What I’m Reading Right Now - Books That Are Keeping Me Hooked

Ever pick up a book planning to read just one chapter, only to be lost within its pages? That's exactly the feeling I've been searching for after neglecting my poor Kindle for so long. The last good book I remember reading was 1984 by George Orwell on a trip to Berlin for the UEFA Euro 2024 championship.

Since then we've purchased a house which has required a fair amount of DIY work, moved and focused on a lot of other parts of Since then, we've purchased a house that needed considerable DIY work, moved, and concentrated on various aspects of adult life. This shift has led to a decline in reading and several other hobbies on our priority list.

I have finally gotten back into reading, however, and started working through a list of 'things to read'. So if you’re searching for your next great book, you might just find it here. Let’s dive into what’s been on my Kindle these last few months.

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Book #1: Tokyo Vice

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein feels less like a book and more like a wild, firsthand dive into Tokyo’s gritty underworld. It's easy to understand how its TV show adaptation has done so well. Adelstein, an ambitious young journalist, becomes the first foreign crime reporter at Japan’s largest newspaper. What starts as routine crime reporting quickly escalates into something much darker - yakuza threats, government corruption, and deep moral dilemmas.

Real events inspire the book, but it is not a documentary or a biography. However, that doesn't stop it from being such a gripping read. If you’ve ever been curious about the hidden layers of Tokyo beyond the neon lights and busy streets, this one’s unforgettable. If you like noir style, crime thrillers with a hint of dark humour give this one a go!

Book #2: Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the kind of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Very much like the grip the first Harry Potter book had on me when I was younger. It’s got everything you'd want in a magical, fantasy adventure - dragons, deadly trials, and a main character, Violet (or should I say Violence), who has to fight against the odds just to survive. She’s thrown into an elite 'war college' and dropped in at the deep end where only the strongest make it out alive and a single mistake could be your last. Every chapter is packed with tension and twists.

Violet is a very relatable character - she’s not some invincible hero; she’s weak, struggling but adapting and proving herself in a world that wants to see her fail. Watching her grow and overcome the obstacles presented throughout the book is very empowering. If you’re into a sort of Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones vibe with a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance twist, this one should be top of your reading list. Not something I'd normally go for (a bit too smutty for me!) but probably has been the one I've struggled to put down the most.

Book #3: The Crystal Shard: The Legend of Drizzt

The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore is a classic fantasy adventure that feels like stepping into an epic D&D campaign - only with way more heart. It introduces Drizzt Do’Urden, the dark elf with a conscience, and follows him as he battles everything from brutal barbarians to a scheming wizard with a dangerous artifact.

What really makes this book special isn’t just the action (though the fights are incredible), but Drizzt himself - his struggle to find his place in a world that fears him is what keeps you turning the pages. If you love fast-paced fantasy with unforgettable characters (or you've recently played through Baldur's Gate 3 this one’s a must-read.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk Books!

I’d love to know, what you're currently reading? Have you read any of the books on this list? Drop a comment below, and let’s swap recommendations!