books I loved, books I didn’t
and the ones worth talking about
Fantasy, science fiction, and a touch of horror—shared with intention and honesty.
currently on my mind
Dark, Unhinged and Must-Read Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Horror Book Releases (Jan–Apr 2026)
With over 600 unread books on my TBR, you’d think I’d stop adding more—but 2026 has other plans. From rage-fueled fantasy and gothic horror to weird sci-fi and magical academia, these are the most anticipated fantasy, sci-fi, and horror book releases coming between January and April 2026 that I already know I won’t be able to resist.
My Top 5 All-Time Favorite Fantasy Standalones (Perfect After a Long Series)
Long fantasy series are my comfort zone—but sometimes I need a standalone that hits just as hard. These are my top five all-time favorite fantasy standalones: emotionally devastating, beautifully written, and absolutely worth the pain.
5 Winter Fantasy Book Recommendations for Cozy, Dark, and Magical Nights
Winter is cold, chaotic, and full of cheery people — which makes it the perfect excuse to stay home with a blanket and disappear into fictional, wintry worlds. From cozy-but-creepy magic shops to monster-filled cities and icy epic fantasies, these five winter fantasy books are perfect for readers who’d rather spend the season with witches, warriors, and emotionally devastating stories.
on taste, books, and time
A few thoughts on how I choose what to read, why I value taste over trends, and why not every book deserves the same amount of time.
the CIR canon
A personal canon of fantasy, science fiction, and horror books I genuinely loved—the ones I’d recommend without hesitation.
not every book survives
Books I finished (or didn’t) that didn’t quite work for me—also known as Literary Purgatory.