Tag: romantasy

Sunday Summary – 9th August 2026

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

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

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

Books Read 

Empire of Storms 

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

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

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

Tower of Dawn 

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

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

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

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

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

Books Discovered

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

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

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

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

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

Blog

So, what content am I pushing out next week? 

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

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

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

Summary 

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

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

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Monthly TBR – August 2026

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

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

Carryovers from July

Empire of Storms

Goodreads

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

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

Katabasis

Goodreads

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

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

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads

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

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

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

Readalong and Blog Tours

Tower of Dawn

Goodreads

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

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

The Knife Maker of Venice

Goodreads

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

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

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

Dungeons and Dimwits

Goodreads

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

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

The Other Life of Mary English

Goodreads

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

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

2026 Releases / TBR Returns

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

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

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

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

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

Julia

Goodreads 

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

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

And a final mood read…

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

Goodreads 

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

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

Summary

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

What are you reading this summer? 

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Monthly Wrap-Up – July 2026

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

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

Books Read

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads Link

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

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

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

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

Katabasis

Goodreads Link 

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

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

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads Link 

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

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

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

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads Link 

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

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

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

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads Link 

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

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

Empire of Storms

Goodreads Link 

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

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

Summary

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

How is your summer reading going? 

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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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My May 2026 TBR… It’s LONG!

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When planning my May 2026 TBR, I knew I wanted a fresh start. After a lacklustre reading month in April (see my April wrap-up if you want the low-down on that…), I’m hoping a clean slate is the key to getting my reading groove back. 

I have some reading obligations as well, so the deadlines will also go a long way to spurring me on. I have two blog tours, as well as kicking myself up the bum to get my Throne of Glass read-alongs back on track.

Beyond that, I’ve let my brand new, refreshed TBR Jar decide the rest! It pulled out some chunky books, and I confess I tossed one back as it tried to give me a 1,100 pager after already tossing me a couple of 700 pagers. The genres I’m reading this month span horror, thriller, historical fiction, non-fiction, as well as my favourite, fantasy. One epic fantasy sequel as well I’m excited to get to ?

Enough teasing, I’ll get stuck in with my obligations first, then I’ll highlight my TBR Jar picks.

 

Carryovers from April/Reading Obligations 

Why We Get Sick

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

At the end of April, I started listening to the audiobook Why We Get Sick by Benjamin Bikman. I started this book as I have an interest in the subject, in particular the biological level of detail insulin resistance has on cells. 

I didn’t have a book like this on my TBR. Rather, it’s a topic I have wanted to learn about personally. Leaning into a complete change and effectively scrapping my TBR, I hoped picking up a book totally unrelated to my April TBR would give me the fresh start I needed. 

As of the end of April, it was working! In fact, this book features on my May 2026 TBR as I finished the book in May – yes – it’s already done ? It’s the best of starts I could hope for when it comes t my May TBR – long may it continue… 

 

Crown of Midnight

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

Crown of Midnight is a carryover from my April TBR and my current read as of this May 2026 TBR. 

My read-along for Sarah J Maas hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts. The fault is entirely mine – I’m not prioritising it enough. That changes this month. Not only am I immediately prioritising down of Midnight to catch up on my being behind, but I will be following up with the sequel immediately. 

I’ll also plan ahead to set myself goals so that I DO actually read-along over the course of the month, as opposed to just playing catch up at the end which is what’s happened three times now. I’m going to go and do that on Storygraph and Fable after this post goes live. I’ll havens excuse then, right?! 

 

Heir of Fire

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

As above, once Crown of Midnight is finished I’m jumping into the first part of Heir of Fire right away. Compared to the earlier books in the series, Heir of Fire is longer. Compare 400-and-something pages for those first two books to nearly 600 in Heir of Fire. 

I can’t catch up with that too late. I need to keep on top of this one… 

Watch this space and hold me accountable friends!

 

The Eagle Will Rise

Goodreads

Amazon Purchase Link

The first of my blog tour obligations this month is The Eagle will Rise by M.J. Porter. I signed up to this tour as I’m a big fan of the author’s Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. We also have some character overlap in this book, although the circumstances are very different in this new series. 

I’m excited to see where this takes us. I know what to expect in terms of writing style from M.J. Porter, and I’m keen to explore a new plot in a similar setting to that already established in Eagle of Mercia. 

Will I enjoy this one as much as I hope? Only time will tell, but I am optimistic! 

 

Witch Hunt

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My second commitment is an audiobook tour. I don’t do these often, but I’m excited to get stuck in! 

When it comes to listening to audiobooks, I’m typically slower than reading conventionally. So, with that in mind, I’m going to jump in the gap finishing When We Get Sick has created and start Witch Hunt now. My review obligation isn’t until early June. However, in order to listen to this book in sufficient time, I’ve popped it onto this May 2026 TBR. 

What piqued my interest for this book? Its association with witchcraft and being set around Pendle Hull of course. It’s a take on the narrative I haven’t explored for a while. It’s also modern mystery/police procedural type book which is a change on what I’ve read and listened to lately. I’m keen to give this a try and let you know what I thought soon. 

 

May 2026 TBR picks

Moving on, I then pulled four books out of my refreshed TBR Jar. I had filtered out around 30-40 books I had read or removed from my TBR, but then added the latest books that were not in the jar. The net effect was more to pull from the jar, but all up-to-date at least. The paper I used was different this time, so I can visually see old vs new entries. I aimed for two of each; that way I can target some older books, but also deliberately mix in some newer ones to keep things fresh. 

Here’s what I pulled! 

 

Don’t Fix Women: The Practical Path to Gender Equality at Work

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The first book that came out of the jar was kind. It was one of the newer additions to the jar. At 266 pages, it fits well with the overall size of my TBR. Pity the next three books I pulled didn’t agree with the sentiment… 

Don’t Fix Women is about fixing imbalances in the current workforce. Will this book have the most practical applications for me? Well, aside from being a women, I don’t have much in the way of power at my company. I’m not HR. However, I’ll advocate as much as I can and if I find practical advice here I think we could adopt, I’ll absolutely speak up. 

It should make for an interesting read nonetheless. I do enjoy some feminist reading now and then! 

 

The Great Hunt

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The next book I pulled from the jar was also a new book to the jar. I started a read of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series with The Eye of the World in late 2024. It’s about time I got the sequel anyway, and the jar made that call for me. 

The Great Hunt comes in at just over 700 pages. It’s not a short read, but it does lean into one of my favourite genres of all time – epic fantasy. I’m looking forward to jumping back to the life and fate of Rand al’Thor. If I had left it too mcc longer, I’d be trying to recall what happened in the first book and I would struggle to pick this up again. As much as this is a long read, I think it’s a bit of a blessing in disguise that it came out now. 

 

Sleeping Beauties

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After pulling two ‘new’ reads, I then targeted slips that have been in my jar since I first put it together. Sleeping Beauties has been on my TBR since January 2018. I also have a copy on my bookshelves, but I’m not sure if I have owned it as long as that or not. The spine is pretty faded from exposure to the sun, so it’s quite possible! 

Sleeping Beauties also comes in a fraction over 700 pages. Not a short read either, but one I’m excited to try. It’s also a bit feminist in nature, as well as overlapping with horror/thriller and fantasy for the plot line. A unique mix I’m keen to try! 

 

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

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This last book is actually the second draw from the jar. My first pick that came out was The Weird. Not problem, I thought initially, as I had a hunch it was a collection of short stories. That it is, but the whole volume comes in at 1,100 pages. No way was that going to be feasible. So, I’m being honest here and declaring that’s what the jar give me, but I tossed it back in so I could make a second draw. 

That second draw was a far more approachable Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon. At 450 pages, this is still somewhat achievable. This May 2026 TBR already has a sizeable page count, so it’s debatable if I’ll get to this one. However, I’ll use access to audio copies of book where I can, maybe even library loans  for books I don’t have. 

I’m really motivated to pick this up as it’s about one of my favourite TV series (based on books) of all-time – A Game of Thrones! If that’s not incentive to get through the rest of my May 2026 TBR to finish here, then I don’t know what is. 

 

That’s plenty enough to get on with for my May 2026 TBR. What are you reading? 

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Monthly Wrap-Up: April 2026

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***Today’s monthly-wrap-up contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

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

April should have been another productive month. Again, I set myself an ambitious TBR. However, a busy period at work, combined with stagnating on a re-read, meant progress stalled in April. It’s a shame – I’d been on a good run. At least I had a head start so I’m not behind after this month’s progress. Even so, I’m a little disappointed I didn’t pick up more reads this month. 

Let’s take a look at the books I picked up, and how I got on… 

 

Books Read 

Storm of Mercia

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Storm of Mercia was a priority read, given I had a review obligation for the book on 2nd April. 

Thankfully, I’m the kind of girl who thrives on a deadline. I started the book just a few days before the end of March and still read close up to the deadline. However, my already established love of the series meant this was easy for me to pick up and get invested in. 

As I’ve already reviewed this book on my blog, I’m not going to go too heavy into my thoughts on this book here. Instead, I’ll point you to that review if you are a fan of action-based historical fiction with political aspects to the underlying storyline. 

 

The Astral Library

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My next carryover from March was my audio listen of The Astral Library. In my March wrap-up post, I shared that I didn’t have a lot left to go. 

Unsurprisingly, I finished this book in just a few days of the new month. I was invested into the narrative and events of the book were already coming to a head. Naturally, I had every inclination to get to this and see how the book finished. This was an easy book to prioritise and finish! It’s a pity the rest of the month didn’t follow through with this pace… 

 

1984

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I started my April TBR already 33% into 1984 by George Orwell. I had to set this book aside in order to pick up my reading obligations – Rose Red, then Storm of Mercia. 

Firstly, the near month break I took between putting down and returning to this book wasn’t ideal. Combine that with a break from reading in general due to doing overtime at work, and tiredness after that, meant I was slow to get going again. Knowing how the book ended, there wasn’t much excitement or incentive for me to pick it up either. 

So, long story short, I was slow to pick this back up again. However, towards the end of the month I found my motivation again and finished 1984. Despite the lack of speed, I still enjoyed this one. I’m also keen to pick up the retelling Julia shortly. I’m ready for a slight change of perspective, and it should offer a refreshing change. 

 

Onyx and Ivory

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One of the books I pulled out of my TBR jar in my March TBR video is Onyx and Ivory. This YA fantasy romance was the final book I pulled from the jar, yet equally was the only one I got to this month. 

And you know what, it didn’t land perfectly. I knew it was a stretch, being YA fantasy. In other circumstances, I might have gotten on with it. However, listening to this audiobook coincided with my slow patch of 1984. That didn’t help, so in the end, I decided to pick up a fresh audiobook. After that, I didn’t have the inclination to return. I gave myself a deadline of the end of April to return to this. I didn’t, so I’ll call it a DNF. 

 

Looking at Women Looking At War: A War and Justice Diary

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It’s a good job this girl thrives on a deadline. Despite my intentions to start this book in plenty of time before it was due back to my local library on Monday, I only started it last Saturday. Needless to say, I was on the clock to finish the book. 

Most of Monday lunchtime was spent finishing the book. I had hoped I could take the book back after 5pm, but unfortunately the library shut then. So, a rocket was firmly up mine to get the book finished… but you know what, I did it! 

Looking at Women Looking At War was a really interesting read, so it wasn’t difficult to prioritise this read. It was also unusual to read a book that’s shaping currency events./ It barely counts as history, but it had that vibe. The circumstances of the author’s work, and terrible passing, meant that the book wasn’t finished. It was odd to read a book in which the author’s unedited notes have to stand as the content. But, it brings home what happened and the level of work Amelia was going to in order to document the war crimes and make sure those harmed by the Russians get their justice. 

Looking at Women Looking At War is a very different book to those I’ve read lately, and it landed well! Of all the books on this monthly wrap-up, it’s the book I enjoyed the most! 

 

Crown of Midnight

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I’m carrying forward two books into May – my readalong of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. Starting this book was later than intended, but I have somewhat of a schedule to maintain. So, whilst I’m a bit late in getting started, as of this monthly wrap-up post, it is my priority read. 

As of this monthly wrap-up post, I’m 14% into Crown of Midnight. I’ve enjoyed the start of this book so far, and it has been easy to get back into it. There’s enough ties to events from the previous book that the story is cohesive and I understand where I’m up to. However, already there are hints of new events that are going to unfold in this latest instalment. I’m keen to get stuck in, so watch for some speedy progress with Crown of Midnight in the coming days.

 

Why We Get Sick

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Finally, I started Why We Get Sick as a break from Onyx and Ivory. Although not on my TBR, I have a personal motive to listen to this audiobook. 

I’m trying to learn about insulin resistance and the effects it has on people. I have signs of insulin resistance myself, and I’ve stagnated in trying to lose weight. In order to find this book, I sought the recommendation of a book that goes into the biology of insulin resistance and how to reverse it. I used ChatGPT to seek out the recommendation. So far, it’s interesting and engaging whilst also giving the detail I wanted. 

Looking at everything from brain, heart and reproductive health to illnesses like cancer, the book covers the links to insulin resistance. Later in the book, I get to explore more about how insulin resistance comes about and what I can do about it. I’m hopeful this will also be a quick read and help end the slump I experienced in April. 

 

Summary 

So, all in all, April wasn’t the reading month I hoped for. However, all is not lost. I’m still two books ahead of schedule to meet my 60 books in 2026 reading goal. My current reads are also well received, so let’s hope they are the remedy I need to get progress in May off to a great start! 

Thanks for sticking with me in this monthly wrap-up. I’m not giving myself a break, and May’s upcoming TBR isn’t going to let up any. Onwards and upwards! 

What did you read in April?  

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Sunday Summary – 19th April 2026

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Good evening, friends! We’re back with another Sunday Summary update. In last week’s Sunday Summary, I didn’t have too much to report. I was doing overtime at work and generally had a lot on my plate outside of the blog. 

This week, that’s thankfully not the case. However, I think I’ve gone from one extreme to the other. There’s still not a lot of reading progress, though thankfully some, because I’ve enjoyed downtime in other ways. I’ve played a lot of Minecraft on my Switch this week… Then, today, I had to take advantage of great weather (not frequent here!) to have a good tidy up of the gardens. 

I did post my review of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine earlier this week – it’s my one claim to productivity this week…

 

Books Read

1984

As of this Sunday Summary, I’m still reading 1984. I’ve read a little bit of the book this week, but only a handful of pages so far. However, I will be making a good push towards finishing this book this evening. I’ve had a busy day today, so I’m not doing much tonight otherwise ?

 

Onyx and Ivory 

I’ve made more progress with Onyx and Ivory.

This week, I’ve listened to three and a half hours of the book. I’ve picked it up on more than one occasion, which makes it an improvement on 1984 so far… 

I’m enjoying the book and the conflict points that are starting to unfold in the book. It’s definitely YA, but the relationship conflict between Kate and Corwin isn’t taking away from the world-building and wider fantasy world, but rather adding to it. 

 

Books Discovered

 

This week, I’ve been asked to pick up a book called The Poison Daughter by a colleague, Suzanne. She says she has thoughts on the book and wants someone to chat with it about! 

And you know what, that’s fair enough – I’m cool to give it a try as I love having someone to yak about it with afterwards ?

 

Coming Up… 

Blog

Next week, I’m looking forward to sharing a list of popular titles I’ve DNF’d (‘Did Not Finish’) in my time reading and blogging, and why I didn’t get on with them. 

Next on the list, I’m going back to my usual Friday schedule with a First Lines Friday post. It’s been a little while since I’ve shared one of these, so I’m looking forward to returning with this next week. 

Last, but by no means least, I’m back next week for another Sunday Summary catch-up. I hoped last week for more progress next week… guess that’s carried forward ?

 

YouTube

I still have a couple of shorts I can post on YT; I didn’t do them this week for some reason! I tried to plan and record a long video today, but didn’t get there in time. I’ll do it this week to maybe post towards the end of next week. 

 

Summary 

So, again this Sunday Summary leaves me hoping for better progress next week. Now I’ve had a good rest from last week, it’s time to get back into the typical routine. 

Now, I’m off to bury my head in 1984. What are you reading? 

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Sunday Summary – 12th April 2026

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This Sunday Summary comes after a busy week, but admittedly, I’ve been busy doing pretty much everything but reading and blogging. Working in the sector I do, quarter end is incredibly busy for me. Combine that with being generally short staffed in March, and then short deadlines this week, it’s been mental. Unfortunately, I’ve had to put in a good few hours of overtime in the last couple of weeks. Whilst I will get that back, it’s meant that I’ve spent a lot of time this week doing non-blog related work. 

On top of that, I wasn’t well at the beginning of the week either. When it rains, it pours and all that… 

Whilst I did manage to get my draft of my book review for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine started, it needs more work. I also didn’t even get the chance to think about later posts this week. So, needless to say, my plans for the week just gone will be rolled forward. I’ll try to get those posts out this week instead. Now my close deadlines are passed, next week should be a return to normal.

Hope I haven’t just jinxed myself… 

 

Books Read

1984

It shouldn’t be a surprise that this Sunday Summary instalment is light on reading updates. Thankfully, I picked up 1984 today for the first time in several days. 

However, progress is pretty meagre so my hopes to finish this book this week have been moved on next week now as well… 

 

Onyx and Ivory 

Listing progress with Onyx and Ivory is also pretty slim. As of this Sunday Summary, I listened to a total of 45 minutes of this audiobook on Monday this week… ?

Don’t get me wrong, if you don’t listen to audiobooks very much, that’s probably great progress for some. However, I know I can do a lot better. So, I plan to get back to normal and start trying to listen a little bit more regularly. 

The brain fog this week with not switching off properly from work got to me. I usually listen whilst commuting, but I was that desperate for brain space I was driving in silence, or listening to music I was familiar with, just to try and switch off. 

 

Books Discovered 

You know I’ve been busy when I haven’t even had the time to discover a new book or two! Quite often have an addition here – it probably says a lot if I haven’t even had the chance to see anything I fancy picking up to read! 

 

Coming Up… 

Blog

On the blog, I’ll finish that review of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and get that out next week. I got the review at least halfway drafted, so hopefully not too much effort to make this happen next week!

Later in the week, I’m also rolling forward my planned nine-year anniversary post. It’s later this month, so I have some leeway here. 

Finally, I can only hope for a more productive reading week and have lots of updates for next week’s Sunday Summary.

 

YouTube

Thankfully, have a couple of shorts already recorded I can post. I’ll also potentially record some on the fly. However, this week content will be a little bit more chaotic. I don’t have a long form video, but I’m sure the channel will live for a week without… 

 

Summary 

Fingers crossed for a more productive Sunday Summary next week! At least this week’s Sunday Summary instalment being short means I can enjoy a relaxing shower and get back to 1984 tonight before bed. 

Then, it’s a brand new week! Here’s to a more relaxed one – what books have you lined up to read next week? 

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Sunday Summary – 5th April 2026

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

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

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

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

 

Books Read

Storm of Mercia

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

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

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

 

The Astral Library

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

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

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

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

 

Onyx and Ivory 

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

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

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

 

1984

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

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

 

Books Discovered

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

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

 

Coming Up… 

Blog

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

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

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

 

YouTube

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

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

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

 

Books

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

 

 

 

Summary 

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

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

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

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