The Book Club

Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama is a beautifully structured debut of twelve interwoven stories centred on a small Tokyo cafe. Translated by E. Madison Shimoda and published in 2026, this is Japanese literary fiction at its most warmly, quietly human.

Talisman Nexus by Aaron Ryan is a powerful sci-fi sequel blending alien mythology with raw family drama. This detailed, spoiler-free book review explores its themes, characters, and why it stands out in the genre.

"Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict" is a richly researched dual-timeline novel that connects the 1920s discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb to the forgotten reign of Egypt's first female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Is it Benedict's best work yet?

Is Beneath by Ariel Sullivan worth reading before Conform? This in-depth, spoiler-free review covers the characters, world-building, slow-burn romance, and pacing of Sullivan's 2026 prequel — plus book recommendations for fans of Red Rising, Daughter of No Worlds, and The Hunger Games.

Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher is a 2026 gothic horror novel about scientific obsession, parasitic dread, and survival in 1899 Carolina. Beautifully written, unsettling, and highly recommended for fans of literary horror and historical dark fiction.

Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent is the second book in the Villain series. We break down what makes Vaughn and Yulian's dark MM romance work, what holds it back, how it fits alongside Kiss the Villain, and whether it's worth reading if you're new to Rina Kent's Legacy of Gods world.

Hooked by Asako Yuzuki is the gripping new novel from the internationally bestselling author of Butter. Translated by Polly Barton, this psychological literary fiction explores obsession, female identity, and the quiet violence of social performance in contemporary Japan. Essential reading for lovers of Japanese literary fiction.