And just like that, it’s almost the start of May.

While summer may be around the corner, I find myself wanting to do a deep spring cleaning and a complete reset. It very much feels like a time of renewal and transformation in my life as I think about what I want the rest of this year to look like. Anyone else feeling this way?

Regardless, that hasn’t stopped me from reading! This spring has included a mix of fiction and non-fiction reads. The list includes:

• Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman
• The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O’Keefe
• A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann
• Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
• Quit Like a Millionaire by Bryce Leung and Kristy Shen
• Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
• Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Now, for the reviews!

Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman

I’ve talked about wanting to read some different genres this year, so I decided to mix it up and check out some narrative non-fiction. I saw this book being highly recommended online.

Through interviews and documents, the author tells the story of Joachim Rudolph, who escaped from East Germany in 1961, and later helped dig a tunnel to help others do the same. The story is harrowing and stressful, but also one of hope.

Rating: ??/10 (I struggle to rate people’s life stories, but I thought this was very well-written.)

The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O’Keefe

There is no one that Naira Sharp hates more than Tarquin Mercator (except maybe his father). But when Naira is forced to act undercover as his bodyguard, she sees it as an opportunity to prove that the Mercator family is responsible for a strange fungus that’s destroying planets. As the two investigate together, Naira and Tarquin are faced with some uncomfortable truths and are left questioning everything they thought they knew. Get ready to enjoy some fun tension as Tarquin and Naira must work together to survive.

I’ve been more on a fantasy kick lately, so it was nice to change it up and read some true sci-fi!

Rating: 8/10

A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann

This featured a unique fantasy world where actors known as “Players” are god-like, immortal, and highly dangerous. These Players travel with the “Playhouse” and perform shows to adoring audiences.

Riven Hesper was marked by a Player during childhood leaving her in poor health and largely ostracized. So, when the opportunity arises to take back her life and potentially confront the Players who cursed her, she makes the bold decision to sneak into the Playhouse. What she finds there isn’t at all what she expected, especially Jude, the Lead Player. Does Riven have the power to change the Script?

I’ll be honest and say I struggled a bit with this “world” as it felt a little… cheesy, but if you keep an open mind, it’s a unique read.

Rating: 7/10

Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede

This book wasn’t for me. It did win quite a few awards, so others may feel differently about it. But just know it’s… a lot.

Maeve Fly lives with her grandmother in/near Los Angeles and works as a princess at a well-known theme park. While this may sound wholesome on the surface, there is a darkness within Maeve which is beginning to bubble out. When she meets her friend’s brother, Gideon, Maeve struggles to balance her two sides. Think something along the lines of the movie, American Pyscho.

Rating: 3/10

Quit Like a Millionaire by Bryce Leung and Kristy Shen

Books like this always make me want to upend my life (but in a good way).

Kristy Shen shares her story of how she grew up in extreme poverty, but went on to retire with one million dollars at the age of 31 and follow her dreams of traveling the world. I really appreciate stories like hers because there was no big secret. She didn’t create some multi-million dollar business or have some major invention, but rather she saved and invested.

I highly recommend checking this out, especially if you enjoyed books like The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins or I Will Teach You To Be Rich (2nd Edition) by Ramit Sethi. It’s left me with a lot to think about.

Rating: 8/10

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Depending on the order in which you read this series, this is the fifth or sixth book in the Throne of Glass series, so spoilers for the first several books may be ahead. Proceed with caution and check out my reviews of book #1, #2, #3, #4, and the prequel novellas.

Where do I even start? I did end up reading this novel in tandem with Tower of Dawn (below), so separating out my thoughts is a bit difficult.

Following the event of Queen of Shadows, Aelin is ready to step into her power and title fully with her crew of loved ones, friends, and reluctant allies at her side. But reclaiming her position as Queen of Terrasen means finding a way to defeat Erawan and the Valg who are determined to rule the entire realm. Aelin finds herself calling in old debts as a battle is brewing.

Be prepared for a lot of action and surprises, as storylines begin to merge in unexpected ways!

Rating: 9/10

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Depending on the order in which you read this series, this is the sixth or seventh book in the Throne of Glass series, so spoilers for the first several books may be ahead. Proceed with caution and check out my reviews of book #1, #2, #3, #4, and the prequel novellas.

In the aftermath of what occurred in Queen of Shadows, Chaol and Nesryn head to Antica in hopes of acquiring more allies for the brewing war against Erawan and the Valg, as well as to meet with the legendary healers at Torre Cesme. Their welcome is less than warm, but Chaol and Nesryn know the entire world is at stake, so they can’t leave empty-handed. This story is one of healing, forgiveness, love, and hope.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but out of Tower of Dawn and Empire of Storms, I actually preferred Tower of Dawn! While Empire of Storms was a lot of action, I felt this novel had more heart and depth. I’m both nervous and excited to read the final book in the Throne of Glass series.

Rating: 10/10

Want more reviews? Check out what I read in January & February 2026!

As always, I want to know what YOU are reading. Please leave a comment below.