Benedict Jacka: An Instruction in Shadow

Hi everyone

An Instruction in Shadow is the second book in the Inheritance of Magic series, Benedict Jacka’s follow-up to his completed Alex Verus series. 
I bought this book from Bol.com

"Stephen Oakwood has emerged victorious against the schemes of his aristocratic family. Now he finally has the opportunity to do what he’s been wanting to do for a long time: track down his father.
But doing so won’t be easy. Stephen’s not so isolated any more, but the contacts he’s making in the magical world—everyone from the corporation he works for to the mother he’s just beginning to reconnect with—all have agendas of their own. And now a new group is emerging from the shadows, calling themselves the Winged.
Their leader, the mysterious Byron, promises that he can show Stephen how to find his father...but he wants something in return.
Following that trail will throw Stephen into greater danger than he’s ever faced before. To survive, he’ll need to use all of his tricks and sigls, and pick up some new ones. Only then will he be able to prevail against his enemies...and find out who’s really pulling the strings."

So far, I don’t love this series.
There are a few things that really got on my nerves. First, the constant foreshadowing; phrases like "but that was about to change" pop up every few pages. It feels like a cheap and lazy way to create tension. Second, we already know Stephen is low on money; it doesn’t need repeating in every conversation or introspective moment. Being reminded of it every few pages got old quickly. I’d rather the book focus more on his learning and growth instead of his financial struggles and his work. And third, there were too many infodumps disguised as conversations with his friend, grandfather, or the priest. It felt unnatural and slowed the story way down.

That said, I did enjoy reading about the magic and Stephen’s progress. The world is interesting, and I love that it’s set in London. Colin is a fun addition to the cast, and I like Stephen as a main character; his interactions, his drive to learn, his humor, and the fact that he isn’t just the best fighter or drucrafter. He has to work for his skills, and that makes him relatable. And, of course, Hobbs is obviously the best character in the whole series.
The pacing is good, there's lots of action and time for conversations, planning and learning. But the infodumps really dragged the story down. I do like learning about Stephen’s family history and the magic, just not in such a clunky way.

The series has potential, but it needs some refining to make it amazing. I’ll read the third book and decide after that whether to continue.

Have you read An Instruction in Shadow or any of Benedict Jacka’s other books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Nikki Erlick: The Measure

Hi everyone

I finished The Measure by Nikki Erlick and this book made me cry.
So let's talk about it!
I got my book from Bol.com.

"It seems like any other day. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and head out.
But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.
From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?
As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they'll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn't have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything." 

I really enjoyed this book.
The premise is unlike anything I’ve read before, and it really intrigued me; which is why I bought it, obviously. The gorgeous cover didn’t hurt either. 

I loved reading about the inner struggles people went through, whether they received a long string or a short one. It’s so easy to imagine how your own life would change depending on the choice you make (whether to look or not) and the outcome. Nikki Erlick explores every possible scenario through her characters, showing how their lives, thoughts, and circumstances shift based on what they discover in that box. The characters all have their own distinct voices, and even though the story is somewhat predictable, it didn’t really bother me because I enjoyed the characters and their growth so much. 

There were two things I was less happy with. First, the last part is a bit too sentimental, but it does fit the story, so it didn’t bother me too much. 
Secondly, the story is very, very American. From everything I’ve seen and read online about the political situation in the USA, the story feels credible. The discrimination, the violence, and the political changes all fit with what I know of a country I’ve never visited. Here in Belgium, for instance, I imagine the reaction would be more subdued, at least initially. I doubt it would lead to the same level of public chaos or drastic new political laws. So, I didn’t really like the heavy focus on the politics; it felt a bit overdone for my taste.

Have you read The Measure? What did you think of the premise and the characters’ choices? Do you think the reaction would be different in your country or culture? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Cosmos

Hi everyone

Yesterday I finished the fifth and final book in The Long Earth series by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter. This was my second time reading it, and while it wraps up the series neatly, I walked away with mixed feelings.

"2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day, a new society continues to evolve in the Long Earth. Now, a message has been received: “Join us.”
The Next - the hyper-intelligent post-humans - realize that the missive contains instructions for kick-starting the development of an immense artificial intelligence known as The Machine. But to build this computer the size of an Earth continent, they must obtain help from the more populous and still industrious worlds of mankind.
Meanwhile, on a trek in the High Meggers, Joshua Valienté, now nearing seventy, is saved from death when a troll band discovers him. Living among the trolls as he recovers, Joshua develops a deeper understanding of this collective-intelligence species and its society. He discovers that some older trolls, with capacious memories, act as communal libraries, and live on a very strange Long Earth world, in caverns under the root systems of trees as tall as mountains.
Valienté also learns something much more profound . . . about life and its purpose in the Long Earth: We cultivate the cosmos to maximize the opportunities for life and joy in this universe, and to prepare for new universes to come."

The Long Cosmos is satisfying in that it concludes everything nicely. However, it also feels disappointing because it lacks the drive and depth I’d hoped for in a series finale.
The book obviously aims for an epic conclusion and it just doesn't deliver. The last 100 pages, in particular, feel underwhelming, and the entire book is surprisingly uneventful. There are countless repetitions (and jokes) of how old the characters are, and while two characters go missing (how convenient!), we never truly uncover the purpose of the mysterious message or the supercomputer. It feels like a missed opportunity to explore something truly profound. 

Don’t get me wrong; The Long Cosmos is a quick and easy read. It’s never boring, but it also didn’t hold my attention for long stretches. In fact, it says a lot that this was my second time reading the series, and I barely remember more than the basic premise. The story just doesn’t leave a lasting impression, which is a shame for what could have been an epic finale to a series with a thought-provoking and interesting premise. 
As it turns out, the premise is the most exciting part of the whole series.

Have you read The Long Cosmos or any of the other books in The Long Earth series? Did you feel the same way, or did the finale resonate more with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I got two new books! I'm so excited to dive into them!

I really loved Jen Williams’s The Ninth Rain. It was so good that I immediately ordered the next two books in The Winnowing Flame trilogy. 
In the end I ordered them all from Bol.com.

My new bookhaul:

- Jen Williams: The Bitter Twins

- Jen Williams: The Poison Song 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? 
Or do you have any other recommendations for what I should pick up next? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Patrick Rothfuss: The Narrow Road Between Desires

Hi everyone

The Narrow Road Between Desires is a novella by Patrick Rothfuss, set in The Kingkiller Chronicle world and it takes place before the first book in the series; The Name of the Wind. 
I got my book from Bol.com.

"Bast knows how to bargain. The give-and-take of a negotiation is as familiar to him as the in-and-out of breathing; to watch him trade is to watch an artist at work. But even a master's brush can slip. When he accepts a gift, taking something for nothing, Bast's whole world is knocked askew, for he knows how to bargain—but not how to owe.
From dawn to midnight over the course of a single day, follow the Kingkiller Chronicle's most charming fae as he schemes and sneaks, dancing into trouble and back out again with uncanny grace." 

First things first: this is not the book to start the series with. If you’re new to The Kingkiller Chronicle, I’d recommend beginning with The Name of the Wind. This novella has a very different style and tone from the main novels, and it assumes you’re already familiar with the world and its characters. But if you’re a fan of the series, The Narrow Road Between Desires is a treat.

It was a treat to read from Bast's point of view. He has something childlike and innocent about him which I quite enjoyed reading. Though I disliked his manipulative ways with people he wanted to do something more with.

The writing is beautiful. Patrick Rothfuss can create a world like no other. The book is charming, heartwarming, athmosperic and just overall a lovely read.  

While The Narrow Road Between Desires doesn’t add anything to the main plot of The Kingkiller Chronicle, it’s a delightful sidestory that adds depth to Bast’s character and the world he lives in. 

Have you read The Narrow Road Between Desires or any of the other books in The Kingkiller Chronicle? What did you think of the novella? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena

Emma Newman: Atlas Alone

Hi everyone

Atlas Alone is the fourth and final book in Emma Newman's Plantefall series. This was my second time reading this book.

"Six months after she left Earth, Dee is struggling to manage her rage toward the people who ordered the nuclear strike that destroyed the world. She's trying to find those responsible, and to understand why the ship is keeping everyone divided into small groups, but she's not getting very far alone.
A dedicated gamer, she throws herself into mersives to escape and is approached by a designer who asks her to play test his new game. It isn't like any game she's played before. Then a character she kills in the climax of the game turns out to bear a striking resemblance to a man who dies suddenly in the real world at exactly the same time. A man she discovers was one of those responsible for the death of millions on Earth.
Disturbed, but thinking it must be a coincidence, Dee pulls back from gaming and continues the hunt for information. But when she finds out the true plans for the future colony, she realizes that to save what is left of humanity, she may have to do something that risks losing her own." 

Emma Newman has a gift for worldbuilding. No matter where the characters are; on a spaceship, a distant planet, or inside a virtual game; I always feel like I’m right there with them. The world is so vivid and immersive that it’s easy to lose yourself in the story.

The writing is amazing, engaging and deeply mindful of mental health which is something I always appreciate in Newman’s work. However, while I felt deeply connected to the MC's in the previous Planetfall novels, I struggled to form the same bond with Dee. Her story felt repetitive at times, particularly with the constant focus on her trauma, the hothousing, and her psychological profile (both hers and Carl’s). The infodumps about gaming also slowed down the pacing, making the story feel bogged down in places.
Unfortunately there's not much to the story to be honest. The plot is very straightforward, focusing on nothing else but Dee's storyline, there's no focus on anything beyond Dee’s personal journey. I would have loved to read more about life on board and the other people living there. Especially as this is the last book in the series. 

While Atlas Alone wasn’t my favorite in the Planetfall series, it still delivered the rich worldbuilding and emotional depth that Emma Newman is known for. It’s a solid conclusion to Dee’s story, even if it felt repetitive and too bit narrow in scope.

Have you read Atlas Alone or any of the other books in the Planetfall series? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Jen Williams: The Ninth Rain

Hi everyone

The Ninth Rain is the first book in The Winnowing Flame Trilogy by Jen Williams. This book was a birthday gift from my husband back in January. 

"The great city of Ebora once glittered with gold. Now its streets are stalked by wolves. Tormalin the Oathless has no taste for sitting around waiting to die while the realm of his storied ancestors falls to pieces - talk about a guilt trip. Better to be amongst the living, where there are taverns full of women and wine.
When eccentric explorer, Lady Vincenza 'Vintage' de Grazon, offers him employment, he sees an easy way out. Even when they are joined by a fugitive witch with a tendency to set things on fire, the prospect of facing down monsters and retrieving ancient artefacts is preferable to the abomination he left behind.
But not everyone is willing to let the Eboran empire collapse, and the adventurers are quickly drawn into a tangled conspiracy of magic and war. For the Jure'lia are coming, and the Ninth Rain must fall..." 

This was so good!
At first, The Ninth Rain took some time to fully pull me in. But once I was about a third of the way through, I was completely hooked. 

This book has everything you could want; a rich history, fascinating magic, magnificent (and terrifying) creatures and diverse characters and races. The concept behind Ygseril and the war-beasts is so unique and imaginative. The story is packed with action, humor, suspense, and even a touch of romance, but it never feels overwhelming or too much. The worldbuilding is really impressive and Williams her writing just draws you in. 
The characters are flawed, complex, and deeply human (even when they’re not entirely human). I fell in love with Vintage (an eccentric explorer who feels like a grandma version of Indiana Jones) and Tormalin, who is strong and caring. Only Noon starts out as a weak and honestly uninteresting character but she becomes stronger, And there are some great sidecharacters too! 
The tension in this book is palpable, and Williams’ writing is so engaging and immersive that I often found myself reading "just one more chapter" late into the night. 

Have you read The Ninth Rain or any of Jen Williams’ other books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I have already ordered the second and third installment in The Winnowing Flame series because I can't wait to find out how the story evolves.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: October 2025

Hi everyone

October has been the perfect month for cozy evenings in; rainy, dark, and chilly. There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a good book, a warm cup of tea (or a diet soda, if I’m feeling rebellious), and maybe a little snack. Wrapped in a blanket, lost in another world, what could be more perfect? 
And I read some great books!

Here's what I read. 

- Mark Manson: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

- Cameron Johnston: The Maleficent Seven

- Ben Aaronovitch: The Masquerades of Spring

- Roald Dahl: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

- Jonathan French: The Free Bastards 

- Terry Pratchett: The Fifth Elephant

- Grant Snider: The Art of Living 

- Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

- Dennis E. Taylor: Not Till We Are Lost 

And there was one book I could not finish

- Michaeleen Doucleff: Hunt, Gather, Parent 

How was your reading month? Did you discover any new favorites or revisit old ones? I like rereading and discovering new books. What about you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Dennis E. Taylor: Not Till We Are Lost

Hi everyone

I just finished Not Till We Are Lost, the fifth book in the Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor. 
I got my book from Bol.com.

"The Bobiverse is a different place in the aftermath of the Starfleet War, and the days of the Bobs gathering in one big happy moot are far behind. There’s anti-Bob sentiment on multiple planets, the Skippies playing with an AI time bomb, and multiple Bobs just wanting to get away from it all.
But it all pales compared to what Icarus and Daedalus discover on their 26,000-year journey to the center of the galaxy. Sure, it could settle the Fermi Paradox for good (and what Bob doesn’t want to solve a mystery of the universe?). But it also reveals a threat to the galaxy greater than anything the Bobs could have imagined.
Just another average day in the Bobiverse."

This book was an absolute blast to read. The Bobiverse series has that perfect mix of humor, adventure, and thought-provoking sci-fi concepts. The dynamic between the Bobs is as entertaining as ever, and the new discoveries in this installment are thought-provoking, interesting and just mind-blowing. I love this balance of lighthearted fun and deep scientific ideas.
The story is clever, action-packed, hilarious, and adventurous.

I love the Bobs with all their individual characters and their interactions. Especially now there are other species to interact with too. The humor and camaraderie truly make the story come alive.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bobiverse series is how it explores the possibilities and potential dangers of AI. The Bobs, for the most part, strive to help all species and make the universe a better place. But then there’s Thoth, whose motives are far less benevolent or at least unsure. This really made me think, especially now AI is being used by everyone.

This was such a fun and entertaining book. It’s everything I love about Bobiverse; witty, adventurous, and heartwarming.
Have you read Not Till We Are Lost or any of the other Bobiverse books? What did you think? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

Hi everyone

Okay, I’ll admit it; I’m very late to the party with this one! Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was a major hype a few years ago. And, if I’m honest, I don’t have the best track record with hyped books. So, I decided to skip it back then. But then, one of my nieces read it a few months ago (shoutout to Kaat!), and suddenly, it was back on my radar. This time, I was curious enough to give it a chance. 
I read this on my e-reader. 

"For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens."

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. 

Now, don’t get me wrong; the writing can be a bit too sentimental for my taste at times. Some of the characters behave and talk in ways that can feel quite unrealistic, and I found the courtroom scenes a bit dragged out. But despite those, I still found myself completely drawn in.

What I loved most were the characters. They’re so well thought out,  complex, layered people with emotions and thoughts that go beyond just moving the plot forward. Kya in particular, is a character who stays with you. She’s resilient, intelligent, and deeply connected to the natural world around her. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Owens does an incredible job of bringing the marsh to life. I loved reading about Kya’s environment, her way of living, and her learning. 
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole book. 

All in all, Where the Crawdads Sing was a quick and enjoyable read for me. It’s not perfect, but it’s beautifully atmospheric, and it left me with a sense of quiet reflection.
Have you read it? What did you think? Did you love the marsh setting as much as I did, or did the hype fall flat for you? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Grant Snider: The Art of Living

Hi everyone

I recently finished The Art of Living, the second collection I’ve read by Grant Snider. 
I got my copy from Bol.com.

"In The Art of Living , beloved cartoonist Grant Snider—author of The Shape of Ideas and I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf —has created a humorous, uplifting look at mindfulness in this collection of one- and two-page comics that map his inner thoughts, poetic observations, and frequent failures at living mindfully."

Just like I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf, this collection was pleasant, cozy and warming, but not much more than that. It never made me laugh out loud or feel particularly emotional. It was all a bit meh.

While it’s a charming little book, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Terry Pratchett: The Fifth Elephant

Hi everyone

I just finished The Fifth Elephant, the 24th book in the Discworld series, written by one of the best authors ever; sir Terry Pratchett. I’ve had my copy for ages, and I think this was my third time reading it, yet it's still as engrossing and hilarious as ever.

"They say that diplomacy is a gentle art. That mastering it is a lifetime's work. But you do need a certain inclination in that direction. It's not something you can just pick up on the job.
A few days ago Sam Vimes was a copper – an important copper, true – chief of police – but still, at his core, a policeman. But today he is an ambassador - to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald. Today, Sam Vimes is also a man on the run.
At some point during his ambassadorship, things went very wrong. It's snowing. It's freezing. And if Vimes can't make it through the forest, with only his wits and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask), there's going to be a terrible war.
There are monsters on his trail. They're bright. They're fast. They're werewolves - and they're catching up." 

I LOVED this book. 

The story had everything (with the exception of the witches) I adore in the Discworld books. Carrot and Angua and their relationship, the always hilarious Gaspode, multiple Igors, a pregnancy, Detritus and his piecemaker, Vimes and Lady Sybil, Colon and Nobbs, the lovely Cheery ...

My husband can attest to how laugh-out-loud The Fifth Elephant is. There's Colon's stupidity, Igor-speak, the lisping of the vampires, Vimes as an unwilling Duke, Gaspode's talking, ... This is a very, very funny book.  

I loved learning more about Angua’s past, and Lady Sybil remains one of my favorite characters. She feels like an inspirational person, someone I’d love to have as a friend.

Beyond the humor and brilliant storytelling, we can’t forget Pratchett’s signature blend of hidden morals and social commentary. He touches on coming out, acceptance, sexism (both overt and subtle), mixed-race relationships, racism, and the clash between traditionalism and modern thinking.

Highly, higly recommended. If you love a story full of love wit, heart, and a story that makes you think while you laugh, The Fifth Elephant is a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Jonathan French: The Free Bastards

Hi everyone

The Free Bastards is the third and final book in Jonathan French,'s The Lot Lands series.
I got my copy from Bol.com.

" The Hisparthan armies on the horizon are mighty, bolstered by divine champions, dread sorcerers, and gunpowder. It’s almost more than the half-orc rebellion can hope to repel.
But Oats has won impossible fights before. He’s a thriceblood, after all, more orc than man. And he hasn’t forgotten how to kill. He’ll stack the bodies high for his chief and his brethren, if that’s the price of freeing the Lots from human tyranny.
Besides, the invading forces are getting a damned sight more than they bargained for. They’re not facing a handful of half-orc hoofs, but a true army—one forged from all the peoples of the Lots. At its head are Fetching, in full command of the ruinous power that runs through her veins, and Jackal, armed with the blessings of a dead god.
Yet Oats can’t help but find his faith wavering. Once the strongest Bastard, he soon realizes that in this battle, even the strength of a thriceblood is easily conquered. And after a grievous loss strikes, he begins to fear that this war will lead the Lots not to freedom but to ruin.
So when another path to peace beckons, he has no choice but to walk it. Even if it means betting the Lots’ fate, and his own, on the promises of the Bastards’ wiliest adversary—and making a perilous journey into the heart of Hispartha itself."

What an epic, roller-coaster, action-packed conclusion to the series. 

Oats has been one of my favorite characters in The Lot Lands series from the start so I was really looking forward to reading from his perspective. And Jonathan French definitely delivered! This book was everything I could have hoped for. We can truly see the vulnerable, lovable, caring side of Oats right alongside his angry and violent side. This deeper insight into his character, his struggles, and his loyalty to others made me love him even more.

The story isn't very tight. There are quite a few moments where things happen at just the right time, with help arriving exactly when it’s needed. It felt a bit too deus ex machina for my taste, and I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at some of the convenient timing. 
But honestly, that’s my only gripe. I loved hating the the enemies, I could cry over some of the deaths and I laughed so hard at the characters’ way of speaking and their humor. 
The book is fast-paced, with so much happening that there’s rarely a moment to catch your breath.

All in all, this is a highly recommended series! If you love action, complex characters, and a world full of grit and heart, The Lot Lands series is a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena