Beth
@bethanmay.bsky.social
Editor of The Fantasy Hive
Ex-Bookseller
Cymraes
She/Her
Opinions Own
Ex-Bookseller
Cymraes
She/Her
Opinions Own
Reposted by Beth
FREEDOM & LITERACY, a slower-paced book discussion forum. We're NOT a book club. We're just a bunch of readers who love to discuss books. Oh, also we're almost 5 months old with over 130 members and over 350 topics!
Come take a breath with us.
freeliteracy.jcink.net
#currentlyreading #booksky
Come take a breath with us.
freeliteracy.jcink.net
#currentlyreading #booksky
January 8, 2026 at 8:29 PM
FREEDOM & LITERACY, a slower-paced book discussion forum. We're NOT a book club. We're just a bunch of readers who love to discuss books. Oh, also we're almost 5 months old with over 130 members and over 350 topics!
Come take a breath with us.
freeliteracy.jcink.net
#currentlyreading #booksky
Come take a breath with us.
freeliteracy.jcink.net
#currentlyreading #booksky
ICYMI - we run a year-end awards annually on the Hive celebrating our favourite books that came out that year. Check out all our nominations and winners!
As we reach the end of another year of bringing you content featuring incredible books from the world of SFF we round up the team and choose the best of 2025 publishing in the Fantasy Hive's Awards!
Discover the nominees and all the winners here: tinyurl.com/ymej7zv5
Discover the nominees and all the winners here: tinyurl.com/ymej7zv5
January 5, 2026 at 10:59 PM
ICYMI - we run a year-end awards annually on the Hive celebrating our favourite books that came out that year. Check out all our nominations and winners!
Nils was so excited reading this one, she sent me so many whatsapps about it that I feel like I've read it vicariously through her 😂
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi
“This is a spellbinding read that celebrates magic and whimsy.”
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2026/01/the-...
@hodderscape.bsky.social
“This is a spellbinding read that celebrates magic and whimsy.”
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2026/01/the-...
@hodderscape.bsky.social
THE SWAN'S DAUGHTER by Roshani Chokshi (BOOK REVIEW) | Fantasy-Hive
Nils reviews Roshani Chokshi's upcoming fairytale retelling THE SWAN'S DAUGHTER: "Roshani makes every page vibrant and truly immerses a reader into this fantastical world"
fantasy-hive.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Nils was so excited reading this one, she sent me so many whatsapps about it that I feel like I've read it vicariously through her 😂
Sorry not sorry bout your TBR
Happy New Year!
It's the first day of a new year, & at the Hive that means one thing - looking forward to all the new reads we can expect in the year ahead!
So gird your TBRs, we've rounded up our contributors to bring you a huge list of titles to look out for in 2026.
More: tinyurl.com/bdd4mzw2
It's the first day of a new year, & at the Hive that means one thing - looking forward to all the new reads we can expect in the year ahead!
So gird your TBRs, we've rounded up our contributors to bring you a huge list of titles to look out for in 2026.
More: tinyurl.com/bdd4mzw2
January 1, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Sorry not sorry bout your TBR
Did you see my wrap up for 2025? What were some of your favourite reads?
Beth wraps up her year of reading in this list of her Top 25 books of 2025. What were your favourite reads of the year?
Check out Beth's here: tinyurl.com/2pfn96x2
@bethanmay.bsky.social
Check out Beth's here: tinyurl.com/2pfn96x2
@bethanmay.bsky.social
January 1, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Did you see my wrap up for 2025? What were some of your favourite reads?
Reposted by Beth
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett.
Nils: “A perfectly enchanting read!”
Beth: “I want to pick this book back up and re-read it.“
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/12/agne...
Nils: “A perfectly enchanting read!”
Beth: “I want to pick this book back up and re-read it.“
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/12/agne...
AGNES AUBERT'S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER by Heather Fawcett (BUDDY READ REVIEW) | Fantasy-Hive
Nils and Beth squeeze in one last buddy read review for you - Heather Fawcett's highly anticipated upcoming cosy fantasy AGNES AUBERT'S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER
fantasy-hive.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett.
Nils: “A perfectly enchanting read!”
Beth: “I want to pick this book back up and re-read it.“
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/12/agne...
Nils: “A perfectly enchanting read!”
Beth: “I want to pick this book back up and re-read it.“
Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/12/agne...
Please help spread the word!
My kids' Scouts group have two giveaways running with Crowdfunder, one for tickets to see the #Scarlets, the second for tickets to see #SwanseaCity - neither have any entries yet!
Please share and help us get them going!
Links in attached posts:
My kids' Scouts group have two giveaways running with Crowdfunder, one for tickets to see the #Scarlets, the second for tickets to see #SwanseaCity - neither have any entries yet!
Please share and help us get them going!
Links in attached posts:
December 12, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Please help spread the word!
My kids' Scouts group have two giveaways running with Crowdfunder, one for tickets to see the #Scarlets, the second for tickets to see #SwanseaCity - neither have any entries yet!
Please share and help us get them going!
Links in attached posts:
My kids' Scouts group have two giveaways running with Crowdfunder, one for tickets to see the #Scarlets, the second for tickets to see #SwanseaCity - neither have any entries yet!
Please share and help us get them going!
Links in attached posts:
Helping customers pick a book for someone else is something I really miss about bookselling, so I had an absolute ball with this post!
If you ever need a recommendation, tag me!!
If you ever need a recommendation, tag me!!
The Fantasy Hive team have curated a Christmas Gift Guide to aid anyone out there struggling to buy for the reader in their life.
If you're looking for a recommendation we've missed in our categories, please comment! These 89 books are us holding back...
Read more: tinyurl.com/375wuk5k
If you're looking for a recommendation we've missed in our categories, please comment! These 89 books are us holding back...
Read more: tinyurl.com/375wuk5k
December 1, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Helping customers pick a book for someone else is something I really miss about bookselling, so I had an absolute ball with this post!
If you ever need a recommendation, tag me!!
If you ever need a recommendation, tag me!!
Reposted by Beth
What a wonderful and insightful review! (And yes, that yellow wallpaper...)
A Cinderella retelling, but nothing at all like you know it - Beth reviews CINDER HOUSE by Freya Marske, out now from Tor:
"A Gothic fairytale triumph perfect for the haunting season."
Read more: tinyurl.com/5kr8yedw
@torbooksuk.bsky.social
@freyamarske.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
"A Gothic fairytale triumph perfect for the haunting season."
Read more: tinyurl.com/5kr8yedw
@torbooksuk.bsky.social
@freyamarske.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 5:12 AM
What a wonderful and insightful review! (And yes, that yellow wallpaper...)
If you're wanting a clever gothic read this spooky season then look no further!
A Cinderella retelling, but nothing at all like you know it - Beth reviews CINDER HOUSE by Freya Marske, out now from Tor:
"A Gothic fairytale triumph perfect for the haunting season."
Read more: tinyurl.com/5kr8yedw
@torbooksuk.bsky.social
@freyamarske.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
"A Gothic fairytale triumph perfect for the haunting season."
Read more: tinyurl.com/5kr8yedw
@torbooksuk.bsky.social
@freyamarske.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 2:22 PM
If you're wanting a clever gothic read this spooky season then look no further!
Reposted by Beth
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing the spectacular The Everlasting by @alixeharrow.bsky.social
Nils: “evocative and achingly beautiful”
Beth: “Without doubt this is my book of the year so far”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/10/the-...
Nils: “evocative and achingly beautiful”
Beth: “Without doubt this is my book of the year so far”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/10/the-...
THE EVERLASTING by Alix E. Harrow (BUDDY READ REVIEW) | Fantasy-Hive
Nils and Beth return to a favourite author as they buddy read Alix E. Harrow's upcoming new novel THE EVERLASTING: "an evocative and achingly beautiful read, it is one that will seep under your skin a...
fantasy-hive.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing the spectacular The Everlasting by @alixeharrow.bsky.social
Nils: “evocative and achingly beautiful”
Beth: “Without doubt this is my book of the year so far”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/10/the-...
Nils: “evocative and achingly beautiful”
Beth: “Without doubt this is my book of the year so far”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/10/the-...
ooh @gdpenman.bsky.social look what i found!
4) “Moonshine” (2018) by G. D. Penman
Another period m/m piece, but this one has more gangsters and Deep Ones.
deepcuts.blog/2018/06/30/m...
Another period m/m piece, but this one has more gangsters and Deep Ones.
deepcuts.blog/2018/06/30/m...
“Moonshine” (2018) by G. D. Penman
Hogan's smile slipped again. "You're asking me to roll over and take it? How is that going to look?" "Better than an FBI raid on Innsmouth or the mob squad kicking in your door, I'd bet." —G. D. Penma...
deepcuts.blog
October 2, 2025 at 9:02 PM
ooh @gdpenman.bsky.social look what i found!
Reposted by Beth
I have ten of these PHYSICS FOR CATS pins to give away! Share the post below👇 for a chance to win one. (UK only: you can share from anywhere but I can't send you a pin).
October 2, 2025 at 10:09 AM
I have ten of these PHYSICS FOR CATS pins to give away! Share the post below👇 for a chance to win one. (UK only: you can share from anywhere but I can't send you a pin).
Beth reviews Stephanie Burgis' romantic vampiric novella A MARRIAGE OF UNDEAD INCONVENIENCE:
"A burgeoning romance caught up in a puzzling mystery with betrayals and family curses that left me wanting more"
Read more: tinyurl.com/2dyb8aht
@stephanieburgis.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
"A burgeoning romance caught up in a puzzling mystery with betrayals and family curses that left me wanting more"
Read more: tinyurl.com/2dyb8aht
@stephanieburgis.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Reposted by Beth
Beth reviews S. T. Gibson's upcoming dark folkloric fantasy romance SAVAGE BLOOMS:
"a decadent feast of deceit and desire in a gorgeously realised and atmospheric setting"
Read more: tinyurl.com/4yauwuu6
@orbitbooks.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
"a decadent feast of deceit and desire in a gorgeously realised and atmospheric setting"
Read more: tinyurl.com/4yauwuu6
@orbitbooks.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
August 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Beth reviews S. T. Gibson's upcoming dark folkloric fantasy romance SAVAGE BLOOMS:
"a decadent feast of deceit and desire in a gorgeously realised and atmospheric setting"
Read more: tinyurl.com/4yauwuu6
@orbitbooks.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
"a decadent feast of deceit and desire in a gorgeously realised and atmospheric setting"
Read more: tinyurl.com/4yauwuu6
@orbitbooks.bsky.social
@bethanmay.bsky.social
Reposted by Beth
Calling all reviewers! 📣
Don't forget that you can request early copies of upcoming titles from Titan Books by filling out this form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Don't forget that you can request early copies of upcoming titles from Titan Books by filling out this form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Request an ARC from Titan Books! ✨
You must be 18 or over and based in the UK, Republic of Ireland, United States of America or Canada. Please note that submitting your information does not guarantee receipt of a physical proof. By com...
docs.google.com
November 25, 2024 at 5:21 PM
Calling all reviewers! 📣
Don't forget that you can request early copies of upcoming titles from Titan Books by filling out this form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Don't forget that you can request early copies of upcoming titles from Titan Books by filling out this form:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We have an amazing birds of prey centre in Carms who are looking to build a whole new facility - please check out their crowdfunder, they have some amazing rewards!
Please share!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/be-part-of...
Please share!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/be-part-of...
Help Us Build a New Home for Our Birds
We need £100K to build our new home; bigger aviaries, an indoor flying arena & activity centre, community/education spaces, cafe & play area
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
July 1, 2025 at 9:14 AM
We have an amazing birds of prey centre in Carms who are looking to build a whole new facility - please check out their crowdfunder, they have some amazing rewards!
Please share!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/be-part-of...
Please share!
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/be-part-of...
Have you seen this giveaway we're running on the Hive? From the author of Six Crimson Cranes!
We have partnered with @hodderscape.bsky.social to bring you a GIVEAWAY for a hardback copy of A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim!
To enter:
Follow us and repost this post only.
Rules:
UK & N. Ireland entries only due to shipping restrictions.
Ends: 13th June
To enter:
Follow us and repost this post only.
Rules:
UK & N. Ireland entries only due to shipping restrictions.
Ends: 13th June
June 9, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Have you seen this giveaway we're running on the Hive? From the author of Six Crimson Cranes!
Reposted by Beth
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah. Unfortunately we had mixed feelings…
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/05/the-...
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/05/the-...
THE ASHFIRE KING by Chelsea Abdullah (BUDDY READ REVIEW) | Fantasy-Hive
Beth and Nils buddy read a long-awaited sequel, Chelsea Abdullah's THE ASHFIRE KING, with mixed results. Was it worth the wait? "Abdullah is remarkably skilful at bringing to life her world of wondrou...
fantasy-hive.co.uk
May 12, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social myself and @bethanmay.bsky.social are reviewing The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah. Unfortunately we had mixed feelings…
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/05/the-...
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/05/the-...
Reposted by Beth
Beth and Nils buddy read a long-awaited sequel, Chelsea Abdullah's THE ASHFIRE KING, with mixed results. Was it worth the wait?
"Abdullah is remarkably skilful at bringing to life her world of wondrous magic and myth"
Read more: tinyurl.com/muu56m4h
"Abdullah is remarkably skilful at bringing to life her world of wondrous magic and myth"
Read more: tinyurl.com/muu56m4h
May 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Beth and Nils buddy read a long-awaited sequel, Chelsea Abdullah's THE ASHFIRE KING, with mixed results. Was it worth the wait?
"Abdullah is remarkably skilful at bringing to life her world of wondrous magic and myth"
Read more: tinyurl.com/muu56m4h
"Abdullah is remarkably skilful at bringing to life her world of wondrous magic and myth"
Read more: tinyurl.com/muu56m4h
Reposted by Beth
Spoooooky books to pick up this summer! Because autumn isn't the only time to read horror books 👻 #booksky #bookrecs #bookblog wp.me/p8gxrG-3vf
Summerween Book Recommendations
You would think that autumn or winter are the times to read horror. However, I’m here to tell you that Summerween is upon us and it’s the perfect time to pick up a summery horror book. …
wp.me
May 12, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Spoooooky books to pick up this summer! Because autumn isn't the only time to read horror books 👻 #booksky #bookrecs #bookblog wp.me/p8gxrG-3vf
Reposted by Beth
Happy UK book birthday to @joeabercrombie.com The Devils is out today from @gollancz.bsky.social!
Beth & Nils Buddy Read this one a while back & had the best time with it!
Beth: “a true master of the genre.”
Nils: “simply superb storytelling.”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/02/the-...
Beth & Nils Buddy Read this one a while back & had the best time with it!
Beth: “a true master of the genre.”
Nils: “simply superb storytelling.”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/02/the-...
THE DEVILS by Joe Abercrombie (BUDDY READ REVIEW) | Fantasy-Hive
Nils and Beth set off on another buddy read adventure with Joe Abercrombie's much-anticipated THE DEVILS: "a true master of the genre." "simply superb storytelling"
fantasy-hive.co.uk
May 6, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Happy UK book birthday to @joeabercrombie.com The Devils is out today from @gollancz.bsky.social!
Beth & Nils Buddy Read this one a while back & had the best time with it!
Beth: “a true master of the genre.”
Nils: “simply superb storytelling.”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/02/the-...
Beth & Nils Buddy Read this one a while back & had the best time with it!
Beth: “a true master of the genre.”
Nils: “simply superb storytelling.”
Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/02/the-...
Reposted by Beth
We are thrilled to welcome back our new reviewer Emma Penman, who exclusively reviews monster romance, and has returned for another week with GETTING IT ON WITH GARGOYLES by Hazel Mack
"it’s just really good to read some good smut within a healthy relationship for once"
More: tinyurl.com/ycyvxdhw
"it’s just really good to read some good smut within a healthy relationship for once"
More: tinyurl.com/ycyvxdhw
May 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
We are thrilled to welcome back our new reviewer Emma Penman, who exclusively reviews monster romance, and has returned for another week with GETTING IT ON WITH GARGOYLES by Hazel Mack
"it’s just really good to read some good smut within a healthy relationship for once"
More: tinyurl.com/ycyvxdhw
"it’s just really good to read some good smut within a healthy relationship for once"
More: tinyurl.com/ycyvxdhw
Reposted by Beth
Nils reviews Alex Knight's upcoming comic fantasy WRIGGLY LITTLE HANDS:
"a fun-filled tale featuring a familiar fantasy world and goblins you’ll fall in love with"
Read more: tinyurl.com/557atwmt
"a fun-filled tale featuring a familiar fantasy world and goblins you’ll fall in love with"
Read more: tinyurl.com/557atwmt
May 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Nils reviews Alex Knight's upcoming comic fantasy WRIGGLY LITTLE HANDS:
"a fun-filled tale featuring a familiar fantasy world and goblins you’ll fall in love with"
Read more: tinyurl.com/557atwmt
"a fun-filled tale featuring a familiar fantasy world and goblins you’ll fall in love with"
Read more: tinyurl.com/557atwmt
Catching up with #Taskmaster and I was giving the TV trolley 5 points til the scented gel pens came out....
May 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Catching up with #Taskmaster and I was giving the TV trolley 5 points til the scented gel pens came out....