WWW Wednesday 24/2/21

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday and asks:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What will you read next?

So, first up, my current reads:

The Storm Keeper’s Battle by Catherine Doyle

I’m really enjoying being back on Arranmore. Finn is such a brilliant main character, I love how he has remained the underdog, a ‘hopeless case’ right through the trilogy.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

I was so excited for this and I’ve been drawn straight in and don’t want to put it down. You can read my full review as part of the blog tour in a couple of weeks.

The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay, audiobook read by Katherine Press

I read this and loved it when it came out (my review is here). It is definitely one of my all-time favourites. I wanted to re-read it before reading the new, companion novel The Swallow’s Flight and luckily the narration is perfect so I’m listening to it and loving it every bit as much as I did first time round.

What have I just finished reading?

A Tangle of Spells by Michelle Harrison

I loved this (there was never any question of me not doing really was there?!) and I’m so thrilled there’s going to be another Widdershins adventure to come! Full review to follow.

Anna at War by Helen Peters, audiobook read by Louiza Patikas

This was a really well told and very moving wartime adventure. Just the right balance of emotion, tension and realism with some very believable and likeable characters. I especially liked the first half of the book as we saw Kristellnacht unfold, Anna’s journey on the Kindertansport and her first impressions of England.

What’s next?

I’m so thrilled to have been approved to read The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay so that will be my next netgalley read, once I finish rereading Skylarks’ War.

My next physical book will probably be The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori, though I have accrued something of a backlog again all of a sudden so I definitely need a TBR sort soon!

Have you read any of these?

What are you reading at the moment?

WWW Wednesday 20/7/21

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday and asks:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What will you read next?

So, first up, my current reads:

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell

This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and, while it’s not quite what I was expecting, I am enjoying it.

What have I just finished reading?

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell, audiobook read by Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Technically I still have 20mins of this to go, but I’ll finish it this evening, so I’m counting it! I’ve absolutely loved this. It’s been a while since I read any of Katherine’s books and I’d forgotten just what a way she has with words. One of the finest MG authors around in my book.

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr, audiobook read by Iestyn Arwel

This made a wonderful start to the new year’s reading and I can’t wait to read more omfrom Lesley, I really enjoyed her writing. My review of this is here.

Murder on the Safari Star by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman

Just as much fun as the previous two books, this was another great crime-solving caper featuring Hal and his Uncle Nat (definitely one if my favourite MG grown ups). You can read my review of it here.

When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

I did like this, although (and I feel awful for saying it) it didn’t quite pack the emotional punch I was hoping for. But it was still a really good book – full review to follow.

What’s next?

Something else from this ridiculous tbr for the rest of the month! Probably Amari or The Last Bear in physical format and Melt as an ebook.

Have you read any of these?

What are you reading at the moment?

WWW Wednesday 14/1/21

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday and asks:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What will you read next?

So, first up, my current reads:

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr, audiobook read by Iestyn Arwel

I started listening to this this morning and I’m about three quarters through. I might have to switch to my physical copy though as I won’t get much chance to listen for the next few days and I’m desperate to keep reading. That said, I’m absolutely loving Iestyn Arwel’s narration so I’m torn! Either way, I’m really enjoying it.

Murder on the Safari Star by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman

OK, strictly speaking I haven’t actually started this yet but I’ll be starting it this evening if I don’t switch to the hard copy of Valley of Lost Secrets, and in the next few days if I do, so I’ve snuck it in!

What I’ve just finished reading:

I have finally reached the end of my mammoth reading pile for work! It’s safe to say the last few books were a mixed bag…!

Dangerous Remedy by Katt Dunn

I liked the cover and title of this but hated the blurb on it and don’t think any really reflected the book very well. I ended up liking it much more than I expected and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Midnight’s Twins by Holly Race, audiobook read by Billie Fulford-Brown

Honestly, there’s no nice way to say it – I hated this. It didn’t help that I couldn’t stand the narrator, but I csn normally grin and bear that of the story’s good enough (like with Katherine Woodfine’s Sinclairs/Taylor and Rose Mysteries) But this was an utter slog from start to finish. If it hadn’t been on my work list I would definitely have DNF’d.

Melt my Heart by Bethany Rutter and Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

Neither of these are my usual cup of tea, consequently both were at the bottom of the pile!

Safe to say, they’ll never become my cup of tea, but both felt well written and I could see how they’d be enjoyable if they were your thing. It was easy to see where both were heading, no great twists or shocks, and they were super quick reads, but for all that both had elements I liked and both seemed to cover themes thst would be hugely relevant, reassuring and empowering to their intended teen/YA audience.

I’m glad to have finished them but it was good to be pushed outside my comfort zone a bit as I really need to up my teen/ya game at work!

What’s next?

Something else from this ridiculous tbr for the rest of the month! Probably Uki, The Last Bear and/or Shark Caller

Have you read any of these?

What are you reading at the moment?

WWW Wednesday 7/1/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday and asks:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What will you read next?

There’s been an extension put on the reafing I’ve been trying to finish for work so as much as I wanted it boxed off for January, it was good to slow down and take a break over Christmas, meaning I’m not quite done. I’m on the last few though!

Currently I’m reading Dangerous Remedy by Katt Dunn which – so far – is much better than I’d expected!

I’ve finished A LOT of books since my last WWW post, but the one I most recently finished was Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann which I thought was brilliant. Moving, real, tough, hopeful and written so cleverly and with such understanding and feeling.

Next I have three books left for work that I’m really not looking forward to! But then I can move on to my own choices once more and I have some I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into.

My (albeit rather ambitious and never going to happen) TBR for the rest of the month is:

Plus…

So, ten books plus an adult fiction of I can, after the three I need to finish first in the next month – how many will I actually manage?! Place your bets please!

Have you read any of these?

What are you reading at the moment?

WWW Wednesday 15/7/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Confession by Jessie Burton

I really loved The Miniaturist and I enjoyed The Muse so I was looking forward to this. It’s not really what I was expecting and I’m not loving it as much as her previous books, but I’m liking it more as I go on so we’ll see…

Holes by Louis Sachar, audiobook read by Kerry Beyer

This is one of those books that is regularly on reading lists and often picked up by children abd parents in work, so I’ve thought for ages I should read it despite not being desperate to do so. I’m not really enjoying it much but it’s early days…

What have you just finished reading?

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon

I LOVED this. A favourite for this year for sure. You can read my review here.

The Corset by Laura Purcell

I was a big fan of Laura Purcell’s first book, The Silent Companions, and I really enjoyed this one too. Ive ordered Bone China by the same author and am excited for her new book, The Shape of Darkness, out next year too.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, audiobook read by Simon Prebble

Although this is lost definitely of its time, if you read it bearing that in mind, it’s very enjoyable. Holmes is an excellent character and I really liked seeing how he figured out all the cases.

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

Review to follow tomorrow, but for now let’s say I think this is a much-needed, well-written book that will be deservedly popular but I didn’t love it on a personal level.


My Name is River by Emma Rea

I really enjoyed this. Fab setting, fab characters and fab themes. Full review to follow.

What will you read next?

I’m going back to work at the end of the month, so I’ve reshuffled my tbr a bit to try and get some new, recent and upcoming reads read before my return.

On audio, I’d like to listen to A Monster Calls or the garden double I mentioned last week (The Secret Garden and Tom’s Midnight Garden) but haven’t dived into yet!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 1/7/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon

I’m a huge fan of Zana’s other books and while this seems to have taken a totally new, fantasy type style, I think it’s going to be just as gritty and tackle equally important themes and I’m very much enjoying what littke I have read so far.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding, audiobook read by Martin Jarvis

I’ve nearly finished this now. I can’t say I’ve loved it but I am glad to have finally read it.

What have you just finished reading?

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen

This was a good, original and imaginative debut. My review is here.

The Midnight Swan by Catherine Fisher

I loved this! I’m a huge fan of the trilogy and this ended it brilliantly. My review is here.

The Last Paper Crane by Kerry Drewery

Absolutely stunning. Review will follow ASAP.

What will you read next?

Seren’s love of Sherlock Holmes in The Midnight Swan, along with Arthur Conan Doyle’s appearance in The House of Hidden Wonders recently have made The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes my next audiobook.

I’m not sure which of my #20booksofsummer books will be next, but I’m thinking possibly Wilde.

And My Name is River will probably be my next netgalley read.

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 20/5/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler

I’ve not got very much further with this; I’m struggling to get into it but that’s not being helped by not finding much time to read it in…

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley

I’ve also mot made much progress with this – I read this in the evenings before Peapod first wakes to call me to bed and have been managing a page or two at best before being summoned! That said, I am REALLY enjoying it, just very slowly!

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson (ebook)

I’m thoroughly enjoying this – it’s the sort of story you think of when you think of children’s books (I think!)

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge, audiobook read by Kate Harper

I only started this today and I’m not sure yet what I’ll make of it. I admit it’s never been one of those classic children’s books I really wanted to read but we’ll see…! It has a Little Women sort of vibe up to now, so I think it could go either way.

What have you just finished reading?

Watership Down by Richard Adams, audiobook read by Peter Capaldi

OK, strictly speaking I haven’t finished it, but DNF-d thiugh only temporarily. I was struggling to get into the audiobook despite enjoying the narration – I think I need to come back to it either as a physical book or when I can listen for longer stretches at a time…

The Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen (ebook)

I really enjoyed this. My review is here.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, audiobook read by Hugh Bonneville

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this but I enjoyed it. A quick and entertaining read, I’ll review it in the next couple of days.

What will you read next?

With just a few days of Believathon left (and just over a week in my cheating, all-of-May extended version!) I’ll be trying to get at least a couple more of my choices for that read!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 29/4/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday.

What are you currently reading?

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley.

I’m absolutely loving my reread of this!

The House of One Hundred Clocks by AM Howell (ebook)

I’m just a few chapters on but I’m certainly intrigued! It’s all very mysterious and I’m hooked!

The Silver Sword by Ian Serrallier, audiobook read by Sean Barrett

I’m not sure if I ever read this growing up. I feel sure I must have as it’s one I know my mum really likes and I have vague recollections of it written in my reading record book!! But I have absolutely no recollection of the story itself! Either way, I’m enjoying it!

What have you just finished reading?

Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner, ebook

I’m glad to have finally read this, but honestly it left me a little (OK, quite a lot) underwhelmed. There’s elements that I liked but it just felt a bit slow, everything that happened seemed to be described to the last detail, but actually I’m not sure all that much really happened at all. I’m not convinced it’s stood the test of time.

The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann, audiobook read by Paul Whitehouse and Esther Coles

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this story and listening to this on audiobook!


Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian, audiobook read by Patrick Malahide
I have loved this since we first read it when I was in year 6. My mum loves it too so it’s a real favourite, but it’s a long time since I’d read it.

I was worried thst by listening to it the characters wouldn’t be howci picture them and gear them, and they weren’t, but it didn’t spoil it. Just as emotional and heartbreaking and hopeful and wonderful as ever!

What will you read next?

I’ll follow up The Watchmaker of Filigree Street with The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley.

I am also planning to take part in Believathon again in May so I’ll be choosing my MG books for that soon too!

Have you read any of these?

What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 4/3/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday. February was not a good reading month. I’m still finding it hard to get going but being a bit more up to date with reviews, finishing a couple of books and the start of a new month are spurring me on!

What are you currently reading?

Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone

Ok, I posted this last week but actually with one thing and another didn’t start it til the weekend. I’m LOVING it (as I knew I would!)

Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day (ebook)

I’ll be honest, this has only jumped the queue because its Book of the Month in work, but so many of you have loved it I’m hoping I’ll be glad I pushed it forwards!

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (audiobook read by Syan Blake and Paul Chequer)

This is another book I feel I ought to have read and with the series imminent, I thought I’d give the audiobook a go. Honestly, I’m not loving it so far, though how much of that is because of the book and how much my inability to get on with the narrators, especially Sephy’s, I’m not sure.

What have you just finished reading?

Shadowsea by Peter Bunzl (ebook)

*whispers* I just didn’t love this as much as I wanted to. I was really hoping for a knock out finale to the series, especially after I loved Skycircus so much but this just didn’t do it for me. It felt overly earnest and message-y, I was disappointed that someone I thought was a dead cert for a dramatic and fitting-for-the-last-book reappearance didn’t make one and overall just left a bit dissatisfied.

Good Wives, audiobook read by Christina Ricci

I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed Little Women, but Good Wives (included as part of the sane audiobook) felt much more laborious. More preachy and with marriage on everyone’s lips, this had less of the little dramas and everyday humour that was so enjoyable about Little Women and despite some highlights was mostly a bit of a boring relationship-fest.

What will you read next?

Physical copy – The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal Its our Book of the Month in work (though knowing me by the time I read it, it probably won’t be!) and an adult novel which appeals, so I’m venturing out if my MG comfort zone for it! Ebook – If I enjoy Starfell, maybe the second book in that series. Otherwise, probably something from my older TBRs… Audiobook – If I end up enjoying Noughts and Crosses, I might go on to Knife Edge. Otherwise, maybe another more recent ‘classic’ like Holes. I’m not sure yet…

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?

WWW Wednesday 26/2/20

WWW Wednesday is hosted by ‘Taking on a World of Words’ every Wednesday. I have been in a real reading lull this month. It’s felt so hard to find time to get through anything and as I try to stick to my goal of not ending up with a backlog of reviews waiting by not starting something new without getting a review or two done, I seem to have managed neither reading or reviewing! However, I have made some small progress this week. Better than nothing!

What are you currently reading?

Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone As most of you will know by now what a huge Abi Elphinstone fan I am, I don’t even need to tell you how excited I am to be reading this! I haven’t started yet but it’s all ready to go! Shadowsea by Peter Bunzl (ebook) I’ve enjoyed the Cogheart series such a lot, and while this isn’t managing to outshone book 1 or Skycircus, I am enjoying it very much!

Little Women (and Good Wives), audiobook read by Christina Ricci I read a lot of children’s classics as a child (less so adult ones as I’ve got older), but this is one that never appealed to me. However, in my attempt to read/reread more of the children’s classics, including some I might not have chosen otherwise, and amidst the current hype for this I thought I’d hive it a go. And I was pleasantly surprised. I still have some of Good Wives to read, but I have been utterly swept up in this and absolutely loved it on the whole. There are some very preachy bits – so much of the book is a lesson on something as the girls grow up, which weirdly I didn’t mind too much, but so many of these experiences end with a lengthy sermon on their message abd this did grate at times. Likewise the religion in the book. Mostly, it’s not really mentioned but when it is it feels a bit much. Those minor gripes aside, and having taken a little while to get into and to accustom myself to Ricci’s narration, I’ve really become hooked! It’s a brilliant tale of family, growing up and the many daily trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence and still so relatable on many respects today though of course a lot has changed. The characters are varied and flawed and their different personalities will appeal to different readers, though I know I’m not alone in thinking Jo is ace.

What have you just finished reading?

Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold

I loved this so much I was very nearly live tweeting my reading of it! (I managed to restrain myself until a particularly nail biting point!) Review in the next day or two!

What will you read next?

Well, all reading plans have been totally screwed by this month’s snail-like speed! I’ll dust off and regroup in a few days but next up as far as I can see will be Physical copy – Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day by Dominique Valente and/or The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal Ebook – I’m not sure, something else from February’s picks, though honestly I think I need to replan! Audiobook – I’m not sure what I need to follow 19hrs of Little Women! I might throw in a more modern classic before returning to the more traditional, older classics – Noughts and Crosses or Holes maybe… Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?