Seven Top Reads of 2026 (So Far)
Day 7 of the countdown to Issue 0
We are officially seven days away from the launch of LIMINAL’s first issue - Issue 0. So to begin the countdown I am sharing my top 7 reads of 2026 so far. These books have truly shaped my reading this year. These stories have sharpened my senses and truly reminded me why I love the strange, queer and the in-between.
- House of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J Maas
So, being real, I could have put the entirety of the Crescent City series in this list. It’s incredible. The chaos, the heartbreak, the sheer scale of this trilogy in phenomenal. Whilst I initially struggled with book one, I gave it a second chance and I a so glad I did. If you are gearing up for ACOTAR 6, and haven’t read the Crescent City series, then you absolutely need to. It is a necessity!
- Heated Rivalry - Rachel Reid
One of the best queer romances I have ever read. Currently, I have only read the first two books in the series, but honestly, I devoured them! Shane and Ilya own my heart. These books are filled with tension, tenderness and a true slow burn devotion that had my feet kicking with joy! Controversially, the TV show was a miss for me, and I think that was due to the incredible connection created in the novels by Reid.
- The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
A reread that hit even harder this year. I had the delight of reading this novel to my pupils, many of which have already determined that reading is not for them as it’s boring (Right?!). But to say they were hooked by this story is an understatement. Their joy reignited my love for The Hunger Games books. Returning to Panem reminded me how powerful dystopian fiction can be, particularly when its so rooted in the characters.
- In Your Court - Kit Haley
Soon after reading Heated Rivalry, I discovered my love for queer sports romance. In Your Court, is an M/M tennis romance which is so tender, it feels like a warm hand on your shoulder. Haley writes vulnerability so beautifully that it makes your heart ache. I was very fortunate to read an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. It is gentle in all the right ways and became one of my favourite comfort reads of this year.
- Yours Cruelly - Elvira
Now, I love a biography audiobook, and Elvira’s, Yours Cruelly did not disappoint. It is everything you would want it to be. Campy, theatrical, dramatic. The behind the scenes stories included in this book really make you feel that you are sat having a drink with a true queer icon. A perfect blend of glamour and grit.
- Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke
One of the most talked about books of 2026, and I adored it. It’s had some serious mixed reviews online, but for me, I found Yesteryear to be a beautifully written atmospheric novel with twists that will have you second guessing everything. The prose is haunting and the story lingers long after you have finished it. This is exactly the kind book that fits in with LIMINAL.
- Fruit Fly - Josh Silver
Currently, Fruit Fly is my top read from 2026! Josh Silver has crafted a novel that is equal parts sharp, morally messy, darkly funny and devastating. It’s easily one of the most compelling books I have read. I was obsessed with this story from page one, and again, is a novel that sticks with you way after finishing. Mal messaging men ‘slay queen’ on Grindr is WILD behaviour that still has me howling now!
If this is what 2026 has given me so far, then I can’t wait to see what the remaining months have in store. These seven books have shaped my reading journey, my mood boards , my conversations and honestly, my magazine!
