Skulduggery Pleasant: Month 3

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And following the theme for the past three months, this is my third monthly update on my Skulduggery Pleasant re-read. 

Really hope nobody is bored of reading about my progress regarding my Skulduggery Pleasant re-read, but as I'm just over halfway at the moment, you'll be seeing these for the forseeable future- so get used to it! 

When I started this project, I was hoping to be finished by now, but obviously, things have not gone to plan. But I am happy to report that I have actually made some solid progress this month! 

Will get into details in a second but, without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

7.5. Tanith Low in the Maleficent Seven 

Pages: 288. 

End of last update: Page 112. 

Reading days: 30th April- 3rd May. 

When I talked about this book in the last date, I mentioned having read it once and not liking it all that much. Happy to report that my opinion of this has completely changed. Gripping from start to finish, especially the scenes about the girl training to be an assassin in the underground. 

Tanith Low in the Maleficent Seven doesn't add loads to the entire story, but it's a shorter novel that is definitely worth the read. It's a good relief from the 600+ paged books from the rest of the series, and I've always loved Tanith Low as a character, so this story was a huge bonus for me. 

8. Last Stand of Dead Men

Pages: 604

Reading days: 5th May- 20th May 

Note: Finished The Names at the same time as reading this. 

I love this one, so, so much. A whole lunch of legendary characters are introduced, there are betrayals, death, disaster, and it's not even from Darquesse. It's a war of sanctuaries. The stakes are upped massively in this one, and after book 8, what we thought was the penultimate upon it's release, nothing is ever the same again. I know it's a huge book, but somehow, none of it seems rushed or unnecessary.

You know how, in the last couple of months,  I've said with a couple of books that they change the course of the story? This is the big one. Out of all released novels (up to 17, as I haven't read 18 yet), this is the biggest gamechanger novel. 

What happened with taking a brief break, and starting another novel? I found I was struggling to find motivation to pick this up. And with already being behind on my Goodreads reading challenge, I knew desperate measures needed to be taken. 

Last Stand of Dead Men will always be one of my favourite Skulduggery Pleasant books of all time. It's nice to know that hasn't changed. 

9. The Dying of the Light

Pages: 605

Reading days: 20th May- 27th May

Was definitely trying to catch up on my Goodreads goal with this one. Actually finished it on the wednesday, the day before it was due to update- will be making up the one book eventually! 

Thoughout this, my emotional state kept changing. I kept remembering what was about to happen, maybe a split second before it did, and then other events completely took me by surprise. 

Tanith, for instance- if you know you know. 

It was a very nerve-wracking, yet confusing experience. 

I also started to remember what it was like reading this for the first time, thinking that this was going to be the very last Skulduggery Pleasant book- ever. So yeah, very confused and anxious mental state. 

Even knowing I still have 9 books to look forward to, it felt like a goodbye finishing Book 9. I will always say that out of the 9 books, the 6 book series, and the trilogy, the original 9 will always be my favourite of the bunch. 

It's nice to read about Valkyrie when she's my age, now, but nothing compares to her teenage years. 

It was a pleasure to read them again. Pun not intended. 

8.5. Armageddon Outta Here

Pages: 479

Reading days: 28th May- now. 

Currently on page 155. 

Armageddon Outta Here is a collection of short stories and novellas that take place throughout the Skulduggery Pleasant series. So far I've read a western, and a story from Gordon's POV, at a swanky Halloween party for authors, and the introduction to a particular vampire that showes up later in the series. I've only read this the once, and same as Tanith Low in the Maleficent Seven, don't remember liking it all that much. 

Obviously this time, the experience is completely different. 

I wish it wasn't so long, to be honest, but I doubt I'll mind when it comes down to reading some of the longer ones, to be honest. After all, it expands the universe, doesn't it? 

And it was so nice to read from Gordon's POV. 

Again, I'm hoping to finish this before Wednesday, so I have time to finish another book before my goal updates, but I'm at the point where I know I will eventually. 

Stayed tuned for more updates on my SP progress. 

Okay! Those are all of the books I have finished this month! Definitely made some solid progress, in terms of keeping on target, I just wish I could go that extra bit of distance and get back on track with my Goodreads challenge. 

After calculating, I finished a total of 1549 pages, which equates to 50 pages a day, rounded up. 

Slightly better than last month, and taking into account the fact that I finished another, non SP book, pretty good progress. 

Hoping to continue on steadily next month, and getting back to finishing 5+ SP books next month. 

Okay! That is all I have for you guys now, but as always, feel free to comment down below, if you have any thoughts or comments! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

The Names, by Florance Knapp

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with another review! 

I know, I wasn't expecting one this quickly either, but I have a book I want to talk about, and there's nothing else for it, but to put out another review! 

This one is about The Names, Florence Knapp's stunningly beautiful debut novel, and I cannot wait to tell you all about it! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it. 

Title: The Names

Author: Florence Knapp 

Genre: Fiction 

Status: Standalone

Release date: 6/5/2025

Pages: N/A (Listened to audiobook). 

Blurb: "The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life?

In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates....

Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora's last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities for autonomy and healing.

Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one ... precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark. It is the story of one family and love's endless capacity to endure, no matter what fate has in store."

My Thoughts

Trigger warnings: Violence, abuse, manipulation, mentions of sexual abuse, toxic relationship, alcoholism, child abuse, gaslighting, pandemic related-stress. 

These triggers are a pretty big part of the story, so please err on the side of caution when picking this up, if you have experienced any of these triggers, in any aspect. 

You need to understand the premise of the novel if you're going to follow this review. 

The Names starts in 1987, when mother Cora, takes her son to have his name registered. The name Gordon has been passed down through generations, and her husband Gordon, expects him to be named the same. Her thought: what if he turns out like her abusive husband? 

From that point onwards, he may be named Bear, the name her daughter Maia chose; Julian, a name that means sky father, that she chose herself; or Gordon, of course. Each chapter jumps to the next name, and every three chapters, they move to a new time period, seven years later than the last. 

For a debut novel, The Names is exceptional. This novel pans decades, until Maia and her brother are adults, and although the story goes far beyond what Cora named him, it all stems out from that original chapter. The job her son chooses, to the relationships of those around him, even where he grows up. At certain points I had to pause the audiobook, just to take in how a chapter had ended, and trace it all back, to see how we got to this point. 

Honestly guys, this book had me hooked from start to finish. I found myself trying to find time to listen to this audiobook, finding jobs to do where I could listen to just one more chapter. I finished it in four days, so it wasn't hard. 

Like I said before, the marital abuse is a fairly large part of it- the whole reason Cora considers not naming her son Gordon is because she doesn't want her son to end up like her husband, so please consider that before picking this book up. 

Saying that, it isn't the whole story. The majority of this book is hopeful, with some beautiful moments, particularly between Cora's mother, Silbhe, Maia, Julian, and Cian. There are some really lovely moments between some of the characters, that make up much of the story. 

All in all, I very much doubt that I won't be putting this on my Favourite Books of 2026 list, even with 6.5 months to go. It was my first 5 star (new read) of 2026, and I think it'll be hard to beat. The Names was moving and honest, and if you have the stomach to read a novel of this magnitude, then I highly recommend it. 

Okay! Those are all of my thoughts on Florence Knapp's debut, The Names! I hope you enjoyed it, and I really hope I've convinced some of you to give it a go (despite the heavy material). 

One more thing: for everyone that has been on my blog, or even returned, in the last month or so, thankyou so much! The views have been exploding recently, and I cannot thank you guys enough! 

That is all I have for you all today, so I hope you have a good day, and I'll see you all soon! (Feel free to comment below, by the way.) 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Favourite Audiobooks (Version 3)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with a (pretty much) recycled idea, but one worth going back to! 

If you've read the title you know what it is, and that I've done it twice before. 

But, the last time was back in 2023, and since I've listened to a fair few more since then (I'm on 80 at the moment), I figured it was worth a reboot! 

It would be interesting to see what some of your favourites are, so please comment down below, because I'm always open to trying some new reads! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

1. Becoming, by Michelle Obama

It stood the test of time! I listened to this audiobook 6 1/2 years ago, and still it remains one of my favourite audiobooks. 

Now, the novel has everything you could hope for in a memoir; it has the personal story, from childhood to professional career, where she grew up, her lessons as a child, and her family- what her neighbourhood was like. Then it had her working towards her degree, her time as a lawyer, and meeting her future husband, who would go on to be the president of the united states. 

My favourite part will always be her childhood, hearing about where she grew up, and her family, and when she was learning to play piano. The fact that she narrates the audiobook is what sold it for me- you can actually hear the warmth and sincerity with which she describes that time in her life, and that is what has made this audiobook stand the test of time for me. 

2. Daisy Jones and the Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

What can I say? An audiobook with a large cast, each playing one character. This is a book comprised of a series of interviews, sometimes conflicting with others. It's layers upon layers upon layers of this band, Daisy Jones and the Six, which is a made up band inspired by 1970s rock culture (Fleetwood Mac in particular). It's funny, heartfelt, raw and a huge rollercoaster from start to finish. Probably the most cleverly comprised audiobook to date, in my opinion. 

3. Salem's Lot, by Stephen King

I still get shivers when I think of how creepy this audiobook was. There's nothing like hearing the voice of Dracula whisper against your ear. So well performed, it actually feels as if you're in the story yourself, trying to fight dracula and not wind up dead. 100%, the realest and creepiest story I've ever read, in my life. And I've read It. 

Genuinely, I would consider this to be one of my favourite Stephen King books, because of this audiobook. 

4. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, by Matthew Perry 

Rawest book of the lot. This one does not shy away from the hard subjects. Of course it doesn't! Look who wrote it! 

I had this audiobook ready for the right time, for a while I think. 

I listened to it a short time after he passed. But it's important to note that I was always going to read it. 

It was just as amazing, and heartfelt, and real as I suspected it might be. 

I'm not going to say you have to read it, because it deals with some extremely heavy subject matters. But if you can handle it, and you're a fan of his- then you need to pick this up. 

Truly moving, piognant and honest. You won't regret reading this if you haven't. 

5. The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2), by R.J. Kuang

Although I was chipping and changing from the audiobook and the physical book with this, I know that I preferred the audiobook for this. 

In The Dragon Republic, the world gets a lot more vast, the characters get a lot more dimensional- they've graduated from the academy, and the world is about to end- or at least, the stakes a lot lot higher in this one. Reading the physical book just wasn't as gripping as the audiobook was, which is why it's on the list of favourite audiobooks. 

There's nothing like hearing the emotion in the voices of the characters you've grown to love so much, when they're preparing to kill someone. Unforgettable. 

6. George Orwell's 1984, by George Orwell 

Fucking hell, was this an experience. I think I finished this in one day. 

For anyone that doesn't know this, George Orwell's 1984 is an Audible Original, based off of the famous novel. It's recorded by Andrew Garfield as Winston, Cynthia Erivo as Julia, Andrew Scott as O'Brien, and Tom Hardy as Big Brother. I don't have the words to tell you how phenomenally this was drafted. You hear the screams of the prisoners ringing in your head days after you finish this. 

I don't have any critiques on this piece at all. The recording is perfect- so much anguish, so much intensity- I wish I could listen to this without having experienced it before again, so it's fresh in my brain again. It's basically a play, unfolding before your eyes, without the visuality. 

Highly, highly, highly recommend this. 

7. The Women, by Kristin Hannah 

And finally, the instant favourite. Just the book in general. Not the audiobook. 

Whether I read the physical book, or the audiobook, I was always going to love this, and it was always going to make my favourites list for the year. The audiobook just enabled me to read it quicker is all. 

The Women is the first Kristin Hannah book I have picked up, and so far, have yet to pick up any more. But I can guarantee, more of them will be read soon enough. The Nightingale, The Four Winds, The Great Alone, Firefly Lane. I plan on reading them all. And all that has stemmed from one book. 

I can't wait to read them all. 

Okay! Those are my current favourite audiobooks! I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourites, and I'm really happy to see some variety in my favourites! 

 

I have a question: if you have a variety of audiobooks under your belt, do you find that you have a genre that you gravitate towards, or do you find yourself trying new types of reads? I'm genuinely curious, so let me know in the comments! 

Okay, that is all that I have for you guys today, so I'll see you all soon- hopefully with an update on that story that I've forgotten about! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, wherever you are. 

-Abi xxxxx