Countdown to 2026: Day 12 – Holly and Ivy – a book with great world building
12 December 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A book with great worldbuilding, Countdown to 2026, Day 12, Holly and Ivy
Once again I am counting down to the New Year, as with the previous years I shall be highlighting at least one book per day to fit the prompt on that given day. The main aim for this countdown is to highlight some of my reads during the past year and to shine the spotlight on them once again (although some of the prompts relate to forthcoming reads).
Today is Day 12 of the countdown to 2026 and a list of prompts can be found here if you wish to join me in counting down to 2026 and casting a spotlight on some of your favourite books.
Today’s Prompt: Holly and Ivy – a book with great world building:
I loved Grave Empire by Richard Swan. This is a great start to series and the world building is excellent.
19 Days Remaining
Tomorrow’s prompt: Feast: a book that was magnificent
Countdown to 2024 Day 12: Holly and Ivy – a book with great world building
12 December 2023
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A book with great worldbuilding, Countdown to 2024, Day 12, Holly and Ivy, Josiah Bancroft, The Hexologists

Today is day 12 of my countdown to 2024. Using a series of prompts each day I will post a book title that I believe fits the prompt. The aim is to highlight as many books as possible that I read from 2023 and shine the spotlight on them once again (although for some prompts I will be looking at future reads). A list of prompts can be found here if you wish to join me in counting down to 2024.
Today’s prompt: Holly and Ivy – a book with great world building

The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft is simply superb. I loved it, and whilst this may seem a strange fit for today’s prompt, because strictly speaking this is a steampunk alternate Victorian setting (which you would think as readers we could be dropped straight into) – I stand by my choice because the author has included so much thought into just about everything. There’s a level of detail here that should perhaps feel over the top but doesn’t and the inclusion of some fantastic notions. I was totally absorbed and had an indecently good time reading this one.






