This year, I set a goal to read more and keep my mind sharp while diving into a mix of genres. I set out to read 30 this year but based on the progress from this month, I don't that will be difficult to accomplish. January turned out to be a fantastic start—I finished five books! Each one brought something unique to the table, from thrilling adventures to dark, thought-provoking tales. Here’s a quick look at what I read and what I thought about each one.
1. Old Bones by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
This gripping thriller is part of the Nora Kelly series and explores a modern-day archaeological dig connected to the ill-fated Donner Party. I picked it up because I love Preston and Child’s knack for weaving history into suspense, and this book did not disappoint. The blend of mystery, danger, and rich historical detail kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re a fan of their Pendergast series, this spin-off is worth checking out.
Recommendation: Absolutely—especially if you love archaeological thrillers!
2. The Scorpion’s Tail by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
The sequel to Old Bones, this one ramps up the action as Nora Kelly and FBI agent Corrie
Swanson team up to solve another historical mystery—this time involving an ancient treasure and a deadly conspiracy. It’s fast-paced and full of twists, and the chemistry between the protagonists continues to shine. Preston and Child deliver another page-turner.
Recommendation: A must-read if you enjoyed Old Bones or love treasure hunts with a modern twist.
3. Vengeful by V.E. Schwab
This dark and captivating sequel to Vicious dives even deeper into the morally gray world of superpowers, revenge, and ambition. Schwab’s storytelling is razor-sharp, and I loved how the characters continued to evolve (and collide). The tension builds beautifully, and the ending left me thinking about the fine line between hero and villain.
Recommendation: Perfect for fans of anti-heroes and dark fantasy.
4. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
This was such a fun surprise! The story follows Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Donut, as they navigate a bizarre and brutal game-like dungeon full of deadly traps, strange creatures, and hilarious moments. It’s a perfect mix of action, humor, and heart. The pacing kept me glued to the pages, and the banter between Carl and Donut is pure gold. "Goddamnit Donut."
Recommendation: A wildly entertaining read for fans of LitRPG and dark humor. If you like the game Diablo, or Torchlight, or one of the many other dungeon crawler games out there, read this book. You will not be disappointed.
5. Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
The sequel to Dungeon Crawler Carl raises the stakes as Carl and Donut continue their adventure in the dungeon, facing even crazier challenges and uncovering more about the mysterious system controlling their world. It’s just as hilarious and inventive as the first book, with a bit more emotional depth. By the end, I was already looking forward to the next one.
Recommendation: If you loved the first book, don’t miss this!
Looking Ahead to A Year of Reading
Overall, January’s reads were a fantastic mix of suspense, humor, and thought-provoking themes. I’m thrilled with my progress so far and can’t wait to dive into more books next month. On my radar are a few more from Matt Dinniman’s series and maybe something completely different to mix things up.
What about you? Read anything amazing lately? Let me know—I’m always looking for recommendations to add to my list!
If you want to follow along, check me out on Fable!
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