Book Haul – 31 May 2026

On May 31, 2026 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book Haul2 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Book Haul post on this blog, and I think it’s time I remedied this, especially as I have been extremely lucky to receive an amazing number of books in recent weeks. Indeed, I’ve either received and managed to find and buy so many awesome novels and new releases, that I’m actually going to break this next Book Haul post into a few pieces. The first of which will cover some amazing and unique new and upcoming releases from an array of international talent.

Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford

The first book I want to highlight in this post is the very cool fantasy novel, Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford. The sequel to Ford’s 2025 novel, The Bone Raiders, Sisters of the Lizard will continue the chaos of the series, as a small group of independent raiders attempt to hold back a vengeful empire with their new giant, fire-breathing lizard mounts.

A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett

I was extremely happy to receive a copy of A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett. The epic follow-up to Bennett’s incredible fantasy murder mystery novels, The Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption, A Trade of Blood will present another unique and shocking crime in a fantasy realm constantly beset by giant monsters. Sure to be one of the cleverest and most compelling novels of 2026, A Trade of Blood has so much potential, and I cannot wait to read it.

Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovksy

I have had a pretty amazing time reading books from Adrian Tchaikovksy in 2026, but it looks like I’m only getting started as I just received a copy of his next entertaining novel, Green City Wars. An intriguing crime fiction read, where the protagonists are genetically engineered, sentient animals created to serve humanity, Green City Wars looks set to be one of the more unique releases of 2026, and I already know I’m going to love it.

Eight Tastes of Treachery by Ryan Rose

After falling in love with Ryan Rose’s debut novel, Seven Recipes for Revolution, last year, I’m excited for the author’s second outing with the awesome upcoming sequel, Eight Tastes of Treachery. Looking set to continue Rose’s cool story of revolution, magic and cookery, Eight Tastes of Treachery sounds like an outstanding novel, and I look forward to diving into it.

Duel of Beasts by Boyd and Beth Morrison

One of the more exciting novels I recently received is the next Tales of the Lawless Land entry, Duel of Beasts. The fourth historical fiction book from the duo of Beth and Boyd Morrison, Duel of Beasts throws the series’ protagonists into a deadly quest in medieval Spain, as they try to save a widowed noblewoman from a deadly conspiracy. Sure to be a compelling and intense read, Duel of Beasts is going to be a ton of fun, and I’ve deeply enjoyed the previous three books from these great authors.

The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell

One of the more hilarious sounding novels I recently received is the very entertaining The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell. Following an argumentative three-headed dragon with some major issues as it finds itself accidently befriending a human, The Dragon Has Some Complaints sounds like pure fun, and I cannot wait to check it out.

The Bone Docs by Matthew Scura

Another entertaining new novel I recently received is the very amusing The Bone Docs by Matthew Scura. A desert island thriller that sees a group of stranded dentists go to war with similarly shipwrecked chiropractors, The Bone Docs has some absurd potential, and I’m very keen to see how crazy it gets.

Star Trek: The Last Starship: Volume 1 by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing

A very cool sounding new Star Trek comic, that will take an iconic character from The Original Series and set him to adventure in the far future.

The Damned by Matt Rogers

An intriguing spy thriller that sees a desperate protagonist trapped in the Columbian mountains being hunted by dangerous criminals

The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green

Another recently acquired book that I am very excited to read is the epic upcoming fantasy novel, The Deep and the Drowned by Ian Green. Featuring a cool nautical narrative, set in a fantasy realm made up on thousands of chaotic islands, The Deep and the Drowned sounds so damn awesome and sure to be incredible. In addition, it also has one of the coolest covers of 2026, which can only indicate great things.

We Are For The Dark by Gretchen McNeil

An intriguing horror thriller from an author that I’ve had an outstanding time with in the past.

Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson

The final recently received book I want to highlight in this post is the cool young adult thriller, Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson. An intriguing crime fiction read set around the dark side of the music business, Drop Dead Famous sounds pretty amazing, and I’m very keen to read it.

Well, that’s the end of the first Book Haul post of the night. In my next post, I’m going to dive into some of the awesome new novels from Australian author’s I’ve recently received.

WWW Wednesday – 27 May 2026

On May 30, 2026 By The Unseen LibraryIn WWW WednesdayLeave a comment

WWW Wednesday is a weekly post hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

So, let’s get to it.

What are you currently reading:

Our Lady of Blades by Sebastien de Castell (ebook)

I’ve recently started reading the awesome fantasy novel, Our Lady of Blades by the very talented Sebastien de Castell. The follow-up to de Castell’s previous impressive novels, Crucible of Chaos and Play of Shadows, Our Lady of Blades continues the adventures in the author’s Greatcoats universe, this time exploring a corrupt city ruled by powerful families and saddistic dualists. Featuring a compelling narrative of revenge and redemption Our Lady of Blades is proving to be an exceptional read, and one I’m very glad to finally be reading. I am flying through this novel already and I look forward to seeing how the fully story unfolds when I finish it off in the next couple of days.

Warhammer 40,000: Hive by Dan Abnett (Audiobook)

I’m still having an exceptional time listening to the new Dan Abnett Warhammer 40,000 novel, Hive. Abnett, who has contributed some amazing entries to the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, has this time imagined a vast political thriller, taking place at multiple points in a gigantic underground hive city. Filled with intricate detail and a ton of great characters, Hive is proving to be quite a fantastic read, especially with its multiple layered plotlines and conspiracies. I’m currently halfway through Hive, and it’s shaping up to be one of the top Warhammer 40,000 novels of 2026.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Couples Retreat by Mercedes Mercier (Trade Paperback)

I managed to finish off the intriguing Australian crime fiction read; The Couples Retreat this week. A compelling novel set on Australia’s iconic Kangaroo Island, this is an interesting read with a compelling murder mystery at its heart. Highly recommended.

Ironwood by Michael Connelly (ebook)

I also managed to start and then finish off the new Michael Connelly novel, Ironwood, this week. The sequel to Connelly’s 2025 novel, Nightshade, Ironwood returns the reader to Catalina Island, with gunfights, drug deals and cold cases marring the seemingly perfect island paradise. Ironwood ended up being a particularly addictive and captivating release from Connelly, and it is easily one of the top crime fiction novels I have so far read in 2026.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford

The next book that I am planning to read is the fun fantasy novel, Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford. The sequel to Ford’s 2025 release, The Bone Raiders, Sisters of the Lizard sees a small group of raiders and thieves, attempt to stop the ravages of war and vengeance with their new giant, lizard mounts. Looking set to take this fantastic series in an interesting direction, Sisters of the Lizard is going to be an amazing read, and I’m very excited to dive into it.

That’s it for this week; check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.

Top Ten Tuesday – Books on my Autumn 2026 To Be Read (TBR) List

On February 27, 2026 By The Unseen LibraryIn ListLeave a comment

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that currently resides at The Artsy Reader Girl and features bloggers sharing lists on various book topics. For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday participants have a Thanksgiving freebie which I am going to use to look at some upcoming books. This is because today is the last Tuesday before Autumn 2026, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to do my quarterly post about the best upcoming books I am looking forward to reading in Autumn (Spring for folks in the Northern Hemisphere). This is a regular post I do at the start of each season, and I always love to highlight some of the most impressive sounding novels coming out in the next three months.

For this list, I have come up with ten books coming out between 1 March 2026 and 31 May 2026 that I am most excited for. There are quite a few amazing novels set for release in the next few months, so it took me a while to finalise my final top ten list, including my usual honourable mentions section. I have primarily used the Australian publication dates to reflect when I will be able to get these awesome novels, and these might be somewhat different to the rest of the world. I have previously discussed a number of these books before in prior Waiting on Wednesday articles, and I think all of them will turn out to be incredible reads. I am extremely excited for these next three months and I feel that quite a few of these upcoming reads have the potential to be some of my favourite books of 2026.

Honourable Mentions:

Daughter of Crows by Mark Lawrence – 26 March 2026

An intriguing new fantasy novel from the always impressive Mark Lawrence.

Redbelly Crossing by Candice Fox – 28 April 2026

A cool outback thriller set to feature murder, mayhem and a ton of family drama, Redbelly Crossing sounds fun and I cannot wait to read my next Candice Fox book.

Dark Sanctuary by Sarah Barrie – 28 April 2026

Another cool Australian thriller that looks set to feature some intriguing and disturbing dark twists.

Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know by K. J. Parker – 12 May 2026

Another 2026 release from the legendary and hilarious K. J. Parker. Details of this book are still a little scarce, and I haven’t had the chance to read the first book in the series yet, however, I have no doubt this is going to be a particularly funny

Top Ten List:

Red Empire by Jonathan Maberry – 10 March 2026

First up on this list we have a fantastic new novel from one of my favourite thriller authors, Jonathan Maberry, with the awesome sounding Red Empire. The fifth book in Maberry’s Rogue Team International series (which previously featured Rage, Relentless, Cave 13 and Burn to Shine), Red Empire will see the damaged protagonist engage with an old foe, with the fate of the world once again hanging in the balance. At the same time, darker secrets about the mysterious leader of the Rogue Team International organisation will finally come to light, secrets that Maberry fans like me have been anticipating for years. As such, Red Empire is extremely high on my to-read list for March, and I cannot wait to see how it turns out.

Dead Fall Lake by S. R. White – 17 March 2026

One of the more unique authors of Australian crime fiction will continue with his fantastic tales of outback murder in his new novel, Dead Fall Lake. Following on from Prisoner, Red Dirt Road and White Ash Ridge, Dead Fall Lake will force its detective protagonist to investigate the murder of a local sports hero, whose body is found in a sinkhole he routinely freedived into. This has the potential to be an outstanding Australian murder novel as White will no doubt write another amazing and complex mystery.

Blindside by Michael Mammay – 24 March 2026

One of my favourite science fiction thriller series, the Planetside books by Michael Mammay, looks set to continue in 2026 with the cool new novel Blindside. Set in the future and following a retired military colonel as he disrupts the genocidal schemes of corrupt corporations, the Planetside books (including Planetside, Spaceside, Colonyside and Darkside), have been extremely impressive since day one. This new entry will see the protagonist and his team attempt to unravel a dark conspiracy surrounding him, as old enemies seek revenge. I already know that Blindside is going to be an incredible read, and I look forward to seeing what cool and twisty narrative Mammay has cooked up for us this time.

First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston – 14 April 2026

Over the last few years, one of the more unique authors of dark fantasy fiction has been the very inventive and entertaining Cameron Johnston, who has written some amazing books over the years, including his Age of Tyranny novels, The Traitor God and God of Broken Things, The Maleficent Seven, and The Last Shield (one of my favourite books of 2024). His next book looks to be his most ambitious yet, with the awesome First Mage on the Moon. As the name suggests, this fun new novel will see a group of mages attempt to use their magic to create a ship capable of travelling into space towards the moon in the hope of ending an ongoing war. I love the sound of this unique fantasy fiction plot and Cameron Johnston is sure to create something very special with this outstanding new book.

Paradox by Douglas Preston and Aletheia Preston – 21 April 2026

Legendary thriller author Douglas Preston teams up with his daughter Aletheia for a very cool and intriguing new novel. The sequel to Preston’s previous novel, Extinction, which featured a brutal murder committed by cloned neanderthals, Paradox looks set to continue the weirdness, as the two protagonists from the first book attempt to uncover a complex crime in the Colorado wilderness which leads to a deeper conspiracy. I am so very eager to read Paradox when it comes out, especially after loving everything about Extinction, and it will be interesting see how this father/daughter team continues this unique series.

Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford – 5 May 2026

Last year I had the very great pleasure of reading my first book from fantasy and science fiction author Jackson Ford, The Bone Raiders, which saw a group of grassland thieves attempt to train giant, fire-breathing lizards as the ultimate mounts to defeat an encroaching empire. A funny and exciting read, The Bone Raiders was a ton of fun, which Ford is looking to expand this year with the awesome sounding sequel, Sisters of the Lizard. Set to explore the consequences of their game changing actions from the first book, Sisters of the Lizard looks set to be another amazing novel from Ford that is guaranteed to keep me entertained.

Our Lady of Blades by Sebastien de Castell -12 May 2026

One of the fantasy books I am mostly looking forward to in the next three months is Our Lady of the Blades by Sebastien de Castell. The next book in de Castell’s Court of Shadows series (Play of Shadows and Crucible of Chaos), which is set in his larger Greatcoat universe, Our Lady of Blades will be another mostly standalone fantasy read, that explores conspiracies and crimes in the author’s fantasy realm. This next book sounds particularly impressive with an The Count of Monte Cristo inspired plot, as it follows a masked duellist who seeks revenge on her city’s elite after her family was betrayed and destroyed. I have been looking forward to Our Lady of the Blades for a while now, and it should prove to be one of the more interesting and captivating books of the year, especially when de Castell ties it into his larger series.

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman – 12 May 2026

I had to feature the epic upcoming novel A Parade of Horribles, which is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The eighth book in Matt Dinniman’s exceedingly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, A Parade of Horribles will continue to follow protagonists Carl and his sentient cat Princess Donut, as they attempt to survive the increasingly deadly and utterly bonkers dungeon formed from the detritus of a destroyed Earth. This next book sounds very fun, with a crazy set of race tasks, as well as hidden horrors coming up from the lower levels which will no doubt make this book even more outrageous. I have so much love for this series after become irreversibly addicted to it last year (highlights include Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Butcher’s Masquerade and The Eye of the Bedlam Bride), and I am so damn eager to see how this series will continue. I personally am planning to listen to A Parade of Horribles on audiobook (narrated by the insanely talented Jeff Hays), and I cannot wait to see how this new novel unfolds. This book is going to be epic, and I will be reading A Parade of Horribles the very second it is released.

Mortedant’s Peril by R. J. Barker – 19 May 2026

Next is the epic upcoming fantasy novel from R. J. Barker, Mortedant’s Peril. An intriguing sounding urban fantasy, Mortedant’s Peril will follow a protagonist hunted throughout his city for reading the final thoughts of the wrong dead man. I have a lot of confidence that Barker is going to pull out something special with this new novel, especially after impressing with all his previous trilogies, and I am confident that Mortedant’s Peril is going to be a top book of 2026.

Ironwood by Michael Connelly – 19 May 2026

The final books I want to feature on this list is potentially one of the best crime fiction novels of 2026, with the next upcoming Michael Connelly book, Ironwood. The sequel to his 2025 novel Nightshade, Ironwood will once again focus on Connelly’s new protagonist Detective Stilwell, as he attempts to solve crimes from his banished post of Catalina Island. However, in this book, he finds himself teaming up with another Connelly protagonist, with Detective Renée Ballard serving as a supporting character. This should result in quite an intense and addictive crime fiction read, and I am particularly keen to read Ironwood as soon as I can.

Well, that is the end of my Top Ten list. I think it turned out pretty well and it does a good job of capturing all my most anticipated books for the next three months. There are some really impressive books coming out in this part of 2026, and I cannot wait to read each of them soon. Let me know which of the above you are most excited for and stay tuned for reviews of them in the next few months. In the meantime, it looks like I have quite a bit of reading to do soon.

Top Ten Tuesday – My Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2026

On January 7, 2026 By The Unseen LibraryIn List8 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that currently resides at The Artsy Reader Girl and features bloggers sharing lists on various book topics. For this Top Ten Tuesday, I will be listing my most anticipated books for the first half of the year. This is a regular post I do each year and I always look forward to highlighting the most awesome looking books coming out in the next six months.

2026 is shaping up to be an outstanding year for awesome and impressive fiction with a ton of epic and amazing sounding novels set for release throughout the year. I am particularly excited about the next six months as there are some deeply impressive books coming out that I am extremely keen for. This includes some fantastic sounding sequels, continuations to brilliant series, and several cool new novels from some very talented authors. Because there are so many incredible reads coming out across the genres, I am extending this list out to a Top Twenty list to cover all the big release coming out until July. I have already highlighted several of these books in some previous lists and Waiting on Wednesday articles which has made me really appreciate just how awesome the upcoming year is going to be.

For this list, I am only featuring books that are set for release in Australia or on Netgalley between 1 January 2026 and 30 June 2026 which I have some descent details about. I ended up with a huge collection of exceptional novels that I wanted to feature, which made completing this list surprisingly difficult. I made it a little easier on myself by only including one book per author, which helped considerably, and I was eventually able to break it down to the best 20 books and I feel that I have capture the books that are going to be the best fiction reads of the first half of 2026. So let us see what made the cut.

Top Twenty List:

The Right to Remain by James Grippando – 6 January 2026

Let’s start this list off with some awesome legal thriller fiction, with the cool new book from James Grippando, The Right to Remain. The 20^th book in the author’s Jack Swyteck series (of which I’ve previously enjoyed Goodbye Girl and Grave Danger), The Right to Remain will once again follow Grippando’s lawyer protagonist into a complex courtroom battle as he attempts to defend a man who literally refuses to say a single word in his own defence. The Right to Remain has a very interesting plot idea behind it and I cannot wait to check it out.

Dark Desert Road by Tim Ayliffe – 6 January 2026

There are quite a few excellent Australian novels coming out in the first half of 2026, but one of the ones I’m most excited for is Dark Desert Road. A new novel from Australian author Tim Ayliffe, who has previously impressed with his John Bailey series, Dark Desert Road will serve as an interesting change of pace from the author, as he provides a more thriller-based narrative around a new protagonist, while also touching on some worrying contemporary issues in Australia. I am extremely curious to see how Dark Desert Road turns out, and I’m hoping to read this book very soon.

City of Others by Jared Poon – 13 January 2026

One very fun debut that I am excited for in the coming months is the amazing sounding fantasy novel City of Others by Jared Poon. A cool urban fantasy set in Singapore, City of Others will follow an overworked bureaucrat tasked with keeping the city’s supernatural population happy while also attempting to stop all of Singapore from disappearing. Due to its entertaining plot and interesting setting, I think this debut has a lot of potential and I am extremely excited to check it out.

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher – 20 January 2026

One of the fantasy novels that I am most excited to read in 2026 is Twelve Months, the long-awaited 18^th book in Jim Butcher’s iconic Dresden Files series. Set in the aftermath of the devastating Battle Ground (one of my favourite books and audiobooks of 2020), Twelve Months will see the grieving wizard protagonist continue to protect Chicago from all manner of dark supernatural threats, while also forced to deal with the complex magical politics infecting his life. I cannot wait to see how this series continues, especially after power reading the entire series after loving Battle Ground (all of which was pretty damn epic, including Dead Beat, Changes and Skin Games, just to name a few). If Butcher continues to feature his usual complex characters, impressive narratives and clever worldbuilding, Twelve Months will easily be another exceptional read, and I am so damn eager to read this new Dresden Files offering.

30Seven by Jeremy Robinson – 20 January 2026

One of the more inventive authors of science fiction thrillers, Jeremy Robinson, is set to have a very successful 2026, with a couple of fantastic novels on the way. The first of these is the particularly awesome novel 30Seven, which has such an epic alien abduction plot. I love the sound of this book, especially as the protagonist will not only have to protect his child from the aliens, but also from a human serial killer who has been abducted alongside them. One of the more distinctive science fiction novels coming out, I already know that 30Seven is going to be awesome and I’m very excited for it.

Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead by K. J. Parker – 27 January 2026

The always entertaining K. J. Parker returns with a cool new comedy fantasy series in 2026, starting with the awesome book Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead. The first book in the Loyal Opposition trilogy, Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead will introduce the trilogy’s titular protagonist, a faithful nun who also serves as her church’s murderous fixer. Tasked with making a meddling princess disappear, Sister Svangerd infiltrates a famed religious conference, only to encounter religious intrigue, murder and revenge, that they need to navigate their mission around. I really love the sound of this book, and I cannot wait to see what over-the-top schemes and plots the protagonist will need to overcome. This is going to be such an epic book, and Parker already has a sequel set for release in May 2026 with Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know, which I also have very high hopes for.

Jigsaw by Jonathan Kellerman – 3 February 2026

Over the last few years, I have come to really enjoy the compelling and unique mysteries of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series. Following two fun protagonists as they attempt to solve some of the more unusual murders in Los Angeles, the long-running Alex Delaware series always provides a fantastic mystery in the new year. Kellerman’s next book is the particularly intriguing sounding Jigsaw that will see the protagonists investigate two seemingly unconnected murders, neither of which are what they seem. I have had such a great time with the previous Alex Delaware novels, and I cannot wait to see how this new book turns out.

Antihero by Gregg Hurwitz – 10 February 2026

Greggy Hurwitz will continue to explore his complex former spy, turned vigilante protagonist Evan Smoake in the upcoming new Orphan X novel, Antihero. Following on from the traumatic events of Nemesis, Antihero will see a further damaged Evan attempt to save a woman in trouble. However, Evan finds himself with an unusual handicap, as his new client doesn’t want him to hurt anyone. I have no doubt that Antihero is going to be one of the more distinctive and emotionally charged entries in an always exceptional series, although I’m a little worried about what trauma Hurwitz puts his protagonist through next.

Pretenders to the Throne of God by Adrian Tchaikovsky – 12 February 2026

While the always impressive Adrian Tchaikovsky has several intriguing novels coming out in early 2026 (including the awesome sounding Green City Wars), the book of his I am most excited for is Pretenders to the Throne of God. The fourth book in Tchaikovsky’s Tyrant Philosophers series, Pretenders to the Throne of God will follow on from City of Last Chances (one of my favourite audiobooks of 2023), House of Open Wounds (one of my favourite books of 2023) and Days of Shattered Faith (one of my favourite books and audiobooks of 2025). This new novel will once again follow a complex group of characters as they attempt to survive the dark expansion of a fanatical militaristic empire, this time centred around the siege of a magical city. The last three books in this series have been amongst the cleverest and most compelling pieces of fantasy fiction I have had the pleasure of reading, and I have no doubt that this upcoming book is going to be just as impressive.

The Hard Line by Mark Greaney – 24 February 2026

The thriller hits keep on coming in early 2026, as we also have a new Gray Man novel from Mark Greaney with The Hard Line. An amazing sounding continuation of this iconic thriller series, The Hard Line will see the protagonist forced to deal with family drama, while also contending with a vengeful assassin who may be even more skilled than he is. This sounds like another particularly incredible inclusion in one of the best ongoing spy thriller series out there, and I cannot wait to see all the elaborate action sequences and clever storytelling The Hard Line is sure to contain.

Red Empire by Jonathan Maberry – 10 March 2026

I doubt anyone familiar with my blog will be too surprised that a new Jonathan Maberry novel is making this list, especially after I have spent the last few weeks talking up Maberry’s most recent release, Cold War. Maberry’s next novel, Red Empire, will be the fifth book in the Rogue Team International series, which itself is a spinoff of the author’s epic Joe Ledger novels. Following on from excellent books like Rage, Relentless, Cave 13 and Burn to Shine, Red Empire will see the protagonists fight against an old enemy determined to unleash unimaginable destruction. This new novel from Maberry sounds pretty damn incredible, and I am very eager to read it, especially as the synopsis promises some big reveals regarding an enigmatic figure who has intrigued fans since the very first Joe Ledger book.

Blindside by Michael Mammay – 24 March 2026

One of the big science fiction novels I’m looking forward to reading in early 2026 is Blindside by the very talented Michael Mammay. Part of the author’s very impressive Planetside series, Blindside will see Mammay’s retired soldier protagonist, Colonel Carl Butler, engage in a new thrilling story when old enemies target those closest to him. However, this time the enemy is ready for Butler’s cowboy antics, and all hell looks set to be unleashed. I am extremely eager to get my hands on Blindside in March, especially after deeply enjoying all the previous Planetside novels like Planetside, Spaceside, Colonyside and Darkside, and I have no doubt this next book is going to be particularly captivating.

First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston – 14 April 2026

One of the more unique fantasy novels on this list is the very entertainingly titled First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston. Johnston, who has previously deeply impressed with over-the-top fantasy novels like The Maleficent Seven and The Last Shield, is going all out again with his new novel, which as the title suggests, will see a group of mages attempt to fly to their moon. Sure to be an extremely epic book that will combine magic with elaborate technology in a war-torn nation, First Mage on the Moon sounds like a particularly unique and crazy read, and I for one cannot wait to check it out.

Dark Sanctuary by Sarah Barrie – 28 April 2026

One of the darker pieces of Australian fiction I am looking forward to in 2026 is the new book from Sarah Barrie, Dark Sanctuary. Barrie, who really impressed me with her Lexi Winter novels (Unforgiven, Retribution, Vendetta and Endgame), looks set to drop another elaborate and twisted thriller in Dark Sanctuary, and I love the cool synopsis for this book that will follow several people dragged into a series of connected crimes. I look forward to seeing what Barrie’s outstanding imagination has cooked up this time, and I feel that Dark Sanctuary has the potential to be one of the top Australian fiction releases of the year.

Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford – 5 May 2026

One of the more unique entries coming out in the coming months is the very entertaining Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford. The fun follow-up to Ford’s amazing 2025 novel, The Bone Raiders, which saw a small group of raiders attempt to keep their freedom by taming giant, fire-breathing lizards to use as mounts, Sisters of the Lizard will continue these character’s adventures, as they face off against new foes and dangers. I already know this is going to be an amazing and highly exciting novel, and I cannot wait to see where Ford takes his unique and extremely funny narrative idea going forward.

Our Lady of Blades by Sebastien de Castell – 12 May 2026

The next entry on this list was one I’d hoped to read last year, however, Our Lady of Blades got pushed back to 2026 (at least we got the bonkers novel The Malevolent Eight in 2025). Luckily, we don’t have too much longer to wait until Our Lady of Blades comes out, and it now looks set to be one of the top fantasy releases of 2026. The next book in de Castell’s Court of Shadows series (part of his larger Greatcoats universe), Our Lady of Blades will follow on from the loosely connected novels Crucible of Chaos and Play of Shadows. Featuring an intriguing story of revenge and redemption in a city obsessed with duels, Our Lady of Blades will feature de Castell’s trademark humour, complex storytelling, and expansion of his elaborate fantasy world. I look forward to seeing how Our Lady of Blades ties into the other Court of Shadows novels, and I have a feeling this is going to be a particularly impressive fantasy highlight of 2026.

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman – 12 May 2026

While I was tempted to include Matt Dinniman’s other planned 2026 novel, Operation Bounce House, on this list, I instead had to feature the epic upcoming novel A Parade of Horribles (cover yet to be released), which is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The eighth book in Matt Dinniman’s exceedingly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, A Parade of Horribles will continue to follow protagonists Carl and his sentient cat Princess Donut, as they attempt to survive the increasingly deadly and utterly bonkers dungeon formed from the detritus of a destroyed Earth. While most of the details about A Parade of Horribles’ plot have yet to be released (it will apparently have a cool race focussed plot, which gives me some awesome Mad Max flashes), you have to know it is going to be something particularly epic and incredible, especially as all the previous novels in the series have been utterly exceptional and brilliantly bonkers. I have so much love for this series after having become irreversibly addicted to it last year (highlights include Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Butcher’s Masquerade and The Eye of the Bedlam Bride), and I am so damn eager to see how this series will continue. I personally am planning to listen to A Parade of Horribles on audiobook (narrated by the insanely talented Jeff Hays), and I cannot wait to see how this new novel unfolds. If you haven’t experienced the Dungeon Crawler Carl series yet, do yourself a favour and check them out on audiobook before A Parade of Horribles comes out, you will not be disappointed!

Ironwood by Michael Connelly – 19 May 2026

One of the last crime fiction books I want to feature on this list has the potential to be one of the best with the next fantastic novel from Michael Connelly, Ironwood. The sequel to his intriguing 2025 novel Nightshade, Ironwood will once again focus on Connelly’s new protagonist Detective Stilwell, as he attempts to solve crimes from his banished post of Catalina Island. However, in this book, he finds himself teaming up with another Connelly protagonist, with Detective Renée Ballard serving as a supporting character. This should result in quite an intense and addictive crime fiction read, and I am particularly keen to read Ironwood as soon as I can.

Mortedant’s Peril by R. J. Barker – 19 May 2026

The penultimate book I want to highlight is the epic new fantasy novel from R. J. Barker, Mortedant’s Peril. An intriguing sounding urban fantasy, Mortedant’s Peril will follow a protagonist hunted throughout his city for reading the final thoughts of the wrong dead man. I have a lot of confidence that Barker is going to pull out something special with this new novel, especially after impressing with all his previous trilogies, and I am confident that Mortedant’s Peril is going to be a top book of 2026.

A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett – 9 June 2026

Perhaps one of the most impressive and addictive new fantasy series from the last two years has been the Shadow of the Leviathan books by Robert Jackson Bennett. An extremely clever and compelling fantasy murder mystery series that sees the chaotic team of an over-enhanced investigator and her faithful assistant, solve impossible crimes in a nation constantly under attack from giant monsters. Both the previous books in this series, The Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption, have been exceptional five-star reads, and I have been eagerly waiting for the next entry in the series ever since I finished the last page of the second Shadow of the Leviathan novel. This third upcoming book, A Trade of Blood (cover yet to be released), will see the protagonist attempt to stop a violent civil war by proving that a member of a powerful family is innocent of a gruesome murder. However, the protagonists soon find themselves dragged into a dark conspiracy against a ruthless opponent determined to destroy the nation. A Trade of Blood sounds just as incredible as the previous two Shadow of the Leviathan novels, and I cannot wait to unwind this latest narrative and it’s no-doubt elaborate and captivating fantasy-based mystery.

Well, that’s the end of this first list. As you can see, there are some mighty impressive novels coming out the first half of this year. All the above entries on this list have an incredible amount of potential and I have a feeling I am going to deeply enjoy every single of one of these great reads. 2026 is going to be an outstanding year for fiction, not only with these amazing books, but because of some of the other ones potentially coming out later this year. I look forward to seeing how all these cool novels turn out, and I think I am going to have an extremely incredible time reading these authors in 2026.

Top Ten Tuesday – My Favourite New-to-Me Authors I read in 2025

On December 10, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn List7 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that currently resides at The Artsy Reader Girl and features bloggers sharing lists on various book topics. The official topic for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday was books set in a snowy place, which while interesting, is something I am putting aside for the moment as I want to continue with my end of year best-of lists, which I started last week when I looked at pre-2025 novels I read this year. instead, this week I will be looking at new-to-me authors I discovered in 2025. This is a list I have covered for the last couple of years (make sure to check out my 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 versions), and it is one that I always have a lot of fun doing.

Each year I am lucky enough to read a great number of awesome novels and this often includes books written by authors whose work I was previously unfamiliar with. 2025 was a particularly good example of this as I powered through an incredible collection of amazing novels written by authors who were completely new to me. Many of these new-to-me authors produced some truly exceptional novels, including one or two which I consider to be some of the best books released in 2025 (more on that later), and I really feel the need to highlight them here.

To appear on this list, the author had to be someone whose work I checked out for the first time in 2025. All new-to-me authors were eligible to appear here, although I did exclude debut authors as I am going to cover them in another list. Even with debuting authors excluded, I still had a ton of potential inclusions, as I apparently got through 21 new authors in 2025. After some hard work, I was able to whittle this down to a manageable top ten list, with my usual generous honourable mentions section. I am really surprised at some of the impressive and enjoyable authors I had to exclude, and I was honestly tempted to increase this to a top twenty list. I managed to resist and I think the below entry really highlights the absolute best new-to-me authors I enjoyed in 2025.

Honourable Mentions:

Adam Christopher – Star Wars: Master of Evil

A talented Star Wars author whose latest book has an interesting look at the newly created Darth Vader. I’m only a little way into Master of Evil now, else Christopher would have likely made the Top Ten list

Matthew Farrer – Warhammer 40,000: Crossfire

An author of some classic Warhammer 40,000 novels, including the exciting early Warhammer crime fiction novel Crossfire. I’m hoping to read more from Farrer next year, especially as I have the two sequels to Crossfire siting on my shelf.

Joe Hill – King Sorrow

Joe Hill is another new-to-me author I have to keep on the honourable mentions list as I’m only partway through his latest book, King Sorrow. Still, I am really enjoying my first experience with Hill’s writing, and King Sorrow is shaping up to being one of the more compelling novels of 2025.

Ryan North – Star Trek: Lower Decks

A fun author who is currently leading the Lower Decks comic series. I loved the first volume of this comic, and I’m hoping to read more soon.

Top Ten List:

Matt Dinniman – Dungeon Crawler Carl series

Without a doubt the biggest new-to-me author in 2025 had to be Matt Dinniman, especially as I fell in love with his epic Dungeon Crawler Carl series. A cool LitRPG series that sees the remnants of humanity forced to fight down multiple levels of a dungeon as a form of entertainment for the rest of the galaxy, the Dungeon Crawler Carl series is pretty damn exceptional, especially as it is loaded up with intense action, awesome mechanics, over-the-top humour, complex characters, and so many entertaining moments. I ended up chain listening to the entire series this year, and all seven books in the series, including Dungeon Crawler Carl, Carl’s Doomsday Scenario, The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, The Gate of the Feral Gods, The Butcher’s Masquerade, The Eye of the Bedlam Bride and This Inevitable Ruin are exceptional five-star reads, and once you start reading this series, you won’t be able to stop. Dinniman is an author I will be reading more of going forward, especially as he has two books coming out in 2026, with a new Dungeon Crawler Carl book, and his standalone novel Operation Bounce House.

Lamar Giles – Star Wars: Sanctuary

I got back into Star Wars fiction in 2025 in a big way, with my favourite book so far (noting I have only made a little progress on Master of Evil) being Sanctuary by Lamar Giles. Giles really impressed me with his first Star Wars novel, especially as Sanctuary was an entertaining addition to the Bad Batch animated series. Following several of the titular clones on another bonkers adventure, Sanctuary was a great novel from Giles, and I loved his fantastic humour, amazing take on the established characters, and the outstanding new villains who were a highlight of the book. I hope Giles writes more Star Wars fiction going forward, as his first full novel in the franchise was really incredible.

Scott Mariani – The Pilgrim’s Revenge

I started reading veteran thriller author Scott Mariani this year, primarily because he started a cool historical fiction series this year, starting with The Pilgrim’s Revenge. An exciting and detailed novel that followed a peasant who chases after King Richard’s crusade to get revenge of the men who killed his wife, The Pilgrim’s Revenge was an outstanding historical novel and a great introduction to Mariani’s writing. I’ve already got a copy of the sequel to The Pilgrim’s Revenge, and I’m hoping to read it before the end of the year.

Adam Plantinga – The Ascent

Another cool thriller author I read for the first time in 2025 was new writer Adam Plantinga, after I finally got the chance to read his debut from last year, The Ascent. A gritty and bloody thriller that sees several entertaining characters attempt to escape through several levels of an out-of-control prison, The Ascent was an extremely exciting and gripping novel that I had an absolute blast with. I’m keen to read more from Plantinga going forward, especially the sequel to The Ascent, Hard Town, and I cannot wait to see what he writes next.

Jackson Ford – The Bone Raiders

I had the very great pleasure of reading my first book from Jackson Ford this year, with The Bone Raiders. A fun author who has previously come up with some outstanding scenarios for his books, Ford is an author I have been meaning to read for a while, and there was no way I could avoid the awesome sounding The Bone Raiders. Following a group of grassland warriors who attempt to defeat an invading army by taming giant fire-breathing lizards, The Bone Raiders was an amazing read that I got really hooked on. I will be grabbing the sequel to The Bone Raiders, Sisters of the Lizard, next year, especially as it sounds just as crazy as the first book.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child – Badlands

For the next entry on this list, I am featuring the pairing of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. While I have read something from Preston before, with last year’s exciting novel Extinction, 2025 was the first year that I read something written by both authors. This long-running writing team’s new novel was awesome crime fiction novel Badlands, which saw the protagonists investigate several suspicious deaths linked by Native American artefacts each victim was holding. Part of Preston and Child’s Nora Kelly series, Badlands was a great read, and I loved the crazy ending and entertaining twists.

Gabriel Bergmoser – High Rise

Gabriel Bergmoser provided all the Australian action I could need when I checked out his 2025 novel, High Rise. An ultra-violent read that sees a former cop and his estranged daughter try to escape from a building full of killers and bounty hunters, High Rise was a very exciting read that I powered through extremely quickly. I really loved this book, and Bergmoser is now an author I will be keeping a close eye on for new, cool novels.

R. F. Kuang – Katabasis

I finally got around to reading something from R. F. Kuang, who has been on my to-read list for a while. Kuang, who has written several very interesting previous books, presented one of the more unique fantasy novels of 2025 with Katabasis, an intriguing and complex book about two academics journey to Hell to recover their professor’s soul. I really enjoyed this impressive and inventive novel, and Kuang really lived up to the hype around her intricate books.

Edward Ashton – Mickey7

A fun road trip gave me my first experience of science fiction author Ashton Edward this year, as I read his entertaining novel, Mickey7. A fun and clever novel about an inadvertent extra clone on a space exploration mission, Mickey7 has always sounded like an amazing read, and I was very glad I got the chance to read it this year. An excellent and highly recommended novel that is worth checking out.

Krysten Ritter (with Lindsay Jamieson) – Retreat

The final new to me author this year is actress Krysten Ritter, who presented her second novel Retreat. A wonderful and compelling thriller about a con artist who takes over a client’s rich social life, only to encounter murder, plots and snobby neighbours, Retreat was a great read with some fun twists to it. I ended up really enjoying this book from Ritter, and it will be interesting to see what other cool novels this actress/author will produce in the future.

Well, that’s the end of this latest Top Ten list. I think it turned out rather well and it encapsulates some of the best new authors I checked out in 2025. I look forward to reading more books from these authors in the future and I have no doubt they will produce more epic and incredible reads. Make sure to let me know which new authors you enjoyed in 2025 in the comments below and make sure to check back next week for another exciting end of 2025 list.

Canberra Weekly Column – Fantasy Fiction – 18 September 2025

On December 10, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn Canberra Weekly Column, FantasyLeave a comment

Originally published in the Canberra Weekly on 18 September 2025.

Make sure to check out my extended reviews of The Bone Raiders, Born of an Iron Storm and Katabasis.

Waiting on Wednesday – Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford

On November 29, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn Fantasy, Waiting on Wednesday5 Comments

Welcome to my weekly segment, Waiting on Wednesday, where I look at upcoming books that I am planning to order and review in the next few months and which I think I will really enjoy. Stay tuned to see reviews of these books when I get a copy of them. In this latest Waiting on Wednesday, I highlight a very fun upcoming fantasy sequel with the awesome sounding Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford

Earlier this year I had the great pleasure of reading the very entertaining fantasy novel, The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford. The first book in Ford’s Rakada series, The Bone Raiders followed a small band of grassland raiders and outcasts who came up with the bold plan to train giant, fire-breathing lizards and ride them into battle against the encroaching armies of the Great Khan. The resulting carnage, which include battles, betrayals, unlikely romance, and some entertaining lizard riding antics, was extremely fun, and I had an absolute blast getting through this fantastic read.

Upon finishing The Bone Raiders, I was very curious to see where Ford was going to take the series next, especially after some interesting reveals towards the end of the story. Well, it looks like fans of this novel are going to get answers soon, as Ford has a sequel coming out in May 2026.

This sequel, which has the amusing title of Sisters of the Lizard, will once again follow the raiders from the first book, the titular Rakada, as they continue their chaotic life on the grasslands, now with several giant lizards for protection. However, things look set to become complicated once again, with war, invading armies, a vengeful khan and sick lizards all coming for the protagonist.

Plot Synopsis:

Following The Bone Raiders comes the next thrilling new novel set in the world of the Rakada: an edge-of-your-seat, action-packed epic fantasy series, where a wild band of raiders harness the power of gigantic, fire-breathing lizards to defend their homeland.

All Sayana wanted was to enjoy her life in the rolling grasslands of the Tapestry. After she and her fellow Rakada managed to ride humongous fire-breathing lizards to face down the Great Khan’s army, they should have been able to kick back a little for once. Not too much to ask, right?

Instead, the Tapestry is in turmoil – invading armies threaten, the other raider clans are at war, and inside his fortress city of Karkorum, the Khan broods and plots. What’s more, the Rakada’s giant lizards are getting sick, and they have no idea how to cure them. If they die, there’s no telling what might happen to the Tapestry.

But then the Rakada receive a vision – apparently from the gods. A deep emerald pool surrounded by bone-white sands – one that may be able to heal their lizards. With no other option, the raiders set out on an epic quest across the mountains and into the desert.

But the danger that awaits them will be one greater than they’ve ever faced before. These guys really can’t catch a break.

I really love the sound of this upcoming sequel, especially as Ford is expanding on a lot of the interesting open story elements from the first book in Sisters of the Lizard. Focussing on the consequences of the protagonist’s actions from The Bone Raiders should make for quite an intense read, especially with all the betrayals, wars and revenge that is likely coming their way. The excellent cover of the book seems to indicate that a certain former Rakada member is going to make a return in this novel as an antagonist, and I’m sure that will lead to some particularly dramatic scenes. I also am curious to see how the author will expand on some of the lore around the giant lizards in this sequel, and it should be fun to see how much the protagonists and their unlikely mounts have evolved since the events of the first book.

Overall, I am quite excited to read Sisters of the Lizard in the new year, and I think it has a lot of potential. Ford really impressed me with his entertaining and compelling 2025 novel, and this intriguing sequel will likely be just as good. An awesome and no-doubt deeply compelling upcoming novel I’m really looking forward to.

The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford

On October 12, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn Fantasy5 Comments

Publisher: Orbit (Trade Paperback – 12 August 2025)

Series: The Rakada – Book One

Length: 470 pages

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Prepare for one of the most entertaining, thrilling and over-the-top fantasy novels of 2025 with the intensely fun novel, The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford.

Jackson Ford is a compelling author who has written an interesting array of outrageous novels over the years. Probably best known for The Frost Files series, which followed a telekinetic protagonist as she got in all manner of trouble, Ford has also released several fantastic science fiction novels under the name Rob Boffard. I have been hoping to read some of Ford’s books for a while now, and I decided to finally take the plunge with his latest release, The Bone Raiders. The first book in the author’s new The Rakada series, The Bone Raiders sounded extremely cool thanks to its entertaining plot and fun cover, and I couldn’t wait to dive into it.

In the grasslands of the Tapestry, raider bands used to run free as the supreme force of the wilds, pillaging towns and caravans at their leisure. However, the glory days of the raiders are over, thanks to the rise of a new Great Khan with a vision to have all the people of his realm living under his thumb. From his capital in Karkorum, the Great Khan has organised the slow destruction of anyone living in the Tapestry, with his mighty armies killing all who defy him.

Of the remaining raiders, none are as feared as the Rakada. Better known as the Bone Raiders, the members of the Rakada are deadly fighters capable of fighting off most threats in the Tapestry. However, their greatest weapon is their carefully cultivated reputation, gained by adorning their armour with the bones of the few people stupid enough to fight them. But after the constant battles to escape the Khan’s armies, the Rakada only have a few raiders left. With little food or viable targets to raid, the future of the Rakada looks grim, until a chance encounter with an araatan, a giant, fire-breathing lizard, gives young Rakada scout Sayana a bright idea.

After falling on the back of an araatan and accidently guiding its wild rampage to save the lives of her comrades, Sayana believes that these creatures are the future for her band. Determined to find and train an araatan to be the ultimate combat mount, Sayana forcefully enlists the help of a legendary animal trainer from the capital. However, coming up with the plan is one thing, but actually learning to ride the giant beasts without being burned alive is a very different proposition. Worse, thanks to Sayana’s actions, the Rakada soon find themselves being hunted by the Great Khan’s ruthless right-hand, who wants her kidnapped sister returned to her. To survive the vengeful onslaught coming their way and have any chance at a future, Sayana and her band will need to do the impossible and learn to ride the araatan or die trying.

Ford really did not disappoint with The Bone Raiders, as this awesome novel was everything I had hoped for. Loaded with slick action, entertaining characters, and a particularly epic fantasy premise, The Bone Raiders was a fiery blast of fun from start to finish. Working extremely well as the first book in the author’s new The Rakada series, The Bone Raiders was a great fantasy read with a lot of unique heart to it.

I have a lot of love for Ford’s ambitious and particularly awesome plot idea for The Bone Raiders, which saw a small band of badass, bone-covered female raiders attempt to change the status quo of their land by taming walking dragons, which frankly sounds a little out there, but which the author really makes work. Starting off with a raid which goes bad very fast, Ford provides an excellent opening for The Bone Raiders, which features great character introductions amongst an unfortunate ambush and the sudden appearance of a giant fire breathing lizard, whom one of the protagonists, Sayana, inadvertently rides to save the day. I really enjoyed how Ford quickly and effectively provided all the key details about this new fantasy universe, and some of the unique characters who inhabit it in this scene, and you get a great sense of the author’s style and humour here. This opening sequence soon leads to Sayana coming up with the ambitious plan to train the araatan and ride them into battle against the Khan’s forces. Forced to commit some light kidnapping of an additional supporting character, the protagonist is soon on her way to commit her plan, despite the worries of the Rakada’s leader.

While the protagonists attempt to gain the trust of a wounded araatan, Ford ups the stakes of The Bone Raiders’ plot through the sinister perspective of the book’s main antagonist Yesuntei. Yesuntei proves to be an excellent complex villain for this first novel, and her deadly hunt for the Rakada leads to all manner of trouble. Following some excellent sequences in the middle of the book, including a flooded raid and a brutal battle interrupted by sudden araatan attack, The Bone Raiders goes full throttle into its impressive final third, as Ford really amps up the action. Thanks to a well-executed betrayal, the protagonists enter a particularly dark spiral which can only be resolved by a truly desperate plan. As you can imagine in a book about first-time dragon tamers, things get crazy in this final section, including an all-out battle sequence with some true carnage. I loved how all the key story elements of this book come together in this final scene, and it truly was the chaotic ending The Bone Raiders’ deserves. Finishing off with a final foreshadowed reveal that sets up for some interesting continuation to the series, The Bone Raiders was so much fun to read, and I love its highly entertaining story.

I really enjoyed how this novel came together, and Ford clearly had a lot of fun writing The Bone Raiders, as the book featured a light-hearted style that expertly matched its over-the-top story. Bringing together a great blend of high-octane action, chaotic characters and amusing humour, there is a lot to love and laugh about The Bone Raiders, as Ford tries to reach those readers who love a more comedic tilt to their epic fantasy. However, there is far more to The Bone Raiders than that, as the author cleverly inserts inventive world building, subtle messaging, and some devastating emotional stakes around a particularly powerful cast. All this captivating complexity is well showcased through three separate perspective characters, each of which provides a different take on the events of the book, including the main antagonist’s hunt for the protagonists. Combine this with Ford’s excellent ability to pull together an over-the-top sequence of events, including several with araatan-riding shenanigans, and this was a very entertaining read that makes great use of the author’s complex and emotional writing.

One of the things that makes The Bone Raiders work so well is the varied and unique characters featured within the plot. Ford does an amazing job of breaking the story up between three fantastic main figures, and there is some compelling character development which adds to the complex emotional intensity of this crazy novel. Of these, the main protagonist is Sayana, a young scout of the Rakada, who ran away from a life of privilege to be free. The idealistic and determined Sayana proves to be a great catalyst for many of the book’s main plot elements, and Ford provides some interesting character interactions amongst her plans, especially as she finds romance, rejection and the resentment of her chief in the same place. The author writes an excellent arc around Sayana as she attempts to find herself, while also providing some hints at her past and who she truly is. While I saw the big reveal about Sayana coming, it was still fun and should lead to some additional glorious carnage in the future.

While much of the focus of the plot is around Sayana, you also get some excellent chapters from the perspective of her fellow raider, Hogelun. The Rakada’s muscle and brawler, Hogelun was an interesting choice for a secondary perspective figure, but it was one that worked well. A straightforward figure, Hogelun provides some interesting alternate viewpoints to the plot, while also trying to deal with a complex romantic relationship. Ford works in an excellent storyline about Hogelun finding her confidence and not letting others think for her, and I really enjoyed seeing her opinion on the chaotic events of the plot. While Hogelun is fun, my favourite point-of-view character was the antagonist, Yesuntei. A deadly figure who serves as the Great Khan’s right-hand, bringing about his vision, Yesuntei is resolutely determined to achieve her master’s goal. However, when her sister is kidnapped by the Rakada, she risks everything to recover her, including returning to her war-crime roots. Yesuntei ends up being a very worthy villain for this book, especially as Ford slowly strips away her veneer of control to showcase the deranged figure within. Ford also increases the audiences dislike of this character by showing the layers to her manipulations, especially towards her sister, that are cleverly revealed as the book continues. This helps turn Yesuntei into an excellent antagonist for this novel, and I was impressed with how Ford wrote her alternate perspective.

Of the remaining cast I need to highlight, one of the more significant is the eagle hunter, Tuya. Yesuntei’s sister, Tuya’s affinity for training and controlling animals sees her kidnapped by Sayana and Hogelun to help in their wild plan. Tuya proves to be one of the few truly selfless figures in the entire novel, and she proves to be a clever foil to both Sayana and Yesuntei, calling them out on their faults. Ford writes a great storyline around Tuya getting her freedom, and her reactions and motivations are some of the more realistic in the entire book. I also must highlight the other members of the Rakada, each of whom play a great role. The Rakada chief, Chimeg, was a great pillar of wisdom for the book, even if her advice is ignored by the others, and Ford writes a great story around her weariness of the fight, especially after so many defeats and setbacks. The archer Erhi was another great inclusion as the brains of the Rakada, as well as Hogelun love interest, and her complex narrative has some definite ups and downs. Finally, there is the particularly awesome final member of the Rakada, Khun, a seemingly crazy raider who joined the Rakada and has been having fun ever since. Khun is the book’s chaotic centre, and there were some hilarious scenes involving her. However, as with the rest of the cast, Khun has a dark past that is cleverly revealed by Ford as the book progresses, and which helps to make the already entertaining Khun a favourite character. All these great figures and their complicated development help to enhance the book’s amazing and epic plot, and I really appreciate how Ford uses them to make The Bone Raiders into something special.

With some brilliant chaotic energy, amazing action and a great sense of fun, Jackson Ford blazes into an awesome new series with The Bone Raiders. An outstanding novel, The Bone Raiders was a highly addictive read that effortlessly keeps the reader’s attention. I had an incredible time reading The Bone Raiders, and I cannot wait to see how The Rakada series progresses going forward. The recently announced sequel, Sisters of the Lizard, is already a highly anticipated 2026 fantasy release for me, and if it’s as entertaining as The Bone Raiders, I already know I’m in for a good time.

WWW Wednesday – 10 September 2025

On September 12, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn WWW Wednesday2 Comments

WWW Wednesday is a weekly post hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

So, let’s get to it.

What are you currently reading:

Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (ebook)

I just started reading the fascinating new fantasy novel, Katabasis by acclaimed author R. F. Kuang in the next week. A curious and intense novel from a rising star in fantasy fiction, Katabasis has an intriguing plot about two rival students who must journey to hell to save their professor’s soul. I’ve made a good dent in Katabasis so far and I’m hoping to knock it off in the next week.

Born of an Iron Storm by Anthony Ryan (Audiobook)

I’ve also started listening to the excellent fantasy novel Born of an Iron Storm by Anthony Ryan. The sequel to last year’s A Tide of Black Steel, Born of an Iron Storm continues the great story from the first book, as several compelling characters attempt to survive an oncoming invasion from a previously hidden nation. While I haven’t made as much progress on A Tide of Black Steel as I had hoped this week, it is proving to be an outstanding listen, and I cannot wait to see where Ryan takes this epic tale of war, betrayal and hidden history.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis (ebook)

I had an outstanding time finishing off the compelling Australian crime fiction novel, The Stolen by Vikki Petraitis this week. The sequel to Petraitis’s previous novel, The Unbelieved, The Stolen was an exceptional novel that covered some highly relevant social issues.

The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford (Paperback)

I also had a lot of fun getting through The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford. An exciting and highly entertaining fantasy novel about grassland raiders who attempt to train fire-breathing giant lizards to win a war, The Bone Raiders was a fantastic read that is really worth checking out. Review to hopefully follow soon.

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett (Audiobook)

A recent road trip gave me time to relisten to the classic Discworld novel, Wyrd Sisters. An outstanding early entry in the series from Terry Pratchett, Wyrd Sisters was so much fun to get through again, and I still love its clever story.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson

The next book that I am hoping to check out is the fun Australian murder mystery, Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson. The next book in the outstanding Ernest Cunningham series, Everyone in this Bank is a Thief looks set to be another hilarious and clever read, and I’m looking forward to checking it out.

That’s it for this week; check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.

Book Haul – 21 July 2025

On July 21, 2025 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

I’ve had an excellent couple of weeks for books, as I was lucky enough to receive several incredible and amazing new novels from local publishers and Netgalley. These novels include some truly awesome new releases, including books that have the potential to be some of my top reads of the year. I cannot wait to dive into them, and I so excited to see how they all turn out.

The Last Soul Among Wolves by Melissa Caruso

The first new book I want to highlight is the excellent fantasy novel, The Last Soul Among Wolves by Melissa Caruso. The sequel the Caruso’s 2024 novel, The Last Hour Between Worlds, The Last Soul Among Wolves looks set to be another gripping fantasy mystery as the protagonist tries to survive a will reading that has been made livelier by a deadly curse. Sure to be one of the more compelling and complex fantasy reads of 2025, I cannot wait to check this book out.

Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

I was also extremely happy to receive a copy of one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of 2025 with Katabasis by R. F. Kuang. A cool dark academia fantasy novel that will see two rival students got to Hell to retrieve their professor’s soul, Katabasis has a ton of potential, and I am very excited to read my first book from Kuang, whose books have been high on my to-read list for a while.

The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford

One of the more insane and entertaining books I have recently received is the fantastic and fun novel, The Bone Raiders. Written by rising author Jackson Ford, The Bone Raiders will see a group of bone-clad raiders attempt to survive an oncoming invasion by taming giant, fire-breathing lizards that stalk the steppes with them. I really love the sound of this book’s awesome plot, and I have no doubt that The Bone Raiders will be a particularly epic read.

End Game by Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Archer brings his William Warwick series to an end later this year with End Game. The eighth book in the series, End Game will see the final battle the protagonist and his mortal enemy, all while trying to stop an assassin using the 2012 London Olympic games as cover. I am really looking forward to seeing how this series comes to an end, and End Game should be a particularly awesome read.

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

An explosive and cool YA fantasy debut from Australian author Mikayla Bridge, Of Flame and Fury follows a team of phoenix racers as they attempt to win big while getting dragged into an elaborate conspiracy. A fun book that I am currently reading at the moment, Of Flame and Fury is proving to be a fantastic novel, and I am excited to see how it comes together.

The Scene of the Crime by Lynda La Plante

A cool, CSI based series from one of England’s leading crime fiction authors, Lynda La Plante.

Death at Booroomba by A. L. Booth

A rural, post-World War I Australian crime fiction novel, Death at Booroomba is a compelling sounding novel that will see a scarred veteran attempt to settle into a remote property he inherited, only to be accused of murdering the land’s previous owner by the suspicious locals. I have a feeling Death at Booroomba is going to be an excellent piece of Australian fiction and I’m hoping to read it soon.

How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates

Another particularly awesome and unique sounding novel I have recently received is the thriller How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates. Set around a controversial party on an isolated island that soon becomes a bloody mess, How Bad Things Can Get sounds like a ball of gruesome fun, and I am really keen to check this incredible book out.

Legacy by Chris Hammer

A particularly exciting new book from one of Australia’s leading thriller authors.

Agricola: Commander by Simon Turney

The final book I was lucky enough to recently receive is the third book in the Agricola series by Simon Turney, Commander. Following the early life of the legendary Roman general as he returns to Britannia to make a name for himself, Commander should be an outstanding read and I’m keen to check it out.

Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post. As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in. Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.