Ronit J

Fantasy Author of Absurd Stories

January 2026 Reading Wrap-Up | The First Books I Read in 2026

January 2026 Reading Wrap-Up! Wow, the first month of the year is over already. Feels like just yesterday that I posted my December 2025 Reading Wrap-Up. Honestly, I’ve been taking it slow this month, and I plan to for the rest of the year. As much as I’ve loved reading and reviewing books these past two years, I have things planned for 2026 which will eat into my reading and watching time. Plus, I want to slow down and engage with my reads on a deeper level without worrying about reviews and website statistics. So, if my wrap-ups don’t feature a ton of titles, don’t worry. It’s a well-thought out slow down.

January saw me reading fewer books, but I really enjoyed them all. So, without further ado…

January 2026 Reading Wrap-Up!

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes – ★★★★★

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

I had a lump in my throat throughout the last month of reports that Charlie Gordon writes. I had tears in my eyes and a numb, empty feeling in my stomach as I read his last 2-3 reports, a visceral, gut-wrenching feeling that still haunts me as I write this review. That’s how powerfully moving this book is. A classic for a reason, and a must-read for all.

My full review is live now on SFF Insiders.

Hammerfall: A God Eater Saga Story by Rob J Hayes – ★★★★

Hammerfall A God Eater Saga Story by Rob J Hayes

The God Eater Saga is by far one of my favourite on going series. An epic trilogy of trilogy with loads of shorts that build on this ambitious world. As a fantasy novel, Hammerfall is a solid 4.5. It’s only because of comparisons with the rest of the God Eater entries does Hammerfall seem to fall short. Regardless, this was an absolutely entertaining fantasy epic adventure, and a must read for all fans of Rob J Hayes. Thank you so much for the eARC.

My full review will be live soon on SFF Insiders.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White, adapted by Scott Peterson, illustrations by Veronica Fish & Andy Fish – ★★★1/2

Mister Magic by Kiersten White, adapted by Scott Peterson, illustrations by Veronica Fish & Andy Fish

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC. I didn’t realise until I started reading that this graphic novel is an adaptation of a novel. Either way, I really enjoyed it. From the horror mystery behind the discontinued children’s show, to the existential dread and religious indoctrination commentary, I loved almost everything about it. However, I did have some issues with it as well.

My full review is now live SFF Insiders.

January 2026 Reading Wrap-Up | Current Read:

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025, but for one reason or another I just never got around to reading it. In January 2026, I decided to change that. While the book took a bit of time to immerse me, I can see the trademark Joe Abercrombie writing that I love so much. I have read both good and bad things about this book, so my expectations are managed. But I’m sure that I am going to have a great time regardless.

I also am making my way through JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders by Hirohiko Araki. This one is much longer than the last two parts, so I guess I’ll take some time with it.

I also read a bit of The End League by Rick Remender, but that’s been my first DNF in a very long time.

Finally,

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope my January 2026 Reading Wrap-Up helps you decide on your next read. Check out my other posts: