Tag: sci-fi

Sunday Summary – 1st November 2026

Posted on November 1, 2026November 1, 2026 by fantasyst95

This week has gone fast! I’ve enjoyed a bit of a blogging holiday this week, so today’s Sunday’s Summary is my first and last post of the week. It’s been for a reason. My last few Sunday Summary updates have been light on reading progress. In an attempt to rectify that and tick off some completions before the end of the month, I chose to suspend posting so I could focus on reading. And, it has been a productive change. I have enjoyed other things as well, but you’ll see the difference in the updates I share in this Sunday Summary.

Books Read

Kingdom of Ash

After weeks of only making an hour or so of progress, I have made a concerted push with Kingdom of Ash today. Whilst I am not quite at the finish line, as of today’s Sunday Summary I have a fraction less than 3 hours left. It’s helped getting back into the habit of listening to audiobooks on the way home from work, as well as having a weekend at home. I’ve been out of routine and that hurt audiobook progress.

This weekend alone, I’ve listened to over 5 hours and I’m getting to the exciting conclusion. It’s inspired me to quickly wrap-up Kingdom of Ash so I can appreciate the ending fully. I feel there are some surprises to come yet, so looking forward to seeing how what looks like the final battle will play out!

The Language of Liars

A relatively short read on my October TBR is The Language of Liars. With the hopes of a quick read and the motivation from the completion, I finally started (and finished) this book this week.

At 160 odd pages, it was the quick win I needed. Not only that, but it was a fantastic read as well. For the short page count, it was impactful and an interesting mash-up of sci-fi and espionage plot with a linguistic and cultural heart.

Honestly, The Language of Liars is a bit of a different read. It’s exactly what I needed!

Get 20% off Your First Demon This Halloween

A little behind schedule, I started Get 20% off Your First Demon This Halloween today. It’s still seasonal, and I always read spooky season books after the event 😂

This book is one I am reading for the purpose of providing a review. It also leans into slightly different genres compared to my usual. Paranormal meets satire as victims seek their own karma/justice. I can’t comment too much on this one yet; I’ve only just started it. My plans are to continue reading this one tonight and over the coming days. It’s another relatively short book. At 255 pages, it should also give me a quick win boost and set November off to a great start.

Books Discovered

Technically, I did purchase a book this week. However, it is a cookbook, so not really the type you’d pick up cover to cover 😅 that doesn’t count then, right?

On the plus side, I’m hopeful I can start cooking Western Chinese takeout meals at home soon. And, I used a voucher, so it didn’t hit my wallet…

Coming Up…

What I’m Reading…

Next week has to be a better reading week. I have deadlines. So, here’s the plan in order of priority:-

100% need to finish the audiobook of Kingdom of Ash 👑
Start my next audiobook, Metabolical
Continue Get 20% off Your First Demon This Halloween
Continue Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Start Dungeon Crawler Carl

Blog

Given a week of better progress, I’m going to phase myself back into blog content next week. My plan is to go slow though. I’m currently busy at work and I’m conscious there may be at least one late night early next week. So, unless I have a good day tomorrow I likely won’t post until Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest.

It’s the penultimate month of the year! Naturally, I’m due to share my monthly wrap-up for October and my November TBR this week. I’ll try to get my monthly wrap-up out tomorrow as it isn’t going to be that long a post. Progress has been slow 😂 Otherwise, Wednesday or Thursday for that.

Depending on the timing of October’s monthly wrap-up, I’ll publish my November TBR as soon as I can after that. I’ve got plenty of books I’ve not got to so far this year. Some of those will likely end up on the list, alongside two final blog tour obligations for 2026.

Last, but by no means least, my next Sunday Summary goes live at the end of the week. Fingers crossed my run of good reading progress continues, or maybe even improves? I can only hope so anyway!

Summary

Thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary update! What have you been reading this week? Have you got any books you are trying to prioritise before the end of 2026?

Monthly TBR – July 2026

Posted on July 4, 2026July 4, 2026 by fantasyst95

I�ve really had to reign myself in with my July TBR. A theme of every reading list I have set myself so far this year is that the list is a long one, and I don�t get to do every book on it.

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

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

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

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

Let�s dive in!

Carryovers from June

The Pillars of the Earth

Goodreads

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

It�s this book that tripped me up in June. When I started it, I set out with the intention to read just over 40 pages a day. That would have seen me to the end of this book. However, I can�t always read every day. That means very quickly you can get behind, and I let this mindset get in my way of making the progress I could and ultimately I stopped reading this book towards the end of June.�

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

Katabasis

Goodreads

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

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

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

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads

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

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

Reading Obligations

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads

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

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

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads

My next tour follows just three days after House of Twisted Shadows. So, I need to get my skates on. I�ve often said that having a reading deadline helps motivate me. Whilst that didn�t especially help me last month, this time it�s a bit different in that I would be letting somebody else down rather than just myself.

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

Duel of Beasts

Goodreads

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

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

2026 Releases

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

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

I�ve come to love Matt Haig�s writing. However, I�m a little apprehensive of this book given I�ve read less favourable reviews of this latest book. Still, I won�t know for definite until I pick it up for myself. Nevertheless, I want to give it a go and see if I agree or have my own opinions��

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

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

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

Summary

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

What new release have you read recently?

Sunday Summary – 14th June 2026

Posted on June 14, 2026 by fantasyst95

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

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

My first post of the week was in response to news that some libraries in the UK are effectively being censored by the councils running them. Here�s my thoughts on why I don�t agree with that. Later this week, I shared a First Lines Friday. This week�s book is a non-fiction book on my physical unread TBR. It�s topical at the moment given it addresses recently available technology.�

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

Books Read

Project Hail Mary

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

In the grand scheme, I finished this pretty quickly. I was really invested in learning the ending of the book. One aspect I really loved as well was the nerdy science that occurs naturally throughout the narrative. It�s very clear a lot of time and effort went into the research of the book. Although I haven�t read any books by Andy Weir before this one, Project Hail Mary sold me on his books. You�ll see just how much when I get to TBR additions later��

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

The Pillars of the Earth

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

I typically spend weekends at home, with maybe a couple of short errands out and about. However, I wasn�t home most of the day yesterday and that impacted my reading time. Whilst I do read a little at the hairdressers, it�s nowhere near the quality reading time I get at home as it�s busy. Plus, I usually end up yacking with everyone there.�

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

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

Queen of Shadows

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

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

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

I�m invested in the series and where events are going to take us next. What happens to Celaena returning to Adarlan? I can�t wait to find out!�

Books Discovered

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

Told you I�ve made up for recent good behaviour, didn�t I?!�

Coming Up��

What I�m Reading��

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

Blog

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

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

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

YouTube

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

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

Summary�

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

What have you read this weekend?

Sunday Summary – 7th June 2026

Posted on June 7, 2026 by fantasyst95

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

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

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

Books Read

Heir of Fire

In last week�s Sunday Summary, I shared hopes to finish Heir of Fire after publishing that weekly update. Well, good news, friends – I did! And you know what, it wasn�t too late either. I maybe went to bed around 00:20. A bit later than usual (although that used to be my normal�).

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

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

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

Well, I made pretty light work of it, if I�m honest. The office was quieter than usual this week with many people opting to WFH. Locally, we�ve been hosting the TT this week. Whilst I can�t say we had the best of luck with weather and red flags delaying and/or calling off the races, the disruption meant many opted to stay at home and avoid the traffic and general disruption.�

I, however, went into the office. I make no secret of the fact I don�t like WFH and so I continued to go in. As it was so quiet though, and I had some repetitive work to do, I was able to listen to Somewhere Beyond the Sea at the same time.�

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

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

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

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

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

Project Hail Mary

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

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

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

The Pillars of the Earth

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

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

Books Discovered

This week has given the type of progress I can only hope for – several books off the TBR and no new additions! It doesn�t happen very often, let�s be honest.�

Coming Up��

What I�m Reading��

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

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

Blog

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

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

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

YouTube

Today I recorded two review videos for next week. I want to be sure I don�t get behind. So, next week I�m sharing my thoughts on the second book of my Throne of Glass readalong, Crown of Midnight.�

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

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

Summary�

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

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

Sunday Summary – 31st May 2026

Posted on May 31, 2026 by fantasyst95

Somehow we�re at the end of another week� and the end of May! How has it gone this fast? In my latest Sunday Summary, I catch you up on the books I�ve made progress with this week and what content I�ve shared. As well, I update you on one book I�ve added to my TBR this week, and finally, what to expect coming up over the next seven days. Buckle up and get comfortable!�

First, let�s recap content I�ve shared this week. On the blog, I shared a Top Ten Tuesday in which I featured My Favourite Reads by My Favourite Authors. On Friday, I shared my latest Shelf Control post, looking at an upcoming historical fiction on my TBR with a strong female lead.�

Over on YouTube, I published two videos for your entertainment. The first of those was a book review of a book I read back in February – Grace by A.M. Shine. If you enjoy Gothic horror with an Irish mythology twist, or at least the idea of that, go check out that post! Yesterday, I then published My Must-Read Recommendations. If you want a feel for my reading taste, as well as a chance to get some varied book recommendations, go check out that video!�

I�ve also published my Sunday Summary video equivalent of this post, if you want to take a look at that.�

Books Read

Heir of Fire

I�m on a mission to finish Heir of Fire before I turn in tonight. This morning, I started off at 63% progress in the book (compared to 20% as of last week�s Sunday Summary). Right now, around 8 p.m. as I�m drafting this post, I�m 81% in. The action is KICKING OFF – I�m 100% finishing this book tonight if it�s the last thing I do. I�m hooked, keen to find out not only how this book ends, but also how it queues up the next book. Where do we go from here?�

For a series I didn�t anticipate enjoying, I�m getting on well with it. Sometimes getting into the books is a little slow, but once all the plot points start to come together, I find the books easy to run with.�

I�m also set on finishing Heir of Fire tonight so I�m on time with my own readalong, for once! I�ve been running late the whole time so far. The books get even longer after this one, so I can�t afford to run late.

Wish me luck on finishing this one tonight – my final motivator is that my library loan is due back tomorrow��

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Over the course of this week, I�ve listened to around 45% of Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Add that to the 33% progress I was at last week, and you can see I�m nearly done with this audiobook.�

You may recall in last week�s Sunday Summary that this lines up with what I wanted to achieve. I�m reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea in the hopes it qualifies for the Goodreads Spring 2026 Reading Challenge Pride month prompt. Not knowing if I needed to finish this in June, Pride month itself, I�ve deliberately paced this to finish the audiobook in early June.�

As of this Sunday Summary I�m 80% through. So, all-in-all, I�ve largely achieved that goal of lining this up for an early June finish. The final 20% will take around 2 and a half hours to finish. I�ve consistently been listening to 45 mins of the book before bed on average. Now though, I can listen to an hour for the next couple of evenings and polish this off promptly!�

I had some concerns that Somewhere Beyond the Sea may be a little repetitive of the first book in the series, The House in the Cerulean Sea. However, I�m pleased to say that�s proven not to be the case at all. It�s charming, funny, and I can�t wait to see how the book wraps up. I guess I�ll find out in the next couple of days��

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon

As of last week�s Sunday Summary, I�d just started Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon as a change-up from Heir of Fire. I�ve been solidly reading Sarah J. Maas for most of May, so I appreciated the change of genre and style.�

Over the course of this week, I�ve continued to turn to Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon to take a break from Heir of Fire. I�ve loved the tidbits of detail that unfurl throughout this behind-the-scenes account of the filming of A Game of Thrones. From cast interviews and commentary to editorial decisions on how things were filmed and why, it�s been insightful. It�s also a fun way to enjoy the series I love whilst also reading something new. Once I�ve finished Heir of Fire, I�m excited to make Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon my reading priority.�

Project Hail Mary

Finally, I started Project Hail Mary this week. Planning ahead for my June TBR, I sampled the audiobook before getting a copy to make sure the narrative style was something I could gel with. I�m happy with it, and I continued listening on for a couple of chapters.�

Listening on gave me a chance to get into the first couple of chapters and get a feel for the introductory setting of the book. I�m intrigued, so I�m looking forward to getting stuck into Project Hail Mary properly once I�m done with Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon!�

Books Discovered

Whilst doom-scrolling on Facebook this week, I came across the author page for today�s addition to my TBR. I�m intrigued by the premise of a book featuring a dragon that�s based on the author�s experience of disability. It�s a unique idea, and one I�m keen to explore more when I read it for myself! So, I�ve added Wing Weaver by A.P. Beswick to my TBR.�

Coming Up��

What I�m Reading��

Naturally, reading progress the rest of tonight is going to be Heir of Fire. After that, I�ll plough on with Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon. Likewise on the audio front, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is my priority listen and I should make light work of it. Then, I�m on to Project Hail Mary.�

However, I�m sure you�re keen to get a feel for what comes up next. With that in mind, the physical book I�m going to start after Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It�s the chunkiest book on my upcoming June TBR. Coming in at over 1000 pages, I�m going to need plenty of time to get stuck in.�

On the audiobook front, what comes after Project Hail Mary? Honestly, I�m not sure. I�m toying with a couple of options right now. Do I try Throne of Glass in audio format, or try to hit some of the lesser page count reads that�ll contribute to the Goodreads Spring 2026 Reading Challenge that way? Honestly, I haven�t decided yet.�

Blog

We�re in for a busy week next week. With the end of the month looming, it�ll soon be time for my monthly wrap-up post to recap progress in May. I enjoy these posts, but they are usually lengthy. I�m looking forward to sharing my progress in May, as well as letting you know for sure if I finish Heir of Fire!�

Next, I�ve got an audiobook review of Witch Hunt due on Thursday. I�ve listened to this audiobook already, so I can start preparing my thoughts ahead of time. Makes a change to be able to not write this last minute!�

After that obligation is taken care of, my June TBR is my next priority. It�s largely shaped by my Completing the Goodreads Spring 2026 Reading Challenge. Where before I kept my options open with book choices, I�m nailing those down in my June TBR based on page count and reading preferences.�

It hardly feels worth mentioning as it�s a given at this point. But, to be clear, I�m back with another Sunday Summary to roundup the week. No surprises there��

YouTube

Today I recorded two videos that I�ll edit and release next week. In line with expectations of my blog content next week, I�ll release my monthly May wrap-up first and then my June TBR shortly thereafter.�

Summary�

Thanks for reading today�s Sunday Summary. It feels like a long one, but I�m pleased to have plenty to share with you! Have you read any of the books I feature today? What are you reading in the coming days?�

Monthly Wrap-Up – January 2026

Posted on January 31, 2026 by fantasyst95

***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***

The beginning of the year and setting my January TBR feels like both yesterday and a distant memory. This month has been a tale of two halves. In terms of reading progress and motivation, January has flown. Financially though, January is the looooongest month of the year.�

I�m pleased with this month�s reading progress. I got to all but one book on my January TBR, and started one extra audiobook after finishing with both the audiobooks I had on the list.�

Books Read�

Orbital�

Amazon Purchase Link�

I wanted to start the year with a relatively quick read. Perhaps my choice of Orbital was a little misguided on account of the page count, however it was a fantastic read.�

What Orbital lacks in page count, it makes up for in thought-provoking content. From intimate detail on life in space with five other people to the fragility of life and the pull of the Earth, this book appealed to me for its content and didn�t fail to deliver. I�ve already shared my full thoughts on the book on my new YouTube channel. If you�re interested in finding out more about this Booker prizewinner, please take a look at my video ?

Beyond Redemption�

Amazon Purchase Link�

I started Beyond Redemption in December but didn�t get too far before the end of the month. After finishing Orbital, I revisited this book. The pacing of Beyond Redemption didn�t quite work for me, so it took me until mid-January to finish it.�

In my recent YouTube review of Beyond Redemption, I shared what worked and what didn�t work for me. Ultimately, I finished the book and rated it three stars. The premise was really appealing and I had high hopes for Beyond Redemption. In practice, it didn�t quite live up to my expectation. Want to deep dive into my thoughts on this one? Here�s my video review.�

The Doors of Midnight�

Amazon Purchase Link�

I made a healthy start to The Doors of Midnight back in December and I was optimistic that it was going to be a five star read of January. However, I ultimately decided to DNF this audiobook.�

When it came down to it, I found the narrative a little repetitive and interest waned. As and when opportunities came up to listen to this book, I found myself making excuses and picking up other things. That says a lot. To take a break, I started my second audiobook of the month and after enjoying that one more, it brought home to me more that I was no longer enjoying The Doors of Midnight. So, that was the decider for me.�

Yellowface

Amazon Purchase Link�

Looking for a pick-me-up after Beyond Redemption, I turned to an author I know I�ve enjoyed historically. Of course R.F. Kuang did not disappoint once again!�

Picking up Yellowface is quite different from the two books I�ve read of hers to date (Babel and The Poppy War). However, she is the type of author who can write from a variety of backgrounds yet also discuss topics that clearly mean a lot to her to feature.�

If you are unfamiliar, Yellowface is heavily about cultural appropriation and the public perception of a white author publishing a story from a minority background. I loved how this was explored, as well as the nature of being an author and the publishing industry as a whole. Needless to say, Yellowface was the hit I hoped for, and needed.�

The Great Passage

Amazon Purchase Link�

The Great Passage is the audiobook I picked up after DNF�ing The Doors of Midnight. I had high hopes for this audiobook already, but I especially wanted to love this book after being disappointed by that audio.�

Thankfully, The Great Passage fared much better. What I really enjoyed about this audiobook is that the setting is culturally very different. It opened my eyes to a completely different way of life. I picked up this book because I loved its passion and focus on words, meanings, and the compiling of a dictionary. It excelled at all those things, but the appreciation for the cultural insights this book gives is what made it a well-rounded experience.�

The Courage to be Disliked

Amazon Purchase Link�

Unfortunately, The Doors of Midnight wasn�t my only DNF of the month. This month, I set a theme including self-help, learning and development for book club. On my January TBR I set out my intentions to pick up I Know I�m in There Somewhere. However, it turns out this book is very hard to get a hold of. Instead, I picked up The Courage to be Disliked�. But only read 21% before DNF�ing.�

The novelty of the dialogue-style narrative quickly wore off. If readers are meant to find the character of the unnamed �youth� relatable, unfortunately it didn�t hit the mark with me. They are argumentative, combative and I didn�t gel with them at all. However, I also felt the �professor� was a little off too. No doubt his role was to teach the principles of Adler, and they are what they are. I didn�t agree with all of what was discussed either.�

Consequently, The Courage to be Disliked didn�t last long under my nose before being set aside.�

Notes on a Nervous Planet

Amazon Purchase Link�

I turned to a well-known and trusted author again after this latest DNF.�

Matt Haig�s The Midnight Library is one of my favourite books in recent history. His unique insight into mental health difficulties shone through in Notes on a Nervous Planet. This short and approachable read, written in short chapters, informal notes and tips for limiting the impact of our modern world on our mental health was insightful. I practice some of these already, such as limiting exposure to the news. However, it discusses a number of topics, like technology, social media and consumerism to name just a few.�

The format of this book was quite unique, and as a result I flew through this already short book. It�s definitely encouraging me to read more of his books – I have The Midnight Train to look forward to in 2026, but also some backlist titles like Reasons to Stay Alive on my radar as well. �

Dark Chronicles

Amazon Purchase Link

I signed up to review a collection of suspenseful speculative fiction stories late this month. Admittedly, I was quite late picking up this collection. However, its ease to read world in my favour so I could review these on my blog earlier this week.

For a short book, I still had plenty to say about this 178 page collection. Instead of repeating myself in this monthly wrap-up, instead I’ll direct you to my published review.

After the Forest

Amazon Purchase Link�

Finally, this monthly wrap-up gets to my current and carried forced reads into February.�

After the Forest is my chosen Cottagecore Fantasy read for this month as part of the Cottagecore Fantasy book club. If you like fairytale retellings, this book will also be right up your alley.�

Building upon the well-known fairytale Hansel and Gretel, After the Forest brings darker topics like addiction, war and witchcraft into the future lives of the children. With trouble on their doorstep, Greta is doing everything she can to keep her brother Hans and her afloat. Suspicion is never far away, given her past.�

So far, I�m enjoying this quite dark retelling. As fairytales go, it�s far from light and fluffy anyway. It feels like a great story to use as a launchpad for this type of tale. As of this monthly wrap-up, I�m 40% into the book and excited to see its conclusion.�

Dreams from my Father

Amazon Purchase Link�

Finally, the last book to feature in this epic monthly wrap-up (it feels as long as January did!) is Dreams from my Father. With my audiobooks planned for January either finished of DNF�d, I wanted to pick up my next audio. My preference is to have an audiobook on the go all the time, as it means I can maximise reading time when doing tasks where I can�t read traditionally.�

In the last couple of days, commuting to and from work, I�ve started to listen to Barack Obama personally recount is exploration of his origins and his dream to discover his identity. Dreams from my Father is very much about his heritage and background. About how he felt adrift growing up, given his obvious African heritage but lack of the father who shared it with him.�

As of this monthly wrap-up, I�m only 11% or so into this audiobook. As I said, I only really started this in the final few days of the month, and only whilst driving. I would have been a little further on if I didn�t fluff up earlier today and accidentally skip back to the beginning of my chapter. I couldn�t fix it whilst driving, so that could have been another 20 minutes or so. Never mind��

Summary�

Despite a couple of DNF�s, I count January�s progress a success! I have six completions to my name at the end of this monthly wrap-up, with two more books in progress. In terms of my Goodreads Challenge, I�m getting ahead early. I don�t think I could have asked for a better start to 2026.�

How many books have you picked up this January? Have you had a good start to the year?�

My Hefty January TBR!

Posted on January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 by fantasyst95

Today, I share a hefty January TBR!

I�m hitting the New Year with full force. In this January TBR, I have nine books in total I�m hoping to get through. It�ll require a reading pace of 75 pages a day and 36 hours of listening time to complete!�

***This post contains affiliate links to Amazon if you wish to purchase any of the books featured. If you follow any of these links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you.�

I would really appreciate you considering following this link to make any purchase as a show of support***

My January TBR�

First, A Fresh Start��

Orbital�

Purchase Link – Amazon

To start the new year with a fresh start, I�m picking up the relatively short, though not especially light, Orbital.�

I can see why the book won the Booker Prize. In such a short read, the book discusses complex concepts and feelings on an intimate level. It�s an inspiring and interesting read� one I�ve finished since recording! I�m glad I made Orbital my first read of the year.�

Then, my December Carryovers��

Beyond Redemption�

Purchase Link – Amazon

My current read as of this January TBR going live is Beyond Redemption. This is a read I started mid-December when I was at the hairdressers.�

By the end of December, I�d read 15% of the book. In the last few days since picking it up again, I�ve doubled that to 30%. I�ve got this book on Kindle Unlimited, but I�m ceasing my subscription in a couple of days, so time to shake a leg, right?!�

Empire of the Dawn�

Purchase Link – Amazon

A book I struggled with in December, and put down briefly, is Empire of the Dawn.�

The nature of this book, the size, my hardback copy, the joy and dread of a final book in the trilogy, are all reasons I think I had trouble with it. However, with a short interval, I�m now ready to venture back into this last book of an amazing series!

The Doors of Midnight�

Purchase Link – Amazon

My audiobook carryover on this January TBR is The Doors of Midnight. I started this audio in mid-to-late December, but its length meant there was no way I was able to finish it before the end of December.�

I�ll no doubt spend most of January reading this book, but it�s a good one so far. This Asian Silk Road fantasy is a refreshing change on my January TBR, and protagonist Ari is an excellent storyteller.�

A Review Obligation�

Dark Chronicles�

Purchase Link – Amazon

I�m reviewing the short story collection Dark Chronicles on the 27th January. It�s full of dark and twisted stories which would maybe be suited to autumn for mood readers. I, however, don�t care!

Given it�s a short book, I�m going to be flexible and throw it in as and when I want a break from heavier reads� and before 27th January, of course!�

Book Club Reads��

I Know I�m in There Somewhere�

Purchase Link – Amazon

I�m trying a new tack with my work book club, and I�m setting a theme as opposed to a set book.�

For my own book towards this month�s �New Year/New You� theme, I�m reading I Know I�m in There Somewhere. It�s a book about how women can find their own authentic voice through acceptance of themselves.�

After the Forest

Purchase Link – Amazon

Very different to the other books on my January TBR is my read of After the Forest with the Cottagecore Fantasy Book Club. This club is also open in terms of book selection, and there is a challenge on StoryGraph with all manner of books on it.�

I want to read After the Forest as it�s based on a well-known fairytale, Hansel and Gretel. Other than that, I�m going in blind!�

2026 Fixed List Reads�

Yellowface�

Purchase Link – Amazon

Picking up Yellowface works towards two of my 2026 resolutions – reading from my physical TBR and also one of my 16 books on my fixed read list.�

I�ve enjoyed both Babel and The Poppy War from author R.F. Kuang so far. I�m looking forward to trying this contemporary book to see how it compares!�

The Great Passage

Purchase Link – Amazon

Finally, The Great Passage is the audiobook I�m jumping to after The Doors of Midnight. It�s the second book I�m planning to read from my fixed list. It�ll also be a refreshing change in the length comparison with The Doors of Midnight – it�s about a quarter of the length!�

That�s not to diminish it though. It�s a book of language and worlds and passion and all set in a less familiar cultural context. I�m excited to read it!

Summary�

I have plenty of books to be getting on with in this January TBR. It�s a new year and I�m keen for a fresh start.�

What are you reading this January?�

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Book Review: Starsight – Brandon Sanderson

Posted on December 10, 2025 by fantasyst95

Young adult science fiction isn�t really a go-to genre and audience I reach for. However, Brandon Sanderson can basically do no wrong in my eyes. After reading several of his books, I branched out and picked up his Skyward series despite not being the intended audience. You know what? It didn�t matter an inch! I loved the first and titular books of the series (which you can read more about here�).�

Naturally, continuing with the series was an obvious choice. That brings us to the second instalment in the series, Starsight. It�s quite a different setting compared to the first book, but that worked pretty well for me. I enjoyed seeing the storyline advance from the introductory plot line of Skyward. Want to find out more? Then read on below!

Starsight – Brandon Sanderson �

Genre: YA science fiction

Pages: 461

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co.�

Publication Date: 26 Nov 2019

Rating: ?????

Goodreads – Starsight

All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot. Of proving she’s a hero like her father. She made it to the sky, but the truths she learned about her father were crushing.

Spensa is sure there’s more to the story. And she’s sure that whatever happened to her father in his starship could happen to her. When she made it outside the protective shell of her planet, she heard the stars�and it was terrifying. Everything Spensa has been taught about her world is a lie.

But Spensa also discovered a few other things about herself�and she’ll travel to the end of the galaxy to save humankind if she needs to.

My Thoughts

Plot�

Starsight is a very fast-paced book, especially for adult readers.�

The wider world in which Spensa�s home planet of Detritus is expanded on immensely in this second book of the series. At the time, not everyone loved the change of focus. However, in my immediate thoughts after finishing this book, I shared my love for how Brandon Sanderson isn�t afraid to break his own moulds and improve his storylines. Talking about this book after finishing the rest of the series allows for hindsight, and the shift now makes a lot of sense. The rest of the series follows suit, and gets bigger and better the further we explore this world!�

If there is any testament to how fast-paced this book is, it�s the speed I read it. I finished the whole book in less than a week; the second half of this book (which is about 200 pages!) got demolished in one sitting. And if I may say, the broader context of reading this book was that I�d picked up some trickier reads just before it. I wasn�t reading quickly until Starsight turned my slump around.�

Characters�

Spensa is a sassy, angsty, and headstrong teenage girl. Well, find me one that isn�t, but that wouldn�t make for an interesting story.�

Enter Spensa�a girl who grew up believing her father a hero, only to have her recollection of who he was dashed. A girl who dreamed of following in his footsteps, but finding out he wasn�t the man she idolised. Just about the worst nightmare combination you can cook up for an already turbulent individual, no?�

I listened to the audiobook of Skyward, but read Starsight traditionally. I enjoyed the book in paperback format, and characters still popped for me even without the characterisations of the narrator. Still, I did miss M-Bot�s Scottish accent just a little! It�s not what you expect for that kind of character, but it is a hilarious aspect of the narrative.�

Starsight is an interesting book in that it introduces a broad spectrum of characters. The set list does a lot for broadening your perspective on the world established in Skyward. It�s done gradually throughout the book so as not to be overwhelming.�

Setting�

Where Skyward was limited to the setting of Detritus, Starsight takes us� well, skyward. No longer bound, Spensa undertakes a daring mission to find out more about herself� who she is, and about her home. It�s ironic the circumstances she does this in, but no spoilers here!�

The setting of this book does wonders for the rest of the series. Skyward has quite a sheltered setting by comparison, but it�s fundamental to understand before getting to the events of this second book.�

Brandon Sanderson is a great writer, and his worlds are detailed and interesting to learn about. If the plot wasn�t interesting enough, trust me, the world the book is set in is.�

Narrative Style�

With such a fast-paced narrative, you need an easy-to-read style to allow the action to flow. It shouldn�t come as a surprise, given the intended audience of the book and the popularity/success of Sanderson, that he hit the nail on the head.�

I devoured this book, and that�s a compliment considering the page count. It�s just shy of 500 pages, so not exactly short. However, I binge-read the second half of the book to figure out what was going to happen! The flow and style of the writing made that even easier to achieve.�

Summary�

Starsight is a fun sequel to Sanderson�s young adult science fiction series. Spensa is a relatable, young, angsty teen who is determined to live up to the reputation of her father. Starsight takes us beyond the horizons and skylines of Slyward, and it�s an exciting, fun-fuelled adventure!�

Have you read Starsight or any other books by Brandon Sanderson?�

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Monthly TBR – December 2025

Posted on December 5, 2025 by fantasyst95

We�re in the final month of 2025, and I have a great list of books to round up the year. As of this monthly TBR, I�ve completed my Goodreads reading challenge. At the beginning the year, I set out to read 45 books this year, and increase of three on the previous year. The great news is I�ve met that target, so there is no numerical target to hit any longer. Instead, this monthly TBR is made up of books to meet my other goals. If you recall, those were: –

Get up-to-date or finish 10 series
Complete Goodreads Reading Challenges
Get out of my comfort zone

From final books of trilogies to books written in unusual dialects, I have a weird and wonderful list of books that make up my last monthly TBR of the year. Shall we take a look at what those are?�

Fixed Reads�

Empire of the Dawn

Starting off this monthly TBR is my current physical read, Empire pf the Dawn by Jay Kristoff. So far, progress with the book has been a little slow. I�ve not picked it up loads. Partly, I think this is out of fear of finishing the series. However, I�ve also had other bits on, and I know it sounds silly, but keeping up with I�m a Celebrity� Get Me Out of Here! Has impacted my reading time. I�m not a religious watcher of TV, and especially not live programs. However, this is the one exception I will bend over backwards for.�

Now though, I�ve got a deadline. Of all the goals left to achieve this month, finishing 10 series is highest on my list. That puts Empire of the Dawn and two other books on this list as priority reads this month. Oh, what a shame, never mind��

Seriously though, I can�t wait to see what happens in this book. The hinted at trials and betrayals will be juicy and emotional, I�m sure��

A Crucible of Souls

Next on this monthly TBR is my current audiobook listen. It makes absolutely no sense to drop this book given it�s one I�ve already started. Whilst reading towards my ChatGPT reading challenge isn�t a goal I set myself this year in my 2025 resolutions post, its a fun piece of content I want to make. Also, I want to know if ChatGPT or other AI can make good recommendations for books if I�m in a slump or stumped on what I want. That, or if I�m looking for an off-the-wall recommendation.�

I�m also playing with recording my thoughts on these books in video format, so watch this space. I�ll likely release these together as one comprehensive post. It�s a trial to see if I can get used to filming and recording myself with a view to publishing for video content in future. So, A crucible of Souls, as well as the final book on this challenge, are on my December TBR so I can release that video in the new year. Maybe. We�ll see how reading progress goes.

As of this monthly TBR, I�m a third of the way into A Crucible of Souls. I�m enjoying the audio so far, so fingers crossed more good progress follows!�

After the Forest

If you are a regular reader, you�ll know I help moderate a book club online. The Cottagecore Fantasy Book Club recently changed their format from a traditional to a non-traditional book club. Instead of picking one designated book to read, the club has put together a list of suggestions that meet Cottagecore themes. Even still, books aren�t limited to those that the club has highlighted. If readers have a book on their TBR that meets the criteria, they can pick those up instead and share their thoughts (and hopefully recommendations) in Discord and on the monthly call.�

For my pick, I�m committing to reading After the Forest. It�s a Cottagecore, witchy spin-off of the fairytale Hansel and Gretel, as far as I can tell. It�s a bit different and I�m interested to see how well I like the book in due course.�

The Doors of Midnight

The second book on this monthly TBR that will help me complete my goal of finishing series is picking up R.R. Virdi�s The Doors of Midnight. I read and reviewed the first book, The First Binding, a while ago now as part of the publication blog tour with Gollancz.�

Whilst I�m later to the party with this book, I�m looking forward to returning to this complex silk-road inspired fantasy. It�s a chunk at over 800 pages, but not unexpected. The first book could knock someone out if you hit them over the head with it as well!�

On a serious note, I loved the narration style and story of the first book in the series. Reading The Doors of Midnight will bring me up to date, so will be a worthwhile accomlishment if I can finish it before the end of December.�

The Housemaid is Watching

The final sequel I�m finishing in December, after listening to A Crucible of Souls, is The Housemaid is Watching. This is the final sequel on this monthly TBR and finishing this book (as well as Empire of the Dawn and The Doors of Midnight) will mean I�ve hit my target finishing or getting up-to-date with 10 series throughout 2025.�

I enjoyed listening to The Housemaid earlier this year and The Housemaid�s Secret last month. It was an impromptu listen in November (see more in my monthly wrap-up for November), but it proved an easy and entertaining listen. Of the sequels on my list, I think it�s the easiest to finish due to its size. The series so far has also been really engaging, and listening to the books is pretty easy as well. It�s engaging, with multiple perspectives unveiling the twists in the story. I can�t wait to finish this one!�

Mood Reads�

Beyond Redemption�

I didn�t get to Beyond Redemption last month. As I said above, completing my ChatGPT book recommendations challenge isn�t top of my list and therefore this book makes it to the Mood Read list.�

I�ve still got a copy of Beyond Redemption via Kindle Unlimited, ready and waiting for me. It�s the grimdark recommendation I asked ChatGPT for. It�s been a while since I leaned into this sub-genre, and I�m looking forward to getting into it. Last time I read in this genre, I discovered a favourite trilogy. I�m optimistic I�m onto another winner here!�

As I mentioned above, this doesn�t contribute to my 2025 resolutions goals. However, I want to keep up progress with the book for the ChatGPT challenge I started much later.�

Yellowface

The last book I read by R.F. Kuang was Babel, and that book was one of my favourite reads that year. As a result, I can�t wait to see if Yellowface is as well received!�

From what I recall of the hype when Yellowface released, I�m confident I�ll enjoy this one. It deals with a morally grey character who steals the literary work of another after a lack of success of her own merit. My understanding is that it also deals with cultural appropriation. It should make sure an entertaining and thought-provoking read!�

Yellowface will help me towards one of the Goodreads Fall Challenges – Fiction Faves.�

The Burning Girls

Another Goodreads Fall Challenge is picking up a Spine Tingler. For that challenge, I want to pick up The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor.�

I�ve enjoyed numerous books by this author to date, including The Chalk Man, The Other People and The Taking of Annie Thorne. It�s a pretty safe bet as thrillers go. With darker nights right now, it�s fun to cozy in at home and read something spooky!�

Deep Wheel Orcadia

The final book on this monthly TBR, and on the list as a book �out of my comfort zone�, is Deep Wheel Orcadia. This book caught my attention and landed on my TBR as I was intrigued by the idea of a sci-fi book written in Orkney slang. It�s also written in English, so I will actually be able to read it. However, it�s a unique book and idea, and I knew I had to give it a look!�

Deep Wheel Orcadia is a reasonably short read. In a way, it�s the last priority book on this monthly TBR. However, I may choose to call on it if I need a break between genres, or just a short read if I fancy something different.�

Summary�

With my Goodreads reading challenge done, the final books that make up my December monthly TBR are to wrap-up my last resolutions for the year.�

Did you set yourself any goals for 2025? Do you have any goals you�re making a final push to complete?�

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Monthly Wrap-Up – April 2025

Posted on April 30, 2025 by fantasyst95

April feels like it�s come and gone in the blink of an eye! I can�t believe I�m already sharing with you my monthly wrap-up post for April. It�s been a great month of books, and I can�t wait to share my reading updates with you!

Books Read

Normal Women

I start off this monthly wrap-up post with the slowest mover of all the books I�ve read. As of sharing my April monthly TBR post, I was 30% into Normal Women by Philippa Gregory.

Over the course of the month, I have picked up this book several times and chipped away at the page count. As of this monthly wrap-up, it�s still a current read. I�m finding that I�m reading this in tandem with other books because it�s a little bit intense to try and read in long sittings. Well, that�s my experience of it anyway! I�ve enjoyed dipping in and out of it at leisure, and I fully intend for this to continue through to my May TBR.

The Weight�s Over: Take Back Control

An impromptu listen I picked up right at the end of March and continued through into early April was Sandra Roycroft-Davis� new book, The Weight�s Over.

I�ve seen her Slimpod program advertised on Facebook. I was interested in her take on the science behind why our bodies set us up to fail when dieting. She also talks about why at predictable time increments we are most susceptible to �fall off the wagon�.

If you�re interested in the science behind weight loss, I definitely recommend this book. Not only does it pass on that scientific knowledge but also provides useful tips to help with common problems. Generally speaking, Sandra takes a gentle approach and promotes a very positive message around self-kindness. It makes a change from the condescending tone that is often experienced in the wider community�

Enemies of the Crown

My first physical read of April was one I needed to get my skates on and read. With a blog tour obligation early in the month, I read Enemies of the Crown in a matter of days to be able to provide this review.

Not that it was difficult! Enemies of the Crown is the fifth instalment in Peter Gibbon�s The Saxon Warrior series. When I picked up this book, I already had a good knowledge of what had happened in the series to date. I was able to pick this up and continue on with the series very easily.

I�m not going to spoil my thoughts on this book here, because I dedicated a post to it back at the beginning of April. If you want to check out this book, go take a look at my blog tour review here.

The Perfect Wife

The Perfect Wife was our book club pick for April. Incidentally, the meeting isn�t until Tuesday next week and we can discuss this at lunchtime. It�s also the first time I�ve read the book in good time�

I really enjoyed listening to The Perfect Wife. When I first picked up the book, I wasn�t sure what my thoughts were going to be around a main character built from AI and replacing a human being. However, it was both a really integral part of the narrative, but also really enjoyable to read. If I had any skepticism when I first started the book, that was very quickly dispelled; I really enjoyed this one!

My hope for next month is to choose a genre other than thriller. We�ve had it twice in a row, and I�ve enjoyed them. But, I�m ready for something different too.

Elektra

The last physical book I picked up and read in its entirety in April was Elektra by Jennifer Saint.

It�s been a little while since I�ve read Greek mythology. I love going back to the genre though, and I�ll be sure to pick up more in the not-too-distant future.

Elektra was a great reading experience because it focuses on the lives and experiences of three women. The wider backdrop may be the war in Troy, but this is not about the men. It made for a refreshing change, and reminded me of a similar book – The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker.

The Poppy War

Briefly before month-end, I started The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. This book has been on my list for a little while, but it was the receipt of a special edition for my birthday that reminded me how much I wanted to pick it up.

Although it�s early days when it comes to this book, as of this monthly wrap-up post I�ve really enjoyed the introduction and I�m looking forward to reading on next month!

Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World

Finally, with all my audiobooks listened to and my TBR read or in progress, I picked up Crashed as a last minute audiobook. I like to have physical books/e-books and audio on the go at the same time. It gives me the most capacity to read because I can do them at different times.

I�ve been doing a lot more walking of late in practice for a non-competitive event I�m taking part in this weekend. Naturally, what better time than to occupy my brain by listening to audiobooks?

Now, I confess the first part of Crashed was a little more in detail when it comes to politics and geopolitics than I initially expected. However, since starting the second part of the book where we actually get to the main financial crisis of 2007-2008� we�re in the territory I was looking for.

Fingers crossed the book continues in this way, because I�m getting on with it more now the foundations have been laid.

Summary

April has been a productive month of reading. I�m surprised I�ve even managed to read books I hadn�t originally planned, even if they only are in part. I�m looking forward to taking my ongoing reads through May and making more progress with them in the next few days.

Thanks for reading this monthly wrap-up post! What books did you read in April? Do you have any recommendations for me?