Rachel Joyce: Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North

Hi everyone

Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North is the third book in the Harold Fry series by Rachel Joyce. It's not a series where you need to read the books in order but I would recommend doing so just to know the backstory.knowing the backstory adds so much depth to Maureen’s journey
I got my book from Bol.

"Ten years ago, Harold Fry set off on his epic journey on foot to save a friend. But the story doesn't end there.
Now his wife, Maureen, has her own pilgrimage to make.
Maureen Fry has settled into the quiet life she now shares with her husband Harold after his iconic walk across England. Now, ten years later, an unexpected message from the North disturbs her equilibrium again, and this time it is Maureen's turn to make her own journey.
But Maureen is not like Harold. She struggles to bond with strangers, and the landscape she crosses has changed radically. She has little sense of what she'll find at the end of the road. All she knows is that she must get there." 

I really enjoyed this book.

Maureen is not my favorite character in the series; she’s angry, spiteful, impolite, and disrespectful. But because you know her story, because you understand what she’s been through, you excuse her behavior a little more. You sympathize with her, even when she’s at her worst. And I’m glad she changes over the course of the book. She lightens up, starts to see other perspectives, and becomes more open to people and experiences. It’s a quiet but powerful transformation, and it made me care for her in a way I didn’t expect.

Rachel Joyce’s writing is as warm and accessible as ever. The story flows beautifully, never feeling overly dramatic or forced. Instead, it’s gentle, reflective, and deeply human; just like Harold’s journey, but with Maureen’s sharp edges and quiet resilience.

Have you read Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North? Did you connect with Maureen’s journey, or did you find her as challenging as I initially did? I’d love to hear your thoughts!  

Happy reading!
Helena  

Wrap Up: May 2025

Hi everyone

May was a good reading month. Because I didn't really enjoy Parker-Chan's He Who Drowned the World; I read a few children's book alongside and I really liked this combination.

Here's what I read: 

- Terry Practhett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Mars

- Jim Butcher: Furies of Calderon 

- The Poetry of Emily Dickinson

- Harriet Muncaster: Isabella Maan gaat naar de kermis

- Harriet Muncaster: Mirabelle heeft een slechte dag

- Paul van Loon: Birthday Surprise

- Paul van Loon: Full Moon

- Shelley Parker-Chan: He Who Drowned the World

- Emma Newman: Before Mars

How was your month? Did you read anything you'd like to recommend?

Happy reading!
Helena

Emma Newman: Before Mars

Hi everyone

This is my second time reading the third book in the Planetfall series; Before Mars; written by Emma Newman. I read my own copy.
While I didn’t review it the first time, I’m excited to share my thoughts now!

"After months of travel, Anna Kubrin finally arrives on Mars for her new job as a geologist and de facto artist-in-residence. Already she feels like she is losing the connection with her husband and baby at home on Earth--and she'll be on Mars for over a year. Throwing herself into her work, she tries her best to fit in with the team.
But in her new room on the base, Anna finds a mysterious note written in her own handwriting, warning her not to trust the colony psychologist. A note she can't remember writing. She unpacks her wedding ring, only to find it has been replaced by a fake.
Finding a footprint in a place the colony AI claims has never been visited by humans, Anna begins to suspect that her assignment isn't as simple as she was led to believe. Is she caught up in an elaborate corporate conspiracy, or is she actually losing her mind? Regardless of what horrors she might discover, or what they might do to her sanity, Anna has find the truth before her own mind destroys her."

I loved this book just as much the second time around! Since I’d forgotten most of the details, I felt the suspense and tension just as strongly as I did the first time. 
Emma Newman’s writing style is so easy to read, and I love the worlds she creates. Her characters feel like real people; distinct, flawed, and deeply human. The plot is gripping, and I found myself eager to keep reading, unable to put it down.

One of the things I appreciate most about Newman’s writing is how she explores mental illness and trauma in her characters. She handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, making Anna’s struggles feel raw and authentic. It’s not just about the mystery or the sci-fi setting; it’s also about how the mind can betray us, and how we fight to hold onto reality when everything feels uncertain.

If you love sci-fi with psychological depth, suspense, and rich character development, Before Mars is highly recommended! It’s a thought-provoking, atmospheric read that stays with you long after you finish. 

Have you read Before Mars or any of the Planetfall series? Did you love it as much as I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading.
Helena

Shelley Parker-Chan: He Who Drowned the World

Hi everyone

He Who Drowned the World is the second and final book in Parker-Chan's series The Radiant Emperor.
I read this on my e-reader.

You can read my review for the first book here.

"How much would you give to win the world?
Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.
But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions. Her neighbor in the south, the courtesan Madam Zhang, wants the throne for her husband—and she’s strong enough to wipe Zhu off the map. To stay in the game, Zhu will have to gamble everything on a risky alliance with an old enemy: the talented but unstable eunuch general Ouyang, who has already sacrificed everything for a chance at revenge on his father’s killer, the Great Khan.
Unbeknownst to the southerners, a new contender is even closer to the throne. The scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang has maneuvered his way into the capital, and his lethal court games threaten to bring the empire to its knees. For Baoxiang also desires revenge: to become the most degenerate Great Khan in history—and in so doing, make a mockery of every value his Mongol warrior family loved more than him.
All the contenders are determined to do whatever it takes." 

This book was so, so, so boring and repetitive. I can’t tell you how many times we were told the same things (whether it was about events or character traits) over and over again. The constant reiterations and the fact that we were told instead of shown these details frustrated me. I wanted to finish it to see how it ended, but I had to pace myself because otherwise, I’d either nod off, lose all interest in reading anything, or just get angry.
On top of that, it felt too sexually explicit. I understand that sexuality can be part of the story, and sometimes it’s necessary, but here it felt overdone, like it was included just for shock value rather than serving the plot or characters.
Finally, the tone was just too dark. There wasn’t a single moment with even a glimmer of hope. I enjoy grimdark fantasy, but even in the darkest stories, I need something to believe in, to hope for, or to root for. This book gave me none of that. It was just relentless bleakness without any balance.

So yeah, not a great read for me. It’s a shame, because I loved the premise of the series, but this book just didn’t work for me.

Have you read He Who Drowned the World? Did you feel the same way, or did it resonate with you more? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Paul van Loon: Birthday Surprise and Full Moon

Hi everyone

My daughter Clara, who's seven years old, (she will be eight this summer) loves the Alfie the Werewolf series by Paul van Loon. I asked her if I could read them too just because I want to understand what she likes and she happily lent me the first and the second book in the series. 

"Alfie can't wait to turn seven like his friend Tim, but something strange is happening. When on his birthday, under the light of the full moon, he sprouts fur, grows fangs and develops a wolfish appetite, it's clear he's doing more than turning seven - he's turning into a WEREWOLF! But it's not all bad - now Alfie's great at gym, has the guts to stand up to the school bully and is invited to parties. Maybe being a werewolf isn't so bad after all?"

These books were a fast, fun read; perfect for Clara’s age! They’re packed with adventure, great friendships, and a loving family at the heart of the story. The action is thrilling, and the humor and heart make it such an enjoyable series. I’m quite sure I would have loved this series too if I’d read it as a kid!
It’s wonderful to see Clara so excited about reading, and I’m glad I got to experience the stories she loves.

If you have young readers at home, or if you’re just looking for a light, charming read, this series is a great choice! 

Happy reading!
Helena

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I got some new books and I’m so excited to dive into them! 
Here’s what I added to my collection:

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons 

- Stephen King: Under the Dome

- A. K. Larkwood: The Unspoken Name

- Shauna Lawless: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

- Ferdia Lennon: Glorious Exploits

Have you read any of these? If so, how did you like them? I’d love to hear your thoughts; especially if you have a favorite or a recommendation on where to start!

Happy reading!
Helena

Jim Butcher: Furies of Calderon

Hi everyone

Furies of Calderon is het first book in The Codex Alera series, written by Jim Butcher. I read this on my e-reader.

"For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies - elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon. Far from city politics in the Calderon Valley, the boy Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans' most savage enemy - the Marat - return to the Valley, he will discover that his destiny is much greater than he could ever imagine. Caught in a storm of deadly wind furies, Tavi saves the life of a runaway slave named Amara. But she is actually a spy for Gaius Sextus, sent to the Valley to gather intelligence on traitors to the Crown, who may be in league with the barbaric Marat horde. And when the Valley erupts in chaos - when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies - Amara will find Tavi's courage and resourcefulness to be a power greater than any fury - one that could turn the tides of war."

I liked this but I didn't love it.  

The characters were great, they were nuanced, relatable and well -developed. Tavi, in particular, is a compelling protagonist because of his lack of furycrafting, which forces him to rely on wit and courage instead of magic.
The magic is interesting (but I would like to know more about it) and the worldbuilding is solid and immersive.

The plot felt rather thin and predictable. Some things were repeated too often, which started to grate on my nerves. That said, the pace is fast, and there’s plenty of action to keep things engaging, even if the story doesn’t surprise you much.

I will read the second book because the series has promise and I'm curious to see where it goes, but we'll see about reading the complete series after the second (or third) book.
Plus, since I really, really enjoy The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, I’m willing to give The Codex Alera series more of a chance.

Have you read Furies of Calderon? Did you feel the same way, or did it grab you more than it did me? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Mars

Hi everyone

This was my second time reading Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxters The Long Mars; the third book in The Long Earth series. You can find my other reviews here. 

"2040-2045: In the years after the cataclysmic Yellowstone eruption there is massive economic dislocation as populations flee Datum Earth to myriad Long Earth worlds. Sally, Joshua, and Lobsang are all involved in this perilous work when, out of the blue, Sally is contacted by her long-vanished father and inventor of the original Stepper device, Willis Linsay. He tells her he is planning a fantastic voyage across the Long Mars and wants her to accompany him. But Sally soon learns that Willis has ulterior motives ...
Meanwhile U. S. Navy Commander Maggie Kauffman has embarked on an incredible journey of her own, leading an expedition to the outer limits of the far Long Earth.
For Joshua, the crisis he faces is much closer to home. He becomes embroiled in the plight of the Next: the super-bright post-humans who are beginning to emerge from their 'long childhood' in the community called Happy Landings, located deep in the Long Earth. Ignorance and fear are causing 'normal' human society to turn against the Next - and a dramatic showdown seems inevitable . . . "

This was a mixed reading experience. 

The first half of the book flew by, I was completely hooked by the adventure and the worldbuilding. But by the time I reached the second half, it started to drag. The problem? Both Maggie and Sally spend most of the book just exploring, stepping from world to world with too little happening to keep the momentum going. There are a few interesting moments, but they’re too few and far between to maintain the excitement.

That said, I did enjoy the writing and the story. The ideas are fascinating, and the characters are as compelling as ever. It’s just that the book feels too long for what actually happens.

Overall, it was still an enjoyable read, but I wish the pacing had been tighter and the adventures more dynamic. If you love exploration-heavy sci-fi with big ideas, you might still appreciate it, but don’t expect non-stop action.

Have you read The Long Mars? Did you feel the same way, or did it keep you engaged the whole way through? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: April 2025

Hi everyone

April was wonderful; we had plenty of sunshine breaking through the typical Belgian grey skies, and I read a ton too! I’m excited to share what I dove into. 

Here's what I read:

- Dennis E. Taylor: Earthside

- Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent 

- Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

- Stephen King: The Dark Half 

- Neil Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane 

- Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

- Richard Matheson: A Stir of Echoes

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Escapes

What about you? How was your reading month? Did you find any new favorites or re-read an old beloved book? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

Happy reading!
Helena

Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Escapes

Hi everyone

The Wild Robot Escapes is the second book in The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown.
I got my book from Bol.com.

"Shipwrecked on a remote, wild island, Robot Roz learned from the unwelcoming animal inhabitants and adapted to her surroundings--but can she survive the challenges of the civilized world and find her way home to Brightbill and the island?"

This book is absolutely charming. The drawings are fun and expressive, adding so much to the story, and the plot is heartwarming in the best way. It left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside; the kind of book that reminds you of the beauty of kindness, friendship, and belonging.

If you’re looking for a sweet, uplifting story for kids (or even for yourself!), this is a perfect choice. It’s gentle, touching, and full of heart, and I loved every moment of Roz’s journey.

Have you read The Wild Robot Escapes? Did it make you feel as cozy and happy as it did me? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Richard Matheson: A Stir of Echoes

Hi everyone

I finished A Stir of Echoes by Richard Matheson and I read this on my e-reader.

"Tom Wallace lived an ordinary life, until a chance event awakened psychic abilities he never knew he possessed. Now he's hearing the private thoughts of the people around him-and learning shocking secrets he never wanted to know. But as Tom's existence becomes a waking nightmare, even greater jolts are in store as he becomes the unwilling recipient of a compelling message from beyond the grave!"

Unfortunately, this book was utterly boring. The writing, the story, the characters, ... none of it grabbed me. It was such a struggle to get through, and I was relieved it was only 228 pages. If it had been any longer, I don’t think I would have finished it.

I hate writing negative reviews, but this one just didn’t work for me. It felt flat, and I never connected with the characters or the plot. Maybe it’s just not my kind of story, but I was really disappointed in this story.

Have you read A Stir of Echoes? Did you feel the same way, or did it work better for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena
 

Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

Hi everyone

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk is the latest book I’ve read on the topic of trauma and healing, something I’ve become increasingly interested in. This book was recommended in other works on the subject, so I was eager to dive in. 
I read this on my e-reader.

"Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain's natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk's own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives."

I was really, really impressed by about 70% of this book. The first 70%, in particular, felt grounded in real science. As a midwife by training, I’m familiar with human anatomy and neurology, so the discussions on how trauma affects the body and brain weren’t entirely new to me. But van der Kolk’s interpretations of the consequences were insightful and fascinating. I found his explanations of early therapeutic approaches to be thoughtful, well-researched, and compelling.

But the last few chapters? That’s where van der Kolk lost me. The later therapies he discusses felt less science-backed and more like speculative or niche practices. To me, they came across as about as effective and evidence-based as chanting in the forest; something that might resonate with true believers, but left me very, very, VERY skeptical.

Still, the majority of the book was incredibly valuable. It deepened my understanding of trauma’s impact and offered real, practical insights into healing. If you’re interested in the science of trauma, this is absolutely worth reading, just be skip the final chapters.

Have you read The Body Keeps the Score? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Hi everyone

This is my second time reading Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and I was curious to see if my feelings about it had changed. Spoiler: they didn’t.
I have this gorgeous pocket that I reread.

"It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. Dark creatures from beyond this world are on the loose, and it will take everything our narrator has just to stay alive: there is primal horror here, and menace unleashed - within his family and from the forces that have gathered to destroy it.
His only defence is three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is an ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang."

I honestly don’t understand why this book has an average of 4 stars on Goodreads.
The story starts out well enough. The setting is interesting, and the initial characters drew me in. The pace is good, and the atmosphere is eerie in a way that hooks you right away.

But; and this is a big but, the characters are completely one-dimensional, either purely good or purely bad. The book feels too scary for YA but too simplistic for an adult story. And the plot itself? It just doesn’t make sense. I kept thinking, "What the hell is going on?" It’s frustrating because Neil Gaiman always has amazing ideas, but he struggles to execute them in a way that feels coherent or satisfying. The concepts are fascinating, but the story itself feels messy and underdeveloped.
Of course, this is just my opinion; I know Gaiman has a huge fanbase, and his work resonates deeply with many people. But for me, this book fell short of what it could have been.

What’s your experience with Neil Gaiman’s books? Do you love his writing, or do you share my frustration with his execution? I’d love to hear your thoughts; maybe you’ll help me see something I missed!

Happy reading!
Helena