Tag: The Wax Child

Sunday Summary – 11th October 2026

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The weeks are flying by. Correction, the weekENDS are flying by. It was Friday night five minutes ago – now I’m here drafting a Sunday Summary. I demand the rest of my weekend back! 

Alas, time waits for none of us, and I’ve had to make the most of all the time I had this week to get on top of some blog tour obligations. My review for the first of those tours, Debt Reckoning, went live on Tuesday. I finished this audio on Monday, so it’s fair to say this went down to the wire. However, my enjoyment of the book was never in doubt! If you like the sound of an action-packed political thriller that is educational and somewhat relevant to today’s US Government goings-on, go check it out. 

Next, One More Hour of Daylight took full spotlight. My review of this historical WW2 action novel went live on Thursday. I know – two reviews in a week? Who am I? 😂 As a big fan of historical fiction novels, especially those set in WW2, I knew this would be a hit! One More Hour of Daylight balanced action and context/background perfectly, making for an engaging and immersive read. If this is more up your alley, my review of One More Hour of Daylight is here. 

Finally, I shared my monthly TBR for October. Given the abysmal reading month that was September, I decided not to wallow in it by sharing a monthly wrap-up (of precious little) and instead chose to move forward. Thanks to my blog tour dates, it would also have been a bit late. As it stands, I shared my TBR on the 9th – nearly a third of the way through October! For this TBR, I’ve got some shorter reads, as well as some refreshed titles to pick up. Rather than try to keep slogging on with the same non-starters I’ve had the last few months, I’ve got some new and different reads on October’s agenda. 

Books Read

Debt Reckoning 

Monday got off to a good start, with the completion of the final 35% or so of Debt Reckoning so that I could review the book on Tuesday. As starts go, I couldn’t have asked for better. Thankfully, having the deadline worked in my favour. Was it a little too close? Yes. I had hoped for better progress in last week’s Sunday Summary. However, it doesn’t always work out so clean cut. Working extra last weekend certainly didn’t help matters, otherwise I’d have likely wrapped up Debt Reckoning last weekend. 

Nevertheless, we got there. Given I’ve reviewed the book in detail this week, I’ll point you there if you want to find out more about the book or my thoughts on it. It’s worth a read, I promise! 

One More Hour of Daylight

Moving swiftly on, my next priority was to read One More Hour of Daylight by C.M. Gray. Now, I was a little late starting this. However, I didn’t get my ebook copy straight away due to a technical issue. It’s only when I followed up did we get it sorted mid last week. 

When I spoke to you in my last Sunday Summary, I shared that I was starting this last Sunday after my post went live. So, I blitzed the whole 450-odd pages of this book in just a few days. I haven’t read at that speed for a while! 

Again, like Debt Reckoning, I’m not going to spoil too much here in terms of my thoughts on the book. What I will say is that I rated it 5*. Go on, what are you waiting for? Go read my review to see why! 

Kingdom of Ash 

After prioritising Debt Reckoning earlier this week, I’ve returned to Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. I’ve listened to this audiobook a couple of times commuting home this week, as well as a solid hour this afternoon. 

Progress with this book is still a little slow. That said, I’m getting back into some of my routines to pick up audio more frequently. Sometimes, progress is in the small moments rather than the big wins. 

So, fingers crossed this continues into next week. I’m now around 40% of the way through this audiobook. I’m confident that the further along I get, the more I’ll listen in larger stints as I’ll be keen to see how the series resolves for good! 

The Wax Child

I had hoped to blitz The Wax Child this weekend to give myself another completion by the end of the week. That didn’t strictly plan out. What I have achieved is to make a solid start with The Wax Child. It’s reading pretty quickly so far. And, it’s an unusual perspective but I’m liking it so far. When I shared my October TBR I shared that I’d put off starting The Wax Child. After a poor start with The Witch towards my 2026 International Booker Prize longlist reading challenge, I was anxious I’d have a similar experience. However, so far that fear is proving to be unfounded. 

So, my plans for tonight after this Sunday Summary goes live is to have a shower, make a cuppa, and make a solid push through to try to finish The Wax Child. 

Books Discovered

Thankfully, my TBR has gone in the right direction this week. I’ve finished a couple of books and made a solid start with The Wax Child. And, I’ve not bought or added any new books this week either. 

I’ll take that as a win! 

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:-

  • Continue the audiobook of Kingdom of Ash
  • Finish The Wax Child by Olga Ravn – can I manage it tonight? 
  • Read The Language of Liars
  • Start The Director

Blog

New week, clean slate. What to post next week. Given the recent spate of reviews, I intend to make next week’s content a little lighter. Easier for me to write and gives me a chance to get on with some reading too! So, what to post. Along similar lines of my October TBR, I’m going to lean into the shorter reads for a content idea. If you are looking for a quick fix read, stay tuned as I’ll share my top five reads under 300 pages. 

Later in the week, I want to ask readers for recommendations. I’m going to finish my Throne of Glass readalong soon, so I want ideas for my next readalong. I’m keen to continue pushing my boundaries, so if you can recommend another fantasy romance series that isn’t too heavy on the romance, let me know! 

Finally, I’m back with another Sunday Summary at the end of the week. Can I keep up the reading progress shared in today’s Sunday Summary update? Let’s hope so! 

Summary 

That’s all from me in my latest Sunday Summary instalment. It’s been a good week, and I’m optimistic to keep up the progress with some fun reads over the next week. 

What have you been reading this week?

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Monthly TBR – October 2026

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My monthly TBR for October is intentionally tamer. Whilst I’m still looking to hit some of my reading goals, I’m deliberately not setting a long list this month. If the last few months have showed anything, it’s that my reading pace is a little slower of late. I’m spending time with other hobbies and commitments. It shows in the number of monthly TBR’s I’ve gotten nowhere near finishing. 

So, what do I plan to read with this reduced list? I’ve still got some Booker longlist novels to share. Blog tour obligations. 2026 new releases I feature. That, and I’m still concluding my Throne of Glass readalong. However, rather than including a long list of books around these commitments, I’m not pressurising myself. If I finish the list, maybe I’ll naturally mood read to fill the gap? If nothing else, the promise of the luxury of choice will make a change. 

October 2026 Monthly TBR

Kingdom of Ash

Goodreads

Last month, I didn’t get to the end of Kingdom of Ash. In part, I needed to prioritise another audiobook listen that I’ll talk about shortly. However, I also had plenty of missed opportunities to listen to audiobooks, but didn’t make the most of them. 

I don’t know if it’s just that I have a lot on at the moment, or that I’m hesitant to get to the end. Probably a combination of all three, if I’m honest. However, in better news, I’ve made more progress with this audiobook already this week and I think I’m back in the game. I suppose I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch, but equally, I’m not one to lean too far into pessimism either. 

Let’s see what progress looks like over this weekend and go from there! 

Debt Reckoning

Goodreads

It feels weird talking about a book in a monthly TBR when you completed it several days ago, but that’s where we’re at! If you are a regular reader, you’ll know that I reviewed this book earlier this week. This was the audiobook I needed to prioritise given the looming deadline. With work busy over the last week or so, plus another blog tour deadline, I started early. It’s a good job too. 

I started this audiobook back at the end of September and still finished it just a couple of days before the blog tour was due. Naturally, I’ve already talked about this book on my blog. So, if you’re interested in a political thriller that’s both action-packed and engaging as well as informative and topical, go take a look at my review. 

One More Hour of Daylight

Goodreads

My next blog tour read came in thick and fast. As of this monthly TBR, this is my second completed read of the month. Given reading progress has been slow of late, it makes a significant change to have some wins already ticked off my monthly TBR already. 

Like Debt Reckoning, I’ve already reviewed this book. It’s also full of action and juggles storytelling with present day action. Unlike Debt Reckoning, this is a historical fiction novel set in WW2. It’s just a bit different! However, both were great reads, and this one has the added bonus of leaning into my reading preferences. This comes from my favourite genre. Go check out my thoughts on One More Hour of Daylight here. 

The Wax Child

Goodreads

My September TBR included some International Booker longlist prize books that I wanted to start in the month. Something I’ve never done before is set out to read the longlist. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever read a prizewinning book before this year. Back in January, I read Orbital by Samantha Harvey to kick off the year. I also have The Promise on my TBR, which won a prize back in 2021. However, by and large, it’s not something I’ve ever attempted. 

I have to say, I haven’t gotten off to the set of starts. In terms of progress, I only tried and DNF’d The Witch last month. To be honest, my experience put me off starting The Wax Child. I didn’t want the book to feel too similar and get lumped into the same bucket. However, new month, fresh start. I’ve also read some good books in between, so here’s to a fresh start! 

The Director 

Goodreads

Another International Booker Prize 2026 longlist I want to get to is The Director. After a poor start with my prize longlist in September, I wanted to go for a slightly safer option on the list. Leaning into my recent love of One More Hour of Daylight, I want to tap into The Director as it’s set around what time World War II. Between the director and the wax child, I’m optimistic for a fresh start with the long list, and that once started, my overall experience with the rest of the prize list is better than the precedent The Witch has set.

The director has a unique take on the individuals impacted by World War II, but also the people in power at that time. Rather than focusing on other areas I’ve widely read about in the genre, including those living in concentration camps, we instead are faced with a particularly unpleasant character high up in Hitler’s regime, Joseph Goebbels. I’m looking forward to the fresh take. 

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

The language of liars is a pretty short novel, so I’m surprised I haven’t got to it already. When I talked about this book in my Fall TBR, not only did I talk about my intention to read this book soon. I also mentioned that this book has made it onto at least a couple of TBR’s and not in front of my eyeballs. That I’m keen to change. For such a short book, I’m hoping I can fly through this and tick this 2026 release off my list.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of the book, the language of liars is about science-fiction espionage novel that I am excited to read because it seems to have emphasis on language and integrating into a society where you don’t belong. If this is also your cup of tea, can I also point you to One More Hour of Daylight, which has a similar aspect to the narrative. It’s because I have read and loved that book recently that I’m all the more excited to finally pick up The Language of Liars. At 161 pages, there really is no excuse for this book to find itself unread after a third month of intention.

Dungeon Crawler Carl

Goodreads

In a recent First Lines Friday post, I set out to feature something both fun and different. Whilst I had heard of the book at the time I featured it, I quickly added Dungeon Crawler Carl to my TBR. What can I say, the idea of a televised, post-apocalyptic situation is ridiculous in the first place. Combine that with two main protagonists who play off each other, and one of those being Carl’s sassy ex-girlfriend’s talking Persian cat… well, colour me intrigued.

Given reading progress has been a little bit slow of late, I am deliberately picking up this book to change the pace and style of books I’m reading. I’m looking for something a little less serious (in contrast to my booker prize longlist books) and hopefully, my experience of this book matches the wider reception received and I have a new series to devour! 

Get 20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween

Goodreads

Not long ago, I sought help choosing a Halloween novel this year. And, I’m pleased to say I’m not disappointed! The author of Get 20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween got in touch and offered me a copy of the book in exchange for a review. This particular book overlaps the comedy and horror genres. Unusual yes. However, given my recent reading experience, I’m optimistic the comedy and seemingly lighthearted note of the book will pay some dividends.

It’s also nice to feature some independently published authors. As you can probably tell by the volume of blog tours I sign up for, even if the timing isn’t convenient, that I like to try and support indie authors as well as read well-known authors. So, watch the space as I may be able to offer you a very different read to pick up this spooky season.

Metabolical 

Goodreads

For my last read of October, I debated which audiobook to pick up. So far, only Kingdom of Ash is designated an audiobook listen on this monthly TBR. Some books, such as The Language of Liars, are not available in audio format. One of my two recent blog tour reads was in audiobook format, but I’ve finished it already.

That doesn’t leave very many options for other books I could pick up in audio. So, I instead turned to some audiobooks I already own and have not yet scheduled time to read. One title caught my attention as it serves as a good refresher for a book I read last year. That book is Metabolical. If you have a read or are interested in another book called ultra processed people, then I should think metabolical will also be up your alley. At least, based on my enjoyment of ultra processed people, that’s why I’m picking up Metabolical. Not only will I find this an engaging listen from a learning perspective, but it’s also nice to have a non-fiction book make it onto this monthly TBR.

Summary 

My October monthly TBR still has a decent page count to it, but I’m excited to pick up some shorter books this month. I’ve also gotten off to a pretty good start, finishing both Debt reckoning and One More Hour of Daylight so far this week. Can I mark another book as complete before the end of the week? Should I pick up The Language of Liars or The Wax Child for a quick win?

What are you reading this spooky season? Let me know in the comments!

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Monthly TBR – September 2026

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My monthly TBR for September features more 2026 releases than usual. I don’t know, I think I’m just in the mood for it right now! Between some upcoming blog tour obligations, as well as four other reads I’m picking up that were published in earlier this year as well, this is definitely a reading list to look out for if you enjoy reading newly published books. It’s interesting, because most of the time I read backlist books. However, a change is as good as a rest, they say.

I’m still up to my usual tricks of signing up for blog tours. That hasn’t changed. What is a little bit different? Is that I’m picking up 2026 releases I’ve highlighted as books I want to read this year over on YouTube, as well as starting to read the 2026 Booker Prize longlist.

Readalongs / Reading Obligations

Kingdom of Ash

Goodreads

We finally made it! When I started my Throne of Glass readalong earlier this year, I didn’t really think I was going to get to the end. To be honest, my expectations were to get so far, and for the series to fall short of expectations or not grip me in a way that keeps me reading. Whilst I understand this series is lighter on romance than other Sarah J. Maas books, this is still present in the narrative. There have been a couple of occasions where I have not gelled with that, but I’ve been able to read on and it hasn’t impacted my enjoyment of the storyline overall. 

Finally, we are going to see how this series concludes! I’ve already listened to the first 15% of the audiobook this week. How events will come together at the end I do not know. There are lots of parts in play, and a lot of characters that could influence the storyline in a number of ways. I’m just going to have to discover the ending for myself. Hopefully, I can make good pace with this listen as I’ve got over 18hrs 30mins left to listen to. 

Invisible

I’ve got one blog tour review due later this month, and thankfully I have the copy of this read so I can pick this up imminently. That is Invisible by Heleyne Hammerlsey. 

I don’t typically pick up books that are some way into a series unless I’ve read from the beginning. Invisible is a bit of an exception in that it is the sixth book of a series, but can be read as a standalone. That is what I’m going to be doing. Invisible is a pretty traditional crime genre and plot involving the discovery of a swimmers body. 

However, there was far more to that story. The backstory I don’t necessarily have that The DI in charge of the case is back from work after an incident that endangered her own life. Hopefully some detail is alluded to in this novel so I understand her backstory, because this is clearly going to play a part in the narrative. I’ll let you know how that pans out and whether you can pick this up as a standalone yourselves when I review the book on publication day, 23rd September! 

Debt Reckoning

Goodreads

I’ve signed up to an audiobook blog tour for Debt Reckoning, and I should get my download code in the near future. So, whilst I can’t physically start this book as of drafting this monthly TBR, I do expect to pick this up after listening to Kingdom of Ash. 

Dent Reckoning is a political thriller novel, so a little bit different from the type of books I pick up usually. However, I’m intrigued by the synopsis of this particular book. I’ll tell you a lot more about this one at the beginning of October. However, I can tease you with some thoughts here and there as I progress with this book in my regular Sunday Summary updates this month. My last few blog tours have been pulled together a bit last minute. I’m determined to change that… 

One More Hour of Daylight

Goodreads

Another blog tour obligation due at the beginning of October, date to be confirmed, is One More Hour of Daylight. Yes, I’m leaning into my love of World War II historical fiction here and I’m excited to feature a new release in the genre. 

The World War II history books I have read that sound similar to One More Hour of Daylight being based around English pilots landing in enemy territory. One More Hour of Daylight is the difference in that this includes a storyline that is the other way around. The synopsis hints that the book is somewhat about compassionate nature of humankind. 

Anyway, one I can update you on as I start reading. Again, I don’t think I have a copy of this book yet but I expect to receive it shortly. 

2026 Releases/TBR Returners

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

The Language of Liars remains on my list of books I want to pick up. It originally featured on my July TBR, then August, but I’m going to 100% finish it in September. Hold me accountable folks! 

This is a language based spy novel so is a little bit unusual. I can’t wait to try it. The Language of Liars is another 2026 release, and one I talked about in my 2026 highly anticipated releases YouTube video earlier this year if you want to take a look. 

When I originally put this book on the list, I didn’t appreciate how short it was. However, that’s going to work to my advantage. Not only am I a little behind with my 2026 Goodreads reading goal, I enjoyed picking up shorter reads like Dungeons and Dimwits last month, and I’ve gotten stuck in recent months with larger books like The Pillars of the Earth. So, we’re embracing short narratives in September. There’s more to follow… 

Julia 

Goodreads 

Before we get to that though, we have to revisit Julia. Again. 

In my 2026 resolutions post, I set out my intention to read the original 1984 by George Orwell, then immediately follow up with Julia by Sandra Newman. I got a little bit stuck with 1984 as it is a book I have already read previously. I lost a little motivation with that original title, but did get there in the end. Julia is a new take on that same world and storyline. Thankfully, it’s still fresh enough in my mind that I’ll be able to pick this book up and remember what happened in 1984. 

However, I’m determined not to put it off any longer! 

Yesteryear 

Goodreads

Another 2026 release I discovered recently is Yesteryear. By all accounts, it’s a popular read at the moment. I took a look earlier at potentially borrowing this title digitally from my library, only to discover I would be ninth in the queue! Clearly, this title has a bit of buzz about it.

Admittedly, I hadn’t heard of the book, but rather saw something about a film or TV adaptation featuring Anne Hathaway. It was that news that sparked my interest in this title. It is the last book I’ve added to my overall TBR, so naturally I would normally treat it as the least priority to pick up. However, I’m in the mood for doing something different and I’m intrigued as to why this book is so popular. So, I’m ignoring my backlist and picking up Yesteryear. It can judge me in silence 😂

And some Booker Prize shortlisted novellas… 

The Wax Child

Goodreads 

Earlier this year, I set out my intention to read the 2026 Booker Prize longlist. That list was around 12 or 13 books long, and at the time, I don’t even think the shortlist had come out. I’m sticking with my intention to read the longlist, because if there was one thing I strive for in my reading, it’s to try different things. 

The Wax Child and the next book I feature have some similar themes. They are also both pretty short, as books go. So, they will lean into my want to dip into different books and have fairly short reads to dip into. 

What’s interesting is that whilst these books have been long listed for a prestigious award, neither book has an exceptional rating on Goodreads. Will my view mirror the judges thoughts, or the wider public? 

The Witch 

Goodreads

My second Booker longlist novel, and final book of this monthly TBR, is The Witch. Now I’m absolutely reading this book, there is no question about that. If nothing else, it is only around 150 pages and so achievable regardless of my feelings about it. What scares me is that this book only has a 2.89 star rating on Goodreads. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that low!

So, 2026 is all about trying new things. Again, it will be interesting to see whether I agree with the general public view or if I like the book! 

Summary 

Yes, I do have a number of titles in this September monthly TBR. However, with three of the nine books on today’s list less than 200 pages, as well as two audiobooks, i’m not asking too much of myself in terms of page count.

I’m looking forward to a reading list of books that have been published this year. That’s not something I ever really set out to do, but this happens to be a happy coincidence. Will I enjoy these new and fairly topical books for a change, or will I wish I had gone back to my backlist. 

There’s only one way to find out… See you on the other side! 

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