I’ve been seeing this ‘Tag’ around the blogosphere (most recently at Suzyscozyworld) and thought I’d give it a go.  So, here’s my end of year tag:

Are there any books you started this year you need to finish?

Yes, I have put a couple of books down this year that I really want to get back to.  To be clear I didn’t put them down because I wasn’t enjoying them, just I have had a couple of reading slumps this year and I didn’t want to push myself to read books during those times as I feel it’s unfair to the author and the book.

I really enjoyed The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien DeCastell with it’s sharp wit and dark world and I am determined to read The Malevolent Eight.  The Fury of the Gods (Bloodsworn Saga #3) by John Gwynne is the final instalment of a norse-based epic fantasy that started with The Shadow of the Gods.  I love this series, it’s absolutely fantastic and again, I would love to fit this in before the end of the year (in fact I’ve also picked up the audio so that I can dual read/listen).  Hopefully, I will fit these in by the end of the year but if not they’ll be early choices in the new year.

Do you have an autumnal book to transition to the end of the year?

Ragwort by Sam K Horton – I’ve read this title but not reviewed it yet.  I really loved Gorse when I read it last year.  It was such a beautifully written story, heavy with atmosphere and containing folklore and critters aplenty.  It felt unique, dark and strangely wild.  Gorse is very similar and it feels like the perfect read for this time of the year with the darker nights and the desire to snuggle up to a cosy fire.  Once again we have a dark story, really atmospheric and with a strong leaning to the outdoors and nature.  

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

Where to even begin!  I think for this prompt I’m going to use three authors.  I loved Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill and so I’m really looking forward to reading Nightshade and Oak.  Enchanting the Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis is the second instalment in the Queens of Villainy series that got off to an amazing start with Wooing the Witch Queen and, finally, A Forest, Darkly by AG Slatter is another story set in the Sourdough Universe – I’ve read quite a few of these and really love them so this is one of my highly anticipated books for 2026:

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

These are the next three books that I’m hoping to read:

I’ve read some good reviews for Outlaw Planet and Carey is an author who I’ve read and enjoyed previously so hoping for good things with this title.  I’ve not read Beatrice Winifred Iker before but that eye catching cover and the description of a local ‘beast’ and a ‘secret society’ drew me in.  What Stalks the Deep is Kingfisher’s third book in the Sworn Soldier series.  A book that sounds positively claustrophobic with it’s setting of a haunted coal mine.

Is there a book that you think could still shock you and become your FAVORITE?

Well, I’m currently reading The Blackfire Blade by James Logan.  I absolutely loved The Silverblood Promise (the first in the Last Legacy series).  So far, I’m finding this second in series a little bit frustrating, which isn’t to say I’m not enjoying it – but, I’m really hoping it does wow me as the story develops.

Have you already made reading plans for 2026?

I do have quite a few books on my shelves already that I’m really looking forward to and ideally I’d love to be able to tuck a couple of ‘January releases’ under my belt before the new year begins.  But, at the same time I’m mood reading a little bit and I do have quite a few books to fit in before year end, and of course the time of year does seem to lead to more socialising.  So, basically, the best laid plans are rarely adhered to so I’m hoping to keep things a little loose.  Here are a few of the books (not already mentioned above) that I’ll be picking up in 2026:

That’s it for my ‘End of the Year’ book tag.  I understand that this tag was created by Ariel Bissett on YouTube.

Consider yourself ‘tagged’ if you wish to take part – I’d love to check out your answers.