Throughout this newsletter, I have always said that reading should be about pleasure, not numbers. That is why I am happy to show you all that I only read three books this month. Life got in the way.
Mythos - Stephen Fry ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Stephen Fry’s Mythos is a fascinating retelling of the classics that breathes vibrant, witty life into the ancient Greek myths. Fry approaches these age-old tales of gods, monsters, and mortals with a deep love and a dry, modern humour that makes them incredibly accessible.
As an experience, it is incredibly easy to listen to. The prose flows beautifully, and the sheer joy Fry has for the subject matter is infectious. However, Greek mythology is famously complex, packed with a staggering number of characters, shifting alliances, and overlapping genealogies. Because of all that information, I found myself thinking I might have been better off reading it than listening to it. It is a lot to take in as an audiobook, and there were times when I wished I could flip back a few pages to double-check a family tree or a specific god’s lineage.
That being said, the audiobook format has one massive, unbeatable selling point: Stephen Fry reads it. His performance is flawless. He voices the petulant Olympian gods and the tragic mortals with distinct, theatrical personalities, making the entire journey feel like a cosy, fireside storytelling session.
If you are looking for a brilliant, accessible primer on Greek mythology, this is a masterpiece. Just be prepared for a massive influx of names and details—and perhaps keep a notepad handy, or pair the audiobook with a physical copy so you can fully appreciate the incredible depth of Fry’s research!
Sweet Thursday - John Steinbeck ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
There is a distinct, nostalgic pleasure in returning to the world of Monterey with John Steinbeck’s Sweet Thursday. It was absolutely lovely to spend time with these characters again, revisiting the eccentric, colourful cast of the post-war Cannery Row. Checking in on Doc, Hazel, and the rest of the gang felt like catching up with old friends after a long absence.
That being said, I have to admit that I didn’t like it quite as much as Cannery Row. Where the first book felt like a series of effortless, beautifully drifting vignettes, this sequel has a slightly more structured, almost romantic-comedy plot that didn’t capture the same lightning in a bottle for me.
However, in fairness to Steinbeck, that might be more about my reading mood than the book itself. Sometimes we pick up a book wanting a very specific atmosphere, and if our headspace doesn’t align with the story’s tempo, it can alter our overall enjoyment.
Sweet Thursday is undeniably charming, whimsical, and written with Steinbeck’s trademark empathy and humour, so it may simply deserve another look when my reading appetite is in a different place.
Ultimately, it remains a delightful, easy-going companion piece to a classic. If you love the characters of Cannery Row, it is still a journey well worth taking to see where life’s currents have carried them.
Mad Ship - Robin Hobb ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I am absolutely blown away by this book. Having now fully immersed myself in this world, I can confidently say that this trilogy is so much better than the first (The Farseer Trilogy). The scale, the ambition, and the sheer depth of what Robin Hobb is doing here is on an entirely different level.
There is so much to unpack on such a deep level with the world-building and the lore. Hobb doesn’t just build a fantasy setting; she crafts an ancient, living history that slowly unravels before your eyes. The characters are brilliant, and having even more of them take centre stage for this instalment made the narrative feel incredibly rich. In particular, I love the Rain Wild Traders—their unique culture, their mysterious environment, and their physical transformations add a fascinating dimension to the story.
I’ve noticed a real pattern in my reading lately: I don’t know what it is about fantasy, but in almost all the series I have loved, the second book has always been my favourite. Whether it’s the escalating stakes, the familiarity with the cast, or the expansion of the world, Mad Ship perfectly fits this trend. The addition of complex political intrigue adds another fantastic layer for me, transforming the story from a seafaring adventure into a high-stakes struggle for power and survival.
My original plan was to pace myself and read this trilogy slowly over the course of the year. However, Hobb’s writing has completely ruined that plan! I am itching to move onto the last in the trilogy immediately. Yet, at the same time, I feel a wave of sadness knowing that I won’t spend any more time with them once it’s over.
This book is that rare thing that left me totally satisfied and completely immersed in the world. It is a flawless masterclass in epic fantasy, and I am utterly captivated.
What was your favourite read of June?