A Storm of Swords is such a step-up in wow-factor from book two. And this is only part one - I can't wait to read part two.
A Storm of Swords: Snow and Steel by George R.R. Martin | book review
Author: Kirstie Ellen
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna | book review
This surely is peak cosy read. I devoured this within a few reading sessions and loved every minute of it. Completely innocent (well, almost) and definitely funny, this is a fun witchy read to add to your TBR.
Boudicca’s Daughter by Elodie Harper | book review
This was every bit as phenomenal as I had anticipated. Since reading Harper's Wolf Den trilogy, I've been so excited for what she would write next – and this certainly didn't disappoint. This is a beautifully woven reimagining of the Boudicca story/history, but told from one of her daughter's perspectives: Solina.
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin | book review
I'm in two minds on how I feel about the audiobooks for this series – having read book one and then listened to book two, I think I might revert to reading when it comes to book three, but we shall see. The narration slowly grew on me, but even when I was unsure, the epic scale of the plot still wowed me.
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson | book review
This was very unique and I completely adored the concept of the book. I will absolutely be needing the sequel, however, because I'm left feeling like I have more questions than I went in with!
The Silver Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey | book review
A great conclusion to the first trilogy! This series covers so much time and it was great having this last book feature the next generation. I thought I'd be sad to not have Skan & Drake full front and centre, but I still really enjoyed all the perspectives in this instalment.
The White Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey | book review
This series continues to please and be exciting! I am reading the Valdemar books mostly blind. I have no expectations and so no idea what to expect. It really surprised me that there was a 10-year gap between The Black Gryphon and The White Gryphon, however.
August 2025 Book Releases
It's that time of the month! August has some really exciting titles coming out - and happily, I'm travelling to Edinburgh this month and will catch some of the Edinburgh Book Festival (I'll try to remember to take some pictures to share!) Let's take a look at what we can adorn our shelves with this month.
The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey | book review
This was everything and more that I hoped it would be. Being my first (!) Mercedes Lackey book, I was apprehensive that this wouldn't live up to my ever-increasingly high expectations, but it so did. And here I am, 100% ready to commit to the whole Valdemar universe.
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Steve Brusatte | book review
You might not think that a humongous book about the evolution of mammals could be your favourite read of the year so far, but I'm here to tell you that it's very possible. I have collected some of my favourite little quotes from the book for you all to enjoy, speckled throughout this review.
Upside-Down Books 