Latest reads started with a history of the World Cup and its interwoven history with (mainly right wing) politics. It’s a fascinating read, charting the big moments, the famous - and infamous - players, and how it grew into the commercial behemoth it is today. #books #booksky

The third in the Pleiti and Mossa series - a collection of Holmesian mysteries based on Jupiter. This is my favourite so far. The stakes seem relatively low to begin with but quickly step up, while the challenges faced by the lead couple also add another dimension to each of them. #books #booksky

Latest books on my video game-based reads, first with a history of JRPGs. It’s an interesting run through their rise, to the late 90s/early 2000s peak and how they have evolved and influenced gaming to date. Also a great nostalgia trip for those who grew up playing them. #books #booksky

The third in a series. Fern, a timid bookstore owner, suffers something of an existential crisis and stows away with a legendary hero and her bounty, falling into a world of adventure. Wider in scope than prior instalments, but more intimate in its story, it’s an enjoyable read. #books #booksky

A fun, frolicking fantasy featuring time travel, magic and undead assassins. Only my second P. Djeli Clark book (after Ring Shout) but I highly recommend both and will be adding more to the TBR list. #books #boosky

Been a while since I’ve shared what I’ve read so there’s a few. Hopefully it gives you some ideas! Recommendations also welcome. First up the latest Thursday Murder Club book. Like the others, it’s a fun jaunt with a now established set of characters. #books #booksky

A couple of older stories next. The first is new to me but is a classic of the SF genre. Written when the moon landing had everyone expecting to be colonising new worlds within a century or two; elements feel of its time but the mystery of Rama remains engaging throughout. #books #booksky

The Factory new starters at the titular workplace, and the strange practices and fauna within. It’s a strange, hallucinatory work that meanders through its tale. Despite, or because of, this it’s an interesting read that keeps you hooked. #books #booksky

Set in a London that has been largely deserted after a mini ice age, where much of the population now experiences migraines that they are able to record and share via neural implants. It’s a beautifully written journey that touches on romance, populism and social media. #books #booksky

When a body is found buried in the cafe grounds, the missing owners instantly fall under suspicion but little is as it seems. This contains less Kosuke Kindaichi than prior novels and I did miss his chaotic energy. But there are enough twists and turns to keep it entertaining. #books #booksky

Another strong offering from RF Kuang, this follows two students studying magic as they travel to Hell to bring back their professor’s soul. The story draws on myth, classical literature and philosophy, as they face their experiences of love and admiration-both healthy and otherwise. #books #booksky

Book 2 of the Echo Archives series sees Kembral and Rika again traversing the echoes of their own reality to try and save their friends from a deadly curse. I loved the 1st in this series and this was a worthy follow-up. Fast-paced and high stakes, bound by the central relationship. #books #booksky

A story about the return of ‘gods’ to a post-apocalyptic Earth, we follow Amri of the Rabbit clan as she helps one of the gods on his mission of revenge against his peers. It explores the ultimate path of the trend of transhumanism and those that are left behind. Great read. #books #booksky

Time loop murder mystery from the 90’s, this follows a high school with an unusual condition - occasionally he will relive a day nine times. When his grandfather is murdered on such a day, he resolves to prevent this happening. Intriguing and unusual, it’s an entertaining read. #books #booksky

Magda, an author and member of a small but secret society that collects magical items, is sent on an errand to collect the latest when events quickly spiral out of control. The story accelerates quickly but remains tight and well-written, centred round a small but strong cast. #books #booksky

Set in a world consisting of a labyrinth filled with statues and beset by ocean tides, it’s a dreamlike story that follows a single inhabitant, Piranesi, as he discovers clues to his past. Weaving the fantastical with more earthly human motives, it’s a fantastic story. #books #booksky

Excellent take on the dirty dozen/suicide squad theme, The Devils sees an empress-to-be escorted across an alternative Europe by a group including a vampire, and elf and a magician. Violent, but with rich seam of humour running through, I’ll be looking for more Joe Abercrombie books. #books #booksky

Books 2 and 3 of the trilogy. They continue the tale of Rin, an orphan from a near-extinct race who is able to summon the fires of her god. Set in a fictional land based on China, these see growing influence from the European-influenced west. Dark and gripping books, worth a read. #books #booksky💙📚

Few more books I’ve read recently. Hopefully one or more jumps out at you/gives you some inspiration. First up is a charming collection of intertwined tales, centred around a taxi driver in Tokyo. Similar in style to Murakami, though without his occasional surrealism. #books #booksky💙📚

A quasi-sequel to The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, this is more intimate in scale, focusing on Pepper and the former Wayfarer AI, Lovelace. Alternating between the past and present, it’s ultimately a journey of self discovery and friendship. #books #booksky💙📚

Done some lighter reading, starting with this Holmesian murder mystery. It’s cozy and charming, centring around a pair of old college friends. Their familiarity and sense of shared history is tangible, benefitting from a shared footing with the investigation. #books #booksky💙📚

Just finished an American historical horror novel double bill. First was Vampires of El Norte. A love story set during the Mexican-American war. Separated for nine years after an attack by an unknown creature, they are reunited in time to face both natural and unnatural foes. #books #booksky 💙📚

Rakesfall is a vast and ambitious novel, following two souls and their various reincarnations through time. Themes of colonisation, greed and the spiritual are all touched upon. The ever-changing narrative often keeps you off balance but the lyrical delivery carries it. #books #booksky💙📚

We've hit 7K followers, so how about a book bundle giveaway to celebrate?! Open to US, CAN, UK & IE. Follow, like & repost to enter! Closes 9th June. Feat: @natania.bsky.social @aptshadow.bsky.social‬ @emmanewman.bsky.social‬ @premeemohamed.com‬ & more! Inc. an early ARC of THE DOOR ON THE SEA!

Just finished Sleeper Beach, the sequel to Titanium Noir. Both are engaging takes on the detective novel. Set in a future where the ultra wealthy have developed a serum that regresses their physical age, while also seeing them continue to grow, becoming “titans”. Well worth a read. #books #booksky💙📚

Dropping a few in one go - hope it helps if you’re looking for inspiration! First is High Vaultage, a murder mystery set in a steampunk version of Victorian London. Seen comparisons to Discworld, and while I can’t see that, there is a similar sense of humour. #books #booksky💙📚

I’ve enjoyed a few of RF Kuang’s books and wasn’t disappointed by this. Seemingly starting as a typical “gifted kid surprises at school” tale, it quickly escalates to something on a much larger scale - both geographically and morally. Looking forward to the next instalment. #books #booksky📚💙

Another I’ve been meaning to read for a while. I can understand the acclaim, it’s a great story, full of warmth and camaraderie. The sequel has now made its way to my (ever growing) TBR list. #books #booksky💙📚

A really enjoyable book about a world where the internet has collapsed, and information wanders the world as ghosts. It’s a haunting tale that explores the best and worst of us. Definitely worth a read. #books #booksky💙📚

A fantastical, mystical story set in a richly created world. The lyrical prose is so expressive, the author paints each scene with such vivid colours. Mixing beauty with barbarism, it is a must read. #booksky💙📚 #books

Water Moon is a beautiful, fantastical tale of Hana, who inherits her father’s pawnbroker. Instead of trading unwanted items for cash, it takes regrets in exchange for peace. When her father goes missing, Hana and a potential customer explore her magical world to find him. #booksky 💙📚

Both set in possible futures and explore what it is that makes us human. But two very different takes on this concept. UTEOTBB is a beautiful, more melancholy affair, whereas LOD mixes science and theology, occasionally wading darker waters. Really enjoyed both takes. #booksky💙📚

A bit late to this one, but it’s been on my reading list for a while. A fantasy novel, set on Mars, it focuses on Darrow, a lowly red living at the bottom of a civilisation organised by colour. The story instantly sucked me in and felt like it never stopped for air. #booksky

Strange Pictures was an interesting book, with an unusual take on the suspense novel. I don’t think that it’s quite as clever/surprising as it thinks but the journey is engaging and I did find myself trying to find time for one more chapter. #booksky💙📚

This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel with a compelling story. In places it is very bleak, with the apparent hopelessness of the characters a recurring theme. Would recommend though. #booksky 💙📚

Highly recommend this. It was a gripping read with a well-worked time loop storyline that’s rig by up my street. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Feels like there’ plenty left in the characters and the world created. #Booksky

As I have somehow surpassed 7k followers on here I thought it might be nice to do a giveaway: All 7 of my books to one lovely winner. Just share and like to be in with a chance! 😁📚

Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just covers. Day 1 #Books #BookSky #BookChallenge