January Reading Recap With the Editors
- romantasyillustrat
- Feb 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Our reading recap is here and filled with so many great books! This blog highlights everything our Editors read in January. For most readers, January was a big month, with several highly anticipated books being released. Our team collectively read seventeen books in the genres of science-fiction, contemporary romance, sport romance, romantasy, and fantasy.
Romantasy Illustrated Volume 2
From the Editors: Once upon a time, in a world brimming with stories and endless imagination, three women—each the heart and soul behind their own bookish businesses—found themselves bound by a shared dream. They were creators, dreamers, and lovers of fantasy and romance, driven by a passion to celebrate the extraordinary. Together, they envisioned a place where the worlds of books, art, and creativity could unite—a haven for those who live and breathe the magic of storytelling.
And so, Romantasy Illustrated was born, the very first magazine of its kind, dedicated to the enchanting blend of fantasy and romance. This wasn’t just a magazine—it was a tribute to the community that inspires it. With every page, it opens a portal to a realm where Indie and Traditionally Published authors share their stories, artists and creators bring dreams to life, and readers are invited into exclusive interviews, sneak peeks, curated lifestyle content and weaving the allure of romantasy and fantasy together telling a story that deserves to be told.
Here, all things bookish are celebrated—every detail a labor of love, every feature a connection between creators and their audience. It’s not just a publication; it’s a community, a celebration, and an invitation to join a world where romance meets whimsy, and fantasy feels closer than ever.
Would we really be cool if we weren't reading our own magainze?!
Let us show you Romantasy Illustrated
Project Hail Mary - five stars
“Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal.”
Allison: If you liked The Martian or Interstellar, you'll love Project Hal Mary. If there is one that that Andy Weir can do well, it's Sci-Fi. It has mystery, sacrifice, science, and friendship. Will Ryland Grace be able to save Earth? And will he have to do it alone?
The Ravenhood Series:
The entire Editorial team has started and some of us finsihed out Ravenhood journey. We were first introduced to the series in November by Editor Rachel M. She then mad et her mission to not just get everyone on the team to read the books, but basically everyone we come into contact with. We have had many interviews were we have gone into long tangeants out this series. Now, our first recomemndation is to listen to the audios, it really takes the reader on an adventure and allows you to not just hear the emotion but feel it and better connect with the stories and characters.
Flock (The Ravenhood, #1) - five stars
“He wants me to read, with him, in his bed. And what better way to pass a day in stormy weather than curling up with a gorgeous man and getting lost in the words.”
Exodus (The Ravenhood, #2) - five stars
“We love rainy days, don’t we, baby?”
Rach K: This is signing up to be emotionally destroyed. It has also been decided that we will be having a full-on review of the Ravenhood series as a team.
The Finish Line (The Ravenhood, #3) - four stars
“Dream with me again, Cecelia. Dream a thousand more dreams with me, and I will make them all come true. I can give you promises. Promises I couldn’t before.”
One Last Rainy Day: The Legacy of a Prince - five stars
“My rainy days are yours, Dominic. If you want them.”
Allison: It ruined me in the best way possible. That's it, that's all you get to know.
Re-read: Fourth Wing
“There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”
Fourt Wing is an amazing, thrilling and addictive series, there are big moves made, harsh deaths, entralling love stories and enough political intirgue to keep readers wanting more. Rebecca Yarros has written a beautiful romantasy series, with books one, two, and three out now, with books four and five to come.
Re-read: Iron Flame
“Violence, remember it's only the body that's fragile. You are unbreakable.”
In our preparation for the release of Onyx sroem some of our Editors decided to do a re-reads and re-listens to the series to give recaps and refresh the mind and endless theories with the storyline and plots.
The Never King (Vicious Lost Boys, #1) (Rachel M. & Rach K.)
“If you are not the most interesting person you know, then you're doing it wrong.”
Rach K: This story is beautiful, it is more than a retelling, the Neverland that Nikki St. Crowe wrote is magical. These are quick and fast paced reads that all you to escape. It is important to note that this series has a darker storyline and is a 'why choose' romance with Peter Pan and a few of the Lost Boys (which are men!).
The Dark One (Vicious Lost Boys, #2) (Rachel M. & Rach K.)
“She’ll checkmate your ass before you even know you’re sitting at the board.”
Their Vicious Darling (Vicious Lost Boys, #3) (Rachel M. & Rach K.)
“Once you know you can lose something, it’s hard to dismiss the fear that you could lose it again.”
The Fae Princes (Vicious Lost Boys, #4) (Rachel M.)
“I have lived a long time and I’ve seen a great many things, and I can assure you, there is no point in the future where problems do not exist. Where your doubts are no more. Your hardships gone. Where things are easy.”
Strong and Wild (Lakes Hockey, #2) (Rach K.)
“Loving an addict is a fucking nightmare.”
Rach K: I absolutely love a hockey romance and will always be willing and ready to read one. This series is a darker take on hockey, with it being more of a dark romance with a side of hockey.
A Touch of Poison (Shadows of the Tenebris Court, #2) (Rach K.)
“I want you, body, heart, and soul. I want to worship you as you deserve to be worshipped. Adore you as you deserve to be adored. Love you as you deserve to be loved.”
Rach K: I started this sseries in October of 2024 and read book 1, and 50% of book 2, then learned if I waited book 3 (the final book in the series) would be out in December. So rather than reading and forgetting, I put the book on the shelf. With the holiday there wasn't a lot of time for reading, so I only finished book 2 at the beginning of the month and then jumped into the final book of the series. Clare Sager is a beautiful writer and I discovered her works thanks to our interview with Lunathians It Girl where she raved about the series.
A Promise of Lies (Shadows of the Tenebris Court, #3) (Rach K.)
Onyx Storm (Rach K. finished, Allison 50%, Rachel M. 25%)
“To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.”
Rach K: This book will get an entire blog post, and review, and probably a podcast, becuase let's face it, we need to chat this one out. As the only one of the three of us who have finished it the only thing I will say is that I am tired of suffering alone. And no, I am not okay. And again, yes, we will be talking about this book.
Where Did You Go? (Infatuated Fae, #3) (Rach K.)
Rach K: The dedication told me that I was signing up to be destroyed. But side note, this book is absolutley so pretty, it is whimiscal and just stunning. Also, in case you didn't see we are so excited to be interviewing Jeneane O'Riley!
Comment below and tell us what you were reading in January - especially if it was any of these - but also just because we are nosey and always want more recommendations.
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