AUTHOR: Brandon Sanderson
GENRE: Fantasy, Novella

The Emperor's Soul might be short but it’s honestly one of the smartest fantasy stories I’ve read in a while. I didn’t expect a novella to feel this layered. It’s mostly set in a single room, built around conversations, philosophy, and quiet tension and yet it never once feels small.

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What really impressed me was the concept of Forgery. The idea that you can rewrite an object’s history and in this case, an Emperor’s entire soul, is such a clever exploration of identity. The story doesn’t just treat magic as spectacle; it uses it to ask deeper questions. If someone could have been different based on small shifts in their past, is that version fake? Or just another possibility?

Shai as a character completely carried the story for me. She’s confident in her craft, sharp, always thinking ahead but not arrogant. I could feel how deeply she believes in the art of what she does. Watching her clash ideologically with Gaotona was just as interesting as the central plot itself. It felt like a battle of belief systems, not swords.

And for something this short, the emotional payoff lands surprisingly well. The ending doesn’t explode. And that quiet resolution makes it even more satisfying. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause and think after you’re done. For a novella, this is honestly brilliant. Tight, meaningful, and beautifully executed.

Smash Hit Score: 4.5/5

🌀 The Cosmere / Book Universe

AUTHOR: Brandon Sanderson
GENRE: Fantasy

Elantris is my entry point into the Cosmere, and honestly, it turned out to be a really exciting place to start! What immediately stood out to me was the magic system (yeah, I’d heard amazing things about it previously); the way Sanderson explains and builds it felt genuinely fresh. I never once had that “haven’t I read this before?” feeling. Instead, I was constantly curious about how things worked and why they had broken in the first place.

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The themes of the book really worked for me too. Beneath all the magic and politics, Elantris talks a lot about power, belief, leadership and how societies treat people once they’re no longer “useful.” At times, it felt uncomfortably close to the real world; especially in how religion, fear, and control can shape entire systems. That grounding made the story feel more meaningful than just a fantasy adventure.

Character-wise, I was pleasantly surprised. Raoden, Sarene, and Hrathen all felt distinct and well written, each carrying their own internal struggles and moral questions. Even the antagonists weren’t just “evil for the sake of it,” which I really appreciated. Watching these characters move through political tension, personal loss and big ideological conflicts kept me invested throughout.

Since this is my first step into the Cosmere, I didn’t know what to expect but this book definitely made me curious about the larger universe. I could feel that there’s something bigger at play beyond just this one story and that sense of scale is very exciting rather than overwhelming.

Smash Hit Score: 4/5

Elantris is a smart, well-thought-out fantasy with a unique magic system and strong themes, and it’s made me genuinely excited about continuing my Cosmere journey. Next up for me: the Mistborn Trilogy and I honestly can’t wait!

💫 The Cosmere

AUTHOR: Leigh Bardugo
GENRE: Fantasy

Rule of Wolves wraps up the Nikolai duology and in many ways, the larger Grishaverse too. Ofcourse I was too excited to pick up this one and was genuinely curious to see how everything would end, especially after the wild setup in King of Scars. There’s a lot riding on this book: wars, politics, power struggles and emotional closure for characters we’ve been following for years. And while it does deliver on scale, it also feels… heavy.

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The story jumps between Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina, and each of them has a lot to deal with. Nikolai’s internal battle, Zoya’s rise into something far more powerful and Nina’s dangerous mission in Fjerda all felt important and well thought out. Zoya’s arc, in particular, stood out to me. Her growth, confidence and eventual role felt earned and impactful. That said, the constant switching between high-stakes political moves and personal struggles sometimes made the pacing feel uneven to me.

Nina’s storyline was dark and intense and while I appreciated the themes it tackled, it also felt emotionally exhausting at times. There were moments where I admired what Bardugo was doing but I wasn’t fully enjoying it in the moment. I really respected the ambition even if I was not completely hooked all the way through.

The ending itself was interesting and bold but it didn’t hit me as hard as I expected. Yes, I liked the choices that were made, especially around leadership and power but I didn’t feel that strong emotional payoff I got from some of the previous books in the series. It felt more like a thoughtful conclusion than a deeply satisfying one, which isn’t bad; just different from what I personally wanted.

Smash Hit Score: 3.5/5

Overall, it’s ambitious, layered, and important for the Grishaverse, but also a bit dense and uneven in places. I’m glad I know how everything ends, even if it’s not my favourite book in the universe.

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AUTHOR: Madeline Miller
GENRE: Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Historical Fiction

I’ve always loved Greek mythology and it’s honestly one of the reasons I’ve been reading from a very young age and has continued over the years. Circe had been sitting on my TBR forever and I finally picked it up before the year ended; partly because I had to and also because I even chose it as my book club’s book of the month 😆. Going in, I already knew it was a retelling but experiencing Circe’s story entirely from her point of view made it feel fresh and personal.

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What really worked for me was how the story focused on Circe’s inner world rather than big heroic moments. Watching her grow from a forgotten, awkward nymph into someone who understands her own power was very interesting. The writing has a calm, almost poetic flow to it and I appreciated how Miller let Circe’s life unfold slowly; through love, isolation, mistakes and learning. It felt less like a dramatic myth and more like a quiet character study.

That said, the book is emotionally heavy and yes, it does get slow in places. There were moments where not much was happening plot-wise but strangely, that never pulled me out of the story. I think the emotional weight and reflective tone kept me engaged, even when the pacing dipped. It’s definitely not a fast read but it’s not one that feels boring either.

I’m a bit conflicted about the ending. I didn’t completely love it, but I wasn’t against it either. It felt fitting in its own quiet way, even if it didn’t give me that strong sense of satisfaction I sometimes look for. Still, I liked how the book stayed true to its themes rather than trying to end on a dramatic high note.

Smash Hit Score: 3.75/5

Circe is a rewarding read if you’re really into Greek mythology, retellings, and emotionally driven stories. Also, it felt like a pretty great read to check off before watching The Odyssey next year 😁. If myths are your thing, like they are for me, this one’s worth picking up.

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AUTHOR: Satoshi Yagisawa & Eric Ozawa (Translator)
GENRE: Contemporary & Literary Fiction

Days at the Torunka Café was like stepping into a quiet little corner of Tokyo where time moves slower and people cross paths in delicate, unexpected ways. It follows multiple storylines happening inside the same café, and I actually liked how the book lets different characters drift in and out. Each story has its own mood and message. But because the book keeps shifting tones between the different arcs, it didn’t always feel consistent to me. Some parts were emotional and gentle, others felt slightly detached, and that made the overall experience a bit uneven.

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It’s definitely a cosy read, yes. The café setting is warm and comforting and there’s this underlying theme of people carrying quiet burdens, finding connection, and stumbling into small moments of healing. If you like reflective, subtle stories, this book fits the vibe perfectly.

But personally, I didn’t find it as interesting or engaging as I expected. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed Days at the Morisaki Bookshop so much, and I was hoping for that same emotional pull here or maybe a linear story. Torunka Café has a similar gentleness, but the plot isn’t as gripping, and the characters didn’t connect with me in the same way. Some moments hit nicely but others felt too slow or didn’t leave much impact.

Still, I think the book does what it sets out to do - it offers a few soft stories tied together by a comforting space, perfect for a quiet reading day. If you enjoy short, calming reads with emotional themes, this one is easy to recommend. It just wasn’t one of my favourites from Yagisawa.

Smash Hit Score: 3.5/5

Overall, the book is nice but not the most memorable for me.

AUTHOR: Kristen Perrin
GENRE: Mystery, Fiction

I finally picked up How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin after hearing so much about its unique premise, and honestly, it’s quite an interesting read. The idea of a woman trying to prevent her own foretold murder and her great-niece later piecing it all together, immediately grabbed my attention. I really liked how the story connects two different timelines and how Frances’s paranoia in the past mirrors Annie’s search for answers in the present. The setup is strong, and the structure works well once you settle into it.

This book was our book club’s November 2025 read 🔖

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That said, it took me a little while to find my rhythm with this book. The alternating perspectives between Frances and Annie were confusing at first, and I had to keep flipping back to remember which timeline I was in. But once I got used to the flow, I started appreciating how the story built its tension slowly. The writing is clean and immersive, with that classic small-village-mystery charm that makes you want to keep turning pages even when the plot drags a little.

What stood out most for me was the way the book balances mystery and emotion. Frances’s fear, guilt, and obsession are genuinely fascinating, and Annie’s determination to uncover the truth adds a nice contrast. Still, I did feel that some of the twists toward the end came across a bit forced, like the story was trying too hard to surprise me instead of letting the mystery unfold naturally. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did break the immersion a few times.

Even with its pacing issues, I enjoyed Perrin’s writing. There’s a steady confidence to how she ties everything together, especially in the last few chapters. It’s one of those mysteries that’s more about atmosphere and character than the big “who did it” reveal and that’s fine by me.

Smash Hit Score: 3.5/5

Overall, it’s a solid debut with a clever structure and a satisfying sense of closure, even if some of the twists stumble along the way. If you like layered mysteries with a slightly eerie edge, it’s worth picking up; just be patient with it in the beginning.

AUTHOR: Leigh Bardugo
GENRE: Fantasy

I’ve been continuing my little journey through the Grishaverse and finally picked up the King of Scars duology and honestly, I was very excited for this one. I’ve always loved Nikolai in the Shadow & Bone trilogy, and knowing that this series would explore his darker side had me extra curious! It feels like stepping back into a familiar world but everything is heavier now. The tone shifts a lot from the earlier books (in a good way) as you can sense how much Ravka has been through.

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The story follows three main perspectives: Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina. I actually ended up enjoying all of their arcs. Nikolai remains one of my favourite characters, even though this book shows a more haunted, restrained version of him. I did miss his usual sass and charm (those little moments were the best!) but I was also fascinated by how much the Darkling’s lingering influence still affects him: physically and emotionally. Zoya’s chapters were surprisingly compelling too; she’s colder at first but her growth in this book really stood out. And Nina… well, her storyline made me emotional more times than I expected, especially with where she is in life now after Crooked Kingdom.

What I liked most was how the story balances political tension, personal trauma and that classic Grishaverse magic. It’s definitely slower compared to the Six of Crows duology but it felt right for the kind of story it wanted to tell; something more introspective, more complex. The worldbuilding is richer, the stakes feel heavier and there’s this constant sense that something big is coming (and there were some great moments too).

And yes… the ending. OH. MY. GOD. I can’t believe Bardugo did that. I just sort of sat there after the last chapter, trying to process everything. It’s bold, chaotic and absolutely sets up something massive for the next book. I’m honestly holding myself back from immediately diving into Rule of Wolves because I need a minute to breathe but also, I need answers!

Smash Hit Score: 4/5

Overall, King of Scars was a super interesting shift in tone and a great continuation of the Grishaverse. It’s emotional, dark, magical, and full of twists that left me wide-eyed. I liked it.

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AUTHOR: Liz Moore
GENRE: Mystery, Thriller

The God of the Woods was my first time reading Liz Moore, and I went into it genuinely excited. The premise had everything I usually love! A mysterious disappearance, a creepy forest and layers of family secrets waiting to be uncovered. But somewhere along the way, the pacing really got to me. The writing wasn’t bad but it also wasn’t what hooked me completely. I had to keep pushing myself to stay with it and honestly, there were moments where I thought I might not finish it at all 😅

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The story follows the wealthy Van Laar family, whose world starts to unravel when a young girl, Barbara, disappears from their family-run camp in the woods; years after her brother vanished in a similar way. It’s got all the ingredients of a great slow-burn mystery: the isolated setting, the tension between the rich and the working class and a tangle of long-buried secrets. The atmosphere is definitely well don, that I could almost feel the damp chill of the forest and the unease that lingers through every chapter.

But while the setup was strong, the pacing really tested my patience. The book moves slowly, jumping across timelines and perspectives and there were stretches where it felt like the story just didn’t move forward. I love a good mystery but I also like when it feels like each page pulls me deeper. But here, it was more like trudging through dense woods hoping for a clearing that took too long to appear.

When the reveal finally came (the truth behind the disappearances), it didn’t land as powerfully as I hoped. Maybe it’s because the book had built up such a haunting atmosphere that I expected something a bit more shocking. It wasn’t a bad ending, just one that didn’t leave me with that satisfying punch I usually look for in stories like this. Still, I can appreciate the craft and ambition behind it, even if it didn’t fully work for me.

Smash Hit Score: 3.5/5

Overall, the book is beautifully atmospheric and has flashes of brilliance but it’s also slow and heavy at times. I’m glad I finished it but it’s definitely one of those reads that requires a little extra patience. If you enjoy quiet, layered mysteries that take their time, you’ll probably get more out of it than I did!

AUTHOR: Leigh Bardugo
GENRE: Fantasy

After finishing Six of Crows, I didn’t waste a single day before diving into Crooked Kingdom. I had to know what happened next and honestly, it did not disappoint. This one’s a bit longer and for me, a slower read; partly because September turned out to be such a chaotic month (personally) that I had to keep putting it aside. But even when I wasn’t reading, I kept thinking about it. Once I got back into it, I was hooked again. Leigh Bardugo really knows how to pull you back into her world like nothing else.

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The story picks up right where Six of Crows ends with Kaz and the crew regrouping in Ketterdam, betrayed and cornered but more determined than ever. This book goes bigger, bolder, and more emotional than the first one. You can tell right away that it’s not just another heist story; it’s about revenge, loyalty, grief, and what survival really costs. Some moments hit hard; I’m not going to lie, there were scenes that genuinely made me pause for a bit before continuing.

I usually don’t enjoy long books much but this one completely pulled me in. Bardugo gives each character a moment to shine and it’s impossible not to care about them especially when things start falling apart. Kaz’s plans are as wild and brilliant as ever, Inej’s strength made me love her even more, and Jesper and Wylan were the perfect balance of charm and chaos. Nina’s storyline was probably the most emotional for me this time around, though.

What really stands out is how this book balances emotion and intensity. It’s dark, but not hopeless; clever but still deeply human. It’s also one of the few times where a sequel not only lives up to its predecessor but in some ways feels even more complete.

Smash Hit Score: 4.5/5

It’s one of the best duologies I’ve read in a long time, and the kind of story that I’ll keep with me for years to come. I’ve seen a lot of people pick up Six of Crows and then move into Shadow & Bone, but personally, I’d say go the other way around. Reading Shadow & Bone first gave me a deeper appreciation of the world Bardugo built and made this ending hit even harder.

After really enjoying Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, I went into its sequel with high hopes. But this one felt noticeably slower from the very beginning. The first one had this cosy rhythm and quiet energy that pulled me in right away, while this sequel took its time finding that same warmth. It’s definitely more reflective and emotional, but that also means it drifts a lot more before it settles into its main themes.

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“Listen, life is short. In the story of your life, you’ve got to avoid people like that. Choose to be with the people who really choose you, people who see you as irreplaceable.”
― Satoshi Yagisawa, More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

The story picks up after the events of the first book, with Takako’s life having moved forward but not necessarily in the way she expected. She’s older now, trying to balance work, love, and the ever-present connection to the Morisaki Bookshop. There’s also a deeper focus on the people around her, especially her uncle and aunt, and how loss and change quietly reshape their lives. It’s touching, but the pacing slows everything down so much that I found myself losing focus at times.

This book leans heavily into the emotional side of things and feels heavier, with more about grief, healing, and the quiet weight of time passing. It’s definitely heartfelt, and there are moments that really hit hard, but overall, the tone is more sombre. I appreciated what it was trying to do, even if I didn’t connect with it in the same way.

That said, I still like being back in this world! The bookshop setting, the small moments of connection and the way Takako reflects on life, all carry that familiar calmness I loved before. But compared to the first book, it just didn’t leave me with the same warmth in the end. Maybe it’s because the story is more serious and less about rediscovering joy - it’s more about learning to let go.

Smash Hit Score: 3/5

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a thoughtful continuation but not one that gripped me as much as I hoped. It’s slower, quieter and emotionally heavier, which might appeal to some readers, but for me, it missed a bit of that spark that made the first one special.

I’ve been leaning toward short, translated Japanese reads lately and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop just happened to be sitting quietly on my reading list, waiting for its turn. The past month had been pretty slow and mentally exhausting, so when I finally got the time to relax, I wanted something light and easy to slip into. I’d seen mixed reviews about this one online, though; nothing overly glowing, but nothing terrible either and that actually made me more curious! Sometimes, those middle-ground reads turn out to be the most comforting ones ✨

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“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. This is your harbor. … After you’re well rested, you can set sail again.”

The story follows Takako, a young woman whose life kind of falls apart and she ends up moving into her uncle’s old bookshop in Tokyo’s Jimbocho district. It’s not a grand adventure or a tightly plotted story & in fact, it doesn’t really have a fixed destination. It wanders, just like life does, from books to people to quiet reflections. I know that might not work for everyone but actually, it really worked for me. Maybe it’s because I picked it up at a time when my own days felt uncertain and slow but I found something really calming about the way the story wandered around.

I’ve always loved stories centred around bookshops and that comforting mix of paper, coffee, and conversations that somehow change you a little. This book captures that perfectly. Sure, it doesn’t spend as much time inside the bookstore as I expected but that actually turned out to be both a blessing and a flaw. It gave space to explore other people and emotions around Takako’s world but part of me still wanted more of that cosy, dust-and-sunlight bookshop feeling.

Takako’s journey hit close to home for me. Her lost sense of purpose, that quiet rebuilding and how people around her slowly help her heal. It wasn’t mind-blowing or life-changing but it was deeply relatable. Sometimes, a book doesn’t have to dazzle you with big ideas; it just has to sit beside you for a while and remind you that it’s okay to take things slow 💛

Smash Hit Score: 3.75/5

For me, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop was exactly that. It’s not perfect, not forgettable either but something I’ll remember fondly because of when I read it and how it quietly mirrored my own feelings. I’m definitely picking up the second book next because this one reminded me how comforting small, simple stories can be!

“Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal.”

I finally picked up Project Hail Mary after hearing so much about it (also knowing that there’s a film coming out next year), and wow, it was actually fun! Andy Weir has a talent for mixing hard science with humour and heart, and this one really proves it. From the very first chapter, waking up in a spaceship with no memory, I was really drawn into the book.

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The story follows Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher turned accidental astronaut, who wakes up alone on a spaceship headed to Tau Ceti. Earth is in crisis because the Sun’s energy is being drained by strange microorganisms called Astrophage. Grace, as part of a desperate last-chance mission, is tasked with figuring out how to stop them before humanity faces extinction. It’s equal parts survival story, mystery, and problem-solving adventure.

Grace, as a character, works because he’s relatable. He’s smart, but not flawless; his humour keeps the story from feeling too heavy, and his reactions feel like how an ordinary person would handle extraordinary circumstances. The real highlight, though, is Rocky; the alien Grace meets while investigating Tau Ceti. Their friendship gives the book so much emotional weight. What starts as two strangers trying to survive becomes a genuine partnership that carries the whole second half of the book.

The worldbuilding is classic Andy Weir, packed with scientific detail but explained in a way that keeps you engaged. The spaceship tech, the alien biology, and even the physics problems Grace works through are written with that “fun science teacher” energy that makes you feel like you’re learning while reading. It’s a story grounded in logic and science, but the heart of it is the connection between two very different beings.

The pacing is solid, though a little uneven at times. The beginning takes its time as Grace regains his memory, and some of the scientific explanations can feel heavy if you’re not into that side of sci-fi. But once Rocky arrives, the book shifts into high gear and doesn’t let go. By the end, it balances the thrill of discovery with real emotional impact.

Smash Hit Score: 4.25/5

Project Hail Mary is a clever, heartfelt space adventure that blends science with genuine humanity. It’s smart, funny, and unexpectedly moving. Definitely one of the more memorable modern sci-fi books I’ve read.

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Six of Crows takes us to Ketterdam, where six unlikely outcasts come together for the ultimate heist: breaking into the impenetrable Ice Court. The stakes are sky-high, the odds are ridiculous and the risks feel real on every page. The fact that it’s a heist story instantly makes it exciting but Bardugo elevates it by weaving in complex backstories, emotional stakes and a healthy dose of morally gray decision-making

The characters are easily the best part of this book. Each of the six has a distinct voice, skillset and personal scars that drive them. Watching them clash, bond, and scheme together is such a treat. Since I’d already seen the Netflix Shadow & Bone series, I found it super easy to picture how each character would look and act, be it Kaz, Inej, Jesper and others. Honestly, the casting feels even more spot-on after reading this.

Ketterdam as a setting is incredible! It’s dark, bustling and layered with danger. Bardugo paints the city like it’s another character in the story. I could practically smell the harbour air and hear the clinking of coins in the Barrel. The worldbuilding builds seamlessly on the foundation laid in the Shadow & Bone trilogy but this story carves out its own space in the Grishaverse.

The pacing gives you time to settle into the crew’s world before pulling you into the action and once it starts moving, it doesn’t let up. Every chapter adds another piece to the puzzle and I was hooked until the very last page.

Smash Hit Score: 4.75/5

Six of Crows was a blast to read. Sharp writing, a daring plot and a cast I already can’t stop thinking about. I’m jumping straight into Crooked Kingdom because I’m not ready to step away from this world yet.

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I finally picked up Before the Coffee Gets Cold, my next-in-line on my reading list, as it was gifted to me by ! 😁

So, the book is based in a little Tokyo café where you can time travel but only under super-specific rules. I went in expecting something cozy and a little magical and that's pretty much what I got. The book feels like it’s meant to be read with a warm drink in hand, maybe on a rainy day, just vibing. It’s quiet, slow and kind of emotionally gentle but also kind of emotionally distant, if that makes sense?

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There are four main stories here, all tied to different customers visiting this mysterious café with hopes of reconnecting with someone from their past. Some of these really hit home, especially the one about the woman trying to say goodbye to her husband with Alzheimer's. That one kind of crushed me. But other stories didn’t quite land the same way though. They felt a little formulaic and the emotions didn’t always feel earned. Also, the rules of time travel are explained a lot, to the point where it gets repetitive.

The writing itself is a mixed bag. The ideas are thoughtful but the translation feels stiff sometimes. Like, the characters would say something super emotional but it wouldn’t hit as hard because the dialogue just didn’t flow naturally.

I think this book works best as a quiet little story that makes you think about what you'd say if you could have one more conversation with someone from your past. It’s sweet in that way. But it also drags in parts and the emotional payoff doesn’t always feel consistent. For me, it was decent but not mind-blowing.

Smash Hit Score: 3/5

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I felt I was back in the comforting little corner of Kyoto, when I started The Restaurant of Lost Recipes! I enjoyed the first book and was very eager to pick this one up. Once again, we follow the father-daughter duo, Nagare and Koishi, as they help people reconnect with their memories, through food. It's a really gentle read, with each chapter built around a different customer and their lost recipe. If you've read the first book, you’ll know exactly what to expect and maybe that’s both a strength and a weakness this time around.

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I genuinely enjoy how Kashiwai blends memory and food together. It’s sweet to see how a dish can carry so much emotional weight and the way the diner recreates not just the taste but the full experience really got me thinking about the meals that shaped my own life. But compared to the first book, this one felt a little too safe. The structure is nearly identical - someone comes in, tells their story, Nagare goes detective mode (off-page, again), and the dish is finally revealed. I was hoping for a bit of a twist or maybe some more development for Koishi or Nagare but we mostly stay in familiar territory.

I do think the stories in this one dig a little deeper emotionally. There’s something really touching about people trying to reconnect with the past, not just for comfort but to heal or to move forward. Some of the chapters hit harder than others and by the end, I did feel that warm, fuzzy satisfaction this series is known for.

Smash Hit Score: 3.75/5

The Restaurant of Lost Recipes is a cozy, low-stakes read with some really heartwarming moments but it didn’t surprise me much. Still, if you enjoyed the first book, this one is like going back to your favourite café - you already know what’s on the menu but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

‘Are you happy in your life?’

I just finished Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, and wow... this book pulled me in! It’s a sci-fi thriller, that will throw you into the deep end real quick and even though I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, I got completely hooked. The basic idea? A guy named Jason gets kidnapped, wakes up in a world that isn’t his and has to figure out what the heck is going on. Sounds wild, right? And it is. Like, multiverse-level wild.

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One of the coolest things about this book is how it takes a pretty complex concept like quantum physics and alternate realities & makes it feel easy to follow. I’m not a science expert or anything but I never felt totally lost. Crouch does a good job of explaining just enough to keep you on board without turning it into a physics lecture. The science stuff is more of a background to this emotional, personal story, which I really liked.

Jason’s whole journey is basically about finding his way back to the life he had; his wife, his son, the quiet, “normal” life he chose over a groundbreaking scientific career. And honestly, I really felt for him. I mean, who hasn’t wondered about the choices they’ve made and what could’ve been? The way the story plays with that idea of “what if” is super relatable. It’s not just about jumping through different universes, it’s about appreciating the one you’re already in.

Also, since I’ve seen a lot of multiverse stuff lately in movies and shows, the concept didn’t feel as fresh as it probably did when the book first came out. But still, the emotional side of the story and the pacing really carried it for me.

Smash Hit Score: 4.5/5

Dark Matter is fast, intense and makes you think about your own life in a really interesting way. If you’re into sci-fi or just want a book that makes you go “what if?” every few chapters, you’ll probably really enjoy this one.

I wanted to read a short book during my travelling time & as this book was on my read-list, I picked it up instantly. Getting into The Kamogawa Food Detectives (by Hisashi Kashiwai) was like sitting down to a comforting meal that hits all the right nostalgic notes. The vibe is super cozy and low-key, just the kind of book I needed to unwind with. The story follows a father-daughter duo, Nagare and Koishi, who run a quiet little diner in Kyoto but there’s a twist. They also double as “food detectives,” helping people recreate dishes from their pasts that hold deep emotional meaning. It’s such a simple premise but it works beautifully.

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Each chapter introduces a new customer with a food memory they want to chase and while the structure is pretty predictable, I actually found that really soothing. There’s something special about the way the book leans into comfort and routine. Some of the stories were really moving, especially the ones tied to loss or childhood. I couldn’t help but think about the foods from my own past that I’ve never quite been able to recreate. It reminded me just how much emotion we tie to flavours and meals.

If I had one small wish, it would be to see more of the detective work itself. Nagare clearly puts in a lot of effort to get these dishes just right but most of that happens off the page. Still, the heart of the book lies in how these meals help people heal and remember, so I didn’t mind too much. Also, fair warning: the food descriptions are so vivid, I kept getting hungry every few pages lol 😄

Smash Hit Score: 4/5

The Kamogawa Food Detectives is a gentle, feel-good read with a lot of heart and a great way to slow down and enjoy the little things. The writing is warm, the characters are lovable and it left me feeling a little more connected to my own memories. If you’re into food-centric stories, this one’s definitely worth curling up with.

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I finally finished The Institute by Stephen King and oh my god, it was a bit of a struggle. I picked it up in February, thinking I’d breeze through it but man, this one really tested my patience. I nearly put it down three times because the story moved so slowly! It dragged in places where I expected tension and there were moments where I couldn’t help but wonder if the plot really needed to be stretched out this much.

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What kept me hanging on was the setting. There’s something about a creepy secret facility full of gifted kids that just pulled me in. It had definite Stranger Things energy and I’d seen people mention that in other reviews, so I was curious to see how it all played out. The idea of kids with psychic abilities being experimented on was intriguing and King’s world-building still had that eerie charm he’s so good at. That was enough to keep me flipping pages, even when my attention was slipping.

There were a few solid moments like some of the friendships between the kids were sweet and there were scenes where the tension finally kicked in. I liked seeing how Luke, the main kid, tried to outsmart the system and the backstory of the facility did keep me interested at times. But honestly, for most of the book, I had a hard time staying fully engaged. I’d read a few pages and find myself zoning out or checking how far I still had to go.

Smash Hit Score: 3/5

It wasn’t a total miss but it definitely wasn’t one of my favourites either. If you’re into slow-burn thrillers with a bit of sci-fi flair, it might be worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to be a quick or gripping read. For me, it was a mix of cool ideas weighed down by a story that took way too long to get going.

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Kitchen Confidential has been on my reading list for quite some time. It’s part memoir, part behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant world and all Bourdain - unfiltered, witty and brutally honest. He doesn’t hold back on anything, from the gruelling kitchen culture to his own struggles with drugs and ego. It felt like sitting down with him at a bar, listening to story after story about the madness that goes on behind the swinging doors of a restaurant. And the most fun aspect for me was, that I could relate to a few things he shares.

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What I loved most was his passion for food and the people who make it happen. He had a deep respect for hardworking chefs, line cooks and dishwashers - the unsung heroes of the industry. And he made it clear that being a chef isn’t just about creating fancy dishes; it’s about surviving in a high-pressure, cutthroat world. His dark humour made even the most shocking moments entertaining, though I can see how some of the book’s rougher edges might not be for everyone.

Some parts felt a little scattered and the macho, chaotic kitchen culture he describes hasn’t exactly aged well. Even Bourdain himself later admitted that some of the things he once celebrated probably weren’t the best aspects of the industry. But in a way, that makes the book feel like a time capsule of a grittier, messier restaurant era. It’s raw, real and never tries to sugarcoat anything.

Smash Hit Score: 4/5

I had a blast reading Kitchen Confidential. Bourdain’s storytelling is sharp, his energy is contagious and his love for food is undeniable. Whether you’re a foodie, a restaurant worker or just someone who enjoys a good memoir, this book is worth picking up.

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The magic system, Allomancy, is one of the coolest I’ve ever come across. People can consume metals to unlock unique abilities and the way it’s woven into the story is just brilliant. As someone who loves deep, well-thought-out magic systems, I was completely fascinated by how each metal had its own purpose. Vin, our main character, is a skaa, a lower-class worker who discovers she has abilities she didn’t even imagine. Her mentor, Kelsier, is the most powerful Mistborn around and watching him train her was one of my favourite parts of the book.

But what really made this story shine for me were the characters. Vin’s growth from a wary, broken girl to harnessing her powers was so satisfying to witness. And Kelsier? He’s impossible not to root for. He’s charismatic, determined, and has this infectious belief in hope and rebellion. The rest of the crew is just as fun, each with their own distinct personalities and talents that make them feel like a real, well-rounded team.

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The plot kept me on my toes the whole way through. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Sanderson threw in a twist that completely flipped my expectations. There’s one moment near the end that genuinely shocked me but it made perfect sense for the story. If you love fantasy with a rich world, an amazing magic system and characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page, you need to read Mistborn: The Final Empire. Trust me, it’s absolutely worth it.

Smash Hit Score: 3.75/5