David
@bluebookballoon.bsky.social
Oxford, UK. When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman? No pasarán. He/him. https://bluebookballoon.blogspot.com
Pinned
Joining the tour for #Catherine by @essiefox.bsky.social, out now from @orendabooks.bsky.social. Raw, emotional retelling of Wuthering Heights. Don’t miss this! Many thanks @annerandomthings.bsky.social bluebookballoon.blogspot.com/2026/02/blog... #BookSky 📚💙
Reposted by David
Been working through the final Act of the folk horror book (eek!), which means I have of course become distracted by next planned idea: sentient hive mind space moss horrors... (this one's been half-constructed for a while, but it's clicked a bit in my mind now so I may be able to write it...😅👀🌿)
Third of the way through draft of new Scottish folk horror novel, with reluctant forced return to small town, forest shenanigans, religious horrors, strange insects, dark folklore, sleep terrors, family secrets, a charismatic minister, and something is *really off* about his congregation...👀🐝
February 17, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Been working through the final Act of the folk horror book (eek!), which means I have of course become distracted by next planned idea: sentient hive mind space moss horrors... (this one's been half-constructed for a while, but it's clicked a bit in my mind now so I may be able to write it...😅👀🌿)
Reposted by David
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will launch their Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour across the country this spring, kicking off at Minneapolis’ Target Center on March 31. The 20-date run will feature 19 arena shows, and a final night on May 27 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
February 17, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will launch their Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour across the country this spring, kicking off at Minneapolis’ Target Center on March 31. The 20-date run will feature 19 arena shows, and a final night on May 27 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Reposted by David
It *will* be published in the UK by the wonderful @orbitbooks.bsky.social in June 2026. I'm very grateful to my editor @jennihill.bsky.social for her unfaltering support, and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) working with her on many more projects in the future.
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 PM
It *will* be published in the UK by the wonderful @orbitbooks.bsky.social in June 2026. I'm very grateful to my editor @jennihill.bsky.social for her unfaltering support, and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) working with her on many more projects in the future.
Reposted by David
Here is my review the excellent next installment in the Dresden Files- here is my review of Twelve Months by Jim Butcher
Twelve Months ( The Dresden Files #18) by Jim Butcher
One year. 365 days. Twelve months.Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed, everything is different—and it’s not just the current lack of electricity.Harry lost people he cared about in the battle, and that’s the kind of loss that takes a toll.
seriesbooklover.wordpress.com
February 17, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Here is my review the excellent next installment in the Dresden Files- here is my review of Twelve Months by Jim Butcher
Reposted by David
dumplings are a side effect of Mongols
In honor of Lunar New Year, one of my all-time favorite maps:
How dumplings spread around the world
(tl;dr: It was largely, though not exclusively, the Mongol invasions!)
How dumplings spread around the world
(tl;dr: It was largely, though not exclusively, the Mongol invasions!)
February 17, 2026 at 6:51 PM
dumplings are a side effect of Mongols
Reposted by David
something surreal about opening up my PDF of Reeve's translation of the Republic and having to click off two separate prompts suggesting to have an AI Assistant summarize it for me
February 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM
something surreal about opening up my PDF of Reeve's translation of the Republic and having to click off two separate prompts suggesting to have an AI Assistant summarize it for me
Reposted by David
L'Ukraine mène une contre-offensive inédite depuis 2023, aidée par des coupures de Starlink côté russe
Les soldats ukrainiens ont repris 201 km2 en quatre jours, un chiffre jamais vu depuis la contre-offensive de juin 2023.
www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe...
Les soldats ukrainiens ont repris 201 km2 en quatre jours, un chiffre jamais vu depuis la contre-offensive de juin 2023.
www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe...
L'Ukraine mène une contre-offensive inédite depuis 2023, aidée par des coupures de Starlink côté russe
Les soldats ukrainiens ont repris 201 km2 en quatre jours, un chiffre jamais vu depuis la contre-offensive de juin 2023.
www.franceinfo.fr
February 17, 2026 at 5:53 PM
L'Ukraine mène une contre-offensive inédite depuis 2023, aidée par des coupures de Starlink côté russe
Les soldats ukrainiens ont repris 201 km2 en quatre jours, un chiffre jamais vu depuis la contre-offensive de juin 2023.
www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe...
Les soldats ukrainiens ont repris 201 km2 en quatre jours, un chiffre jamais vu depuis la contre-offensive de juin 2023.
www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe...
Reposted by David
#manuscriptwishlist #mswl I want sci-fi with the same spacefarers-as-seafarers feel as the best Star Trek series. Master and Commander but in space. Drama on the bridge. Mutiny in the lower decks. Emotions (mostly) repressed because the chain of command doesn't allow for them.
a man in a red shirt is standing in a forest with the words " there must be trek somewhere in here " above him
ALT: a man in a red shirt is standing in a forest with the words " there must be trek somewhere in here " above him
media.tenor.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:21 PM
#manuscriptwishlist #mswl I want sci-fi with the same spacefarers-as-seafarers feel as the best Star Trek series. Master and Commander but in space. Drama on the bridge. Mutiny in the lower decks. Emotions (mostly) repressed because the chain of command doesn't allow for them.
Reposted by David
Over on series book lover today there’s a review of Jim Butcher’s Twelve months.
Here is my review the excellent next installment in the Dresden Files- here is my review of Twelve Months by Jim Butcher
Twelve Months ( The Dresden Files #18) by Jim Butcher
One year. 365 days. Twelve months.Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed, everything is different—and it’s not just the current lack of electricity.Harry lost people he cared about in the battle, and that’s the kind of loss that takes a toll.
seriesbooklover.wordpress.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Over on series book lover today there’s a review of Jim Butcher’s Twelve months.
Reposted by David
This week, I've been enjoying the fantastic portal fantasy, THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME, with a vampire mystery thriller on deck!
My reading update:
My reading update:
Weekly Reading Update: 02/17/2026
realmsofmymind.wordpress.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM
This week, I've been enjoying the fantastic portal fantasy, THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME, with a vampire mystery thriller on deck!
My reading update:
My reading update:
Reposted by David
*NEW BLOG POST*
Today on #damppebbles I am sharing this week's #TopTenTuesday post. The theme for this week is 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 🛋️📚✈️
Check out my list here...
➡️ buff.ly/JtV9vkM
#BookSky #skybrarians #books #top10 #list #bookrecommendation #bookish #whattoread
Today on #damppebbles I am sharing this week's #TopTenTuesday post. The theme for this week is 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 🛋️📚✈️
Check out my list here...
➡️ buff.ly/JtV9vkM
#BookSky #skybrarians #books #top10 #list #bookrecommendation #bookish #whattoread
February 17, 2026 at 12:30 PM
*NEW BLOG POST*
Today on #damppebbles I am sharing this week's #TopTenTuesday post. The theme for this week is 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 🛋️📚✈️
Check out my list here...
➡️ buff.ly/JtV9vkM
#BookSky #skybrarians #books #top10 #list #bookrecommendation #bookish #whattoread
Today on #damppebbles I am sharing this week's #TopTenTuesday post. The theme for this week is 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 🛋️📚✈️
Check out my list here...
➡️ buff.ly/JtV9vkM
#BookSky #skybrarians #books #top10 #list #bookrecommendation #bookish #whattoread
Reposted by David
#TopTenTuesday | 17th February 2026: Books for Armchair Travellers #Top10Tuesday #bookblogger #bookish #amreading #TTT #BookSky #damppebbles damppebbles.com/2026/02/17/t... - via @damppebbles.bsky.social 💙📚
#TopTenTuesday | 17th February 2026: Books for Armchair Travellers #Top10Tuesday #bookblogger #bookish #amreading #TTT #BookTwitter #booktwt #BookSky #damppebbles
Hello and a very warm welcome to damppebbles. It’s Tuesday which means it’s time for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday post. I’ve decided to take part in That Artsy Reader Girl…
damppebbles.com
February 17, 2026 at 9:33 AM
#TopTenTuesday | 17th February 2026: Books for Armchair Travellers #Top10Tuesday #bookblogger #bookish #amreading #TTT #BookSky #damppebbles damppebbles.com/2026/02/17/t... - via @damppebbles.bsky.social 💙📚
Reposted by David
Concluding that the Winter Olympics is mostly watching people sliding about on slippery surfaces, trying not to fall over.
The people who don't fall over win medals.
The people who don't fall over win medals.
February 16, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Concluding that the Winter Olympics is mostly watching people sliding about on slippery surfaces, trying not to fall over.
The people who don't fall over win medals.
The people who don't fall over win medals.
Reposted by David
Put your hand up if you received the ELIZA vaccine at a young age and are now immune to chatbot spiraling
February 16, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Put your hand up if you received the ELIZA vaccine at a young age and are now immune to chatbot spiraling
Reposted by David
Let me just make a few little adjustments to that title…
“How a scientist with a PhD in Geology and 25 years of experience is helping lead California’s earthquake work”
Way to devalue my experience.
“How a scientist with a PhD in Geology and 25 years of experience is helping lead California’s earthquake work”
Way to devalue my experience.
Wendy Bohon has built a TikTok following as an earthquake geologist. She helps lead earthquake work for the California Geological Survey.
How a TikToker and former actress is helping lead California’s earthquake work
Wendy Bohon has built a TikTok following as an earthquake geologist. She helps lead earthquake work for the California Geological Survey.
bit.ly
February 15, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Let me just make a few little adjustments to that title…
“How a scientist with a PhD in Geology and 25 years of experience is helping lead California’s earthquake work”
Way to devalue my experience.
“How a scientist with a PhD in Geology and 25 years of experience is helping lead California’s earthquake work”
Way to devalue my experience.
Reposted by David
While sudden cliff falls at Birling Gap (near my home town of Eastbourne) are no joke, I really love how much it looks like we’ve roused a grumpy, sleepy sea-wizard.
January 27, 2026 at 9:36 PM
While sudden cliff falls at Birling Gap (near my home town of Eastbourne) are no joke, I really love how much it looks like we’ve roused a grumpy, sleepy sea-wizard.
Reposted by David
So much of Bluesky can be explained by it having one population whose primary mode of interaction is jokes and another population who have taken a vow against ever getting a joke.
February 16, 2026 at 11:11 AM
So much of Bluesky can be explained by it having one population whose primary mode of interaction is jokes and another population who have taken a vow against ever getting a joke.
Reposted by David
#fivestarflashback ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AudiobookReview: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @vikingbooksuk.bsky.social #TheLastDevilToDie #damppebbles
➡️ buff.ly/78fbbXN
#whattoread #bookish #BookSky #skybrarians #bookrecs #bookrecommendation
#AudiobookReview: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @vikingbooksuk.bsky.social #TheLastDevilToDie #damppebbles
➡️ buff.ly/78fbbXN
#whattoread #bookish #BookSky #skybrarians #bookrecs #bookrecommendation
#AudiobookReview: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @vikingbooksuk.bsky.social #TheLastDevilToDie #BookTwitter #booktwt #BookSky #damppebbles
“Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club. An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. As the gang springs into a…
buff.ly
February 16, 2026 at 9:30 AM
#fivestarflashback ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#AudiobookReview: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @vikingbooksuk.bsky.social #TheLastDevilToDie #damppebbles
➡️ buff.ly/78fbbXN
#whattoread #bookish #BookSky #skybrarians #bookrecs #bookrecommendation
#AudiobookReview: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman @vikingbooksuk.bsky.social #TheLastDevilToDie #damppebbles
➡️ buff.ly/78fbbXN
#whattoread #bookish #BookSky #skybrarians #bookrecs #bookrecommendation
Reposted by David
The OED's entry for the word 'chicken' includes the charming admission that it "has not been adequately explained" why 'chicken' is pronounced as it is, and not as 'chichen', which is what we'd expect from such a word in Old English.
February 16, 2026 at 8:37 AM
The OED's entry for the word 'chicken' includes the charming admission that it "has not been adequately explained" why 'chicken' is pronounced as it is, and not as 'chichen', which is what we'd expect from such a word in Old English.
Reposted by David
New Review - time to meet my new favourite witch Mehrab - run and get hold of this excellent story - A Forest, Darkly by @angelaslatter.bsky.social out now may thanks to @titanbooks.bsky.social www.runalongtheshelves.net/blog/2026/2/...
A Forest, Darkly by A G Slatter — Runalong The Shelves
I would like to thank Titan Books for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review Publisher – Titan Books Published – Out Now Price – £9.99 paperback £7.99 ebook ...
www.runalongtheshelves.net
February 16, 2026 at 7:45 AM
New Review - time to meet my new favourite witch Mehrab - run and get hold of this excellent story - A Forest, Darkly by @angelaslatter.bsky.social out now may thanks to @titanbooks.bsky.social www.runalongtheshelves.net/blog/2026/2/...
Reposted by David
The Mortuary Assistant proves video game horror can work on screen. Kipp avoids cheap scares, focusing on clinical dread and trauma. A rare adaptation that gets it right. 🎮⚰️
@maddwolfcolumbus.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/the-mortuary...
@maddwolfcolumbus.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/the-mortuary...
The Mortuary Assistant Review: A Rare Win For Horror Game Adaptations - The Ginger Nuts Of Horror Review Website
Director Jeremiah Kipp brings the cult horror game to life. Read our review of The Mortuary Assistant with genuine dread and a stellar turn from Willa Holland.
gnofhorror.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:07 AM
The Mortuary Assistant proves video game horror can work on screen. Kipp avoids cheap scares, focusing on clinical dread and trauma. A rare adaptation that gets it right. 🎮⚰️
@maddwolfcolumbus.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/the-mortuary...
@maddwolfcolumbus.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/the-mortuary...
Reposted by David
Enjoy the Sunday caption contest. Give away ❤️s, retweet to encourage more competitors, include #GirlsOwnCC
February 15, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Enjoy the Sunday caption contest. Give away ❤️s, retweet to encourage more competitors, include #GirlsOwnCC
Reposted by David
Books to Look Out For in March 2026: Part Two alifeinbooks.co.uk/2026/02/book...
Books to Look Out For in March 2026: Part Two - A Life in Books
Book reviews, snippets of book news, and alerts about books outside the glare of the publicity spotlight.
alifeinbooks.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 8:34 AM
Books to Look Out For in March 2026: Part Two alifeinbooks.co.uk/2026/02/book...
Reposted by David
This is so shameful. Part of the ethnic cleansing and genocide and negation of a people’s identity. Shame on @britishmuseum.bsky.social
February 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
This is so shameful. Part of the ethnic cleansing and genocide and negation of a people’s identity. Shame on @britishmuseum.bsky.social
Reposted by David
This is the Gov looking for your input on the BBC. It takes a while to complete (15/20 mins) but it’s pretty comprehensive and covers most aspects.
Please share. I’m surprised many people haven’t seen it yet.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Please share. I’m surprised many people haven’t seen it yet.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Britain’s Story: The Next Chapter - BBC Royal Charter Review, Green Paper and public consultation
www.gov.uk
February 15, 2026 at 6:19 PM
This is the Gov looking for your input on the BBC. It takes a while to complete (15/20 mins) but it’s pretty comprehensive and covers most aspects.
Please share. I’m surprised many people haven’t seen it yet.
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Please share. I’m surprised many people haven’t seen it yet.
www.gov.uk/government/c...