January TBR (2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And it's 2026! The first month of the year- which means a brand new TBR (I promise, I won't be abandoning the books I put to one side after American Gods- in fact, some of those are still being carried through to January). 

I can't wait to show you all what I plan to read this month! (And of course, you're welcome to comment your reading plans below as well.)

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

Let's go all out with our reading and smash it! 

1. Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga #4), by Stephenie Meyer

I started this two days ago, and I'm nearly halfway. To say I'm enjoying my Twilight re-read is an understatement.  

Could I be reading a better written book? Most probably. Does it matter an iota? No it does not. 

It's been several years since I've re-read this series, and I'm so glad I finally took the plunge and picked them up again. This series, as well as the films were my whole world growing up. Age 13-15, I was counting down the days until the next twilight film was released. 

I have no idea what I hope to achieve by reading through this series so fast, because I know I'll be completely lost at it's end, but I don't care at this point- I'm enjoying myself way too much. 

2. Anansi Boys (American Gods #2), by Neil Gaiman

After finishing American Gods, I needed a break, a chance to breath, and read something unplanned. That was The Twilight Saga. Now on the last book, I'm in a much better headspace, and ready to start finishing things. Anansi Boys is the first book on that list- I was gifted this over a year ago by a friend, and it's the last gift present I have from that time. 

Not to mention, it would be nice to say I've finished my first series entirely in 2026. 

Anansi Boys is slightly different from American Gods, in the fact that we have a new protagonist. Shadow's brother, Charlie. Charlie is your ordinary guy- until his god Dad drops dead, and he finds out he has a brother. Shadow. 

Shadow is about to make Charlie's life a lot more interesting- and a lot more dangerous. 

It's 450 odd pages, and I'm predicting it'll take me 7-10 days to finish. Slow going, I know, but every book can't be Twilight, can it?

3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

I went out on a bit of a limb when I asked for this as a Christmas present. I don't have a huge classic collection, I'm not the biggest Jane Austen buff. I have a few favourites, sure, like everyone else. But something felt right about this book. I love me some zombies, and Pride and Prejudice has always been a book I've been interested to read. 

If there are specific quotes to the original works, I definiely won't recognise them, unless it's a very obvious quote, but from what I gather from the blurb, this takes one of the best classics in modern literature and turns it into something entirely on it's head. 

All I've read is the blurb, and I am 100% hooked. I hope I get to it this month (as it is the shortest book of the bunch). 

4. Watermelon (Walsh Family #1), by Marian Keyes

Out of all of my Christmas book presents, Watermelon is the book I've thought the most about. After getting a taste of the Walsh Family series with Rachel's Holiday, I'm eager to meet the rest of her sisters, and read their stories. 

Claire is the oldest walsh daughter, the type A one- at least, that's the gist I got upon meeting her in Rachel's book. I'll be honest. Her book sounds devastating. She basically has to start her life anew when her husband- the very day she's had their very first baby- tells her he no longer loves her, and is leaving her. That's just cold. 

Left with nothing- no job, a newborn baby, and a postpartum body she can barely stand to look at- Claire returns home to her parents house in Ireland. There, sheltered by the love of her quirky family, she begins to pick up the pieces of her scattered life. So much so, in fact, that when her husband creeps back into her life, he's in for quite a surprise... 

Even I have no idea what this surprise is, but what I do know is I'm ready to sink my teeth into another well-written, mammoth book by Marian Keyes. I want to continue on with the Walsh Family series, and commit as much time as I can to it this year. 

5. The Survivor Wants to Die at the End (They Both Die at the End #2), by Adam Silvera

I was so excited seeing this on the shelf in Waterstones the other week, I couldn't resist. I've loved each Adam Silvera book I've picked up in the past, and although these books don't have the fluffiest theme, I love the message behind this series. 

If you didn't know, the premise for this series is an app called Death Cast, that calls subscribers at midnight on the day they are going to die. Morbid, I know, but the point of the app is to forwarn people, and encourage them to make the most of the day. It even gives people the option to meet up with others that are in the same position- their own last day, so they're not alone. I haven't read a series before or since reading the first release, and I always love the sensitivity in which the story is written. 

I've heard this book is slightly different to the rest in the series. People don't seem to be liking it as much. I will however, be keeping an open mind going into this book, given the sensitive subject. Will let you all know what I think in my wrap up, or review (possibly).

Okay! Those are all the books I want to read in January! I know it must seem like an ambitious target, to read so many books, but I'm working solidly through Breaking Dawn, and I hope to keep making the same progress with Anansi Boys, once I've finished. 

As usual, feel free to comment any books you may have lined up! I love to hear what books you all are into at the moment! 

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

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Yearly Wrap Up (2025)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And what do you know? We're at the end of another year! Where has the time gone? 

I've done so much this year- which I'll get into in a minute. 

I still haven't got a cat though. 

Doesn't matter. Next year, for definite. 

Anyway... 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy my wrap up on 2025. 

~Books Read in December~

As usual, we start with the usual, December Wrap Up. I read a total of 3 books in December, and honestly, I'm not really bothered. I finished American Gods, which was my main goal for this month, and anything else is just extra. 

1. American Gods (American Gods #1), by Neil Gaiman

This book was frustrating at times, but then there were other times where I couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next. The entire book I was trying to work out a pattern, or a select number of themes at least, but this book kept me guessing constantly- I never did quite work it out. 

American Gods is my largest Neil Gaiman book to date- to say I was intimidated by it is a bit of an understatement. But that's why it took me the longest to read, because it was always going to. 

I'm just so relieved that it has a sequel- Anansi Boys- which I intend to read soon. 

American Gods is about Shadow, a recently released convict, who joins Mr. Wednesday on a road trip around America, after his wife Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash, just days before his release. But this is no ordinary road trip. There are events happening behind the scenes, a war is about to break out, and Mr. Wednesday is trying to organise recruits. They are almost out of time, and Shadow and Mr. Wednesday are both in the firing line. 

Not my favourite Neil Gaiman book overall, but definitely the most out there, from what I've read. I'm interesting to see how this wraps up, to be honest. Hopefully I'll get on that in January. 

2. Twilight (The Twilight Saga #1), by Stephenie Meyer

3. New Moon (The Twilight Saga #2), by Stephenie Meyer

  
It's been so nice to go back to these. I started thinking about them last year, as a, I would like to re-read these sometime soon, but definitely not priority back then. But then, after following a set TBR for nearly six months, now felt like the perfect time. I haven't rushed through them, I haven't pushed myself to read more than I wanted. It was the best decision I could have made. 

It's been seven years since I last read The Twilight Saga, and it feels like I've been welcomed home. 

~Series Finished in 2025~

1. The 'Cordelia Hatmaker' trilogy, by Tamzan Merchant

What can I say about this trilogy? Came across the 2nd book, twice, without even realising it. Liked the sound of the 2nd book so much that I bought the first and the third as well. The rest is history. 

This trilogy was fun. It was a light-hearted, funny, creative read, with interesting characters, an engaging plot line, a feud between maker families, and secrets and mysterious galore. Oh! Magic too! 

It's based in the older middle-grade section of libraries and bookstores, and it's a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes feel repetitive. I had so much fun following Cordelia on her quest to find out what had happened to her father (which was also lovely to read about, because that relationship was at the centre of the story). 

2. The 'Clementine' trilogy, by Tillie Warden 

THE CLEMENTINE TRILOGY FINALLY WRAPPED! The last book got pushed back a couple of months, right when I was in the mood for it's release. 

But honestly, it was perfectly wrapped up. After Clementine suffers a loss that is unlike anything she's ever experienced, she finds herself having to pick the pieces of her life back together again. She's offered the chance to start her life up again, but at what cost? 

Clementine Book Three was the perfect puzzle piece to an already amazing trilogy. It all wrapped up very neatly, and I have no wish for a sequel. If you're a fan of the Telltale Walking Dead videogame series, then I suggest you give this a try. 

3. The 'Fence' series, by C.S. Pacat

I'm so glad I finally got to this series in 2025! Fence was everything that I was expecting and more! Fencing of course, with wonderful characters, in a school setting, with lots of competitive competition, and just as much sexual tension with it! 

I just want there to be more! 

(Thank God there's a standalone being released in January.) I'm nowhere near being done with these characters- I just wish I knew more people that knew the series! 

4. The 'Skyward' trilogy, by Joe Henderson

2025 was the year for graphic novel series, I see. I bought the entire series by a voucher from a friend for my birthday, and read 90% of the series on the flight to Dubrovnik in October. I think it's safe to say I couldn't put it down! 

As you can probably tell from the covers, Skyward takes place in a world where the impossible happened- gravity went bye bye! We follow twenty-year-old Willa Fowler, who has never known a world with gravity, and is longing to go on her own adventure, when she can soar through the air- though hopefully not too high, as you die if that happens. 

But then dangerous people start to get wind of her existance- and her Dad's, who was a well-known figure in the science world way back when, and she's thrown into an adventure she definitely isn't prepared for. But what else can you do when you're trying to protect yourself, and the only family she has left?

Skyward is a fast paced, energetic, just getting over one event when the next one happens, sort of story, and one I enjoyed immensely. I will definitely be on the look out for more Joe Henderson graphic novels in the future, so watch this space. 

~Series I've Started & Caught Up On~

1. Psycho from Psycho series (read Book 1)- I don't really have any plans to continue on with this series- I like it as a standalone. 

2. Rachel's Holiday from The Walsh Family series (read Book 2)- I recently acquired Watermelon and will hopefully be reading it soon. This series is one of my big reading goals for 2026. 

3. Howl's Moving Castle from Howl's Moving Castle trilogy (read Book 1)- might pick this up if I get a feeling for it this year- but I have other priorities first! 

4. Earthsea: The First Four Books (read the first four books)- though not at the highest of my priority list, I do plan to read the last two books in the series in 2026. 

5. A Heart Full of Hatred from the Skulduggery Pleasant series (read Book 17)- the last book is out in March and I am not ready. This is it. 

I will be doing an epic re-read in the lead up to this release. 

~What I Accomplished in 2025~

1. Improved 5K PB time- will be trying for sub 22 in 2026! 

2. Ran another marathon- glad I got that out of the way- solo marathon training is currently underway at the moment- watch this space for my time!

3. Actually went abroad for the first time in years in 2025- Dubrovnik is gorgeous, all I had to eat was tuna steak/ pizza (maybe that was what attracted all the cats). 

4. 10K PB- at my all time unluckiest race of all time- never doing that race again! 

~Goals for 2026~

1. GET A CAT. As soon as Blackpool holiday is through, I will be in search of one (maybe from Cat Protection). It's time. 

2. Prepare financially. 

3. New car. I've had the worst luck with my car recently. 

4. Sub 22 in the 5K, sub 4 hours in the marathon. Currently training for both. 

5. Read all unread books. I went shopping with many book vouchers last week, and I am now on a book buying ban for the forseeable future. (I'm doing a Christmas Book Haul sometime this month, I promise.)

~What I'm Looking Forward to In 2026~

1. Having a slower year. Just pausing to take in what's around me, being in the present. Slowing down, less trips, more reading time. Time off spent getting the house in order, and getting rid of all the clutter. Fucking saving, and reading. 

2. Blogging, of course, and interacting with you all (would love some more comments, haha.)

Okay! That is all I have for you all today! 

But for real though, I hope 2025 brought all good things to your life. Some days it feels like you're just going through the motions, other days thriving. Which is okay. When I'm having a bad day, I try to remember that things will get better eventually. It can only get better. Simple things, like feeling the sun on my face when I'm running, or fussing my boyfriend's parent's cats can feel comforting. 

This is me closing the chapter that was 2025, and turning into 2026- which is my year- and everybody else's as well! 

Let's go out and thrive! 

I thank each and every one of you that has visited my blog this past year, and in the past nine before that! 

I hope I will be seeing more of you in 2026- either in person, or in the comments! 

See you guys... 

Byeeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Favourite Books of 2025!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm probably mad, working on this on Christmas Day, but both me and my paartner are taking a focused hour out to work on individual projects, so that's why. 

This list has been accumilating all year long, and it's time to release it. 

I hope you enjoy my Favourite Books of 2025 list. 

1. The Pieces of Ourselves, by Maggie Harcourt

I found out about this book after re-reading Theatrical, one of my favourite contemporaries at the start of the year. After hearing about it, I immediately ordered it, because I love Maggie Harcourt's writing and I needed more of it. The Pieces of Ourselves tells the story of Flora, newly diagnosed as bipolar, who is working in a hotel after taking time out from school, and trying to get herself together in the meantime. Enters Hal, who is trying to find out the history of his grandparents, and has been led to the hotel Flora works at. As she assists him in his quest to find out the truth, and her trying to find her footing after a horrific event that led to her being diagnosed, she releases she is starting to fall for him. 

A wonderful story- emotional, truthful, extremely poignant and honest, with a raw and gritty storyline at it's core. I always love reading a new representation story, but this one has to be one of my favourites. So expertly woven, the story unweaving right before your eyes. I wish I could read this again, with fresh eyes. I need more Maggie Harcourt! 

2. The Porpoise, by Mark Haddon

Slow at the beginning, but when you reach past a certain point, suddenly, everything shifts, and you find yourself caring about nothing more than what happens to the characters in this book. Written by the award-winning author of Mark Haddon, author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Porpoise was a book I always knew I was going to enjoy. I just didn't expect to care about the characters in the book so much. 

The Porpoise starts off with a catastrophe- a father is torn apart from his wife- the love of his life- and left to father the only known survivor of a horrific plane crash- his newborn daughter. This manifests years later into an unhealthy relationship, a need to protect his daughter from the dangers in the outside world. After several years, his daughter finds solace in books, a place she can live the lives of ancient warriors, women who walk miles upon miles to find safety and a job for herself. 

The best part is when you stop wishing to read more about the secluded girl, but more for the struggles, the trials and tribulations that the characters in her book are going through. 

A wonderfully, poetic novel about finding peace, and the power to escape a desperate situation when you are offered no other alternative. I hope Mark Hodden writes more soon. 

3. Psycho, by Robert Bloch 

Reading my boyfriend's book before he read it himself. Just didn't expect to like it so much. And before you comment, I am aware it's a sequel, but I don't think I'll be reading the rest. Psycho is perfect as a standalone. 

This felt like the book that started it all. The start of an era for classic horror. Other, more modern classic horrors are largely bases off some of the moments within this book. And of course, finally reading it made me appreciate the 1960s film, and the tv series, Bates Motel, all the more, for how accurate they were (especially the film). 

I have a full review for this book (so you can see more of my in-depth thoughts), so feel free to read that. I'll link it here. 

But seriously guys, if you're into classic horror AT ALL, you have to check this out. It's seriously one of the best books out there. 

4. Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5), by Suzanne Collins

This one has a review as well, which I've linked into the title. But I imagine I'm not alone in putting this book on my favourite's list, because the buzz for this book was INSANE, especially as the announcement for the film was released at the same time. 

Haymitch's story takes place the morning of the reaping on the 50th Hunger Games, which also happened to be the second quarter quell. It was a good measure of how the games have progressed from the 10th Hunger Games, from the POV of President Snow (mentor), but weren't quite as polished as Katniss and Peter's Hunger Games. It was of course amazing to read from Haymitch's POV, as a young boy who just wanted to build a life for himself and his girlfriend. 

Of course, that's not what happens. 

I will most likely be re-reading them all from scratch when the movie comes out in November, but nothing is quite as good as that initial read. 

5. Rachel's Holiday (The Walsh Family #1), by Marian Keyes

Although knowing this fact won't lessen my enjoyment anymore, I was a little down-hearted when I heard that Rachel's Holiday wasn't actually the first book in a series, but the second. 

And now, after receiving a pile of Chistmas books, I have the first book in my possession and I can't wait to read it!

That's how much I loved this. In fact, I think I enjoyed it so much more because I read this one first. 

Nothing against Claire, but I think I might have cooled my heels a lot more if I was to read her book first. 

Even without reading about her other sisters, I still think Rachel will be my favourite. I love her character arc. Spoiled, in denial, convinced she can stop using any time she likes. Pretending the whole thing is a holiday, with celebrities, living their best life. It is, in fact, quite the opposite. Nothing felt unnecessary, nothing felt rushed. It was raw, it was well-written, and I'm only on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Marian Keyes' books. 

6. My Friends, by Fredrik Backman 

FINALLY! An anticipated releases book that's actually on my Favourites List for 2025! 

I always knew I would love this, because I love every Fredrik Backman book I read. (Even though I'm still yet to read Beartown *sob*). Even if it's partly about art, which I don't usually gravitate to. 

My Friends starts with a painting. Most people think it's just a painting of the sea- but aspiring artist Louise sees something different. Three figures, extremely remote, in the corner of the painting. And she's determined to find out their story. 

It's a painting about a summer. A summer where a group of teenagers find refuge at the pier, away from their bruised, broken home, where there is solace, laughter, peace. 

We, as readers, jump back and forth between the two time frames. They weave together impeccably, by Backman's seamless story-telling, with emotion and honesty. 

Honestly can't find fault with this book. 

There was no doubt in my mind that this would make the list. 

7. FENCE, by C.S. Pacat 

If I could put a hearty-eyed emoji over the cover of this book, then I would do so. 

FENCE. 

I love this series so much- I'm anxious for more to be released. 

Thank God there's another one coming out next month. 

Obviously, this is a graphic novel series about fencing. And LGBT romance. 

I just love the entire series, all the cute moments, ALL the characters. 

I want backstories and short stories for all of the characters- even the teachers (it's a bit embarassing to think the teachers might be a similar age to myself). 

To be honest, if you like LGBT romances and graphic novels, then this is the series for you. You don't even have to like fencing. Just read it for the characters. 

Okay! Those are all of my Favourite Books of 2025! 

When comprising a list like this, I try not to have any kind of limit for the genres that I include. If I want three contemporaries on it, then three contemporaries it shall be. 

But I definitely think there's variety this time around, which I'm glad for. 

That is that I have for you all today, but I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourite books of the year, and of course, feel free to comment below what your favourites were this year! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon for my Yearly Wrap Up! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx