January was a pretty good reading month. Most of the books I read were pretty good, with only a couple being not quite to my taste. There was one book that stood out amongst all of the others though and it was the perfect book to end the month on. I also feel quite accomplished in that I wrote a review for almost every book I read or listened to this month. There are only two from the end of the month that I didn’t write about, but one was the final book in a series and the other was a classic, so I didn’t really feel the need to write either of those up.
I managed to read 16 books and one novella. Of those books, seven were ARCs, which I think might be a record for me. I also managed to read all of the books for my January TBR, which I didn’t think I was going to towards the end of the month. I am also doing pretty well with my challenges, having read a book for two of them this month. I think I will hold off on posting about my challenges. I’m thinking of doing it quarterly instead of monthly.
As usual I am listing these in the order that I read them. The ones with asterisks are the ARCs that I read and reviewed.
The Witchwood Knot was not as good as I would have liked for my first book of the year. It was a bit slow moving for me and the characters were a bit bland.
The Seven Year Slip was a fun little romance. I loved the main characters and the magical realism of the apartment was a nice touch for this story about finding your passion.
I’ll Keep You Safe was a really well done psychological thriller with a murder mystery. Loved the audiobook as the narrators did an excellent job.
*The Butcher of the Forest (Feb 27th) was a well done dark novella. I really liked the main character and the story was quite riveting.
The Spellman Files was a hilarious audiobook I listened to about a very dysfunctional family. I will have to pick up the other books in this series at some point, especially when I need a good laugh.
Dark Water Daughter was a great first book in an epic fantasy that I can’t wait to continue. I loved the magical system and the two main characters were well done.
*The Tainted Cup (Feb 6th) is also the first book in a new epic fantasy series. The characters in this book were very different than the average and the world building was superb.
The Shadow Baron is the second book in a wonderful fantasy series that I have been enjoying a lot. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
*The bezzle (Feb 20th) is the second book in the Marty Hench series, although it is more like a prequel as it takes place prior to the events in the first book. Still a good one though.
*Crucible of Chaos (Feb 6th) is also a prequel of sorts. It is a standalone set in the world of the Greatcoats and it is also the set up for the new series that is starting later this spring.
Upon a Frosted Star was a dark and tragic retelling of the Swan Lake ballet. Loved the two characters but would have liked a bit more of a happy ending for the two.
Iron Flame was better than the first book in that it was less predictable. But it was way too long and there was not enough dragon banter to make me happy. Still looking forward to the final book though.
*Under the Storm (Feb 27th) was a really slow burn of a murder mystery novel set in Sweden. I wasn’t sure who had done it until the end.
A Curse for True Love was the final book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had taken the time to reread the first two books. But it was still good and it was nice to see Jacks get his happy ending.
*I Only Read Murder ( Feb 27th) started off pretty rough, but did get better. Not the worst book I have ever read, but not one I would recommend either, unless you are really into cozy mysteries.
And Then There Were None is of course a classic, but I have never read it. I finally wanted to pick it up because of lot of mysteries that I read last year referenced it, and I really felt that I needed to read it. I quite enjoyed it and now get what all the fuss is about.
*Listen For the Lie (March 5th) was the best book I read this month. I loved the audiobook and I am pretty sure nothing will top this one anytime soon.
I am really looking forward to my reading in February. I have a lot of really good books lined up, especially the ARCs. I think all of them are by authors I know and have loved before, so I’m sure they will all be good. I am also looking forward to some of the other reads I have lined up. You can check out my February TBR here.
I hope that you all had a really good start to your reading year and that it continues to be good. Until next time…
Confessions of a Serial Reader 
That looks like a great month’s reading. I loved Dark Water Daughter too and can’t wait for the next one.
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