Welcome to this week’s Saturday Sips, where I serve up quick, spoiler-free reviews of five books I read last week! If you’re looking for bite-sized book recommendations across a mix of genres, you’re in the right place. From thrilling page-turners to heartwarming fiction, these reads brought a little bit of everything to my week—and I’m here to spill the highlights. Whether you're building your weekend TBR or just love discovering new titles, here are five books worth sipping on.
A Fire in the Sky
Sophie Jordan★★★★★
Sophie Jordan’s A Fire in the Sky completely captivated me with its rich world-building, compelling characters, and gripping storytelling. I absolutely loved this book—the tension, the romance, and the emotional depth all worked beautifully—but I couldn’t help but wish it had been longer. Jordan had so much more she could have explored, and I would have gladly spent more time in this world. Still, even with its brevity, the story delivered a powerful impact, making it an easy five-star read for me.
★★★★★
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark is a sharp, mesmerizing blend of fantasy and political intrigue that captivated me from page one. Clark’s signature world-building is on full display here—rich, immersive, and effortlessly original—drawing readers into a story of rebellion, loyalty, and justice with undead assassins you won’t forget. The writing is both lyrical and razor-edged, balancing action with heart and humor in perfect measure. Every twist felt earned, every character pulsed with life, and by the end, I was left craving more of this world. An easy five stars—Clark has delivered another knockout.
★★★★☆
Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland is a gripping and imaginative fantasy that delivers a fresh take on political power struggles, ancient magic, and fractured alliances. Corland crafts a richly layered world with compelling characters, each navigating the ruins of empires and the weight of legacy. While the pacing lagged slightly in the middle and a few plot threads could’ve used more depth, the high-stakes twists and vivid atmosphere kept me fully engaged. With its unique realm-spanning structure and emotionally charged storytelling, this book is a strong edition to an epic series. Solid four stars!
★★★★★
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is a chilling, clever, and utterly captivating blend of historical fiction and gothic mystery that had me hooked from the first page. Audrey Rose is a fierce, intelligent heroine ahead of her time, and her chemistry with the charming yet infuriating Thomas Cresswell adds the perfect touch of wit and tension to the dark, atmospheric plot. Maniscalco’s writing is richly descriptive without being heavy, immersing readers in the eerie fog of Victorian London as the infamous Jack the Ripper case unfolds with gripping suspense. It’s a deliciously macabre read that delivers both thrills and heart—an easy five stars!
★★★☆☆
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister offers an intriguing premise and McAllister’s signature emotional depth, but ultimately didn’t fully deliver for me. The story explores guilt, memory, and the weight of truth with thoughtful prose, yet the pacing felt uneven and the twists lacked the impact I was hoping for. While the characters are well-drawn and the moral ambiguity adds complexity, I found myself more curious than captivated. It’s a solid read with moments of brilliance, but not one that left a lasting impression—three stars.
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