Wrap Up: July 2026

Hi everyone

July has flown by, and I can’t believe we’re already halfway through our children’s summer vacation. The last week of July we spent at home, with some small trips, some tinkering around the house and garden, lots of playing, puzzeling and reading. And now we’re on holiday! With both our daughters celebrating their birthdays in August, we have a lot of fun lined up so plenty of reasons to enjoy our time together.

I read a lot in July, so here’s the list of books I finished:

- Stephen Baxter & Alastair Reynolds: The Medusa Chronicles  

- Robin Hobb: Blood of Dragons 

- Richard Osman: The Thursday Murder Club 

- Toshikazu Kawaguchi: Before the Coffee gets Cold  

- Sue Johnson: Hold Me Tight

- James S. A. Corey: Memory's Legion 

- Neil Gaiman: Norse Mythology  

- Jen Williams: The Poison Song

- Rivers Solomon: The Deep

And I had to DNF one book: 

- Richard Matheson: Hell House

I’d love to hear from you: How was your July in books? Did you discover a new favorite, or did you struggle to finish anything? Let me know; I’m always excited to hear your recommendations and thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: Norse Mythology

Hi everyone

Norse Mythology is a novel by Neil Gaiman, where he retells the stories of the Norse gods in his own unique way. I read this on my e-reader.

"Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok. 
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again."

I’ve always loved Greek mythology. As a teenager, I read countless books about Zeus, Hera, Hades, and the rest of the pantheon. I also enjoyed Roman mythology, but my knowledge of Norse mythology is sparse. Of course, I know the obvious gods and stories, but not much beyond that.
So, finding this book about Norse mythology by Neil Gaiman was a happy discovery. And happy it was indeed, because I really enjoyed it.

The book was easy to read and very accessible. The characters felt real, the writing was engaging, the pace was good, and it was a really well-balanced mix of action and descriptions. The way the stories were structured chronologically made it very easy to follow along with all the characters.

Obviously, the stories aren’t Gaiman’s original work; these are existing myths he wrote down in his own words, so there’s nothing new here. If you’ve read other works about Norse mythology, you won’t find anything new in this book. But for someone like me, who only knew the gods’ names and characteristics, this was a great introduction.

Have you read Norse Mythology? Can you recommend me other books on Norse mythology? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: March 2026

Hi everyone

Spring is finally here, and I can already feel the longer days and sunshine lifting my spirits, and, I suspect, yours too! 
I’ve been diving into some fantastic books lately, an old favorite, some new discoveries, and even one I had to let go of. 

Here’s a quick roundup of what I’ve been reading in March.

 - Shauna Lawless: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men 

- Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book 

- Robin Hobb: City of Dragons 

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Bleeds 

- Jen Williams: The Bitter Twins 

- Terry Pratchett: Thief of Time  

-Charles Dickens: Hard Times

- Lize Spit: Autobiografie van mijn lichaam  

Sadly, I had to quit a book I really didn't like.

- Simon Jimenez: The Spear Cuts Through Water 

What did you read in March? Any hidden gems I should add to my list?

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book

Hi everyone

I’ve been steadily making my way through Neil Gaiman’s work; some are re-reads, and some are new to me. The Graveyard Book was my first time reading it, and I read it on my e-reader.

"Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him.
Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are beings such as ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other." 

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. I know it’s aimed at younger readers (around 8–12 years old), so I tried to keep that in mind while reading. As an adult, I had a lot of practical questions: What if Bod fell ill? What if it were freezing cold? Where does he bathe? How would he manage in the real world without modern schooling? But I don’t think most children would dwell on those details, and that’s okay! 

This story is imaginative, bittersweet, suspenseful, creepy, and a perfect mix of dark and light. The villain, Jack, is pure evil, which makes the story very black-and-white and good versus bad. I guess that’s typical for children’s books, but as an adult, I prefer more nuance. Still, it keeps the tension high and the stakes clear.

What I loved most was Bod’s new family; how caring, kind, and protective they are. Their bond makes the ending truly bittersweet, but it also leaves the door open for imagination (or even a sequel!). 

Bod’s naivety is charming, though I was a little surprised by it. You’d think living in a graveyard among ghosts would make him more world-weary. The section where he attends school and deals with bullies, however, felt out of place, more unrealistic than the fantastical premise itself. I couldn’t understand why Silas would let him go to school when the graveyard is supposed to be his safe haven.

Have you read The Graveyard Book? Did you love it as a child, or did you discover it as an adult? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading
Helena

Wrap Up: August 2025

Hi everyone

August flew by in a blur of laughter, cake, and way too many books! We went on a family holiday, celebrated my daughters turning 8 and 4 (how are they growing so fast?!), and my husband and I toasted to 11 years of marriage. Summer was packed with joy, and now we’re easing back into the school routine—though the Belgian weather seems determined to remind us that autumn is just around the corner.

As always, I found rest, relaxation and adventure in the pages of some wonderful books. 

Here's what I read last month:

- T. J. Klune: Under the Whispering Door

- Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars

- Neil Gaiman: Coraline 

- Glen Cook: The Black Company 

- Vernor Vinge: A Fire Upon the Deep 

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons

- Brandon Sanderson: Tress of the Emerald Sea

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Utopia 

What about you? Did August bring any gems your way? Or maybe a new favorite? Let me know! I’m always on the lookout for recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: Coraline

Hi everyone

Believe it or not but this was my first time reading Neil Gaiman's Coraline; though I did see the movie when it first came out back in 2009. I remembered the story well, so the plot itself wasn’t a surprise. 
I read this on my e-reader.

"When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life." 

Honestly, I don’t think I would have liked this book as a child; even though it’s written for kids. I was an anxious child, and this story would have probably scared me more than entertained me. As an adult, though, it was… fine. Nothing special, to be honest.

The book lacked atmosphere for me. It felt too straightforward, like a checklist of events: one thing happens, then another, then another. There wasn’t much depth or lingering tension. And some parts just left me confused or frustrated. What was the point of the old neighbor and his mice? They felt random and didn’t add much to the story.
How did the hand just… 'come' over? That part really didn't make sense to me.
What child gets to choose something else to eat if they don’t like dinner? That felt unrealistic, even for a fantasy story. Though maybe that's the adult in me. :)
Coraline’s character was inconsistent. Sometimes she sounded way too wise for a child, and other times she acted like a typical kid. The shifts in tone and maturity were jarring and made it hard to connect with her.

All in all, Coraline was another mediocre read from Neil Gaiman for me. I can see why some people love it but it just didn’t click with me, neither as a child’s story nor as an adult’s.

Have you read Coraline or seen the movie? Did you enjoy it more than I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts; maybe I missed something!

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

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

Neil Gaiman: Fragile Things

Hi everyone

The last novel I read in 2016 is Neil Gaiman’s short stories collection Fragile Things.
I got it as a gift from my husband and it has 433 pages.
You can find all my Neil Gaiman reviews here.

I didn't really enjoy this collection.

Some of the stories are different and interesting enough and Gaiman does write imaginative stories but there were a lot I just didn’t get or I couldn’t understand what’s so special about them.
The writing was ok but I had a hard time reading more then a few stories a day. That wasn’t a problem because life was very busy but it’s not something I’m used to; I tend to read an hour or two hours at a time in the evening.
Some stories felt like Gaiman was trying too hard to make them different or interesting by adding sexual elements, gratuitous violence or gore and those stories felt wrong to me. He just added those elements and they made the stories less about the plot and more about those aspects.

All in all I had a mixed experience. I liked a few of the stories but I was disappointed one way or another with the majority of them.

Happy reading!
Helena

Neil Gaiman: Trigger Warning

Hi

This review is about Neil Gaiman’s short stories collection Trigger Warning.
I got my copy at the Standaard Boekhandel. It has a 27-page introduction, a 4-page interview with the man himself and 303 pages of short stories.
You can find my other Neil Gaiman reviews here.

“’ We are all wearing masks. That is what makes us interesting. These are stories about those masks, and the people we are underneath them.' Neil Gaiman, writing from a cabin in the dark woods.
Make sure you secure your own mask before reading. Before being transported to worlds filled with witches, watchers and big black bees, with deathless Kin and pirate girls, with things that prowl in the darkness beyond the circle fire, to find the Shadder lurking at your journey's end. But then what happens? There's always something waiting for you. There's always more. Just keep turning the pages.
'We each have our little triggers.'
Literary alchemy from 'a writer of rare perception and endless imagination' (William Gibson), TRIGGER WARNING is a cornucopia of storytelling: horror and ghost stories, science fiction and fairy tales, fabulism and poetry. It will open your eyes to the inexhaustible supply of darkness around you, the magic and the monsters, the myths and the miracles, and to finding truths in the most extraordinary of places.”

As you may know by now, I’m not the biggest fan of short stories.
This collection is very interesting.

The themes, the kind of characters and the plotlines of the stories in the collection are all very different.
Gaiman is definitely playing around, experimenting with his writing-ability and trying out what works and what doesn’t. And it works.
The overarching theme of Trigger Warnings is very clearly played out in most stories. These characters are in some way broken. They might have gone through something traumatizing, done something awful or they might just be damaged. I loved that. A central theme makes it a lot easier to enjoy a short stories collection and I liked this theme in particular. Broken people make for lovely stories.

I enjoyed this collection. It’s different and new. It’s also identifiable, funny, sad, dark, full of meaning, diverse and really enjoyable.
But it's not really anything special.

3 STARS

Happy reading.
Helena

Neil Gaiman: How the Marquis Got His Coat Back

Hi

How the Marquis Got His Coat Back is a 58-page novella by Neil Gaiman. It is set in London Below and it’s part of the Neverwhere world.

“The coat. It was elegant. It was beautiful. It was so close that he could have reached out and touched it.
And it was unquestionably his.”

                *  SPOILERS  *

I enjoyed this very short story back into the world of Neverwhere.
But I also felt like it didn’t live up to what I expected to get from it.
The Marquis is an amazing character on his own. Suddenly introducing his brother so he could be rescued twice felt almost like treachery to this self reliant, sarcastic, snarky character.

Happy reading.
Helena

Neil Gaiman: Smoke and Mirrors

Hi again

I read this collection of short stories over the last week. A few stories here and there to catch a break from reading something more serious (H.G. Wells and Jane Austen).  

This collection has a total of 388 pages and I ordered it from The Book Depository.
You can find all my Neil Gaiman-reviews here.

“In the deft hands of Neil Gaiman, magic is no mere illusion... and anything is possible. In this, Gaiman's first book of short stories, his imagination and supreme artistry transform a mundane world into a place of terrible wonders -- a place where an old woman can purchase the Holy Grail at a thrift store, where assassins advertise their services in the Yellow Pages under "Pest Control," and where a frightened young boy must barter for his life with a mean-spirited troll living beneath a bridge by the railroad tracks. Explore a new reality -- obscured by smoke and darkness, yet brilliantly tangible -- in this extraordinary collection of short works by a master prestidigitator. It will dazzle your senses, touch your heart, and haunt your dreams.”

I liked how the short stories are preceded by an introduction which has a paragraph about the idea behind each story and the reason for writing it. This helps to put them into context.
I enjoyed quite a few, they are funny, mysterious, ingenious, speculative, dark or pensive.
But most of them, I didn't enjoy at all. Some are too explicit, boring, coarse or seem to have no point or story to them.

Happy reading.
Helena

Sunday!

Neil Gaiman: American Gods

Hi

American Gods is my 5th Neil Gaiman novel. This is the first novel in The American Gods series.
My copy is the new, extended edition with the author’s preferred text and it has 736 pages.
I got it from Book Depository.
You can find my Neil Gaiman reviews here.

The book won the 2002 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, SFX Magazine and Bram Stoker Awards. My hopes were high!

“Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refugee from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break.
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what - and who - it finds there...”

Gaiman put a lot of thought into this novel. He didn’t simply pile everything that interests him into the novel. And he has a very, very broad interest. His ability to fill a novel with small and seemingly unconnected tidbits of information is amazing. The true King; the writer who has been doing this for ages is obviously Terry Pratchett but Neil Gaiman definitely succeeds in this too.
What’s so wonderful about this is the amount of layers to discover in the novel; hints to later events, details about the god and its religion.  

Shadow is endearing. He is gentle, easygoing and not much of a thinker. He is quiet and steady. Basically, he is the perfect protagonist for such a crazy story.
The story is ambiguous. It’s not simply black and white, good versus evil or old against new. It does start out this way but when you read further and think about it, it is not that clear who’s good and who’s bad. Or whether either of them actually are.

It is unique and imaginative. It is dark, engaging, thought provoking and weird in the very best way. But honestly, it's a bit boring and same-same too.

Happy reading!
Helena

 Me time!

Neil Gaiman: Neverwhere

Hi

This is my review for Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere.
My copy has 379 pages and I got it at the Fnac in Antwerp.

"Under the streets of London... It's a place most people could never even dream of. A city of monsters and saints, murderers and angels, knights in armour and pale girls in black velvet. This is the city of the people who have fallen between the cracks. Richard Mayhew, a young businessman, is going to find out more than enough about this other London. A single act of kindness catapults him out of his workday existence and into a world that is at once eerily familiar and utterly bizarre. And a strange destiny awaits him down here, beneath his native city: neverwhere. Richard is a normal man, thrown into the world of London Below. He can be stupid and has no backbone whatsoever. I really got irritated by him at some point, but I kept on reading because the book had a way of sucking me back in."

What I liked most about this book is the world-building; reading about London Below, the people and the dangers there.
I would have liked more depth to the characters and the plot. The premise is amazing and the characters are very interesting, but it's still a bit too superficial in my opinion.

The novel is weird, fast, funny, charming, imaginative, absurd, unique, bizarre and very, very entertaining.
Gaiman's makes you visualize everything he describes. You can't help but seeing it in front of you.

Happy reading!
Helena