WWW Wednesday is currently hosted by Taking On A World of Words, and asks three simple questions that allows me to chat about what I’m reading, as well as my most recent and upcoming reads!

I’m really pleased with the fact I’ve read three books already this year, but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself as I’m scared I’ll cause a reading slump! It’s been a bit of a mixed bag with the books I’ve picked up so far, I’m hoping that will improve though.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading a lot of books. My two loans from the library at the moment include the ebook The Personal Librarian; which follows the true, life story of Belle de Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J. P. Morgan; and the audiobook of the Secret Commonwealth, the second book in the Book of Dust trilogy. I’m not far enough into either of these to have formed any kind of judgement yet but I’m excited for both.

I’m almost halfway through Book of Night by Holly Black and I’m feeling conflicted. I really enjoyed the characters and the world at the beginning of this book, but the further I progress the flatter it feels to me. However, a big reveal has just taken place so depending on where Black takes that I might look upon this more favourably.

I’m in the depths of a reread of Sorcery of Thorns at the moment to prepare for the sequel coming out this month, and it is even better than I remembered it being. This is such a solid YA fantasy and could truly be a classic of the genre. I’m very happy to be back in this world.

What have you just finished reading?

Far Out edited by Paula Gunn is a collection of recent queer fantasy and sci-fi short stories, and is absolutely incredible. If you are a fan of short stories, or sci-fi, or fantasy, or are just looking for some new queer stories I would highly recommend this collection. With over 20 works in it there is something for everyone, and the creativity bound within its pages are astounding. Review on this to come!

Forget Me Not was an audiobook I picked up on a whim from my library. It’s a very short middle-grade read that focuses on the stories of two pre-teens: Calliope, a young girl living with Tourette’s attempting to navigate the world and her relationship with her mum; and Justin, the boy next door and friend to all. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would even if the story was fairly basic, it is something I would recommend and especially the audio version.

Princess of Souls was not good. I went into this with mild expectations, aware this was a standalone story that shared the same world as To Kill a Kingdom, and that it was meant to be loosely based on Rapunzel. It somehow failed to live up to that. The world felt flat and very basic, there was nothing interesting to it, the story of Rapunzel is there if you squint hard – like really hard – and the characters and dialogue are cringey. I ended up giving this 2 stars because there are some redeeming features to it, but not many.

What do you plan to read next?

So, I recently wandered into a local Waterstones (I know, I shouldn’t have), but I do pick up some good books I’m excited about! I spoke to one of the booksellers there who found out I love Nimona by N. D. Stevenson and recommended me Another Kind, I think I’ll pick this up over the next week as it’s a graphic novel and quick to read. I also picked up Notes on an Execution after seeing one of my mutuals talk about it on booktok!

David Mogo Godhunter was an on-the-whim purchase from an indie bookstore a few weeks ago, and is on my January TBR because it sounds super interesting and thrilling.

Happy reading everyone and I hope your reads are proving incredible!