50/50: The 10 Books That Stayed With Me.
I did it! My reading goal at the start of 2026 was to read 50 books, and having recently finished Daggermouth by H. M. Wolfe, I have now achieved that goal! It was a goal that felt like a light challenge but not unachievable. There have been epic fantasies, queer romance adventure and deeply unsettling horror books, that I have inhaled in a matter of days. Some were incredible, some… not so much. However, here are the top 10 reads that have absolutely stuck with me. These aren’t necessarily the most technically perfect books I have read. They are the ones that made me feel something, surprised me and reminded me exactly why I adore reading.
These aren’t ranked in order of 10 to 1, but in order of completion from January to October.
- City of Gods and Monsters - Kayla Edwards
A fantastic urban fantasy that was my favourite January read. A high stakes intense storyline that will leave you wanting more. With possibly one of the best morally grey men you could read about. Whilst writing this blurb, I revisited my review on TikTok, where I state that I haven’t yet completed the series. I am ashamed to say that the rest of the series is still gathering dust on my bookshelves. I will get round to them eventually!
- Heated Rivalry - Rachel Reid
I bought into the hype, and it was totally worth it. I have completed the first two books in The Game Changer series, and I was obsessed. Heated Rivalry itself, I devoured in one weekend. The tension and romance was everything I needed. My feet were kicking for joy. Controversially, I enjoyed the books more than the series! Hopefully, I will pick up Tough Guy (book 3) soon.
- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
I am a teacher, and I had the delightful opportunity to read The Hunger Games to a class of pupils for the first time. It was an absolute joy experiencing them discover the world of Panem, and its many twists and turns. For me, it was a re-read, and I loved it as much as the first time I read it. It was just as gripping, but also a fright, when you consider the political world we live in currently.
- The Need - Megan Mostyn Brown
The Need was one of my first ARC reads from Netgalley, and I felt so lucky to be approved on this one. It’s also probably safe to say that this book launched my obsession with horror novels for the rest of the year. Whilst being incredibly gory, with themes of cannibalism, the story itself is full of mystery which left me hooked. I read this towards the beginning of the year, however, it was published in September. Highly recommend for spooky season.
5 & 6. House of Sky and Breath and House of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J Maas
Now, this series has been a whirlwind for me. From initially being disappointed by book 1, to then discovering the dramatised audiobook, and then rereading book 1, to finally getting onto book 2 and being blown away. Yes, you have to read it before ACOTAR 6, it’s a necessity. The cliffhanger in Sky and Breath will make that clear.
- Fruit Fly - Josh Silver
I am torn between this book and one other being my favourite read of 2026 so far. Fruit Fly was an absolute page turner that I think recommended to all of my friends. I then discovered that contemporary fiction is another favourite genre of mine. If you are a fan of Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, then you will love this. This book has it all, laughter, crying and a storyline so gripping, you wont want to put it down.
- The Exorcist‘s House - Nick Roberts
One of the most terrifying reads of my Summerween. Very vivid imagery that made me sleep with the lights on. But that’s exactly what I wanted from an exorcist themed horror novel! A very intriguing story. I need to pick up the next one ASAP!
- Threshing Day - Rebecca Yarros
A recent novella from the fantasy queen. I devoured this is two sittings, and now I want to re-read the entire Fourth Wing series! What I really liked about this book, was that although the concept is the same for each chapter, Rebecca did a fantastic job of making it relevant and individual for each character. Loved it.
- Daggermouth - H. M. Wolfe
This was my 50th book of 2026, and the competitor to Fruit Fly and the top spot. I could not put down this novel. I thought it was going to be a fantasy novel, however it is a dark dystopian romance. Which did not bother me. The assassin vibes and forbidden romance was amazing. And the cliffhanger? I need more now!! I am very fortunate to be seeing the author in a talk next week, I am unbelievably excited!
These ten books together give a true snapshot of my reading identity. There are multiple Norma’s worlds I like to fall in to, no matter which genre. I’ve hit my goal, but ultimately my question is, how many more can I squeeze in before 2027!
