✨ Epic Fantasy, Cozy Horror, and the Eternal Optimism of a Reader With No Shelf Control ✨
A new year means fresh goals, fresh reading challenges, and a TBR list that is somehow longer than it was last year. At this point, I have accepted that the number of books I want to read will far exceed my natural lifespan, and honestly, I am at peace with that.
For my January 2026 TBR, I wanted to be intentional without sucking the fun out of it. This month’s reading list focuses on:
- Books I have wanted to read forever but keep dramatically avoiding
- Books I already own and would like to justify owning (ie. my physical TBR)
- Books that help me make progress on my 2026 Reading Challenges
I am sticking close to the genres that feel like home to me in the dead of winter. Expect three fantasy books, one horror pick, and one science fiction novel that has been patiently waiting on my shelf for a few years. Let’s dive in 📚✨
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Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb (1995)
Fantasy
Why I’m Excited:
I have been circling this book for what feels like a decade. Assassin’s Apprentice is the first book in the Farseer trilogy, which is also the gateway into the massive Realm of the Elderlings universe. This universe includes five interconnected series, which is thrilling and mildly terrifying.
The longer I have put this off, the more I have convinced myself that this might be the greatest fantasy series of all time. Reasonable? Maybe not. But it is officially time to stop staring at it on my shelf and actually read it.
If you have read the Farseer trilogy or anything in the Realm of the Elderlings universe, consider this your invitation to validate or humble my expectations.
Anticipated Vibe:
Classic epic fantasy goodness. I am expecting sprawling kingdoms, magic, dragons, and the kind of immersive storytelling that makes you forget what day it is. I am fully prepared to escape into Fitz’s world and stay there for a while.
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix (2014)
Horror, Thriller
Why I Want to Read It:
I love Grady Hendrix. He writes horror in a way that is funny, unsettling, and completely irresistible to me. Honestly, I would probably read his grocery list.
Horrorstör comes in a physical format that looks exactly like an IKEA catalog. Yes, it is gimmicky. Yes, I am obsessed. The book is short, the font is large, and I fully expect to fly through this one.
Anticipated Vibe:
A perfect balance of humor and horror with strong “what if IKEA was haunted” energy. It sounds ridiculous, silly, and that is exactly why I am here for it.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024)
Fantasy
Why I Want to Read It:
I devoured the Young Adult Divergent series when it was first released in 2011, so I am very curious to see how Veronica Roth’s writing has evolved since then. This is a shorter fantasy novel with a strong plot focus, which usually means I will read it in one sitting.
The story follows a main character tasked with finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga, and that alone was enough to get my attention.
Anticipated Vibe:
Dark urban fantasy with Slavic folklore at the center. I am expecting eerie creatures, unfamiliar myths, and a fresh feeling that comes from stepping into folklore I do not know as well.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher (2023)
Fantasy
Why I Want to Read It:
T. Kingfisher has become one of those authors I trust completely. I have enjoyed everything I have read from her so far, especially her dark fantasy stories.
Thornhedge follows Toadling, a girl stolen by fairies at birth and later sent back to the human world on a mysterious errand. Fairies and morally gray situations are very much my thing.
Anticipated Vibe:
A fairy tale for adults. Dark, thoughtful, and slightly unsettling with a strong moral core. I am expecting folklore vibes with emotional depth and a story that lingers after the final page.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2022)
Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
Why I Want to Read It:
This book has been on my shelf since its release and has appeared on more monthly TBRs than I care to admit. This is the month. I can feel it.
I loved The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells, and yes, I am one of the few people who also loved the 1996 movie adaptation starring Val Kilmer. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 23 percent, I stand by my questionable taste.
This novel follows the daughter of the infamous Doctor Moreau, and I am extremely curious to see how this story is reimagined.
Anticipated Vibe:
A gothic and atmospheric retelling with a fresh perspective. Set in 19th century Mexico, I expect lush writing, eerie science fiction elements, and a deep exploration of nature versus nurture. Weird, thoughtful, and unsettling in the best way.
January TBR Mood
This month’s TBR has me genuinely excited for everything 2026 could hold reading-wise. I am finally tackling books I have been putting off and making solid progress toward my reading goals.
All of these books count toward my 26 Books in 2026 Reading Challenge, which feels like an excellent way to kick off the year. Both When Among Crows and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau also have spots for my 2025 to 2026 Reddit Fantasy Bingo card.
You can check out my full January TBR on Goodreads here:
👉 January 2026 TBR | Monthly Reads
✨Final Thoughts ✨
What’s on your TBR this month? Have you read any of these books? Drop a comment and let me know which one I should start with.
I will be sharing my January wrap-up in early February to talk about what I actually finished. In the meantime, be sure to check out my December 2025 Reading Wrap Up and subscribe to get my monthly reading posts delivered straight to your inbox.
I have also created some exclusive subscriber-only bookmarks to track and color your reading progress throughout 2026. You can subscribe to get those sent directly to your inbox by clicking here:
Happy Reading!
~Kerri
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