Time for another "Whatcha Reading?" Team OwlCrate Edition. If there’s one thing book lovers love more than actually reading books, it’s gushing about their favorite reads (and convincing you to read them!)
Every month members of our team love to share their personal favorite books of the month! We are a diverse team of readers, so if you’re looking for your next five star book, read on dear readers and check back next month for another installment!
Cade
The Lies of the Ajungo (book 1) and The Truth of the Aleke (book 2) by Moses Ose Utomi
“Part fable, part fantasy” is exactly right—and to be honest, I’m not typically drawn to the style of cryptic writing that fables usually have. This was not like that, though. These felt like the reading style of an epic fantasy, but with all the meaning and metaphors that a fable can hold. I can’t believe how much the author fit into such short books. I was left feeling extremely satisfied and moved by all parts of the story. I’m so glad that book three is coming out this year!
ASHLEY
Heartbreak Warfare by Heather M. Orgeron & Kate Stewart
Grab a box of tissues—this one is heartbreakingly good! Not to be dramatic, but this is one of the most emotional books I have ever read. When I say “I bawled my eyes out,” I am not kidding. This is an emotional, dark military romance with a raw and heart-breaking love story.
I was hooked from the beginning and ended up finishing it within 24 hours. This is one of those books that I will never forget and will be thinking about for days after finishing!!
mayra
Interesting Facts About Space: A Novel by Emily Austin
I had this book on my list for a while because my wife saw someone talking about it LOL, and I had no idea what to expect. It was the first book I read from this author, and I absolutely LOVED it!
It’s a contemporary fiction, narrated by the main character, a hard-of-hearing, neurodivergent, lesbian woman. I loved how the author managed to touch on mental health issues and relationships' struggles in such a subtle and yet deep way while mixing it up with humor and actual space facts.
It was so relatable that at times it felt like listening to my own internal monologue, but with a more interesting plot!
MAGGIE
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
The hype surrounding this book is real, but if you are looking for a sweet contemporary ice skating romance, this book is not it. The romance between the two main characters is a core part of the story, but overall it reads more like literary fiction because the story has so many layers beyond the romance.
The characters are the definition of morally grey (ALL of them) and incredibly toxic, yet I still found myself rooting for them. The author does a great job of fleshing out the many facets of these characters and how complex they really are. There is so much drama and tension and passion, making for a truly addictive read.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
If you haven't read this one yet, what are you even doing??? That's exactly what I said to myself the whole time I was reading it. With OATHBOUND coming out in just a couple of months, it's the perfect time to dive into this book as well as its sequel, BLOODMARKED!
Tracy Deonn has created an incredible world with fascinating and complex characters who I became invested in very quickly. I am already working my way through book 2 and absolutely cannot WAIT for the release of book 3!
Amber
North In The Night by Emily Rath
This Finnish folklore retelling was so good—I was hooked from the start, and the story was so interesting. I can't wait for the next book and need it RIGHT NOW.
Siiri and Aina are soul sisters. They love each other like no other. Siiri is dedicated to protecting Aina, but that vow is tested when Aina is taken to Tuonela by one of the Gods of Death’s daughters. Siiri journeys to see the shaman to learn how to get to Aina. While Siiri is learning all the things, Aina is going through her own trials. Nothing in Tuonela is as the elders have told. The Witch Queen has been playing with mortal girls to death. Can Siiri and Aina make it back to each other?
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
This book was everything I wanted and more. Kingfisher is my new book boyfriend! Saeris is such a baddie! I adore her. The banter between the two was so fun.
This book was full of spice, action, vampires, and fae! Some of the twists were just so shocking, and that ending though! I need the next book now. If romantasy and banter are your thing, you should check it out—I personally loved it and couldn't recommend it more.
Want to find out what team OwlCrate read in December? Be sure to check out last month's article for even more book recommendations!
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