Welcome to the very first What I Read Last Week post. I’m hoping this new weekly recap will help me tackle my ever growing backlog while also keeping the blog a bit cleaner and easier to navigate. Instead of scattering mini thoughts everywhere, everything will live right here in one cozy little roundup. So, here we go.
Magic Lessons
Alice Hoffman★★★★☆
Magic Lessons felt like a return to the roots of Alice Hoffman’s magic, echoing the atmosphere and emotional pull of the original Practical Magic. The story is rich with quiet spells, family ties, and the kind of melancholy beauty Hoffman does so well. I loved sinking back into this world, where magic feels woven into everyday life rather than put on display. While it didn’t completely sweep me away, it carried that familiar warmth and wistfulness that longtime fans will recognize instantly. A wonderful read, and an easy four stars for anyone who fell in love with the Owens family all those years ago.
Silver & Blood
Jessie Mihalik★★★★☆
The opening of Silver & Blood lured me in with a wizard who definitely has secrets tucked under his cloak. It promised magic and mystery, and I was fully prepared to follow that thread. Then the story pivoted into fae-like courts and political intrigue, but wizards, and the sudden shift left me blinking as if someone had swapped spellbooks mid chapter. Once I found my footing again, I did enjoy the ride, but I kept wishing for more time with the First Wizard instead of being swept into royal scheming. Still, the world is vivid, the pacing quickens in all the right places, and the story ultimately delivers an engaging, enchanted adventure.
The Intruder
Freida McFadden★★★★★
This one completely pulled me in and refused to let go. The Intruder has all the twisty, page-devouring energy Freida McFadden does best, with tension that creeps in quietly and then tightens its grip chapter by chapter. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, it slipped sideways and proved me wrong. I loved how fast-paced and addictive this was, the kind of book that makes you say “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s way past bedtime. An absolute hit for me and an easy five stars.
I Am Not Jessica Chen
Ann Liang★★★★☆
I Am Not Jessica Chen surprised me in the best way. It blends sharp social commentary with an engaging, emotional story about identity, ambition, and the pressure to be exceptional. Ann Liang captures the ache of comparison and the weight of expectations so clearly that it’s hard not to see pieces of yourself on the page. While a few moments felt slightly on the nose, the message landed with real impact, and the characters stayed with me long after I finished. Thoughtful, relevant, and well worth four stars.
Graceless Heart
Isabel Ibañez★★★★☆
I found myself completely pulled into Graceless Heart almost immediately. Isabel Ibañez crafts a world steeped in magic, with a story that moves at a steady, engaging pace that made it hard to put down. The magic system was especially captivating, adding depth and atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. While there were moments where I wanted just a bit more, the overall experience was immersive and satisfying. A compelling, magical read that held my attention from start to finish, and an easy four stars for me.
My Husband's Wife
Alice Feeney★★★★★
I absolutely loved this one. My Husband’s Wife is twisty, sharp, and deliciously unsettling in that very specific Alice Feeney way where nothing and no one can be trusted for long. The tension simmers beneath every page, building into reveals that hit hard and linger after the final chapter. I flew through this book, constantly second guessing every character and loving every second of it. Dark, clever, and impossible to put down, this was an easy five-star read for me.
We Who Have No Gods
Liza Anderson★★★☆☆
This book had a strong start that really pulled me in. The world and initial setup were intriguing, and for a while I was fully invested in where the story might go. Unfortunately, the pacing slowed significantly in the middle, making it harder to stay engaged and push through. By the time I reached the end, I realized I never quite formed the connection with the characters that I needed in order to truly care about their outcomes. There’s a lot of potential here, but for me it ultimately landed at a solid three stars.
