The 2026 Fantasy Reading Quest: A Seasonal TBR with Stretch Goals & Release-Day Reads
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Some reading years are about spontaneity.
Others are about intention.
For 2026, I wanted something that felt grounded but flexible, a reading plan that honors the books I already own, makes space for the most anticipated releases of the year, and still leaves room to read more if momentum strikes.
So this is my 2026 Fantasy Reading Quest:
Core goal: 30 books
Stretch goal: 40 books
Rules: Owned first, new release hype on time, series continuation
If you’re joining late, early, or halfway through, you’re right on time! This post contains Amazon affiliate links—if you choose to grab a book through one, it helps support Talon & Tome at no extra cost to you.
❄️ JANUARY — Fire, Flight & Fast Momentum (Already Read)
January was about getting traction, books that move fast and don’t ask permission.
Completed Reads
✔️ This month already counts toward the stretch goal, giving us breathing room later.
💘 FEBRUARY — Romance, Fire & Fate
February leans into emotion, connection, and high-stakes relationships.
Core Reads
War of Fire and Fury (New release: Feb 23, 2026) - Flame and Thorns #5
Stretch Read
🌬️ MARCH — Wings, Prophecy & Rising Power
Stories about becoming something more than you were.
Core Reads
The Wings That Bind (New release: Mar 19, 2026) - Bloodwing Academy #3
Stretch Read
🌸 APRIL — Spring Magic & Secrets
Curses, letters, and worlds waking back up.
Core Reads
Rites of the Starling (New release: Apr 7, 2026) - Shield of Sparrows #2
Stretch Read
🔥 MAY — Blood, Bonds & Beasts
May is stacked, emotionally and narratively.
Core Reads
Fury Bound (New release: May 5, 2026) - The Wolves of Ruin #2
Broken Dove (New release: May 12, 2026) - Silver Elite #2
Stretch Read
⚔️ JUNE — Power, Steel & Sun
Summer fantasy begins with gods and consequences.
Core Reads
Light Wielder (New release: May 19, 2026) - Fire & Metal #2
Stretch Read
👑 JULY — Crowns, War & Consequences
Peak epic fantasy season.
Core Reads
Stretch Read
😈 AUGUST — Villains Take the Stage
Morally gray summer reading at its best.
Core Reads
Adversary to the Villain (New release: Aug 4, 2026) - Assistant to the Villain #4
🌒 SEPTEMBER — Shadows & Transitions
The slow shift into fall.
Core Reads
The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Stretch Read
🎃 OCTOBER — Witch Month 🕯️
October belongs to witches. Always.
Core Reads
Stretch Read
🍁 NOVEMBER — Fae, Alchemy & Destiny
Layered, reflective, and magical.
Core Reads
Untitled (New release: Nov 10, 2026) - Fae & Alchemy #3
Stretch Read
❄️ DECEMBER — Comfort, Closure & Cozy
A soft landing after a full reading year.
Core Reads
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Can't Spell Treason without Tea
Stretch Cozy Pick
📊 The Numbers
Core plan: 30 books
Stretch reads included: +10
Total possible: ~40 books
January already complete: ✔️
Release-day reads: ✔️
Seasonal pacing: ✔️
✨ Want to Read Along?
This challenge is intentionally flexible.
Miss a month? Skip ahead.
Read more? Celebrate it.
I’ll be sharing monthly check-ins, prompts, and visuals, and I’d love to see what you add to your own version of this quest!
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