The 2026 Reading List

Originally posted to our Patreon

After gathering recommendations, hunting through our own lists, and debating, genteelly over cups of tea, Bill Bodden, our Official Buttery Goodness, and I are ready to share our reading list for 2026. And oh my! I am, as always, terribly excited for this year’s list.

Our virtual Book Chat celebrated 5 years of delightful conversation and happy reading this past May. Combined with nearly 10 years of our in person book chat before that, we have nearly 15 years of incredible books shared. Of course, that means that sometimes we have repeat appearances of particularly excellent novels. This year’s reprise is the excellent Emilie Adventures by Martha Wells. Given how many of us adore Murderbot and Martha Wells, this felt like the perfect time to share this overlooked treasure, now available as a compendium of both novels.

Going into our 6th year of our virtual book chat, I am thrilled that Bill and I are able to share more author interviews and more convivial discussions. From the classic steampunk to the adjacent, we are ready for 10 more great reads. I hope you will find a few new favourites to add to your own treasury.

January – Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal

February – Rust in the Root by Justina Ireland

April – The Emilie Adventures by Martha Wells 

May –  Tales from the Gunpowder Chronicles by Jeannie Lin 

June – Angel Maker by Elizabeth Bear

July – The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

August – The Engineer by C.S. Poe 

September – Aether’s Call by M.J. Baermann

October – Boneyard: Deadlands #3 by Seanan McGuire

November – Boston Metaphysical Society, vol. 1 by Madeleine Holly-Rosing &  Emily Hu

Book chat will continue to stream live to YouTube in the coming year but I hope, whenever possible, that you will join us in our virtual tea parlour on zoom. Our monthly conversations are such a treasure! I cannot wait for the next year of books with all of you.

Happy reading,
~Madame

P.S. This is my happy reminder that I am a bookshop.org affiliate. I am proud to be part of this program because Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores across North America, giving over 80% of their profits directly to indy bookstores. As an affiliate, I receive a small commission every time you buy a book from one of my links and, to be honest, that money goes right back into our monthly book chats.