Well… it’s mid-March, and my last wrap-up was November 😅—but we’re not dwelling on that. Okay? We’re getting back into routine, and what better place to start than with a very full February reading month!
I read a whopping 10 books in Feb, with a real mix of formats, throwing more audiobooks in the list as I spent a fair amount of Feb on the road with work. There was a real mixed-bag also in terms of quality. Some absolute standouts, a couple of disappointments, and a few solid middle-of-the-road reads. Let’s get into it:
1. Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill – ★★★★☆
My P+W Book Club pick for February, and honestly a strong start to the month. This is classic epic fantasy with big world-building, dragons, and multiple POVs. It definitely leans into familiar tropes, but in a comforting way. I really enjoyed the character dynamics and can see why this series has such a loyal following.
🔗 Check out my full review of Of Bloody and Fire here
2. Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson – ★★★☆☆
This was such an interesting, immersive read—more like interconnected stories than a traditional novel. It’s quirky, clever, and a bit surreal at times. I appreciated the writing more than I emotionally connected to it, but it’s definitely one that makes you think.
3. Tea & Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher – ★★★☆☆
A cosy, slightly whimsical read with magical elements woven into everyday life. It had a lovely atmosphere, but I wanted a bit more depth from the characters and plot. Still, a comforting read overall.
4. Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi (ARC) – ★★★★★
One of my standout reads of the month—possibly the year so far. This was rich, powerful, and completely absorbing. The character work was incredible, and the story felt both epic and deeply personal. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this early.
🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Cleopatra here
5. The Life Impossible by Matt Haig – ★★☆☆☆
This one didn’t quite work for me. I usually enjoy Matt Haig’s introspective style, but this felt a bit repetitive and didn’t fully hold my attention. The premise was interesting, but the execution just didn’t land. I’m not sure Joanna Lumley narrating the audiobook helped – I kept having flash backs to Ab Fab 😅
6. Insatiable by Leigh Rivers – ★☆☆☆☆
Unfortunately, this was my biggest disappointment of the month. It just didn’t click for me at all—whether it was the writing style, pacing, or characters, something felt off throughout.
Do not pass go, do not get 200.
🔗 Check out my full review of Insatiable here
7. Clara & The Devil Vol.1 by Olivie Blake (ARC) – ★★★☆☆
A really intriguing sampler that left me curious about the full story. Olivie Blake’s writing is always sharp and distinctive, and while it’s hard to fully judge from a sampler, I’m definitely interested in reading more.
8. Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes – ★★☆☆☆
I went into this expecting a Medusa retelling, but it’s not really her story—and that was a big part of my issue. Instead of getting her perspective, it felt more like a scattered mix of voices, which made it hard to stay invested. Add in the slow pacing (and the fact I listened on audio), and I found my attention wandering way more than I wanted.
🔗 Check out my full review of Stone Blind here
9. Queen B by Juno Dawson – ★★★☆☆
Short, dramatic, and full of personality. This was an entertaining listen, though not one that completely blew me away. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something a bit bold and character-driven, or an easy listen whilst driving.
10. Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwait – ★★★★☆
This is one of those books where the concept really shines—it’s fresh, engaging, and something a bit different. I’ll admit it took me a moment to get used to some of the names and language, which pulled me out slightly at the start, but once I got into it, I found myself really enjoying it.
📚 March: What’s Next?
Current reads:
So here we are, trying to balance book club reads, ARCs, and my ever-growing TBR…
- Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (P+W Book Club March Pick)
This month’s book club pick, and I’m really excited to get into it. It’s a historical fantasy set in 1920s Mexico, following a girl who accidentally frees a Mayan god of death and ends up on a journey with him. It sounds like a mix of mythology, adventure, and a bit of romance, which is OK with me. - The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig
This one has very dark, gothic fantasy vibes, which immediately sold me. It’s set around a cathedral where girls receive visions from gods, but when they start disappearing, things take a turn. There’s also a slightly suspicious knight involved, so I’m expecting tension, secrets, and probably a bit of chaos. I love Gilligs other books (One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns), so I’m hoping for good things! - Eye Spy by C. M. Ewan (ARC)
This is a thriller I’ve got as an ARC, and it sounds properly tense. It’s set on a train and follows a father and daughter whose journey takes a dark turn when they realise something isn’t quite right. Feels very fast-paced and claustrophobic—definitely one I’m hoping will keep me hooked.
Library Reads I Need to Finish:
I may have been a little over-ambitious at the end of February picking these up… so now it’s time to catch up:
- The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab – A dark, folklore-inspired fantasy about a missing child and a mysterious stranger.
- Gallant by V.E. Schwab – Gothic, eerie, and centered around a hidden world beyond a strange house.
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – A heartwarming fantasy about magical children and found family.
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – A gothic classic filled with atmosphere, mystery, and lingering ghosts of the past.
Honestly, this is such a strong stack, I just need to actually read them before they’re due back 😅
👋🏻So that’s it for February
March is already underway, and I’m hoping to:
- Stay consistent with reading (and posting!)
- Keep up with book club picks
- Finally tackle some of my physical TBR (stares at the library stack)
And most importantly, get these wrap-ups posted on time again 👀
Let me know what your favourite February reads were; and if you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time, happy reading… 🕯️📖🖤
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