book review
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Leviathan Wakes is an expansive, cinematic science fiction novel that balances mystery, political tension, and interplanetary conflict across the solar system. Read more
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I’m a big history fan, so I went into Eleanor expecting a history-focused book that would explore the life of a lesser-known Queen of England. Instead, the book is largely a retracing of Eleanor’s funeral procession through England, which, while interesting in places, wasn’t quite what I was expecting. Read more
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Cultish challenges the idea that cults are only religious or inherently bad, instead presenting them as something that exists on a spectrum. By exploring sport, fandoms, and marketing alongside religion, Amanda Montell shows how language creates belonging — and how easily that sense of connection can shift from healthy to harmful. Read more
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Wordslut is a thought-provoking read filled with linguistic facts that really stick with you. While its strong focus on American English made some examples less relatable as a British reader, it still offers an interesting exploration of how language shapes gender and identity, even if not every section brought new clarity for me. Read more
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The Christmas Killer is the first in a winter-themed crime series by Alex Pine. Marketed around the chilling promise of “12 murders over 12 days,” it immediately sets festive expectations—though the execution doesn’t quite live up to the concept. Read more
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Clytemnestra is a sharp, accessible feminist retelling that gives one of Greek mythology’s most notorious women her own voice. I enjoyed how easy it was to read, though the short, punchy sentences sometimes made the story feel a bit rushed. The themes of female rage, power, and trauma come through clearly, especially in the chapter… Read more
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Despite my lifelong fascination with Ancient Egypt, I realised while reading The Egyptian Myths just how intricate and layered the mythology truly is. Garry J. Shaw presents each story with clarity, but the sheer volume of gods, roles, and variations can feel overwhelming—in a strangely enjoyable way. One of the most surprising revelations was discovering… Read more
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Truth, like light, can blind those unprepared to face it. Yet without it, we stumble endlessly in the dark—mistaking shadows for certainty. Read more
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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a slow-burning psychological horror that focuses less on ghosts and more on the fragility of the human mind. While the story promises supernatural terror, the real haunting lies within Eleanor — a lonely, uncertain woman whose desire for belonging mirrors the house’s dark allure. Jackson’s writing… Read more
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In the silence of deep space, one man wakes up with no memory — alone, uncertain, and thousands of miles from home. As fragments of his past return, he realises he’s humanity’s last hope against an impossible threat. With only his mind, his courage, and an unexpected ally, Ryland Grace must unravel the mystery of… Read more
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A Marvellous Light is a queer, magical realist novel set in an alternative Edwardian England. It follows Robin Blyth, who unexpectedly finds himself in a new government position that plunges him into a hidden world of magic. After being attacked and cursed, Robin must rely on the help of Edwin Courcey, a prickly and intelligent… Read more
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This novel is set close to home for me, in the small Derbyshire village of Eyam, and takes place during the Great Plague of 1665—a time also marked by suspicion and fear of witchcraft. The story follows two central women: Isabel Frith, the village midwife, and Mae, the youngest daughter of Wulfric. Their lives intertwine… Read more
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The Unmaking of June Farrow is a fantasy/sci-fi novel by Adrienne Young, featuring June, a woman who travels from 2023 to 1951, entangled in a complex timeline involving murder, romance, and a family curse affecting only women. The engaging story highlights gender roles, despite leaving some questions unanswered, and showcases intriguing character relationships. Read more
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This biography by Tom Sharpe chronicles the life of fossil hunter Mary Anning, exploring her contributions to palaeontology as well as personal challenges, like a childhood lightning strike. While informative and well-researched, the book’s factual style occasionally feels repetitive, making it less engaging at times. It’s recommended for enthusiasts of Anning and earth science. Read more
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Cher: The Memoir (Part One) by Deborah Harkness details the early life of Cher, focusing on her mother and childhood. Although engaging initially, it ultimately reads like a superficial event list, lacking emotional depth and connection. Mixed reactions from readers suggest its appeal is limited; many felt disappointed by the disjointed narrative. Read more
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A Discovery of Witches follows Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch who discovers a powerful manuscript, plunging her into a magical world. As her powers awaken, she forms a bond with Matthew Clairmont, a vampire. Their relationship, fraught with tension and conflict, drives the narrative, offering a modern twist on supernatural lore. Read more
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Rosie Hewlett’s fantasy novel centres on Medea, a young princess navigating her magical abilities while seeking freedom from her family’s rejection. The engaging story, rich with Greek mythology and strong female characters, offers twists and a deep exploration of love and manipulation, though the rushed ending leaves questions unanswered. Read more
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The book by Simon Winchester is a blend of biography, history, science, and geology, focusing on William Smith and his groundbreaking creation of the UK’s first geological map. The author utilizes extensive research to explore Smith’s life, depicting both his scientific contributions and personal struggles, providing readers with insight into geology’s historical context. Read more