May 2026 Reading Wrap-Up: 4 Fantasy and Romantasy Books I Read
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May was a smaller reading month for me, but it still delivered a strong mix of fantasy, romantasy, emotional storytelling, and sequel energy. I finished four books this month, including Rites of the Starling, Ruthless Vows, Fury Bound, and Broken Dove.
Even though May was lighter than some of my earlier months, the books I did read felt memorable and gave me a nice blend of continuing beloved series and exploring new worlds. By the end of the month, I had read 29 books in 2026, which means I am now just one book away from reaching the lower end of my original goal to read 30 to 40 books this year.
My May 2026 Reading Stats
Books read in May: 4
Books read so far in 2026: 29
Original 2026 reading goal: 30 to 40 books
Main May reading mood: romantic fantasy, sequels, emotional stakes, and atmospheric worlds
After reading 4 books in January, 8 in February, 7 in March, and 6 in April, these 4 books brought my yearly total to 29. At this point, I am right on the edge of hitting my original minimum goal, and we are only five months into the year.
The 4 Books I Read in May 2026
1. Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry
I started May with Rites of the Starling, and it immediately gave the month a more atmospheric and intriguing tone.
This felt like the kind of book that pulls you in through mood as much as plot. The title alone promised something magical and layered, and it made a strong start to the month. I always enjoy books that feel immersive from the very beginning, and this one fit that mood perfectly.
It also gave May a darker, more mystical fantasy energy that set it apart from the previous month’s demon-heavy paranormal romance stack.
Read this if you enjoy:
- atmospheric fantasy
- romantasy with a darker feel
- magical worlds
- emotionally immersive storytelling
- books with a strong sense of mood
2. Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
Next, I read Ruthless Vows, which was a natural follow-up after reading Divine Rivals in April.
One of my favorite parts of tracking my books by month is seeing when a series carries from one month into the next. Divine Rivals ended April on such a strong note, so it felt satisfying to continue that story in May with Ruthless Vows.
There is something especially rewarding about reading a sequel while the first book is still fresh in your mind. It helps the emotional arc carry forward so naturally, and it makes the whole reading experience feel more connected.
Continue with this if you enjoy:
- emotional fantasy
- beautifully written storytelling
- romantic tension
- atmospheric worlds
- duologies or connected fantasy stories
- reading sequels back to back
3. Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
I also read Fury Bound, which brought me back into the world of the Wolves of Ruin after reading Dire Bound earlier this year.
I love when monthly wrap-ups start revealing bigger patterns in my reading life, and one of the clearest patterns this year has been my tendency to keep returning to series and worlds that already hooked me. Fury Bound gave May another strong series continuation, and it fit well with the overall fantasy romance tone of the month.
This was one of those books that felt like reconnecting with a story I already had some investment in, which always adds another layer of enjoyment.
Read this if you enjoy:
- fantasy romance
- continuing a series you are already invested in
- dangerous worlds
- emotional tension
- strong sequel momentum
- immersive fantasy settings
4. Broken Dove by Dani Francis
I finished May with Broken Dove, which rounded out the month with another fantasy-forward read.
By the time I reached this book, it was clear that May had become a month of emotionally charged fantasy and romantasy reads. Even though I only finished four books, the stack felt cohesive, and each title added to the same overall mood of magic, tension, and emotional investment.
I always appreciate a month where the reading pace slows slightly but the books still feel meaningful, and Broken Dove helped close the month on that kind of note.
Add this to your TBR if you enjoy:
- fantasy or romantasy
- emotional stakes
- dramatic storytelling
- books that fit a moody reading month
- character-driven fantasy reads
May’s Reading Theme: Sequels, Atmosphere, and Emotional Fantasy
Looking back, May had a very clear reading identity.
My May reading included:
- one atmospheric fantasy read
- two series continuations
- one more emotionally driven fantasy read to close the month
Compared with some of my earlier months, May felt slower and more selective, but not in a bad way. Sometimes a lower book count simply means I spent more time sitting with each story instead of racing through a bigger stack.
I also love that this month continued several threads from earlier in the year:
- Ruthless Vows followed Divine Rivals from April
- Fury Bound followed Dire Bound from January
That continuity is one of the things making my 2026 reading year feel especially satisfying. Instead of only jumping from one new book to the next, I am also watching certain series and storylines grow over time.
My 2026 Reading Challenge Progress
| Month | Books Read |
|---|---|
| January | 4 |
| February | 8 |
| March | 7 |
| April | 6 |
| May | 4 |
| Total | 29 |
To reach my original minimum goal of 30 books, I now need to read only 1 more book. To reach 40 books, I need 11 more.
So yes, at this point it is safe to say my original reading goal may have been a little modest.
Complete May 2026 Reading List
- Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry
- Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
- Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
- Broken Dove by Dani Francis
What Did You Read in May?
Did you have a big reading month, or a smaller one with a few memorable books? And are you more likely to keep chasing sequels, or do you like to reset with a completely new world each month?
Tell me which of these books you would pick up first, and save this May 2026 reading wrap-up for the next time you need a fantasy or romantasy recommendation.