around Monday afternoon, and I didn’t get my site back online until around Wednesday or Thursday. Apologies if you missed me in that time! However, the good news is I’m back and ready to share my latest reading and blog updates here in this Sunday Summary. Strap in! 

This week, I shared both my monthly wrap-up for reading progress in July, as well as my monthly TBR for August. Both were pretty long posts, even if the reading progress wasn’t quite what I hoped in July. That reflects in my August TBR, in that there are a number of books on this reading list that are from TBR’s past.

Books Read 

Empire of Storms 

Unlike my last Sunday Summary update, reading progress with Empire of Storms has gone much better. I listened to this book throughout the week, in fact, forgetting to set my timers multiple times throughout the week and consequently finished this audiobook no less than three times. The trouble is, I don’t remember finishing it the first two times because I was asleep! 

However, I did finish this audiobook a third and final time yesterday. I had my doubts at one point as to whether I was going to get on with and finish the remainder of the series. Quite a few plot lines came together that made the storyline quite romance-y, and I wasn’t a huge fan. Sorry, I’m sure there are plenty of you that absolutely love this slower intention that comes out. I’m not one of those people. That’s why I’m reaching for a glass as opposed to A Court of Thorns and Roses. Sorry, not sorry. 

However, I got over that, and the conclusion to this book reminded me just why I am invested in the fantasy side of this series. Needless to say, I’ve dived into Tower of Dawn already.

Tower of Dawn 

Speaking of the devil, I’ve made a solid start with this second audiobook. I started this listen yesterday, so it’s nothing groundbreaking in terms of reading progress. Still, four hours’ worth is decent considering I racked that up after Empire of Storms yesterday. I took a break today, but I’m on annual leave next week and home by myself for much of it. So, audiobooks for company… 

And, as you will have seen in my August TBR, I have a few books to keep me occupied.

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

On a whim, I started Supremacy earlier this week. AI is a bit of an ongoing focus at work at the moment. Personally, I’m trying to learn how I can use it most effectively. With this in mind, it got me thinking about how we started using ChatGPT and its relatively short history. We all know how fast technology progresses, and the birth and widespread use of ChatGPT and similar tech within just a few years is a prime example. It has its upsides and its downs, but one of my aims is to make sure I use it responsibly. 

So, I’m curious as to what went into the production of AI on a wider scale. My understanding from this book is that the people who started to develop the models we see widely today started off with altruistic intentions. However, as funding was required in order to make the project what it is today, they got sold out to bigger companies like Google in order to scale. With this drive to get to market, have any shortcuts been taken or less than ethical actions taken place? 

Books Discovered

I’m finally breaking my streak. I’ve no new books added to my TBR for what feels like the longest time. In reality, it’s probably been a couple of months. Thankfully, this update isn’t too much – I’ve added one book. I’ve seen a few people reading a book called Yesteryear. It’s only when I saw a news update yesterday about a movie adaptation with Anne Hathaway that I got an idea for what the book was about. 

Obviously, with its near dystopian theme, I’m intrigued and want to read it! 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

We’re onto the fun part of this Sunday Summary, what I share with you the books I’m planning to read over the course of this week. Being off work, I’m hoping to complete several titles this week. In no particular order, here’s what I’m hoping to pick up, and in cases, finish, in the next seven days.

  • Finish Tower of Dawn – reading at x1.5 speed, I’ve got around 12 hours of audio left. With five days on my own at home this week, this is plenty achievable!
  • Listen to The Midnight Train 
  • Continue and finish Supremacy
  • Start and finish The Knife Maker of Venice – blog tour obligation 19/08/2026
  • Continue Katabasis if I have time, but it is lower priority than The Knife Maker of Venice

Blog

So, what content am I pushing out next week? 

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is a fun way to look back at my history as a blogger and reader. The theme is Books I Was Reading On This Day Over the Last Ten Years. Admittedly, my reading history is going to be a little spotty towards the end of that date range. So, I’m going to lean into the fact that I quite often listen to audiobooks and read physical books at the same time. So, the date range I use is probably going to be more like five years, and I’ll have a couple of books in each year. At least, that’s what I expect. I may need to go back a little further, but we’ll see how the list pans out. 

I’ve published a few reviews of late, but this week, I’m going to share my thoughts on a more popular title compared to the recently released I’ve featured. That title is a cult classic from Stephen King – The Shining! 

Finally, I’ll be back at the same time again next week with another Sunday Summary update. Fingers crossed, I have lots of reading updates to share with you. My August TBR reading progress depends on it. I’m ready to get back on track with my Goodreads reading goal and make a dent in both the Summer Reading Challenge and my own personal reading challenge. 

Summary 

As always, thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary. What have you read recently, and would you recommend it to me?

What’s the most recent book you’ve read when you have learned something from it?

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Monthly TBR – August 2026

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The books on my August monthly TBR will look familiar. There is one theme to describe this monthly TBR, it is of books not gotten to in 2026. Yes, over the course of 2026 to date, there have been plenty of books on my TBR that never made it into my hands. August is the month I plan to rectify that!

Not only that, but I am on the penultimate read of my Throne of Glass readalong, and I have a few new features in the form of blog tours that I’m taking part in later this month and into early September. Curious to find out which books will finally make it to the top of this monthly TBR? 

Carryovers from July

Empire of Storms

Goodreads

At the end of June, I had finished book 4 of the Throne of Glass series on time. Whilst I had hoped to keep that habit alive, I did end up finishing Empire of Storms in early August. Today, in fact, the 8th August. 

It wasn’t really for a lack of trying. Rather, I finished this book several times this week. The only trouble was I finished it whilst I was asleep. Yes, I had forgotten to put the audiobook timer on and so I had to re-download and find my place in this audiobook at least twice. Nevertheless, I completed this book properly today and I’ve dived straight into the sequel… 

Katabasis

Goodreads

Realistically, Katabasis is more of a carryover from June than of July – I didn’t really pick up this book last month. I wanted to put distance between myself and the slump I was getting into when I started this book. Then, I had reading obligations in July and early August that needed to take priority.

However, I’m keen to jump back in and make this an early completion on my August monthly TBR. I have really enjoyed R.F. Kuang‘s writing in the past. I have no fears that I will come to enjoy this book once I get stuck in properly. 

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads

Another book I haven’t picked up in the last couple of weeks, but I’m keen to finish in short order, is Dawn French’s The Tw*t Files. 

Who doesn’t enjoy laughing at other people’s screw ups and misfortune? This book was a great one to turn to in my slump as it’s light nature and humour throughout made for entertaining reading when I was struggling to pick up a book. 

I’m hoping to polish this one off pretty quickly now I’m back to reading more regularly! 

Readalong and Blog Tours

Tower of Dawn

Goodreads

My next Throne of Glass readalong novel is the penultimate book in the series. I confess, I’m surprised I’ve stuck with it this long. I have been nervous about reading romantasy books in the past because of concerns the romance elements detract from the overall storyline. I’m pleased to say that isn’t particularly the case in Throne of Glass. Whilst there were some moments in Empire of Storms that had me doubting my assessment, I’m now invested enough in the series that I’m going to see it true to completion regardless.

After finishing Empire of Storms earlier today, I dived straight into Tower of Dawn. I’m making the most of time at home on my own to listen to this audiobook, and whilst I’m also in the headspace (having finished it’s predecessor), it makes sense to dive straight in.

The Knife Maker of Venice

Goodreads

Moving on to my blog tour obligations for August, the first of my books is The Knife Maker of Venice. My review goes live on the 19th August, so I’ll be starting this imminently. 

It’s a historical adventure story of siblings sold into slavery in Venice and a brother’s mission to be reunited with his sister. It appeals to me because of the slavery angle, but also the historical period and setting. It’s not one I’m familiar with, but keen to read and learn more about. 

I’ll share my full thoughts with you on this one later this month. I hope you’re as excited as me! 

Dungeons and Dimwits

Goodreads

An unusual feature for my blog here is a review of a graphic novel. 

Taking part in the tour for Dungeons and Dimwits was last minute. Rachel, the tour organiser, was looking for additional reviewers last minute. Given the books nature, I felt it was a book I could add to this monthly TBR pretty easily. Not only that, but the idea of a book based on dungeons and dragons appeals to my nerdy nature. If I’d had friends interested in the game, I can imagine this is something I would have fallen into. As it happens, I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know enough about the principle of the game to appreciate this storyline.

The Other Life of Mary English

Goodreads

This historical fiction review is due at the beginning of September, so will be the last I read this month. However, I’m no less excited to give it a try. 

The premise of this book is about two strong women who, in 1820’s Columbia, occupied roles rarely taken by women in their time. It’s another new setting and time period for me, so I’m excited for this book. Again, more to follow on this one. I’ve signed up to the tour knowing little more than that. 

2026 Releases / TBR Returns

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

Sadly, due to taking longer with my listen of Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas, I didn’t get to The Midnight Train last month. Nevertheless, this book is back on my monthly TBR . Being a 2026 new release and related to another book I have loved daily so far, I’m keen to see if The Midnight Train lives up to expectations. Unfortunately, I’ve heard mixed reviews on this book. I don’t know if that is because its predecessor sets the bar so high, or whether it genuinely doesn’t quite come to the same standard. Want to try and let you know about in due course – watch this space.

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

Another book I didn’t get to from my July TBR, but I’m rolling forward immediately onto this monthly TBR is The Language of Liars. This language based spy novel is a little bit unusual, and I can’t wait to try it. The Language of Liars is also a 2026 release, and as a book I talked about in my 2026 highly anticipated releases YouTube video earlier this year. 

I’m excited to give this one a try; I expect it’s going to be a little bit different, and maybe is something I need having had a bit of a reading slump lately! 

Julia

Goodreads 

Months ago, I set out to read 1984 by George Orwell and then follow up with Julia straight after. It didn’t pan out that way. I got a bit stuck on 1984, losing reading momentum mostly because I’d read the book before. Really, I was reading it as a refresher before picking up Julia.

However, Julia is new to me, so hopefully retains some novelty factor that keeps me turning the pages. I can’t wait to revisit this dystopian world with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate it without picking up 1984 first. However, it’s still fresh enough in my mind that I can respect and see the deviations in storyline from that main narrative. 

And a final mood read…

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World

Goodreads 

I picked up Supremacy on a whim the other night. It’s a pretty short read, so won’t take me long to finish. I’ve also been actively using and trying to get to grips with using AI at work lately. I also featured this book in a First Lines Friday recently. Since then, I wanted to pick it up. 

So, whilst AI is very much on the agenda, I’m going to nose into its very recent history to understand the journey of how it made it onto my devices earlier this year. I’m going to set myself a challenge to read this over this weekend. Can I do it? 

Summary

There are a lot of books on my monthly TBR this August. It’s a recurring theme, let’s be honest. However, I’m off work next week and plan to hit the books hard. Not in that way. I’ve got a healthy mix of physical, e-book and audiobooks on my August TBR – I for sure have one for every occasion! 

What are you reading this summer? 

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First Lines Friday – 12/06/2026

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***Todays First Lines Friday contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase todays featured book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the book based on this post, I would really appreciate you following this link and showing my content some support by making your purchase.***

 

In todays First Lines Friday, Im specifically looking to feature a book on my physical, unread TBR. In last weeks Sunday Summary, I set out my intention to look through my bookshelves for such a book.

Theres a wide spectrum of genres and authors on the list. I had no agenda in terms of any particular book to feature. Rather, I nosed through what I had until I found something interesting.

Im pleased with todays pick. Its a pretty topical non-fiction, and Im keen to get to it soon whilst its still relevant.

Lets take a look at the opening, then check out the details of the book!

 

After picking up this book and reading these first few words, you might be wondering if a human wrote them.

Thats okay. Im not offended.

Two years ago, that thought would not have even crossed your mind. But today, machines are generating articles, books, illustrations, and computer code that seem indistinguishable from the content created by people. Remember the novel-writing machine in the dystopian future of George Orwells 1984 and his versificator that wrote popular music? Those things exist now, and the change happened so fast its given the public whiplash, leaving us wondering whether todays office workers will have jobs in the next year or two. Millions of white-collar professionals suddenly look vulnerable. Talented young illustrators are wondering if they should bother going to art school.

 

 

Supremacy – Parmy Olson

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 336

Audience: Adult

Publisher: St Martins Press

Publication Date: 10 Sept 2024

 

Goodreads – Supremacy

Amazon Purchase Link

 

When ChatGPT was released, the world changed overnight. Even as we all played with the new toy, a very real danger was quickly coming to light: that untested automations would undermine our way of life insidiously, sucking value out of our economy, replacing high-level creative jobs and enabling a new, terrifying era of disinformation.

It was never meant to be this way. The founders of the two companies behind the most advanced AIs in existence Open AI (ChatGPT) and DeepMind (Bard) started their journeys determined to solve humanitys greatest problems. But they couldnt develop their technologies without huge amounts of money money that Microsoft and Google were more than happy to give them, in exchange for the most powerful seats at the table.

From award-winning journalist Parmy Olson, Supremacy is the astonishing, untold, behind-the-scenes story of the battle between two AI companies, their struggles to use their tech for good, and the dangerous direction that theyre now going in. Featuring a cast of larger-than-life characters, including Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Peter Thiel, Supremacy is a story of manipulation, exploitation, secrecy and of ruthless, relentless human progress progress that will impact all of us for years to come.

 

My Thoughts…

A book around AI and the race between two huge companies to commercialise the new technology is a very topical read. With this in mind, Im keen to pick up Supremacy by Parmy Olson whilst its message is still culturally relevant. Especially as technology moves on so fast, the topic quickly falls out of current events and into history in the blink of an eye.

Im interested in this book from two angles. The first is the business aspect of both Microsoft and Google competing with each other to get to market, or provide a better product, first. The second is from the perspective of wanting to learn about AI. How did two tech giants endeavour to make such a huge project? If you have played with artificial intelligence in any way, shape or form, youll see that its already pretty comprehensive. Sure, it still has its flaws, and it should be taken with a pinch of salt. However, when you consider the scope of knowledge of the average person versus what information is at your fingertips now using tool like ChatGPT or DeepMind, its impressive stuff.

Personally, Im not so sure the likes of AI will threaten jobs as much as this book suggests. I can only hope it is a scaremonger and that AI becomes a tool to make our jobs easier, rather than a tool to replace humans. Jobs will look different for many, but not become absent in all cases.

Im also excited to dive into this topical read as its a book on my physical TBR. Im making an effort to get through my physical bookshelf and therefore that makes Supremacy an ideal candidate to pick up soon.

Have you read Supremacy or any other AI non-fiction books lately? If so, do you have any recommendations? If you are intrigued to read Supremacy with me, dont forget you can use this linkto grab a copy for yourself.

Thanks for reading today’s First Lines Friday!

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Guest Post – 36 AI Image Writing Prompts by Vanessa Finaughty

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Im really excited to share todays 36 AI Image Writing Prompts guest post with you. When Vanessa got in touch to ask me to feature Wizard of Ends on my blog, I was keen to say yes! I have a book review coming up at the beginning of next month. The third books of the series is new out and Ill let you know my thoughts on this one on the 3rd November.

Have you seen the epic new Wizard of Ends book trailer?

As a teaser for that, Vanessa Finaughty has given me a guest post to share with you today. If you are a creative writer looking for some writing prompts, then look no further. Today, Vanessa has put together 36 AI Image Writing Prompts that she created during the creation of Wizard of Ends.

Ill hand you over to Vanessa, and I hope youre excited for todays post!

During the creation of my Wizard of Ends book covers, while playing around with the Night Caf AI image generator, I generated hundreds of AI images for which I have no use. That doesnt mean these images arent totally amazing, though! So I decided to share them as writing prompts to help other writers who might have writers block or who might simply find it a fun challenge to write to a visual prompt. (You may share them and use them however you wish, with credit: Vanessa Finaughty @ Night Caf.)

Since my Wizard of Ends fantasy series virtual book tour is in process, Im sharing fantasy writing prompts today. (In the future, Ill share more writing prompts for other genres too.) If you write anything inspired by these prompts, Id love to spotlight it on my blog!

 

About the author

Vanessa Finaughty is a multi-genre author who has published more than 20 books, including school books published by Oxford University Press Southern Africa. Vanessa grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and still lives there with her husband and their four children (two human and two furry, four-legged).

Vanessa has always been passionate about books, and knew from a young age that she wanted to write them one day. She loves animals, coffee and the smell of wet grass, and hates excessive weather, long queues and liars. Her interests include reading, photography, the supernatural, mythology, aliens and outer space, ancient history, lifes mysteries and martial arts, in which she has five years experience in Ki Aikido.

Author links

Author blog
Twitter
LinkedIn
Amazon
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Sunday Summary – 6th October 2024

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Happy Sunday folks and welcome to another Sunday Summary update!

With the beginning of the final quarter of the year, Ive had a busy week at work. Its not quite over for me yet, but hopefully Ill be over the hill in a couple of days time. If nothing else, I certainly will be by the end of the week as Im then on leave for a week!

Despite being busy at work, theres been no rest on the blog. This week, I shared my Monthly Wrap-Up post for September on Wednesday. In that post, I recapped reading progress throughout the month. If you havent checked that out already, heres a link so you can!

My Monthly TBR went live on Friday. I have a mixture of seasonal and non-seasonal reads coming up in the next few months, and Im leaning into spooky season with some thriller and horror novels on the TBR. Want to see what Ill be reading this month?


Books Read


The Kingdom

I left off after last weeks Sunday Summary post with 45% progress into The Kingdom. This week, I made great progress and finished the book by Monday night.

The Kingdom is a very quick read and I enjoyed the twist at the end. The elements of mixed media also helped the pace along and vary the narrative style for a few chapters.

As a genre, its a fun take on a theme park style location. The writing is perhaps aimed at a slightly younger age than myself, but it was a good jaunt into another world for a little while.


The Rosie Project

As well as progressing with The Kingdom, I made it to 31% of The Rosie Project. Were supposed to be meeting for book club on Tuesday, so I may not finish it in time. We are holding it a week early in fairness as Im on leave next week. I might see what the consensus is on postponing to the following week when Im on leave if we need the time. From chats with a couple other members, we might need an extra week with the book anyway

For a book thats really not my go-to genre, Im having a good laugh with it. Don, the protagonist, makes the whole thing for me. Without his character I dont think Id be able to stick with it.


Books Discovered



I made the mistake of going for a mooch in The Works today. I bought 5 books! Ive shared quite a few Sunday Summary posts with no new books, so I obviously felt the need to make up for that

Its fair to say that non-fiction books are more on my radar than they ever have been. Im looking forward to reading each of these. Bonus that they only cost me 20 for the lot!


Coming Up

Im back to my two post schedule and revision time after work this week. With this in mind, my plan is to share a book review of Assassins Quest midweek.

You can guess whats coming next, my good old Sunday Summary this time next week. Find out what Ive made progress with there, and whether The Rosie Project meet goes ahead or is postponed!

Until then, happy reading!

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Sunday Summary – 29th September 2024

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Good evening from a slightly damp and very windy island in the middle of the Irish sea! As always, a warm welcome to you in this Sunday Summary update. In todays post, I take the opportunity to update you on the books Ive been reading this week. Im pleased to say I have more progress to report than last week, so make yourself a cuppa and get comfy!

Before I get into the books I read this week, I like to recap the blog posts Ive shared at the beginning of every Sunday Summary post. That way if you missed anything, its a chance to catch up! You may remember that I am studying for an exam that Im sitting in November. As a result, Ive temporarily reduced my blogging schedule from three posts a week to two to accommodate my revision time. As such, Ive only shared one post so far this week, and that was my Autumn 2024 TBR.

Next week Ill be busier; stay tuned to find out why below. For now though, onto the books Ive read this week!


Books Read


The Lost Apothecary


Whereas in last weeks Sunday Summary post I lamented having not finished The Lost Apothecary, I am able to confirm in this Sunday Summary that I HAVE now finished it.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but it didnt rate as highly as Id hoped. It was perfectly readable – if you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery split across dual timelines then this is a solid recommendation I would make. For me though, it didnt *dazzle*. I rated this book at a perfectly acceptable three stars, so its solid. It just didnt blow me away.

 

The Kingdom

Its funny, Ive only been saying the last couple of weeks that I dont enjoy reading on my phone. However, the practicalities of picking up The Kingdom this week have meant that Ive only picked up my Kindle once – today. Instead, Ive progressed with this book more via the Kindle app on my phone.

I dont really know why. The only reason I can think of is that I have been reading this book in very short bursts and when opportunity knocks. For example, whilst Ive been waiting for my boyfriend to finish work, Ill be sat reading this in the car.

Ive just picked The Kingdom up properly on my Kindle this evening. I much prefer my Kindle as its a lot nicer to look at, especially when reading in longer bursts.

Having said that phone reading is not my preference, I managed to read 30% of The Kingdom that way and Ive blitzed another 15% on my Kindle this evening alone. Its a quick read!

The storyline has me hooked and I cant wait to see whats going on. I dont know whether I can trust our protagonist and her perspective at the moment, but there is definitely more going on under the surface that I cant wait to dredge up


Defiant

Reading progress with e-books has certainly been better than audio once again. In this Sunday Summary post, I can only share 35 minutes of listening time to Defiant by Brandon Sanderson.

More often than not these days, I listen to audiobooks whilst Im driving. Ive been doing a lot more studying this week than I would typically average. As a result, Ive been taking those quiet moments (whilst not quite being on autopilot, but you know what I mean) to think over what Ive been reading and learning instead.

Is managing operational risk in financial institutions anywhere near as interesting as Defiant? Not especially. However, it is necessary for me to go over this content in anyway and shape that I can.

 

Books Discovered


Im trying to read more non-fiction books this year, and I discovered another non-fiction earlier today that I think may make interesting reading for me.

The Courage to be Disliked caught my attention because it teaches readers how to advocate for their own wishes and overall directional life path, especially when that doesnt align with societal expectations. Whilst there are many aspects in which Im perfectly okay with doing my own thing, I feel there are certainly takeaways from this book that I would benefit from were I to read it. Everyday is a school day after all.


Coming Up

Although I am for the most part sticking to a two post per week schedule, this week is an exception. I dont like to wait too long before sharing my monthly wrap-up and monthly TBR posts. With the way the beginning of the month of October falls, Im going to have to incorporate both of those posts into my week, as well as a Sunday Summary. Its also quarter end, which is one of my busiest periods at work.

Its going to be a busy week

My intended timeline for sharing the posts is for my monthly wrap-up post for September to go live on Wednesday and my monthly TBR on Friday. Well see if that pans out

Then, of course, Ill be back at the same time next Sunday with the usual Sunday Summary update.

Still with me? Thanks for reading! What have you read recently and do you have any recommendations for me?

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First Lines Friday – 15/12/2023

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Its the end of another working week, so congratulations we made it! In todays First Lines Friday post, I am excited to feature a young adult novel I discovered through the Currently Reading podcast.

For todays First lines Friday post, I set myself the challenge of featuring a book I dont yet own. When I prepare these posts, I typically gravitate towards books I already own, whether thats physical or on kindle. Its easier to sample those and find a great intro, as they are more readily to hand. However, I wanted to break that habit. With a wealth of information at our fingertips, thats not the only way I can fulfil this post.

Todays First Lines Friday introduction is short and snappy, but gets the point in an interesting way! Shall we take a look?

 

The room where they at last found him was so cold, they wondered at first if he had frozen to death. Face as white as snow, skin as cold as frost, lips as blue as ice. His expression seemed, to the police, perfectly peaceful. As if he had passed away in the middle of a very lovely dream.

Except for the blood.

Blood always tells its own story.

 

 

The Kingdom – Jess Rothenburg

 

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Audience: Adult / Young Adult

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Publication Date: 28 May 2019

 

 

Goodreads – The Kingdom

Welcome to the Kingdom… where ‘Happily Ever After’ isn’t just a promise, but a rule.

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species–formerly extinct–roam free.

Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful “princesses” engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time… love.

But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana’s memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty–and what it truly means to be human.

 

My Thoughts…

The Kingdom is unlike other books on my reading list, and I liked the sound of the premise. Its for that reason that I added the book, and it is because of the introduction in todays post that I am excited to be picking it up soon! If you read my Top Ten Tuesday Winter TBR post earlier this week, you will know that Im looking to pick up the book in the next three months.

Having looked back at the episode in which Meredith featured her experience of reading The Kingdom, Ive reminded myself that this book has elements of mixed media. Thats something I have discovered and enjoyed reading in 2023, and Im actively looking to include more books in this style in 2024. The story is told through a combination of courtroom testimony and the memories of the main character an AI.

In the podcast, Meredith also shares that the book is a great insight into some of the backstage things that happen in theme parks. Its been a long time since Ive been to one, but Im looking forward to the setting and exploring that in more detail.

Meredith loved this book, and it made for a quick read for her. Im hopeful for the same myself, and it gives me the chance to pick up something unlike anything I have read before.

Have you read The Kingdom by Jess Rothenburg?

 

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