Top Books I Want to Read (Once I finish this Godforsaken re-read)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And if you've been following this blog for the last few months (or years- in which case, thanks, that means a lot) you'll know that I've been re-reading the entire Skulduggery Pleasant series, before I get to the eighteenth, and final book of the entire series. 

But, I am four books away from finishing, and am finally starting to think about what I would like to read next. Now, this isn't a definite TBR, I may change my mind in the next month, but these are my top picks at the moment. 

I have selected 6 books that jump out at me the most when looking at my un-read shelf (I have a full shelf- and I can share that in another post if anyone is interested). 

I hope you enjoy. 

(This isn't in any particular order, by the way.)

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

Me and my partner came across in a random telephone box on the drive home from parkrun one day. Or rather, he did; he then graciously hid it in my hoodie until we got home, and surprised me with it. 

To me, Journey to the Centre of the Earth was never a book that I was motivated to pick up, but knew I was interested in reading when it came into my possession. It's one of those classic adventure stories like The Jungle Book, or Ready Player One, that every reader is (or should be, if they like discovery and sci-fi) universally interested in reading. 

It's extremely short, just 188 pages, and if I'm determined enough, I feel like I could finish inside a weekend. 

Probably won't, but I honestly can't wait to experience the genius writing of Jules Verne, and the world he created in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. 

2. Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk

Another book, that I never immediately went "I really want to read that someday!"

I saw it in a book shop, a few months back, and seeing how short a book it was, and intrigued by what the book could offer, I picked it up. 

Genuinely, I really want to see what led to these boys/ men fighting like this. The blurb quotes 'those with good white-collar jobs and absent fathers', so I'm wondering how much of that comes into it. But yeah, never seen the film, don't know anything about anything to do with this book, or the characters. But I'm very much looking forward to finding out, through the book. 

 And then I'll watch the film, and see how different it is. 

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

A book I read back in 2019. A book recommended to me by a Waterstones employee, which I genuinely enjoyed. Thought it was a standalone, and that was the end of it. Walked past a bookshop in Kibworth one day, and say the sequel The House of Fortune, being advertised. 

This was four years ago. Still haven't re-read the first book. 

This is probably the book that's been on my to re-read shelf the longest. 

I don't know why I haven't re-read it yet, as I desperately want to. Who knows, it may invoke some interest in the other half dozen historical fiction novels I have yet to re-read. But what I do know is that the urge to pick this book up has not lessened throughout the years. 

I will get to this, soon after finishing the SP series. 

(There's a tv show for it as well, by the way.)

Here's the plot in bullet points:

• Young woman is wedded off to a welathy merchant, in a secluded part of the country, miles away from anyone she knows and loves. 
• Wealthy merchant is distant, but presents her with an elaborate gift: an exact replica or the house they live in, designed with precision and excellance. 
• The house is to be decorated by an elusive miniaturist, whose creations have a ring of truth about them. 
• As the young woman (Nella) uncovers the truth in her new home, she realises the power the miniaturist holds over them- over the entire household. More than that, she holds their fate in her hands. But does she plan to save... or destroy them?

4. Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book is still in the wrapping. No idea why, but I want it in good condition when I eventually read it. 

I just know I'm going to love this. I love all of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books. But this one just feels different. Like it's a step away from the rest. 

I think I've been reading too many Goodreads reviews for this book to be honest. 

If you didn't know, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, a professor of Physics and Astronomy, as she gets her chance to work for NASA, and go up into space for the first time, with a group of other new recruits. 

It's sciency, and sounds very interesting (doesn't help that everyone on Goodreads is raving about it, even a year after it's release). 

5. Warrior Princess Assassin (Braided Fate #1), by Brigid Kemmerer

Literally saw this advertised for me when I was online one time. Don't know anything about it, other than what the title says, and that was enough to draw me in. When my friend asked for a book choice for Christmas, I give him this as a choice. 

Everytime I go into the room with all my bookshelves, I see this. I knew squat about it, haven't even read the blurb, but I'm looking forward to seeing what I think, going in blind with this. 

It may not be for me, it may be full of classic fantasy tropes, but so what? I can't wait to read this. 

6. Not Quite Dead Yet, by Holly Jackson 

Twenty-seven-year-old Jet is our protagonist. She has never left town, never done anything extroadinary. She has time, she thinks. Until she is brutally attacked by an unknown enemy and nearly killed. The doctors say she has seven days. Seven days until her brain developes an aneurysm and she dies completely. 

Suddenly she sees everyone as a potential killer. Her family, her ex-best friend turned sister-in-law, her former boyfriend. The only person looking out for her is her childhood friend, Billy. 

She has seven days until she dies. Seven days to solve her own murder. 

This sounds like one heck of a book. And other people are reading it too, which makes the pull even greater. 

We all know Holly Jackson can write a great murder mystery. She wrote A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, after all. 

And I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one. 

Okay! Those are the top books I'm (currently) planning on reading next, after my big, epic, re-read is finally over! I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and if you're interested in seeing a full unread list, let me know in the comments below (might even do one anyway). 

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

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

10 Year Challenge Book Tag

 Hey guys, this is Abi here! 

Today I will be posting something a little different- something I haven't done in over a year (well done on forgetting the mid year freak-out tag, Abi! Sorry guys, it's too late now). 

And yes, as you can see from the title, it is a book tag- but it's one I haven't done before, so should be interesting. 

This one stood out to me because, well, I realised a couple of months ago that I've been posting on this blog for over ten years now- and I recently hit 1 million views- so it seemed fitting to see how my tastes have changed since I was 18. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading the only new book tag I've done in well, several years. 

Oops. 

~What was your favourite book in 2016?~

I'm going to twist this a little bit. I'm going to pick my favourite book that I read in 2016. (Although that's still extremely hard, because I read so many good books that year- Six of Crows, Unbecoming, The Book Thief, I'll Give You the Sun, Ready Player One. 

Okay, I'm picking Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline. 

Not only is the world building phenomenal, unlike any world I've had the pleasure of visiting, but it's the book that I think the most about today, based on what my current reading tastes are. 

Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham is a close second, due to the generational storyline, the characters, and the subject matter (and the writing), but Ready Player One takes the cake for that year. 

~What is your favourite book in 2026?~

My current favourite for the year (so far of course, cos the year isn't over yet) is definitely... 

Although there weren't a lot of books from this year's list, due to the massive re-read I'm currently working through, it wasn't hard to decide on this one. It may be a bit of a commitment, what with it being 500+ pages, and the first in a 10 book series. 

But getting to follow Claire as she was dropped on her head, with a new baby to care for, no devoted husband, and no home, begin to pick herself up and start to look forward to what life had to offer, was worth the large page count. I think I'll struggle to find a book that matches this in character, storyline, character arc, and addictability. Literally, I could not put this book down when I was reading it, always wanting to find out what happened next. 

~What was your least favourite book in 2016?~

I have a feeling some people aren't going to like my choice for this one... 

Yeah... 

So, I heard a lot of people raving about this book on booktube, Jessethereader at the forefront of it. Then the trailer dropped for the movie, and so I decided to give it a try. 

My God, was it slow. 

So, it was common knowledge that the photos included in the story are real, and Ransom Riggs created a story around these strange photographs. 

And that is true. You can see the story make sense, around these photographs. 

It just felt like he was stretching too far to make the photos make sense within the story. 

The story just dragged for me, because these photos was the base of the story. I remember wishing he hadn't of bothered. 

Maybe I just didn't gel with his writing, or like the characters, or even the story, but I just didn't enjoy it all that much. 

And I haven't reached for another book of his since. 

~What has been your least favourite book in 2026?~

I'm just going to go with Resurrection. Book 10 in the Skulduggery Pleasant series. The first book in a new series, where I was waiting for the plot to start unfolding. 

I've said in my Skulduggery Pleasant updates that it wasn't my favourite, and at the moment, I haven't read any books I didn't especially dislike- which is why I'm picking Resurrection. 

~What is a book published in 2016 that you still want to read?~

THIS. 

I've been wanting to read this since I heard about it. Fredrik Backman is a recent auto-buy author for me, and I will not rest until I've read every single book of his. His hauntingly beautiful writing makes for an emotional breakdown whenever I pick up a book, even if it's as small as 70 something pages. He reminds me of Patrick Ness, in the way that he can break your heart into a million pieces with just one, well placed sentence. 

I've heard that Beartown is one of Backman's best works, and I cannot wait to finally get my hands on it. I intend to purchase it with a voucher I've recently accuired. 

~What is a book published in 2026 you want to get to before 2027?~

I do post my anticipated releases every three months, so you can find those posts on my page pandemonium page if you want to know all of them. 

However, the standout book from those is 100% A Soul Full of Shadows, by Derek Landy. Actually can't believe I had to search my anticipated releases before I decided on that one. 

(Hello? Anybody upstairs? It's the whole reason why I've been re-reading Skulduggery Pleasant since bloody March. Dumbass. 

But yeah. Final Skulduggery Pleasant book. Ever. No more after this one. No idea how I'm going to feel after this one. 

~What is a genre you used to read a lot of that you don't read as much of anymore?~

Honestly, no idea. I still read anything and everything. I read middle grade, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, fiction, everything I was reading in 2016, I still read now. 

I haven't read a YA murder mystery in a long while, thinking about it. 

I liked Sara Shephard, with The Lying Game and PLL, I liked Karen M. McManus' books, with all of her murder mystery standalones, and I like Diana Urban books too. 

So if there's a Genre that I've dropped a lot in the past decade, it'll be that one. 

~What is a new Genre you've discovered since 2016?~

Graphic novels, definitely. 

In the last decade, I've started Saga, Heartstopper (recently finished), Paper Girls, Life is Strange, Clementine, Fence,  Skyward and recently started Monster. 

All fantastic series', mostly Sci-fi and Fantasy genre, but I genuinely can't wait to read more in upcoming years. 

~What is a reading or book habit you are hoping to leave behind in this decade?~

Using audiobooks as a crutch when I'm struggling with huge hardbacks/ paperbacks. I've more or less dropped the physical Skulduggery Pleasant books in the past week, because I'm impatient. I'd like to have a whole year of picking audiobooks because I want the audiobook- and don't own the physical. Not becuase I'm bored of reading a book I'm struggling to progress with. 

~What is a new reading goal or habit you want to create in the next decade?~

Start a reading streak. Even if I only read 10 pages some days, I want to say that I managed to read something- every single day. And not because I want to carry the streak on, but because I genuinely want to read. 

Let's see if I can make it happen. 

Okay! That is the 10 year Challenge Book Tag! 

I won't be tagging anybody, because I have no idea who is still blogging at this point, but it's open to anybody that wants to try this tag! 

I hope you enjoyed reading this, and don't be afraid to post a comment down below! 

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

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Skulduggery Pleasant: Month 4

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back after three weeks, with my next Skulduggery Pleasant update! 

It's been a while since I posted, and even longer since I've updated you all on how I'm doing with this final epic re-read (which is why it was my first priority since my return!)

Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading these updates, I am aware that they're mostly factual, but I hope everyone likes the change of pacing regardless! 

I hope you enjoy. 

8.5. Armageddon Outta Here

Reading days: 28th May- 3rd June

Pages: 479

Despite this being a collection of short stories, scattered throughout the first nine books, I found them so refreshing to read. They're great because they're short and snappy, and other than a couple of them, you don't need a whole lot of time to knock out one, or two at any given time. 

I honestly don't remember why I was so loath to pick them up when I was re-reading the rest of the series in the past, because I really enjoyed them, a lot. 

10. Resurrection

Reading days: 9th June- 16th June

Pages: 420

Although I love a good re-introduction to a series, Resurrection is a book that I've always struggled with, and this time is no exception. I found myself waiting for the novel to take shape, which I never had a problem with in the first nine books. 

I managed to finish this in a week, somehow, through making time for it, but if there was going to be a book that I fell behind my Goodreads goal on, it would have been this one. 

It was mostly knowing that the books got a lot better after this one that kept me reading it (and forgetting what happened at the ending, and wanting to find out.)

11. Midnight 

Reading days: 16th June- 23rd June

Pages: 418

This is the book where the second series gets interesting. Because of events that happened in Book 9, Valkyrie has kept well away from her family, for their own safety, and also because she feels guilty. In Midnight, Valkyrie has finally begun to forgive herself (still has a long way to go though), and spend time with her parents and little sister, Alice. 

So it's just her bad luck that some people that have a grudge against Valkyrie are watching. Of course they snatch Alice and leave Valkyrie a series a clues to get to her before, you guessed it, midnight. 

Of course she does. 

And at the very end, she figures out why Alice is back to normal, even after being kidnapped for most of the day. 

Which is essentually the plot of the next book.

Fantastic book though. I particularly love reading about sibling relationships, and Auger and Omen's relationship was one of the best parts too. (Actually I love everything to do with Omen, and all the other characters from Corrival Academy, come to think of it.)

12. Bedlam 

Reading days: 23rd June- 2nd July

Pages: 584

Yeah, this one takes a leap in the page count a bit, which is why it took me a little longer to read it. Not to mention I was packing for a holiday a couple of days before. Still a really solid book in the series though. 

You know that thing that I mentioned is the plot for this in Midnight? So basically, Valkyrie found out that because of something she did to Alice in Book 9 (The Dying of the Light), she no longer has a soul. She no longer has any major emotions, nothing traumatic affects her. Which of course makes Valkyrie feel immensely guilty. 

So what does she do? Journey down into the Necropolis, in search of her little sister's lost soul fragments. 

So that part is really good, especially when she finds out that one of her soul fragments is already attached to someone. 

Not to mention, Skulduggery's evil ex and her son are around for a final stand off. 

So there's a lot going on. 

14. Seasons of War 

Reading days: 7th July- 18th July

Pages: 552

I love this one. There's an actual, concrete premise. A select team, including Skulduggery Pleasant, Valkyrie Cain, Tanith Low, Saracen Rue, and Dexter Vex, head out to another dimension to kill one of the most nefarious killers around, Mevolent. 

He's dead in Valkyrie's dimension, but very much alive in another one, and he plans to use a portal to invade their dimension. The team, of course, is sent over to stop, and kill him. 

Like I said before, I love this one. It's seperated into seasons, and each season is more thrilling than the next. Of course, characters die, one of which I still think about every so often, and you have your usual action sequences, and comedic scenes, which never, ever fall flat, even after all this time. 

Seasons of War is definitely one of my favourite books from this six book section. 

14. Dead or Alive

Reading days: 19th July- now

Pages read currently: 146

It's been a slow going with this one so far. After Seasons of War, with it's clear cut premise, it takes a bit of time to establish the plotline, so I've been whittling away at it every so often. I realised today that I already have the audiobook for this, so I'll try to jump between the physical book and the audiobook over the next couple of days, and hopefully I can progress through it quicker. 

This is the penultimate book in this six book series, and I know that it builds to something huge at the end. 

Who knows, maybe I'll finish the entire series next month! This may be the penultimate update guys! 

(Really I hope so.) 

Final calculations: 2120 pages over two months (not great, but getting there). 

Really don't know the average. 

Okay! That is everything I have for you all today! As always, feel free to comment down below, and we can chat about this phenomenal series! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon! (Will be posting before the month is out, I promise.)

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Anticipated Releases (July-September 2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I realised this morning that I have 5 days to think on this, and then post it! 

So I figured, I best get a move on! 

Officially starting on 25/6/26. Let's see what date I post this! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading about all the new releases that I can't wait to read! 

Really hope this is out before July... 

~July~

1. Heartstopper: Volume 6 (Heartstopper Volume #6), by Alice Oseman 

Release date: 2/7/26

The last volume is out in a matter of days! Genuinely thinking about taking all six volumes with me to Blackpool at the end of the week (to get ahead of my reading goal to say the least). 

Let me know if you're a fan of the TV show, or the graphic novel in the comments! 

2. Corpse de Ballet, by Megan Kearney 

Release date: 7/7/26

The phrases that drew me in were graphic novel debut, perfect for fans of Black Swan and dark academia and brutal competition. 

I have always loved ballet (though if I tried it, I'd probably be the clumsiest), add the fact that this is a graphic novel, debut, with a psychological thriller thrown in, I just had to add this book to the list! 

Corpse de Ballet follows Rosamund Hammond, a new student who has enrolled at Saint Anselmus in the middle of term, determined to work hard, and prove to everyone that she deserves to be there. 

 

It's not until she finds out that another student disappeared, right before her arrival. Was it really a leave of absense- or something more sinister? With her new roomate, Rosamund spirals into a deeper obsession about actually happened in the lead up to her disappearance. As her class prepare for their final performance Coppélia, can she commit to her hard-earned ballet dreams, or will she lose herself in a midst to figure out the truth?

I will always be interested in stories that show the grit, the determination and the work ethic of ballerinas, or athletes. The fact that it's a psychological thriller is just a cherry on top. Really hope I can actually prioritise this one. 

3. To Dance the Moon and Stars, by Tasia M S & Barbara Perez Marquez

Release date: 7/7/26

I don't think I'll be able to describe this one justice, so I'll just quote the Goodreads blurb instead:

"Eighteen-year-old Myra has spent her entire life training to replace her Grandmother as High 

Priestess. But with the day of her ascension rapidly approaching, she's not sure if she's meant for 

this path. How can she become the Herald of the God Alrun when he forbids the thing she loves

most: dancing?

Her kingdom can't afford her hesitation though. Not only is the Emporer looking for Alrun's wisdom 

ahead of a peace treaty, but forces of darkness are seeping through the barrier between worlds. 

The only source of light Myra has is her childhood best friend, the crown prince. Without his support

and...love, she may not be able to stop what's coming. 

To save her people, Myra must delve into her kingdom's forgotten history, even if it means defying 

the laws of her land. But the key to salvation may just require her to make the biggest sacrifice of all."

I don't typically tend to add books like this to this list, but this one intrigued me. Sometimes it's nice to pick up a book from one of the less well-known authors, and God forbid, try something new. 

 

4. Alex, by Proxy, by Karen Myna Cantor 

Release date: 21/7/26

I think this one will be best done in bullet points. It makes the most sense that way anyway:

• Alex, victim of Munchausen by proxy, but also witty, sarcastic, with a talent for astronomy and unusually good crossword skills- or that's who he used to be. 
• Or he used to be at least. Now, he's a struggling teenager whose having to find his own identify again, after years of his mother inducing an illness- that he never had in the first place. 
• Not to mention, he has to decide if he can testify against the person who gave birth to him. 
• As Alex awaits his trial, his friend convince him to start a podcast- to record his truth- in an effort to find himself again. Should he? Who would even believe him?
• Day by day, Alex struggles with his mental health, until he can no longer tell the difference between truth and fiction. Should he trust himself to testify? And if so, which truth will he share?

This sounds so intense, so interesting, I am almost certain I will be buying a copy, as soon as I can. Don't you think it sounds interesting? I certainly do. 

~August~

1. Kitten, by Stacey Yu

Release date: 4/8/26

A book about a cat, and how it can lead to any number of possibilities. 

Basically, newly graduated student (Katie) down on her luck, not speaking to her mother, and roommate has left without a word to her. 

Meets a guy, and has a very surreal, giddy, yet strange reaction to her boyfriend's cat. 

As her affection deepens, she begins to fall away from all of her other relationnships. 

And soon it becomes clear, what Katie must confront in order to achieve what she wants, and what she must risk in order to get it. 

This sounds like such an incredible debut. That's all I'm going to say about it. 

2. Etna, by Paul Yoon 

Release date: 4/8/26

Book about a dog. I knew this had to go on the list. 

"Set in a fictional country in the present day, this is a story told through the eyes of an ex-military dog, Etna. After surviving years of a devastating war, Etna decides one night to leave the men he has 

fought alongside for years and return home- to the place where he was taken from when he was

young, in the thin but persistent hope that if a home exists for him, it might be there. 

Thus begins an exhilarating odyssey told through the eyes of a dog as he traverses across ruined

landscapes and fights to survive in a world that, even in peacetime, proves to be just as precarious. 

Along the way, he encounters other animals and humans who are attempting to figure out how to 

start again. What makes a life when there is no home to go back to? How do we begin to trust each 

other again after such profound loss?

This is a novel about the power of an idea, about never giving up, and ultimately a novel about 

finding hope in the most dire of times."

I love books about war, about hope, especially books with animals. 

This was always going to be on the list, purely for the unique POV we're reading from. I bet this novel will win a bunch of awards. 

Definitely hinting to my boyfriend that I want this. 

3. Under the Falls, by Richard Russo

Release date: 11/8/26

The second book in the award-winning Falls series, by Richard Russo. 

Under the Falls has been published twenty-five years after the first book, but this feels just as interesting as the first (which, upon reading the blurb for book one, already feels like a book I should pick up). 

Under the Falls follows world famous musician Tyler Sinclair. He is returning to his hometown for a benefit, to raise money for an old friend, eighteen years after he escaped Stone Mountain, with nothing more than a few quid, stolen from his father's dresser, a few clothes, and his priced possession; his guitar. 

The town is full of his old favourites: Curt, Tyler's childhood best friend- now Stone Mountain's Chief of police, Freddi, Curt's wife and Tyler's former lover. Freddi is the woman whose questional dealings, and fraught behaviour will act as a catalyst for the upcoming tragedy that proves one thing: if you're lucky enough to escape Stone Mountain a first time, if you come back, there's no possible way out a second time. 

Something is telling me I should try and read book one, before I attempt this, but I'm still adding it to the list. 

~September~

1. Blightfall (Riftwake #1), by Brandon Sanderson & Janci Patterson 

Release date: 1/9/26

A NEW BOOK IN THE SKYWARD SERIES! 

...I'll add it to the pile. 

Seriously, this is becoming beyond a joke now. 

I'll get to them all soon, I promise guys! 

By the end of the year- I promise. 

Maybe September. 

The whole series. 

It really doesn't matter what it's about, does it? 

It's space, and flying, and airships, probably, but Brandon Sanderson. 

So it'll be amazing, regardless. 

2. Rebel: The Graphic Novel (Legend #4), by Marie Lu

 Release date: 1/9/26

I'm adding this onto the list because I only ever read the original trilogy (which I picked up for £1.50 in Tesco- I thought I was dreaming when I saw them). 

I figured the graphic novel would be a quick, engaging read. 

If you didn't know, Rebel follows Day's brother, a decade after the events of the original Legend trilogy. He is constantly in his shadow- the shadow of what his brother used to be. 

Day is no longer legendary. All he cares about is keeping Eden safe, so he can hide away from anything and everything. He'd even give up the love of his life, June, to keep the city safe. 

As the two brothers struggle to accept who they've become since the days of glory, a new danger creeps into the distant they've created between eachother. Eden finds himself drawn so close to the dark side of Ross City, maybe, not even his legendary brother can save him. 

3. Taipei Story, by R. F. Kuang

Release date: 8/9/26

Although I was kind of hesitant to add this to my list, I knew I needed to. Any R.F. Kuang book has a welcome place on my shelf- regardless of whether this is the type of book I'm used to reading from her. 

I feel I will only do this premise justice if I quote the blurb, which you can also find on Goodreads: 

"College freshman Lily Chen is off to spend the summer in Taipei at an intensive language program 

like so many Chinese American students before her, hoping to connect with the culture she 

inherited but never fully understood. But a promising start quickly unravels. Her classes are grueling, 

her roomate is driving her insane, and a reckless trip to the hot springs with a guy she barely 

knows soon has her classmates vicioudly gossiping. She feels adrift, a foreigner in a country she

thought would feel like home. 

Then shocking news Lily's Grandfather has passed away. The loss forces her to grapple with now-

unanswerable questions about her family history. As Lily grieves, she's drawn into a journey of self- 

discovery- piecing together memories, stories, and silences over a series of hilarious and 

devastating attempts of connection."

Now that sounds phenomenal. To me at least. 

4. The Secret to Belonging, by Megan E. Freeman 

Release date: 15/9/26

Again, this feels best described as a bullet point. It's simple, it's straightforward and to the point. 

• A teenager, invisible within her family. A family where her brother, and his drug problem, is at the very centre of her family. 
• Her only way out is college, and the fund that has been in her name for the longest time- until her parents uses it to fund her brother's rehab. 
• Just when her future seems bound to collapse, a silver lining- a scholarship to become an exchange student in a remote part of Norway. It's the chance to escape, to begin life in a new place, with a whole new world of people. 

Seems very different to a lot of books, and I'm here for it. Perfect release date as well, mid September. 

Really hope this is in UK stores, come September. 

Okay! Those are all of my Anticipated Releases for July, through to September! I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and if there are any that I've missed, or you're excited for, let me know in the comments! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all in July! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

I Finally Get Some Answers

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I have a real treat (I hope) for you today! 

You know that story I was writing last year, and then promptly forgot for about five months? Well it's back, and this is the next entry! 

In truth, I never really did forget about it, but I was having a hard time figuring out where I wanted to go with it. But I finally figured it out! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it. 

I Finally Get Some Answers

Gus leads me into the glass building. I’m wondering if this is the last place I’ll ever see.

Something tells me this Mr Budgeswop is someone that shouldn’t be messed with.

Really hope I’m not about to wet myself. For real, this time.

Gus starts to say something like “So, listen, when I say we might be dead…” but then we wall into the Glass building. To give you an idea of what I’m looking at, I’ll say this. It’s not a glass building- it’s like gravity as a building. Pure white, clear, unlimited space. Like the hyperbolic time chamber in DBZ. It’s like that, but smaller. So maybe not unlimited, but if you don’t keep it clear on where you’re going, you might just end up lost.

Which I most certainly would have been, if Gus hadn’t stopped walking, right in front of me, and screamed in my face.

“Hey, KID! Pay attention to what I’m saying, or Budgeswop really will have our necks. Have you heard anything I’ve just said?”

My expression is response enough, I guess.

Sighing and scrunching his eyes up, as if me not listening is the end of the world, he tilts his head, looks me straight in eye, and starts again.

“Listen Kid. You need to listen to me. I’m your link back home. I’m the only person you know here, and right now, we’re both in some pretty serious trouble. I’m on your side, pal, but we need to be on the same page. You get me?”

Not trusting myself enough to speak, I look straight ahead and nod. Gus takes that as confirmation, and he starts walking and talking again, albeit a little slower this time.

“This is the Artios training centre. It’s our main base. There are rooms for, well, training, but also meetings too. There’s a weapons missionary, where we develop weapons, and then of course practise with them, so they can be tweaked. Right now, we’re going to one of the meeting rooms, where Budgeswop will be, so he can explain some things. Still with me?”

Listening to his words, knowing he’s on my side, a small smile escapes my lips. He visibly relaxes at my reaction, and, breathing slowed, he says: “Let’s move then. We’ve still got a couple of corridors to go.

Now that I’m somewhat adjusted to my surroundings (somewhat), I can pay more attention to some of the conversations in the many rooms we’re passing. Like:

“Oh hey, what's this?”

“I'll show you.” *Woosh of air*.

“What? Oh WAYYYYYY.”

He's flying. They're literally defying gravity.

 

AND. (This had me burst out laughing so much I was almost on the floor- mostly at the look on Gus’ face after this happened.)

“Sir, what seems to be the problem?”

“I have this boil on my nose, Franklin. It's very furious and blistery.”

“Well sir, I'll touch it, see what it does. Probably nothing, sir.”

“Okay... well, make sure you be careful, Franklin.”

“Understood.”

“...It's disappeared, sir.”

“I can see that, Franklin.”

“... Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no. Oh, I think I need to use the bathroom!”

General rushes past protag clutching his crotch area.

 

“…Anyway, let’s get going.” He says, when I finally have my composure again.

After a few minutes, we turn a corner and enter a semi-large room. It contains a large projector screen, some weird computer type thing, a table and a few chairs.  To be honest, this is probably the smallest, most average looking room in the entire building (which by the way, feels a lot like Mary Poppins’ handbag- could carry the world inside it and still have room.)

The only redeeming feature- there’s a real life waterfall inside! It must go somewhere, I suppose, but the way it flows, it seems to flow back to the start, and keep going, an impossible, beautiful, magnificent waterfall. I reach out, wanting to touch it, but nothing! Just pure emptiness! I’m about to turn back to Gus, to ask what the deal with the waterfall is, when I’m shocked out of my daydream with a familiar, booming voice.

“Gus! Will you please control this boy! Time is of the essence, and he’s wasting time!”

I turn around and Mr Budgeswop is on the screen!

I suppose I should describe what he looks like. He looks like Gus, basically, but older, more mature, more developed, more strained, stressed- with bags under his beady little eyes and a constant clenching of the jaw. His skin is a deep shade of red- like he’s permanently sunburned, but slightly darker.

“Yes, sir. Apologies, it’s his first time here. The waterfall can be a lot for the first time. Charlie. Please sit down. Time is of the essence.”

Very glad I’m not about to meet my death, but still very scared, I take a seat, as quick as a shot.

“Good.  Now we can begin.”

Relieved, because I can finally get some answers to my questions, I slowly exhale.

“Charlie. As Gus already told you,” I see some disapproval thrown in Gus’ direction, “you are one of a small group of children selected for the protection of Artios, the city of the stars. We have been monitoring potential warriors for centuries, searching for enough power, against the incredible threat that has been looming for many years. We don’t know what this threat is, where it’s coming from, or when it will arrive. We just know it’s coming.”

Although I was expecting him to say it, my heart was still in my mouth. I had a million questions, but only one was at the front of my mind.

“But… why me? Why me, of all people? I’m unexceptional. I always have been. I’m useless at school- at making friends, at school, talking to girls… what was it that made you pick me?”

Although Mr Budgeswop looked surprised at my surprise interjection, he did not yell. Sighing, he glances at Gus.

“Gus, do you want to explain to Charlie why we knew he was one of the select few? We can reconvene when Charlie has grasped the situation.”

“Yes, sir. Be with you shortly.” I feel a smooth rubbing on my shoulders, and with a soft flash, I knew Mr Budgeswop was gone. I swirled my chair round to face Gus.

“Charlie. Listen to me. We have had potential children, throughout generations, being monitored, at a faraway distance. Certain characteristics, and an ability to think a certain way is what notifies us of a potential protector. We are always sure, by a certain point, when a child has an innate ability. We knew about you from when you were four years old, Charlie. You are one of the selected, one of the children in the prophecy. You just found out a bit earlier than you should have, is all.” The tips of his lips turn up at the end, and I can see he is trying to reach out, to help comfort me.

And right now, all I can do is return his smile.

“Okay. I’m not saying I’m 100% okay now, but I’m trying to deal. So, what happens now?”

Clearly relieved that I haven’t freaked out, he starts to say something. I would have heard him, if not for the ear-piercing alarm that drowns out everything else.

“What the… it can’t be!” I hear Gus stammer under his breath. “Charlie! I have to go, but I’ll be back very soon. You have to promise you won’t leave.”

“But! What’s going on?” I can feel my pulse racing; my palms are sticky with sweat. Something is very wrong. “I don’t want you to leave me here.”

Gus is about as panicked as me. “I have to. But I’ll be back soon. Promise me you won’t go anywhere.”

Even through all the panic, I can tell he needs me to promise.

I look him dead in the eyes, reach for his arm, and give him a reassuring rub. “Okay. I promise.”

He takes a slight breath. “Thanks Charlie.” And then he’s gone.

And then the world is spinning.

Okay! That's all I've got! Anybody gripped yet? Nope? 

Oh well. I enjoyed writing it anyway. 

Not really expecting any comments for this one, but it genuinely would make my day if somebody wrote something (not mean) in the comments. 

Right! That's all I have for you all today, I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll be seeing you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

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