Book synopsis for Light of the Kasaban by Thomas Howard Riley

In the brutal desert city of Kasaban, the old gods have had their statues crushed to powder by invading Priests, with magick forbidden to anyone but themselves. Merely being born as one of the magi makes even infants into fugitives, and the Priests and their spies are always watching, ready to toss their enemies into the purifying flames of execution.

Saya Ani Anai is the last of her family, dedicating her life to being a teacher of magick for little orphaned children. From within her hidden home, she provides the closest thing to a normal life these children may ever know. They help each other like family, working for what they can and stealing the rest to scrape by, forced to live every day under the yoke of oppression.


When the warren-boss who keeps their domain a secret suddenly demands a higher price to keep his silence, they must race to find a way to meet the demand or they will lose their home and their lives. But for the poor living in Kasaban, simply surviving is anything but easy.

With the Priests and their magick-hunters scouring the city for magi to burn, and the catastrophes of daily life intervening to crush her plans at every turn, Saya must risk everything to save her home and keep the children safe. But Kasaban is unforgiving. Its fires rage bright. If she fails, all her hopes will burn.

Where to find Light of the Kasaban by Thomas Howard Riley online: 

 

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About the author, Thomas Howard Riley

Hi, my name is Thomas Howard Riley. I am a writer of rated-R epic and dark fantasy sagas, where characters are dirty and flawed, the outlook hopeful, the violence brutal, the hard magick systems plentiful, the worldbuilding robust, the romance disinclined to fade to black, and the adventures equal parts quirky and terrifying. I am a former lead guitarist and sword-fighter who grew up on fantasy and sci fi. I spend most of my time creating new fantasy stories and being a very uncool dad to my two little warriors. I am obsessed with comic books, music (always have my headphones in), and playing very old video games whenever I'm taking a break from training my army of cats for world conquest. I like to stand in the rain without an umbrella and I always take at least one book wherever I go.

Author links:

Website: https://thomashowardriley.com/ 

X: https://x.com/ornithopteryx 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomashowardriley/ 

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thomashowardriley.bsky.social 

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If you enjoyed this spotlight, you might also like my Book Spotlight: Soul Fraud by Andrew Givler

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What to Stop Doing for Better Mental Health

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-talking-the-depressed-man-8560049/

Doing "Less" Might Be the Best Thing for Your Brain

When you start looking at ways to improve your mental health and your life, you’ll find that everyone is trying to sell you some kind of crazy idea. You've got wellness influencers telling you to wake up at four in the morning to stare at the sunrise from a mountain top, take ice baths or take up pilates lessons that cost a small fortune. Others might claim you need to eat specific rare types of foods or do things in your day in a certain order to be successful. We focus so much on adding habits to our lives to feel better, but actually a better place to start would be removing the habits that make us miserable in the first place. You can't out-meditate a terrible lifestyle! Here are some things you might be doing, that you could stop for better mental health. 

Stop Optimizing Your Downtime

Stop trying to make your relaxation productive, you really don't need to listen to a dense economics podcast at two times speed while you take a walk around the neighborhood just to feel like you aren't wasting precious moments of your day. Sometimes a walk is just a walk. Its not true for everyone of course but many of us have completely ruined our hobbies by trying to turn them into side hustles or measurable achievements. If you like playing video games after work just play the game instead of tracking your completion statistics on a spreadsheet like a maniac. Give yourself permission to be entirely useless for an hour! It doesn't mean throw caution to the wind and just indulge in any vice you want, things like smoking and drinking too much are dangerous and another thing to stop (places like Legacy Healing Center can help with this). But relaxing and kicking back with a book, game or some tv isn't just time wasted when you’re exhausted. 

Stop Pathologizing Regular Sadness

There’s a lot of open conversation out there when it comes to mental health these days, and that’s good. It means the stigma is being broken and people feel safe to talk about how they feel, their conditions and what they can do to help. But the downside is that when there’s so much talk about mental illness, it can be easy to assume you have one. But feeling sad or a bit down doesn't mean you have clinical depression, just like being tidy or ‘particular’ about the way you like things organised doesn't mean you have OCD. Don’t self diagnose, talk to a doctor if you genuinely think you have something more going on. Otherwise, its important to remember that ups and downs are just part of the experience we have as humans. We’re emotional creatures and life can be hard sometimes, it might just be a case of riding the wave and knowing you’ll feel better again soon. 

Stop Shower Arguing

We all do it, stand under the hot water having intense imaginary arguments about something someone said three days ago to upset you. It can feel satisfying coming up with the perfect comeback that you wish you’d said in the moment but your brain doesn't know the difference between a real confrontation and the one you just invented. They're functionally the same to your nervous system so you're flooding your system with stress hormones over a totally fictional scenario.

If you’re looking for more support on managing your own wellness journey, do take a look through my health and fitness page, where I share more about what’s worked for me over the years.

I’d love to hear from you—is there a habit you’ve stopped doing that’s made a massive difference to your mood? Or maybe you’re currently in a rut and just need to know you aren’t alone? Let’s chat in the comments!

The Ultimate Guide to Sheet Masking: My Top Picks for Glowing Skin

If there is one skincare ritual that feels like a true "spa day" at home, it’s the sheet mask. Whether you’re winding down after a busy week of blogging or prep-ping your skin for a trip to Rome, a good mask can be a total game-changer.

Over the last few months, I’ve been on a mission to find the masks that actually deliver on their promises. From vegan-friendly options to high-tech Korean collagen, I’ve tested them all so you don’t have to.

If you’re new to the world of masking, or just looking to refresh your routine, here is my curated list of "must-try" masks for every skin need.

1. For Intense Hydration & Recovery

When my skin feels parched or a bit dull, I look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a humectant, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a magnet for moisture.

I recently tried the Selya Face Mask with Hyaluronic Acid and Coconut. What I loved about this one was the combination of the deep hydration from the acid and the soothing properties of the coconut. You can read my full experience in this Selya Face Mask Review.

2. The K-Beauty Glow (Collagen Boost)

We all know that Korean skincare is leading the way when it comes to innovation. If you’re looking to improve skin elasticity and get that "bouncy" feel, collagen is your best friend.

The Cosmi Premium Skincare Korean Collagen Face Mask is a standout for me. It feels incredibly luxurious and leaves the skin looking remarkably plump. Check out the step-by-step breakdown in my Cosmi Collagen Mask Review.

3. The Two-Step Treatment

Sometimes one mask isn't enough. If you have 15 minutes to spare and want a more "professional" feel, a two-step system is the way to go.

The FRIA MySelf 2 Step Face Mask includes a specific serum or prep step that makes the mask itself work so much harder. It’s perfect for those Sunday night "deep cleans." See how I used it in this FRIA MySelf Review.

4. The Fun & Fruity Vegan Choice

Skincare should be enjoyable! I love a mask that smells great and aligns with my values. If you prefer plant-based beauty, there are some fantastic options out there.

The Go Vegan Fruity Face Sheet Mask (Friday PINK) is a delight. It’s bright, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to kick off the weekend. I’ve shared all the details on the ingredients in this Go Vegan Face Mask Review.

5. The "Pick-Me-Up" for Tired Skin

Lastly, for those days when you just need a quick refresh, the 7 Days Happy Sea Calf Face Mask is a brilliant option. It’s designed to be a quick boost for your complexion, perfect for a mid-week glow-up. You can see the results for yourself in my 7 Days Face Mask Review.

My Top 3 Masking Tips for Beginners

If you want to get the most out of your masks, keep these "Jo’s Pro-Tips" in mind:

• Exfoliate First: Always apply your mask to a clean, exfoliated face. If there’s a layer of dead skin cells in the way, that expensive serum won't be able to sink in!

• Don't Waste the Serum: There is usually a lot of extra liquid left in the packet. I always rub the excess onto my neck and the back of my hands.

• Timing is Key: Don't let the mask dry out completely on your face, or it can actually start pulling moisture out of your skin. 15-20 minutes is usually the "sweet spot."

Which of these masks sounds like it would fit best into your current routine? Let’s chat in the comments!

How to See the Pope in Rome: A 2026 Guide

If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City this year, there’s one experience that usually tops everyone’s bucket list: seeing the Pope. Whether you’re religious or just a fan of history and grand traditions, there is something undeniably electric about being in St. Peter’s Square when the atmosphere is buzzing.

I get asked about this a lot, and while it might seem like you need a secret handshake or a direct line to the Vatican, it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the ropes. Here’s my guide on how to see Pope Leo XIV in Rome during 2026.

1. The Wednesday General Audience

This is your best bet for getting "up close" (relatively speaking!). Most Wednesdays when the Pope is in Rome, he holds a General Audience at 9:00 am.

• Where: Usually in St. Peter’s Square (if the weather is nice) or the Paul VI Audience Hall (if it’s raining or freezing).

• The Vibe: It’s less of a formal Mass and more of a gathering with speeches, blessings, and the famous "Popemobile" drive-through.

• Tickets: They are completely free, but you do need them. You can request them via the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

Pro Tip: Even with a ticket, it’s first-come, first-served for the best seats. I’d recommend getting to the security lines by 7:30 am if you want to be near the barriers where the Pope drives past.

2. The Sunday Angelus

If you don't want to deal with the faff of tickets, the Sunday Angelus is for you. Every Sunday at 12:00 pm, the Pope appears at the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

He gives a short address, leads the Angelus prayer, and gives a blessing. It lasts about 15–20 minutes. You don't need tickets—you just show up, pass through security, and find a spot in the square. It’s a lovely, communal experience that fits perfectly into a Sunday morning stroll.

3. Special Masses and the 2026 Calendar

2026 is a busy year at the Vatican. We’ve just come off the back of the Jubilee, and the schedule is packed. If you're visiting during Easter or Christmas, the Pope will preside over major liturgical celebrations.

For these, you definitely need to book tickets months in advance. Keep an eye on the official Vatican Calendar to see if your dates align with a Papal Mass.

4. Essential Tips for Your Visit

• Dress Code: This is a big one! The Vatican enforces a strict dress code. Shoulders must be covered, and skirts or trousers must reach below the knee. I’ve seen many disappointed travellers turned away at the security scanners for wearing shorts!

• Security: Treat it like an airport. No large suitcases, no glass bottles, and no sharp objects.

• Check the Schedule: The Pope does travel! For instance, he has an Apostolic Journey planned for Algeria and several other African countries in mid-April 2026. Always double-check he’s actually in Rome before you set your alarm for 6:00 am.

Rome is such a magical city, and there’s so much to explore beyond the Vatican walls. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Italian adventure, check out my other travel related posts for tips on where to eat, stay, and wander.

Have you ever seen the Pope in person? Or are you planning your first trip to the Vatican this year? Let me know in the comments!