Welcome!

Hi!  I'm Matt and a keen book reader in mainly SF&F but also very interested in horror, crime and weird fiction. I’ve been blogging in a few forms for over four years. I use this blog to assist in my endless battle to reduce Mount TBR or more accurately to booktempt others!

A fan of good books, geekery and pizza.  Based not in Wimbledon Common but the fair city of Liverpool.  I am involved in an annual blogger award called Subjective Chaos Kind of Awards and in 2020 was a jury member for the Starburst Brave New Words Award. I can be found on Twitter @runalongwomble but probably need to underline that I am not a womble (this often disappoints!) but I do enjoy a natter on books! I fully support diversity in books both in stories and authors. I do encourage you to check out recent reviews to see if your book is likely in my ballpark.

Some updated FAQs

1) Can I contact you about reviewing my book?

Yes there is a contact section on the website. BUT

a) My schedule is often busy so if your book is out next week I cannot promise to review it on time and you may be looking 2-3 months from now

b) I like a bit of everything but need to stress I am NOT a junior/middle-grade reader.

C) I’m not the greatest fan of humorous SF despite my love of Pratchett and no longer will accept requests in this sub genre. It’s not you it’s my sense of humour.

D) I do not often read very traditional epic fantasy I’d rather read a fresh take so better to highlight what you’re doing differently.

E) simply giving me the blurb on the back of the book isn’t really enough and I’d like to know a bit more about your book.

2) Do you review self-published authors?

Yes I’ve enjoyed many self published books but am from 2021 starting a new policy. If I like the look of the book I will agree to look at it. If the first 10% of your book appeals I will continue and review. If it is not working for me you will be contacted and told that unfortunately this book isn’t for me and there will not be a review on the website. I do not have a lot of time to continue reading books I don’t enjoy.

and the amazing Alice James wrote about me

“The Womble is a tempting one

Who says they watch the law

But they’re always reviewing books

and say; just read one more!

They’re the bafflement of Marie Kondo

The minimalist’s despair

For when you frisk the TBRs…

…another book got there!”