There Is Only Light

Books of 2026

Yeah, I’m retired, I read a LOT. And, as you’ll see, mostly speculative fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. I also re-read a lot - my neurodivergent brain enjoys familiar stories.

I was a “serious” reader when younger and read a lot of dead white dudes and when I was working on my masters and PhD. But now, I don’t need or want to impress anyone - reading is to expand my mind, to escape, to contemplate a world where “there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (from Shakespeare’s Hamlet). Also, figure I’ve always got one of Martha Wells’ Murderbot audiobooks - narrated by the excellent Kevin R. Free - playing.

dnf = did not finish - either didn’t enjoy it or just not the right time to read it

#January

• An Immense World by Ed Yong audiobook
• The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
• The Wizard Hunters / The Fall of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells
• The Ships of Air / The Fall of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells
• The Gate of Gods / The Fall of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells
• Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz audiobook
• Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree audiobook
• Lost by Sarah Beth Durst
• Shifter and Shadow by Sharon Shinn
• Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree audiobook
• The Keeper of Magical Things dnf
• Dust / Jacob’s Ladder by Elizabeth Bear
• Chill / Jacob’s Ladder by Elizabeth Bear
• Grail / Jacob’s Ladder by Elizabeth Bear
• Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree audiobook

February

• The Queen of Blood / The Queens of Renthia by Sarah Beth Durst
• The Reluctant Queen / The Queens of Renthia by Sarah Beth Durst audiobook
• The Queen of Sorrow / The Queens of Renthia by Sarah Beth Durst

#reading