Wrap Up: July 2025

Hi everyone

July was a fantastic reading month for me! We were on holiday for two weeks, which meant fewer chores and more time to relax; especially in the evenings. With two daughters (3 and 7) and plenty of fun activities during the day, finding quiet time to read can be a challenge, but I managed to sneak in some pages whenever the girls were playing together. And, of course, once they were in bed and everything was tidied up, it was my time to dive into a book and my husband's time for gaming or watching a series.

Here's what I read in July:

- Brian McClellan: Promise of Blood

- Yuval Noah Harari: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Burns

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Protects

- Christian White: The Nowhere Child

- Terry Pratchett: Carpe Jugulum 

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Mirrors 

- Marie Brennan: The Waking of Angantyr 

- Margaret Atwood: Surfacing 

And there's one book I didn't finish:

- Blake Crouch: Dark Matter 

How was your reading month? Did you find more time to read, or did life get in the way? Do you read more or less when you’re on holiday? I’d love to hear how you balance reading and relaxation!

Happy reading!
Helena 

David Dalglish: A Dance of Mirrors

Hi everyone

A Dance of Mirrors is the third and final book in the Shadowdance series by David Dalglish. 
I read this on my e-reader. 

"Haern is the King's Watcher, protector against thieves and nobles who would fill the night with blood. Yet hundreds of miles away, an assassin known as the Wraith has begun slaughtering those in power, leaving the symbol of the Watcher in mockery. 
When Haern travels south to confront this copycat, he finds a city ruled by the corrupt, the greedy and the dangerous. Rioters fill the streets and the threat of war hangs over everything. To forge peace, Haern must confront the deadly Wraith, a killer who would shape the kingdom's future with the blade of his sword. 
Man or God; what happens when the lines are blurred?" 

I did not enjoy this book at all.

Haern’s decisions and actions were so frustratingly stupid that I found myself rolling my eyes constantly. How could he not see the consequences of his actions? It was beyond irritating. The characters lacked depth, and unfortunately, this didn’t improve as the series progressed. 
While the book is easy to read and packed with events, it all felt pointless. The story didn’t seem to go anywhere

I’m not sure if I’ll try anything else by David Dalglish, but if I do, I’m not sure what to pick. Do you have any suggestions?
While A Dance of Mirrors wrapped up the Shadowdance series, it left me frustrated. The story had potential, but it never quite delivered.
Have you read A Dance of Mirrors or any other books by David Dalglish? If you have recommendations for his work (or something completely different) I’d love to hear them!

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 

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