Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And sometime in the past couple of days, I realised that if I wanted to post more than last year, I really needed to get my act together. Which is why I'm writing this intro at 7:41am on a tuesday, 40 minutes before I leave for work.
So, even though this idea is recycled, I've done this post a few times before, I felt it was time for an updated version. And posting it just before I'm due to finish a 5 month re-read seems like the right time to do it.
I hope you enjoy.
I'll start with the books I mentioned in my last post, the books I want to read the most, post Skulduggery Pleasant:
1. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by Jules Verne
2. Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk
3. Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4. Warrior Princess Assassin (Braided Fate #1), by Brigid Kemmerer
5. Not Quite Dead Yet, by Holly Jackson
For more of my thoughts on why I want to read these, you can read my most recent post here. They're basically the books I want to read the most once I finish my current re-read (which will be this month, hurray)! I know which one I'll be reading next, and it's none of those above, but it's the first book in a duology (that has been unread for over three years). But these will quickly follow, I imagine!
6. Game of Thrones (Game of Thrones #1), by George R.R. Martin
7. A Clash of Kings (Game of Thrones #2), by George R.R. Martin
8. A Storm of Swords (Game of Thrones #3), by George R.R. Martin
9. A Feast of Crows #4), by George R.R. Martin
10. A Dance With Dragons (Game of Thrones #5), by George R.R. Martin
11. The Winds of Winter (Game of Thrones #6), by George R.R. Martin
12. A Dream of Spring (Game of Thrones #7), by George R.R. Martin
I bought these from a friend of the family through facebook last year. I was never allowed to read these as a 13-14 year old, not for the action, but for the smut. (Never mind that I was reading Twilight at 12.)
When I saw the entire collection for £5 (insisted on £7, because £1 a book is still a massive deal) I saw the opportunity.
Now, they're stuck collecting dust on top of my bookshelf, just waiting to be picked up.
Thinking maybe, the start of the next year, before I get tempted to read something quick and easy?
Jordan and I are actually travelling to Merthyr Town (Cardiff on 1st January), which is a very long train journey. Right now I'm thinking it's the perfect time to make a start on this gigantic series. What do you all think? Let me know in the comments!
13. The Jane Austen Book Club, by Karen Joy Fowler
I know it's hard to see, given the light colour, but the book on top is The Jane Austen Book Club. I bought it in Hunstanton as part of a three book deal. From what I gather, it's about six people- five women and one man- that meet once a month to discuss Jane Austen's books. Their lives are completely different, neither happy nor unhappy, and they're all mixed up in their lives and marriages. But through six months of meetings, marriages are tested, affairs begin and unsuitable arrangements become suitable- all under the watching eye of Jane Austen's published works.
I like the sound of this premise. Reminds me of The Authenticity Project, where a notebook is passed round to random people, that barely cross paths in their day to day live. They write down the basis of their life, after reading everyone else's accounts, and somehow, their lives change, because of other people's accounts. Except with this book, Jane Austen novels, and this club, is at the centre of their lives changing.
14. The Girl with the Suitcase, by Lesley Pearce
Genuinely, I know nothing about this book. Jordan picked it up in the same phonebooth that he picked Journey to the Centre of the Earth in, hid it away in my running jacket, and surprised me with it about a month later. The cover shows planes, approaching Big Ben, which makes me think it's set in London, WWII, so it's a historical fiction. But other than that, I know nothing about what this book is about. I'm excited to find out though, because I've heard that Lesley Pearce's books are very good.
15. How to Fall in Love, by Cecelia Ahern
Lesser known romance novel by the world-renowned author, Cecelia Ahern. Found in a Stamford coffee shop. Of course I picked it up.
The only Cecelia Ahern novels I've had the pleasure to pick up are Flawed and Perfect, from her YA Flawed duology, which was many moons ago. Haven't even read P.S. I Love You, but I already know that this will be the perfect read for a spring/ summer weekend. When I have one free, that is.
Saying that, this feels like quite an intense read. A bit like Me Before You.
How to Fall in Love follows Adam and Christine. Christine is walking across Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin. There, Adam is poised to jump.
Christine makes a deal with Adam. Give her two weeks- until his 35th birthday- to help him fall back in love with living again. He reluctantly agrees.
And so, it begins. Wild escapades, grand and romantic gestures, all with the idea to show Adam what it can be like to live.
Only something more starts to develop...
If I don't get to this in 2026, this will be a definite read for Valentine's weekend. A year later than when I intended (didn't take enough books to Blackpool, and then I started Skulduggery Pleasant in March).
16. The Survivor Wants to Die at the End (They Both Die at the End #2), by Adam Silvera
Another book I wanted to get to in February, but didn't. I love all of Adam Silvera's books in this series. This one will be no different. Even if it is a bit of a chunker. Even if it is a bit of a difficult subject matter. It'll still be fantastic.
17. The Calamity Club, by Kathrynn Stockett
I found out Kathrynn Stockett was releasing a new historical fiction, and I knew I had to have it. Came across a signed copy in Lytham St Annes, and there was no question- I needed it.
Of course, I have so many historical fictions to pick up first, but something tells me it won't be too long before I'm reading the first page. The Calamity Club takes place in Mississippi, 1933, and follows eleven-year-old Meg, one of the 'unadoptable big girls' at the Lafayette County Oprhan Asylum; Birdie, unmarried and outspoken, trying to coerce her social climbing sister to help the family she left behind; and Charlie, a woman with a past, down on her luck, but getting through with fire, grit and determination. The three form an unlikely sisterhood, but in a place where risk taking can grant you enemies of the worst kind, will the price they pay be too high, too much?
Written by one of the best historical fiction novelists of all time, I know I'm not alone when I say, I cannot wait to pick this up.
18. Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3), by B.B.Alston
19. Amari and the Metalwork Menace (Supernatural Investigations #4), by B.B. Alston
After accidentally picking up the fourth book, thinking it was the third, I definitely needed to get Book 3, asap. Thankfully, the hardback wasn't that hard to source. At the moment, I'm trying to decide whether I should marathon the whole series, since it's been a couple of years since I read books 1&2. I guess I have time to decide.
These novels are the ones to pick up, if you like books about adventure, quests, magical kids trying to the find the source of what happened to Amari's brother (that's the first book at least). Genuinely, a worth a read if you want something that it's too much of a commitment.
20. Strangers in Time, by David Baldacci
An anticipated releases book from last year, and gifted to me at Christmas, from a friend. To read a summery of what it's all about, click here.
Basically, it's Baldacci's first historical fiction, set in the Holocaust. There's a bookkeeper, who takes in two estranged children, to try and survive. There are secrets, there's danger, but there's a bond that the three of them share, that will count as protection. I'm sure it'll be a phenomenal read.
21. Cogheart (The Cogheart Adventures #1), by Peter Bunzl
The first of four middle-grade books, of a much loved series. Picked it for a couple of pounds somewhere, don't even know where. I just knew that it would be a series I was going to enjoy.
22. The House of Fortune (The Miniaturist #2), by Jessie Burton
THIS. I have had this on my shelf for at least three years. I have always said that I would re-read The Miniaturist before starting it. The Miniaturist is my next read, after finishing Skulduggery Pleasant. This book will be read.
I have no idea, at this point, how far into the future this book takes place, who's in it, or what time it takes place. Truly, I don't want to know. It'll be nice to be surprised. But, if it's half as good as book 1, it'll be a plenty good read.
23. Piranesi, by Suzanne Clarke
A quick and striking fantasy novel, by Suzanne Clarke. I've been recommended this a bunch of times, even by Jordan's Mum's friend/ daughter. Even by a random Waterstones employee. I don't know what I'm going to think about this book, but I feel like I'm going to enjoy it, and a lot. Might even commit to the astronomical Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell afterwards, if I like it enough.
But we'll see.
I don't have the energy to summarise at this point, so I'll quote the blurb on Goodreads:
"Piranesi's house is no ordinary building: it's rooms are infinite, it's corridors endless, it's walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. Pur Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.
There is one other person in the house- a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known."
24. Nicholas Nickleby, by Charles Dickins
Oh boy. Charles Dickins is a waffler. I picked this up on holiday in lake district, in a small bookshop, within Cartmel. I've had this for the longest time, but it's never been the book I want to read the most. I may have to give myself a deadline for this, and couple with the audiobook, for when I'm driving. Anybody that has read this, let me know in the comments, how amazing it is. Please, convince me, so I want to read it.
Because right now, there are so many books I want to read more than this.
25. Birdsong, by Sebastian Faulks
Now here's a classic historical fiction that I want to get to. First attempted when I was 15, as it was on my 'Recommended Reading' list for the summer (yes, I did try to read those). Got into the first 100 pages, then lost interest.
Now, this feels like a book I should revisit.
Spans decades, as far as I know, with multiple POV's.
Every war novelist fan has read and loved this book. And since it's probably been on every recommended reading list, historical fictional fan or not, for at least the last decade, I'm excited to give it another try.
26. Where She Went (If I Stay #2), by Gayle Forman
I want to finish this duology more than I want to finish some of these books. I love the first book, as well as the famous movie. Now I get to read from the POV of Adam, three years after the events of the first book. Will definitely be pulling both out of my shelf when I'm next in the mood for a good cry.
If you didn't know, If I Stay is about Mia, who is currently between Earth, and reality, and what comes next, when her family are in a horrific car accident on a snowy morning. She has a choice: does she stay, face the horrifying grief that comes with ackowledging everybody she's lost that day, or does she move on to join them? By the way, did I mention, she doesn't know that she was accepted into Julliard?
Anyway- amazing, tragic, heart-breaking story that leaves you sobbing into your pillow for hours on end, even after finishing. Truly would recommend if you haven't read them.
26. Inkheart (Inkheart #1), by Cornelius Funke
Another classic story, the first of five if my memory serves, about a man and his daughter, with a gift. A gift of storytelling, where the characters take on physical form, when the story is read aloud, by father, or daughter.
I read this over a decade ago, and that's all I remember of it. I also know that father and daughter are held captive, and are forced to use their gift. So that definitely felt like a story I felt like re-joining and continuing on with. In due course, obviously. I have way too many books.
27. The White Queen (The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels #2), by Phillipa Gregory
One of the longest tudor series' I've ever known. Picked this up randomly in a car boot sale because Phillipa Gregory's name had come up a few times when finding out about some of the historical fiction series I thought I might try.
Might think about giving this one up, since I know it's an incredibly long series, and one I don't plan to venture into for a while, if at all.
Please persuade me otherwise in the comments.
28. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Even if you're not a Classics fan, odds are you've heard of this book. It's the one where a woman who has committed adultery has a big red A painted/written on her back.
As far as I know, it's a compulsory to most American teenagers, no idea why.
But I'm interested to read it, partly because I want to see why so many people on Goodreads have rated it 1 or 2 stars. Partly because I look forward to seeing how it plays out- especially as it's only a couple hundred pages long.
29. I Am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes
Shortlist for book of the century, apparently. 600 pages long. Looks like it's about a time travelling FBI agent- pilgrim- who happens to be the only person that can connect the dots and solve this, nearly impossible crime.
Based on reviews on Goodreads, this book starts out strong. A young woman murdered in a bath- all distinguishable characteristics disolved in acid, but after that point, it seems a lot of people were ready to DNF. I'm still going into this with an open mind, I mean, it doesn't win a bunch of book award, and over 100,00 5 star reviews for nothing right?
Not to mention, barely any money lost if I don't enjoy it- I got it for £2 in a W H Smith's bargain bin after all.
30. The City We Became (Great Cities #1), by N.K. Jemisin
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a sale. Found this gorgeous hardback in a church- think it was on holiday somewhere- for at most a couple of quid. I didn't know much about it- still don't- but I'd heard a lot of good things about it online, so I picked it up.
It's such a simple premise, so I'm just going to quote the Goodreads blurb:
"Every city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York City? She's got five.
But every city also has a dark side. A roiling, ancient evil stirs beneath the earth, threatening to destroy the city and her five protectors unless they can come together and stop it once and for all."
Sounds good, doesn't it?
31. Katabasis, by R.F. Kuang
I've read most of R.F. Kuang's most famous works over the past few years, which is why I asked one of my friends to gift me this. If it's possible, this one feels even darker than The Poppy War trilogy, and I'm looking forward to tucking myself into a corner and devouring this book at some point in the future. I haven't heard a lot about it recently to be honest, but every time I remind myself of what it's about, I feel a rush of urgency to pick it up. Because honestly, it sounds like her best yet.
Dark academia, competition between two bitter rivals that may turn into something more, as they diverge the depts of hell. Sounds like a read for Halloween in my opinion.
32. Bring Up the Bodies (Thomas Cromwell #2), by Hilary Mantel
Book 2 in a very well known, Henry VIII era trilogy. This historical fiction has been in the back of my head as a series I would like to pick up, since I saw it on shelves in my local Waterstones, way back when it was a new release. I am aware that it is the second book in the series, but I just couldn't resist when I saw it in a mobile book shop in Bradgate Park last year, for just £2.
Bring Up the Bodies is basically the conclusion of Anne Boleyn, and the introduction of Jane Seymour, with the POV of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's right hand man. This sure sonds like an interesting read. Just need to get my hands on Wolf Hall first.
33. One of Us Is Back (One of Us Is Lying #3), by Karen M. McManus
The third and final book of the One of Us Is Lying trilogy, starting off with five suspects, trying to prove their innocence when a fellow student dies, while alone in detention.
I think I may have to re-read the first two books before I get to this.
Either before it gets dark, and Halloweenish- before I divulge in the epic fantasies, or in spring, when the air is a bit lighter.
Because, believe it or not, this series isn't actually all doom and gloom. There are interesting characters, obviously all completly different, a fast paced plot, with the reader constantly wanting to find out what happens next, and a lot of mystery and intrigue. Not to mention the shock ending. Will the last book be as good as the first two? I'm intrigued to find out.
34. Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell
Although this book is different to what I first thought it was, I still think it has the potential to become one of my new favourites.
From what I gather, this book spans decades, generations- even entire centuries. You're travelling on a voyage across America, in 1850, with the destination of California. The next chapter you're in Belgium in 1931, reading from the POV of a composer, and the next you're in the West Coast, in the 1970s... the list goes on.
That was a very vague description, but genuinely, it feels like I've only got a vague understanding of what this book is even about. Which is a large part of why I'm excited to read it, to be honest. Cloud Atlas also has a similar feel to I Am Pilgrim, though a lot less gruesome. I'm excited to get stuck into this one.
35.The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures #2), by Katherine Rundell
There's a book two! I was overjoyed that there was a book two, after being told that it was a standalone!
I love Katherine Rundell's work, I've read a number of her books, because they're always the perfect pick up when I want something fun and light-hearted, with plenty of action.
And then I placed it on my TBR shelf, for it to collect some dust, never to be picked up again. I know I've said it a number of times (especially with middle-grades) but this is the perfect spring/summer read, when I'm in the mood for it. Truly, I don't like to add middle-grades to a schedule, mainly because I never know when I'm going to want to pick it up.
Very hopeful that this will be read in the next year though, when I want Katherine Rundell's writing specifically.
36. Cytonic (Skyward #3), by Brandon Sanderson
37. Defiant (Skyward #4), by Brandon Sanderson
38. Skyward Flight: The Collection: Sunreach/ReDawn/ Evershore (Skyward #2.1-2.3), by Brandon Sanderson
I'm really bloody terrible for not having read these. I know I will find the time for these, maybe when I need something that I know I'll get sucked into. November seems like the right time for me at the moment.
Here's the thing: I know I'm going to love these. I know I'm going to love re-reading the first two, and then moving on to these. Which is why I've left these for so long- I want to have the time to give this series my absolute full attention- no distractions. Because this series has the potential to make me lose all sense of time when I'm reading it.
Anybody that hasn't read Brandon Sanderson needs to start- whether that's this space based series, or one of his larger fantasy novels, like Mistborn- Brandon Sanderson is one of the greatest authors of all time.
39. The Fragile Threads of Power (Threads of Power #1), by V.E. Schwab
Another book that's been on my shelf for a few years that I haven't even thought about. I feel bad, but not too bad, because there hasn't even been a release date for book two yet. But, same as Brandon Sanderson, I know I'm going to really love this. For one, it's set in the same universe as A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy. I have no idea what it's about, but I know it'll have magic, mystery and violence in it, and that's good enough for me.
Maybe not for you all, though. Here's the synopsis:
"Once, there were four worlds, nestled like pages in a book, each pulsing with fantastical power, and
connected by a single city: London. Until the magic grew too fast, and forced the world to seal the
doors between them in a desperate gamble to protect their own. The few magicians who could still
open the doors grew more rare as time passed and now, only three Antari are known in recent
memory- Kell Maresh of Red London, Delilah Bard of Grey London, and Holland Vosijk, of White
London.
But barely a glimpse of them have been seen in the last seven years- and a new Antari named
Kosika has appeared in White London, taking the throne in Holland's absense. The young queen is
willing to feed her city with blood, including her own- but her growing religious fervor has the
potential to drown them instead.
And back in Red London, King Rhy Maresh is threatened by a rising rebellion, one determined to
correct the balance of power by razing the throne entirely.
Amidst the tapestry of old friends and new enemies, a girl with an unusual magical ability comes
into possession of a device that could change the fate of all four worlds.
Her name is Tes, and she's the only one who can bring them together- or unravel it all."
Wow. That was a lot. My eyes are swimming.
Sounds good though.
40. A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos #0.1), by Samantha Shannon
41. Among the Burning Flowers (The Roots of Chaos #0.2), by Samantha Shannon
I have always meant to read these, and then The Priory of the Orange Tree, in one feel swoop. As it happens, I've yet to do that. The Priory of the Orange Tree, to me, is a timeless epic fantasy, with awesome characters, dragons, romance, conflict, and just an all time fantastic story, with lots of shocking twists. It's been six years since I last read Priory, and I still hold it in extremely high regard.
I doubt that opinion will ever fade, to be honest.
I know I'll get to these two eventually. It's only a matter of time.
42. 5000-1:The Leicester City Story: How We Beat the Odds to Become Premier League Champions, by Rob Tanner
What can I say? I'm a Leicester fan, and this was £2 at an evening football match, on a random Tuesday. I've had a small delve into the contents, but I would like to have a thorough read through it at some point. Obviously not top of the list, but I'll get to it one day.
After all, Leicester are the unlikeliest premier league winners to well, win it.
It's bound to be full of interest titbits.
43. The Magician's Nephew (The Chronicles of Narnia #1), by C.S. Lewis
44. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia #2), by C.S. Lewis
45. The Horse and His Boy (The Chronicles of Narnia #3), by C.S. Lewis
46. Prince Caspian (The Chronicles of Narnia #4), by C.S. Lewis
47. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (The Chronicles of Narnia #5), by C.S. Lewis
48. The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia #6), by C.S. Lewis
49. The Last Battle (The Chronicles of Narnia #7), by C.S. Lewis
And finally, the full series of The Chronicles of Narnia. I picked this entire series up at a car boot sale last year, for £5. The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the best fantasy series of all time, of course I was going to get it. It's up there with Game of Thrones.
Maybe I'll attempt it in my next 24 hour readathon.
The first book definitely sounds interesting. Nothing to do with Peter, Susan, Edmund or Lucy, but two characters completely unrelated, that also end up catapulted into Narnia. I'm hoping I'll see a bit of Katherine Rundell in these books, but I guess we'll see.
And finally, those are all of my current unread books! I doubt I'll get to all of them by the end of the year, which was my goal for 2026, but I hope to make a great start! Might seem slightly small by the time I knock out some of those full series'!
Okay, so that is all I have for you all today! Well done to those of you that stuck through with this until the end! This post took a long time to make, so I really appreciate it!
If you want to, feel free to comment down below, to let me know how long your unreads books list is! I love to read comments (when someone actually does!
I hope you all have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon!
Byeeeeee!
-Abi xxxxxx
