These Books Ruined Me (In the Best & Worst Ways) – January Wrap Up
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January 2025 came in swinging—knocking over my reading goals, stealing my sleep, and leaving me in a state of bookish emotional whiplash. One first book of the year had me questioning my life choices, while another wrapped me in its pages like the world’s best-weighted blanket. This January reading wrap was nothing short of chaotic: some books wrecked me (in the best way), and others made me consider taking up knitting instead. But isn’t that the beauty of a reading month? The highs, the lows, and the moments that make you want to throw a book across the room but also hug it?
If you’re looking for brutally honest book reviews, TBR-worthy picks, and the ones to avoid like a cursed wedding dress (yes, I said it, Wedding People—sometimes books make us commit to a series we regret), keep reading. This January 2025 recap has it all: thrillers, heartbreakers, short stories that packed a punch, and at least one book I will be screaming about until April. Buckle up—it’s about to get bookishly unhinged.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
First, let me start by apologizing to everyone who worships at the altar of Piranesi. I know, I know—I’m the outlier here. After hearing nothing but glowing praise, I finally made it my first book of January 2025, convinced I was about to have a life-altering experience. Spoiler: I did not.
I almost DNFed this one. Maybe I should have. But sheer stubbornness (and a desperate need to see where it all led) kept me turning pages. Don’t get me wrong—the descriptions of the House’s endless halls were undeniably beautiful, but the writing meandered more than my own thoughts, and trust me, that’s saying something.
There are books, and then there are experiences—and Piranesi is firmly the latter. This novel is a labyrinth of solitude, curiosity, and quiet ache, where reality bends and meaning is buried beneath the waves. It’s not a story you simply read; it’s one you surrender to. Clarke’s writing is hauntingly poetic, but if you’re a reader who thrives on momentum over meditation, you might find yourself wishing for a map out of this maze.
Was it slow? Yes. Did it still leave me in awe? Absolutely. Piranesi is Jonathan Strange meets introspective fantasy, a novel that doesn’t just ask you to follow a plot—it dares you to get lost. And if you’re the type of reader who savors the journey over the destination, you’ll want to add this to your TBR immediately.
A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
Where I merely considered DNFing Piranesi, I actually DNFed A Fate Forged in Fire. And honestly? I don’t even know what to say about this book other than: I was bored out of my mind. Nearly halfway through, and nothing of significance had happened. World-building? Sure, there was plenty of it—but the way it was delivered felt scattered and confusing.
Then there was the main character. Childish. Inconsistent. Annoying. The holy trinity of things that make it impossible for me to root for a protagonist. If I’m going to fall in love with a book, I need to connect with the characters, and unfortunately, I couldn’t bring myself to care about her or the storyline. The pacing felt off, and the relentless name-dropping with little backstory left me feeling like I’d missed an entire prequel.
That said, I’m not calling it a lost cause just yet. This might have been a case of a good book, wrong time, so I do plan on giving it another shot. But for now? Consider this one firmly shelved.
Dreamcursed by C.K Franziska
Dreamcursed takes the top spot of my January wrap-up (well not including my rereads obviously.) This is a darkly exhilarating ride through a kingdom where nightmares are real and the stakes are high. From the very first page, I was hooked—tight with anticipation, feeling like I was on the edge of something monumental.
The dual moons of Heliosia, the looming Shadowfall, and the Nightmares unleashed create a world that’s impossible to ignore.
This is a book that builds tension with every chapter, and I couldn’t help but think it would be perfect for the big screen.
However, there were moments where the story felt a bit repetitive, pulling me out of the tension just as I was sinking deeper into the narrative.
And the reveal of Dreamcursed itself wasn’t made until the end, which felt a bit out of place.
But despite that, this is a story that keeps you reading, with every twist and turn keeping you on the edge of your seat. ?
Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with a side of suspense. Can’t wait to see where this story goes next. If you love high stakes, atmospheric world-building, and characters who are just as complex as the world they inhabit, this book is for you! Check out my full review of Dreamcursed. Is Dreamcursed the Ultimate Fantasy Romance? Find Out!
God of War by Rina Kent
I am devastated that this is the end of the universe—someone holds me. God of War was everything I wanted and more, and Eli? Exactly who I thought he’d be. Obsessive. Unhinged. A walking red flag that I would gladly ignore. He’s officially cemented his place among my favorite Rina Kent men, and honestly? I’m not okay.
The plot? Perfection. The tension? Immaculate. And the experience? Next level. I did an immersive read with the audiobook and the eBook, and I loved every single second of it. Rina Kent’s audiobooks are top-tier—the narrators bring these characters to life in a way that makes it impossible to stop listening. I will never not listen to one.
Eli and Ava? Obsessed. I swear, they live in my head rent-free, and I relate to them in ways that probably say too much about me. And don’t even get me started on the King men—I am weak.
Also, seeing the characters from previous books? Chef’s kiss. But Remi and Landon in this one? They ended me.
I literally cannot wait to devour the rest of the books in this universe and see what Rina Kent has planned next. My soul is ready (my heart? Not so much).
Finding the Past by Jennifer Abrahamsen
If you’re looking for an ambitious debut steeped in elven lore and a protagonist who’s refreshingly not stuck in her awkward teen years, Finding the Past: Elven Roots might just catch your eye. But let’s be honest—this book feels like wandering through an overgrown forest without a clear path. You’ll get where you’re going, but not without stumbling over a few roots along the way.
Jennifer Abrahamsen has a gift for painting vivid pictures, but sometimes the brushstrokes are too heavy. There’s a lot of telling instead of showing, and it feels like the narrative doesn’t trust the reader to fill in the gaps. Moments that should have breathed with mystery and depth come off as overly spelled out, leaving less room for the imagination to roam.
That said, I loved that Kindra, our lead, isn’t a 19-year-old “chosen one” cliché. She’s a full-fledged adult with her own set of complexities, and that alone sets this story apart in a genre often dominated by youth. The worldbuilding, though dense at times, does have moments of beauty, and the deeper exploration of the story’s themes keeps you turning the pages.
It’s clear this is a debut. There’s potential here—a lot of it—but it needs refinement. If Abrahamsen can streamline her storytelling and allow the narrative to breathe, I have no doubt she’ll weave a tale that shines.
Mistress of Hours by Emma Elizabeth
Mistress of Hours by Emma Elizabeth presents a world where magic is fading, and forbidden love is tangled in ancient secrets. Blood mage Evienne and Professor Orion find themselves at the heart of a mystery that could save their dying nations, yet the story struggles to fully deliver on its promise. The pacing drags, and the narrative relies too much on telling rather than showing, making it difficult to connect with the characters or the world.
Despite its flaws—repetitive storytelling, underdeveloped world-building, and slow momentum—the novel does offer moments of intrigue. The concept of Comhanam, soulmates bound by an ultra-rare connection, stood out as a compelling element, as did the knotting aspect of the romance, adding an unexpected layer to Evienne and Orion’s dynamic.
While Mistress of Hours didn’t completely win me over, Emma Elizabeth shows potential as a debut author. If you’re drawn to fantasy romance with unique twists, this might be worth picking up—just go in with measured expectations.
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
All Rhodes Lead Here follows Aurora as she attempts to rebuild her life in the small town of Pagosa Springs after heartbreak. With nothing but a credit card and a fragile sense of hope, she rents a garage apartment from Tobias Rhodes—a grumpy, closed-off landlord who barely tolerates her presence. Classic Mariana Zapata, right?
But while the setup had promise, the story’s slow pacing dragged it down. The romance lacked spark, and the characters—especially Aurora and Tobias—felt flat. The saving grace? The beautifully described setting and the warmth of secondary characters like Amos and Clara brought life to the narrative.
Zapata’s writing is undeniably smooth, but the book often felt bloated with unnecessary details. If you enjoy a slow burn that takes its time, you may appreciate the atmospheric storytelling. But if you’re looking for a romance that sizzles, this one might leave you waiting too long for the spark.
As this January wrap-up comes to a close, this reading month was a whirlwind of unexpected favorites, disappointments, and books that will live in my head rent-free for months to come. While some reads swept me off my feet, others had me questioning my reading goals altogether. And because no wrap-up is complete without a little extra chaos, what’s not included here is my full reread of The Bonds That Tie series by J. Bree—because sometimes, you just need to revisit a world that owns your soul. With February already looming, I can’t wait to dive into new books, uncover more must-reads, and (hopefully) find fewer books that tempt me to DNF.
What was your first book of the year? Give me your January Wrap Up in the comments!
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