Last week’s reading felt like a quiet reset, the kind where stories slip in gently and remind me why I keep coming back to the page. I found myself pulled into worlds driven by emotion, tension, and heart, with one book finally earning a rare five stars after a bit of a dry spell. From solid, satisfying reads to one standout that lingered long after I closed the cover, here’s a look at what kept me turning pages last week.
A Forrest Apart
by Troy Denning
★★★☆☆
A Forest Apart was a quick read, but unfortunately not a particularly engaging one for me. The story felt too short to fully develop its ideas, and as a result it never really found its momentum. While there were moments of interest, much of the book felt flat and a bit boring, making it hard to stay invested. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that left me wanting more depth and excitement. A solid three stars.
Doctor Sleep
by Stephen King
★★★★☆
I loved this continuation of The Shining. Revisiting Danny Torrance as an adult felt thoughtful and earned, with King giving him depth, scars, and a real shot at redemption. The blend of addiction recovery, lingering trauma, and the supernatural worked beautifully, grounding the horror in something deeply human.
While it didn’t quite reach the raw, claustrophobic terror of The Shining, it stood strong on its own and expanded the story in a way that felt respectful rather than nostalgic. A solid four star read and a continuation done right
These Summer Storms
by Sarah MacLean
★★★★★
I absolutely loved this one. It was emotional, atmospheric, and completely absorbing, the kind of story that pulls you under and doesn’t let go until the final page. The romance simmered with tension, the characters felt messy and real, and every choice carried weight.
Sarah MacLean delivered a love story that felt both tender and powerful, full of longing, vulnerability, and moments that linger long after you close the book. An easy five stars and a reminder of how good it feels to be swept away by a story.
by Nnedi Okorafor
★★★★☆
This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read, even if it lagged at times. Okorafor’s ideas are bold and layered, playing with storytelling, identity, and the power dynamics between creator and creation in a way that kept my brain happily buzzing.
While the pacing occasionally slowed and pulled me out of the narrative, the originality and ambition more than made up for it. This is the kind of book you think about after you finish, turning it over in your mind and noticing new angles. A solid four stars for its creativity and depth.
Tailored Realities
by Brandon Sanderson
★★★★☆
This was a really enjoyable read, especially the story about the dragon, which completely stole the show for me. Sanderson’s imagination shines here, taking familiar ideas and twisting them into something fresh, clever, and quietly emotional.
Not every piece landed with the same impact, but the creativity and craft were undeniable. The dragon story alone was worth the read, lingering in my thoughts long after I finished. A solid four stars for inventive storytelling and that unforgettable moment of magic.
Don't Let Him In
by Lisa Jewell
★★★☆☆
This one just didn’t quite work for me. The story moved slowly, and instead of building tension, it often felt like it was dragging its feet. I kept waiting for that familiar Lisa Jewell hook to pull me in, but it never fully arrived.
There were moments of intrigue and a solid premise underneath it all, which is why it still earns three stars, but overall it felt more boring than suspenseful. An okay read, just not one that kept me turning pages the way I’d hoped.
