Stephen King: The Dark Half

Hi everyone

I was in the mood for another Stephen King book, and with so many to choose from, I decided to pick up The Dark Half.
This time I read The Dark Half. 

"The sparrows are flying again. The idea haunts the edge of Thad Beaumont's mind. He should be happy; for years it is his secret persona 'George Stark', author of super-violent pulp thrillers, who has paid the family bills. But now he is writing seriously again under his own name, and his pseudonym is buried forever."

Unfortunately, The Dark Half wasn’t as good as I’d hoped or expected. The biggest issue was that it felt way too drawn out, which made it really boring in places. There are some great action scenes, chilling, frightening, and classic King, but the parts in between drag the plot down, killing both the pace and the tension.
The ending was underwhelming, too. I expected more from this book, especially given King’s reputation for mind-blowing twists and haunting conclusions. That said, I did enjoy the writing and the horror elements, particularly the cruel, vile George Stark scenes, which were shocking and brilliantly done. The core plot itself is interesting, but the execution was just too slow.

That’s how it goes with King’s books for me, some I love, some I find mediocre, and some I can’t even finish. This one fell somewhere in the middle: not bad, but not great either.

Have you read The Dark Half? Did you feel the same way, or did it grip you more than it did me? I’d love to hear your thoughts; maybe I missed something! 

Happy reading.
Helena

Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Hi everyone

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the second book in the Monk and Robot series by Becky Chambers.
I read this on my e-reader only because I couldn’t find a physical copy anywhere (though I’d love to own this series in paperback someday!). 

"After touring the rural areas of Panga, Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk of some renown) and Mosscap (a robot sent on a quest to determine what humanity really needs) turn their attention to the villages and cities of the little moon they call home.
They hope to find the answers they seek, while making new friends, learning new concepts, and experiencing the entropic nature of the universe.
Becky Chambers's new series continues to ask: in a world where people have what they want, does having more even matter?
They're going to need to ask it a lot." 

This book was really, really lovely. It’s sweet, cozy, easy, optimistic, and warm; perfect for when you need something light that leaves you feeling all warm inside. Chambers has a gift for creating worlds that feel gentle yet profound, and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is no exception.
The dynamic between Dex and Mosscap is pure joy.  Their journey, both physical and emotional, is full of small, meaningful moments that add up to something beautiful.
The themes, what it means to be human, the value of connection, and the beauty of simplicity, are woven in so naturally that they never feel preachy. Instead, they feel like a warm hug.

The only thing I didn’t love was the length of the book. I felt like we skipped too much, too many travels, interactions, and little adventures that I would have loved to read about. The story moves very quickly, and while that keeps it light and breezy, I couldn’t help but wish for more.

If you’re looking for a book that’s gentle, uplifting, and full of heart, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is perfect. (Like all other books by Becky Chambers I've read.) It’s the kind of story that restores your faith in humanity (and robots!) and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Have you read this series? Did you love it as much as I did? Or do you have another cozy, feel-good book to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent

 Hi everyone

Terry Pratchett's novel The Last Continent is his 22nd book in the Discworld series.
This is my third time reading it and I can't really remember where I got it, but you can surely buy the series here. 

"IT'S THE DISCWORLD LAST CONTINENT AND IT'S GOING TO DIE IN A FEW DAYS, EXCEPT...
Who is this hero striding across the red desert? Sheep shearer, beer drinker, bush ranger, and someone who'll even eat a Meat Pie Floater when he's sober.
A man in a hat whose luggage follows him on little legs. Yes, it's Rincewind, the inept wizard who can't even spell wizard. He's the only hero left."

The Last Continent isn’t my favorite Discworld novel, but it’s still a blast. It’s fun, fast-paced, and packed with references and Discworld lore. The story is crazy in the best way, with so much happening that you’re never bored. Rincewind’s usual brand of chaos is on full display, and the sheer absurdity of the plot makes it a joy to read.
The humor is sharp, the satire is clever, and the world-building is as rich as ever. Pratchett’s knack for poking fun at anything and everything is a highlight here. And, of course, the Luggage steals every scene it’s in (as always).
I'm just not a fan of Rincewind so his books are never my favorites.

While The Last Continent might not be Pratchett’s best, it’s still a wildly entertaining read. It’s funny, clever, and full of heart, everything you’d expect from a Discworld novel. 

Have you read The Last Continent? What's your favorite Discworld book? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Dennis E. Taylor: Earthside

 Hi everyone

Earthside is the second book in Dennis E. Taylor's series Quantum Earth.
I read it on my e-reader.

"The Yellowstone super-eruption has put an end to modern civilization. As cities and countries continue to fall, the colony of Rivendell in the alternate Earth known as Outland looks more and more like the only real hope for humanity. But life in Rivendell isn’t getting any simpler, either. Bill and Kevin continue to discover new worlds; the population continues to rise; winter is approaching; and everyone has their own opinion about how things should be run.
Then, a garbled plea for help from Omaha sends most of the security forces back Earthside to investigate, leaving Outland’s police force understaffed just as a large group of refugees arrives with its own ideas and power structure. With threats from both inside and outside, will the colony even survive until spring?" 

Earthside is exactly what I needed, a light, fast-paced, and entertaining escape. The setting is something I always enjoy: a post-apocalyptic world where survivors are building a new life in an alternate Earth called Outland. The world-building is engaging, with new worlds to explore and plenty of drama to keep things interesting.
The characters are fun, even if they’re not particularly deep. There are plenty of people to root for (and a few to get frustrated with), which makes the story easy to dive into. The plot is predictable, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it, sometimes, knowing where things are headed just adds to the comfort of the read.

That said, Earthside isn’t anything groundbreaking. The plot and characters are rather shallow, and there’s nothing especially unique about the storytelling. But honestly? That’s okay. Not every book needs to be a literary masterpiece, sometimes, you just want something fun and easy to read, and Earthside delivers on that promise.

Have you read Earthside or any other books in the Quantum Earth series? Did you enjoy the adventure, or do you have a favorite post-apocalyptic book to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: March 2025

 Hi everyone

I read more than expected last month! March 2025 was a great reading month for me, and I’m excited to share what I dove into. 

Here’s the full list

- Tasha Suri: Empire of Sand

- Philippa Perry: The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Blades

- Darren Hardy: The Compound Effect

- Julie Leong: The Teller of Small Fortunes

- Joe Abercrombie: The Trouble With Peace

There was also one book I could not finish.

- Nick Cutter: The Troop 

Did you read anything amazing in March? Or maybe you discovered a hidden gem? I’d love to hear about your favorite reads; let’s swap recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Joe Abercrombie: The Trouble With Peace

 Hi everyone

The Trouble With Peace is Joe Abercrombie's second book in The Age of Madness series.
I got my copy from Bol.com. After loving the first book, I was really excited to dive back into this world but unfortunately, this one left me deeply disappointed. 

"Conspiracy. Betrayal. Rebellion.
Peace is just another kind of battlefield...
Savine dan Glokta, once Adua’s most powerful investor, finds her judgement, fortune and reputation in tatters. But she still has all her ambitions, and no scruple will be permitted to stand in her way.
For heroes like Leo dan Brock and Stour Nightfall, only happy with swords drawn, peace is an ordeal to end as soon as possible. But grievances must be nursed, power seized and allies gathered first, while Rikke must master the power of the Long Eye . . . before it kills her.
The Breakers still lurk in the shadows, plotting to free the common man from his shackles, while noblemen bicker for their own advantage. Orso struggles to find a safe path through the maze of knives that is politics, only for his enemies, and his debts, to multiply.
The old ways are swept aside, and the old leaders with them, but those who would seize the reins of power will find no alliance, no friendship, and no peace, lasts forever."

I’ll be blunt: This was utterly boring.
The characters (Orso, Savine, Leo, even Rikke) felt like completely different people from the first book. In A Little Hatred, they were strong, confident, and driven. Now? They’re reduced to a constant state of "woe is me." They’re downtrodden, passive, and lacking any will to live, let alone thrive. They whine endlessly, and there’s no emotional payoff to make us care about their struggles. I found myself hoping they’d die just so we could focus on more interesting characters. But no such luck. It’s exhausting to read.

The plot is vague and meandering. It seems like a lot is happening, but nothing actually progresses. The pace is glacial, and the story feels stuck. I struggled to finish because it felt like a slog with no reward. Abercrombie’s grimdark style usually works because of his sharp humor, brutal action, and political intrigue. But here, the tone is relentlessly bleak without any glimmer of hope or light.

If you’re a die-hard Abercrombie fan, you might find something to appreciate here. But for me, this was a huge letdown. 

Have you read The Trouble With Peace? Did you feel the same way, or did it work for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, maybe I missed something!

Happy reading!
Helena

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I got three new books! So happy with these and I'm looking forward to reading them.

- Jonathan French: The True Bastards

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Haven

- Patrick Rothfuss: The Narrow Road Between Desires

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read any of these! Did you love them? Or maybe you have other recommendations based on these picks?

Happy reading!
Helena

Julie Leong: The Teller of Small Fortunes

Hi everyone

The Teller of Small Fortunes is the debut novel by Julie Leong.
I got my copy from Bol.

"Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have."  

I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to read, filled with well-developed characters you can’t help but adore, and packed with adventure and heart. 
Tao’s journey is both touching and exciting, and the world feels so vivid and charming!
The magic system is subtle, adding a whimsical touch. It’s the kind of magic that feels natural and cozy, like a gentle breeze rather than a storm.

The only odd part was the side quest for treasure that felt a bit out of the blue. It didn’t add much to the story, no real purpose or depth, just a strange detour that didn’t quite fit. But honestly, it was a minor hiccup in an otherwise delightful, sweet, and lighthearted read.

The Teller of Small Fortunes is cozy, charming, and full of warmth. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling, with characters who feel like old friends by the end. Julie Leong has won me over, whatever she writes next, I’ll be first in line to read it!

Have you read The Teller of Small Fortunes? Did you love it as much as I did? Or are you planning to pick it up? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Darren Hardy: The Compound Effect

 Hi everyone

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy was mentioned in another book I recently read so I went searching for it on my e-reader. 

"No gimmicks. No Hyperbole. No Magic Bullet. The Compound Effect is based on the principle that decisions shape your destiny. Little, everyday decisions will either take you to the life you desire or to disaster by default. Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine, presents The Compound Effect, a distillation of the fundamental principles that have guided the most phenomenal achievements in business, relationships, and beyond. This easy-to-use, step-by-step operating system allows you to multiply your success, chart your progress, and achieve any desire. If you’re serious about living an extraordinary life, use the power of The Compound Effect to create the success you want."

Unfortunately, I really disliked this book.
First, the tone. Darren Hardy comes across as absolutely full of himself. The writing is riddled with hyperbole, as if he’s invented the wheel rather than presenting a basic, common-sense idea. The constant self-congratulation and over-the-top language made it painful to read. It felt like he was selling a revolution, when in reality, the core idea, small, consistent actions lead to big results, is nothing new.
This idea could have been explained in a single chapter, or even a long essay, without all the fluff and self-promotion.

Have you read The Compound Effect? Did you feel the same way, or did it resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena

David Dalglish: A Dance of Blades

Hi everyone

A Dance of Blades is the second book in the Shadowdance series, written by David Dalglish.
I read this on my e-reader.

"It's been five years since Haern faked his death to escape the tyranny of his father. He has become the Watcher, a vicious killer who knows no limits, and whose hatred of the thief guilds is unrivaled. But when the son of Alyssa Gemcroft, one of the three leaders of the powerful Trifect, is believed murdered, the slaughter begins anew. Mercenaries flood the streets, with one goal in find and kill the Watcher."

I rather enjoyed this book! Dalglish’s writing is easy to read, and the story is packed with action and fighting, it never slows down. The worldbuilding is solid, with a gritty fantasy vibe that keeps you engaged. 

That said, there were a few things that frustrated me.
First, Alyssa Gemcroft. She felt completely off; boring, uninterested in anything in her own world, and naive. She lacked the depth and strength of the other characters, and I dreaded her chapters. For someone who’s supposed to be a powerful leader, she came across as weak and underdeveloped.
Second, the characters overall lack depth. Even Haern, the main protagonist, is one of the stupidest main characters I’ve ever read. His decisions often felt unbelievable and frustrating, which made it hard to root for him.

Despite its flaws, A Dance of Blades is still an entertaining read if you’re looking for fast-paced action and a dark, immersive world. Just don’t expect deep character arcs, this is pure, unapologetic action.

Have you read A Dance of Blades or any other books in the Shadowdance series? Did you enjoy the action, or did the characters frustrate you too? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Philippa Perry: The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read

 Hi everyone

After reading Philippa Perry's The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, I really wanted to read her most famous work, The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read. I picked it up on my e-reader, hoping for insightful advice on relationships and life, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me.

"Life is all about relationships and the quality of those connections, whether that's with family, partners, friends, colleagues or most importantly yourself. If you can get those relationships on a functional and even keel, then the other tricky stuff that life throws your way becomes easier to manage.
In this warm, practical and witty book, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling psychotherapist Philippa Perry shows you how to approach life's big problems.
How do you find and keep love? What can you do to manage conflict better? How can you get unstuck and cope with change and loss? What does it mean to you to be content? Are other people just annoying or are you the problem?
With a healthy dose of sanity, Philippa Perry's compassionate advice could help you become a happier, wiser person."

I didn’t gain much from this book. While the premise is promising, the execution felt lacking. There’s not much here that’s new or groundbreaking, most of the advice is common sense, and the writing style didn’t resonate with me.
Philippa Perry’s approach is less scientific and more conversational, almost like chatting with a well-meaning aunt. While that might work for some, I found the anecdotes and stories about others overwhelming and unnecessary. It felt like filler rather than substance, and I struggled to connect with the book as a result.

Have you read The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read? Did it resonate with you, or did you feel the same way? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Tasha Suri: Empire of Sand

 Hi everyone

This is my review for Tasha Suri's Empire of Sand. I got my copy from Bol.com.
Empire of Sand is the first book in Suri's duology The Books of Ambha.

"Mehr is a girl trapped between two cultures. Her father comes from the ruling classes of the empire, but her mother’s people were outcasts, Amrithi nomads who worshipped the spirits of the sands.
Caught one night performing these forbidden rites, Mehr is brought to the attention of the Emperor’s most feared mystics, who try to force her into their service by way of an arranged marriage. If she fails in their bidding, the gods themselves may awaken and seek vengeance…"

Unfortunately, Empire of Sand felt really mediocre, and I won’t be continuing this series.

The biggest issue for me was that I couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. I didn’t care what happened to them, what they did, or how they felt; I never became invested in their journey.
The magic and religion system also felt rather ridiculous at times. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once, especially when it came to Mehr’s heritage and this world’s lore. It just didn’t resonate with me.

That said, the writing itself was good, and the atmosphere was rich and immersive. Suri creates a vivid world, and I could feel the desert setting and its cultural tensions. 

While Empire of Sand had some strong elements, it ultimately wasn’t for me. The pace dragged, and I didn’t care enough about the characters to keep going. 
Still, I’m open to trying another book by Tasha Suri because her writing has promise, and I’m curious to see if her other works click better for me.

Have you read Empire of Sand or anything else by Tasha Suri? Did you feel differently, or did it fall flat for you too? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: February 2025

 Hi everyone

February is finally over and honestly, it felt like double its actual length, just like January. The cold, grey, and rainy Belgian autumn and winter have a way of making time drag, but they also gave me plenty of cozy evenings (after my daughters were asleep) curled up on the couch with tea and a book. There’s something so very comforting about that, isn’t there?

Here's what I read in February:

- Greg Pizzoli: Worstje en zijn vrienden

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Keeper

- Sam Harris: The End of Faith

- Sarah Andersen: Adulthood Is a Myth

- Fonda Lee: Jade City 

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Bites 

What did you read in February? Did you discover any gems last month? Or maybe you revisited an old favorite? I’d love to hear about your February reads!

Happy reading! 
Helena