A Song in the Storm by Riley Knight is a bold, multi-POV epic with rich world-building, layered politics, a touch of romance, and a story that rewards patience. It kept me guessing the entire time—and I loved watching all the threads come together. If you’re into fantasy that doesn’t spoon-feed you but absolutely delivers, pick this one up.
The Mender’s Curse is everything I want in a classic fantasy—magic, rebellion, an epic quest, and a cast of characters I actually care about. The world is wonderfully immersive without being overwhelming, and the story hits that perfect balance between action, heart, and quiet moments of healing and development.
Douglas Brunt’s The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel is not only packed with fascinating information about Diesel himself, but it also offers a sharp look at the quarter century leading up to World War I. Weaving together the lives of key figures, Brunt shows how their ambitions collided with the era’s political and economic turmoil.
Okay, so I just finished Lush by Tinia Montford (book one in her California Kings series), and whew—Reese deserves a medal. Like truly, this man is the definition of unconditional love. He shows up, he listens, he supports… all without ever asking for anything but love back.
Quiet, sad, and strange in its own way. The Haunting of Velkwood had a premise I couldn’t wait to dive into: a neighborhood warped by supernatural isolation, a surreal haunting, and a tragic friendship at the heart of it all.
Illusion of Stars wrecked me in the best way. I went in expecting a fantasy with some romance (which it totally delivers), but I didn’t expect it to hit so hard emotionally. The way Sarah Marie Page writes about self-worth, grief, and uncertainty? Just… wow. It’s raw and real in a way that sneaks up on you.
Set in 16th c. Spain during the Inquisition, Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar is all about danger, superstition, and hidden power in a world where being different can be deadly. If you’re into historical fantasy with high stakes, complex characters, and a dash of danger, you’ll be hooked.
The Sinner by Marni Mann, the third book in the Spade Hotel series, had a lot of potential, but for me, it didn’t fully deliver. The insta-love felt shallow, the characters lacked depth, and the conflict around the ex-boyfriend was underexplored. That said, if you’re here purely for the steam, you might have a good time with this one!
George Orwell’s 1984 remains one of the most chillingly prophetic novels ever written—a stark warning about the dangers of authoritarianism, the manipulation of truth, and the erasure of history. More than 75 years after its publication, its themes feel eerily relevant, a testament to Orwell’s unsettling foresight.
Bottom line: If you love fantasy romance with badass heroines, cinnamon roll MMCs who can still wreck people, and a story that keeps you glued to the pages, read this ASAP. And if anyone knows how long I have to wait for book two, please tell me so I can emotionally prepare.
Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory is a harrowing, skillfully crafted novel that I’m still thinking about long after the final page—both as a horror story and as a searing indictment of the brutal realities of the Jim Crow South. It is an unflinching blend of historical fiction, horror, and social commentary, exposing the evils of systemic racism through the eyes of twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr., a boy whose only crime is defending his sister.
This Is How You Lose the Time War is a dazzling, albeit oftentimes overwhelming, masterpiece—a love story that defies time, space, and the very nature of its own existence. Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone craft a tale that is as much a literary experience as it is a science fiction adventure, blending lyrical prose with an achingly tender sapphic romance.
