Read in February 2025
February was a bit of an annoying month for reading, since I had very persistent eye irritations, probably some kind of allergy. Fortunately audiobooks exist, so I was still able to finish a large number of books in February: 10 books, good for 3982 pages. In addition, I also started reading a book, but gave up after 72 pages.
In the end, the average book read in February comes to 398 pages/book.
And the books I chose and finished in February were also almost all very good books. Most of the books I rated 4 stars, but there was also one that got 5 stars. The lowest score was a 2. This means that the average book from February ultimately gets a fairly high score with 3.7 stars. The book that I did not finish is not included in this, because I never give a rating to those.
In terms of target group, I only read one Young Adult book and 10 adult books. The book that I did not finish was also included as an adult book, because it was sold that way, but I do not completely agree with this classification. The boundary between YA and Adult books is not always crystal clear, so it often happens that my opinion on this differs from the marketing. This of course has an impact on expectations, which can explains why I decided to put the book in question aside.
As mentioned, I read quite a lot through my ears in February. I read five books in their entirety as audiobooks. I read one book only as an e-book. The other five books I read or started reading were done so in a mix of audiobook and physical book. Of the eleven books tackled in February, there were 5 bookshelf books.
For the genres, I switched between 4 genres, namely mystery (1), thriller (3), sci-fi (3) and fantasy (4).
I don’t know why I keep mentioning this separately, because this rarely changes and I don’t feel the need to change it anymore, but for the sake of completeness: all books read in February were read in English.
Below is the list of the books I read in February and my star rating.
Click on the link to jump to the blurb and my review! As always, be aware that both blurb and review may contain spoilers, especially if it concerns sequels in a series!
- Taylor, C.L. – Every Move You Make 🎧 ★★★
- Ruocchio, Christopher – Empire of Silence (The Sun Eater #1) ★★★★
- Okosun, Ehigbor – Forged by Blood (The Tainted Blood Duology #1) 🎧 (DNF)
- Fry, Stephen – Troy (Stephen Fry’s Great Mythology #3) 🎧 ★★★★
- Ruocchio, Christopher – The Lesser Devil (The Sun Eater #1,5) ★★★★
- Finlay, Alex – The Night Shift 🎧 ★★★★
- Kova, Elise – A Duel with the Vampire Lord (Married to Magic #3) ★★★
- Watson, Katy – A Very Lively Murder (Three Dahlias Mysteries #2) 🎧 ★★
- Gwynne, John – Valour (The Faithful and the Fallen #2) ★★★★★
- Jiang, Ai – I Am AI ★★★★
- Marrs, John – The Family Experiment 🎧 ★★★★
🎧 Taylor, C.L. – Every Move You Make ★★★
Genre: Thriller
Alexandra, Lucy, Bridget, River and Natalie. Five friends who wish they’d never met. Because the one thing they have in common is the worst thing in their lives: they are all being stalked.
When one of their group is murdered, days after their stalker is released from prison, time stands still for them all. They know their lives could end just as brutally at any moment—all it takes is for the people they fear the most to catch up with them.
When the group receive a threat that one of them will die in ten days’ time, the terror that stalks their daily lives becomes all-consuming. But they know they don’t want to be victims anymore—it’s time to turn the tables and finally get their revenge.
Because the only way to stop a stalker is to become one yourself…
Every Move You Make by C.L. Taylor is an intensely gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first scene. The opening immediately pulled me in, setting the stage for a story filled with paranoia, fear, and helplessness.
Claire Corbett’s narration in the audiobook is fantastic: her performance added depth to the tension and unease that build throughout the book.
Taylor masterfully created an atmosphere of dread, portraying the terrifying reality of being stalked and not believed, of having your fears dismissed and ridiculed until you begin questioning your own sanity.
The book did have its ups and downs for me, where I found some parts absolutely compelling, while at times, I found it a little overdramatic and had trouble keeping track of the different characters and their respective stalkers. But the tension never let up, and the twists and turns kept me eagerly listening. The final reveal was dramatic and still a surprise. The author’s final note about her own experiences made the story even more unsettling.
Ruocchio, Christopher – Empire of Silence (The Sun Eater #1) ★★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
It was not his war.
On the wrong planet, at the right time, for the best reasons, Hadrian Marlowe started down a path that could only end in fire. The galaxy remembers him as a hero: the man who burned every last alien Cielcin from the sky. They remember him as a monster: the devil who destroyed a sun, casually annihilating four billion human lives—even the Emperor himself—against Imperial orders.
But Hadrian was not a hero. He was not a monster. He was not even a soldier.
Fleeing his father and a future as a torturer, Hadrian finds himself stranded on a strange, backwater world. Forced to fight as a gladiator and navigate the intrigues of a foreign planetary court, he will find himself fighting a war he did not start, for an Empire he does not love, against an enemy he will never understand.
You could already read my review for this book here.
🎧 Okosun, Ehigbor – Forged by Blood (The Tainted Blood Duology #1) (DNF)
Genre: Fantasy
In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.
But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s—and Dèmi’s—distress.
The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.
A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and trust and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice.
DNF at 18% (Page 72)
I was surprised from the start that this book was classified as an adult book, because it reads much more like YA. While it is dark and cruel at times, it doesn’t really feel that different from many other YA fantasies. The writing style feels young, possibly to match Demi’s age at the beginning of the story. Maybe it will mature as she does, but ultimately I decided to stop reading early.
This was the Fairyloot Adult book of August 2023, but it didn’t really feel like an adult fantasy to me. The magic system had potential but was explained in a somewhat jumbled way, and the overall setup felt like a typical YA fantasy—not something I was in the mood for at the time. After reading spoilers via the Fairyloot readalong and Goodreads, I was certain that pushing through wouldn’t enhance my enjoyment. Trusting my gut in 2025!
🎧 Fry, Stephen – Troy (Stephen Fry’s Great Mythology #3) ★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
In Troy you will find heroism and hatred, love and loss, revenge and regret, desire and despair. It is these human passions, written bloodily in the sands of a distant shore, that still speak to us today.
Stephen Fry proves once again that he is a master storyteller, bringing the legendary tale of Troy to life with wit and clarity. He expertly balances the wealth of names, places, and events, making them both digestible and engaging. His signature dry humor adds tons of charm and had me grinning often. The audiobook elevates the experience even further. With a focused yet richly detailed narrative, Fry delivers an absolute pleasure of a read—an epic retelling that is both accessible and immensely enjoyable.
Ruocchio, Christopher – The Lesser Devil (The Sun Eater #1,5) ★★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
Crispin Marlowe grew up in his brother’s shadow, but Hadrian is gone, and his grandmother – the Duchess of Delos – is dying.
Answering her summons, Crispin takes off on what should be a routine flight to the ducal palace from the castle at Devil’s Rest. But he is flying into a trap. There are whispers of treachery among the duchess’s many daughters, rumors of hidden knives in the planet’s court…if he can even make it there.
With no one coming to save him and only his sister, Sabine, and a few injured guardsmen to protect him, House Marlowe’s least famous son must make his heroic stand, and contend not only the foes arrayed against his house, but with the cultists who dwell in the mountains above his family’s ancestral home….
When I read Empire of Silence, I felt that Hadrian misunderstood his younger brother, Crispin—and The Lesser Devil confirms that feeling to an extent. While Crispin is undoubtedly a product of his harsh upbringing, often cruel and selfish, he is also just a younger brother longing for Hadrian’s approval. That emotional core made his journey in this novella very compelling to me.
Fast-paced and action-packed, The Lesser Devil throws Crispin into an unfamiliar situation, forcing him to rely on his own critical thinking. I appreciated how the story fleshed out his character beyond Hadrian’s perception, showing him as more than just an antagonist to his older brother. I also found the exploration of religion intriguing—particularly the Empire’s seemingly contradictory stance on the “museum Catholics” and the Chantry’s rigid enforcement of faith.
While I would have liked to see more of Crispin’s perspective on Hadrian’s disavowal, this novella was ultimately a fun, straightforward adventure that enriched the Sun Eater universe. It left me curious about Crispin’s younger sister, Sabine, and eager to see more of their family dynamics.
🎧 Finlay, Alex – The Night Shift ★★★★
Genre: Thriller
Fifteen years later, in the same town, four teenage employees working late at an ice cream store are attacked, and again only one makes it out alive.
Both surviving victims recall the killer speaking only a few final words… “Goodnight, pretty girl.”
In the aftermath, three lives intersect: the survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive her tragedy; the brother of the original suspect, who’s convinced the police have it wrong; and the FBI agent, who’s determined to solve both cases. On a collision course toward the truth, all three lives will forever be changed, and not everyone will make it out alive.
Twisty, poignant, and redemptive, The Night Shift is a story about the legacy of trauma and how the broken can come out on the other side, and it solidifies Alex Finlay as one of the new leading voices in the world of thrillers.
From the very first chapter, The Night Shift had me hooked. Told through multiple perspectives, each character felt fully realized, adding depth to the fast-paced and gripping plot. The excellent audiobook narration definitely added to this immersive experience.
This thriller is packed with tension, tragedy, and unpredictable twists. While some reveals were easier to see coming, the journey remained thrilling, and the way everything came together was incredibly satisfying. It was a true page-turner—difficult to put down and heart-poundingly intense.
My only gripe is the abrupt ending. After an explosive and suspenseful climax, the epilogue felt too brief, offering a quick status update rather than the emotional conclusion I was hoping for. Still, the ride was absolutely worth it.
I’m also excited to learn that one of the POV characters, Agent Sarah Keller, appears in other books by Finlay, so I’ll be checking those out.
Kova, Elise – A Duel with the Vampire Lord (Married to Magic #3) ★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Floriane’s position as the forge maiden of Hunter’s Hamlet is one of reverence, for it is her skill that arms and protects the vampire hunters. She knows her place and is a faithful servant to the Master Hunter and her community… until the night of the blood moon. Until her brother is dying at the hands of the Vampire Lord Ruvan.
Wanting to defend her home at all costs, Floriane fights the vampire lord, ready to give her life if it means taking his. But Ruvan doesn’t want to take her life… he wants her.
Kidnapped and brought to the vampire castle, Floriane is now blood sworn to the vampire lord. She is bound in mind and body to her worst enemy. But Ruvan isn’t the fiend she thought he was. She learns the truth of the vampires: They are not mindless monsters, but a proud people, twisted and tortured by an ancient curse.
Ruvan believes that Floriane might be the key to ending his people’s suffering. All Floriane wants is to defend her home. Loyalties are tested and the lines between truth and lie, hate and passion, are blurred.
When her dagger is at his chest, will she be able to take the heart of the man who has claimed hers?
A darkly-reimagined Snow White meets inspiration from Beauty and the Beast in an epic fantasy world of hunters, vampires, and curses that run deeper than blood. This stand alone is complete with a “happily ever after” ending. It’s perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and their next slow-burn and swoon worthy, enemies to lovers story.
While it is set in the Married to Magic universe, readers can start with this book.
I wanted something more romantic to read in February, so I picked up the next installment in Elise Kova’s Married to Magic series. Ironically, though, while I had hoped for an engaging love story, what actually kept me turning the pages was the mystery and lore of this world rather than the romance itself.
The book starts off strong, immediately immersing readers in a medieval setting complete with a blacksmith’s forge and a crumbling vampire city nestled in the mountains. The gothic vibes were spot on—dark, eerie, and full of intrigue. The vampires Kova created were particularly fascinating, adding a unique spin to familiar myths, and the world’s magic, creatures, and lost knowledge made for an exciting discovery alongside the main characters.
Unfortunately, while the world-building had compelling elements, it didn’t quite come together to create an atmosphere I could fully disappear into. The plot, while intriguing, felt overly drawn out and repetitive in places, making me wish for a tighter, more fast-paced narrative. As for the romance, it didn’t do much for me. It felt flat and somewhat cheesy, failing to truly convince me of the chemistry between the characters. The leads themselves were likable enough but not particularly memorable.
Overall, A Duel with the Vampire Lord was an okay read—one that started with great promise, featuring an incredible setting and a unique take on vampires, but ultimately lost some of its momentum. If you’re looking for gothic aesthetics and intriguing lore, it’s worth a read, but if you’re in it for the romance, you might not find what you’re looking for.
🎧 Watson, Katy – A Very Lively Murder (Three Dahlias Mysteries #2) ★★
Genre: Mysterie
Ex-child star Posy Starling is finally filming her dream role – Dahlia Lively in The Lady Detective movie. But things take a nightmare turn when a prop weapon is replaced with the real thing – with almost fatal consequences for her fellow Dahlia, Rosalind King. There’s something very wrong on the set of The Lady Detective – which means it’s time to call in Caro Hooper, so the three Dahlias can investigate.
In between filming scenes, signing autographs for locals, photoshoots in London, talk show appearances and jetting off to France for an impromptu party, the three Dahlias do what they do best – surrupticiously sleuth. And very soon the evidence starts to point towards one particular co-star…
But before they can prove it, another murder rocks the production. And this time, with a storm raging, the river flooded and the bridge washed out, there are no police to rely on so it’s up to the three Dahlias to stop a murderer in their tracks… before another victim is claimed.
After struggling to get into A Very Lively Murder on multiple occasions due to its info-dumpy introduction of characters, I finally decided to push through. In hindsight, I should have just let it wash over me—eventually, the connections between the characters developed naturally.
That said, I didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as the first book. The plot felt disjointed, and where I could suspend disbelief in The Three Dahlias, this time, it was too much. The characters made one incomprehensibly stupid decision after another, particularly their refusal to go to the police, which was downright idiotic. The actresses “playing” Dahlia started to sound more unhinged than endearing, seemingly blurring the line between role-playing and reality.
The novel lacked the cozy “Golden Age mystery” charm of the first book, dragging through long sections where nothing significant happened, only to rush through a nonsensical reveal at the end. It was overly long, drawn out, and ultimately disappointing. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.
Gwynne, John – Valour (The Faithful and the Fallen #2) ★★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Corban flees his homeland searching for peace, but he soon discovers that there is no haven in the west as the agents of Rhin and roaming bands of giants hound his every step.
Veradis leaves the battleground and rushes to his King’s side. But he has witnessed both combat and betrayal and his duty weighs heavily upon him.
Maquin seeks only revenge, but pirate slavers and the brutal world of pit-fighting stand in his way.
Nathair becomes embroiled in the wars of the west as Queen Rhin marches against King Owain. The need to find the cauldron of the giants drives him on.
Sides are chosen and oaths will be fulfilled or broken in a land where hell has broken loose.
You could already read my review for this book here.
Jiang, Ai – I Am AI ★★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
Ai is a cyborg, under the guise of an AI writing program, who struggles to keep up with the never-blinking city of Emit as it threatens to leave all those like her behind.
This short story surprised me with just how much emotion and depth it packed into so few pages. The protagonist’s desperation was palpable, and her believe that becoming more machine than human might be the better option was deeply unsettling, especially because it felt so logical and understandable. The dystopian world felt equally eerie and depressing, all the more oppressive because it no longer seemed far-fetched or unbelievable. Yet, despite this bleakness, the author managed to weave a strong sense of community and belonging through every aspect of the story, ultimately leading to a conclusion that was both powerful and heartwarming.
🎧 Marrs, John – The Family Experiment ★★★★
Genre: Thriller
But for those desperate to experience parenthood, there is an alternative. For a monthly subscription fee, clients can create a virtual child from scratch who they can access via the metaverse and a VR headset. To launch this new initiative, the company behind Virtual Children has created a reality tv show. It will follow ten couples as they raise a Virtual Child from birth to the age of eighteen but in a condensed nine-month time period. The prize: the right to keep their virtual child or risk it all for the chance of a real baby . . .
Set in the same universe as John Marrs’s bestselling novel The One and The Marriage Act, The Family Experiment is a dark and twisted thriller about the ultimate ‘tamagotchi’ – a virtual baby.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—John Marrs writes some of the best near-future, Black Mirror-esque speculative fiction, and The Family Experiment was no exception. It was compulsively readable (or in my case, listenable), completely unhinged, and yet disturbingly believable. The way people acted and reacted felt a little too real, striking that perfect balance between “this is absolutely insane” and “wait… maybe it’s not that unthinkable?” That’s exactly what I want from speculative fiction—something that makes me question how far removed we really are from its world.
The story itself was a wild ride, packed with twists and turns that kept me hooked. I loved the ending reveals, even if the story felt a little drawn out at times—I just needed to know everything, and I appreciated that Marrs gave us all the answers. The mixed-media format was such a great touch, especially the ads, which were incredibly creepy and even more effective in audiobook form. There were so many different characters and perspectives, which was a little intimidating at first, but quickly became clear. Each character was deeply flawed in a way that made them compelling, which only added to the unsettling nature of the book.
Another absolute winner from Marrs: intriguing, darkly entertaining, and thought-provoking.
