My Little Library of 2026

There are seasons where reading feels effortless, and others where it must be carved out, quietly, between everything else.

This year is firmly the latter.

Between writing, family life, and the many moving pieces behind the scenes, reading looks different for me in 2026. Slower. More intentional. Sometimes just a few pages at a time.

And yet, I’ve set myself a simple goal: 25 books this year. Not as a challenge, but as a way to stay connected to the stories that continue to shape how I think, write, and imagine.

My little library moves between fantasy, mythology, craft, and a few unexpected corners, reflecting both the reader and the writer in me.

Here are the 25 books:

1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

I am admittedly behind on this series, but determined to catch up this summer. Beyond the romance and intensity, I am curious to see how the character arcs evolve, especially given the emotional stakes already in place.

2. A War of Wyvern by Hannah Whitten

After falling in love with layered worlds that blend politics, magic, and rebellion, this feels like a natural next step. I am particularly drawn to the promise of dragons set against a backdrop of conflict and shifting power.

3. The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker

A lyrical, atmospheric story with a striking concept in which dragons become celestial bodies. I am intrigued by how far the worldbuilding will go and how it will balance romance with myth.

4. A Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley

Greek mythology retellings always draw me in. I am especially interested in how this story approaches Dionysus, a god who sits at the intersection of chaos, transformation, and celebration.

5. Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

This is one of those books where the premise alone is enough. Witches, dragon riders, and a large-scale conflict suggest a fast-paced and immersive romantasy.

6. Shadow Stitch by Cari Thomas

I loved Threadneedle for its intricate magic system and grounded emotional core. Returning to this world feels long overdue, and I am curious to see how the story deepens.

7. The Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig

Rachel Gillig’s writing has a haunting, gothic quality that stays with you. This follow-up is one of my most anticipated reads, especially for its atmosphere and character tension.

8. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

A modern classic that I have somehow not yet read. Given how much I enjoyed A Deadly Education, I am eager to explore Novik’s earlier work and her take on folklore-inspired fantasy.

9. Temeraire by Naomi Novik

A reimagining of the Napoleonic Wars with dragons at its heart. As a Corsican, this holds a particular appeal, blending history with fantasy in a way that feels both personal and expansive.

10. The Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson

Not fantasy, but deeply immersive in its own way. This is a beautifully detailed exploration of wine regions, grape varieties, and traditions, and I am looking forward to slowly working through it.

11. Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph

As a soon-to-be mother of two boys and a stepmother to a teenager, this book resonated strongly. It offered both practical insights and moments of reflection that sparked meaningful conversations at home.

12. Pagans by James J. O’Donnell

A richly researched novel set in an alternate vision of Britain. I am particularly enjoying its historical texture and the way it blends crime with speculative elements.

13. Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Time travel, layered romance, and historical settings, including London in the 1940s and Paris in the 1880s. This feels like a story that will combine adventure with emotional depth.

14. This Way Up by Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman

A delightful and intelligent exploration of geography and maps. As a fan of Map Men, this was an easy addition to the list and promises both humour and insight.

15. Aphrodite by Phoenicia Rogerson

Another Greek retelling that I am very much looking forward to. After reading Herc, I am excited to see how Rogerson approaches Aphrodite and reshapes her story.

16. Sparks of Genius by Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein

A recommendation from another author that I am eager to explore. This book looks at creativity across disciplines, which feels particularly relevant as I continue developing my craft.

17. When the Stars Come Out by Scarlett St. Clair

I have loved Scarlett St. Clair’s previous work, especially her Hades x Persephone series. This feels like a welcome return to her voice while I wait for the next instalment.

18. Material World by Ed Conway

With my background in sustainability consulting, this book immediately caught my attention. I am curious to revisit these themes and perhaps find inspiration for future storytelling.

19. Alice with a Why by Anna James

After listening to a podcast about Lewis Carroll, I came across this book and was intrigued by its premise. It promises a thoughtful exploration of a familiar world from a new angle.

20. Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

I am always drawn to a strong mystery. This one feels sharp, contemporary, and full of tension, making it a perfect change of pace in this list.

21. Hekate by Courtney Weber

Hekate has always fascinated me as a figure of magic, crossroads, and transformation. This book feels perfectly aligned with my interest in tarot, mythology, and the unseen.

22. Human Rites by Juno Dawson

The conclusion to a series that has built a bold and expansive magical world. I am particularly curious to see how all the narrative threads come together in the end.

23. Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake

Olivie Blake’s work is always intellectually sharp and emotionally complex. The premise alone intrigues me, and I expect something layered and thought-provoking.

24. Alchemised by SenLinYu

A book that has generated a lot of conversation. The themes of transformation and identity immediately resonate with me, and I am prepared for a long but rewarding read.

25. Babel by R. F. Kuang

After loving Yellowface, this feels like an essential next step. Kuang’s work is always incisive and powerful, and I am especially interested in the way Babel explores language, power, and history.

If you have a favourite book that you would like to recommend, I am always looking to add to my library! Just leave a comment below. 

✨ If You Liked In-Between, You Might Enjoy…

If your reading tastes overlap with mine, chances are we are drawn to similar kinds of stories: ones where magic carries a cost, where identity is fragile, and where beauty and danger exist side by side.

If you enjoyed In-Between, or if you are curious about the kinds of stories that shaped it, here are a few books from this list that might resonate with you:

For atmospheric, gothic fantasy with emotional depth

• The Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig
• Uprooted by Naomi Novik

For myth-inspired worlds and layered magic

• A Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley
• Aphrodite by Phoenicia Rogerson

For dragons, power, and high emotional stakes

• The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker
• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

For stories that explore identity, transformation, and the cost of power

• Babel by R. F. Kuang
• Alchemised by SenLinYu