What I Read Last Week - January 5th to January 11th

 


The Week of January 5th to January 11th.

★★★★★

I went into this one a little wary. Another Fae world, another set of courts and secrets. But Heir of Illusion quickly reminded me exactly why I keep coming back to this genre.

Ivy is the kind of FMC I love reading about. Strong, capable, and thoughtful without being frustrating. She makes smart choices, learns from her surroundings, and never exists just to push the plot forward. Watching her navigate this world felt satisfying rather than stressful.

And Throne? Absolutely swoon worthy. Mysterious, layered, and magnetic in a way that makes every scene he’s in feel charged. The tension, the intrigue, the slow reveals. It all hit perfectly.

The worldbuilding, the court politics, the emotional beats. Every piece worked together seamlessly. I was hooked from start to finish and loved every part of this story.

If you’re feeling burned out on Fae fantasy but still secretly craving that magic, this one might just pull you back in.

★★★★☆

This was exactly what I needed. I went in hoping for a fresh Cinderella retelling, and this absolutely delivered. At first, it gave me strong Ever After vibes, which instantly pulled me in, but it didn’t stay there. The story quickly morphed into something uniquely its own, and I loved that evolution.

The character development was especially well done. Watching motivations unfold and assumptions get challenged made the story feel layered and thoughtful rather than just a simple retelling. And that ending? Completely unexpected in the best way. I didn’t see it coming at all, and it tied everything together so satisfyingly.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings with depth, heart, and a few surprises tucked in, this one is well worth the read.

★★★★☆

I went into this one expecting full on creep factor, but Hazelthorn turned out to be more of a slow burn mystery than outright spooky. The first half leans heavily into atmosphere and unanswered questions, keeping things strange and intriguing rather than terrifying.

Once the second half hits, the story sharpens and the tension ramps up, pulling everything into clearer focus. Even though it wasn’t as creepy as I anticipated, it was still a really enjoyable read with a strong sense of mood and curiosity driving the pages.

If you like mysteries with a gothic edge and a gradual reveal, this one is worth picking up.

★★★★★

This book completely stole my heart. It’s a beautifully told WWII story that blends emotion and mystery so seamlessly it kept me fully invested from the first page to the last.

The story is rich with twists and turns, revealing its secrets slowly and thoughtfully. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the plot veered in a new direction. And that ending? Absolutely unexpected. The kind that makes you sit with the book closed in your lap, staring at the wall, replaying everything you just read.

Heartfelt, gripping, and impossible to predict, this is a standout historical fiction read that earns every one of its five stars.

★★★★★

This book absolutely wrecked me. It’s tragic, heavy, and deeply heart wrenching, the kind of story that settles into your chest and refuses to leave quietly.

There were moments when I genuinely didn’t know how I was going to make it through the pages. The pain is relentless at times, but what kept me going was the strength of the characters. Their resilience, even in the darkest moments, gives the story its quiet power and purpose.

This isn’t an easy read, but it’s a meaningful one. Emotionally devastating, yet profoundly human, The River Is Waiting is a story that lingers long after you turn the final page.

★★★★★

I seem to keep finding my way into these devastating stories filled with heartbreak and resilience, and honestly… I’m not mad about it. Broken Country is one of those books that breaks you open and somehow keeps you turning the pages through the tears.

This story made me cry, more than once, yet I couldn’t put it down. The emotional weight is heavy, but it’s balanced by a deep sense of strength and perseverance that makes the pain feel meaningful rather than overwhelming.

Heart wrenching, beautifully written, and impossible to walk away from, Broken Country is a powerful read that earns every one of its five stars.

★★★★☆

This was such a rich, immersive read. The world building is vivid and layered, and Ayana Gray does an incredible job of pulling you into the story from the very beginning. It’s the kind of world that feels alive, with history and danger woven into every page.

The story itself is engaging and well paced, and that twist at the end really sealed it for me. It added an extra spark that made the entire journey feel even more worthwhile.

A strong start to a series with a captivating world and a memorable ending. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up the next book.

★★★★★

I watched the TV series before picking up the book, and somehow the book still completely amazed me. From start to finish, The Search for WondLa is imaginative, heartfelt, and impossible not to love.

Tony DiTerlizzi builds a world that feels both entirely unique and comfortably familiar, striking that perfect balance between wonder and warmth. The setting invites exploration, while the characters make you want to stay. Each one feels thoughtful, distinct, and easy to root for.

Beautifully written and endlessly engaging, this is a story that captures a sense of adventure and belonging in the best way. A truly magical read and a well earned five stars. 

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