Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Into space we go!
Ark Angel takes Alex Rider higher, literally, as he stumbles from a hospital bed into a conspiracy that leads straight into orbit. Anthony Horowitz throws his young spy into billionaire plots, CIA entanglements, and finally, a space station showdown that decides the fate of nations.

(00:00) – Welcome: Alex Rider in Ark Angel
(00:19) – Why the series always feels limitless
(00:56) – Picking up after Scorpia
(01:22) – Th...

Scorpia isn’t just another Alex Rider adventure, it’s the book where everything shifts. Darker, grittier, and more morally complex, this is where Alex discovers the terrifying legacy of his father, the manipulative power of Scorpia, and the harsh truth that both MI6 and his enemies will use him as a pawn.

In this review, I explore how Scorpia raises the stakes, the deeper philosophical undertones about identity and manipulation, and...

In this review, we dive into Eagle Strike, the fourth Alex Rider book by Anthony Horowitz. Alex finds himself on his own against the billionaire villain Damian Cray, with MI6 refusing to back him. Packed with action, foreshadowing of Scorpia, and a surprising philosophical twist, this book marks the bridge between the light beginnings of the series and the darker arcs that follow.

(00:00) - Welcome & Intro to the Review
(00:55) -...

There will always be someone selling BS, but you can learn how to spot it.

'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre is an expose of sorts showcasing instances of media (individuals & as a whole) distorting statistics & scientific data. He explains the various errors they commit while examining the various reasons as to why they occurred. There are 16 chapters focusing on topics like the placebo effect, the MMR Hoax, homeopathy & nu...

The future of Asia is interesting but even more so is the man who created it!

'Lee Kuan Yew' by Allison & Blackwill is a compiled selection of speeches & quotes from Lee Kuan Yew bundled together to come across as a single interview. The focus is on his opinions over the years on what he imagines the future will look like. It's split into 10 chapters on topics like democracy, China/USA/India, geopolitics & Islamic Extrem...

Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads.

(00:00) “You shall not pass.”
(00:09) Welcome & why review Fellowship now
(01:14) Trilogy intent & page heft (535pp!)
(01:34) Comparing to The ...

A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence.

'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies influenced by countries. It's split into 8 parts with 52 chapters in total.

If you got valu...

In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quiet resilience. This isn’t just about the plot, it’s about the philosophy hidden betwee...

Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics!

'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on Biology, Race, Character, Morals, Religion, Economics, Socialism, Government, War...

Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town!

'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with other empires but the decisions made by it's democratic governments as well as influent...

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?

(00:00) - Intro & Series Overview
(00:30) - What is Point Blank? A Quick Recap
(01:...

Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends!

'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one of the robber barons of the Gilded Age. Plenty of stories showcasing his ruthless u...

In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, this one is pure gold.

(00:00) - Fog Over the Misty Mountains
(00:09) - Welcome & Wh...

The fun side of rather questionable behaviour.

'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and ultimately market manipulation. Within you'll find amusing stories of trading hijinks...

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live with purpose and integrity, especially when no one is watching.

00:00 – Intro: What Th...

We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it.

In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. All 3 books question meaning and have a tendency towards indulging in nihi...

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of life.

00:00 – Intro & Context on the Stoic Virtue Series 
00:30 – Book Stats...

A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast.

My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz

(00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die
(00:47) – First Encounter at 14
(02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism
(03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action
(05:41) – Philosophy: Adapt to Survive
(07:18) – Final Reflections

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In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisdom around leadership, communication, and culture.

(00:00) - Introduction to Learnings
(...