Hey there, everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful start to the new year! Once again, I was barely able to meet my goal, but I got 11 books read this past month, so I’m pretty proud of myself. Cheers to a new month!

Anyway, how did everyone else do this past month? Meet any personal goals?

Face the Night

This book was beautiful, and the forward written by Forbes’ husband made it even more beautiful. She wrote this book while battling cancer, a battle she unfortunately lost, and you can see it here: her passion and love of writing in characterization and world-building. Even the title makes my heart ache in such an emotional way. This is a Western Fantasy, and I loved the uniqueness of the storytelling of a girl ready to face her future and go through the night, righting the wrongs of those done to her.

The Jump

This book was different from what I was expecting. It was a quick read, fast-paced, following four teenagers from different parts of the community. I liked how the story dealt with race, privilege, and community. If you’re looking for a diverse read, this one is one for the books.

Their Vicious Games

I mean, wow. Talk about an unpredictable read. If you love ‘Ready or Not’ or dark satire, this book is hands down for you. I don’t want to spoil anything, but several girls are entered into the Finish, a chance to win the prize of the Remington’s influence and money. But for Adina, it was more than what she bargained for; if she doesn’t win, it will cost her her life. The way the story developed was jaw-dropping every step of the way.

Big Little Spells

Again, we all know me. I’m not one for romance books, but the romance section is where you will find this book. A sequel to Small Town, Big Magic, Big Little Spells picks up where the previous novel left off. We’re following Rebekah, who chose exile over having her memory wiped. Rebekah also has a complicated relationship with the town’s immortal witch, Nicholas Frost. I’m not always one for tropes, but this was a grumpy sunshine win. I can’t wait to read the next one!

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

I love a good kids book. I love all the folklore that went into this novel and how the characters developed. It was such a fun, fast-paced read, and Momo and Danny are great characters who have so much in the way of their friendship. It’s a great story about being true to yourself and your roots, even if it means struggling to fit in.

Throwback

I loved this book way more than I thought I would. Very much back to the future vibes here with Samantha getting sent back in time to the 90s to help her mom win homecoming queen. I loved how the story focused on building up that mother-daughter relationship and helping them bridge the gap between them. It had many heartfelt moments in the story and even a cute, budding romance. And as a 90s baby, I lived for those nostalgia vibes.

Wish of the Wicked

When I first read Dorothy Must Die, I absolutely loved it. The series dragged on a little too much, but Paige has a knack for retellings overall. This is a perfect example of that. This is a retelling of Cinderella, but not in any way I am familiar with or expect. The story is about Farrow, her fairy godmother, and how she came into being. The story is fast-paced and unpredictable. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down.

Bring Me Your Midnight

The Nature of Witches will always be my favorite novel by Rachel Griffin, but this is a close second. I like how she went more into fantasy here, setting up a world that made me think of the Edwardian Era. Tana is a great character, and I loved the forbidden romance between Tana and Wolff. Wolff is just swoon-worthy. But the story has many layers, dealing with Tana’s responsibility versus her happiness. It was so gut-wrenching at times, which is why I loved it.

A Fragile Enchantment

This was such a wholesome read. If you love the Bridgerton series, you will love this novel. It was slow-moving, but I enjoyed it. Niamh was just so…charming. She is so absentminded, always lost in her work, and a bit of a clutz. And Kit, well, he’s so angsty and broody, they fit together. And I’m a girl who loves angsty guys, so I was enamored. Every time he softened for her, it made my heart swoon.

Lore Olympus: Volume Five

I love Lore Olympus. I love that Hades has finally decided to move on from Mineth and discover self-love. His relationship with Persephone, the way they move together and grow together, is fantastic. As someone who fast-passes the series every week on WEBtoon, I already know the story. But reading it compiled together and seeing the panels come together make it feel fresh and new. Honestly, I love it so much.

Thornhedge

Thornhedge was not what I was expecting when I picked it up. I knew this would be a retelling of sorts about Maleficent, named Toadling here. It gives her a backstory and a new connection to our fair maiden. It was short and sweet, and different. And, as is in Kingfisher’s nature, it is packed with a ton of dry and dark humor that I can’t seem to get enough of.

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