Book Reviews and More: RogerThomas

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2026

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2026

It has been an excellent year for reading so far, not my best to date, but my second best. I averaged over a book and a half a day. Faster than the last few years, but I had the first few weeks off work, and so many books and series I am working through.

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.

This quarter I read 151 books and I did not any to the ‘did not finish’ list, one of my highest quarters since I started keeping track, below is the comparison with the last 9 years:

2026 - 151

2025 - 132

2024 - 119

2023 – 160

2022 – 145

2021 – 97

2020 – 96

2019 – 123

2018 – 91

2017 – 100

2016 – 52

One of the things that always causes a spike in the first quarter is I endeavour to pray a Stations of the Cross Friday of the year and each day through Lent. And this is the first Lent I have hit each day, at least so far. At the beginning of Lent this year I had 10 Stations I had never read. I have read 20 new ones and still have 4 I have year read, which I hope to do during Holy Week. But back to this year by the numbers:

Books Read: 151

First Time Reads: 122

Fiction: 37

Non-Fiction: 114

5/5 Stars: 111

5 Stars Fiction: 27

5 Stars Non-Fiction: 84

The first quarter of this year was great. I can state again that looking back 2016 is a bit of an outlier as late that year I switched jobs and have since had much better work – life balance. In the spring of 2016, I worked through Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now (now available on ClaitasU). The year before that I removed all games from my phone and tablet and my reading had doubled. This year I received a physical Kindle for Christmas; instead of reading on my phone; and my reading has gone up again.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the fourth quarter of 2024.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. The Forgotten Way: The Saint James Master Plan - Matthew Kelly

2. 15 Days of Prayer with …New City Press - Focolare Media

15 Days of Prayer with Blessed Chiara Badano - Florence Gillet

15 Days of Prayer with Chiara Lubich - Florence Gillet

15 Days of Prayer with Dorothy Day - Michael Boover

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Bernadette of Lourdes - François Vayne

3. Poetry of John Irvine

A Treasury of Irish Saints

A Voice in the Dusk

By Winding Roads

Green Altars: Poems

Lost Sanctuary and Other Poems

Selected Poems

4. Great Spiritual Teachers Series - Ave Maria Press

Living in the Presence of God The Everyday Spirituality of Brother Lawrence - John J. Kirvan

That You May Have Life: Let the Mystics Be Your Guide for Lent - John J. Kirvan

True Serenity 30 Days with Thomas à Kempis - John Kirvan

We Are Beloved 30 Days with Thea Bowman - Karianna Frey

5. Coached by Paul the Apostle Lessons in Transformation - Father Nathan Cromly

6. Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

7. The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life - Michael Dubruiel

8. Just A Minute Meditations - Pauline Books and Media

Finding Inner Peace - Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP

Embracing Hope in Christ - Kris Frank

9. Art and Prayer - Mary Charles-Murray - CTS Deeper Christianity Series

10. Lent for Little Folk - Roderick Vonhögen

11. The Boston Rob Rulebook Strategies for Life - Robert C Mariano

12. The Way of the Passion: 40 Stations with Jesus - Julien Chilcott-Monk

Bonus Books New Stations of The Cross:

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books

The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory - Susan Tassone

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - Amy Welborn, Michael Dubruiel, and Michael D. O'Brien

No Greater Love Stations of the Cross for Teens and Young Adults - Amy Welborn

With Jesus in Jerusalem: The First Way of the Cross - Étienne Méténier

You Have Redeemed the World: Praying the Stations in the Holy Cross Tradition - Andrew Gawrych C.S.C. and Kevin Grove C.S.C.

Stations of the Cross with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus - Fr. William F. Prospero and Fr. James Kubicki

Stations of Strength: Praying the Stations of the Cross in Times of Suffering - Alice Camille

My Wounded Hands A Way of the Cross - Renzo Sala and Fulvia Simonato

Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics - Sister Anne Flannagan, FSP

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. A Stranger Among Us - Connor Gallagher

2. Hypergifted - Gordon Korman - Ungifted Book 3

3. Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild

4. Tales From Wakken Wood - E. P. Cowley

5. The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

6. The Fixer - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Ruling Class

Lessons in Power

7. Begotten - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Book 2

8. Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

9. The Ultimate Blindside - Leslea Wahl - Blindside Series Book 3

10. Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer - S.J. Engelman

Bonus Books:

Conspiracy 365 - Gabrielle Lord

March

April

Ted Talk - Karina Fabian - A DragonEye, PI, Short Story

Pogue Too - Edited by Liska McCabe - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

I have averaged just over a book a day over the last decade; and closer to a book and a quarter over the last few years. In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section.

But if you want more options check out my favourite books year by year list.

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:

151 - 2026 January-March

424 - 2025

363 - 2024

455 - 2023

438 - 2022

365 - 2021

317 - 2020

392 - 2019

359 - 2018

380 - 2017

272 - 2016

177 - 2015

130 - 2014

88 - 2013

176 - 2012

163 - 2011

302 - 2010

142 - 2009

98 - 2008

83 - 2007

191 - 2006

151 - 2005

60 - 2004

52 - 2003

97 - 2002

50 - 2001

41 - 2000

71 - 1999

73 - 1998

131 - 1997

101 - 1996

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2021

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2022

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2023

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2024

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2025

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2026

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Friday, 27 February 2026

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

The Kidnapped Prince

The Chronicles of Caol Book 1

Roger Thomas
Ignatius Press

Magnificat

ISBN ‎9781621647621

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

A few years ago I read everything that Roger had in print. So when I found out about this new title I was instantly interested. When the book released I kept checking with the publisher about a digital edition. I have a dual form of dyslexia and my son has eye tracking issues. So I know several people who would pick up a digital edition who will just pass until then. That being said it is an amazing story and excellent beginning to a series. I just checked and 8 of Roger’s other 9 volumes received 5/5 stars, and this one is good enough that if I could give it 6 I would. I absolutely loved this story, the world Roger has created and can see so many possibilities for others stores set in the land of Caol. The description of the book is:

“Two pardoned death-row prisoners unite to search for the missing prince whose birth had earned their freedom. In the face of danger and intrigue, will they be able to rescue the prince and prove they did not kidnap him themselves? Filled with action and adventure, this novel is set in a fanciful place and time with knights and castles, rogues and royalty.”

The back of the book has a paragraph before this that states:

“Rogan owed his life to the Little prince. That baby and his mother were the only reason he hadn’t died on the gallows five years ago. Everything he’d done since he was given his liberty – every morning he’d awakened, every breath he’s taken – was a debt. And now it was time to repay it. The weight of this burden nearly took his breath away, and he knew he had to do something for the missing prince.”

About the author we are informed:

“Roger Thomas, a lifelong Michigan resident, has been married to his wife Ellen since 1981. They have six grown children and eight grandchildren. He is a self-employed computer consultant. He loves reading, and his favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Rudyard Kipling, and P.G. Wodehouse. He has had two collections of short stories published by Ignatius Press, and is working on his second novel.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Freedom

Debt

The Forest

Rescue

Valley Roads

Sight of Home

The Order of St. Michael

This story is written like an epic adventure. It begins with an unexpected turn of events. With Rogan taking this second chance and making the most he can of it. Being appreciative of every day, every moment. And when a chance comes to try and repay an unpayable debt the decision to action no matter the cost. Rogan and Gareth both owe the prince and the Queen all they have. And both step up in a big way when the time calls for it. Relying on their skills and talents and help from friends and family the two set off on a mission and one of great importance to the Kingdom of Caol and to both the men personally.

This story is so good I was recommending it before I even finished it. I plan to gift copies to my nephews and a close family friend. This is one of those books I know I will be talking about, recommending, and giving away for a long time to come.

The story is marketed as being for ages 9-12, but I can easily see teens and young adults loving the story as well. I am in my 50’s and thought it a most excellent story. This is one of those books that a reader could return to time and time again. It has adventure and excitement like the Narnia books, and it had intrigue and mystery like the Lord of the Rings. One of the best fiction novels I have read in years and I average well over 200 books a year. It is an excellent read! One I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Roger Thomas:
The Accidental Marriage
From Afar
The Last Ugly Person: And Other Stories
The Ghosts of Midgard Manor And Other Stories
The Crown Jewels of Undlar

…

Watchful Sky Series:
Under the Watchful Sky
Rising Darkness
The Wounded Land
The Tattered Web

…

The Chronicles of Caol:

The Kidnapped Prince

Book 2

Book 3

…

Author profile and interview with Roger Thomas.

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The Crown Jewels of Undlar - Roger Thomas

The Crown Jewels of Undlar
Roger Thomas
JCK
ISBN 9781733080958

ASIN B08R7WFCXK

Over the last 2 years I read all the book available from the masterful pen of Roger Thomas. And there are some excellent reads. I especially loved his earlier collection of stories, The Last Ugly Person: And Other Stories, It was one of my favorite reads of almost 400 books that year. But somehow I missed the publication of this volume, and once I did pick it up, was in the midst of several other books and it got lost in the shuffle for a few months. Once it came to the top of my ‘To Be Read’ pile, it was a thrill from start to finish. This story written for the authors own children, is one of his earliest works. And it is just now coming to the light of day. I approached this volume much as I did Boxen by C.S. and Warnie Lewis. And though there are vast difference between the world created by the younger Lewis’s and Undlar. There is something wonderful about this volume.

The description of the book is:

“Six siblings awaken from a mysterious sleep to find themselves in a beautiful but perilous land called Undlar that is missing some important things. The residents of Undlar are missing from their villages and fields, cowering in fear from the menace that haunts their skies and woods. The Lord of the land is missing from his throne, and is presumed to be asleep in his tower. The jewels which brought order and harmony to Undlar are missing from the Lord’s Crown, and are scattered and lost. Also missing are mysterious visitors who are foretold to be the ones to find the missing jewels, restore them to the Crown, awaken the Sleeping Lord, and restore order to Undlar. Not much is known about these visitors, except that they will be “giants”, and there will be six of them. To their alarm, the children find that the inhabitants of Undlar believe them to be the prophesied rescuers. Can six ordinary children surmount deadly peril to find the lost jewels that will heal a broken land?”

A fascinating story about Faith, Hope, Family, and new friends. That is what this story is about. It is about making things right. And helping to play a role in redemption. Follow the children after they pray for an adventure, and wake up in a strange world. A world where they are considered giants. A world befouled by greed and sin. A world with a sleeping ruler. A world that has been so long lost some no longer hope or believe the old stories. A quest to retrieve the six stones and right an old wrong. Can the children maintain hope as they separate and quest for the 6 missing stones. Can they bring insight and wisdom? Can they restore hope? To find out you will need to read the story.

I greatly enjoyed this volume. And it reminds me of many stories both old and new. It reminded me of Hinds Feet on High Places by Hanna Hurnard. And in some ways it also reminds me of The Secret of the Shamrock by Lisa M. Hendey and Jenn Bower Chime Travelers Book 1. And even somewhat of the recent release Mystic Informant by Carissa Douglas the Douglings Adventures Book 1. And Fans of any of those works will enjoy this volume as well.

In the canon of Thomas’s work it is obvious this is an earlier offering. But there is a charm and simplicity about this story that is very endearing. If you are a fan of any of the stories mentioned above, or of Thomas’s work this is a must read. A spiritual pilgrimage with 6 children as they find their way into a very different land, a prophecy they seem destined to fulfil, and a world in need of saving. An excellent read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Roger Thomas:
The Accidental Marriage
From Afar
The Last Ugly Person: And Other Stories
The Ghosts of Midgard Manor And Other Stories
The Crown Jewels of Undlar

…

Watchful Sky Series:
Under the Watchful Sky
Rising Darkness
The Wounded Land
The Tattered Web

…

The Chronicles of Caol:

The Kidnapped Prince

Book 2

Book 3

…

Author profile and interview with Roger Thomas.

Thursday, 31 December 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

It has been a different year for us all. This year I read about 15% fewer books than my average over the last three years. And even a bigger drop if you look at this quarter. But since reading and reviewing books is my hobby, I am grateful to have been able to read 317 books this year. And have reviews written for all the books read. The year by the numbers:

317 Books Read

222 received 5/5 Stars.

272 books read for the first.

172 Non-Fiction

145 Fiction

Here are my top ten fiction books of 2020.

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. Mr. Universe - Arthur Slade

2. Books by Fiorella de Maria

I Am Margaret - The Play - Corinna Turner

The Cassandra Curse

See No Evil - Father Gabriel Mystery Book 3

3. Dex Hollister Series - Karina Fabian

The Old Man and the Void

Dex's Way

4. Unsparked Series - Corinna Turner

Panic!

Farmgirls Die in Cages

A Very Jurassic Christmas - an unSPARKed Story

A Dino Whisperer at the Zoo – an unSPARKed Story

5. Discovery - Karina Fabian

6. Dragon Assassin Series - Arthur Slade

8 Burning Empire

9 Old Enemies

10 Downfall

7. The Ghosts of Midgard Manor: And Other Stories - Roger Thomas

8. The Tattered Web - Roger Thomas - Watchful Sky Series Book 4

9. Jim Sano - Father Tom Fitzpatrick Series

The Father's Son

Gus Busbi

10. November Rain - Maureen Jennings - Paradise Cafe Book 2

11. Short fiction by Cedar Sanderson

Lab Gremlins

The Groundskeeper Raking Up the Dead

The Violet Mouse

Bonus:

Fire Starters - Theresa Linden - West Brothers Book 6

Mandy Lamb Series - Corinna Turner

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon

The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon

Overmorrow Stories of Our Bright Future - Edited by Jon Garett and Richard Walsh

Stay With Me Series - Carolyn Astfalk

Stay With Me - Come Back To Me

Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories - Bokerah Brumley (Editor)

There were so many great fiction books that I read this year. A few new authors, and some long standing favorites. My reading has been up over each of the last few years. I attribute in part to Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now, removing all games but 1 brain game from my devices. I was commuting to work on a bus and read on the bus every day. But being 2020 everything is topsy-turvy. I read less books this year. But I managed to write reviews for all books read for the first time.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section. But if you want more options check out my favorite books year by year list.

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:
317 - 2020
392 - 2019
359 - 2018
380 - 2017
272 - 2016
177 - 2015
130 - 2014
88 - 2013
176 - 2012
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996

Tuesday, 31 March 2020

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2020

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2020

This quarter I have read 96 books, which was one more than Q4 2019. It was a good start to the year. And may excellent reads. Seventy-Seven of those books were first time reads. And 66 received 5/5 stars. Only 15 were fiction and 51 were non-fiction. And 8 of those had been read before. I am reading at the pace of about a book a day.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the first quarter of 2020.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:
1. Books by J.B. Midgley

Anthony of Padua - Jude Winkler - CTS Great Saints

Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley

Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley - CTS Great Saints

… link to all review of books by Midgley
2. Consecration to St. Joseph - Donald H. Calloway
3. Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke
4. From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church - Pope Benedict XVI and Robert Cardinal Sarah
5. Epic Saints Wild, Wonderful, and Weird Stories of God's Heroes - Shaun McAfee
6. CTS Biographies

Fulton Sheen - Louise Merrie

G.K. Chesterton - Karl Schmude

Hilaire Belloc - Karl Schmude

7. Lenten Journey with Mother Mary - Fr. Edward Looney
8. CTS Great Saints

Gemma Galgani: Gem of Christ - John Paul Kirkham

Thomas Aquinas: The Mind In Love - Vivian Boland

Saint Ignatius of Loyola - J.A. Philips

9. The Passion of St. Edward, King and Martyr - Goscelin of Saint-Bertin and Eric Sammons
10. Way of the Cross or Stations of the Cross

Meditations on Stations of the Cross - John Henry Newman

Stations of the Cross - Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Stations of the Cross - Saint John Henry Newman

Way of the Cross: Uniting Our Sufferings to Christ - Michael Campbell

Bonus:
In Conversation with God - Francis Fernandez
everyone's way of the cross - Clarance Enzler
Way of the Cross - Saint Josemaria Escriva
Sr. Elizabeth Prout - Sister Dominic Savio Hamer CP - CTS Saints of the Isles

Top Ten Fiction Books:
1. The Cassandra Curse - Fiorella De Maria
2. The Ghosts of Midgard Manor: And Other Stories - Roger Thomas
3. See No Evil - Fiorella De Maria - Father Gabriel Mystery Book 3
4. The Tattered Web - Roger Thomas - Watchful Sky Series Book 4
5. Stay With Me Series - Carolyn Astfalk

Stay With Me - Come Back To Me

6. The Lucifer Ego - T.M. Doran - The Sequel to Toward the Gleam
7. A Channel of Your Peace - Veronica Smallhorn
8. A Conspiracy of Bones - Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan Book 19
9. Level 13 - Gordon Korman - Slacker Book 2
10. Dragon Assassin 7 Hidden Powers - Arthur Slade

Bonus:
Mystic Informant - Carissa Douglas - Douglings Adventures Book 1
Extreme Blindside - Leslea Wahl

My reading has been consistent at about a book a day over the last few years. I attribute part of it to Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now, removing all games but 1 brain game from my devices. And I now commute to work on a bus and read on the bus every day. Though I am working from home now because of Covid-19 This quarter was 80% non-fiction. There are so many great series I am reading from the Catholic Truth Society, I have had to make an effort to actually fit in some fiction.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are in the bonus section. It was no easy task making this quarter. But if you want more options check out my favorite books year by year list.