Anticipated Releases (October-Decemeber 2026)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

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

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

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

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy! 

~October~

1. The Pools, by E. Lockheart 

Release date: 6/10/2026

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

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

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

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

believed. 

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

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

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

than both of them, despite their damage. 

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

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

life as Lexie knows it forever."

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

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

Release date: 6/10/2026

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

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

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

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

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

Release date: 6/10/2026

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

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

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

"Eli Ever. Victor Vale. 

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

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

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

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

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

4. It's Only Dancing, by Jasmine Guillory 

Release date: 6/10/2026

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

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

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

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

Anybody else? 

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

5. Wondrous, by Heather Fawcett 

Release date: 6/10/2026

Simple premise, this. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Release date: 6/10/2026

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

7. As We Fall Through Time, by Claire North 

Release date: 13/10/2026

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

Another time travelling book, but this sounds bloody good. 

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

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

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

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

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

8. Queen of Lombard Street, by Lisa Kleypas

Release date: 20/10/2026

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

After reading about it on Goodreads, I learned: 

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

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

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

I really am a sucker for a woman independence story. 

 

9. Whale Harbor, by Mary Beth Keane

Release date: 20/10/2026

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

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

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

This call will haunt the family for generations. 

Set in 1960s Ireland. 

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

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

It feels like a best-seller to me. 

Just a gut feeling. 

~November~

1. Orlando, by Harry Whittaker 

Release date: 5/11/2026

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

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

2. Murmuration , by T.J. Klune

Release date: 17/11/2026

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

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

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

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

neighbours are always there to give eachother a helping hand. 

The people here know certain things as fact: 

Amorea is the best little town there is. 

The only good Commie is a dead Commie. 

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

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

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

one can deny the way they look at each other. 

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

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

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

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

~December~

1. Slow Burn, by Trinity Nguyen 

Release date: 29/12/2026

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

-Hate to love romance. 

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

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

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

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

What's not to love about this book?  

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

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

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

Rebel Rising, by Rebel Wilson

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with a surprise review! 

If you've seen the title, you might be wondering why I would read such a book, much less write a review for it. 

The reason being, maybe I want to convince people that this autobiography isn't as bad as the majority of people seem to think it is. Maybe I just have a lot of thoughts on it, good or bad. 

I'll let you decide. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it. 

Title: Rebel Rising

Author: Rebel Wilson

Genre: Autobiography

Status: Standalone

Release date: 25/4/2024

Pages: N/A

Blurb: "For decades, Rebel Wilson has single-mindedly focused on her career, making a name for herself through her iconic roles in Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, and Isn't it Romantic. Now, she's ready to chronicle the emotional and physical lessons she learned, as well as her most embarassing experiences. A malaria enduced hallucination? An all-style martial arts fighting tournament? Junior handling at god shows? And this was all BEFORE she moved to Hollywood!

Rebel Rising follows Rebel Wilson's incredible journey of 'making it', constantly questioning, 'Am I good enough? Will I ever find love? Will I ever change and become healthy?' Rebel writes for the first time about the most personal and important moments in her life- from fertility issues, weight gain and loss, sexuality, overcoming shyness, rejections, and well... okay, there's at least one story thrown in about Brad Pitt! It's all here. This memoir shows us how to love ourselves while making us laugh uncontrollably." 

My Thoughts

Trigger warnings: Child abuse, emotional abuse, fatphobia, sexism, loss of a parent, addiction. 

Actually not as bad as people think. Honestly, not the most ground breaking, emotional autobiography I've listened to in my life, but it was definitely one of the most honest and to-the-point autobiographies I've read. I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. 

Honestly, I went from thinking 'do I pay money to listen to something else' to 'okay I don't want to read anything else until I finish this' (it was the type of book where you don't realise how quickly you're making progress until you're halfway). 

In fact, the whole novel really does show you that Rebel Wilson is, wholeheartedly, like a regular person. She doesn't hold back on the personal stuff: the struggle with unhealthy habits with her eating; with her struggle to connect with anybody, let alone entertain the possibility of finding the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with; parental issues, which, lets face it, most adults struggle with something to do with their upbringing. And that's not even the half of it. 

Genuinely, her highs, her lows, and everything in between, you're there with her. 

There are no cover-ups in this novel. None. 

And all of it is done with that classic Rebel humour that we've all come to know and love. 

The novel jumps back to certain experiences within a chapter, but the transition it seamless. I was never confused as to where I was within each side story, within a chapter, so that worked. 

Also, surprise surprise, Rebel Rising makes me want to go back and watch Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect again, as well as everything else she's been in.

Basically, when I watched her in Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect movies, I assumed that she had been in more big time movies before, but that they just hadn't crossed my radar. Now, having read her autobiography, and now I know those were her big breaks, I want to go back and not only re-watch those movies, but be able to appreciate her earlier tv shows, to see her progression. 

Still not decided yet on Cats though. 

The only negative point I will make is, there's always the feeling that whatever hardships you're reading at any given point in this book, there's always the feeling that things will always work out in the end. At no point in this book did I start to think that maybe Rebel wouldn't lose the weight, find the person she was meant to be with, or deal with what she was going through at the time. 

But part of the reason why I fully believed that, was the incredible work ethic she had throughout. 

If you didn't know, Rebel Wilson is a fully qualified lawyer. It may have taken her double the time it would normally take, as she was juggling rent and working as an actor throughout, but she has the smarts and the work ethic to react that status. And becoming a qualified lawyer is mind-numbingly hard by itself, let alone with other problems thrown into the mix. 

So in the end, although I never questioned that she would, eventually, get everything she had been working towards, the reason why is a positive. 

So I guess, what I've been leading up to with, well, all of the above, is that this novel has given me new found respect for Rebel, all she's had to go through, how's she dealt with things, got on with it, and come out the other side. 

Also, did I mention how normal she is? She loves dogs, her family ran a dog accessory business, selling them, going to Dog shows, she went to an all girls school, wasn't thrown into show business like a lot of celebrities' parents, actually worked for it herself, and became as well-known as she was, through her own merit. 

Not to mention, having to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously as an actor, because of how much people saw her as nothing more than the fat, funny friend. 

I hope I've at least convinced some people to give this book a try- granted, I doubt just my word will be enough, but maybe I've helped some people to at least download the audiobook, for the next time they don't have any books in mind. 

I really do recommend the audiobook, by the way. It's recorded by RW herself- it's quite the listen. 

Okay! Those are all my thoughts on Rebel Rising- not going to lie, I feel like I'll come up with more, the minute I post this- been feeling a bit distracted tonight- but I'll add more soon if I do. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this, honest, funny, and fulfilling autobiography- I have a feeling this may start a trend. 

That will be all tonight, though. I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

The End of Summer Book Tag

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with another book tag! I had such fun doing the 10 Year Challenge Book Tag, I thought it might be fun to do another one! 

And with the end of August literally two days away, I thought The End of Summer Book Tag was perfect! 

In fact, the children in the county I lived in, until a couple years a go, have already gone back to school! 

For the majority of the UK though, it really is the end of Summer. 

Now, I'll be doing the End of Summer Book Tag created by Kate (Reading Through Infinity), instead of the original, mainly because I prefer the questions on this version. Post is linked if you want to check it out. 

Right! Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

~Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?~

 

Nothing really springs to mind straight away, but I'm currently in the middle of Tilt, by Emma Pattee, that I've been working through the past couple of weeks, on a Sunday (trying to start consistent with my audiobook listening streak). It's about a heavily pregnant woman trying to make her way to her husband after a horrific earthquake. Even though I've been juggling it alongside my SP re-read, I am always excited to pick this up. It jumps from present day for one chapter, and then to events leading up to the day, starting from teenage years. It's really good, and I'm hoping to finish it sometime tomorrow. 

 I also have the fifth book in the Earthsea series, Tales from Earthsea, in audiobook that I haven't started yet. I would like to finish that, and book 6 before the end of the year. 

~Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?~

Again, nothing springs to mind immediately, but there are a couple of books I could lean into if I was feeling like an autumn read. 

Two books, both magical realism novels, and those two are Piranesi, by Suzanne Clarke, and Inkheart, by Cornelius Funke.  

 

Both feel like an introduction to the heavier fantasy that I suspect I'll be reading for the majority of the winter months. 

Maybe I'll prioritise Piranesi first because it was a gift, and not as much of a commitment. 

~Is there a new release you're still waiting for?~

THIS. I heard that the final book was going to be released at the end of the year, a couple of weeks ago. 

Book 2, Vengeful, was released in 2018, and fans have been waiting for several years for a conclusion. I haven't been waiting as long, I only picked this series up in 2020, but it's still a long awaited conclusion. I really hope this comes out in the UK the same time as in the US. 

Definitely a Halloween read. 

~What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?~

  

1. The House of Fortune (The Miniaturist #2), by Jessie Burton- the book I've had on my unread shelf for at least three years. After finishing Tilt, The Miniaturist is next on my list, followed by this. I have no idea what this is about, haven't read the blurb since I bought it, and that's the way I want to keep it. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as I remember liking the first book. 

2. Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke- it's short, it's snappy, it's intriguing, and the world building sounds amazing. The ideal season to read this is fast approaching, and I will be reaching for it pretty hastily, when it's the right time. 

3. Where She Went (If I Stay #3), by Gayle Forman- the sequel to the bestselling If I Stay, that takes place three years later. Read from the POV of Adam. Lots of loose ends to tie up with this one, as the first book ends without any further chapters after Mia makes her decision. I've found recently that I haven't been able to forget that this book is waiting to be picked up, in my bookshelf. Also, this feels like the right book to pick up when I fancy something different to all the fantasy I've read these last few months. 

~Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?~

  
Any one of these honestly. Three completely different genres, all meant to be outstanding. 

Has anybody read these? Care to divulge what they're like in the comments?

Honestly, I know I'm going to love all three of these, and they're all potential review titles. In fact, I'm going to make a promise to myself, that I will review all three of these books, because you can bet I'll have some thoughts on all three. 

Which do you guys think I'll like more?

A disturbing sci-fi about a cold blooded killer and the detective that pursues him; a story by an auto-buy author about women in space; or a book about oppressed women, from three generations, teaming up, trying to survive and make a difference? 

Which one? 

~Have you already started making reading plans for 2027?~

At the moment, no. I just finished an eighteen book series, and I'm just planning on reading whatever I feel like reading in the moment. I'm happy just looking at the present for the moment. Time to knuckle down and focus on reducing my 50 book TBR. Because I found more books under my bed last night, that were not in my original unread shelf post. 

Okay! That is the End of Summer Book Tag! 

Nobody has really done this tag in recent years, so I'm just going to be lazy and say, do the tag if you want to, then link it in the comments below, so I can see it! 

Right! That's all I have for you all today, so I will see you all in September, hopefully with another story update! (And a wrap up at the end of the month, yay!)

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

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Unread Books (with photos)

 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 endin
g. 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