My 2026 reads so far...
At the start of the year, I hadn't read a book in years.
Between parenting, running businesses and social media, books just hadn't been a priority. Truth be told, I'd never really considered myself a bookworm anyway. I've always enjoyed reading when I actually picked up a book, but it wasn't unusual for one to sit on my bedside table for months before I finally finished it.
At the start of 2026, I made myself a simple New Year's resolution: no scrolling in bed.
I honestly thought I'd struggle to stick to it, but it's been so much easier than I expected. Somewhere along the way, I completely fell back in love with reading. In fact, it's slightly embarrassing to admit that I've probably read more books this year than I have in the last decade.
My first book was 'How to Kill Your Family'. It's actually a book I bought during our very first shopping trip after picking up the motorhome. Along with duvets, tea towels and all the other essentials, we both threw a book into the trolley, imagining we'd have a few child-free days where we could sit outside on our first campsite with a hot chocolate and get lost in a good story.
That never happened.
So almost a year later, I finally picked it up... and accidentally reignited a love of reading I'd forgotten I had. Or maybe I never had it in the first place. Either way, it turns out your mid thirties isn't too late to discover a new hobby.
How to kill your family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I obviously enjoyed this one because I actually carried on reading after it! It was kind of make or break for my New Year's resolution, and thankfully this one got the ball rolling.
I loved Grace's character. Maybe I just have a soft spot for slightly awkward, socially unconventional characters. She actually reminded me a little of ‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’... just a bit more murdery.
If you're after a dark, witty thriller with plenty of twists, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Would you read it again?
Probably not, but I'd 100 % recommend it.
A court of thorns and roses
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok, so this was the book that actually got me reading... like really reading. It was also my first proper dive into the fantasy/faerie genre. Can you count Twilight? Probably... but that feels like an age ago.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this one. I found it easy to follow, quickly got hooked into the faerie world and, before I knew it, I was ordering the next book in the series.
Oh... and it was a little bit sexy too. Turns out I don't mind a tiny bit of smut after all. Who knew?
Would I read it again?
Possibly! Even though, after reading the rest of the ACOTAR series, this is probably my least favourite (probably would give this 4/5 stars looking back, bu at the time of reading I would of gave 5). That said, I'm seriously considering a reread before the next book is released. Although... I might end up skipping straight to book two.
Continue the series
A Court of Mist and Fury ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved this one. It takes a bit of a turn from the first book, but I'm so glad it does. Even more addictive... and definitely a little spicier.
A Court of Wings and Ruin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another one I absolutely blasted through. I think I finished it in a couple of days. A little less romance, a little more action, and I loved every minute.
A Court of Frost and Starlight ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
This one felt like a little Christmas special. Not a huge amount happens, but it's a lovely bridge between the original three and the next book.
A Court of Silver Flames ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wasn't convinced I'd enjoy the change in main characters, but I ended up loving it. Probably one of my favourites in the whole series. I loved the friendships, the girlhood, the spice, the ... everything. Now I'm just impatiently waiting for the next book.
Beautiful Ugly
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
After finishing my first fantasy series and becoming completely hooked on that genre, I felt like I needed a bit of a reality check before diving into another world of faeries and magic.
This was the perfect palate cleanser.
It's full of twists and turns, so it kept me guessing all the way through and definitely kept me entertained. I don't think it quite reached five-star status for me, but I'm really glad I picked it up.
Would I read it again?
Probably not. Once you know the ending, I don't think it would have the same impact. But I'd definitely recommend it if you're after a fast paced thriller with plenty of surprises.
Throne of glass
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So I was a little sceptical about this one.
While I was looking for my next fantasy series, I kept coming back to Sarah J. Maas. I'm definitely a bit of a creature of comfort and, because I'd loved ACOTAR so much, I kind of just wanted to keep that vibe going. I was worried that if I tried a different author, nothing would quite live up to it.
I also wasn't completely sold on the whole assassin storyline. It just didn't sound like my kind of thing.
Oh... how wrong I was.
I absolutely loved this book. The world-building, the characters and the story completely pulled me in, and before I knew it I'd flown through the first book.
Would I read it again?
Absolutely. And if you're wondering whether it's worth giving this series a chance because you're obsessed with ACOTAR... I'd definitely say yes.
I've actually seen a lot of people recommend reading Throne of Glass before ACOTAR. Not because the stories are connected, but because there are little Easter eggs and references between ACOTAR and the Crescent City series, which is on my list to read.
Continue the series
Crown of Midnight ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved how the story progressed in this one. Lots of twists and turns, and it really got me invested in the series.
Heir of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm not going to lie, I didn't enjoy this one at the beginning. I wasn't a huge fan of the witches, but honestly... stick with it. It's so worth it, and some of those storylines ended up becoming my favourites in the whole series.
Queen of Shadows ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Probably one of the most satisfying books in the series. So many storylines start coming together, and I absolutely loved seeing everything unfold.
Empire of Storms ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely flew through this one. So much happens, and it ends on such a cliffhanger that I immediately wanted to pick up the next book. A lot of people recommend reading Tower of Dawn before this one so the cliffhanger doesn't keep hanging.
Tower of Dawn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I started off not being a huge fan of the change in main characters, but I quickly grew to love this storyline. Looking back, I'm really glad we got to spend more time with these characters before the finale.
Kingdom of Ash ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An incredible ending to the series. It wasn't quite what I expected, but I absolutely loved it. Honestly... I was so gutted when I finished it because I just wasn't ready to leave this world behind.
Fever Dream
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So this one was a bit of a wildcard for my latest palate cleanser.
I can't say I'd ever been into westerns until ‘Yellowstone’ came along... and I think that got half the world hooked on cowboys. But honestly? I liked the cover, and I'm a complete sucker for a good book cover.
Although, now I read on a Kindle, I don't get to admire them quite as much. That said, it's been an absolute game changer while travelling. Being able to instantly download the next book without worrying about finding an English bookshop somewhere in Europe is probably one of the main reasons I've managed to keep my reading momentum going.
Anyway... apart from the cover, I think I'd also decided that Throne of Glass was missing just a tiny bit of the spice I'd loved in ACOTAR. So naturally my brain went... cowboy romance? Why not.
I have to admit, I wasn't completely sold on Emmett's character in the first chapter or two, but I'm so glad I stuck with it because I ended up absolutely loving this book. It was such an easy read once I got into it, had just the right amount of spice for me, and yes... I even shed a tear or two. Although, to be fair, that doesn't take much these days, so maybe don't judge it entirely on my emotions!
Would I read it again?
I actually think I would. Maybe not straight away, but definitely one day. It's also convinced me to add more of Elsie Silver's books to my ever-growing reading list.
