2026 Reading List

More Dilbert. Halfway through, and the office comedy hasn't gone out of date one bit.

So far this is an easy read with likeable, easy to empathise with characters. A little mystery and a whole lot of life. I am thoroughly enjoying this.

The Silmarillion was one of my favourite books growing up because it felt like reading the history of Middle-earth rather than a typical fantasy story. I really enjoyed how deep the lore goes and how serious the tone is, especially the creation stories and the long conflict over the Silmarils. The tragedy around Fëanor and the Elves made the world feel heavy and real. It’s not the easiest book to get through, but if you like detailed world-building, it’s worth the effort.

A working guide I'm going through slowly, notebook open. Useful for filling gaps rather than cover-to-cover reading.

A King short story collection. Tight, premise-driven stories; collections are uneven by nature but the hit rate here is good.

I've always enjoyed the Odd Thomas series. This one is no exception. Starts with the same high as the others.

The third Odd Thomas book, set in a snowed-in monastery. Odd is one of the most decent characters in fiction, and the quieter setting suits him.

Rationed like the first gallery, a couple of pages a night. Larson never misses.

Finished the same slow way as the others. The panels stay sharp all the way through the set.

I’ve been enjoying The Devils so far — it’s good fun, well written, and has some genuinely sharp humour. Joe Abercrombie’s voice is as strong as ever, and the story moves along at a nice pace. That said, it feels a bit lighter than I expected and lacks gravitas. I found it hard to really invest in the quest itself, as it didn’t feel especially important or urgent. Still, I like what I’ve read so far, and it’s an entertaining read even if it hasn’t fully grabbed me yet.

I enjoyed reading Never Flinch, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The premise was interesting and I like Holly Gibney as a character, but parts of the story felt a bit forced, especially as it went on. There were moments where the tension worked well, but others where it dragged or felt overcomplicated. That said, it was still an engaging read overall, and I’m glad I picked it up — just not one of my favourite Stephen King books.