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Can't go wrong with Doctor Who alumni; Ben Aaronovitch has crafted an extremely energetic and funny world set in the heart and soul of London. Another novel series I'll be desperate to continue when finances allow!

Cover of novel "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch.

It's set on a cream-coloured background with author and title above an inked, cartoonish map of a section of London. The map is riddled with caricatures, but a part is highlighted in blood red, including Covent Garden and the River Thames.

Three ink drawings are separated above, including a wizard's hat, police constable's hat and a gravestone with a spade leaning against it.

September 15, 2025 at 10:36 AM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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I finally completed Earthsea, from one of my favourite authors, Ursula K. Le Guin. Surprised myself that I've not read this, considering how much I adored The Left Hand of Darkness, but it is truly epic, emotional and prescient.

Cover of a novel. It's a bright, teal colour with a compass symbol wrapped around the title "Earthea" which is underlined by a magic staff, "The First Four Books" underneath and "Ursula K. Le Guin" written in the shape of a smile.

Above the compass is a silhouetted drawing of a young boy, with foliage, mountains, a craggy sea and a night sky full of stars above it all.

Below the compass, is the silhouette of a woman flanked by two dragons facing inward.

There are two quoted opinions of the novel; one at the top reading: "One of the major works of fantasy in this century" (by Observer); and one at the bottom reading: "Majestic" (by Telegraph).

September 8, 2025 at 9:42 AM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Andor - one of those zeitgeist shows that's also unafraid to point out the darkness in a revolution, and the morality of every action. It's just so good, and light years ahead of any politically-themed series!

Well-dressed and hair-styled man gazing to the side with a smirk. In the background are a row of windows with sunlight streaming through.

April 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Doctor Who = Phenomenal!

April 19, 2025 at 7:46 AM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Severance is one of those lightining-in-a-bottle shows that comes around rarely with breathtaking imagination! The nightmare of human resources played as an unnerving thriller!

Mark S in a suit, walking towards the camera down a minimalistic, white corridor carrying bright blue balloons. The corridor is brighly lit with blinding white light.

January 17, 2025 at 10:48 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

I finally got around to watching Lost Boys and Fairies! Despite thousands of tears shed, this was a cathartic watch for me as a bisexual Welshman who wants to adopt in the future. Please consider watching this beautiful slice of raw drama. But don't forget the tissues!

Two men, one blonde, the other brunette, sat side-by-side in Superman t-shirts and wearing lanyards with name tags. The man on the right is leaning his head on the other's shoulder. They are sitting outside, in front of building windows, with children's graffiti underneath.

January 5, 2025 at 8:41 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

1. Shōgun (FX)

The crowning glory of 2024, Shōgun is head and shoulders above the rest, bringing authenticity to Human history that tears down the borders between cultures. Sometimes quiet and philosophical, others visceral and shocking, this has redefined the drama genere!

Lord Toranaga dressed in full battle armour and wielding katana, standing next to two stanchions in flames. Banners and tents are sprawled behind him, and a cliffside with trees at its top in the background.

January 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

2. House of the Dragon (HBO)

If drama had a definition, House of the Dragon would be the finest exemplification. A cast completely in their element, a world on grand scale, and political subterfuge at every turn; this is a carefully cultivated series equal to its predecessor

Rhaenyra stands in a beautiful, embroidered purple and red cloak, her face lightly dusted with soot. Two vast dragons, one gold, the other deep red, are crouched behind her roaring in harmony on a craggy mountainside.

January 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime)

An epic showcase of Tolkien's world that does not shy away from in-depth history while maintaining the thrill of battle and the beauty of Middle-Earth. This is escapist fantasy at its best!

Sauron stands in the middle of a stone walkway in a burning Eregion. He is in an Elvish form with a gold-guilded dark cloak. In the background is a stone-worked decorative fountain, while the rest of the architecture is in flames or smoke.

January 1, 2025 at 4:19 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

4. The Penguin (HBO)

A new, gritty villain story that is unafraid to portray a truly evil character and maintain his unashamed depravityoZ. The combo of Farrell and Milioti is so genuinely powerful, it makes the expanded Batman world around them life-like and visceral.

Oz Cobb, dressed in a long, leather coat, standing amongst a junkyard in the sunlight. In the background, a train passes on an overpass.

January 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

5. Dune: Prophecy (HBO)

Politics and science-fiction blend like Shai-Hulud and sand in this sumptumous, epic drama. Across the board, performances are top tier, and the sets are remarkably immersive, all buoyed by a thrilling story of revenge and manipulation.

Princess Inez and Pruwet holding hands near a plinth and adjacent to the Corrino throne. They are the top of a flight of steps covered in red petals. Large, grey statues rise either side of their cerermony. Princess Inez is wearing a vivid, red dress, while Pruwet is in a plain, white uniform with a cloak.

January 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

6. 3 Body Problem (Netflix)

The novel was quite a challenge to adapt, but Weiss and Benioff succeed tremendously to portray a political minefield on Earth as aliens begin communication. Science is its strength, opting to go hardcore with its potential and imagination.

Vera Ye stands on the precipice of a gangway inside a vast detector. She's looking down into its depths.

December 31, 2024 at 1:39 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

Top 20 TV SERIES 2024

7. Hearstopper (Netflix)

It's supremely difficult to outdo something so incredible, but Alice Oseman does it again with a both heartwarming and devastating third season. Joe Locke demonstrates his limitless talent as the show reaches maturity for itself and its characters.

Charlie and Nick sitting on the edge of a bed, staring at each other with concern while holding hands. Charlie is in a stripy top and pink cardigan, while Nick is in a green jumper.

December 31, 2024 at 1:34 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

8. Fallout (Amazon Prime)

A loyal, fascinating adaptation of the popular games, Fallout balances the extremely violent with the disarmingly funny in perfect harmony. Goggins' the Ghoul could be one of the most iconic characters in recent history.

Lucy carries a backpack as she stares out to the horizon of devastation under a yellow sky. In the foreground is the front part of a plane, and industrial-style containers and buildings and a couple of trees. In the distant background there's the silhouette of a vast city.

December 31, 2024 at 1:30 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

9. Arcane (Netflix)

One of the greatest animated series of all time concludes with three sets of character-driven episodes. While the action remains the most eye-catching aspect, the interpolated stories and emotional beats are also immersive. The music is the cherry on top!

Viktor, with long air and sunken face, looks upwards as a bright light shines on his facade. A web-like substance hangs in the background.

December 31, 2024 at 1:26 PM

Tom Firth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@tlfirth.bsky.social

TOP 20 TV SERIES 2024

10. True Detective: Night Country (HBO)

Moody, atmospheric and powerfully portrayed, Night Country offers a new, exciting and resonating perspective to the fantastic anthology series. Foster and Reis are dynamite together!