Books

Alongside the Warner Bros TV series reboot of Harry Potter, is the upcoming full cast audio editions from Audible.Joining the previously announced likes of Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore and Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort are some huge Hollywood stars from franchises like Game of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean.The third group of voice actors revealed today are Kit Harington as Professor Lockhart, Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge, Iwan Rheon as Professor Lupin, Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange, Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks, Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley, Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley, James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody, Gemma Whelan as Professor Sprout, and Matt Berry as Sir Cadogan.McAvoy said in a statement: “I am absolutely thrilled to bring the fiercely determined Mad-Eye Moody to ...

It’s been 14 years since George RR Martin last published a novel in his A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series.The Game of Thrones TV show has been and gone since then, and he still has The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring to go.The author, who turns 77 this month, has shared in his latest blog post what he’s been doing this August instead of working on the long-overdue novel.He writes: “August was a busy month for me and mine, with two conventions on the schedule, a road trip in between, and a couple of guests afterward.”Among the details, Martin mentioned taking part in Worldcon, in Seattle this year, saying: “I did two panels, both of them enjoyable.”Although Martin fails to mention walking out of one of the panels after an angry fan confronted him about the delay to Winds of Win...

When there's a chill in the air and leaves are starting to change colour, there's nothing like cosying up with a book. Autumn is already making itself known and these cooler nights call for a good read. Looking for some good book recommendations?The retailer TGJones, which has taken over WHSmith high street shops, has rounded up the most exciting reads this season. From debut books to a romantasy that shouldn't be missed, the booksellers have narrowed down five recommendations, from new releases plus some of the most popular books of the last few years. Time to put on a brew and dive into your autumn reading list.Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla BridgeThis hotly anticipated debut book by Mikayla Bridge is a YA fantasy that sees phoenix riders compete in thrilling F1-style races while uncove...

Ken Follett, renowned for his thrillers and historical fiction, has become one of modern literature’s most read and revered writers. With over 40 novels to his name - celebrated for their shocking narratives, rich character development, and meticulously researched scenarios - his work has sold more than 180 million copies worldwide.Born in Wales in 1949, Follett spent his early career working in journalism and publishing, writing books on the side before achieving international acclaim with the 1978 thriller Eye of the Needle.This World War II spy story won him the Edgar Award for Best Novel and set a spectacular precedent - every book he’s released since has become a bestseller.In 1989, Follett surprised fans with his first non-spy thriller, The Pillars of the Earth. An epic novel abou...

Agatha Christie is one of the most celebrated authors in literary history, often dubbed the “Queen of Crime.” Over her career, she penned detective novels, short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap.Her work has sold over two billion copies worldwide, making her the best-selling fiction writer of all time. A few years before her death, the author shared which works of her own were her favourite - and a famous novel featuring the beloved detective Hercule Poirot doesn’t make the cut.Christie is best known for her iconic fictional detectives - Poirot, the meticulous Belgian sleuth, and Miss Marple, the observant village spinster.Poirot features in some of the most successful novels of Christie, including Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile....

At the start of the year, many of you will likely have had a list of books to get through this year, perhaps including a fantasy or a recent Hunger Games instalment. However, many books worth our time have been released since 2020.At the beginning of the decade, Barack Obama released his memoir, and Maggie O'Farrell published her original take on William Shakespeare's family. Here is a list of the top books of the decade so far, as ranked by Goodreads.10. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinThis creative love story by Gabrielle Zevin explores the decades-long friendship between Sam Masur and Sadie Green, both now video game designers who first met as children and later reunite in college. When they decide to collaborate on a video game, they are met with massive succe...

A self-confessed 'non-fiction junkie' as revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. (Image: Getty)A self-confessed “non-fiction junkie” who has read more than 1,000 books has revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. Prahalad Rajkumar said that while he typically prefers non-fiction for its life lessons, a good fiction book can “delight the soul” and even offer just as much wisdom.He explained that while he’s learned more from non-fiction than school or university, certain fiction books have moved him deeply, and even taught him lessons about life, loss, and love. “I’d choose a non-fiction book over a fiction book any day,” he said. “But a good fiction book can delight the soul. It can transport you into a magical world and expand your mind.” Writing on Me...

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more These are 10 of the best new books publishing in September (Image: Getty)If you're on the hunt for a fresh read this September, this curated list of 10 of the best new releases might just contain your next favourite book, regardless of your preferred genre. Between R. F. Kuang's Katabasis and new releases from the likes of T. Kingfisher, Carissa Broadbent and Gareth Brown, August was a great month for bibliophiles.September is shaping up nicely too, with many eagerly awaited releases by beloved authors such as Richard Osman, Rebecca Ross and Mona Awad, as well as some hidden gems that might have slipped under your radar so far. As someone who reads every day, both for work ...

A 2022 book has been a hot topic in the reading world, with avid book-lovers unable to pry their hands away from its pages. The thriller will be made into a film, released in December 2025, following its success.This exciting read is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. On Goodreads, the novel has gained an impressive 4.25 score out of five with readers singing its praises in reviews.A synopsis of the novel on Goodreads, says: "Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor."I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seem...

The 30 most memorable moments from the Harry Potter series have been unveiled, with Harry's first journey through the wall on Platform 9 3⁄4 taking the top spot. A survey of 1,500 devotees of the beloved franchise ranked Voldemort's defeat and Hagrid's iconic line, "You're a wizard, Harry" in second place. The touching scene when Dobby is given a sock was also recognised as a fan favourite.Harry was voted the favourite character of the franchise, with nearly six in 10 choosing him. Hermione was the runner-up, closely followed by Ron. Lord Voldemort narrowly avoided last place, which was claimed by Dolores Umbridge.The study found that, on average, a fan will watch one of the films three times a year, despite the final instalment being released almost 15 years ago.A spokesperson for  Kri...