Piranesi‘s house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.
There is one other person in the house-a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.
Piranesi lives in a house so large, that he has yet to explore it all. He is kept company by the statues that line the halls as well as the only other living being. The Other.
The Other and Piranesi both convene to discuss scientific matters. The search for Great and Secret Knowledge.
Piranesi enjoys these regular catchups until he starts discovering peculiar happenings around the house. The more he discovers, the more he begins to question everything around him.
I got this book all wrong.
Despite being told it was not a retelling of the minotaur; I stubbornly assumed it was (references are made though). Another aspect that surprised me is how modern it is (2000’s).
This was a very easy book to get through. The diary entries allow the reader to become Piranesi. Whilst I have read many first-person stories, there can be suggestive sentences that are just for the reader. Whereas in Piranesi, you find out everything with him. That being said, there are so many moments you want to scream at him.
Clarke does a great job at building Piranesi. He has very distinct characteristics, which are most prominent when he interacts with The Other. The story was consistent throughout, and the ending felt right.
The diary titles and location descriptions felt unnecessary. It is one of those funny situations where it is important to the story but unnecessary for the reader. I ended up skimming them.
Overall, a great read. It took me a minute to get into, but once I did, I flew through it! Despite it not being a Greek Myth retelling, I still put it in the category.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
‘My name is Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive…’
Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.
Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn’t her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.
Natalie Heller Mills has a perfect life… to her Instagram followers. She lives on a farm and leads a ‘traditional’ life. As a woman of faith, she serves her husband and children and never complains.
So why has she woken up in this nightmare. Her family is familiar, but something is off and her expensive, perfect house is now shabby and tired. Is this a test from God, or a practical joke? And most importantly, can she escape?
This book has blown up.
Maybe I am out of the loop, but for me, this book came out of the woodwork and took over my feed. Many people claim they read it in one sitting, which is one of the most enticing sentences a book lover can hear.
I did not read it in one sitting, and never would. Kudos to those who could, but you are insane. Natalie was too intense for me to take in all at once.
She is a very interesting character, and it was fascinating reading from a completely foreign perspective. Burke does a good job at making the reader feel like Natalie. I would catch myself reacting as if I was going through it, which is great but a little embarrassing when in public.
I’ve noticed a couple reviews saying that they didn’t like the book because they hated Natalie… but isn’t that the whole point? Wasn’t that the authors objective? A story doesn’t always have to be adored but understood. And if you understand it, you may come to love it.
After I finished the book, I kept looking up the characters, forgetting they are fictional. I still get the urge to whenever I think about the book, but alas the search is fruitless.
I was not a huge fan of the ending, it felt a little unoriginal but at the same it was realistic. I think some of the middle could have been cut out and the ending lengthened, as it felt a bit rushed.
An enjoyable read but I think it is slightly overhyped. I would suggest spacing it out if you’re someone whose mood mirrors the tone of the book you’re reading.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
In 2025, I read 68 books. My aim was 65, so I am rather pleased I was able to accomplish it. This year my aim is 75, or in other words, inevitable disappointment.
2025 has been an amazing year that has opened my horizons through the books I have read;
Fantasy has led me to herbology (The Poppy War, as well as most fantasy books) and etymology (Babel).
Japanese fiction has led me to writing – and writing with the correct tools (Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationary Shop).
And non-fiction has led me to animal behaviours and agriculture (Sapiens).
I have concocted a list of my top ten books of the year – a mix of fantasy/magical realism, contemporary and horror.
Rather than review the books, I will give a brief summary and then describe some elements I love about the books, but most importantly how they make/made me feel.
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10.
The Natural Way Of Things
Charlotte Wood
Released 2015, 320 pages.
The Natural Way of Things is a powerful story set in the Australian bush. A group of women wake up in the middle of nowhere, each as confused as the other. They are forced to endure hard labour and humiliating rituals. As the story progresses, their pasts come to light— hinting at the real reason they are trapped in this desolate prison. Author Charlotte Wood touches on the prevalent issues surrounding the patriarchy, focusing on the all-too-real experiences women face every day.
What I found interesting about The Natural Way of Things is how surprisingly un-bleak I felt whilst reading – or listening (audiobook). Although the actual subject matter is daunting, the characters were able to shift the narrative by demonstrating endurance and escaping the — pity. Wood’s descriptive, colourful writing painted a vivid image, allowing my imagination to takeover and absorb everything.
This book was not only a story, but a reminder of the society we live in. And whilst we may progress slowly everyday (in some countries), we must not forget those who suffer tomorrow, today and yesterday.
This story revolves around a bookstore owner named Yeongju and her Barista, Minjun, along with their customers and friends. Each character is facing a problem in their life, whether it is work, relationships or internal. As the story progresses, each of them is shown that the least likely of ventures can lead them exactly where they need to be. And all of them have one thing in common: The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.
This is topical for me as I just completed ‘Every Day I Read‘, Hwang’s short memoir and collection of essays about writing and reading – review pending.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop grew on me. At first, it felt like a carbon copy of books like, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop – but the key difference is the impact it had on me.
Hwang has such an approachable writing style, as though she is speaking with her readers. I have taken so much from this book – so much so – that I feel I should reread with a pencil in hand (a nod to Everyday I Read).
This book made me feel inspired, motivated and warm.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea follows a single mother, Fusako, and her son, Noboru. The dynamic between the two is complex and unconventional – which only becomes more bizarre once Fusako meets Ryuji, an experienced sailor. Noboru and his friends start to develop a set of expectations on how people should behave, and unfortunately Ryuji is not meeting that criteria.
I read more horror than intended last year and enjoyed more than anticipated.
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, explores some very disturbing themes which progressively worsen as the story goes on. Despite this, I still think of it often, somehow not perturbed by the creepiness.
Mishima’s descriptive, fluent writing style allowed me to glide through the book. Whenever I think to this book, I don’t have an exact ‘feeling’, I just remember how easily I read it.
The Eyes Are The Best Part is a story that follows Ji-Won as she experiences the trials and tribulations of what it is to be a Korean woman growing up in a western country (America). After her mother gets a new boyfriend, she starts to notice the striking colour of his blue eyes. Slowly this becomes an obsession, that leads to something far more sinister.
If I have learnt anything from horror this year, it is that I can only read from the antagonist’s perspective. It is too jarring reading from the victim’s perspective, as it forces the reader to become the victim.
That is why I love The Eyes Are the Best Part, which is the book that made me realise horror can be good. Kim has created a simple yet intriguing story that demonstrates the implications of gendered racism. She was able to find a perfect level of confusion and understanding – avoiding the predictable cliché of intense, ongoing mania.
This book made me feel surprised, captivated and satisfied.
Oh, and did I mention that this is her debut novel – her second novel Molka, will be coming out in 30th of April 2026.
Emilia and Vittoria are twin sisters who have grown up with warnings to avoid the Wicked. As witches, they must protect themselves from both supernatural creatures and humans alike.
Though they are twins, Emilia and Vittoria couldn’t be more different. Vittoria is cynical and fiercely independent, while Emilia is gentle and content to spend her days experimenting with new recipes and cooking for her family’s Sicilian restaurant.
All of a sudden, a string of murders begins to unfold around town — each victim a witch, each killing marked by the same eerie signs.
To Emilia’s dismay, Vittoria goes missing. Her disappearance ignites something in Emilia, driving her to search for answers at any cost. But will she continue down this path when the truth leads her to her most feared enemy — Wrath, one of the Seven Wicked Princes of Hell?
I read four fantasy series/trilogies this year, and this was my definitely favourite. Maybe it wasn’t the most highbrow, and there may be a good dose of corny material, but it was exactly what I needed at the time I read it.
I may be cheating by having an entire series under one number, but it’s my blog, so, my rules. It also includes all of the Prince of Sin series as well, whilst I’m at it.
I adore the ‘Princes of Hell’ concept. I was immersed throughout the entire series and thoroughly enjoyed every page. I actually liked the main characters and Maniscalco was able to catch me off guard a couple times.
This book made me feel excited, anticipatory and happy.
I go in more depth about the Kingdom of the Wicked and Princes of Sin reading order on this post.
Throne Of Nightmares coming out 10th of February.
5.
Katabasis
R.F Kuang
Released 2025, 541 pages.
Alice Law and Peter Murdoch, academic rivals – must journey to hell to retrieve their professor’s soul – after his unfortunate death caused by a ‘freak’ accident. Though, shockingly, it is not a walk in the park – the two must overcome their past and learn to work together, otherwise everything will go to…
I have read The Poppy War series and Babel, and this is undeniably my favourite book from Kuang – which may be controversial.
Katabasis is academic, intriguing and surprisingly romantic.
I feel like I have a love-relationship with Alice. Kuang has a special ability of bringing out the worst in her characters yet making you inexplicably (maybe even begrudgingly) love them.
The concept of venturing to Hell is right up my alley- as mythology is a keen interest of mine. Having two know-it-all scholars, essentially ‘nerd-off’ by debating the physics of hell, is comical. The one unexpected element I noticed whilst reading – which I haven’t seen in other reviews – is the dry humour. I was laughing throughout the entire story.
This book made me feel excited, tense and, joyful?
Greta is a transcriber for a sex therapist in her hometown. Day in and day out she listens to the secret intimacies of the people who live around her. Despite their identities being kept anonymous, she can identify them simply by their voice. One day, a client – Greta refers to as ‘Big Swiss’ -catches her attention. She is drawn to her cavalier, frank demeanour and enigmatic voice – so much so that she becomes enamored.
Whilst walking her dog at the park, she hears that familiar voice. She goes and introduces herself with a fake name, not knowing this would lead to a bond like none she has experienced before.
I think the blurb/overview of this book is somewhat misleading. Whilst there are sensitive subjects covered, it did not feel sinister or heavy.
There are multiple reasons for this; Beagin’s remarkable writing style – with frequent insertions of dry humour and witty quips, coupled with Greta’s unflappable outlook on life.
This book really struck me, because it made me realise that perspective is absolutely everything. Whilst this may seem obvious, it is one of those facts I knew of but did not conceptualize until reading the book.
Big Swiss had a quiet impact on me; I did not know I would be placing it so high on this list, until I started constructing it.
This book made me feel surprised, tense (at moments), and it made me laugh – not out loud, but with a smirk of appreciation.
Working in the fields, Emmett Farmer lives a simple life tending to his family’s farm. One day he is sent a letter offering him an apprenticeship as a Bookbinder – a vocation that is frowned upon within the town he resides. Due to unexpected circumstances his parents have no choice but to send their son to the feared Bookbinder, Seredith.
Bookbinding is a profession that requires the most unlikely of skills, the ability to transfer and trap memories into a book. If Emmett does not learn this craft, it will cost him his sanity.
The books are discreetly hidden behind a vault, the key around the neck of his mentor. One day, he finds himself in the safe and makes the discovery that one of the books, has his name on it.
This book was sitting on my bookshelf for ages, until I begrudgingly picked it up.
The Binding is split into three parts. Whilst it did take me until half-way-through part one to get into it, I am sincerely glad I persevered.
The concept of the book is interesting, and Collin’s execution of it is incredible. The layout of parts one, two and three are perfection – I do not believe there is a better way it could have been told. It is also split into perspectives, which I find refreshing, as it allows for a better understanding of what is happening.
It is tricky to pinpoint what I love about this book, for fear of spoiling, so…
It made me feel exhilarated, intrigued and utterly immersed.
2.
What You Are Looking For is in The Library
Michiko Aoyama
Released 2020, 245 pages.
Characters from all walks of life, with an array of different personal problems are led to a community library. They are greeted by a peculiar woman, named Sayuri Komachi, who has a knack for felting. To their confusion, she gives them each a book they didn’t ask for. Little do they know, these books will help them in an unexpected, yet extraordinary way.
I think I would be personally offended if someone told me they didn’t like What You are Looking for is in The Library. I can understand it not resonating, but to not have enjoyed it, is criminal.
What stood out in this book, is how established the characters are. I have read books similar, and whilst they are good, they lack character depth. Somehow, Aoyama has managed to create five, interesting and independent characters, in 245 pages, split into five parts.
The concept is endearing, and it has made a genuine impact in my life. It instilled motivation in me that has not left. I am now going out and doing all the activities I have been putting off, simply from reading this book.
This book made me feel motivated, reflective and joyful.
1.
The Song Of Achilles
Madeline Miller
Released 2011, 378 pages.
Patroclus, son of King Menoetius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus due to unfortunate circumstances. Whilst Patroclus is awkward, scrawny and timid, – Achilles – son of King Peleus, is the perfect Prince who is admired by all who meet him. Achilles and Patroclus find friendship in their differences and form a strong bond, growing together and becoming young men skilled in the art of war – despite the objections and meddling of Thetis, the cruel Sea Goddess and Achilles mother.
Unexpectedly, it is reported that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped and must be rescued. Patroclus for fear of losing his beloved companion, follows Achilles to Troy. What was originally a straightforward plan turns into something much more, where all they hold dear will be tested.
Words cannot describe how much I adore this book. The title alone makes me feel all the emotions.
The writing is impeccable, it is sacred, it is my bible. If The Song Of Achilles was a religion, I would worship it. The characters are loveable, hateable, perfect, flawed and devastating.
I recommend ignoring the blurb – go into it completely blind (the overview I have written is spoiler-free). Then afterwards, listen to Hozier. Thank me later.
It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.
Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.
The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships.
The sister’s ending/death felt unfinished. What seemed like an important subplot that ran throughout the story, got cut off at the end. As if Heller wanted to give the family ‘privacy’, which is rather inconsistent with how intimately you get to know them.
The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.
The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.
I was reading through reviews, and someone mentioned that they noticed the women’s ‘depth’ always stemmed from abuse, which is tiring and one-dimensional. And I agree, I am not saying that this is always the case, but I do for this book. Which is why I brought my rating down a tad.
Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
REVIEW
THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.
Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.
The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships. Whilst there are some ends that were left untied – and it was not entirely clear whether that was deliberate – the story flowed well.
The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.
The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.
Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
