Becky | Uptown Oracle

Start of a Chapter 📖 November 2025 TBR | Epic Conclusions, Dark Histories, and Magical Beginnings As we approach the end of the year, November’s TBR list is all about monumental conclusions, deep dives into the darker corners of Middle-earth’s history, and revisiting the start of a magical adventure. This month, we’re reading the final book of "The Wheel of Time," exploring the complexities of Tolkien’s legendarium, and returning to Trudi Canavan’s enthralling world of magic and intrigue.

Start of a Chapter 📖 November 2025 TBR | Epic Conclusions, Dark Histories, and Magical Beginnings

As we approach the end of the year, November’s TBR list is all about monumental conclusions, deep dives into the darker corners of Middle-earth’s history, and revisiting the start of a magical…

Autumn in the City: Favourite Cafés, Corners & Coats There is a particular kind of magic that only exists in the city once the air begins to cool. The pace softens, the mornings stretch a little slower, and even the noise feels quieter. You begin to notice the details that summer’s chaos often hides: the steam rising from takeaway cups, the swirl of amber leaves caught in the wind, the way streetlights glow against wet pavements.

The city feels different in autumn. Softer. Quieter. A little more like home 🍂

New on Uptown Oracle: Autumn in the City

On Reading Slower: Romanticising the Quiet Evenings 📖 There is a certain kind of magic that only appears in the quiet of an evening. The world softens, the air cools, and the light turns golden against the edges of the page. You reach for a book, not to tick another title off a list, but to linger, to let words unfurl slowly, like steam from a mug of tea.

We count pages. We chase goals.

But the books that change us? They’re the ones we linger with.

New post On Reading Slower: Romanticising the Quiet Evenings 🕯️

Sundays are for puppy cuddles and reading a good book 😌 Starting on the latest Witcher book, a prequel showing what Geralt was like before we knew him 👀

5 Cosy Fantasy Reads for Darker Nights When the evenings draw in and the air smells faintly of woodsmoke, I always reach for fantasy that feels like a hug. There’s something about this time of year, the early sunsets, the rhythm of rain against the window, the soft ritual of lighting a candle, that invites us to slow down and sink into stories that soothe. Autumn isn’t for chaos or cliffhangers; it’s for books that feel like comfort.

My favourite fantasy books aren’t always the epic ones. They’re the ones where magic smells like coffee and comfort ☕✨

New on Uptown Oracle: 5 Cosy Fantasy Reads for Darker Nights 🔥

The Art of the Autumn Reset 🧣 Autumn has always been a season of gentle contrasts, a time where crisp air meets warm drinks, and golden light filters through falling leaves. There’s something about October that invites stillness after the energy of summer with a soft pivot between doing and being. As we step into the final stretch of the year, many of us feel that familiar tug to start fresh, new goals, new habits, new routines.

The best part of autumn?

The chance to start over softly 🍂

Read my new piece on The Art of the Autumn Reset, about finding calm, clarity, and comfort in Q4 ✨

Remember when I was in my prime, woke up early, survived hours of school, still finished a book in one evening

Start of a Chapter 📖 October 2025 TBR | Final Battles, Epic Re-Reads, and the Fall of Sauron October’s TBR is packed with climactic confrontations, deep dives into legendary lore, and the continuation of grand sagas. This month, we’re nearing the conclusion of "The Wheel of Time," revisiting the treacherous politics of Westeros, and exploring the detailed development of Tolkien’s iconic final battles in Middle-earth. If you’re ready for a month filled with epic moments, intricate plots, and the rich history of fantasy’s greatest worlds, October’s reading list will not disappoint.

Start of a Chapter 📖 October 2025 TBR | Final Battles, Epic Re-Reads, and the Fall of Sauron

October’s TBR is packed with climactic confrontations, deep dives into legendary lore, and the continuation of grand sagas. This month, we’re nearing the conclusion of "The Wheel of Time," revisiting the…

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil 🌹 A Haunting, Lyrical Vampire Tale V.E. Schwab returns with a lyrical and haunting tale in Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, a novel that unfurls across centuries, countries, and inner lives. Told through the eyes of three very different women bound together by blood and immortality, this vampire story is no action-packed thriller. Instead, it delivers a poetic meditation on survival, desire, trauma, and grief.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil 🌹 A Haunting, Lyrical Vampire Tale

V.E. Schwab returns with a lyrical and haunting tale in Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, a novel that unfurls across centuries, countries, and inner lives. Told through the eyes of three very different women bound together…

House of the Beast by Michelle Wong ⚔️ Power, Pain & Pilgrimage House of the Beast by Michelle Wong is a dark, intricate, and emotionally wrought fantasy that marries grimdark aesthetics with mythic romance and razor-sharp character dynamics. With a protagonist bound to an elder god and a society steeped in blood-soaked religious duty, this is not a tale for the faint of heart. Wong delivers a beautifully crafted world of devotion, vengeance, and survival, made all the more immersive by the addition of in-world artwork and stunning illustrations throughout.

House of the Beast by Michelle Wong ⚔️ Power, Pain & Pilgrimage

House of the Beast by Michelle Wong is a dark, intricate, and emotionally wrought fantasy that marries grimdark aesthetics with mythic romance and razor-sharp character dynamics. With a protagonist bound to an elder god and a society…

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher 📚 A Sword, a Stoic Warrior & a Stubborn Widow Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is a warm, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable romantic fantasy that delivers on both heartfelt character development and delightful magical elements. It’s a character-driven story with cosy, adventurous tones, focusing on found family, love in later life, and the quiet strength of choosing your own freedom. When widowed housekeeper Halla inherits her late uncle’s estate, she doesn’t expect to discover an enchanted sword and she certainly doesn’t expect to accidentally unleash a grumpy, honour-bound warrior from within it.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher 📚 A Sword, a Stoic Warrior & a Stubborn Widow

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is a warm, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable romantic fantasy that delivers on both heartfelt character development and delightful magical elements. It’s a character-driven story with cosy,…

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams ⚔️ A Towering Start to a Classic Fantasy Series If you're looking for a sweeping epic fantasy filled with rich world-building, thoughtful character growth, and the slow-burn momentum of classic high fantasy, The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams might be exactly what you need. The first instalment of the Memory Sorrow and Thorn series, this book is a foundational piece of modern fantasy that has inspired countless authors, including…

The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams ⚔️ A Towering Start to a Classic Fantasy Series

If you're looking for a sweeping epic fantasy filled with rich world-building, thoughtful character growth, and the slow-burn momentum of classic high fantasy, The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams might be exactly…

Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 👀 A Breath Before the Storm… Crossroads of Twilight, the tenth instalment in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, is infamous among fans for its glacial pace and lack of major plot advancement... and I'm not surprised after reading it. However, while it may be light on action, the novel excels in political intrigue, deepening worldbuilding, and exploring how the shadow of the Dragon Reborn affects those left to carry on in his absence.

Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 👀 A Breath Before the Storm…

Crossroads of Twilight, the tenth instalment in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, is infamous among fans for its glacial pace and lack of major plot advancement... and I'm not surprised after reading it. However, while it may…

Upcoming Fantasy Book Adaptations 🎬 Dream Come True or Recipe for Disaster? Every fantasy fan knows the feeling... the thrill when your favourite book is announced for the screen… followed by the creeping dread it’s going to get absolutely butchered. For every Lord of the Rings masterpiece, there’s a Percy Jackson (the first try, not the Disney+ revival!) or a City of Bones that missed the mark. So what about the new wave of fantasy adaptations currently in the works?

Upcoming Fantasy Book Adaptations 🎬 Dream Come True or Recipe for Disaster?

Every fantasy fan knows the feeling... the thrill when your favourite book is announced for the screen… followed by the creeping dread it’s going to get absolutely butchered. For every Lord of the Rings masterpiece,…

Fantasy Adaptations I Would Want to Watch 🎬 Fantasy fans have been spoiled with adaptations in recent years from House of the Dragon’s court politics to The Witcher’s monster hunts. But let’s be honest: while there’s plenty of quantity, the quality often feels repetitive. Dragons, chosen ones, political intrigue, all great, but the same tropes keep cycling. Beyond the big names like Lord of the Rings…

Fantasy Adaptations I Would Want to Watch 🎬

Fantasy fans have been spoiled with adaptations in recent years from House of the Dragon’s court politics to The Witcher’s monster hunts. But let’s be honest: while there’s plenty of quantity, the quality often feels repetitive. Dragons, chosen ones,…

Start of a Chapter 📖 September 2025 TBR | Storms, Triumphs, and the Shadows of Middle-earth September’s TBR list is filled with turning points, triumphs, and the intricate lore of some of the most iconic fantasy worlds. This month, I'm diving into the penultimate stages of the "Wheel of Time" series, witnessing the dwarves’ fight for survival, and exploring the early drafts of "The Lord of the Rings." With action-packed adventures and deep dives into the creative process of J.R.R.

Start of a Chapter 📖 September 2025 TBR | Storms, Triumphs, and the Shadows of Middle-earth

September’s TBR list is filled with turning points, triumphs, and the intricate lore of some of the most iconic fantasy worlds. This month, I'm diving into the penultimate stages of the "Wheel of Time"…

Grim, Dark & Glorious: 10 Brutal Fantasy Books That’ll Break You (and You’ll Thank Them) Grimdark fantasy isn’t here to coddle you. It’s here to drag you through mud-slick battlefields, whisper in your ear that hope is a dangerous thing, and remind you that “happily ever after” rarely survives the first chapter. This subgenre revels in morally grey characters, political betrayal, and the terrible cost of survival. It’s brutal, it’s brilliant and it’ll leave you both wincing and begging for more.

Grim, Dark & Glorious: 10 Brutal Fantasy Books That’ll Break You (and You’ll Thank Them)

Grimdark fantasy isn’t here to coddle you. It’s here to drag you through mud-slick battlefields, whisper in your ear that hope is a dangerous thing, and remind you that “happily ever after” rarely survives the…

Start of a Chapter 📖 August 2025 TBR | Revelations, Re-Reads, and the Shaping of Legends As we head into August, my reading journey continues with pivotal moments, rich world-building, and explorations of the foundations of Middle-earth. This month’s TBR list includes the next instalment in the "Wheel of Time" series, a re-read of George R.R. Martin’s complex Westeros saga, and a dive into the deeper lore of Tolkien’s universe. Whether you’re looking for high-stakes fantasy or a closer look at the evolution of legendary tales, August’s selections are sure to captivate.

Start of a Chapter 📖 August 2025 TBR | Revelations, Re-Reads, and the Shaping of Legends

As we head into August, my reading journey continues with pivotal moments, rich world-building, and explorations of the foundations of Middle-earth. This month’s TBR list includes the next instalment in the…

Top Fantasy Sequels We’re Actually Excited For ✨ Some sequels drag on a story that should’ve ended but these? These are the ones I’d fight dragons to read... They promise deeper magic, bigger betrayals, and a return to worlds I can’t stop thinking about. Here are fantasy sequels I'm genuinely excited for, bring on the heartbreak, plot twists, and chaos! 👑 1. Queen Demon (The Rising World #2) by Martha Wells…

Top Fantasy Sequels We’re Actually Excited For ✨

Some sequels drag on a story that should’ve ended but these? These are the ones I’d fight dragons to read... They promise deeper magic, bigger betrayals, and a return to worlds I can’t stop thinking about. Here are fantasy sequels I'm genuinely…

Fantasy Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed ✨ There’s nothing like the thrill of falling into a sprawling epic, kingdoms rising and falling, ancient magics returning, heroes wrestling with impossible choices. But not every huge fantasy saga gets the spotlight it deserves! Here are fantasy hidden gems you might have missed. Perfect for fans who want more dragons, more politics, and more pages to lose themselves in. 🗡️ …

Fantasy Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed ✨

There’s nothing like the thrill of falling into a sprawling epic, kingdoms rising and falling, ancient magics returning, heroes wrestling with impossible choices. But not every huge fantasy saga gets the spotlight it deserves! Here are fantasy hidden…

Multiple childhood friends are having babies this year and I *checks notes* am unemployed and have been binge watching films from before I was born

Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race 👑 Political scheming, sapphic tension, and a rotting magic at the heart of Elben… What if all six of Henry VIII’s wives lived at the same time in a court teeming with magic and political corruption? That’s the premise of Six Wild Crowns, a lush and layered political fantasy that rewrites Tudor history with sapphic yearning and ancient magic. If you loved The Priory of the Orange Tree or House of the Dragon…

Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race 👑 Political scheming, sapphic tension, and a rotting magic at the heart of Elben…

What if all six of Henry VIII’s wives lived at the same time in a court teeming with magic and political corruption? That’s the premise of Six Wild Crowns, a lush and layered political…

Start of a Chapter 📖 July 2025 TBR | Epic Conclusions and Legendary Lays July’s TBR is filled with epic conclusions, the continuation of beloved series, and a dive into the poetic lore of Middle-earth. This month’s selection takes us through battles, farewells, and the timeless legends that shape the foundations of fantasy. From the ongoing struggles in "The Wheel of Time" to the final stand of the dwarves and the sweeping narratives of Tad Williams, there’s plenty of adventure, intrigue, and deep storytelling to enjoy.

Start of a Chapter 📖 July 2025 TBR | Epic Conclusions and Legendary Lays

July’s TBR is filled with epic conclusions, the continuation of beloved series, and a dive into the poetic lore of Middle-earth. This month’s selection takes us through battles, farewells, and the timeless legends that shape…

It's finally rained, is a temperature I can tolerate, and I’m reading Crossroads of Twilight 😌 A good start to the weekend ✨️

A pretty good reading month ✨️

July 2025 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Releases July is upon us, summer is in full swing, and there are SO many fresh SFF releases this month. It’s peak season for lounging in the sun with a new fantasy or sci-fi adventure and this line-up is packed with magic, intrigue, and a touch of romance. Here’s what’s on my radar this month 👇 So many gorgeous new releases to add to the TBR pile!

July is upon us, summer is in full swing, and there are SO many fresh SFF releases this month. It’s peak season for lounging in the sun with a new fantasy or sci-fi adventure and this line-up is packed with magic, intrigue, and a touch of romance.

Here’s what’s on my radar this month 👇

In honour of London being as hot as the fires of Mordor itself, this weekend is for marathoning LOTR extended editions

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a tense, dystopian fantasy that brings together survival, corporate control, and complex human relationships in a world buckling under climate and economic collapse. With dual points of view, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a sharp commentary on power and isolation, this novel offers an emotionally charged reading experience for fans of dystopian fantasy and LGBTQ+ narratives.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a tense, dystopian fantasy that brings together survival, corporate control, and complex human relationships in a world buckling under climate and economic collapse.

Seven Recipes for Revolution 🥩 Monstrous meals, magical recipes, and a rising rebellion… served with a side of societal unrest Seven Recipes for Revolution is a bold and imaginative fantasy debut that blends magical culinary arts with sharp political commentary. Following the story of a young butcher-turned-revolutionary, this is a tale that simmers with rage, cooks up chaos, and leaves you hungry for more. With its rich worldbuilding, layered themes, and a unique storytelling format, this novel is unlike anything else you’ve read, think…

Seven Recipes for Revolution is a bold and imaginative fantasy debut that blends magical culinary arts with sharp political commentary. Following the story of a young butcher-turned-revolutionary, this is a tale that simmers with rage, cooks up chaos, and leaves you hungry for more.

Author Spotlight: Susan Cooper Susan Cooper is a name every fantasy lover should know. Best known for her acclaimed The Dark Is Rising sequence, Cooper has carved out a lasting legacy in children’s and young adult fantasy, blending myth, folklore, and the timeless battle between Light and Dark into unforgettable stories. Who is Susan Cooper? Photograph © Tsar Fedorsky Born in 1935 in Buckinghamshire, England, Susan Cooper grew up surrounded by the English countryside that would later shape the atmosphere of her books.

Susan Cooper is a name every fantasy lover should know. Best known for her acclaimed The Dark Is Rising sequence, Cooper has carved out a lasting legacy in children’s and young adult fantasy, blending myth, folklore, and the timeless battle between Light and Dark into unforgettable stories.