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.
I never thought I’d rave about a book about snails (I’m only partially joking lol), but here we are…
Maria Reva’s Endling is a profound exploration of survival, identity, and the intricate dance between humanity and nature, set against the backdrop of contemporary Ukraine.
Flora Carr’s The Tower is an intriguing take on Mary, Queen of Scots, during her imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Certainly, the writing draws you in—Carr has a way of crafting vivid scenes and emotionally charged moments that make you feel the weight of Mary’s isolation and the quiet strength of the women surrounding her.
Elie Wiesel’s Night is not just a book—it is a testimony, a warning, and an unflinching look into the depths of human cruelty. It is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it, not because of elaborate prose or dramatic storytelling, but because every word feels like a wound that refuses to heal. This is a book that demands to be read.
It’s a peculiarity in some men that they cannot accept help without feeling compromised by…
