Reading List for 2026
I picked twelve titles at the start of 2025 that I planned to read during the course of the year and I’m sticking with that number for 2026. Some of my 2025 books have been rolled forward into this year, including two I’m in the middle of reading now.
You can keep track of my reading and the books I recommend on Goodreads. I’m also a resident book reviewer on the Page Chewing and Spotlight Indie blogs. In addition, I do a round up every summer here on my blog of my reading over the past twelve months where I highlight my favourites. Some of those listed below are bound to be featured in that.
A Time of Dread by John Gwynne
ROLLED FORWARD/CURRENT READ
John Gwynne was a huge influence on me as a writer and I read his debut series, The Faithful and the Fallen, whilst writing my own. I loved how he used traditional fantasy tropes whilst also giving them a fresh spin as well as the epic sweep of his storylines. Exploring more of Gwynne’s writing was long overdue, so I’m now reading A Time of Dread which kicks off his follow-up Blood and Bone trilogy.
Land by Bjørn Larssen
ROLLED FORWARD/CURRENT READ
Children by Bjørn Larssen was my introduction into the world of independent fantasy and I’ve not looked back since. Larssen has incredible range as a writer and I’ve enjoyed his other works but I’m really pleased he’s now continued his alternative take on Norse myth in the Ten Worlds Cycle with Land. Larssen’s writing stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Wrath of a Hungry God by Sean Crow
ROLLED FORWARD
Crow’s debut, Godless Lands, was one of my favourite reads in the second half of 2024. In a bleak world ravaged by blight and disease his compelling characters cling on to hope in the face of adversity. Crow has now finished his trilogy, so I need to read the second book, Wrath of a Hungry God, and move on to complete the series.
A Ritual of Flesh by Lee C Conley
ROLLED FORWARD
A Ritual of Bone was the first full-length novel I’d read by Lee C Conley and I loved the tone of the book and its fusion of fantasy and horror. This is a series I’m keen to continue, especially as that first book ended on something of a cliffhanger!
The Broken Sword by LL MacRae
LL MacRae’s imaginative Dragon Spirits series concluded in 2025 with the release of The Broken Sword to rave reviews. Having loved the first two books, this was an automatic pick for my 2026 reading list.
Lonely Castles by SA Tholin
The follow up to the 2021-22 SPSFC winning title, Iron Truth, Lonely Castles by SA Tholin continues the military sci-fi adventures of Joy and Cassimer. Iron Truth really surprised me and was one of my favourite reads last year, so I’m looking forward to continuing Tholin’s Primaterre series in 2026.
A Black Dragon on Red by PL Stuart
I’m a big fan of PL Stuart’s A Drowned Kingdom Saga. The sixth book , A Black Dragon on Red, is due out in the Spring of 2026. After the heartbreak at the end of the fifth book, A Pack of Wolves, I’m intrigued to find out what happens next.
The Sound of Change by Steve D Wall
The Way of Renegades was a title I picked up on Audible. I thought Steve D Wall’s debut was great and I loved the narration by Steven Pacey. The sequel, The Sound of Change, is my audiobook pick for 2026 and I’ll be writing my review of The Way of Renegades very soon.
Petition by Delilah Waan
I’ve been meaning to read Delilah Waan’s writing for a long time, having heard lots of good things about this book. It’s another title which has been sitting on my eReader for far too long, so I’m going to prioritise this one in 2026.
The Dregs by Thomas J Devens
I picked up the audiobook version of Devens’ novella The Scroungers, which was narrated by RJ Bayley, earlier this year and really enjoyed it. This companion novella in his Vermin of the Old Empire series of interconnected standalones makes the list in 2026 as I’m eager to continue exploring his grimdark fantasy world.
The Horror in the Hills by Owain Oakwood
Owain Oakwood’s books fall into the comfort read category for me, and I particularly enjoy picking them up in the winter months. His fusion of eldritch horror and comedy set in the Peak District is so much fun. He’s now written his first novel featuring the character of his paranormal investigator Argana Zeit. I’m going to read the last short story collection before moving on to her first full-length adventure.
Scuttler’s Cove by David Barnett
David Barnett’s 2024 English folk horror novel Withered Hill was my top book last year. He’s continued to explore this theme with Scuttler’s Cove, a horror story which takes place in the seemingly idyllic setting of Cornwall. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
I hope this blog and my upcoming reviews inspire you to pick up some of these titles and give these amazing writers a try. If you’ve read any of these stories or have any other recommendations please do leave a comment below.
