Tag: Matt Haig

Monthly Wrap-Up – August 2026

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Reading progress in August felt like a bit of a mixed bag. Whilst I had plenty of blog tour obligations to keep me turning the pages, outside of these, I don’t feel like I got to as much of my reading list as I wanted. Nevertheless, I have a decent number of books to talk to you about in today’s monthly wrap-up post for August. 

Have you read any of the books I feature in today’s monthly wrap-up? Take a gander below to find out! 

Books Read 

Duel of Beasts

Goodreads Link

With my first blog tour obligation for Duel of Beasts coming out on the 2nd of August, you would think I would have finished this book in July ahead of that to post. Alas, that was not the case. Whilst I had started the book in July, it was barely the case. Rather, I ended up binge reading this book ahead of that review post. Thankfully, I got on pretty well with this book. I don’t know what I would have done if I found reading it difficult, or I didn’t gel with the narrative style.

Thankfully, that’s not the case and I talked about my experience with this book over on my blog to review. If you want to check out more, go and take a look at that review here.

Supremacy

Goodreads Link 

I can’t remember when I started supremacy. It was definitely at some point last month, but it could have even been in early July. Reading progress with supremacy was slower than I would have liked. Even still, I did have a good time with this book. I took advantage of a week off in August to make a solid dent in progress. Even still, I only really finished this book towards the end of the month.

If you’re looking for a book that can tell you more about AI, its birth and the origins of the intentions behind the technology, supremacy is an interesting one. The focus of the book is how altruistically the technology started, but inevitably its growth was hindered by access to data which I could only get from major corporations and therefore lose the altruism and get used for commercial gain. 

Dungeons & Dimwits

Goodreads Link 

Dungeons and Dimwits is by far the shortest and quickest read to grace my monthly wrap-up for August. I read this relatively short graphic novel in the space of around half an hour one evening about 2/3 of the way through August. That’s very specific, but it went some way towards getting me back in the reading mood. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so I think having a short read to tick off the list and go towards achieving something (I read this for a blog tour obligation, and actually read it in decent time – not something I’ve done very much of lately!)

It also was a very fun and pretty lighthearted read. If you enjoy nerdy games like dungeons and dragons, or generally fantasy of this ilk, then pick up this graphic novel if you want a bit of change.

The Knife Maker of Venice

Goodreads Link 

I went in hard on the blog tours this month. The Knife Maker of Venice is a historical fiction blog tour I took part in later in August. I also ended up reading this book pretty close to deadline. 

However, what I really liked about this historical fiction novel is that it featured a time and setting combination that I have not explored before. We also enjoy a lot of travel, considerably more than the characters who have been enslaved and taken across the world against their will. Within, we get to read deeply personal stories and experience a family bond that chains cannot incumber. 

If you’re interested in picking up this historical fiction book, take a look at my blog tour review here. 

Tower of Dawn

Goodreads Link 

Of all the books I talk about in this monthly wrap-up post for August, I would say Tower of Dawn surprised me the most. 

I’m reading Sarah J Maas’s Throne of Glass series as a way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It is a romantic series, which is something I don’t traditionally read. I’m not a big romance fan, so naturally I don’t gravitate to these books in the first instance. 

Tower of Dawn varies from the remainder of the series and doesn’t exactly follow on from Empire of Storms. I didn’t read much about the book before diving into it, so this took me by surprise. However, I enjoyed revising characters that branched off from the main series several books ago. It’s going to contribute to the final storyline, so I can’t wait to see how it all comes to an epic conclusion. 

The Midnight Train

Goodreads Link 

The Midnight Train was the second audiobook I completed in August. In all, audiobook progress went pretty well, and I can share in this monthly wrap-up I’m pretty happy with the progress I made. Although at times it felt slow, I should bear in mind I picked up a fairly sizeable audiobook in the form of Tower of Dawn before picking up The Midnight Train. 

Comparatively, The Midnight Train was a very short listen. I also went into this book with some trepidation as to whether this book would live up to my expectations of The Midnight Library. The Midnight Train is the second book set in this universe, and whilst it tackles similar ideas, it does so from a slightly different perspective. 

Personally, I still really enjoyed this audio. Even though I had high expectations, I liked the change in angle on this book and thankfully, the success of the first book didn’t overshadow the message of The Midnight Train. 

The Other Life of Mary English

Goodreads Link 

My final blog tour read to include in my monthly wrap-up was The Other Life of Mary English. Much like my experience with Duel of Beasts at the beginning of August, I ended up reading The Other Life of Mary English pretty last minute. 

As a result, I actually read the majority of the book on the 1st of September. However, I did start this book on the very last day of August, which is why I’m including it here. 

Naturally, I’ll be talking about this one again in my September TBR and wrap up post. However, you have the benefit of a link to check out this review here given I briefly touched on the book in August. As of the end of the month, I hadn’t read very much there wasn’t really in a position to make much comment on it. That will come later, or in that review. 

Summary 

So, I’ve had quite a few books to read and report on in today’s monthly wrap-up for August. Hopefully next month I can take it a little easier on the blog tour obligations and instead get back to books I want to read and get back on track. 

What have you read this Summer? 

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Sunday Summary – 30th August 2026

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

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

Books Read 

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

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

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

The Midnight Train 

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

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

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

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

The Other Life of Mary English

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

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

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

Books Discovered

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

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

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

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

Blog

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

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

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

Summary 

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

What book have you read this August that you recommend? 

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Sunday Summary – 23rd August 2026

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

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

Books Read 

The Knife Maker of Venice

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

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

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

Tower of Dawn 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dungeons and Dimwits 

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

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

The Midnight Train 

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

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

Books Discovered

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

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

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

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

Blog

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

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

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

Summary 

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

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

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Monthly TBR – August 2026

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

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

Carryovers from July

Empire of Storms

Goodreads

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

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

Katabasis

Goodreads

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

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

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads

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

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

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

Readalong and Blog Tours

Tower of Dawn

Goodreads

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

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

The Knife Maker of Venice

Goodreads

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

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

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

Dungeons and Dimwits

Goodreads

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

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

The Other Life of Mary English

Goodreads

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

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

2026 Releases / TBR Returns

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

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

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

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

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

Julia

Goodreads 

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

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

And a final mood read…

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

Goodreads 

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

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

Summary

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

What are you reading this summer? 

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First Lines Friday – 31/07/2026

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In todays First Lines Friday, Ive got a July TBR book Ive not read yet. Naturally its going to be rolled on, as this is one of the highly anticipated releases I talked about in my YouTube video earlier this year.

I have mixed feelings about starting this book. I personally have high expectations based on the earlier book in the series. However, since its recent publication I have heard mixed reviews. 

Lets get stuck into todays First Lines Friday opening, then I can talk about the book less cryptically! 

As the water taxi sped across the lagoon, the two young honeymooners gazed ahead in awe. Wilbur squeezed Maggies hand and leaned into her as they sat at the back of the small boat, the sun glittering on the water in front of them. I love you, Mr Budd, she told him, her words as natural as breath. 

I love you too, Mrs Budd. 

Maggie laughed, softly, at how funny and official that sounded. 

They held hands as the boat chugged its way towards the city, their fingers intertwined like tangled roots. The ninth of August 1974.

The Midnight Train – Matt Haig

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 296

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: 26 May 2026

Goodreads – The Midnight Train

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away. 

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed

An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of The Midnight Library.

My Thoughts…

I loved The Midnight Library. So much so, I read the book twice in pretty quick succession. It was the first book I recommended to the book club I used to host at work.

Earlier this year, Matt Haig published a sequel to this novel The Midnight Train. Full of high expectations, I eagerly added this to my reading list for 2026. It can only be as good as The Midnight Library, right?

Well, my concern is that reviews on this book or mixed. There are some that love it, and there are some who, maybe like me, had high expectations and found it fell short. Do I worry I will fall in that category? Yes, actually. I have a very high expectations for The Midnight Train based on The Midnight Library, and Im not sure it can live up to it.

Does that mean I shouldnt give it a go? No. Absolutely not! Im still keen to pick up The Midnight Train and give us a go. Even if it doesnt live up to The Midnight Library, I think this book can be full of life lessons to make us consider what is important to us and make changes here and now that Wilbur never got the chance to.

Thanks for checking out todays First Lines Friday! Have you read The Midnight Train? 

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Sunday Summary – 25th January 2026

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Were fast approaching the end of January. In terms of reading, the month has flown and this Sunday Summary has plenty of reading progress to share!

Before I get to that though, I always like to start my Sunday Summary by sharing what else Ive published this week. On my blog, I published my review of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow and a Shelf Control featuring a psychological thriller coming up on my TBR.

On YouTube, I shared my 2026 Highly Anticipated Reads and another review – this time for my first read of the year, Orbital.

 

Books Read

Notes on a Nervous Planet

A little discouraged after trying and DNF’ing The Courage to be Disliked last week, I instead chose to pick up a non-fiction self-help by an author I have read before. Thankfully, I already owned a copy of Notes on a Nervous Planet, so picking this up felt like a natural choice.

Unlike my previous experience with The Courage to be Disliked, I really got on with Notes on a Nervous Planet. A book by Matt Haig is a pretty safe bet, and after the disappointment of my first DNF last week, Im glad I found a self-help I got on with a lot more.

Notes on a Nervous Planet is a really interesting read; it is a collection of short notes grouped into topics about how and why different aspects of our modern world can impact our mental health. The book also includes recommendations on how to minimise those impacts. From everything like the impact of the news and the frequency of its availability to the consequences of modern technology, social media on self-perception, this book has a lot to say in a reasonable, approachable page count.

I actually read Notes on a Nervous Planet pretty quickly, finishing it in just a few days.

 

The Great Passage

Im coming to the end of listening to The Great Passage by Shion Miura. I have really enjoyed this audiobook. In particular, Ive enjoyed reading a book written about and featuring a completely different culture to that I am used to. When discussing my read of this book earlier today, I shared that as someone who reads a lot of western books, I really appreciate the differences that are apparent in terms of work ethic and general cultural norms.

The Great Passage is a very different book to read and thats why I chose it in audio format. Its made it a really easy listen, and its also a pretty short listen if youre considering picking up the book this way as well.

As of this Sunday Summary update, I have just forty minutes left of this audiobook! I imagine I’ll wrap this up early next week.

 

After the Forest

The final book I have read in part this week is After the Forest by Kell Woods. Im reading this book as a cottagecore fantasy prompt as part of the Cottagecore Fantasy Book Club run by cozysabie.

As of this Sunday Summary update, I have read a third of the book. Im really enjoying this fairytale spin-off so far. We are all familiar with the fairytale of Hansel and Gretel. After the Woods takes this one step further, but also includes some darker themes, including war, witchcraft, and in some aspects, the treatment and objectification of women.

I deliberately chose this book this month because I like a fairytale retelling. Im also reliably informed that the author has written another retelling, although sitting outside of the cottagecore sub genre. Nevertheless, depending on how progress continues with After the Woods, I may well pick that second book up of my own accord.

 

Books Discovered

My 2026 Highly Anticipated Reads video went live this week, so I can now share the books Ive added as part of that post. Two books in that video were already on my TBR – these are the new ones!

In addition, Ive added two more this week, Wild Dark Shore after seeing the book on Anna Carolina’s video and The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue, a new release by Zoulfa Katouh later this year. I discovered this book when writing my review of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, sadly after filming my 2026 Anticipated Releases video. Otherwise, Id have included it!

 

Coming Up

Some content next week shouldnt come as a surprise.

On Tuesday, Ive got a blog tour commitment for a short story collection I still need to read, Dark Chronicles. Its only 178 pages total. After this post goes live, Im pausing progress with After the Woods to read this ahead of publishing my review on Tuesday.

On Friday, Ive got another First Lines Friday post planned. So far, I havent got a theme in mind. Ill probably keep it open so I have full flexibility in what I feature. Hopefully I can still feature something a bit different.

On Saturday, well officially be at the end of January. Late on in the day, Ill share my monthly wrap-up and recap the reads I kicked off 2026 with. Heres hoping I get to the end (or close) of my January TBR ??

Finally, Ill be back with a Sunday Summary to recap the weeks progress at the end of next week. Here’s hoping for another successful week!

On YouTube, Im publishing my top 5 reads of 2025, as well as a review of my second read of January, Beyond Redemption. I hope you can check those out!

 

Summary

Thats the last of my updates in todays Sunday Summary.

Tell me about a book you read recently and whether you recommend it or not ?

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Top Ten Tuesday – Autumn 2024 TBR

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In todays Top Ten Tuesday post Im sharing my Autumn 2024 TBR. If you are unfamiliar with this series, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature post across various different topics. Whilst I dont take part every week, I have made a habit of taking part in the seasonal TBR posts. Theyre a great way to plan what books I want coming up on my TBR.

Thats especially so for me this month, as Im far more likely to seasonally read in autumn. I dont really know whats associated with Spring, but Im not a Summer romance reader or a cozy Christmas girl. Autumn though? Roll out the mystery, thriller and horror genres!

That said, Im not entirely a seasonal reader. This TBR is made up of six seasonal books which Im looking forward to picking up over the next few months. However, thats not the entirety of my focus and so there are four non-seasonal books that I am looking to pick up in the next three months.

Lets take a look!


Seasonal


The Outsider


You cant go wrong with a good Stephen King novel around October. In fact, I have two on this Top Ten Tuesday list. The first of those is The Outsider.

I dont know how he does it, but the atmosphere in Kings books fits perfectly with the dark, chilly nights drawing in. An aspect Im looking forward to in this book is that the story is made more unsettling by the crime being perpetrated against a child. Not that I would ever wish that on anybody, obviously. However, there is a sense of protectiveness for children that villainises anyone accused of crime against them. Its going to create even more tension in the book and I cant wait to see how the story pans out.


Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Its about time I got to one of the oldest books on my reading list, and the upcoming season will be the perfect time.

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children has been on my reading list since July 2017. Its been a long time since I added it and admittedly a while since I heard anything about the book.

However, I remember reading a lot of good things about it at the time I added it to my TBR. Thats why I added it after all! Im going into this book pretty blind as to what its about, but Im looking forward to giving it a try


Carrie

I always make an effort to pick up a King classic around Halloween, (called Hop tu Naa locally) and Carrie is this years choice.

Ive heard good reviews of the book in general terms, but I know for a fact my mum and dad also enjoyed the film adaptation. I have no experience of either given I dont really watch horror. For a classic, Im pretty ignorant of the synopsis other than it involves a young girl with telekinetic powers.

Lets hope in a couple of months time Im able to tell you more about the book than here in this Top Ten Tuesday!


The Burning Girls

Ive read a few books by CJ Tudor now and I have plenty more on my reading list. I love a good thriller, and autumn is the perfect time to read them.

The next on my list of CJ Tudors books is The Burning Girls. If I love the book as much as I expect, Ill be watching the recently made TV series as well. Im also a fan of cozying in and watching a little bit of telly when its miserable and cold outside. I may be a book woman, but I can be persuaded by a good drama now and then.


The Bone Collector

Another book that I feel has been on my reading list for a long time and would be perfect to pick up soon is The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver. I remember my sister picking up a copy of this book whilst she was at university. She graduated pre-pandemic

I have watched the drama released in 2020 relating to this book and I really enjoyed the character development of Lincoln Rhyme. As ever, Im always hopeful the book will build upon a TV adaptation so that the experience is more immersive and enjoyable overall (I hate being disappointed).

Lets keep my fingers crossed thats the case here.


Incendium


A book I didnt get to last year, but really want to read around bonfire night this year, is Incendium. Im a little bit gutted I didnt get to it last year as it wouldve been perfect reading in November. However, I realistically would only have been able to start the book at the very end of the month and that didnt feel quite right to me.

Instead, Im using this post as a reminder that I want to pick up this book in good time so that I will be reading this in November. Its also nice to include a book like this on my reading list as often autumnal seasonal reads are more associated with Halloween. Its fun to have another festival of sorts to read around.


Non-Seasonal


Children of Virtue and Vengeance


Whilst Im looking forward to picking up more books from the mystery/thriller/horror genres, my desire to pick up other books doesnt go away. Thats why there are non-seasonal reads on this Top Ten Tuesday. A book I recently featured in a Shelf Control post is Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi.

Its been a good few years since I picked up the first book of the series, Children of Blood and Bone. I want to continue with the series as I remember that book being a nice fun read. Itll also help towards my reading goal of continuing ongoing series versus starting new ones.


Alan Turing: The Enigma


Another reading goal I set myself in my 2024 Resolutions post was to continue with non-fiction reads. Along these lines, I want to pick up a non-fiction based on a pivotable individual in our history, Alan Turing.

If you are unfamiliar, Alan Turing is the man who built the computer that cracked the enigma code in World War II. Its because of him that we were able to intercept German communications and ultimately win the war. Thereafter he was influential in computer science and has had a significant role in building the foundations of our modern computers.

He also has quite a tragic personal life story, which I feel will be touched on in this book at some point.


The Squiggly Career


Im the type of person to believe that every day is a school day. Reading and exploring personal development isnt something to do in January, but all year round.

Earlier this year I read You Coach You, a book also written by the same authors. I really enjoyed that book and found it a useful guideline for both reading then but also future reference. I went on to buy a copy of You Coach You at the same time I acquired The Squiggly Career. I expect this will be a book I refer back to in years to come as well


Notes on a Nervous Planet


My last non-fiction book featured in this Top Ten Tuesday is Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig. Ive only read one book by Matt, The Midnight Library. However, I have read that book twice now and loved it on both occasions.

Based on my experience of that, I think Matt will have some quite poignant things to say in this non-fiction. Im looking forward to reading it and finding out for sure.


Summary

So, those are the books I intend to pick up within the next few months.

Thanks for reading todays Top Ten Tuesday! Are you a seasonal reader? Are you picking up any books from this TBR?

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Sunday Summary – 18th August 2024

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Its Sunday night again, so I can only be back with you for another Sunday Summary update! I hope youve all had a great week?

Ive shared my usual two posts so far with you this week. The first of those was my Favourite Books to Recommend discussion post which went live on Thursday. I shared books I love to recommend to others for a variety of reasons. If you want to find out more, or are looking for recommendations yourself take a look here!

The second post I shared was my First Lines Friday feature. In this weeks post I featured one of the two new additions to my TBR (which I share below). Take a look to find out which one and what its all about.


Books Read


The Power of Habit

Id temporarily put The Power of Habit on hold as I needed to finish The Midnight Library before Tuesday lunchtime. Once that was completed though, I got stuck back in and finished the book within a couple of days!

I enjoyed the different angles and examples of habit-building at individual, corporate and societal level. Some the examples also go to show that you can start to build habits in unanticipated ways – by starting small or looking at a habit that seems unrelated but has a knock on effect.


Breathtaking

My main audiobook listen this week was Breathtaking by Rachel Clarke. If you watched the four part TV series of the same name, it was inspired by this book.

As of last weeks Sunday Summary I was 60% into the book. This week, I made it to the finish! Its quite a short read or listen, but no less impactful. Whilst it didnt make me upset, it is a book of emotional ups and downs.

The perspective is told from that of a hospice nurse who volunteers part time to help on Covid wards between January and April 2020. In the grand scheme, it only covers the early pandemic. However, it is a good insight and commentary on the state of the NHS during one of its busiest periods to date.


The Midnight Library

My reading priority at the beginning of this week was to finish The Midnight Library ahead of our book club meeting on Tuesday.

As of last weeks Sunday Summary I was about 50% into the book. Its quite a short one, and familiar to me so therefore quick to read. I blitzed the last 50% on Sunday night and Monday so I was able to go to our meet fully prepared.

It was our first club meet and you know what? It went really well! We all enjoyed the book and had a great chat about it.


Wolves of the Calla

Im including Wolves of the Calla in this Sunday Summary so you know what Im reading in the next week or so. Ive only just started the prologue so I have nothing significant to report just that this is my next read!


Undoctored

Another book I feature in this post as Ive just started it is Undoctored. Ive only listened to the first half an hour, but its been a good listen.

Thats hardly unexpected! Adam Kay is funny and his humour is shining though already. Im looking forward to listening to more over the next week or so.


Books Discovered



Ive added two books to my reading list this week after I read about them and they caught my attention.

I was recommended Curious Tides on Threads by a fellow reader after asking for recommendations for books in the dark academia genre. This also blends with fantasy, so it sounds like a perfect type of book for me!

I read about The Memory Police in an article about translated books. The Memory Police was originally published in Japanese. I like the dystopian nature of the synopsis and Im intrigued if there are any cultural differences to the narrative given the difference in setting etc.

 

Coming Up

On Wednesday this week I plan to share my review of The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. I read this back in August 2022 and I cant wait to share my thoughts on this 5* read!

I would usually share three posts a week and have a regular Friday feature. However, as Im about to start studying for a qualification for work Im going to cut the blog schedule from three posts a week to two until thats done.

So, my next and last post of the week will be another Sunday Summary catch up. Will I feature as many books in next weeks post? Not likely – but Ill update you all the same.

Until then, happy reading and I hope to see you in the next post!

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Sunday Summary – 11th August 2024

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Good evening fellow readers and welcome to my Sunday Summary update for this week. I have a great week of reading progress and content sharing to cover with you. As regular readers will know, I always like to recap those before diving into the reads I picked up this week. Lets take a look at those now.

My first post of the week was a book review of Golden Son by Pierce Brown. Id originally held off reviewing the book as I had mixed feelings about it. My review was originally meant to go live on Wednesday but I ended up taking an extra day to edit and perfect it.

My next post went live on Friday and that was a Shelf Control post. In that post, I featured a young adult magical fantasy sequel that I really need to pick up soon. Its been a while since I started the series, lets just say that


Books Read


The Power of Habit

Reading progress on The Power of Habit started strong earlier this week. Over the course of the first half of the week I read another 80 pages, bringing me to around 180 in total.

I ended up temporarily putting this aside for another book as I need to have read that second one by Tuesday next week. As soon as thats done Ill be back to reading and finishing The Power of Habit.


The Other People

This week I made the final push on The Other People and finished this audiobook on Monday. In reality I had less to read before the end than I expected as the audiobook had a sample of another book on the end.

I enjoyed this story and how it all unfolded. I understand completely why The Other People is a favourite of mums. The storyline is gripping and full of revelations. I had a theory there was one more revelation to come about the Samaritan, and it became apparent who he was at the end!

If you enjoy mysteries or thrillers, I can strongly recommend The Other People.


Breathtaking

After completing The Other People I started listening to Breathtaking by Rachel Clarke.

A non-fiction about the Covid-19 pandemic may not be up everyones alley right now. Im sure it feels far too raw for some, but I was ready to read this hands-on experience.

Rachel is a hospice nurse who ends up volunteering to help in Covid-19 wards at her local hospital. In the 60% of the audio Ive listened to so far, we see her and other medical professionals perspective of the pandemic unfolding and how the NHS transforms to meet the crisis head on.

Im really enjoying this audio so far. The fact Ive listened to so much in one week testifies that! I hope to finish this over the next week, so stay tuned to see if I do.


The Midnight Library

Ive temporarily put The Power of Habit on hold so I can re-read The Midnight Library ahead of book club on Tuesday. As of this Sunday Summary Im 148 pages, or 51% through.

As Ive already read the book before its been a breeze so far. I had also been told its better second time around, and so far I agree!

I have more to read before that chat on Tuesday with my work colleagues, so Im going to spend less time talking about it here so I can get back to reading it ? Ill give you the details in next weeks Sunday Summary.


Books Discovered

Im on a good run here as I havent bought any books or added anything to my reading list in about a month now! Given that last haul was about 14 books though, I still have some way to go on the buying ban yet!


Coming Up

Mid next week I intend to share my first post of the week. In that post, Ill be collating my favourite books to recommend to readers and why!

On Friday Ill be back with a First Lines Friday post! Im not setting myself any particular goal or challenge for this post. Im keeping it entirely open so I have full freedom of choice on the book I select.

Last, but not least, Ill be back with another Sunday Summary update this time next week. Find out where Im up to with my latest reads in that post!

Until then, have a fabulous week however you spend it and I look forward to seeing you in the next one!

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Monthly TBR – August 2024

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Im excited to share my upcoming reading list in this monthly TBR post. I always look forward to planning my reading and sharing the fantastic books Ive got coming up on my blog.

This months list looks a little longer, but I also have some shorter than average reads. Do I think Ill complete this TBR by the end of the month? Unlikely. However, Im going to try and stretch myself as always!

Shall we get into this monthly TBR and take a look at whats coming up?


Fixed Reads


The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit is a carryover from July, but Im already a good way through this relatively short book.

This book weighs in at just under 300 pages. Its quite an easy read too, so I should fly through the remainder of it.

So far Im enjoying the easy writing style, multiple interwoven anecdotes and threads to explain and reiterate the authors points. Im hopeful that I can learn from this book and have the ability to be more mindful and influential of my own habits in future.


The Other People

My only other carryover this month is my audiobook listen of The Other People by C.J. Tudor.

Im even closer to completion with this book. Im now about 80% done and eager to get to the end and see how the story comes together. Ive only got just over 2 hours listening time to go; Im going to try and finish it before the weekend!


The Midnight Library

My last fixed read of August is a re-read of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

There is a new book club at work and this is the selected read. Were meeting to discuss it on the 13th, so Ill be getting a wiggle on with it. Thankfully its only a short one, and not a new story to me. It shouldnt take long to read, and Ive heard its better second time around!


Mood Reads

A lot of this monthly TBR has been set with my 2024 reading goals in mind. If you want to recap what those are, check out my Resolutions post I shared in January.


Wolves of the Calla

The first of the books on this TBR which aims to continue/complete series is Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King.

Wolves of the Calla is the fifth book in his The Dark Tower series. Im enjoying the series so far, although I didnt expect the last book, Wizard and Glass, to be on as much of a tangent from the current storyline as it was. Im hoping we pick up where we left off and the context we learn in the prior book makes sense in this next instalment!

Wolves of the Calla is the longest book on this reading list at a whopping 800 pages. Depending on how I go, I may end up reading this in tandem with other books and take a little longer to work my way through it. Ill make a start and see how I get on!


Defiant

The second series related book I plan to pick up is Defiant by Brandon Sanderson. Its the final book of the Skyward series and the only book I didnt get to on my July TBR.

I think finishing this series will be bittersweet. Ive loved it so far and of course I want to know how it all comes together. At the same time, I suspect Ill be sad at the same time that once Ive read it, its done. Finito.

Its a good job there are plenty more Sanderson books I havent read yet, right?!


Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

I featured Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon in my last First Lines Friday post and I am so intrigued by the beginning that its inspired me to read it. As a bonus, it contributes to my reading goal of more non-fiction.

I love A Game of Thrones and everything about it! The series as it is, all the backstory and lore and now (with any luck at least), the behind the scenes of filming the TV show.

Its very unlike anything Ive read before, so it will be something entirely new to me!


Undoctored

Having read two of Adam Kays books already (This is Going to Hurt and Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas), Im looking forward to picking up.

My experience of his books so far is that he is great at combining an interesting non-fiction topic with lots of humour. If non-fiction isnt normally your cup of tea, I would strongly recommend you trying this anyway. Adams humour goes along way towards making these books both fun and an emotional rollercoaster. When reading both of his prior books I could be laughing one minute and crying the next.

He has a very candid way of expressing himself and really highlighting where there are major problems with the national health services in the UK through his own experience.


Breathtaking

Another medical based non-fiction book I plan to pick up in August is Breathtaking. For some people, the pandemic may be just a little too recent to read about. However, Ive never wanted to shy away from such a difficult subject.

If you watched the TV documentary of the same name, I have every reason to believe that you would like this book also. It is because I watched that four part series that I realised it was based on a book. Naturally, I added it to my reading list.

Its a relatively short book, so it should be quite a quick read. Its a topic I also find compelling even though it is an event in all of our lives that has changed the way we live.


Summary

I have a fair bit of variety in this monthly TBR and Im looking forward to picking up each and every book. Whilst the list is on the side of ambitious, Im hopeful I can make as much progress as possible in the coming weeks. They all sound like great books and Ill share them with you in my upcoming Sunday Summary posts to let you know how Im getting on.

Have you read any of the books on this monthly TBR? Would you recommend any of them to myself and/or fellow readers?

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