Tag: Ken Follett

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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Sunday Summary – 28th June 2026

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Another week has positively flown by! Yes, somehow it’s time for this week’s Sunday Summary instalment already. 

In last week’s post, I didn’t have a whole lot to update you on in terms of reading progress. This week feels a little bit more productive, if not the comeback I had hoped for. The truth is, I have been busy at work and that has impacted my attention span out-of-hours, so to speak. Not only that, but I’ve leant into needing some space and taken the time to enjoy playing Minecraft, as well as getting back to a huge cross-stitch project. This week I cracked out some new colours! 

So, what have I been up to here? On my blog, I published a Top Ten Tuesday featuring books on my Summer TBR. On Friday, I published the Shelf Control post that didn’t make it out last week. I featured a crime novel by a renowned author, but perhaps better known for another genre. 

Over on YouTube, I published a tour of my unread books that don’t fit on my bookshelves. There are over 50 of them – take a look to see if we have any in common! 

Books Read

The Pillars of the Earth

Progress with The Pillars of the Earth has remained slow. Now I’ve accepted I’m not finishing it by the end of June, I’ve dropped off trying to read 42 pages a day. 

So, progress with this one is going to tick along slowly. And you know what, that’s fine by me. I’ll keep plodding along to finish this book. It’s a slow-burn storyline in my eyes anyway, so I can lean into that. 

This week, I’ve read around 50 pages. Yes, progress is very slow with this one. Thankfully reading progress with my other reads this week has been better! 

Katabasis

With progress so slow on The Pillars of the Earth, I’ve dabbled with Katabasis for a change of pace. whilst I’ve only just started this book in the last couple of days, I’ve enjoyed a different storyline. I’m sure it’ll help me back on track with reading! 

Whilst I own a physical copy of this book, I’ve also got a digital copy from the library to help in moments when I can’t carry round, or want to hold, a physical book. Basically, I’m doing just about everything I can to reduce resistance to read 😆

Queen of Shadows

Finally, the best progress of all this week has been on the audiobook front! 

This week, I’ve listened to the final 9 hours 20 minutes needed to finish Queen of Shadows. For the first time ever, I’ve finished my Readalong series by my own deadline 😅 

Audiobooks are definitely the way to go for me with this series. Earlier books in the series were a little slow-going in terms of world-building and setting down the early foundations of the book. However, I didn’t feel that was something I encountered in Queen of Shadows. 

I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this latest book very soon! Although, given we’re at the end of the month, I’ll no doubt get started with Empire of Storms in the next few days 🤣

Books Discovered

This Sunday Summary is another quiet one in terms of bookish additions. There are none to report this week – again 🤗 That’s good news from where I’m standing! 

Coming Up.. 

What I’m Reading!

Next Sunday Summary, I’m hoping to report more progress with The Pillars of the Earth. I don’t want to be reading it for the rest of 2026! I might set myself a goal for a couple hundred pages a week. That’s achievable and means I’ll finish the book by the end of July. 

On top of that, I’m going to pick up pace with Katabasis. Given things have slowed down in the last fortnight, I’m intentionally going back to a genre I know and love to get back in the game. 

In terms of audiobook progress, I’m starting Behind Closed Doors tonight. It’s a pretty short book, and so the audiobook is set to take me 6 hours total to read. More than doable! I’ve taken to listening to an hour before bed. I’m capable of doing more than that if I put my mind to it… 

Blog

The end of June is imminent, so my usual posts are on the way. First, my monthly wrap-up will go live and update you on how far I got with my June TBR and quest to complete the Goodreads Spring 2026 reading challenge. 

Next, I’ll publish my July TBR later this week. So far, the list is looking like a mix of new releases and comeback kings. I’m excited for a fresh start! 

YouTube

In terms of YouTube content, I’ve got video versions of both of those blog posts planned for recording. However, that’s not all. 

Now I’ve finished Queen of Shadows, I’m keen to record my review of the book whilst events are fresh in my mind. Also, before I start book five, Empire of Storms. 

Finally, I’ll record a weekly update next Sunday. Fingers crossed I can get through more page count next week. 

Summary

Thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary. Again, it’s been a slower week than usual. However, I’m keen to finish my ongoing reads and then enjoy a fresh start in the coming days. 

How has your reading progress been this week? Have you stepped back to enjoy other hobbies as I have? 

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Sunday Summary – 21st June 2026

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Good evening friends! I don’t quite know how we’re back at Sunday evening already, but there we are. That can only mean it’s time for another Sunday Summary update! 

This Sunday Summary post is likely to be a short one. As reading progress goes, I’m light on updates this week. After a busy week at work training, as well as overtime on Friday due to technical issues, I haven’t read much. Even yesterday, my other half was off work. So, a day that would normally have involved at least a couple of hours on the sofa with Pillars of the Earth was not to be. Alas, I can’t be an avid reader every minute of every day… 

Before I get onto the usual bookish updates, let’s quickly recap the content I’ve shared so far this week! 

Over on YouTube, I shared my thoughts on whether book subscription boxes are worth it, including the pros and cons. Then, later this week I shared a review of Heir of Fire, the third book in the Throne of Glass series I’m hosting a readalong for. 

Earlier, I published my weekly vlog which is the equivalent of this Sunday Summary update. 

Here on the blog, I shared a Game of Thrones themed quiz on Tuesday. It’s the first time I’ve posted anything like it before. I’m also keen to build upon it casually over time, and maybe write more based on popular books. Let me know if you have any preferences for other books or series. 

I had intended a Shelf Control to go live on Friday. However, with the late finish after a busy week, I made the executive decision to give myself a night off and roll this over to next week. 

 

Books Read

The Pillars of the Earth

I confess, physical reading progress has been the slowest this week. As of drafting this post, I’ve barely read 30 pages this week. Even then, most of those were earlier today… 

The reasons for this are largely circumstantial and I’m hopeful to put this week to bed and start afresh tomorrow. Does it mean I’m likely to finish The Pillars of the Earth before the end of June. Yeah. Not optimistic about that one. However, that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on it or relaxing on the pace. I wanted to read this one anyway and it’s an entertaining read so far. 

Queen of Shadows

Over the course of this week, I’ve listened pretty consistently to Queen of Shadows, around half an hour a day. Overall, I’ve listened to 2 hours 45mins over the course of the week. 

Not a whole lot of progress, but I’m pleased that at least one aspect of my reading habits remained consistent this week. 

I’m enjoying this book in audio format. It’s certainly helping with some of the issues I had with Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire in the density of information at the beginning of the books. In the grand scheme of things, it working out better than I hoped. Fingers crossed I can make the most of listening time next week and finish this book before the end of June. It would mean listening to around an hour a day, which is certainly achievable! 

Books Discovered

I added more than enough books to my TBR last week. So, I’ve reined it in again this week. No news to report!  

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Naturally, priority next week goes to keeping pace with The Pillars of the Earth and Queen of Shadows, aka my current reads. Much the same as last week really…

Blog

My first post of next week is a Top Ten Tuesday. This week’s topic involves sharing my Summer TBR. Looking beyond completing the Goodreads Spring 2026 Challenge (before the end of June, or after), I’ve got plenty of books I’m excited to get to. On Tuesday, I’ll share some of those. 

On Friday I’ll post the Shelf Control I didn’t get to this week – have no fear!

Finally, at the end of the week I’ll return with (hopefully) a more productive Sunday Summary post. Let’s hope more reading progress is the theme of that post. 

YouTube

I’ve recorded one video for next week, as it’s a reasonable length video. In that, I share a tour of the physical unread books that currently don’t fit on my bookshelves. There’s quite a lot, so I hope you can find a book in amongst these we have in common or that you’re interested in too. 

Then, later in the week, I’ll share my next weekly vlog. Again, hopefully with more reading progress than I disclose today. 

Summary 

Thanks for reading this Sunday Summary update. It may not be the best of weeks, but these things happen. It’s an honest account of what it can be like as a reader and content creator. So, I hope this honesty lands and you can see that I’m not perfect. But, I do my best and hold my hands up when things don’t come to plan. 

Have you had better reading progress than me this week? 

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Sunday Summary – 14th June 2026

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This week has been a busy one, and I’m glad to catch you up on my current reads and content shared in this latest Sunday Summary. 

Its felt a little weird this week. Between recent bank holidays and time off work, this was my first full week for a while. No rest for the wicked! I’ve put out a full complement of content despite a full week on my plate. Let’s take a look at what I shared… 

My first post of the week was in response to news that some libraries in the UK are effectively being censored by the councils running them. Here’s my thoughts on why I don’t agree with that. Later this week, I shared a First Lines Friday. This week’s book is a non-fiction book on my physical unread TBR. It’s topical at the moment given it addresses recently available technology. 

Over on YouTube, I shared two book reviews with you, as well as my weekly vlog video just a few minutes ago. My reviews were for books with romance links, so if you enjoy romance you are in for a treat. The first review was for Julia Quinn’s An Offer From a Gentleman. The second review was for the second book of my readalong series Throne of Glass, being Crown of Midnight. 

 

Books Read

Project Hail Mary

When I caught up with you in last week’s Sunday Summary update, I had a few hours left of Project Hail Mary to finish. 

In the grand scheme, I finished this pretty quickly. I was really invested in learning the ending of the book. One aspect I really loved as well was the nerdy science that occurs naturally throughout the narrative. It’s very clear a lot of time and effort went into the research of the book. Although I haven’t read any books by Andy Weir before this one, Project Hail Mary sold me on his books. You’ll see just how much when I get to TBR additions later… 

Project Hail Mary was a fun listen, and productive in that it ticks off two Goodreads Spring Challenge achievements off the list. 

 

The Pillars of the Earth

Since last week, I’ve read 280 pages towards The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I’m a little behind the 380 page target I worked out in last week’s Sunday Summary. However, I know I can get that read once this post goes live. 

I typically spend weekends at home, with maybe a couple of short errands out and about. However, I wasn’t home most of the day yesterday and that impacted my reading time. Whilst I do read a little at the hairdressers, it’s nowhere near the quality reading time I get at home as it’s busy. Plus, I usually end up yacking with everyone there. 

So, I’m close to where I need to be and the plan is to catch up this evening. As I’m reading this book throughout the remainder of June, I need to be 760 pages into The Pillars of the Earth by my next Sunday Summary. 

For a long book, I’m getting on with the narrative. It’s for sure a slow-burn read for me, and it’s working fine. This historical fiction is engaging in its wider backdrop, but also in the scheming taking place between characters. It’s a great read so far, and I’m looking forward to reading on in the next week. 

 

Queen of Shadows

Finally, I started my next Throne of Glass readalong read. Or, in this case, listen. 

Yes, I’m picking up Queen of Shadows in audiobook format this month. Previously, I’ve struggled with pacing in the early days of the books whilst new material is unveiled. To get around the issue of reading on my phone causing distractions, and also to help with pacing, I’m trying audio this month. 

So far, I’m just shy of 20% into the opening of the book. As things stand, I have had no trouble with pacing at all. The audiobook is working well; if things continue, it’s going to be the way I finish this readalong. 

I’m invested in the series and where events are going to take us next. What happens to Celaena returning to Adarlan? I can’t wait to find out! 

 

Books Discovered

In previous weeks I’ve been pretty good for ticking books off the reading list. However, this week I’ve made up for previous good behaviour by adding The Martian and Artemis by Andy Weir. On top of those, I also added The Daughter of Auschwitz, The Twins of Auschwitz and Of Wind and Fate. 

Told you I’ve made up for recent good behaviour, didn’t I?! 

 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Naturally, priority next week goes to keeping pace with The Pillars of the Earth and Queen of Shadows, aka my current reads. On top of that, I’d like to get to a book I intended to get to this week, which is Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Törzs. 

 

Blog

Coming up on the blog next week, I’ve got a different piece of content to share. I’m hoping to build a Game of Thrones related quiz. Want to test your knowledge on all things Game of Thrones? Watch this space and take the test to find out if you are a GoT buff, or if you need to re-read the series. As if you need an excuse… 

On Friday I’m back with a Shelf Control post. If you are unfamiliar with this series, I look at upcoming books on my TBR and share why I’m excited to read them. I look forward to looking ahead and discovering my next feature later this week. 

Finally, Sunday Summary is the final post to wrap-up the week. As always, I’ll recap current reads, content shared, as well as give you insight on upcoming content. Stay tuned for my next weekly update. 

 

YouTube

On YouTube, I’ve got a discussion post on subscription boxes recorded and ready for editing. As well, I have a review video for Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas coming up towards the end of next week. I hope you are as excited to hear about this book as I was to record my thoughts! 

Finally, I’ll post my weekly vlog at the end of the week to share much the same information as I do here in these Sunday Summary posts. 

 

Summary 

Thanks for reading my latest Sunday Summary. It’s been a good week, but I hope I can push on a little and get a couple of finishes in next week. 

What have you read this weekend?

 

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Sunday Summary – 7th June 2026

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Happy Sunday, fellow readers! Today’s Sunday Summary, thankfully, has a few completions and new bookish starts to share. Given the size of my June TBR, which I published earlier this week, it’s the best I can hope for in setting myself up to complete the list. 

Before I get into the reading updates, what else have I published? Here on the blog, my monthly wrap-up of May reading progress went live at the beginning of the week. Then, I shared my blog tour review of Witch Hunt by B.D. Spargo on Thursday. If you’re into thrillers set in the infamous backdrop of Lancashire’s Pendle Hill, this is definitely one to look at! 

Over on YouTube, I shared my monthly wrap-up for May, as well as my June TBR. If you’d prefer to watch or listen to those as opposed to reading the details here, there are links for you to check those out! Finally, I also posted my round-up of this week just a short time ago. I’d like to hope you’ll carry on reading as you’re here. However, if you would prefer to watch or listen to my update instead, you have the option ☺️

 

Books Read

Heir of Fire

In last week’s Sunday Summary, I shared hopes to finish Heir of Fire after publishing that weekly update. Well, good news, friends – I did! And you know what, it wasn’t too late either. I maybe went to bed around 00:20. A bit later than usual (although that used to be my normal…).

I really enjoyed Heir of Fire. Whilst the beginning of the book was a little slower-paced, the action has us inevitably ramping up pace and eager to get to the conclusion. It’s set up the next book in the series well, and I’m excited to read on and find out more in the very near future! 

 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Another finish to report in this Sunday Summary is Somewhere Beyond the Sea. As of last week’s update, I was 80% into this audiobook and I had around two and a half hours remaining. 

Well, I made pretty light work of it, if I’m honest. The office was quieter than usual this week with many people opting to WFH. Locally, we’ve been hosting the TT this week. Whilst I can’t say we had the best of luck with weather and red flags delaying and/or calling off the races, the disruption meant many opted to stay at home and avoid the traffic and general disruption. 

I, however, went into the office. I make no secret of the fact I don’t like WFH and so I continued to go in. As it was so quiet though, and I had some repetitive work to do, I was able to listen to Somewhere Beyond the Sea at the same time. 

This was a fun listen, and I’m glad I am now up-to-date with this series. I’m not sure if any more books are planned, but as of right now I’m caught up. It’s cosy, wholesome and great to see the children come into their own and develop confidence and solidarity. The only downside of the experience is that this book did not qualify for the Pride Month award in the Goodreads Spring 2026 Reading Challenge like I hoped. However, I wasn’t able to tell when I chose my book and on reflection, none of the books on my TBR would have qualified anyway. At least I can tick another book off the TBR though, which is a win! 

 

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

Over the course of this week, I’ve progressed with Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon by James Hibberd. This carryover from my May TBR was another great read and well received. If you are unfamiliar, this book is about the challenges and behind-the-scenes detail of filming the TV show. Personally, I enjoyed the commentary on the challenges of filming such an epic show and doing what nobody else has done before. 

However, it’s not just director commentary. We get tidbits from the cast and crew that make up the whole show. Actors’ decisions on changes from the books, as well as how they’ve chosen to portray characters and how they think the characters felt at various and often divisive moments of the plot. 

I loved this book. Then again, I love A Game of Thrones. Hardly surprising the book would go down well, is it?! Since last week’s Sunday Summary, I read the final 350 pages or so to finish Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon yesterday. 

 

Project Hail Mary

I’d only just started Project Hail Mary when I updated you last week. Overall, I’d only listened to the first 1hr 20mins or so when we last chatted. Over the last 7 days, I’ve listened to around 7 hours of audio. In terms of progress, that brings me to around 70% total progress in the audiobook. 

I’ve been listening to the audiobook at x1.4 speed. It’s not often I can listen this fast, but this particular audio works well at this speed. It’s also an engaging storyline. We start the book in the perspective of present-day Ryland, who wakes up on a spaceship with two deceased colleagues. He has no memory initially of how or why he is there, but slowly flashbacks return his memory and remind him of his purpose. 

I had one blip with this book when a certain character is introduced. I felt it was a little farfetched, but it very quickly warmed on me. So, despite my reservations, I’ve really enjoyed the audiobook so far. I’m hopeful I can finish the remaining 3 hrs 40 mins very soon and discover how this book ends. I honestly have no idea where this is going to go at present! 

 

The Pillars of the Earth

Finally, I’ve started The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett this weekend. Given I only finished Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon yesterday, I’ve not had a lot of time with this book as yet. 

So far, I’ve only read the first 42 pages. It’s a token start, but one I’m hoping to build on in coming weeks. My plan for this book is to read it slowly over the course of the month. To achieve that, I need to read a minimum of 42 pages a day. I still need to read today’s quota of pages, but I’m hoping I can read a little beyond that tonight and get a little ahead. 

 

Books Discovered

This week has given the type of progress I can only hope for – several books off the TBR and no new additions! It doesn’t happen very often, let’s be honest. 

 

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

So, reading plans for next week! In terms of audiobook listens, my plan is to progress with and finish Project Hail Mary in the first half of the week ideally. Then, I’d like to move on to start Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas and start the next phase of my readalong ☺️

In terms of physical reads, I’m hoping to maintain progress with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett so I can complete this ahead of the end of June. That means reading around 42 pages a day, so I need to be around 380 pages in time for my next Sunday Summary. That’s not the only book on my physical TBR I’d like to pick up this week. Around that, I’d like to break this up with Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Törzs. 

 

Blog

I’ve got a couple of fun posts planned for you next week. One of these is on the back of news I read towards the end of last week about some UK libraries not being permitted to promote events around the likes of Pride Month and Black History Month. I have thoughts on the move by Reform UK who run Essex County Council, so I’ll share more on that in the coming days. 

On Friday, I’ll return with another First Lines Friday feature. One thing I’ve become very aware of recently is the size of my unread physical TBR. My plan is to take a look at some of those and find a suitable feature from the ranks. Hopefully, it inspires me to pick it up soon! 

Finally, I’ll return with another Sunday Summary update. I can only hope for another week of similar reading productivity. If I can, June’s TBR will be a breeze. 

 

YouTube

Today I recorded two review videos for next week. I want to be sure I don’t get behind. So, next week I’m sharing my thoughts on the second book of my Throne of Glass readalong, Crown of Midnight. 

I’ve also recorded a review for another romance genre novel. That one is An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. I hope you can take a look at those videos as they go live in the coming days. 

Like here, I’ll also share the equivalent of my Sunday Summary video update next Sunday. 

 

Summary 

Thanks for reading this Sunday Summary. I’m glad to share such a productive week, and can only hope it continues! 

What book have you finished recently, and what did you make of it? 

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Shelf Control #97 – 21/11/2025

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Today’s Shelf Control post features a book I’m really looking forward to picking up. It came recommended to me by a former colleague and close friend. I then got a second recommendation for the book from one of the regular readers at our work book club. Put it this way, she confided that she reads the book once a year, every year. If that’s not a recommendation, I don’t know what is! 

Before I share details of the book, here’s a recap of what my Shelf Control regular feature post is all about. 

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

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

 

Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 976

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Penguin Books

Publication Date: 01 Oct 1989

Goodreads – Pillars of the Earth

 

Ken Follett is known worldwide as the master of split-second suspense, but his most beloved and bestselling book tells the magnificent tale of a twelfth-century monk driven to do the seemingly impossible: build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known.

Everything readers expect from Follett is here: intrigue, fast-paced action, and passionate romance. But what makes The Pillars of the Earth extraordinary is the time the twelfth century; the place feudal England; and the subject the building of a glorious cathedral. Follett has re-created the crude, flamboyant England of the Middle Ages in every detail. The vast forests, the walled towns, the castles, and the monasteries become a familiar landscape. 

Against this richly imagined and intricately interwoven backdrop, filled with the ravages of war and the rhythms of daily life, the master storyteller draws the reader irresistibly into the intertwined lives of his characters into their dreams, their labors, and their loves: Tom, the master builder; Aliena, the ravishingly beautiful noblewoman; Philip, the prior of Kingsbridge; Jack, the artist in stone; and Ellen, the woman of the forest who casts a terrifying curse. From humble stonemason to imperious monarch, each character is brought vividly to life.

The building of the cathedral, with the almost eerie artistry of the unschooled stonemasons, is the center of the drama. Around the site of the construction, Follett weaves a story of betrayal, revenge, and love, which begins with the public hanging of an innocent man and ends with the humiliation of a king.

 

My Thoughts

Historical fiction is always a safe genre for me. I love medieval historical books at the best of times – long ones even better! I’ve read similar themed books in the past – Dunstan by Conn Iggulden is probably the closest I’ve read to date and it was a good read. 

This book has been recommended to me not once, but twice, and by two people whose reading tastes I trust. The only thing that makes me a little nervous about this books is that it is purportedly a character-driven book. Generally, I prefer some action in my books to help keep the plot moving forward. However, if this is done as well as the recommendations I’ve received suggest, then this won’t be a problem. 

Given the size of the book, it’s unlikely I’ll get to this one before the end of the year. However, I can see myself picking up this book next year sometime – preferably sooner rather than later. It’s a classic, and a book from a much-loved genre. Maybe I need to set myself a challenge reading list next year. If so, this book will 100% be on it! I’ve given myself an idea now… 

Have you read Pillars of the Earth? Would you recommend this book? 

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First Lines Friday – 22/11/2024

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Today’s First Lines Friday feature is on theme with my Top Ten Tuesday post I shared a few days ago. It also features one of the books I shared in that post. For a different reason, admittedly.

I recently purchased a copy of this book and the first line especially caught my attention. I’m looking forward to reading this soon. It’s been recommended to me by two different individuals recently. It’ll also be nice to read something a little ‘older’ on the TBR.

Here are today’s First Lines Friday opening lines, followed by details of the book:-

 

The small boys came early to the hanging.

It was still dark when the first three or four of them sidled out of the hovels, quiet as cats in their felt boots. A thin layer of fresh snow covered the little town like a new coat of paint, and theirs were the first footprints to blemish its perfect surface. They picked their way through the huddled wooden huts and along the streets of frozen mud to the silent market-place, where the gallows stood waiting.

 


Pillars of the Earth  – Ken Follett

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Pages: 1090

Audience: Adult

Publisher: MacMillan London

Publication Date: 1989

 

Goodreads – Pillars of the Earth

 

A spellbinding epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power set against the sprawling medieval canvas of twelfth-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is Ken Follett’s classic historical masterpiece.

A MASON WITH A DREAM

1135 and civil war, famine and religious strife abound. With his family on the verge of starvation, mason Tom Builder dreams of the day that he can use his talents to create and build a cathedral like no other.

A MONK WITH A BURNING MISSION

Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, is resourceful, but with money scarce he knows that for his town to survive it must find a way to thrive, and so he makes the decision to build within it the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has ever known.

A WORLD OF HIGH IDEALS AND SAVAGE CRUELTY

As Tom and Philip meet so begins an epic tale of ambition, anarchy and absolute power. In a world beset by strife and enemies that would thwart their plans, they will stop at nothing to achieve their ambitions in a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state, and brother against brother . . .


My Thoughts…

That intro really caught my attention. What are small children doing attending a hanging? What kind of life and existence is this?

I’ve been recommended this book twice by people I trust pretty well when it comes to book recommendations. It’s an epic, as I’m sure you’ve noticed by the page I’ve shared above. However, that doesn’t intimidate me. I love me a good chunky book now and then and as a fan of historical fiction, the combo should work well for me.

I’ve read books set around similar time periods and in terms of setting before, so I’m pretty confident this is something I can get on with. Otherwise, I’m pretty oblivious as to the content of the book other than that alluded to in the synopsis.

Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or any of the other books in the series?

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