The One Where I Refrain From Using The Seven Dirty Words. Barely. | Weekly Update: April 21st, 2026
Mike opens his mid‑week update by outlining a hectic schedule, recent reading milestones, and upcoming channel plans. He notes he’s approaching the midpoint of Ronald Mauie’s 800‑page mystery, praising its intricate character web, and dives into Shudder Island, highlighting its psychological depth that outshines the film. He also previews Blaze by Richard Bachman, noting its visceral writing style and his ongoing Stephen King reread project. Key insights include his admiration for Shudder Island’s handling of PTSD and loss, a critique of the negative stigma surrounding booktubers who write original stories, and a candid admission that his Coobo Libra Color review is postponed to meet quality standards. He stresses that evergreen book reviews remain vital for long‑term channel relevance, even if they underperform in the short term. Notable moments feature Mike’s quote, “assumptions only make an ass out of you and me,” underscoring his frustration with community bias against creator‑authored fiction. He also emphasizes the importance of delivering polished content, refusing to release a subpar review despite audience pressure. The broader implication is a strategic balance between personal creative pursuits, audience expectations, and production quality. By prioritizing evergreen reviews and transparent communication, Mike aims to sustain growth while navigating the challenges of a creator‑driven niche market.
Addressing The BookTube Author Stigma | Why I Started & Why I Chose To Keep My Own Story Private
The video tackles the stigma surrounding BookTubers who publish their own novels, with host Mike sharing his personal evolution from a reluctant storyteller to an aspiring author. He argues that launching a book from a channel isn’t a betrayal of...
Best Served Cold Review | Joe Abercrombie Meets The Count of Monte Cristo | The First Law
The video is a review of Joe Abercrombie’s “Best Served Cold,” the fourth book and first of the standalone novels set in the First Law universe. The host explains why the standalones matter for readers of the original trilogy and...
March 2026 Wrap-Up | 4 Books, One Clear Winner
Mike’s March 2026 wrap‑up video recaps his quarterly reading haul and crowns a book of the month, focusing on four titles he finished in March and highlighting why one stood out. He revisits Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire as...
What I’m Reading in April 2026 | Monthly TBR & Reading Goals
Mike’s April 2026 TBR video marks a shift from his usual series‑centric lists to a more eclectic, standalone‑focused lineup. He wraps up the Rift War cycle by Raymond Feist with “Darkness at Sethanon,” noting mixed feelings about the saga’s direction and...
Ryan Cahill Of Blood and Fire World Tour | Full Panel | With Special Guest Philip C. Quaintrell
The Upload and Fire panel brought together Irish fantasy author Ryan Cahill, fellow writer Philip C. Quaintrell, and YouTube reviewer Mike to discuss how indie creators build thriving careers. Moderated in a lively bookstore setting, the conversation highlighted the practical...
The Best Book Trilogies I’ve Ever Read | 10 Series I’ll Never Shut Up About | As of 2026
The video is an updated roundup of the creator’s favorite book trilogies as of 2026, revisiting a list first compiled three years ago. He explains that the remake reflects new releases, shifting tastes, and a desire to champion the classic...
February 2026 Book Haul | My Latest Library Additions
Mike’s February 2026 book haul video blends traditional book collecting with a broader media sweep, showcasing digital titles, physical volumes, niche documentaries, a commemorative vinyl, and assorted merchandise. He frames the episode as a deep dive into his evolving tastes,...
February 2026 Wrap-Up | 4 Books, One Clear Winner
The February 2026 wrap‑up video serves as the host’s monthly literary report, covering four books he read, highlighting his most popular content, and announcing his Book of the Month. He walks through the second half of the split fantasy novel *Magician*...
The One Where I Just Can't Get a Straight Answer | Weekly Update: March 1st, 2026
Mike’s March 1 weekly update kicks off the new month by recapping his recent reads and outlining upcoming community projects. He wraps up Larry Correa’s *Tower of Silence*, lauding its nonstop action and a standout duel, while noting occasional modern‑sounding dialogue...
A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms | Proof That George R.R. Martin Does Have a Heart | Book Review
The video reviews the 2020 novella collection A Night of the Seven Kingdoms, the three Dunk and Egg stories that serve as a prequel to the main A Song of Ice and Fire saga. The host positions the books as...
What I’m Reading in March 2026 | Monthly TBR & Reading Goals
The March 2026 TBR video outlines a deliberately eclectic reading slate, blending four fantasy titles—including the ongoing Raymond Feist Riftwar read‑along—with a classic horror‑gothic novel and a western finale. The host emphasizes community involvement, inviting viewers to join a Discord‑based read‑through of...
The One Where I Never Want to Hear The Word YEAH Ever Again | Weekly Update: February 22nd, 2026
Mike’s weekly update blends book reviews, community interaction, and personal reflection, covering his recent reads and upcoming projects. He dives into the debut novel Magic Bites, praising Kate’s smart, sarcastic, and imperfect hero while noting the adult tone, minimal romance,...
Breaking Down Your Most Unhinged Hot Takes | 70 Responses & My Reaction
Mike’s latest episode turns his YouTube channel into a live focus group, dissecting 70 of the most polarizing “hot takes” submitted by followers on Twitter, Instagram, Discord and the YouTube community tab. After sifting through over a thousand comments,...