Dini (DiniPandaReads) and Lin (Lin’s Perspective) shared their own mid-year wrap ups and I have always enjoyed doing these kinds of posts, so I thought I would join in too. I’ve been in a bit of a bookish slump recently (reading, reviewing, etc) so I am hoping a post like this will help me get back into it!
Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2026?
Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta.
Not only one of the best 2026 reads, one of my new favourite books of all time.
It’s written so beautifully and read effortlessly, and I’ve never read anything that captures the sister relationship as well as this book does.
Best sequel of 2026 so far?
I haven’t read many sequels this year (though I do own many). Out of those I have read, Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst is my favourite. It’s not actually out till August, but I was lucky to receive a physical ARC, and I think it is actually my favourite of the Spellshop novels so far!
New release you haven’t read yet but want to?
Oooh so many. If I have to pick just one, it is Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett.
I really love Fawcett’s writing, and I am a sucker for cat books (I have 3 cats and work in a cattery!), so this one should be right up my alley!
Most anticipated release for the second half of 2026?
A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett.
I have been loving this series, and I am soooo excited for book 3! Fantasy + mystery is just the best combination.
Biggest disappointment?
Well, sadly it was Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff Vandermeer.
I love Annihilation and as you know I love climate fiction, so I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately, and despite a brilliant first 25%, the latter half of this was a let down and sent me into a mini reading-slump.
Biggest surprise?
I have two for this one. First is The Annual Migration of Clouds by Premee Mohamed. This is a novella and the protagonist is a lot younger than what I usually read so I wasn’t expecting this to blow me away. While it is certainly not the best thing I’ve ever read, I really liked it. The writing was so good, and I flew through it.
Secondly, Sourdough by Angela Slatter. This is a collection of short stories with horror leanings. I am not really a horror reader, but I loved this collection! It’s not super dark and terrifying, they are more like creepy folk-tales, and I have come to learn that this is how I enjoy to read horror (another example I liked from last year is Never Whistle at Night).
Favourite new author (debut or new to you)?
Without repeating (because it’s actually Tashan Mehta), I have to say Robin Hobb.
I finally read Assassin’s Apprentice, and Hobb’s writing is just incredible. Depressing, yes, but incredible nevertheless. It’s exactly the kind of writing I want in my big fantasy novels.
Newest fictional crush?
Nobody. I don’t do crushes. I would however, like to be friends with everyone in Sarah Beth Durst’s books pls.
Newest Favourite character?
Wisa from Mad Sisters of Esi. I can’t say much without spoiling things, but it’s Wisa. Well, it’s all the characters in this book really. Ugh I love them all and now I need to reread.
Book that made you cry?
Well… Mad Sisters of Esi. I sobbed. I am trying not to repeat but no other book has made me cry this year.
Book that made you happy?
Sea of Charms would be my answer here, but in an effort not to repeat again, my reread of Dungeon Crawler Carl. This series is just so entertaining, especially via audiobook.
Favourite book to movie/tv adaptation you saw?
Project Hail Mary. Is there even another correct answer here???
I saw it in an IMAX and goodness me, it was worth it. One particular scene gave me full-body goosebumps. Brilliant film.
Favourite review you’ve written this year?
Most beautiful book you’ve bought or recieved so far this year?
Quite a few, but these three stand out to me!
What books do you want to read by the end of the year?
Well… many! Here is a handful:
- Seasons of Glass & Iron by Amal El-Mohtar
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
- The Return of the Oystercatcher by Scott Weidensaul
- Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
- Groundbreakers by Chantal Lyons
Pages of Emma 
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