As we are halfway through the year, I thought it would be fun to look at my top five reads to date. I am pretty sure that these will change by the end of the year; at least, I hope so, or it could be a pretty dismal last half.
You can find full reviews of these books on my reading tab, but here are the five that I consider my best reads and why they have stayed in my heart. In no particular order.
Ship of Magic & Mad Ship — Robin Hobb
I am going to put the first two together as they come from a series. For me, Mad Ship has that added 1%. This is because I love second books in fantasy series; the first sets the scene, and you meet the characters, whereas the second is where the world-building happens.
This is the second trilogy in the Realm of the Elderlings series. I had planned to read this trilogy in 2026, but I’ve nearly finished it. I’ve already bought the next trilogy, which I can’t wait to start.
Robin Hobb is a master of character development, and you even find yourself relating and empathising with the despicable as well as the heartwarming. These books tell the story of the Bingtown Traders, mainly the Vestritt family, who have a liveship, a ship that can interact and talk to you. The ships are as much of a character as the two-legged humans. One of my favourite characters in the book is Paragon, the slightly immature liveship.
For fans of the Farseer Trilogy, there is an unusual cameo in the book, but see if you can spot it.
If you love fantasy, alongside characters you learn to love and watch grow, then this is a must-read. Start with the Farseer Trilogy and move on to The Liveship Traders.
Burning Bright — John Steinbeck
This is a very short novella by Steinbeck, but it packs just as much punch as East of Eden. Some of the reasons I love this book are personal; at its heart, it deals with the issue of parenting, regardless of genetics.
This unique book is told over three acts, each set in a different location, but featuring the same characters and continuing the story. It’s a must-read, and you can finish it in one sitting at only 90 pages.
Out of all Steinbeck’s novels, this is possibly talked about the least, but it sits right up there with East of Eden and Of Mice and Men for me.
The Will of the Many — James Islington
It is hard to sit here and know what to say about The Will of the Many. This tells the story of Vis, who must infiltrate the enemy and pretend to be one of them to survive and gain revenge. The world-building and concept are incredible, and if you like books set in academic settings, this is a must-read. I could not put this book down from the first page to the last, with all its twists and turns.
So, why is it hard to write about?
Because, having read this, I could not wait to read the second in the series, The Strength of the Few, and I hated it. I DNF’d it at 150 pages. The second book lacks the amazing qualities of the first. I’m happy to stop at the first book, but I’m disappointed that it didn’t improve throughout the series.
Blood Over Brighthaven — M.L. Wang
If you are looking for a standalone fantasy novel with engaging characters and amazing world-building, then this is for you. M.L. Wang’s intricate and mysterious tale is captivating and impossible to put down.
This is one of the only books that made goosebumps stand out on my arm during one of the twists. It is a masterclass of storytelling.
I would urge anyone to pick this up, even if you are not into fantasy, as this will have you hooked from the first page and leave you thinking about issues that relate to our world as well as this fantasy one.
There you have it: my five favourite books from 2026. What has been your favourite read of the year so far?
Murder Mayhem UK Articles This Week
Drop me a comment: Have you read any of the books mentioned let me know in the comments.
Subscribe today: If you enjoyed this article then consider subscribing for more