Looking Forward to 2026

Books I can't wait to read. 🔥📚

Hello! Rather than spend this space discussing the great books I read in 2025 (and there were many), I wanted to take a moment to embrace the anticipation of books coming in 2026. As every reader knows, there is nothing quite like the excitement of a new book from one of your favourite authors. Fortunately, there are several in 2026 that I can’t wait to get my hands, and my eyes, on.

Platform Decay, Martha Wells

This is a new addition to the Murderbot series, that is currently a TV series under the same name. This is my favourite series of all time and I’m ecstatic (not over-stating this) that there is a new addition to the series. This one has Murderbot dealing with kids, i.e. human children, which while horrific for Murderbot will make for a spectacular read. Releases May 5

Exit Party, by Emily St. John Mandel

I have read every book that Emily St. John Mandel has written, even her earlier books before the beautiful and wildly successful Station Eleven. The only tease I could find on this book, that to-date hasn’t revealed its cover, is: “mind-bending story of crimes committed and loves lost across space and time,” which sounds a lot like reading heaven. Releases September 15

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter, by Heather Fawcett.

Following the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett, I would pick up anything that Fawcett writes. Her world building is intricate and immersive, her characters are loveable and intriguing, and her humour is bang on. I can’t wait to see what this new book has in store but I don’t see how she can go wrong starting with a mystical cat shelter. Releases February 17.

Vigil, George Saunders

After reading Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, I’m willing to pick up anything he has put to paper. With a wild imagination, an ability to effectively implement his ideas, and exquisite writing, it would be hard not to pick up the next book from the author who has been called “one of the greatest writers working today.” Releases January 27.

The Astral Library, Kate Quinn

While Kate Quinn is traditionally an historical fiction author, (who I love), I am curious that she is coming out with The Astral Library which is considered more of a literary fantasy. I’ve always felt that historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction have a lot in common as all of them have to create or recreate a world. I’m looking forward to seeing Quinn’s considerable skills transferred to the fantasy realm. Releases February 17.

Book Talk

When I was attending Can-Con this fall, the Canadian Conference of Science Fiction and Fantasy, I attended a panel on Crone Fiction. It was the panel I was looking forward to the most and I was not disappointed. It discussed the importance of telling the stories of older women and the wisdom and resilience that they bring to their stories.

I came away with Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke and it was one of my most unexpected reads of the year. It is funny and real, and brings joy and wisdom to the lives of women who are of a certain age by finally allowing them to be seen. The tagline says it all, “She’s sixty years old and destined to save the world … just as soon as she finds her reading glasses.”

Geek Corner

I am deep into edits on the new novel and am loving how the story is taking shape. One area I needed more research in was the physical experience of working below ground in a network of tunnels beneath a city.

Fortunately I have friends in high places (?!) and have set up a tour for a few tunnels in my area. I am inordinately excited about this, as it will likely be damp and musty, but I’m fascinated with below ground places and this should be fun. Details of it in the next issue.

Thanks for being with me in 2025. I’m looking forward to everything that is coming in 2026.

Have a great holiday everyone and I’ll see you in the new year! 🎄🎉