Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author(s): Gabrielle Zevin
Genre(s): Contemporary
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 260
Length: 7h 3m
Narrator(s): Scott Brick
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating: Spice: 
My Thoughts
What a beautifully written bittersweet story about love, loss, grief, healing, and second chances. At first, I didn’t really like A.J. Fikry. He was too curmudgeonly for my taste, but he grew on me. I loved his relationship with Maya and Amy, his friends, and his patrons. I loved his enthusiasm for books and reading, even if his tastes were a little hoity-toity. I loved reading his character growth.
The Spectacular
Author(s): Fiona Davis
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 368
Length: 12h 20m
Narrator(s): Kimberly Farr, Rachel L. Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason(s): Book Club
Rating:
Spice:
My Thoughts
I really love the historical aspects of Fiona Davis’ novels. In THE SPECTACULAR, I loved the setting of the mid 1950s and early 1990s, and I loved learning the history of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. I had no idea about the Mad Bomber (or Big Apple Bomber in the novel) and I had no idea it was the case that put criminal profiling on the map. That was all fascinating. I thought the mystery aspect of the book was a bit far-fetched, but it kept me interested and reading. The romance disappointed me as it was a little lacking.
January 2026 Wrap-Up
Books Read
Favorite: Kingdom of Claw
Least Favorite: None
Stats
January
Books Read: 9
Rereads: 6
Pages Read: 4,268
Hours Listened: 130h 37m
Average Rating: 4.9
Average Pages Read Per Day: 138
Year-to-Date
Books Read: 9
Rereads: 6
Pages Read: 4,268
Hours Listened: 130h 37m
Average Rating: 4.9
Average Pages Read Per Day: 138
Kingdom of Claw
Author(s): Demi Winters
Series: The Ashen #2
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 548
Length: 24h 47m
Narrator(s): Islay Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice:
My Thoughts
KINGDOM OF CLAW was just as good as THE ROAD OF BONES, if not a little better. I loved learning more about the Galdra and how their galdr works. I loved seeing so many different types of galdr and watching Silla come into her own. I really loved seeing more of Ìseldur, its politics, and people. I enjoyed meeting all the new characters and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us, especially with that ending (again)!
The Road of Bones
Author(s): Demi Winters
Series: The Ashen #1
Genre(s): Romantasy
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 500
Length: 21h 15m
Narrator(s): Islay Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason(s): BotM Backlist
Rating:
Spice:
My Thoughts
This book! That ending! So many secrets, so many twists. I loved it! Even though I loved the audiobook, I kinda wish I had read-read this one so I could see all the Nordic/Icelandic spellings. I loved the whole Vikingness of the story and I loved the subtle nod to Little Red Riding Hood. The characters, the world, and the magic system were amazing. The slow-burn romance was so much fun. I didn’t even mind the subtle love triangle. I’m really excited to read KINGDOM OF CLAW and see where this goes.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author(s): Gabrielle Zevin
Genre(s): Contemporary
Format(s): Audio
Pages: 260
Length: 7h 3m
Narrator(s): Scott Brick
Source: Library
Reason(s): None
Rating:
Spice:
My Thoughts
What a beautifully written bittersweet story about love, loss, grief, healing, and second chances. At first, I didn’t really like A.J. Fikry. He was too curmudgeonly for my taste, but he grew on me. I loved his relationship with Maya and Amy, his friends, and his patrons. I loved his enthusiasm for books and reading, even if his tastes were a little hoity-toity. I loved reading his character growth.