Hello and welcome to my January reading wrap-up! One of my goals in 2026 was actually to read less, believe it or not. I wanted to spend more time with some of my other hobbies – writing, embroidering and music. I definitely achieved that in January, with only four books read. But boy, were they bangers! So maybe prioritising quality over quantity is the way to go: it seems to be working a treat so far. I also had a goal to read more non-fiction and more completed series, which is exactly what this wrap-up is!

So cosy up with a cup of tea and a sweet treat – I’ve got a steaming chamomile and chocolate digestives (an unbeatable combination).

• A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

‘I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.’

Review: In a world where there are multiple Londons, Kell is one of the last magicians with the ability to travel between them. After a deadly magical plague decimates Black London centuries ago, the other Londons locked down. So it is that Kell, official ambassador to the King and Queen of Red London, travels to Grey London – our historical Victorian London – and White London, the city most impacted by the plague, rife with disease, tyranny and crime. As small act of rebellion, Kell collects souvenirs and smuggles items between worlds, an illegal hobby which end up being far more significant than he could ever have imagined…

Admittedly, the concept sounded confusing to me at first, but trust me that the world-building is as easy as breathing. If the promise of political intrigue between separate worlds and a smuggling ambassador mediating between the three doesn’t immediately draw you in, let me tempt you with the additional prospect of a thief and a would-be pirate in the magnificent character of Delilah Bard. The characters are what really makes this book shine – Kell is such an innately cool main character. A shapeshifting cloak? Say less. Lila feels like such a 2010s main character in the best possible way! If you’re someone who misses that era of reading and seeks that sort of nostalgia, you will love her. She is the self-proclaimed ‘best thief in all the Londons’. When her and Kell’s paths intertwine… pure perfection ensues. You also have Rhy, the tortured princeling of Red London and Kell’s adoptive brother, and Tieren, a wise monk.

Overall, this was an incredible start to a series. So, it will come as no surprise that I abandoned my TBR and dove immediately into the next one… and the next.

• A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

‘The world is neither fair nor right, but it has a way of balancing itself.’

Review: A few months after Delilah Bard sailed away from Red London in her newfound pirate ship, Kell and Rhy are plagued with strange dreams and restless ambition. Rhy occupies himself with preparations for the Element Games, hosted this year by Red London, a tournament in which the greatest magicians of the countries Arnes, Vesk and Faro. When word of the competition reaches Lila, half a continent away, she is determined to compete. And maybe she’ll find some familiar faces when she does…

I texted my friends something along the lines of ‘this book basically consists of Lila completing various side quests, and Kell pining for her’ and… that really does encapsulate the vibe. It suffers from second-book syndrome but in the best possible way. Plot? Nowhere in sight, I fear. Did I care? Not one bit. 500-odd pages of pirate ships, court politics and a magical trial. What is not to love?

Seriously though, the character development took leaps and strides in this instalment, as did the worldbuilding. We meet new characters – specifically the disgraced rake Captain Alucard Emery. Of the three books, I’d wager that this one is my favourite – does that say something about what I value in my literature? Don’t let me deceive you, the final fifty pages accelerate at a frankly alarming pace. You feel like gripping the edges of your chair, as if you’re on an actual rollercoaster. And if you take my recommendation, I’d also suggest clearing your schedule for the foreseeable future, because the cliffhanger will have you turning the pages long into the night.

• A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

‘”Love and loss,” he said, “are like a ship and the sea. They rise together. The more we love, the more we have to lose. But the only way to avoid loss is to avoid love. And what a sad world that would be.”‘

Review: In the grand finale of the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy, a darkness gathers in Red London. As the city capitulates to a dark, ancient force, it’s up to Kell, Rhy, Lila and Alucard to save the city they love. I won’t say too much on plot, so as not to spoil anyone who hasn’t read the first two, but let me just say this truly is an EPIC conclusion. The pacing throughout this nearly 700-page book never let up. We have more pirating on the high seas, which I’m always up for, and lots more politicking.

One of my favourite storylines was that of a certain villain turned hero? (The question mark is very much intentional). His character was so complex and you’re never quite sure whose side he’s on. And if A Gathering of Shadows lacked action and adventure… this finale far made up for it! It was chock-full of fights and battles. Needless to say, I adored this series. If you’re looking to get absolutely immersed in a series in the cold winter months, these books are the perfect remedy. It made me so excited to read more of V.E.’s work in 2026.

• Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry

‘The Greeks created gods that were in their image; warlike but creative, wise but ferocious, loving but jealous, tender but brutal, compassionate but vengeful.’

Review: I wanted to read more non-fiction, and Mythos has been on my TBR for a long time. I’ve always been interested in Greek mythology, so I knew the basics, but this was such an excellent starting point. Fry starts at the beginning of everything: chaos. The birth of the titans, then the gods. It’s full of stories, so much so that I feel like I could reread this again and again – I feel like I have already forgotten a lot, but that’s to be expected with the sheer amount that Fry covers. It’s funny, full of voice, and easily absorbable.

I especially recommend the audiobooks, read by Stephen Fry himself. They have a quality of someone telling tales around a campfire, of ancient oral storytelling, which is so calming and makes the experience so much more memorable. I have already begun Heroes, the sequel.

All that said… let’s check in with my Winter TBR. On that list were: In the Veins of the Drowning, The Raven Scholar, The Five, A Darker Shade of Magic and Queen of Faces. One of those was completed in January, which I’m going to interpret as good progress, especially considering that I got very sidetracked with finishing the Darker Shades of Magic series. At the current time of writing – last day of January – I’m 400 pages through the Raven Scholar, which I am LOVING. I think I can safely say to expect a glowing review in February’s wrap-up.

With that sneaky teaser, that’s all! I’ll see you next month – follow along to see my mission to read all of V.E. Schwab’s backlist in 2026! Up next… Vicious and Vengeful.