Caldryn Parliament

Recent Reads – May 2026

Written by

Jenny Schwartz

in

a cubist painting of a library nook

I did a lot of comfort re-reading this month, but I also enjoyed a couple of new fantasy novels and a more challenging non-fiction book. One of my re-reads was This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews. The second read-through let me savor the cleverness of the plot. I’m contemplating a third read-through just because.

Calculated Whisk by Lindsay Buroker is the first book in her new series, Tales from the Dragon Diner. Like all first books it had to establish characters, world-building, and the series conflict, and it did so without slowing down the pace or interfering with its cozy, bantering vibe. I’ll be reading book 2, Knead for Speed, to enjoy the next adventure.

A Fractured Conclave by Vanessa Nelson wrapped up a six book urban fantasy series of the same title. I enjoyed the thriller aspect of this series, the sense of time running out and secrets revealed. A skip tracer was a great choice for the heroine, and she became so much more.  

Prophecy: Prediction, Power and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI by Carissa Veliz was an eye-opener; an excellent combination of philosophical and practical analysis of how predictions affect our lives. They are everywhere, and it was confronting to realize how many predictive assumptions underpin daily life.

How was your reading month?

Discover more from Caldryn Parliament

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

6 responses to “Recent Reads – May 2026”

  1. Fran D Avatar
    Fran D

    I read Yesteryear, devoured it in fact. Not sure if i ‘liked’ it, but it was a ripper read. Then I indulged in a re-read of the Uncertain Sanctuary 3 books, which was comforting and fun. Kira is so thoughtful, I really get more out of them each time I read them.
    I also did a re-read, or should I say re-listen, to TKWNKM. Every time I read or listen to it again I pick up more. And Everard … swoon. I see on the IA blog that they are close to finishing Vol 2. I am at one with the Horde on that and CANNOT WAIT.
    Also looking forward to more Caldryn Parliament.

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      I looked at Yesteryear. I think you’ve summed it up perfectly. It looks really compelling, but too much for me at the moment. Too intense and disconcerting (the world is offering that in spades!).

      I love hearing that you’re re-reading my books and finding comfort in them. I cannot smile big enough, and then, to learn that Maggie 2 is on schedule…woohoo!!! Bless you, Book Horder 😉 for sharing that news!

      Reply
  2. robbiemeeks Avatar
    robbiemeeks

    I also read Fractured Conclave and A Calculated Whisk. I’m saving This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me to savor later. Right now I’m rereading the 3 caldryn Parliment books in order in anticipation of Book 4 🩷

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      And Night Maze is out tomorrow! (My Australian tomorrow, 29 May) I hope this run of good reading/new releases lasts through the next few months. Some years it falls off during the northern summer.

      Reply
  3. amithi Avatar
    amithi

    I’ve been away from home for advanced training and I usually indulge and binge read every free minute during that time. Did the sightseeing during the first few times I was there and found I don’t enjoy it on my own.

    I made headway in my quest to read the backlog of some recently (as in the last few years) discovered authors. Incidentally your books are included in that quest. 😀
    I’ve finished Honor Raconteur’s Advent Mage Cycle (one has to be okay with fairly modern language in a fantasy setting) and now have to wait for new stuff.
    I’ve discovered Lynn Strong’s medieval middle eastern and indian inspired cozy fantasy stories with sentient animals (mostly cats, but also some dogs) and recipes, read everything that is published. “Chai and Cat-Tales” is the first book, a collection of 3 stories that are a good representation of the style and contents of her books. They have become my new favourite for hope-inducing escapism.
    I’ve read the 2 newest books in “The King’s Watch” by Mark Hayden and got quite lost at times, because I didn’t do a reread – the last book was 2 years ago… my bad. I always complain if past happenings are explained in recent books until I am reminded of why that might be necessary… Mark Hayden has a huge cast of characters that are imposible to keep track of. Looking forward to a read-through once the final book (should be the next one) has dropped.

    All in all I read 20 titles (some short stories and novellas included) in my rather successful attempt to combat homesickness.

    Reply
    1. Jenny Schwartz Avatar
      Jenny Schwartz

      Books can be the best company 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed the Advent Mage Cycle series by Honor Raconteur. I love her stand-alone early urban fantasies, too. Call to Quarters and Special Forces 01.

      Lynn Strong’s books sound fabulous! Thank you. I read and loved Mark Hayden’s early books. I have to admit, I haven’t kept up with the later ones. Thanks for the nudge.

      Homesickness sucks. I’m happy my books were among this amazing collection that helped you through it. And thank goodness you’re home!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

More posts