October Wrap Up (2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my October Wrap Up (what? A second post in four days? Who is she?) 

Why, I am a person who likes writing wrap ups. Because they have a start, and an ending. 

With a story, especially one that you don't know the ending to yet, can take hours. 

A wrap up will always have a definite ending- when I've ran out of books to talk about. 

Today, I talk about 8 books. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3), by Seanan McGuire

After the first two stories in this, increasingly interesting Saga, I was more than ready for the third one. However, this one was a little different. It wasn't an origin story, like Jack and Jill's, or even based in one location, like Every Heart A Doorway. This was, let's have an impossible character, offspring of a deceased character, show up out of the blue and take us all on an adventure, in order to ressurect said character. If you've read book one of this, you know which character I'm talking about. 

This is the book where I realised, if I was to find my own door, I reckon I'd find myself in a logic world. 

Because this nonsense world had me paying close attention, or else I'd have gotten lost. 

Not to say it wasn't exciting, seeing a collection of characters I'd met before, and a couple of new ones, on an adventure, in multiple locations, but I really needed to slow the reading speed down for this one. 

Solid four stars as always though. 

2. All Time Low: Last Young Renegades, by Tres Dean 

3. Illegal, by Eoin Colfer 

4. Monstress, Volume 3: Haven (Monstress, Vol #3), by Marjorie Liu

I've included these together, because I read them all in the same day. I was determined to finish my Goodreads Reading Challenge in November, and having pursued Strangers in Time, for a couple of weeks without finishing, I of course turned to my quick and snappy graphic novel collection. 

All Time Low: Last Young Renegades, I think came out around the aformentioned album. It tells the story of two people that know one another, but have never really crossed paths, following the clues around the town they grew up in, in order to find a secret All Time Low gig, a band that dropped off the face off the Earth a few years ago. It's filled with some of All Time Low's greatest songs, so you can plug your headphones in and listen along, if that's what floats your boat. Good book to re-visit every so often. 

Illegal tells the story of a young boy, on a journey to Europe, to reunite with his older brother and sister. It jumps between two time periods- young Ebo setting out on his own, trying to get from the Sahara Desert, to the last place he heard his brother was, and after that, trying to get to Europe. Both time periods are heart-wrenching, but hopeful throughout, as each time Ebo encounters a new threat, you wonder whether he will finally make it Europe, with all of his family intact. Award winning drawings, and story. 

Monstress, Vol 3: Haven was okay. I remembered enough of the first and second volumes to not have to re-read them, but it was kind of up and down for me throughout. At some points, I found myself thinking, maybe I should give up on this series. I don't read it enough to want to carry on, and some parts I found myself wanting to put the damn thing down. Not to mention, re-reading that huge first volume was not something I was excited about revisiting. 

But, the second half redeemed itself, and that ending had me on tenterhooks. So I'll continue on with Volume four, and see how I feel. 

Will more than likely be skipping the history lessons from now on though. 

5. In An Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4), by Seanan McGuire

Okay, I think this is my favourite one by far. This world feels like it could be mine. Bookish girl, daughter of the headteacher at her school. We know her character after this story takes place, by the way. 

She goes into a tree, to a place that has fair value, at it's core. You can be friends with people, and take on some of their debt, if you want to. 

And, you can come and go a couple of times. I sped through this one in two days, or something ridiculous like that. 

Even now, two weeks after finishing it, is it in the back of my head. It really didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story, desperate to hear what would happen next. 

6. Strangers in Time, by David Baldacci

Sometimes, when books take you nearly an entire month, you end up loathing the book. That was not the case with me. For some reason, I was still invested, from day one, all the way to day twenty-six. 

I loved these characters, I loved the short, but gripping chapters, where it was one tragedy after another with this book. But through it all, was the constant of Ignatius, Molly and Charlie, as the world seemed to collapse around them. 

Set in 1944, Charlie is taken care of by his nan, his only remaining family. She thinks he is safely at school, but really, he is doing everything he can to help his family. 

Molly has returned to central London, after a hiatus away in Leiston, expecting to come home to a loving family. Only the cleaner remains. 

Only the kindness of Ignatius Oliver, owner of 'The Book Keep' keeps Molly and Charlie afloat when WWII continues to devastate London. 

I honestly don't know if I want to read any more of David Baldacci, to be honest. Not because it wasn't amazing- quite the opposite actually, I'm considering adding it to my Favourites List of 2026- but because I don't really want to mess with my idea of story-telling this good. Not to mention, Davud Baldacci, at the moment, has yet to release any more historical fiction novels. 

Maybe I will, but only if people are persuading enough in the comments! 

7. If I Stay (If I Stay #1), by Gayle Forman 

So I read this in two days. That should be enough to say how much I enjoyed this, even the second time around. 

This was exactly what I needed, after whittling away at Strangers in Time for the past month. 

Of course, I definitely wasn't immune to the emotional impact of this book. 

And the ending gives just enough away, that you feel satisfied (and leave you thinking you want more, but actually don't). 

Okay, if you maybe weren't reading when this came out, or when the film came out in 2014 (why not)?, then I'll do a brief summary. 

If I Stay is about seventeen-year-old Mia, who has been playing the cello since she could walk, and loves Adam, who is in a new budding rock band. She is awaiting the results of her audition for Julliard in September, when she takes a trip out with her parents, and her little brother Teddy, on an unexpected snow day. The next moment, she is stood in limbo, trying to decide whether she face everything that comes with a freak car accident, or go on to, not. 

The trailer of this film, with the words "Say something, I'm giving up on you." Is enough to make me start bawling whenever I do. 

Everybody on booktube, or anyone who has watched the trailer, will understand this. 

Just, a really good book, that needed to be read, so I could move on to the final book in the duology. 

8. Where She Went (If I Stay #2), by Gayle Forman 

A couple of days ago, I wrote up to this point, Where She Went. After finishing If I Stay in two days, I was more than confident that I would finish this, along with the duology, despite never having read it before. 

I finished Where She Went under an hour ago, so on to the wrap up, to shed some of my thoughts on this, heavy novel. 

I gave it 4.5 stars. Loved it. 

It was the perfect coupling to book one, reading from Adam's POV. Three years had passed since the events of book one, and Adam had made it big with Shooting Star. Mia is nowhere to be found, having sprouted her wings to Julliard, and gone radio silent on Adam, who has been left behind, despite being a world famous musician. 

Honestly, you can't help but feel sorry for him. He was almost forced to move on, but even three years later, is still clinging on to what it was like before the accident/before Mia dumped him. 

The way he's behaving, the way he has isolated himself from everyone that once cared about him, you can almost justify, because of how shitty the hand he's dealt has been. My hands are shaking, trying to get the right words out right now. Clearly I need to write a review for this. And soon. 

Basically, a change of plans means he has one evening of freedom, to unwind, before his hectic schedule claims him back. 

Mia, travelling to Japan the following day, happens to be in the same place, for the first time in three years. 

What follows is bloody messy, and emotional, and made me want to break down in tears, at every chapter. Basically, this book poses the question: Will Mia and Adam be able to work it out and find some sort of peace after all this time, or will the devastating path that they share cut them apart completely?

I started this book tuesday morning, and I was telling my colleague about it by tuesday afternoon. I was 16 pages in at that time. 

I seriously need to start thinking about this review. Soon. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I finished in the month of October! It truly seems that, in the past two months, I really have been racking through them! (They have all been fairly small, but maybe I'll tackle something slightly larger next month? Who knows?)

If you have read any of these, and have thoughts, feel free to comment below, I love to hear everyone's thoughts! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you soon, with my November TBR (2026)! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxxx

Rescue Mission

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And after three months, I'm back with another story excerpt! 

And... another POV! 

Hope you haven't gotten too attached to Charlie, because another character will be taking control for a bit. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy Rescue Mission. 

Rescue Missing

I’m cascading in sweat, 45 minutes into my hour-long workout.

I’m surrounded by targets, and as each one appears, I focus my power to send it spinning back down. Oh, and it’s pitch black- can’t see my hand in front of my face.

Slightly to my left, I lock onto the next one, and send a small, but accurate crackling of electricity at it.

Bullseye.

I’m just scanning the room to lock onto the next one, when suddenly I hear a slight moaning, and all the lights come on suddenly.

“What gives?” I say to nobody.

Until I see my command making his way towards me.

Immediately, all business, I straighten up.

“What gives?” I ask, my hands in a questioning gesture.

“Rescue missing. Get dressed. Meet me downstairs in five.”

And then he’s walking away.

* * * * *

The jet rises. I struggle to keep my balance- we’re above the clouds in seconds- I wasn’t prepared.

“So, who’s the person? Why is he so important?”

“He’s like you- at the beginning. So much potential, with no proper training. He attacked his watcher, and Gus transported him over to Cloudlands- it was at that precise moment that we became under attacked. Thankfully we’ve managed to locate the boy, and we’re on our way to get him now.”

I had a million questions. “Wait, like me? How so? How old is he? What’s his name? How did”

“Steady on!” Commander has grabbed my flailing hands. “His name is Charlie. Not sure how old he is, but no more than a couple of years younger than you. He shoots beams of light out of his hands.”

“Okay, so where is he?” And why did he have to go and get himself captured?

“He’s been pulled underground. I have no idea why they took, or why they took him there, but something about this seems- not right.”

I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. “Wait, do you think they orchestrated the attack, purely for this- Charlie person? Surely not.”

“I haven’t a clue, frankly. But hopefully we get to find out. Now, ready yourself to depart the jet.” He adds, as we start to lower.

* * * * *

I’m dressed all in black, helmet on, in a suit that conducts maximum electricity. That should be enough, frankly, but I have my machine gun, just in case. Though maybe I should have practised this more, I think, as we run towards the underground tunnel.

We’re there. Commander Anwhistle, back to the side of the tunnel, gun pressed close to his chest. “Right,” he turns to me, “It’s just the two of us, so the best course of action is stealth. We’ll be suppressing our power, not notifying the mercies that we’re in the tunnel. At least that’s the plan. Got it?”

A thumbs up confirms.

We head into darkness, Commander going first.

 

* * * * *

After a time of using our helmets, to see through the vast nothingness of the tunnels, we come across a luminous green light. Even from a distance, I can hear a brief whirring sound. As we approach, I see it resembles an orb type thing. Without making a sound, I step closing. As we get closer, the whirring stops. I motion to Anwhistle. He motions a don’t touch it sign with his hands. I motion what if it’s alerted the mercies.

He replies with a then that’s it. Let’s hope it hasn’t and move on.

With reluctance, I follow.

 

* * * * *

 

After, I don’t know how long, we come across more of the green orbs. As we approach, they in turn, stop whirring. This is bad. And then, a shout. With a glance at Anwhistle, we pack on the speed, caution forgotten.

Three guesses who it is.

Trying to ignore how easy it was to find our target, I draw a quick observation. Too long hair, scruffy, teenage-boy clothing, and a slight glimpse of intelligent behind his brown eyes. About my age, like Anwhistle said.

“Okay, let’s get these ropes off him, and get out of here.” I hear Commander whisper, quiet as a breeze. You don’t have to tell me twice.

As we work to loosen the last rope, we hear footsteps. Shit, I think. Here We Go.

“Into the darkness, quick!” Anwhistle spits out through clenched teeth. Charlie doesn’t know our code, so Anwhistle has to issue directions the normal way.

Less than a second after we sliver into the dark, we see torches. I close my eyes, shutting off my senses, becoming the wall. It calms me.

Charlie is not so good at this, and soon we are almost surrounded.

 I suppose I should tell you what the mercies are. They’re people, basically, but with very specific animal characteristics. Like rats, to tell you the truth. Rats, that wrinkle their noses and can talk and carry guns. They’re a group so to speak, a group that does people’s dirty business. I have no idea who they’re working for on this job.

Feeling Charlie hyperventilate, I start to wonder whether I should try to make a move to calm him, he’s so obviously panicking. I decide not to, what with the mercies so close. He’ll just have to get a grip.

And of course, the rats catch on anyway.

“Hey, he’s free! The freak has got free!” Says one very stupid rat.

“Shut up, you idiot, he didn’t do that himself, did he? It was these two, Commander, and the other freak!”

“Who are you calling, freak, rat shit!” It’s out of my mouth before I can stop it.

“Watch your mouth, girlie! Or I’ll go boom with my gun, and you’ll be history!”

“I’d like to see you try!” I face the one who spoke before. “We don’t have anything against you, so why don’t you just scurry back to whatever hole you came from, hmph?” I can feel my electricity lingering at my fingertips as I speak.

What happens next is so fast, even I didn’t see it coming.

A gun was in my face, a rat was shot dead, I looked around for Commander, and Charlie, and boom, everything was bathed in light.

That was the last thing I saw before I passed out, along with the rest of my crew.

Okay! That is everything I have for this chapter. I can't help but feel that this one was a bit lack-luster. It certainly took a lot more effort on my part to stay concentrated on the story, so let me know in the comments what you think! 

Okay, with that, I will see you all very soon, with my October Wrap Up! 

I hope you have a lovely evening! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxxx

Birthday Haul!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And as I have recently obtained a fair few books, either by gift or voucher, it seemed fitting that I post about them! 

Knowing me, it'll be months until I get to any of these, but I'm going to write a post about them anyway. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

1. Angels (The Walsh Family #3), by Marian Keyes

Basically, when my friends are stuck on birthday/Christmas presents for me, I give them a book choices, so I don't just have book vouchers loitering in my purse. 

Angels, and Wolf Hall, was one such choice. Obviously, I ended up with both. 

This may seem like a random choice, as they're two completely different genres. But Angels is the next book in the Walsh Family series, by Marian Keyes. The Walsh Family series is one that I come back to every so often, but seem to have forgotten about recently. I read book 1, Watermelon, back in February, and book 2, Rachel's Holiday, the year before that, before I realised I'd stumbled across a massive series that is the Walsh Family. 

Angels introduces us to a third (out of five, I think) Walsh sister, Maggie. Compared to her older sisters, dramatic Claire, and reckless Rachel, Maggie has always been sensible, and chosen safety, rather than risk taking. But when she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her, and she's about to be fired from her job, she flees everything, to the only place she can think to be, Los Angeles, the city of angels- where her best friend resides. As she begins to contemplate her next move, she comes to the realisation that Los Angeles is not quite what she expected.

What can be around the corner for sensible Maggie, the third Walsh sister?

2. Wolf Hall (Thomas Cromwell #1), by Hilary Mantel

Wolf Hall! Now I can finally start this series! 

Yeah, like that'll happen soon haha. 

Okay, it's not like it won't happen. After all, I own both Wolf Hall and Bringing Up the Bodies now. It's just one of those series' that I have to be in the right mood for, to pick up. 

And I've been wanting to pick this series up for years, since I remember being interested in the Bringing Up the Bodies release in Waterstones, over eight years ago. And despite my interest in the Henry VIII era, I've never actually read a book series set in that time. 

It's my understanding that this series takes place during Henry VIII's marriages to Catherine of Aragon, through to his marriage of Jane Seymour. Honestly, don't know more than that, but I think I'm just going to pick this up, without doing too much research about it. Sometimes it's nice to be surprised. 

3. Monstress, Volume 3: Haven (Monstress #3), by Marjorie M. Liu

As I write this, I plan to start this tomorrow (14th October). Mainly so I can finish my Goodreads Reading Challenge, but whatever! 

From what I've heard about this volume, Haven enters into uncharted territory. Maika has always relied on her flight ability, but now the tables have turned, and she must rely on others, in order to survive. 

From what I have read from other people's reviews, this one is a little chaotic, a little about the other characters, with a bit of everything- plot, relationships, and action. 

We'll see what I think of the third volume, and the direction the story takes. 

4. So, anyway..., by John Cleese

I spotted this in a random Travelodge last weekend- donate £1 to Rainbow Children's Hospital (I think) and I just couldn't resist. 

I love John Cleese, and his type of humour. I love Fawlty Towers, and I cannot wait to pick this up. (I just know I'm going to become obsessed with Monty Python when I'm reading this, and that is a-ok with me.)

Really don't know what to say, other than, I know I'm going to laugh out loud while reading this.

5. The Pools, by E. Lockhart 

6. The Sixth Faction (The Sixth Faction #1), by Veronica Roth

So, I didn't actually make a conscious decision to buy these two. 

When I walked into Waterstones last Wednesday, I had £30 of vouchers to use. 

I just knew that I would be walking away with whatever they had in store. The choices were: 

1. The Pools, by E. Lockhart 

2. Victorious (Villains #3), by V.E. Schwab 

3. The Sixth Faction (The Sixth Faction #1), by Veronica Roth

They didn't have Victorious in store yet, and that was that. 

Truly, I didn't mind which ones I walked with, because I want all of them. 

Let me know in the comments which one I should read first! 

7. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brönte

The last three books on the list were gifted to me by Jordan's nan, who lives just down the road. She doesn't even want them back! 

Wuthering Heights is one of those books that I always planned to get around to reading, but was way down the priority list. It wasn't a book I'd see in a bookshop and think 'I have to read that soon!'. 

At least now I know it's on my bookshelf ready, for when I want it. 

Who doesn't love a bit of forbidden romance? And Wuthering Heights is about as good as you can get. 

8. The Long and Winding Road, by Lesley Pearce

When I was given this book, I thought it was just another Leslie Pearce book. But as it turns out, it's her autobiography. 

"From being rescued, aged three, found in the snow after

her mother's tragic, undiscovered death, to being sent to

 an orphanage. From a teenager seeking her fortune in 

swinging sixties London to being an unwed mother having

her newborn taken from her, Lesley Pearce has been no 

stranger to adversity. But as a true survivor, she turned

struggle into inspiration to become one of the world's 

bestselling storytellers. Now, for the very first time, she

tells us her own extroadinary tale- of loss, love and 

above all, hope." 

Certainly sounds interesting, doesn't it? I think I might have to read at least one of her novels before delving into this one though. 

I do have The Girl with the Suitcase upstairs, after all. 

9. The Potteries Girls on the Home Front (The Potteries Girls #3), by Lynn Johnson

Out of all of these books, this is the one I know the least about. Never heard of the author, and after finding out that it's the third book in the series, I might have to put this off for a while. 

Saying that, it looks like each of The Potteries Girls' novels each have a different protagonist, so maybe I'll pick this up sooner than I think (thinking of read a whole load of books, for one month, that look the least appealing). 

"Staffordshire, 1911: Betty Dean is sent into service. 

The work is long and gruelling, and her dreams of

making something of her life seem very far away. 

But soon, she is forced to return to The Potteries, 

carrying with her a dreadful secret which could

destroy her reputation. 

As WW1 strikes, a new job on the trams throws

her a lifeline. Meeting her fellow clippies brings

the joy of friendship, and when Duncan Kennedy, 

a sly but charming soldier, enters Betty's life, it

seems that she may finally find love. 

But opening herself up isn't easy, and when he 

leaves for the front, she finds herself alone once 

again. As the Great War brings heartbreak, can 

Betty overcome her own battles?"

I don't know guys. It seems interesting, as most books do, but I have so many. I have to wonder if this'll be one of those, sat on my shelf for years, collecting dust? Maybe I'll get the urge to read it in a few months, but definitely not at the moment. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I was gifted/purchased for my birthday! I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and as always, any comment is welcomed (don't forget to mention whether I should read The Pools, or The Sixth Faction first though). 

Okay, that is all that I have for you today! I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

October TBR (2026)!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I cannot tell you how excited I am to be back doing TBR's! At one point I used to rely on them to count towards my posting goal, and there were months I'm ashamed to say, when TBR's and wrap ups were all I was posting. 

But since it's been a long time since I've done one, and had to rely on other ideas, I'm hoping I won't go back to that (I have a ton of new post ideas). 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

1. Strangers in Time, by David Baldacci 

I picked this up because it looked the most appealing, from what I had on my unread shelf. 

I'd already selected this monthly TBR for October, but after finishing Every Heart A Doorway, had a few days spare, and I didn't want to start on this TBR until 1st October. 

But now, I'm one day away from the start of the month, and I'm 14 pages in, due to becoming engrossed in Down Among the Sticks and Bones. 

The way I'm feeling now, I might just give this book a week, to see how I feel about it, and if I'm not feeling into it, I might have to return it to the unread shelf for another day. 

If you didn't know, Strangers in Time is about two teenagers, Charlie and Molly, that are in the middle of WWII London, unaccounted for, without parents, just trying to get through the Blitz- and stay alive in the process. 

They are taken in by an unexpected ally, Ignatius Oliver, owner of The Book Keep (bookshop), and are all just trying to do their best to live through the Blitz as best they can- until their newfound peace is jeopardized as the past catches up to them... 

2. Monstress, Volume 1: The Awakening, by Marjorie M. Liu

3. Monstress, Volume 2: The Blood, by Marjorie M. Liu

4. Monstress, Volume 3: Haven, by Marjorie M. Liu

 

At the moment, I'm not sure if I want to re-read both volumes 1 &2, because it hasn't been that long, and Volume 1 is quite long, but I've stuck both on there, just in case. 

Monstress is the type of series where I want to be sure I've remembered everything, because you never know what could be important down the line. 

However, don't be surprised if I end up jist refreshing Volume 2. 

In spite of all that, I thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 & 2, and am looking forward to reading Volume 3- no spoilers though- never for a series. 

5. If I Stay (If I Stay #1), by Gayle Forman 

6. Where She Went (If I Stay #2), by Gayle Forman

 

After looking high and low for my copy of If I Stay, I have ordered a copy from Ebay for about £2. 

Hopefully I enjoy it now as much as I did the first time I read it. 

Where She Went takes place three years later, reading from the POV of Adam. I won't tell you what happens in If I Stay, but I will say that it involves a lot of Mia in book two. Since I was satisfied with the If I Stay ending of the film/book, I was never that curious about Where She Went, until I came across it in a second-hand bookshop something a few months back. 

Basically, I saw a chance to finish another series, and purchased it. 

And now, I can't seem to get this sequel out of my head. 

7. XOXO (XOXO #1), BY Axie Oh 

I found this hidden under my bed, along with a couple other forgotten about unread books, and my long-lost copy of Icebreaker, about a month ago. 

XOXO in a nutshell, is probably best explained like this:

Jenny didn't get as good as she is at playing classical instruments without choosing work over fun. That is, until the night she meets Jaewoo, and finds herself walking through the night with him, the day before he flies home to South Korea. 

With Jaewoo an ocean away, there's no point in dwelling on the impossible. Dwelling won't get her into the best music school, after all. 

Until he turns up in the same town that Jenny and her mother have just moved to, to take care of her grandmother. Oh, and he's a student at the elite music school she's just been accepted into. 

Turns out, he's a member of a world famous K-Pop band. 

If only world famous K-Pop band members weren't banned from dating. 

When a relationship could ruin any possible music prospects, as well as cost Jaewoo everything he has worked for, Jenny has to decide how much she is willing to risk, for love. 

This probably isn't the best book for October, but what the heck! Sometimes you have to go with what you feel is right. 

And XOXO feels like the right book to read at the moment. 

8. Not Quite Dead Yet, by Holly Jackson

And then we skip to the murder. I included this in my Top Books I Want to Read Once I Finish this Godforsaken Re-read) post, as well as my Anticipated Releases (July- September 2025) post. Clearly this book went straight up my priority list when I bought it. 

If you didn't know, Not Quite Dead Yet, follows Jet, a twenty-seven year old, living in Woodstock, Vermont, with her wealthy family. She has never left town, never pursued a career, never really been in a rush to do anything. I have time to figure things out, she thinks. 

And then she's violently attacked, by an unknown enemy. 

The Doctors say she has a week, before she dies from a massive brain injury. 

So Jet has a week, to figure out who tried to kill her. 

Or die trying. 

Holly Jackson is the bestselling author of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, so I know this is going to be a gripping and intense thriller, that will hook me to the very end. 

I'm so excited to see what I think of her books. Almost predicting a 5 star read here. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I plan to read in the month of October! I hope you enjoyed reading about them and, as always, feel free to comment down below what you plan to read, watch or play, in this very spooky month of October! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

 

September Wrap Up (and one book from August)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back, with my first wrap up since February! 

This would be my September Wrap Up, except for the fact that I managed to finish a book in three days in August, so I'll be including that as well! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it! 

(This one is going to be a long one- I've finished eight books since finishing SP!)

1. Tilt, by Emma Pattee

This is truly a book set in a disaster. 

Picture this: you're 37 weeks pregnant, out buying a crib you've been saving up for, for nearly nine months- and then the Earth starts crumbling around you. Next thing you know, you're in complete darkness. 

Now, I won't share too many of my thoughts on this, because I'm planning a review sometime soon. But an earthquake would be terrifying for anyone. Not least a 37 weeks pregnant woman, seperated from her partner. 

Tilt is absolutely ground-breaking. Pun intended. 

I will be recommending this to everybody that asks for a suggestion in the near future. You can guarantee that. 

2. Rebel Rising, by Rebel Wilson

A book that (metaphorically) had been collecting dust on my Audible shelf for months. At risk of losing my Audible streak, I decided to pick this up, instead of purchasing the audiobook for The Miniaturist, my current read (that I was struggling with at the time). 

Actually glad I picked this up. 

Granted, it's not the most compelling, most interesting, thought-provoking, or emotional memoir I've read, but it's a stellar, 4 star read. 

If you get the feeling from Rebel Wilson is an up-front, honest person, from her characters/ public appearances, you are absolutely right, and this book is proof of that. 

This was exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. I got to learn more about Rebel Wilson. I learned that I had in fact, watched all of her most noticed films like Bridesmaids, and of course the Pitch Perfect movies, but this made me want to check out her earlier comedy programs as well, before she made it big time. 

Also, like most author narrated autobiographies, I could not stop listening once I started. There was one part towards the end that, I felt, went over the same points a couple more times than was needed, but other than that, no repetition, no rushed chapters, nothing that wasn't needed. 

Worth the read if you're curious about her story at all, and definitely doesn't deserve the hate it receives. 

3. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by Jules Verne

I've only had this a short time, but when my boyfriend surprised me with this, from the mysterious phonebox on the way home, I knew it wouldn't be long until an opportunity presented itself to read this. It didn't take me long to figure out: Journey to the Centre of the Earth is the perfect read-a-thon, because of how short it was. 

Perfect timing as well, I'd planned to wake up at six, a couple of days after my birthday, and read as much as I could. 

So, on Wednesday 16th September, I made a start. 

Now, honestly, the fact that it was written in 19th century, was a very large obstacle. I read an average of 30ish pages an hour working through this, it was that wordy. 

Nevertheless, like every difficult read, there were some points I loved, and flew through- and others, where I was near tearing my eyes out and praying to whatever God there is, that this book would soon be over. 

Once I got past the first part, and to the actual expedition, I definitely picked up speed. 

One thing I will say, is it definitely doesn't feel like a book that's under 200 pages. Believe me when I say, there's so much packed in! If you can withstand the roundabout style of story-telling, you will thoroughly enjoy this novel. There is no book like it. 

4. Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk

After grinding for hours at Journey to the Centre of the Earth, I was ready for something a bit less taxing. Ever since seeing this in Kibworth Books a few months ago, I have been extremely curious about this book. Obviously I'd heard of the film, starring Brad Pitt, but to me, it didn't make sense that it would come from a novel first. Fight Club is 200 pages exactly, which is why I selected it for my 18-hour-readathon. 

This book blew my mind. The ending was the best part. Every so often, my mind wanders to the ending of this book, and the realisation, and I can't help but reel at how it all worked out. 

Everybody I ask remembers seeing the film, but can't remember whether the film was the same as the book which, let me tell you, is very frustrating. 

You know when a book doesn't quite make sense at the start, but then you progress, and suddenly every weird thing, or description that didn't quite ring true, makes sense? That was this book for me. 

I think I need to distance myself from how amazing this book was before I watch the film, but don't doubt, I will watch this film, as soon as I'm able to. 

 

5. Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds

Book three of eighteen-hour-readathon. Having finished two books, and feeling pretty fatigued, and bordering on a reading slump, I decided to pick up a quick and easy book that I was familiar with (and one I'd been thinking about a fair bit recently). 

Basically, this follows fifteen-year-old Will, in the lift, with his gun in his pocket, about to avenge his brother. Who has just been murdered. 

See, there are three rules in his neighbourhood- that everybody live by when the worst happens. 

1. No crying. 

2. No snitching. 

3. Always get revenge. 

And Will is just about to do that. 

Except, people keep getting into the lift with him. 

Dead people. 

The mentor of Will's brother. A childhood friend. His Uncle Mark. His Dad. The guy that killed his brother's mentor. Even his brother. 

Question is, can they persuade him to turn around, or will he follow down the same path as the ghosts around him?

Every time I read this, it takes me about an hour. It's so fucking powerful, so bloody real, and despite what it's about, it's more hopeful than you'd think. One of the best graphic novels I've ever read, truly. 

6. Every Heart A Doorway (Wayward Children #1), by Seanan MccGuire

I read a number of these very short, very dark novels about six years ago, very quickly. I then got bored of them, and now I'm probably three books behind. 

I picked this up, so I could re-introduce myself to this wonderful, mystical series, in order to continue at my own pace (also to continue my Audible streak, which is now at 10 weeks). 

It was such a relief to merge back into this series. 

The Wayward Children series starts at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, and it is for children that have seen doors, in their ordinary homes, and those doors have taken them to other places, sometimes for years at a time, that suits them better than any other place could. 

They have then come home, and are not able to deal with it. 

On the whole, so creative, so imaginative, and very very dark. Couple that with the fact that, on 1.7% speed, I can finish each book within three hours, then what's not to like?

(Also, it helps my Goodreads Reading Goal a lot, because I'm only five books away from finishing.)

7. The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist #1), by Jessie Burton

8. The House of Fortune (The Miniaturist #2), by Jessie Burton

I FINALLY GOT TO THESE! 

If you didn't know, I first read The Miniaturist back in 2019, after a Waterstones member of staff recommended it to me. Wasn't the sort of book I typically gravitated towards. 

To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. Historical fiction standalone. Great. 

Until I came across the sequel, The House of Fortune, in July 2022. 

Remembering how much I enjoyed the first one, I purchased it, thinking I would need to re-read The Miniaturist first. 

And now, four years later, I finally finished it! 

Oh, by the way, totally worth waiting four years to re-read book one, and then read The House of Fortune. Much like The Miniaturist, once you get past a certain point, you can't help but read the second half of book two, in one afternoon. 

The House of Fortune will most definitely make my favourites list at the end of the year. 

It's so well-written, so compelling, without being too similar to the prequel, but you definitely cannot read book two without reading book one. 

Even having written all of the above, I feel I still haven't scratched the surface with these two. Anybody want to say review? I'm definitely considering it. 

9. Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2), by Seanan McGuire

At the time of writing this sentence, I haven't even started this yet. 

This is my next audiobook, and with the correct reading speed, last approximately 2.5 hours. Peace of cake. 

Down Among the Sticks and Bones takes place in the timeframe, before book 1. This is where Jack and Jill's world is, after they go through the door. 

And fast forward to the next day, when I have finished said book. My God, was this book good! Just, so good. 

The Moors. Filled with creatures. Vampires, re-awaken, werewolves. And two very different twins. 

At this point, I doubt the series could get any better. 

So short, but so enticing. 

Just as good as the first book. 

I know it's been years since these books were released, but if you like a bit of horror, a bit of murder, some dark tales, that are short and sweet (with a bit of magic on the side) then this is the series for you. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I read in September (and one in August too). Audiobooks were at an all time high for this month, with me finishing my fifth tonight. 

Let's hope the saga continues. 

So, that is all that I have for you today! I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to comment below! I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon with my October TBR! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Anticipated Releases (October-Decemeber 2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back, with the last 2026 Anticipated Releases post! 

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of my old YA favourites were releasing books towards the end of this month! If you follow bookstagram much, you may have heard of these, and be just as overjoyed as me. 

Of course, different people have different tastes, so there may be some that you're looking forward to, that I haven't included. Please do let me know in the comments, what your anticipated releases are, as I would love to hear about them! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

~October~

1. The Pools, by E. Lockheart 

Release date: 6/10/2026

A new book from the author that wrote, possibly, the biggest plot twist in YA history? Of course this is going on my anticipated releases list! 

I think the easiest way to talk about what this book is about, is to just quote the blurb. I don't want to confuse people, by mixing the tenses up, and this one flows in and out of the present so much, I can't even be sure where it's at. 

"Once, in a small New England town known for it's hot springs, something terrible happened. 

Something that should have been a warning to stay away from the pools, if the stories were to be

believed. 

But no one is afraid of the water anymore, even if they should be. 

When new girl Lexie meets golden boy Chester, their chemistry is undeniable. She's running from a 

glittering life she won't speak about. He's hiding secrets of his own. Their connection feels bigger 

than both of them, despite their damage. 

One frigid winter morning in that small New England town, five people go for a swim in the pools. 

Five people, including Chester. What happens there sends shock waves through the town, changing

life as Lexie knows it forever."

Now, it says on the cover that this is a love story. Honestly, I don't fully believe that. Based off of the type of storyteller I believe E. Lockhart to be, I get the feeling that somebody dies in those pools. Also, how big are these pools? How much can actually go on, without someone noticing? I guess we'll find out. 

2. The Sixth Faction (The Sixth Faction #1), by Veronica Roth 

Release date: 6/10/2026

I love the comments on Goodreads on this book's page. Those commentors are not holding back. 

Okay, so what I know about this book, is that, Tris has already decided what faction she wants to join- Dauntless. Then something happens- which hasn't been revealed yet, and she's thrusted into an underground rebellion- and into the path of a boy with secrets as dangerous as her own- with only a number for a name. 

The Sixth Faction is the first book in a duology, the second book expecting a release sometime next year- and to quote Minne (Back :))- This is either going to fix everything or prove that girl was doomed no matter what. 

No idea to be honest, but I'm excited to find out. 

3. Victorious (Villains #3), by V.E. Schwab 

Release date: 6/10/2026

It's been eight years since book 2 of this series came out. Nowhere near as long as the wait for graphic novel Saga, Volume 10 to come out, but close enough. 

Will definitely need to re-read book 1&2: Vicious & Vengeful, but as it didn't take me long to read those the first time, it should be the same the second time around. 

Very simple premise, with a very simple meaning behind the title. Victorious: who will be the final winner. 

"Eli Ever. Victor Vale. 

Two men, first best friends, then mortal enemies, each destined to be the other's shadow. 

One left standing- but the game isn't over yet. 

Against all the years- and the odds- a group of allies and archrivals meet on a chessboard set by

an opponent they couldn't have predicted... to see who will be victorious."

I definitely need to re-read the first two, or else the big reveal will never have as much impact as it could (forgotten all of the characters, apart from our main two). 

4. It's Only Dancing, by Jasmine Guillory 

Release date: 6/10/2026

After reading this through a couple of times, I'm getting (clean version) Dirty Dancing vibes. 

-Katherine (Kitty to family and friends) wants to spend the last summer before her senior year working for an important organisation or doing something impressive- but instead is forced to spend it with her family at a camp in Southern California. 

-First night, she catches a glimpse of a staff party- where the entire staff are dancing freely, without a care in the world. Kitty is envious, especially as the last time she danced like that was when she quit ballet two years, sick of the insults that were constantly directed at her. 

-When she and Jordan, hip hop dance instructor extroadinaire, start to fall in love, she starts lying to her family, in order to spend more time with him. Eventually, she realises that spending too much time with Jordan could tarnish her reputation, and so, she is left with a choice: what is she willing to risk in order to feel free? And is it possible that dancing with Jordan could reignite her love for dancing once more?

Anybody else? 

Honestly, it's been so long since I read a book like this. I think the last one was Instructions for Dancing, by Nicola Yoon, which was back in 2021. This might just be the perfect book to go next to that one. 

5. Wondrous, by Heather Fawcett 

Release date: 6/10/2026

Simple premise, this. 

Timed to the 75th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, this is the perfect for the Halloween season, if you want something more action, and less creepy. 

This is the sequel to the original, with an Alice, who is now eighteen, and feels much more secure in Wonderland, than in the 'real world'. After all, in Wonderland, no one will judge you for being weird. 

Until the most weird thing to ever happen in Wonderland... happens. Two other Alices, claiming to be the 'real' Alice, also arrive. And all three are frogmarched to the Queen's castle. 

The Queen explains that it has been prophesized that one day, a 'blue Alice' will save Wonderland from terrible peril. Ever since, the White Rabbit has been opening portals, in order to pull any children, dressed in blue and called Alice, down to Wonderland. 

And now there are three dragons, running rampant around Wonderland. The first Alice to slay all three dragons is the 'real' Alice. The others- cast off forever. 

Is Alice the real Alice, or is she just a footnote in someone else's story?

Okay, maybe not so simple a premise, but this story is so good, it was worth writing all of that out. 

Like I said before, seems like the perfect Halloween-action tale full of whimsical, and exciting characters. Looking forward to this coming out.

 

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter #6), by J.K. Rowling (author) & Levi Pinfold (illustrator)

Release date: 6/10/2026

It's been at least two years since the last one came out. I may have read the physical book already, but there was no way I wasn't going to include this on today's post. 

7. As We Fall Through Time, by Claire North 

Release date: 13/10/2026

A new Claire North book! I haven't read one of her books since A Sudden Appearance of Hope, in 2017!

Another time travelling book, but this sounds bloody good. 

This is the story of what happens, after the world ends. 

When time traveller Cal, meets a soldier of the French Revolution, he knows his lover is going to die. But what's the point of being a time traveller if you can't make a couple of tweaks along the way- if only to save the one you love? 

When Fadimmatu walks into a museum in 2018 to find her own corpse, she sets herself in a path to a betrayal that has already killed her, and a murder that has not yet come to pass. 

In arranging these tweaks, these moments in time rip a hole in the very fabric of time, breaking both past and future. In order to re-store time, they must reckon with death foretold, love forsaken, and a secret that will shatter time itself. 

This, like A Sudden Appearance of Hope, feels like it's going to be a 500+ page book, and I am absolutely here for it! 

8. Queen of Lombard Street, by Lisa Kleypas

Release date: 20/10/2026

I love the idea of this book. Upon hearing about it, all I knew from the description was that it was about a woman, wanting to make the first female bank, in the Victorian Era, and her struggles to establish this against the pressures and restrictions in that time period. 

After reading about it on Goodreads, I learned: 

1. Women weren't allowed their own bank account, let alone their own bank. Reina, our protagonist, knows better, after being raised by her spanish mother.

2. The mentor she built the idea with is a criminal, and may be responsible for the biggest financial heist of that century. 

3. Her mentor needs her expertise in concealing potentially criminal files, which means that Reina is left with a choice: Does she betray her mentor, or abandon the families that she has been working with since the beginning. Either way, her dream of owning a bank one day may well be over. 

I really am a sucker for a woman independence story. 

 

9. Whale Harbor, by Mary Beth Keane

Release date: 20/10/2026

I don't know what drew me to this book, but something about it felt real to me. It tells the story of a father, a father and his eleven grieving sons. In the wake of tragedy, he makes a decision regarding his boys. Of the eldest half, they are all to emigrate to England to work, whereas the younger of the sons are to stay behind. 

Second eldest, Macdara is offered the chance to work on a Montana cattle range, and is ready to leave on the off. His younger brother, Rian, begs to come along. When he's older, Macdara says, and leaves before he can change his mind. 

But then one day, Mac gets the call that Rian has gone missing, without a trace. 

This call will haunt the family for generations. 

Set in 1960s Ireland. 

Why on Earth did I think this family were African? My head is all over the place, I swear. 

Anyway. This feels like the type of book that's going to be one of Waterstones' Book of the Month when it comes out, to be honest. It fits right for Fiction. 

It feels like a best-seller to me. 

Just a gut feeling. 

~November~

1. Orlando, by Harry Whittaker 

Release date: 5/11/2026

After dedicating over a year, reading all of Lucinda's Riley's books a couple of years ago, there was never a question as for whether this was going to be included on this list. Orlando is a side character in the third Seven Sisters book, The Shadow Sister. This takes place after that book, with Star and Orlando working together to uncover secrets that start with the arrival of a new A Christmas Carol...

Feels like the perfect winter book to me, to be honest. 

2. Murmuration , by T.J. Klune

Release date: 17/11/2026

Despite only reading the one book, I know that whatever I pick up, I will love when it's written by him. 

Murmuration takes place in a small town called Amorea, in 1954. I haven't read many books set in that time period, nearly 10 years after the war, so this sounds interesting. 

"In the small mountain town of Amorea, it's stretching towards autumn of 1954. The memories of a

world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and

neighbours are always there to give eachother a helping hand. 

The people here know certain things as fact: 

Amorea is the best little town there is. 

The only good Commie is a dead Commie. 

The women's club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist. 

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mallard. Why they 

haven't gotten their acts together is anybody's guess. It may be the World's longest courtship, but no 

one can deny the way they look at each other. 

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something's wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows 

crawling along the walls, and great clouds of birds overheard that only he can see. 

Something's happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves." 

~December~

1. Slow Burn, by Trinity Nguyen 

Release date: 29/12/2026

There's not really much I need to say to describe this:

-Hate to love romance. 

-Two characters, Lizzie Ly, and and Ethan Huang, both want to win the cooking competition they were invited to participate in, on tv, a program called Sweet Heat. First prize is a mentorship under top chef Harrison Moss. 

Lizzie Ly wants to win, so she can help contribute to her family's struggling cooking business; and Ethan wants to win, to prove that his cooking hobbie is more than, well, a hobbie.

This seems like the perfect book to pick up in the cold winter months, when we're all craving a hot meal. 

And it might encourage me to actually try some of the hot meals I've got collected on my instagram account too. 

What's not to love about this book?  

Okay! Those are all of my Anticipated Releases for the last three months of the year! I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and feel free to note them in the comments below! 

I hope you have a lovely evening, and I'll see you soon with another story entry! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx