Well hello there… it’s been a while. One year in fact since I last blogged… seems like this is becoming a once a year event, which it’s ok as I’m basically the only one reading this. But here it is, my year in review, as usual. 2021 was a challenging year, without a doubt. A year of many changes, moving back to London, changing jobs, and many more. But things are looking up, and here’s to a great 2022. In meantime, a look back at what I read, what I watched, what I played, and what I’m looking forward to this coming year.

What I Read

I read a grand total of 26 books this year… back to my more usual reading levels (around 2 a month). You can check the Goodreads banner on the side to the list of books read this year. Some very good novels, some not so good, but with two main standouts to highlight and recommend:

2021 is the year I met Morrigan Crow. Cannot believe I hadn’t heard of this series before (the series began in 2017), and boy, I didn’t know what I was missing. I read the full three books almost in one sitting. The series has been compared to Harry Potter, and for once I feel that moniker is deserved. The series grows and grows with every instalment, an amazing world filled with magic and “wunder!” If you miss Hogwarts as much as I do, perhaps a visit to Nevermoor can fill that gap. Here’s hoping the next book (which comes out in October) will be as amazing and magical, if not more.

People started talking about Atlas Six (think it got recommended on Tik Tok) and I decided to give it a go… and so glad I did. An amazing story, great characters, and leaving you wanting for more. Seems like the world has caught on to this novel, understand is being republished with all the fanfare it deserves. Very happy it’s getting its due recognition, and looking forward to the next one in the series!

Other books I read worthy of note below:

As for what’s coming in 2022… who knows? Books keep getting pushed back and back, and many of those that have been on my reading list forever (like The Winds of Winter or The Doors of Stone!) have been so long awaited that I no longer care. However, some goodies are theoretically ahead… The Seven Sisters for instance (Neil Gaiman’s sequel to Neverwhere). Seasonal Fears (sequel to the fantastic Middlegame). And Take Flight from Daniel O’Malley (next instalment in the Rook series). Add the new Nevermoor book and we have the makings of a good year. Here’s hoping!

What I Watched

Was fun being able to go back to the cinema this year. Our world is definitely a better place when you can lose yourself in the big screen. Also, now that the kids are old enough to sit through a full movie and actually enjoy it. Having said that, not that many new films did it for me. Was very stoked about the new Ghostbusters, and whilst it was fun, it felt way too much fan service and not enough of a stand-alone story for me to really feel it. No Time to Die was good, and a proper sign off to Craig’s Bond, but wasn’t better than Skyfall or Casino Royale. Then all the superhero films, like Black Widow, Shang-Chi, Venom… they were good but not great. But my final film of the year had it all and saved it for me:

This movie was amazing. Did not think I would feel so moved by a Spider film, but this had it all. Kudos to Marvel, Sony and all involved in bringing this together so neatly. Can’t wait to see it again.

Now, 2022 is shaping like a great year for cinema… the new Batman film looks amazing. Latest in Jurassic World (with the original Jurassic Park back in the fold) looks exciting. If the new Thor is anything like Ragnarok we are in for a treat. A new Top Gun! And the Mission Impossible series keeps getting better and better. So, plenty to look up to!

In terms of TV, I enjoyed the final season of Money Heist, caught up with Cobra Kai (though still haven’t seen the last season), have not been able to see the latest season of The Witcher (to be remedied shortly), enjoyed Ted Lasso, and loved MythicQuest (strongly recommended). But this was the year of Disney+! Wandavision, The Mandalorian, Loki, Hawkeye… all really really good (note… wasn’t so keen on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier). Such great TV, and very much looking forward to what’s next on the horizon.

What I Played

Nothing of note, really. Cyberpunk 2077 was such a disappointment, but hoping that playing it in next gen will be worth it (will get on it eventually). Did buy Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, but haven’t played it enough to rate it just yet. But my inability to secure a PS5 and an opportunity to trade in my old Nintendo Switch (I’m not travelling much, so wasn’t using) for an Xbox Series S was a masterstroke. The Xbox Gamepass is one of the best developments in gaming, and have spent a lot of the last six months catching up on some good old favourites (replayed Batman Arkham City and GTAV), and discovered great new gems. Without question, my game of the year was Hades:

Soooo addictive, so well thought, keeping you coming back and back, always for one more run. Very strongly recommended!

And that’s it… here’s to a very good 2022!