Well, March was certainty sunnier than February (she says, writing this with still a week left in the month…hopefully things don’t drastically change for the worse!). It feels like spring is truly here. All seasons are perfect for reading, but it feels like we’re shifting away from cosy indoor reading, all wrapped up in comfortable clothes, to maybe being able to sit outside with a coffee and a book to get some sun. Fingers crossed it stays that way and, personally, I’m hoping it doesn’t get too much hotter for a good while!
2026 Reading Challenges
Updates: #1 / #2
Goal: 16/70 (+6)
The Divination Hollow Reviews Horror Challenge 2026
3/12 (+1) Prompts Completed
Currently Reading
With a disabled protagonist
I struggled finding a book for this one – I have quite a few books on my TBR with disabled protagonists, but very few horror! So if you have recommendations for me, please do let me know. I ended up going with Stephen King’s Duma Key. I’m only a little bit into it right now, but I am enjoying it.
A new to you author
For this, I went with a book I picked up during a DHR Queer Your eReader event (which will be returning in September!). I’m not far from finishing Hallowed Be Her Flesh by Emryn Bird, and I’m loving it.
Read
A book featuring a Black main character
For this one, I went with Listen To Your Sister, which is definitely a strongly recommended book from me. It’s really good, and personally, I think if Jordan Peele was looking for books to adapt, this would be an excellent one.
Books to Read: You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight, All the Hearts You Eat, When I Was Death
Musicals Reading Challenge 2026
3/24 (0) Prompts Completed
No progress on this one this month, but I’m expecting that to change pretty quickly. Some books on here I’m really looking forward to, so I’m keen to progress with this one.
Books to Read: London: The Biography, Ahsoka, The Making of Horror Movies
Twenty Genres in 2026
4/20 (+2) Prompts Completed
Read
Non Fiction (any)
I finished Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality – it’s very good! The review will be on DHR in June as part of Pride Month, but definitely worth saying I really recommend this one.
Fantasy
I really enjoyed Silver Under Nightfall – a really good paranormal fantasy with vampires (and I do adore my vampires). Looking forward to checking out the second one!
Books to Read: Tell Me I’m Worthless, Oxford Blood, A Thief and a Gentleman
Grim Readers 2026 Horror Reading Challenge
4/12 (+3) Prompts Completed
Read
Love Gone Wrong – Doomed lovers, seductive monsters
Vampires of El Norte wasn’t as ‘doomed lovers’ as I would have liked. It was an okay book, but one I found a little toothless as a horror.
Cults & Conspiracies – Hidden groups, secret societies, mass delusions
I was really looking forward to House of Idyll, especially with the idea of musicians setting up their own…’commune’ (aka cult). Unfortunately, the MC was frustrating and the plot was messy.
Creature Feature – Monsters of any kind – classic or original
I’ve had The Science of Monsters on my TBR for quite a long time, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally read it. Unfortunately, I found the book really lacking. I’m still glad I read it though!
Books to Read: Tell Me I’m Worthless, The Fiends in the Furrows II, You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight
Netflix Movies & TV Shows
16/24 (0) Prompts Completed
Again, no movement here. But I’m keeping it on the list for accountability reasons! I’m also hoping that with a few shorter challenges this year, I’ll actually be able to clear some relatively early and take another look at this.
Books to Read: So You Want to Talk About Race, All That Remains, A Discovery of Witches
How is your reading going so far this year? Feeling like you’re making good progress? I’m more than happy with where I am for the time being – I’m managing to keep up with my overall goal, and it feels like I’m on track with the challenges. Hopefully I can keep this up now through the year!
Unwrapping Words 