Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read.

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The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood

Expected publication: February 12, 2026 by Hodder & Stoughton

The King of Tyre is dead, his final words anointing his clever and strong-willed daughter, Elissa, as the new queen until his young son comes of age. But betrayal and danger soon haunt Elissa, and she is forced to flee the kingdom - exiled with a band of loyal followers and a broken heart.

After an arduous search for a new home, Elissa and her people settle in North Africa, and she is crowned Queen Dido: the ferocious and devoted ruler of her newly established city of Carthage. Soon a powerful trading hub, Carthage thrives under Dido's governance. But when a band of Trojan survivors, led by the valiant Aeneas, washes up on a nearby shore, Queen Dido is reminded of a promise she made long ago, never to trust or to love another again.

Can Dido overcome her past and open herself - and her city - up to Aeneas, or is their love doomed to burn everything to the ground?

'An intelligent, sympathetic retelling of the story of Dido. Heywood incorporates the myths and legends that surround this mysterious queen and presents a narrative that is both powerful and compelling' Laura Shepperson

'A triumphant reclamation of the legend of Dido . . . Heywood brings Dido's story to vivid life, moving from the wealth of Tyre to the dusty plains of Carthage. In so doing, Heywood weaves an engaging yarn that restores the ancient queen to her rightful place of dignity' Luna McNamara

'Heywood has once again crafted an excellent mythology reimagining. With an adept and expert hand, Dido is painted as a complex, strong heroine in a story she has long deserved. Through themes of love, loss and power, Heywood has brought the ancient world back to life in a tale that is equally as heartbreaking as it is wonderful' Claire M. Andrews

 The myth of Dido is one of my favorite tales but I've never come across a retelling of it. UNTIL NOW! So of course I can't wait to get my hands on this book. 

US cover by Dutton ↓

What cover do you prefer? Do you know the myth of Dido?

Monthly Wrap-Up: January 2026

Monthly Wrap-Up is my once-a-month post recapping all the books I’ve read.

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It was not a good reading month, you guys... but I guess I should be glad to have read some books at least. It just has been a month. Hopefully February will be a better one for me.

Bookish Stats:

Books read: 4
Physical books: 1
Ebooks: 1
Audiobooks: 2
Rereads: 1

The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley — 2/5★

Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen — 4.5/5★

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid — 4/5★
Circe by Madeline Miller — 5/5★ (reread)

Have you read any of these books?
What was your favorite book of the month?

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read.

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Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
Expected publication: May 5, 2026 by Requited

Revenge demands sacrifice. Don’t miss this action-packed, jaw-dropping, dark and romantic sequel to Dire Bound.

CROWNED BY DESTINY. CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE.

Against all odds, Meryn Cooper has inherited the crown—and a deadly war. As the Kingdom of Nocturna splinters under the weight of generations of lies, it is up to Meryn, her bonded direwolf Anassa, and their allies to bring the country back from the brink.  

But the commoners, the Bonded, and the nobles are distrustful of their new queen and Meryn is caught in a deadly game of politics. Meanwhile, Meryn’s beloved younger sister, Saela, is more at risk than ever.

Confusingly, the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion—the dark, dangerous Alpha she thought hated her as much as she loathed him. Yet, his loyalty is unshakeable. His presence is intoxicating. And with his guidance, Meryn can seize an unthinkable level of power.

With enemies closing in and shadows stirring in her dreams, Meryn stands to lose her kingdom—and her heart.

Blood will spill. Bonds will break. Fate will be tested.

Perfect for fans of:

Slow burn romance

Forbidden romance

Found family

Morally grey characters

Touch her and die

Who did this to you

Enemies to lovers

Forced proximity

Vampires vs. wolves!

I very recently read Dire Bound and loved it so it's no surprise that I can't wait to read the sequel that's coming out in May!

Have you read Dire Bound? Will you be reading Fury Bound too?