Tuesday, 27 October 2026

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga - Richard Paolinelli

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga
ISBN 9798906105912
ASIN B0HFD8JRVH

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga - Richard Paolinelli

My introduction to Richard’s work was a story in the anthology Cracked. Since that first story I have read works by him 41 times, not counting contributions to anthologies. I loved the first three novels in this series and hope that someday he expands upon them. With each story I read I am more impressed with Richard’s skill and talent. And this omnibus edition featuring the three Galen stories is amazing! Reading it was alike a visit with old friends after a long absence. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. I regret that I did not dig into his works earlier, so do not make my mistake pick one up and give it a read. The description of this volume is:

“In the distant future of the Andromeda Galaxy, long after humanity fled the Milky Way, the legends of ancient space knights still echo—and one modern mercenary must live up to the name of the greatest among them.
Millions of years from now, the Hominids call Andromeda home. Lost in the mists of history are the tales of the knights who held the line against a dark invasion so the rest of humanity could escape. The last and greatest of those heroes was Galen Underwood.

Now a hard-edged mercenary named Galen Dwyn is hired to rescue the kidnapped Princess Rhiannon (Rhea) of Salacia. What begins as a straightforward job for pay and a chance to settle an old score quickly becomes a desperate flight through webs of political intrigue, assassination attempts, and the rise of a ruthless new Galactic Empire.
Accompanied by the princess, a former mentor, and a snarky AI, Dwyn must outmaneuver kingdoms, avert galactic civil war, and confront both external enemies and the weight of his legendary namesake.

Across the Starquest: 4th Age Adventures trilogy—Galen’s Way, Galen’s Blade, and the epic finale Galen’s Heart—Dragon Award finalist Richard Paolinelli delivers pulse-pounding space opera set in the shared universe of Dragon Award winner John C. Wright’s Starquest saga. Readers will find rescued (and not-so-spoiled) princesses, ancient prophecies, betrayals, rebellions, impenetrable defenses, and high-stakes battles for the fate of an entire corner of the galaxy. Will courage, honor, and hope prevail… or will the stars fall forever?

Perfect for fans of classic, gallant, grandiose space opera who crave adventure, intricate world-building, and heroes who choose the hard but right path.

This volume contains all three novels written the the 4th Age of John C. Wright's epic Starquest universe:


This series is a high octane ride from beginning to end. These stories reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, and blade weapons, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted, across each story and the arc of the series. 


This is a high octane tale from beginning to end. It reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, the Dex books by Karina Fabian, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted. The characters well crafted, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guys. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined to not let what done to her or planned against her determine her choices and her future. She will face struggles but does so bravely and with a grit and determination. 


The plot is well crafted, I thought the first story was intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Several planets embattled in civil war. The rightful government nearly wiped out. And Galen trying to save the woman he loves, her father, and if he can pull it off the whole universe!


The plot is well crafted, it does a great job of building suspense and drawing the book and series to a conclusion.  I thought the first two stories were intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. But he is also we is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Galen is trying to save the galaxy, even if it means making alliances with old foes. But Galen has had a lot of help along the way, and has some more from surprising quarters in this one. He knows there is really only one shot at making this work and is doing his best to bend the universe to his will to make it happen.

If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. This was an excellent read. It is a book that leaves you desperate for more, the end of this volume teases another in this world as well as a prequel story was teased I cannot help but hope that the series will extend beyond the two currently planned. A great read I can easily recommend. It is a wonderful classic Science Fiction story a great space opera. A fantastic story written large. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of science fiction and adventure stories. A great read that I can easily recommend! Well done Richard!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol

Infinity Series:
Exploring Infinity
Expanding Infinity
…

Starguest 4th Age Series:
Ranger
Cassandra's Line

Timeless Series:
Odin’s Runes
Empire Of The Golden Dragon
Blackbeard’s Treasure
The Last Quest
…

Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
…
Del Rio Omnibus Edition
Del Rio The Complete Trilogy 
…

Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas 
The Corvo
…

SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches:

Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011 
…

Contributed to:
To Be Men 
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs 
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson 
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2 
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells 
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes 
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii
…

Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
…
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series
…

Galen's Blade Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Way Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Heart - Richard Paolinelli - Starquest 4th Age Book 3
Labels: , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 26 October 2026

Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6

Enemy WIthin
White Ops Book 6
Declan Finn
ISBN 9798907720886
eISBN 9798907720886
ASIN B0HJPBDPTK
 
Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6

This is another excellent instalment in an amazing series! I could hardly put it down. I stayed up way too late to finish it.

This series seriously just keeps getting better and better! And even with the longer hiatus for book 6, it was well worth the wait. Wow! I could hardly put the book down I stayed up way too late and read it! I am old enough to know better. I have read 57 books by Declan Finn and 42 of them in the same year after discovering his works. White Ops is one of my favourite series by Finn. This one jumped to the top of my ‘to be read’ the day I received and ARC (Advance Readers Copy). It was one of several books by Finn that dropped in short order the others were all Omnibus editions both for this and for other series. The description of this story is:

“Sean Patrick Ryan was shot in the line of duty and it should have been a killing blow for the White Ops leader.

The would-be assassin carried a weapon that will alter the course of the galaxy. All roads lead to one dark path, from which lies only death.

Even worse, the assassin might be one of White Ops own.

The final chapter of the White Ops series will leave you second-guessing everyone and everything.”

The further I get into this series the more I see echoes of Babylon 5. In most ways that enhances the stories. And I can honestly say I prefer these books now over the show that inspired them. These are not just modified fan fiction, they may have been the original bases but over time with the rewrites these have eclipsed the original. The framework that Finn uses and the characters he has written are exceptional. The pace is great, and though a lot of this story introduces us to the expanded team members of White ups, it also brings an old foe back into focus, it sets up a lot of future possibilities. 

This story takes the action to a whole new level. Sean Patrick Ryan the Reacheresque, telepathic, and traditionally unstoppable leader of the White Ops team, is shot in the line of duty. The investigation leads to some new type of weapons, and an old adversary coming back at Ryan and the team. But not all is as it appears. This new weapon could destabilize the whole Galaxy. But at the heart of this story is a mystery, who would betray the White Ops, and why. 

This story build and builds until a final battle, this time on their own turf. Once you start reading it you will not be able to put the book down. In this story there are missions on planets, a battle in hyperspace, an escape from a black ops site, an invasion, and more. At the end of the volume is chart that contains name, rank, and code name of the members of White Ops. It is a really valuable tool. There is significant action, great weapons, and fights galore in this story. But there is also a lot of humour. 

This was another excellent story from Finn’s masterful pen! I really enjoyed this volume and the whole series thus far. It is a great read. And leaves you wondering what happens next. I am already looking forward to rereading this volume when I read the new Omnibus editions of White Ops stories. I can easily recommend this book, this series and all of the books from Finn I have read to date!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Declan Finn:
Love At First Bite Series:

The Last Survivors Series:
…

Convention Killings Series:
…

Pius Series:
A Pius Legacy
A Pius Stand
Pius History
Pius Tales (Anthology)
…
Pius Trilogy Short Stories:
...

St. Tommy Series:

Land&Sea Season 2:
...

Other books:
...

Anthologies contributed to:
Luna: Planetary Anhtology Series Book 2
Supernatural Streets
Starflight: Tales From The Starport Lounge
Mercury: Planetary Anthology Series Book 4
Venus: Planetary Anthology Series Book 5
Mars: Planetary Anthology Series Book 7
Places Beyond the Wild: A Z-Day Anthology
Shoot the Devil: Ten Tales of Humans Defeating the Demonic
Fantastic Schools, Volume 6






Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6
Labels: , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, 25 October 2026

Conspiracy 365 December - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 December
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104791
Scholastic Australia
ISBN 9781741693249
eISBN 9781921988646
ASIN B00BFV1HFU

Conspiracy 365 December - Gabrielle Lord

This story has drawn to a close. We have now spent a year with Cal and his friends, and watched the events unfold from a prophecy a year ago. And in this one we find out if all the trials, tribulations, misunderstandings and brushes with the law were worth it!

But it is not the end of the store. For Lord has written 5 other stories set in this universe. One is Boges’s story, one for Winter and a trilogy called Black-Ops. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and have now finished the series. I read about one a month over the last several months.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series and 2 standalone stories.

The Canadian description of this volume states:

“It's December, the final month in the deadly 365-day countdown. Cal desperately needs to get to Ireland-where he's counting on all the clues falling into place-but with airport security at an all-time high, escaping the country seems impossible. Will Cal find out what really happened to his dad? Will he reach the Ormond Singularity before the stroke of midnight? Only time will tell... One thing's for sure, people will lose their lives in the fight to the end...and Cal's hoping he won't be one of them... The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun... 12 books. 12 months.”

The Australian edition’s is:

“It's December, the final month in the deadly 365-day countdown. Cal desperately needs to get to Ireland - where he's counting on all the clues falling into place - but with airport security at an all-time high, escaping the country seems impossible.

Will Cal find out what really happened to his dad? Will he reach the Ormond Singularity before the stroke of midnight? Only time will tell... One thing's for sure, people will lose their lives in the fight to the end... and Cal's hoping he won't be one of them.

The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last.” 

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

A lot happens in this volume. Some of it stuff they had been planning and working on for months, and some of it completely surprising. The story takes some serious twists and turns in this final offering of the original series. Even compared to everything that has happened in the previous 11 volumes. 

A thrilling conclusion to an excellent series!

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent ninth instalment in the series. Give them a try you will not be disappointed. This is another good read in an excellent series. And the 5 books that continue the story. A great book and series I can easily recommend! 

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)
March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)
…
Revenge (2012)
Malice (2012)
...

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:
Missing (2013)
Hunted (2013)
Endgame (2013)
…

48 Hours Series:
The Vanishing (2017)
The Medusa Curse (2017)
…

Gemma Lincoln:
Feeding the Demons (1999)
Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)
Spiking the Girl (2004)
Shattered (2007)
Death by Beauty (2012)
…

Jack McCain:
Death Delights (2001)
Lethal Factor (2003)
Dirty Weekend (2005)
…

Other Books:
Fortress (1980)
Tooth and Claw (1983)
Jumbo (1986)
Salt (1990)
Whipping Boy (1992)
The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)
Bones (1995)
The Sharp End (1998)
Monkey Undercover (2006)
Dishonour (2014)
Sisters (2019)
…

Conspiracy 365 Series - Gabrielle Lord

Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 24 October 2026

Drifter - Jude Hardin - Stranded in the Old West Book 1

Drifter 
Stranded in the Old West Book 1 
ASIN B08L6K4C24

Drifter - Jude Hardin - Stranded in the Old West Book 1

I read this after reading the Reacher Experiment books! I really enjoyed that series, and decided to give these a try next. I have picked up a few books by Hardin from various series. A few years ago I read my first Reacher novel. I had picked up one for my dad, and after giving the back a read, I grabbed the eBook for myself. In under a year I had read all the Reacher Novels in print and all the books in the Hunt for Jack Reacher by Diane Capri. Since then I have read 60 books in the Reacher universe and am expanding out to the three series by Jude Hardin now.

The description of this book and same as some of the others is:

“The first book in a new series of mystery/thrillers, and also a continuation of The Reacher Experiment and The Reacher Code series!

Jake Ruger is not his real name.

He doesn’t remember his real name. Or anything else about himself.

But he does remember a few things. Like cars. And airplanes. And smartphones.

Which don’t seem to exist anymore.

Which is impossible.

The world he appears to be trapped in—a world both astonishingly beautiful and horrifically hostile, situated in and around the town of Total Wreck, Arizona in 1882—must be part of an elaborate reenactment project.

That’s what he thinks.

Until the bullets start flying…”

This is a fast-paced, genre bending novella that breathes fresh life into the traditional Western by injecting elements of science fiction and psychological mystery. The story centres on a classic trope that of a protagonist with total amnesia; but adds a compelling, high concept twist that keeps the reader hooked from the opening pages. Because we know it is related to the Reacher Experiment, we can assume who it is. He remembers the world with planes, cars, computers. But that is not the world he awakens in.

The story follows a man who is going by the name Jake Ruger, though he is acutely aware that this identity is a fabrication. He has no recollection of his name, his past, or how he arrived at his current location. While his personal history is entirely erased, his mind retains vivid, detailed knowledge of modern technology like cars, airplanes, and smartphones.

The narrative conflict intensifies as Ruger wakes up in the hostile, desolate landscape of Total Wreck, Arizona, in the year 1882. Surrounded by a world devoid of the modern inventions embedded in his memory, Ruger initially rationalizes his bizarre situation by assuming he is trapped in an elaborate, high-tech historical re-enactment. However, Hardin effectively shatters this psychological coping mechanism when real bullets start flying. This pivotal moment forces Ruger to abandon his theories and confront a harsh reality: he is genuinely fighting for survival in the lawless Old West. 

This is an excellent novella. I read it over a large tea sitting on the porch on a cold fall evening. And I really wish there were more than two volumes in the series.=, for this was a great read.

An excellent little story, that I can easily recommend.

Books by Jude Hardin:
Books in the Jack Reacher Experiment Series:
…
The Reacher Experiment Books 1-3 
The Reacher Experiment Books 4-6 
The Reacher Experiment Books 7-9
…
The Reacher Experiment: The Complete Series Books 1-9
…

The Reacher Code Series:
Timestream 1
Timestream 2
Timestream 3
…

Jack Reacher Files Series:
Fugative
Choke
Hostage
Velocity
The Girl from the Wrong Side of Cordial 
…

Nicholas Colt Series:
Pocket-47
Crosscut
Snuff Tag 9
Rattled
Colt
Key Death
Blood Tattoo
The Blood Notebooks
...

Nicholas Colt Crossover Books:
Racked (with J.A. Konrath)
Lady 52 (with J.A. Konrath)
Sycamore Bluff
...

Midnight Creek Series:
The Cold Gray Adiós
A Single Red Alibi
...

Stranded in the Old West:
Lawless
...

Pickin' & Grin Inn Mystery Series:
Dead Ain't Your Color 
Friends in Freshly Dug Places
...

iSEAL Series:
iSeal
iSEAL 2
...

Other Books:
Codename: Hollowpoint
   aka Fused
A Thin Ribbon of Smoke
   aka Witness
Rocked
   aka Cage Fight
Au Revoir from a Bridge to Nowhere 
Fire and Ice
Choke
The Blood Notebooks
...

Dead Ringer - Jude Hardin - Jack Reacher Experiment Books 1-9

Drifter - Jude Hardin - Stranded in the Old West Book 1

Lawless - Jude Hardin - Stranded in the Old West Book 2
Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, 23 October 2026

Buy a Bullet - Gregg Hurwitz - Orphan X Book 1.5

Buy A Bullet 
Orphan X Book 1.5
eISBN 9781250141286
ASIN B01LXW2NEI

Buy a Bullet - Gregg Hurwitz - Orphan X Book 1.5

This series was recommended to be by a co-worker, and after reading the first story Ophan X I decided I was going to read them all. He was surprised with how much I read that I had not read anything by Hurwitz, And specifically this series. I thought so glad I gave them a try.  

The description of this volume states:

“The Nowhere Man is a figure shrouded in secrecy—a near legendary figure who helps those lucky few who are given the means to reach out to him.

Before he was the Nowhere Man, Evan Smoak was a highly trained government operative known to a few as Orphan X. This is the story of Smoak's first outing as the Nowhere Man, where after completing a mission in Northern California, he happens to spot a young woman at a coffee shop. Brutalized and under the control of a very powerful, unscrupulous man, her life is in danger if she doesn't escape. And the only person that can help her do that is a man with the background and skills of the Nowhere Man.”

About the author we are informed:

“Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous thrillers, including You’re Next and Orphan X. Critically acclaimed, Hurwitz is a two-time finalist for ITW’s Best Novel prize and a finalist for CWA’s Steel Dagger. In addition to his novels, Hurwitz is a screenwriter, TV producer, and comic book author. The first book in the Evan Smoak series, Orphan X, has been sold in twenty-one countries. Hurwitz, who lives in Los Angeles, is writing the screenplay adaption of Orphan X for Warner Bros. and Bradley Cooper.”

While researching the previous review I discover that Hurwitz has also written extensively for comics, both for DC and Marvel. And that fits well with how this story and series. I have described it as a mashup of Person of Interest with The Equalizer (the TV Show) and Jack Reacher. 

Evan Smoak has been trained from a young age. He has a specific skill set. He began to question his missions and the people running them. So he has decided to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Doing so one case at a time, by word of mouth. But this time Evan spots the person in need of help. A young woman in a coffee Show, clearly in fear, clearly controlled. The story begins with these words:

“She takes the pain, takes it so well. This is evident the moment she enters the upscale coffee shop in downtown Palo Alto. She is on the arm of a trim man with artfully tousled hair, two-day growth, and Bono sunglasses. Or rather, he is on her arm, his fist wrapped around her slender biceps, steering her, conveying ownership. She winces against the pressure of his grip, allowing a slight crimp of the right eye, but her grin doesn’t so much as flicker. Experience has taught her.

Bringing up the rear is a head-taller, broad-chested specimen of a bodyguard, ex-military judging by hair and posture. His deferential bearing suggests that when tasked, he also performs the services of a personal assistant, as do most employees in the orbit of the very rich. He is youthful. His body fat is single digit; muscles sheathe him like armor.

In the corner of the shop, a man notes this little retinue over a lifted cup of espresso. He is around thirty years old, not too handsome, unobtrusive. Just an average guy. At his feet sits a bag bulky with night-vision gear handed to him hours ago through the rear door of a Sand Hill office in exchange for a banded stack of bills. He is not a regular in the Bay Area; having collected what he came for, he has pit-stopped for a quick cup before the five-hour haul back to Los Angeles. But now his interest is piqued by this woman and the man clamped to her.”

And a little later:

“The watcher at the corner table knows this expression. He knows it well.
He has spent a lifetime in the vicinity of trauma, usually inflicting it. He is known by some as Evan Smoak. To a few, he is known as Orphan X. But generally he is not known at all.

He decides to extend his visit.”

This is an intense little story. It was released between books 1 and 2 in the series. It definitely grabs your attention and keeps it. This story is high octane action adventure! It is a story that sinks its teeth and does not let go. Again it has the meticulous planning and high tech of Person of Interest, it has the skills and mastery of both Reacher and the Equalizer. And Evan could not walk away from this person in need.

It was hard to put down, I read it in a single sitting over 2 large mugs of coffee. And with 12 novels and 6 published short stories there is a lot to read. It is an excellent little volume that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately there is a lot already available and one more announced. 

A great read, short and to the point!

Books by Gregg Hurwitz:
The Tower
Minutes to Burn
Do No Harm
The Crime Writer (aka I See You)
Trust No One (aka We Know)
You're Next
They're Watching (aka Or She Dies)
The Survivor
Tell No Lies
Don't Look Back
The Delivery
…

Evan Smoak Orphan X Series:
 1.0 Orphan X 
 1.5 Buy a Bullet 
 2.0 The Nowhere Man 
 3.0 Hellbent 
 3.5 The Intern 
 4.0 Out of the Dark 
 5.0 Into the Fire 
 5.5 The List 
 6.0 Prodigal Son 
 7.0 Dark Horse 
 8.0 The Last Orphan 
 8.5 The Recital 
 9.0 Lone Wolf 
10.0 Nemesis 
10.5 The Code 
11.0 Antihero 
11.5 The Damage Man 
12.0 Last Man Standing 
…

The Rains Brothers Series:
1.0 The Rains
2.0 Last Chance
…

Tim Rackley Series:
1.0 The Kill Clause
2.0 The Program
3.0 Troubleshooter
4.0 Last Shot
…
Labels:

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, 22 October 2026

Top Ten Teas 2026

Top Ten Teas 2026

My Top Ten Teas 2026

Back in 2010 I wrote a 13 part series on Tea, back then I was huge into loose-leaf teas and herbal blends. I had a large stash at the office and at home. And I tended to alternate coffee and tea all day long. Often making one of each and drinking the coffee and then the tea. My favourite tea’s back then were mostly from Teaopia a Canadian tea chain found in malls and storefronts across Canada. Within a few years Teaopia was purchased by Teavana in 2012 later that same year Starbuck’s purchased Teavana, and ended their long time partnership with Tazo Tea. When Teavana first purchased Teaopia they committed to carrying the Top 20 teas from Teaopia, once Starbuck’s purchased them those blends disappeared. And not long after Starbuck’s shuttered the stand alone Teavana stores. So I switched to David’s Tea, There were many blends from David’s I enjoyed. I could walk downtown at lunch from work, try a new tea, and pick up a tin if I enjoyed it. Or just stock up on ones that needed refilling. At the beginning of the pandemic almost my entire collection at home and work was David’s Tea’s. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, they closed most of their retail stores. And without that local presence I used up what I had and never got around to replacing them. 

Also for the first three years of the pandemic I switched from alternating coffee and tea to drink almost exclusively coffee I was having 4-8 quad americanos a day from my home espresso machine. Which brings us to the here and now in 2024 I have gone the better part of a year with only a handful of coffee’s. In 2023 I created a Top Ten Tea List and updated in in 2024, Top Ten Teas 2024, but with having a mug on the go from the time I get up until the time I go to bed I have tried a number of new ones. Unfortunately a few of my favourites have been discontinued, and I am always open to trying something new, here is my list of Top Ten Teas 2026, My current favourite teas are:

Stash Christmas Eve (Seasonal)

1. Stash Christmas Eve (Seasonal)
Cinnamon, orange peel, spearmint, vanilla extract, orange oil, natural cinnamon flavor, natural clove flavor.

I fell in love with this tea, when the health food store had it on sale after Christmas I bought their whole stock. It won’t last me the year, but currently one of my favorite teas. I now buy up to a dozen boxes to get the through the year.

Twinings Irish Breakfast

2. Twinings Irish Breakfast
Black tea.

I have been drinking this tea as long as I can remember. It was Gram’s favorite and I am not sure she ever drank anything else at home. Every time I sip this it is like sitting at nana’s and having fresh scones from the oven.

Stash Double Bergamot Earl Gray

3. Stash Double Bergamot Earl Gray 
Blended black teas, bergamot oil.

This one has been a long-time favorite, it and the Irish Breakfast are the only two I am still drinking from 10 years ago. It is Earl Grey with extra oomph. 

Stash Moroccan Mint Tea

4. Stash Moroccan Mint Tea
Green tea, spearmint, lemongrass, peppermint.

This is an excellent blend. I do not drink it as often as the 10 above. But I always have it on hand and it never disappoints. It is a perfect blend of the four ingredients. 

Twinings Antioxidant+

5. Twinings Antioxidant+
Citrus & Ginger Green Tea: Smooth green tea is blended with lively citrus flavours and the warming character of ginger for a bright and refreshing cup.
With Vitamin C & Echinacea: Thoughtfully blended with vitamin C and Echinacea as part of the Twinings Superblends range.

A friend gave me a box of this and it has been in high rotation all year.

Stash Lemon Ginger

6. Stash Lemon Ginger
Ginger root, Lemongrass, Natural lemon flavor, Hibiscus, Citric acid, Safflower.

Described as “Like a walk in the sunshine. This vibrant blend of smooth lemongrass and bright lemon flavor refreshes your senses with a vitalizing boost of spicy ginger root, an ancient remedy used for centuries to support healthy digestion.” I switched from Twinings to Stash for this tea this year. 

Twinings Orange Cinnamon Spice

7. Twinings Orange Cinnamon Spice
Made with rooibos, Vietnamese cinnamon, natural orange flavour, orange flavour naturally fortified, and orange peel.

Like sitting in grandma’s kitchen eating cookies right from the over.

Stash Wild Raspberry Hibiscus

8. Stash Wild Raspberry Hibiscus
Hibiscus, rosehips, lemongrass, licorice root, natural raspberry flavor, orange peel.

This was a gift from my daughter at father’s day. She picked me up 4 new flavours and 2 old standbys. I absolutely loved this one.

Stash Cranberry Pomegranate (Seasonal)

9. Stash Cranberry Pomegranate (Seasonal)
Hibiscus, rooibos, natural cranberry flavour, natural pomegranate flavour.

A fall seasonal tea from Stash. I picked it up late last year on clearance at the local health food store and went back the next day and bought all the boxes they had. And now it is back out again so I can resupply. 

Stash Sunny Orange Ginger

10. Stash Sunny Orange Ginger
Orange peel, ginger root, hibiscus, liquorice root, safflower, orange oil, citric acid.

Lemon Ginger is always popular this is its kinder gentler little brother. It is softer with more subtle flavours, less in your face and more by your side. Great in the evening or while lounging with a book.

My taste in teas has changed a lot over the years. But I tend to prefer herbal blends, and teas with a bit of a kick. Once I drank almost all white or African red bush teas (Rooibos). And I love a good Monk’s Blend just have not found one to my taste now. For a little over a decade, I drank almost exclusively loose-leaf tea. But not I keep about 16 types of bagged tea. With the ones listed above in high rotation. I am currently drinking between 3 and 10, 16 ounce mugs a day. 

I also used to drink a lot of tea from Republic of Tea but find tracking it down in Canada is too difficult. And I have heard amazing things about Adagio Tea but have only tried one or two cups at friends. Let me know what you think of my selections above and drop your favourite teas in the comments below.


"Now we can travel with more books stored in our telephones than the ancient Egyptians kept in their vast library at Alexandria."
           Mike Aquilina

“No tea cup is big enough nor book long enough for me to be satisfied.” 
           C.S. Lewis

"When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left over I buy food and clothes!"
           Erasmus


My desk pre-pandemic at the office with a collection of teas on the left side of the monitors.

My Top Ten Teas 2026 Fall 1

My Top Ten Teas 2026 Fall 2

Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)