In the Spotlight: January 2026

 January completely flew by! This month I read 12 books, a new record for me. I was part of a page-a-day challenge to read at least 1 page or listen to at least 1 minute every day. It was so fun and I am trying to keep it up going into February. Of all the books I read in January these are the books that stuck with me after I finished them: How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying and Slow Gods. I’ve picked two very different reads that both left a strong impression in their own way. Let’s dive into what made them stand out!

1. Slow Gods

I don’t normally gravitate towards pure sci-fi, but Slow Gods completely pulled me in—and honestly surprised me. From the very beginning, there was something fascinating about the way the story unfolded. It’s thoughtful, strange, and quietly intense, drawing you deeper without ever feeling overwhelming or inaccessible.

What really worked for me was how immersive the experience was. The ideas are big, but the story takes its time exploring them, letting the atmosphere and concepts settle in rather than rushing through them. I found myself fully absorbed, thinking about the themes and implications even when I wasn’t actively reading. This is the kind of book that trusts the reader, rewards patience, and sticks with you in subtle ways.

Slow Gods pushed me outside my usual reading comfort zone and reminded me why I love trying genres I don’t read as often. It was easily my standout pick this month—and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

2. How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying

On the other end of the spectrum, How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying brought a completely different energy. It’s clever, entertaining, and leans into its premise with confidence. The tone is sharp and playful, making it an easy and fun read while still delivering plenty of engaging moments along the way.

This one stood out for its humor and creativity. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which made it a great contrast to the heavier, more contemplative experience of Slow Gods. While the vibes couldn’t be more different, it still earned its spot this month by being thoroughly enjoyable and memorable in its own way. Bonus this is the first book in an series that I will definitely be continuing!

Wrapping Up the Month

These two books had very different feels, but that’s exactly what made this month’s spotlight so satisfying. Slow Gods completely captivated me and reminded me how powerful sci-fi can be, even for someone who doesn’t read a ton of it, while How to Become a Dark Lord and Die Trying delivered fun, clever escapism.

Have you read either of these? Or did you have a standout book this month that you can’t stop thinking about? Let me know—I’m always looking to add to my TBR 📚✨