Tag: fantasyst95

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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Monthly Wrap-Up – July 2026

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In early July, I took a bit of a step back from reading. I had a bit of a reading slump at the end of June. Honestly, I was too ambitious in my hopes for completing the Goodreads Spring challenge. I pushed too hard and failed. Nevertheless, we love onwards and upwards. 

So, I enjoyed a break, some craft projects and then dived in to fulfil some blog tour obligations and get back in the swing of audiobooks. If you’re interested, you can check out the list of books I intended to read in July by looking at my July TBR post. Now, let’s recap what I read in July. 

Books Read

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads Link

My audiobook listen right at the end of June was Behind Closed Doors. I listened to this relatively short thriller over the end of June and into the beginning of July. If I recall correctly, I was around a third of the way through the audiobook as at the end of June. 

Given the break I ended up taking, I finished this audio a little later than I expected. However, when it came down to it, I did enjoy going back to and wrapping up this one. 

Did Behind Closed Doors blow me away in the way I hoped? No. Secretly, I was hoping this book would be a little different from other books in the same genre. Maybe the unlikely Millie would turn events on their head. Or, maybe our expectations of a controlling husband are unfounded and it’s Grace that’s the problem. No. sadly not. 

Nevertheless, Behind Closed Doors was a decent read. Just not genre-defining. 

Katabasis

Goodreads Link 

Early in the month, I read just a handful of pages of Katabasis. I made a decision to break from the book slump at end of June. So, I consciously chose to pick up different reads to those I was slogging over at the end of June.

I’ll go back to Katabasis in the near future. More on this to follow on the blog shortly. However, my first priority is to get back into reading more regularly and find some stunning reads to put me back in the right headspace. 

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads Link 

It helps that I had some reading deadlines to meet. Else, I may not have read much at all in July. 

My first reading deadline was a review of House of Twisted Shadows on the 25th July. I love the combination of WW2 history and Nazi associations/ties to Tyler House and the mystery underpinning the whole story. House of Twisted Shadows is moody, aesthetic and honestly, it was the refreshing read I needed. 

If you’re curious, check out my review here. 

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads Link 

Hot on the heels of my review of House of Twisted Shadows, my obligation to review A Painkiller to Die For fell just a few days later on the 28th July. 

This book was very different in its style and angle. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters, the morality question of what was going on and exploring the underlying motives and goals of the characters in the storyline. 

A Painkiller to Die For is another interesting read I think you’ll enjoy if you like the sound of it based on the description above. Want to find out more? Take a look at that review here. 

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads Link 

Like Katabasis, I picked up The Tw*t Files at the end of June to hopefully break the reading slump. 

At the beginning of July, I read around 100 pages. It’s pretty quick to read, and very funny. However, I did stop reading this one in favour of making a friend a birthday gift. Then, my blog tour obligations took priority. This is another book you’ll see more of in the near future – watch this space!

Empire of Storms

Goodreads Link 

Finally, the read that’s been dominating my attention for most of the month, on and off, it Empire of Storms. 

Whilst this book is definitely easier to listen to than read, I didn’t quite finish it before the end of July. In fact, as of writing, I have just under 3 hours left. I made a valiant effort last Sunday and listened to around 6 hours whilst my partner was at work. One last push to go and I will be able to tick Empire of Storms off the list! ✅

Summary

July was a bit of a slow month, but that’s okay! I’m hoping things will settle down shortly and I’ll be able to reading at my regular pace before I know it! 

How is your summer reading going? 

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Blog Tour Review: House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

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If you are interested in a mystery novel with ties to World War II history, look no further! House of Twisted Shadows is different from other books I’ve read in its genre. With a bleak, sinister setting and a dark past to revisit, it’s an atmospheric read to cosy in with.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, J.H. Mann for the opportunity to read and review House of Twisted Shadows. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Let’s check out the details, synopsis, (and purchase links if you want to get a copy yourself), then I can get to the fun part of the review!

House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

Genre: Mystery Thriller 

Pages: 344

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Dark Spider Books 

Original Publication Date: 24 July 2026

Rating: ????

Goodreads – House of Twisted Shadows

House of Twisted Shadows

A HOUSE ON THE EDGE
A DAUGHTER DRIVEN TO OBSESSION
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Winter 1962. Amelia Tremayne has spent the past ten years in London trying to forget the lonely clifftop house where her father was killed. Tyler House was built shortly before the Second World War on Cornwall’s stormy coast by a wealthy German outsider. Its most unsettling feature is a vast glass dome that bends the light, casting twisted, elongated shadows across the walls.

Amelia’s father, Douglas Tremayne, a noted historian, was researching a controversial book about Tyler House’s Nazi origins – and its links to powerful figures in the local community.

As Amelia begins to uncover the truth about her father’s death, she is pulled into a web of buried secrets – and into a forbidden love that could destroy everything she holds dear.

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY

Praise for J.H.Mann:

‘Powerful, evocative and steeped in atmosphere – J.H. Mann vividly brings Cornwall’s wild, haunting landscape and its legends to life’ – Margaret James, bestselling author of the Denham Family Sagas

‘Vivid details of the landscape, eroding cliffs and crumbling house…the tension grips you and the atmospheric setting of Tyler House draws you in’ – Cheshire Novel Prize

Purchase Links - Amazon UK   Amazon US

My Thoughts…

Plot

What I really enjoyed about House of Twisted Shadows is that a thriller and mystery plot line is combined with World War II history. It’s a subject I love reading about, and it was the main reason I chose to pick up house of twisted shadows in the first place. As ideas go, it’s pretty unique. This is the first book I’ve read of its type, and I’d happily devour more! 

I enjoyed uncovering the truth behind Tyler House and its previous occupants. what makes this even more enjoyable is that it is somewhat based true fact. How many such places were built on Britain’s Shores? Is their past as nefarious as that in House of Twisted Shadows?

Characters

Amelia’s an interesting character. Coming back to the place her world fell apart, she’s determined to revisit her past to uncover the truth. Truly, I enjoyed such a bright spark in this eerie, atmospheric setting. 

Not all characters in House of Twisted Shadows are as easy to get behind though. Sinister plots and machinations abound, both in history, and present day, to thwart Amelia’s aims. Not that we necessarily know who they are. As a community, the locals are a little guarded. Only Aidan, an ex, and Edith, a dear friend, care at all for Amelia’s welfare. 

Setting

Tyler House, sat on a bleak clifftop in Cornwall lives up to it history. Desolate, bleak and shut off from the rest of the world in the height of winter, Amelia has only the shadows from her past for company. 

As somebody who lives in a relatively small town community herself, I appreciated the vibe and overall setting we get in House of Twisted Shadows. In a community where tongues wag over every piece of invented gossip to keep things entertaining (it’s the only thing to do for miles after all!), it’s very familiar and immersive. 

Thrown into this relatively close knit and small community, Amelia is a bit of an outsider. Daughter of the famous historian who ruffled some feathers in his day, she was unlikely to get locals on side. She is trying to dig up the past, and if she finds out what her father was working on in the days leading up to his death, it will spell trouble. 

Narrative Style

As with any mystery, timing and execution of the big reveal plot twist is essential. House of Twisted Shadows pulls this off perfectly. Rather than one definitive twist at the end, we are treated to multiple reveals throughout the plot line that help give us a bigger picture of what happened all those years ago. Amelia is in for a rollercoaster ride. She came back to this small town to find out the truth of what happened to her father. Is she equipped to deal with the truths she uncovers?

This book reads really easily. Suitable for all levels of reader, this approachable writing style makes the storyline accessible to all to enjoy! In terms of pace, it’d also a pretty quick read. With something new happening in every chapter, it’s fast-paced and pretty compulsively readable too. 

Summary

House of Twisted Shadows is a unique book for its subject. Even if you aren’t such a World War II fiction fan as I am, the intrigue behind the storyline and events that happened all those years ago are captivating enough to hold your attention. 

Bold, unique, and somewhat poetic in execution, the mysteries of Tyler House slowly yield to Amelia’s tenacity. Is all as it first appears? Only you can find out yourself by picking up House of Twisted Shadows and unraveling the mystery yourselves! 

Author Bio

J.H.Mann is an award-winning journalist and writer living in the South West of England. His second novel, The Echoing Shore, was a Yeovil Literary Prize award winner and the Adult Fiction Winner of the 2025 Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair. His third novel, The Silver Tide, has just been shortlisted for the 2026 Selfies Book Awards. He has strong family links with Cornwall. His novels are inspired by the many stories told by his mother and father and his own experiences as a shore-based volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He lives with his wife, Nicola, and their lively whippet Patch.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/jason.mann.9047

Instagram – www.instagram.com/jhmannauthor/

Tik Tok – J.h.mann.writer (@j.h.mann.writer) | TikTok

Website: www.jhmannauthor.com

Top Ten Tuesday – Books That Live in my Head Rent Free

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There are lots of books that live in my head rent free. Sometimes, just for a short time. Others, much longer. Those are the feature of today’s Top Ten Tuesday. 

These books live in my head rent free because they are favourites, are profound in their message or are books I want to read again. Want to take a gander at what books make the list? Take a look below! 

Books That Live in My Head Rent Free

A Game of Thrones

For obvious reasons, A Game of Thrones, and all the following books in the series, always live in my head rent free. I love the series, its complexities, highs and lows. As we speak I’m watching the finale episode (again)! 

If there was only one book series I could read for the rest of my life, it’s this one! 

The Midnight Library

I only first read this book a couple of years ago, but I’ve already re-read it. The message in this book is a powerful one. It’s the kind of book you can read in various seasons of your life and have it make an impact. 

I also read it with a book club I used to run at work, and it’s an interesting one for discussion if that’s something you’re looking for… 

Three Sisters

I’m a sucker for WW2 fiction, and Three Sisters was one of the most recent I’ve read. 

Heather Morris is a fantastic author who goes out of her way to yes, tell an interesting story, but also to honour the lives that inspire of a stories. It is shocking to think that there are real experiences behind the events of this book. It is heartbreaking and yet I cannot help but want to read more from this author. 

Project Hail Mary

A more recent addition to my books that live rent free in my head list, Project Hail Mary is a recent audiobook listen that really captured my attention. The audio for this book is fantastic, and I don’t know how it compares with the written experience of the book, but the audio is fantastic. In fact, I want to find out and see what the book is like to read instead of listen to. I’m not sure how the characterisation of Rocky will come across, or whether it translates as well as it did in the audio.

For context, I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I finish the audio, I purchased and watched a copy of the film that came out earlier this year. The same day. Subjected the other half to it as well. I say subjected, he enjoyed it! 

Ultra-Processed People

Something I never really thought about until I read the book is how much food has changed in the last hundred years. 

Ultra-Processed People has made very apparent to me that we don’t fully understand the consequences of the change to our diet that has taken place in very recent history. Looking at examples where less economically developed countries have adopted a diet similar to other western countries, but far later than they did, they shown the drastic changes to our health that have come as an inadvertent cost. 

I had no idea of some of the chemical compounds that go into our food. Whether they act as preservatives, or have been developed to replace more expensive ingredients more cheaply, and also to be more addictive, it’s scary what goes into our processed food. And, we are largely ignorant of it. Who reads the small print on packages? However, it’s becoming more apparent that those uneducated choices we make may have consequences down the line, if not now. 

Ultra-Processed People has changed the way I think about food. I cook more from scratch, have replaced store-bought products for homemade. I’ve not boycotted the lot by any means, but I’m more aware of what’s in my food than I was before… 

Fool’s Errand

This book lives in my head rent free because it hit me in the feels man! If you know, you know. I won’t go spoiling it for anyone starting or interested in the series. 

Robin Hobb writes fantastic characters and storylines. I’m nowhere near finished with this series and weirdly happy about it – it means I have plenty more to enjoy yet! 

I had to take a break after this book, such was the effect it had on me. However, I’m ready to dive back in soon so watch this space! 

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

What comes across most powerfully about this book is the author’s love for her home country. 

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow lives in my head rent free as a love letter to Syria. Even ravaged and war-torn, rife with danger, the characters strong bond to their home is overpowering. Torn between life and freedom and risking her life to stay at home, Salama wars with her conscience deciding what’s best. 

The twist was also incredible, I didn’t see it coming! 

This is Going to Hurt

This is Going to Hurt makes the list for its depth of reality. 

The author’s real-life stories about life as a junior doctor will have you howling in laughter one moment and crying the next. From foreign objects where they shouldn’t be (yes, EXACTLY what you are thinking), to helping patients in their most vulnerable moments, This is Going to Hurt doesn’t pull its punches. 

I’ve gone on to read more books by Adam Kay. But, This is Going to Hurt is where it all started. It has a special place for that reason. 

The Handmaid’s Tale

Women’s rights is something I’m passionate about. I hope that’s obvious. For starters, I am one. Of course I care! Beyond that though, it’s a topic I enjoy reading about. 

The Handmaid’s Tale is an iconic read. Most people have heard of it, if not read it. At a time when women in many countries across the world don’t have the same rights to reproductive health as they should, it’s scary. Sure, things aren’t so desperate to resort to events in The Handmaid’s Tale. However, it’s not as far from reality as I’d like. Real women lack bodily autonomy. Legally, women are denied that autonomy as well. Women who are victims of crime in many states of America (a supposedly progressive nation!) can’t legally abort a child conceived as a result of that crime. They don’t choose or agree to what happens to them, but they have to live with the consequences. 

That’s not so far away from The Handmaid’s Tale and it terrifies me. I suppose the reason this book lives in my head rent free is less positive than the others… 

Code Name Verity

I enjoyed Code Name Verity so much. Again, it’s WW2 fiction, so right up there on books I enjoy. However, it’s how cleverly written this book was that blew me away. 

I hadn’t read any other books by Elizabeth Wein. In fact, I still haven’t. However, I do have plans to change that by picking up Rose Under Fire. 

Summary

So, these are my top ten books that live rent free in my head! 

Have you read any of these? What is your number one book that lives rent free in your head and why? 

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Sunday Summary – 12th July 2026

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Happy Sunday friends! We’re at the end of another week and it’s a hot one! Are you guys suffering in this heatwave as well? 

It’s been a busy week this week personally. Work has been busy, but my immediate deadlines are now done and I can breathe a sigh of relief. I’m back into my typical routine, which means I have more time for books and my social media accounts again. 

This week, I shares a review of the memoir Twelve Years a Slave. It was challenging in some aspects, namely in topic but also in terms of writing style. However, I’m glad I persevered with the book as it was an interesting read. Then, later this week, I published an unfiltered post about the difficulties of going through dry patches as a content creator. When my online persona is all about books and reading, who am I when that falls away? 

On YouTube, I finally posted my June wrap-up. I talk about early successes, then the slump I found myself in during the second half of the month. Go and check that out if you haven’t already ??

Books Read

Behind Closed Doors

This week, I concluded this fairly short audiobook, listening to the last 70% of the book over the span of the week. When I last talked to you about this book, I had hopes it was going to be a little bit different from the book the narrative was lining up to be. 

Sadly, it ended up staying in its lane and it didn’t wow me. Don’t get me wrong, it was okay. However, for a book advertised as a bestseller, I had higher hopes that the story was going to deviate from the typical ‘trapped woman escapes abusive man by chance’ tale. Initially, I half-hoped that maybe the roles were reversed. Then, I hoped Millie, Grace’s sister with Downs Syndrome, might have displayed great wit to help her sister and change reader’s perspective on those with the condition. Whilst she isn’t an insignificant part of the conclusion to the story, it wasn’t what I hoped. 

Nevertheless, it was a decent, middle of the road read and a change-up of genre compared to recent reads. 

The Tw*t Files

Breaking away from my July TBR a little, I impulsively picked up Dawn French’s The Tw*t Files for a lighter read this weekend. I’m hoping some humour gets me picking up pages more regularly. That, and I wanted something to read whilst I charged up my Kindle ready for some blog tour commitment reads later this month. 

So far, I’m about 120 pages, or 30%, into this book and it’s everything I need right now. Light. Funny. Brutally honest and unapologetic. It’s got my actively reaching for a book again because I want to. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve done that, if I’m honest. I’m hoping it will bring some more enjoyment to my current reads and get me back in a position to hit my blog tour commitment books with relish, rather than a sense of duty. 

More on this one to follow next week. I’m hoping this will be a quick finish next week. 

Empire of Storms

Finally, I started the next book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. 

I’ve only just started the audio, listening to around 1hr 35mins. I’m listening to this one a little quicker than last time. I was able to listen to Queen of Shadows at x1.35 speed. This time, I’m able to follow along pretty comfortably at x1.45. It’s a good thing, when you consider the book is a bit longer than the last. It’s not the longest of the series, but it still tops 700 pages! 

I’ve got just shy of 16 hours left of this audio. Now things are back to normal, I’ll be back at the gym this week. I’m also planning to take a break from some of the classes I’ve been doing and go back to doing some of my own weightlifting. I feel like I got more benefit from those, but I do enjoy the classes. I’m trialling going back to the gym a little more and doing my own strength training to see if I see more progress again. What significance does that have for reading? Well, I listen to audiobooks at the same time! 

Books Discovered

I’ve got very little to report here again. No new books on the list. I appreciate that as far as updates, go, it’s boring. However, when you have in excess of 200 books on the TBR already, it’s not a bad thing when you haven’t found any more to add!  

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading…

What do I plan to read over the next seven days? Well, here are my priorities in order!

  • Continue Empire of Storms for my Throne of Glass readalong. I’ll also set these up on Fable and Storygraph shortly! 
  • Finish The Tw*t Files, hopefully in the next couple of days
  • Read House of Twisted Shadows in its entirety – I’ve got a review due on the 25th July. 
  • Hopefully start A Painkiller to Die For

Given my recent dry spell with reading, it’s a bold plan. However, it needs to be and I’m optimistic The Tw*t Files will do its job of getting me out of the funk I’ve been in and better able to pick up more titles. 

 

Blog

So, what to post next week. I’m not sure really. I’m conscious I don’t want to bombard you with book reviews, because I know I have two coming up within days of each other later this month. Usually then, I turn to Top Ten Tuesdays. However, I’m not a fan of next week’s topic. So, that’s out. 

Inspired by the current heatwave, let’s share something summery. Maybe my top five summer reads? There’s no way I could do ten – I’m not really a seasonal reader in the summertime. 

Later in the week, I’ll return to my regular Friday features. This week, it’s the turn of my First Lines Friday post. What book will I feature this week? What intro will I use to capture your attention and hopefully inspire you to pick up a book? I’ve no idea yet – let’s see what takes my fancy later in the week! 

As always, you know what comes last. I’ll round up the week with another Sunday Summary. Fingers crossed I’m fully back to my usual self with lots of bookish updates next week. For the first time this year, I lost my lead and was slightly behind schedule to complete my 60 books challenge this year. Can I recover to get a couple of books lead again. Let’s see! 

YouTube

It’s a little late in the day, but I’ve got my July TBR recorded and ready to publish. Nearly. I just need to edit the video ? However, my plan is to get that out early next week so those who follow me on YouTube know what I’m reading this week! 

Then, I’ve got a review video planned to share my thoughts on Queen of Shadows. I wanted to commit my thoughts on this book before I make a start on Empire of Storms so I don’t get muddled between books. I don’t trust the headspace I’m in right now to not do that! 

Then, all being well, next week I’ll get back to recording my video weekly updates as well. The last few weeks I’ve not really had a whole lot to talk about, so I haven’t bothered… 

Summary

Thanks for checking out this latest Sunday Summary. I hope you had a great weekend, and maybe you picked up an entertaining read to help cope with the heat or otherwise distract yourself from the joys of mundane life ? If so, tell me what you’re reading! 

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Book Review: Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

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Twelve Years a Slave is a hard-hitting read. Learning how Solomon Northup ended up in bondage for over a decade, it’s scary how easily he fell into the wrong hands. If you want to read about very personal, heart-breaking story of those kept against their will and forced into hard labour, abuse and worse, then read on to find out more about Twelve Years a Slave. 

Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 363

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Eakin Films and Publishing

Publication Date: 1853

Rating: ????

Goodreads – Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave, sub-title: Narrative of Solomon Northup, citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington city in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the Red River in Louisiana, is a memoir by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson. It is a slave narrative of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped in Washington, D.C., sold into slavery, and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, as well as describing at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

My Thoughts… 

It shouldn’t be a surprise that a book of this subject matter isn’t the easiest to read. It’s a personal account of being kept as a slave, beaten, starved, tortured and forced into hard labour. Whilst it focuses primarily on Solomon’s experience, we naturally see other slaves and the institutional level of abuse these people faced for years. However, I’m an advocate for reading about difficult things, the worst sides of humanity. Brushing these things under the carpet invalidates the experiences of victims. Not only that, but we don’t learn from these things. 

I wanted to read this book as it’s obviously a well-known title, and I was invested in the subject. However, when I picked it up in September 2023, it wasn’t plain sailing. The books was first published not long after Solomon’s release in 1853. In the grand scheme of history, it’s only in our recent past. However, language changes quite a bit in that timeframe. The style of the language was a bit of a barrier for me. I found it hard to get into initially. But, I persevered and I’m glad I did. Usually, readability is the key reason I would DNF a book. If I can’t get on with the narrative style, it’s make-or-break. On this occasion though, I stuck with it and got used to it enough that I could get on with the book. 

I enjoyed reading about a period of history, and from a perspective that was little-covered in my school curriculum. Whilst I have no doubt it’s more prominent in modern history classes, it wasn’t really a topic touched on in any detail during my time there. The scary fact is that it’s fairly recent history. This isn’t our distant past!

Summary

Twelve Years a Slave is a poignant narrative I recommend everyone try. Even if it isn’t typically your cup of tea, it’s a very personal story about a huge societal problem that hasn’t gone away. 

Modern slavery is very much a thing. Twelve Years a Slave is a far more ‘traditional’ tale of slavery as we recognise it from history. The underlying prejudice and discrimination that goes with it is still sadly around today. However, I can only hope that hearing more from minority voices we can empathise and correct our behaviour as a society. 

Have you read Twelve Years a Slave? What’s your take? 

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Sunday Summary – 5th July 2026

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Happy Sunday friends! This Sunday Summary is not the end of the weekend for me – here in the Isle of Man, we have a bank holiday tomorrow celebrating Tynwald Day. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a celebration of our local government, which is the oldest continuous government in the world. With ties back to our Viking heritage, tomorrow will see petitions presented to Government in the open air in a convening in a village just a stone’s throw from me. 

Not that I plan to attend – too many people for my liking! Instead, I’ll enjoy the day not at work and making the most of a chill day. I’m making a birthday present for a friend of mine celebrating later this month. I’m so close to being done, so I’ll push ahead to finish this well ahead of schedule. Other than that, I’ll be hitting the books. Not the intellectual kind, mind. Fingers crossed I’ll have more reading progress to share next week! 

Before I get to this week’s reading updates, let’s take a look at the blog content I shared. First, I published my monthly wrap-up for the books I read in June. It wasn’t the most extensive update, nor did I complete the challenges I set out to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the books I picked up. After a short break towards the end of June, I’m ready to get stuck in with a fresh start! Yesterday, I followed that up with my monthly TBR for July. Alongside my June carryovers, I’ve got plenty of new releases to enjoy in the next few weeks. 

Books Read

Katabasis

I confess I’ve only read a handful of pages of Katabasis this week. Well, today, if I’m being honest. I’ve deliberately taken a bit of a break from reading physical books and instead taken the time to get my crochet project / gift made. I’m already feeling somewhat refreshed and it was fun to get stuck into a book without time pressure. 

I’m looking forward to reading this more over the coming week. With my project nearly done, I’ll have time to pick this book up tomorrow before jumping back into quarter-end madness at work on Tuesday! 

Behind Closed Doors

Over a few evenings this week, I’ve started the first 30% or so of Behind Closed Doors. 

I’m enjoying this audio. However, I listened to around 45mins of the audio before bed last night and it’s changed my opinions of the direction of the book if I’m honest. I was either hoping for a role reversal twist or some kind of revenge arc for Grace, who appears to be in a controlling relationship. 

One of the two of these directions was eliminated for me last night, which I confess to being a little disappointed about. Whilst this book set up can still surprise me, I feel like it’s taking the more typical route. Will it have a showstopper ending? I can only find out next week! 

Books Discovered

Keeping my head down has paid dividends on the TBR front. Whilst I’ve not ticked anything off the list this week (only making small progress with existing reads), I haven’t added anything new either. 

I’ll take my silver linings wherever I can take them… 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

My reading priorities for next week are as follows: –

  • Finish Behind Closed Doors, which amounts to a fraction under 4hrs audio 
  • Start Empire of Storms, by next readalong book in the Throne of Glass series
  • Finish Katabasis, which amounts to 490 pages
  • Continue with The Pillars of the Earth

Blog

I want to start next week with a book review. My next book on the list is a prominent title, and a book that honestly shocked me. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a true account of how he found himself in bondage in America. It’s shocking to read, and hard to imagine now. However, it’s a reality of life and a gritty part of our history we shouldn’t shy away from learning about. 

Next, I want to talk about my recent dry spell with reading. As a content creator based around reading as a huge part of my free time, it’s not that common to talk about the times when that doesn’t happen. It’s hard to admit that slumps happen. I want to have a candid conversation with you about it. 

Finally, another Sunday Summary will grace your screens next week! 

YouTube

I didn’t get to record my monthly wrap-up or July TBR this week. I worked overtime last week due to quarter end. Also, the other half has been off work for his birthday this week. Generally, he works at least one day of the weekend given he has a retail job. That’s when I take advantage of planning and recording. However, with him being off, we’ve made an effort to spend the time together instead. 

So, my plans are to record these posts tomorrow. I’ve written the blog post versions, so I’ve got them planned now. I just need to plonk myself in front of a camera for half an hour to gab it out. 

Nest week, we’re back to business as usual. So, I’ll have another weekly vlog for you to catch you up on reading progress as well. 

Summary

That’s all I have for you in this Sunday Summary. When was the last dry spell of reading you had, and how long did it last? 

Have a great rest of your weekend, however much is left, and I will see you around for my next update very soon! 

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Monthly TBR – July 2026

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I’ve really had to reign myself in with my July TBR. A theme of every reading list I have set myself so far this year is that the list is a long one, and I don’t get to do every book on it.

My June TBR and the aim to complete the Goodreads spring reading challenge overwhelmed to me. That’s myself get stuck on lack of progress with a chunky book and fell off the wagon, so to speak. 

So, I’ve had a word with myself to shorten this list as much as I can get away with. There were also practical reasons for that decision – I have some blog tour obligations later this month that I can’t skip out on. I cannot have a repeat of last month and let that get in the way of my promise to review these books. 

July is a busy month at work, and typically I work overtime in the early days of the month. Leaning into audio allows me to read when still doing other things, from going to the gym or driving, or enjoying my crafty hobbies! I’m back into crochet lately, as well as cross-stitch! 

So, what’s the theme for July’s TBR? Completing June carried forward June reads, revisiting my highly anticipated 2026 releases and three blog tour obligations at the end of this month into early August. 

Let’s dive in!

Carryovers from June

The Pillars of the Earth

Goodreads

My first carryover from June to include in this July TVR is the read I made the most progress with of all my carryovers. Yes, I am talking about The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. As of drafting this July TBR, I am X pages into this book. That sounds significant, but when you consider this book is 1070 pages long in total, you’ll easily see that I still have some way to go! 

It’s this book that tripped me up in June. When I started it, I set out with the intention to read just over 40 pages a day. That would have seen me to the end of this book. However, I can’t always read every day. That means very quickly you can get behind, and I let this mindset get in my way of making the progress I could and ultimately I stopped reading this book towards the end of June. 

However, now I have no deadline. I am enjoying this book, so it’s one I’m going to continue with my own time rather than pressurising myself. Whilst I would like to complete this for the end of July, anything goes!

Katabasis

Goodreads

This is the book I started at the end of June to get myself out of the rut caused by The Pillars of the Earth. I have enjoyed books by R.F. Kuang several times now. Babel, The Poppy War and Yellowface all grace my ‘read’ shelves. No doubt Katabasis will be among their number shortly.

I only made a token start to this book before the end of June. However, I enjoyed the set up of the storyline so far. I’ve also enjoyed other dark academia themed books earlier this year. Another notable mention in this genre is An Arcane Inheritance if you are looking for something of this ilk. 

Fingers crossed it lives up to the hype I’ve heard and expect from R.F. Kuang and it can get me back into the reading groove! 

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads

My audiobook carryover into this July TBR is Behind Closed Doors. This is a relatively short book. I have only listened to this for around an hour for a couple of evenings so far, and that puts me about a third of the way into the book. 

Again, I have enjoyed the set up for this one. There is definitely more to the story than meets the eye. It’s currently being portrayed as a fairly typical story of a man controlling a woman in a new marriage. But is that really the case? It seems an obvious set up. I’m either hoping for a complete role reversal or some kind of twist that flipped this on its head. Either that, or a revenge arc for Grace. 

Reading Obligations

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads

A blog tour review opportunity came up for a book with a mystery and thriller leaning, but also ties to World War II. You know me, I love my historical fiction based on this time period! I’m excited to try a book from a different genre with this same leaning and ties to Nazi Germany.

I’ve got most of the months to pick up this book, as my review is due to take place on the 25th of July. Given that it’s an obligation though, I’m going to prioritise this book and hopefully read it sooner. I’m looking forward to picking this up and sharing my thoughts with you very soon! 

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads

My next tour follows just three days after House of Twisted Shadows. So, I need to get my skates on. I’ve often said that having a reading deadline helps motivate me. Whilst that didn’t especially help me last month, this time it’s a bit different in that I would be letting somebody else down rather than just myself.

What drew me to A Painkiller to Die For is the book’s pharmaceutical leaning. It’s not a common topic I read about, so it had novelty factor. Not only that, but there is clearly some mystery aspect to the storyline. Are the characters all who they say they are? 

Duel of Beasts

Goodreads

My final blog tour obligation on my July TBR is a medieval adventure set in Spain, of all places. Rachel was looking for people to take part in the tour, and I was intrigued. 

It seems there’s some kind of religious aspect to this book. It’s not my typical setting of novel, but that’s precisely why I want to read it! I’m always trying to diversify the books and settings I pick up. Duel of Beasts definitely fits that bill! 

2026 Releases

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

A couple of new releases on my 2026 highly anticipated releases list came out in April. However, with reading priorities and challenges to date, I’ve not yet got to them. It’s now time! This July’s TBR has lots of exciting new releases on it when you take into account my three blog tours. 

I’ve come to love Matt Haig’s writing. However, I’m a little apprehensive of this book given I’ve read less favourable reviews of this latest book. Still, I won’t know for definite until I pick it up for myself. Nevertheless, I want to give it a go and see if I agree or have my own opinions… 

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

This book is all about words, their power. It leans into my own personal love of language, and that’s why I’m not so quietly optimistic that this will go down well with me. 

The sci-fi spy narrative is also a little unusual. I’ve read something similar before (Starsight) and really enjoyed it. It’s a bit of an unusual one, but all the same, I’m keen to get stuck into this one and see if it’s just as good. 

Summary

I’ve got considerably fewer books on my July TBR, and I’m planning to pick up as many as I can in audio format to make the most of reading opportunities I have. I’m ready for a fresh start, and I’ve got plenty of new releases to dive into and get excited about! 

What new release have you read recently?

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Monthly Wrap-Up – June 2026

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Reading progress in June didn’t go the way I wanted. Whilst that is the theme of this monthly wrap-up, it isn’t all bad. The TBR I set myself in June was a tall order. I set out to try and complete the Goodreads Spring Reading Challenge, having only achieved half of the awards by the beginning of June. The TBR required long reads. Different reads. Too many, if I’m honest. 

I knew it was going to be the most difficult TBR to complete yet. After a gamble on reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea didn’t pay off in qualifying for the Pride Month, it set me on the back foot. It only really carried on from there… 

Less commiserating – let’s at least look at the books I did read. There is good news in this monthly wrap-up – I’m on track with my Throne of Glass readalong for the first time…. And I’ve just read book 4… Not only that, but a completed read and the discovery of a new author I want to read more from was probably the highlight of the month! 

Books Read

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Goodreads Link

My gamble with listening to Somewhere Beyond the Sea, so I could finish it in early June, didn’t quite go to plan. Well, I finished the book on the first of the month. That part was bob-on. My gamble that it qualified for the Pride Month award was scuppered though. 

To be honest, there wasn’t anything I could have done here. I had a few books on my TBR that I felt could fit. As it happens, none of them were on the list. Regardless of what I picked, I wouldn’t have got it. 

However, I have ticked a sequel off my TBR, so it’s not all doom and gloom! I really enjoyed this cozy, wholesome narrative! 

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

Goodreads Link

My next carryover from May was a non-fiction about one of my favourite book and TV series of all-time – Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon. I love reading about A Game of Thrones, be it the books themselves, the history, lore, or turns out, the drama of filming that which was not meant to be filmable! 

I don’t envy Dan Weiss and David Benioff. They put a lot of pressure on themselves to deliver something we have never really seen on screen before. We are now 6+ years post release of the final, fateful series, and it’s hard to recall that this was a front-runner in terms of scope and size. Now, it feels like GoT set a bar that everyone else has to live up to. We love our epics! 

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon is very much all about the behind-the-scenes action – the decision-making, the thoughts of actors and their roles, and the ways in which actors discovered their characters fates. 

All in all, loved this read. There is very little ‘new’ I read about this series now. This hit the mark though! 

Project Hail Mary

Goodreads Link

Mid-month, I finished listening to Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I picked this book up as it contributed to two Goodreads Spring Reading Challenge awards – Summer Reading and Escapist reads. Whilst I picked it up more for the awards, it was the best decision I made! 

The audiobook version of the book is phenomenal! It was a great listen, and the characterisation of Rocky wouldn’t have been the same on paper I don’t think. I loved Project Hail Mary so much that I immediately added Artemis and the Martian to my TBR. 

What a happy result from a book that wasn’t necessarily a reading priority but for the challenge… 

Queen of Shadows

Goodreads Link

I tried something different with my readalong book of the month in June. Instead of borrowing a digital copy of Queen of Shadows, like I did for every book in the series so far, I picked up an audiobook copy. An aspect. I struggled with in earlier books is the slower pace of setting the scene a the beginning of the book. In the hopes of getting past that, I hoped the audiobook would smooth this issue. 

I’m pleased to say it did! The other reason I opted for audio was because I was more likely to listen throughout the month and match the pace of my readalong. I generally listen more slowly and consistently. On that front, the audiobook version of Queen of Shadows worked for me as well. 

I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this one over on my YouTube channel later this week. Then, I’ll continue in the same form, diving into Empire of Storms in audio format as well. 

The Pillars of the Earth

Goodreads Link

The main downfall at the end of this month was the size of The Pillars of the Earth overwhelming me. I had set myself a target to read 42 pages a day to get through it. Was that achievable? Sure. However, once you get a little behind, it’s easy to fall off the wagon. That happened for me in June, and really that stalled my reading progress. 

Am I still enjoying The Pillars of the Earth? Yes! It’s a slower read, sure. I can lean into that. I think my expectations to finish this book, as well as pick up three others before the end of the month was just a bit much. In the later half of June, that reality crept up on me. 

I’m still plodding along with The Pillars of the Earth. My plans are to read this slowly alongside other faster-paced reads. Otherwise, I may just get stuck on it. It’s an interesting book so far, and I don’t want to waste the progress I’ve made so far by putting it down (even temporarily). 

Katabasis

Goodreads Link

In the last couple of days of the month, I needed a change of pace. So, I picked up Katabasis. As expected, this book leans into the dark academia and fantasy magical realism that I wanted. I’ve enjoyed this before in Babel, by the same author. I loved that book, and felt it was the best pick-me-up to round off the month.

And that is true. However, I didn’t read a whole lot of the book before the end of June so there isn’t a huge update in this monthly wrap-up on where I’m up to. Nevertheless, I’ve got plenty of time in July to continue this read and really get into the gritty storyline I’m hoping for. 

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads Link

My last audiobook of the month that I started was Behind Closed Doors. It’s a pretty short book, but I only started it a few days before month-end. 

Behind Closed Doors qualified for the Community Picks award. These books were in the mystery/thriller genre. Based on the rest of my TBR, it made for a refreshing change. That’s still the case! Looking ahead at books I need to read in the next few weeks, I’m going to enjoy listening to something a little different. It’s apparent from the off that something is off in this family dynamic. But, is it what we think it is? 

Only time will tell! 

Summary

My June TBR was a little unattainable, if I’m honest. However, if I don’t push myself, I tend to fall slack on reading as well. I suppose my take away from this monthly wrap-up is that I need to find the middle ground. Give myself a little challenge, but not so much that I don’t have time for bad days, or wanting to pick up other hobbies. 

Thanks for reading today’s monthly wrap-up! How was your reading month in June? Did you complete any challenges, or discover any new favourite authors? 

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