I had a great start to the new year with 9 reads to close out my January reading! Here are my thoughts on everything I read this month!
Five-Star Reads
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
This was my only five-star read of the month, but it is one that is defiantly worthy of the title. Written in verse, The Poet X is a beautiful and moving story that follows an Afro-Latina poet as she battles to be unapologetically herself. This story made me feel all the feelings in the best ways and it's a story that I will always recommend.
Four-Star Reads
Finale by Stephanie Garber
My first read of the year, Finale is the conclusion of the Caraval trilogy by Stephanie Garber. The series has quickly risen in the ranks of my favorite series. Finale was probably my favorite book of the series but I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil anything!
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
This January release is a sparkling and magical debut. It was filled with action, romance, and politics set against the lush background of Chinese mythology. It follows a young woman's quest to free her mother even if it pits her against some of the most powerful immortals of the realm.
If you're looking for more info on this one, you can check out my full review here!
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
This one was a wild ride that had me sleeping with the lights on. The story follows Chloe Davis, the daughter of an infamous serial killer. When teenage girls start going missing 20 years after her father's murder spree, it forces her to wonder if she may be caught in the crossfire of yet another killers tirade.
Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
If you ever found yourself wanting the tv show Reign but in book form with three sisters, this is your book. It was a fun read filled with politics, romance, betrayal, and a sprinkling of magic. And while it was predictable at times, it still kept me entertained until the very last page.
Castles in Their Bones releases February 1, and you can read my full review here!
Tithe by Holly Black
We all know that I love anything that Holly Black writes. So, when I finally could get my hands on a copy of her Modern Faerie Tales series, I had to read it. This is Black's first foray into the land of Faerie and is set in the same universe as The Cruel Prince and The Darkest Part of the Forest. It's a short read and features Black's dark fairy tale prose that I love. I loved being back in the world she created!
Everything Else
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
This book was weird and I still haven't decided if it was a good weird or a bad weird. I found it engrossing and mysterious, but it just left me wanting more. I really liked the prose and the overall vibe of the story, but I hated the ending. All in all, it ended up being a three-star read for me.
Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier
This story was a classic YA fantasy read. And even better, it was a standalone that wasn't a million pages long (it was around 300 pages to be exact). Be warned though, this story is about the aftermath of a pandemic which was a bit surreal considering I am currently living in one. But it was a quick and easy read with mystery, politics, and just a bit romance perfect if you're looking for a low stakes and low commitment read.
Valiant by Holly Black
The second installment of Black's Modern Faerie Tales trilogy can be read as a standalone and takes place during the events of Tithe. This one is definitely not my favorite of Holly Black's books, but was still enjoyable. I just wasn't a big fan of the characters in this one but they definitely grew on me toward the end of the story.
What I'm Reading in February
My plans for February include finishing up the Modern Faerie Tale series. After that I'm thinking about picking up This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron. I'm also hoping to final get to Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray. It's been sitting on my TBR shelf for too long now. After that, we'll just see where the wind takes me!
What was your favorite read of January? Let me know in the comments!
Comments