January kicked off my 2026 reading challenge exactly the way I wanted: big fantasy energy, dramatic stakes, and the kind of stories that make you “just one more chapter” yourself into a 1:00 a.m. bedtime you don’t regret.

If you’re also building a 2026 TBR or tracking a monthly reading challenge, this post is my cozy little corner of the internet where we recap what I finished, what vibe each book delivered, and who I’d recommend it to, so you can decide what belongs on your list next.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you want to read along, you can click any title to grab a copy (at no extra cost to you).

January 2026 Reading Recap: 4 Books Finished

Here’s what I read in January, in the exact order I’d recommend them depending on what you’re craving.

1) Metal Slinger — Rachel Schneider

Best for: readers who want sharp pacing, high-stakes tension, and a story that moves.

This one felt like stepping onto a moving train, in the best way. The atmosphere is gritty, the momentum stays strong, and the story gives you that addictive “okay wait, I need to know what happens next” pull. If you’re starting a year-long reading challenge, Metal Slinger is a great “January book” because it sets the tone: focused, fast, and impossible to half-read. This was a 1:00 am finish.

Vibe check: steel + shadows + urgency
If you liked: morally gray choices, escalating conflict, “things are not as they seem” energy

Add this to your TBR if you want: a book that hooks you quickly and doesn’t let go.

2) On Wings of Blood — Briar Boleyn

Best for: romantasy readers who want intensity, danger, and that delicious “don’t trust anyone” edge.

If your ideal reading vibe is dramatic romantasy with fangs, On Wings of Blood delivers. It leans into that bold, moody, high-emotion lane where the world feels sharp around the edges and the tension stays humming under every scene.

This is one of those reads where you can practically hear the cinematic soundtrack. It’s not here to be quiet. It’s here to be a whole experience. I snuck in chapters at every spare minute with this one!

Vibe check: blood-red cover energy… accurately
If you liked: dark atmosphere, high romantic tension, supernatural danger, vampires, and dragons

Add this to your TBR if you want: romantasy that feels intense and immersive. This book set the stage for the rest of the series.

3) Assistant to the Villain — Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Best for: readers who want something clever, lighter, and ridiculously fun without leaving fantasy behind.

This book is the reason I will always keep at least one “laugh out loud” fantasy on my monthly TBR. It’s witty, quick, and has that charming, slightly chaotic vibe that’s perfect when you want a break from heavier plots, but still want the fantasy vibes. I was reading this with a smile on my face the whole time.

If you’re the kind of reader who loves:

banter that actually lands

“villain… but make it lovable” energy

cozy-ish fantasy vibes with humor
…this one belongs on your 2026 reading list.

Vibe check: playful, smart, and snackable
Add this to your TBR if you want: a fun palate cleanser between darker reads.

4) Dire Bound — Sable Sorensen

Best for: readers who love wolfish vibes, darker fantasy romance flavor, and stories that feel a little feral.

This one brought the “winter read” mood. There’s something about January that begs for stories that feel like cold air and sharp teeth, and Dire Bound scratched that itch. It has a darker edge, a more intense tone, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to light a candle and stare out a window dramatically. This was such an immersive read, I devoured it in just a few days.

Vibe check: moonlit woods + danger + devotion
Add this to your TBR if you want: a more intense, moody fantasy romance experience.

My January Reading Stats (and What’s Next)

January total: 4 books finished ✅
Which puts me right on track for my 2026 goal to read 30–40 books.

This mix was exactly what I wanted to start this year off:

one high-momentum fantasy

one dramatic romantasy

one fun, witty fantasy

one darker, moodier read

My tip for staying consistent with a reading goal is to keep your TBR varied enough that you always have the right book for your mood. Each of these books was so good that I immediately pre-ordered the next in the series.

Coming Up: My February 2026 TBR

If you want to follow along, my February list is already planned, and yes, it includes new releases and at least one stretch read (because apparently I like to challenge myself for fun).

👉 Next post: February 2026 TBR (Monthly Reading Plan + Links)

Want to Read Along With Me in 2026?

If you’re doing a monthly reading challenge too, tell me:

• Which book should I read next?

• Are you a strict planner… or a mood reader pretending to plan?

And if you’re saving pins for later: this is your sign to save the January reads graphic and come back when you need a fantasy pick that matches your vibe.