MY JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2026 READING WRAP-UP
Eiyo Fadneiras,
I'm back after two weeks of hiatus. I was ok. Just busy focusing on my upcoming novel. I've been busy with proofreading and formatting my book layout. I'm now in talks with the printing company. Please pray that everything will go smoothly for me. Thank you in advance ^_^
Before I begin today's objective, I want to wish my Muslim friends Happy Ramadan. I hope you guys are having a beautiful holy month with your family and loved ones. Okay, now let's carry on with today's objective. In today's post, I'm going to share my reading wrap-up for January and February 2026. Okay, now let's not waste time and carry on ...
PS: I have one exciting news to share at the end of this post. So please read it till the end, or else you'll miss out on something good ^_^
#1 SAYAP BERLIAN
AUTHOR: Nurkariema
PUBLISHER: K-Lit/Karangkraf
GENRE: Epic Fantasy
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 298 pages
THE STORY
Sayap Berlian (SB/Diamond Wings) tells the story of two brothers ~ Tengku Annas and Tengku Jalil. Tengku Annas is the elder brother. He is half-human and half-elf, blessed with a special power called Kompas Baiduri.
Tengku Jalil, the younger brother, is all human and born with a weak heart. When Tengku Jalil was still a baby, his stepmother gave him a special power called Sayap Berlian. Sayap Berlian is to keep him strong and alive.
Sayap Berlian is different than Kompas Baiduri. It's a dangerous power that has a tendency to destroy anything if the owner is unable to control it. Will Tengku Jalil be able to control Sayap Berlian? Will Tengku Annas be able to protect Tengku Jalil and his loved ones from Sayap Berlian?
MY REVIEW
First of all, I want to congratulate Nurkariema on her brilliant idea and imagination. Sayap Berlian is an awesome read. The world-building for this novel is so beautiful and fairytale-like. Reading SB makes me wish Kristaland really existed. I so want to visit the magical world. Hehehe ^_^ And Nurkariema's writing style makes it easy for me to visualize Kritstaland.
To me, SB is more than just a fantasy read. The story is also about self-discovery, family, brotherhood, adventure, and unconditional love. Everything is well-portrayed by the author. I also like the moral messages of the story. Not all superpowers are blessings. Most are responsibilities. So use them well. Besides superpowers, this story also teaches me to appreciate all the simple joys in life. They are the most valuable blessings.
Overall, I'm rating SB 9/10. This novel is definitely an enjoyable read for me. Insya-Allah, I will read it again in the future. I hope Sayap Berlian will be adapted into a movie someday. Last but not least, I highly recommend SB to all fantasy addicts and those who are interested in delving into the fantasy genre.
#2 SWORD CATCHER
AUTHOR: Cassandra Clare
PUBLISHER: TOR/Pan Macmillan
GENRE: Epic Fantasy
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 604 pages
THE STORY
Sword Catcher (SC) is the first book in Cassandra Clare's The Chronicles of Castellane series. The story follows a young man named Kel. Kel is an orphan and is taken to the castle to become Prince Conor's body double. As a body-double, Kel is not allowed to have his own identity. Everything about him must be identical to Prince Conor. Yet Kel lives for one purpose: to die for the prince.
Lin Caster is an Ashkar girl with rare magical abilities. Lin dreams of becoming a physician. But a failed assassination attempt pulls her and Kel into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, who rules Castellane's criminal underworld. Together, they discover an extraordinary conspiracy that can bring the world into chaos ...
MY REVIEW
Sword Catcher is the first novel by Cassandra Clare that I read. So I can't compare it with Cassandra Clare's previous works. Hehehe ^_^ To me, SC is an enjoyable fantasy novel. I like everything about it: the plot, storyline, premise, whole idea of the story, world-building, and characters. Everything is amazing. Congrats, Cassandra Clare!
SC is an adult fantasy novel. It's a very intellectual fantasy read with deep messages in it. The author criticises world political issues that are causing chaos in her fiction. Yup, greed causes chaos. That's why greed is one of the seven deadly sins.
Besides the moral messages, I also like the world-building and characters that Cassandra Clare created for this story. Castellane is so enchanting. The world is not just magical. But it is also lively. Castellane is very diverse. The characters in this story are make-believe people. All have their own strengths and flaws.
I'm also glad that this story has a fast pace. This novel is a page-turner indeed. Every chapter ends with 'what's next?' Yup, the storyline is intriguing.
Overall, I rate this novel 10/10. I highly recommend it to those who are fantasy addicts. Trust me, guys, you are going to love Sword Catcher. Reading SC makes me a new fan of Cassandra Clare ^_^ Yup, I'm going to check out her other works, especially The Ragpicker King. Btw, SC has a cliff-hanger ending. So I'm curious to find out what's next for Kel, Prince Conor, and Lin ...
#3 FINAL OFFER
AUTHOR: Lauren Asher
PUBLISHER: Piatkus
GENRE: New Adult Romance
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 577 pages
THE STORY
Final Offer (FO) is the third and final book in Lauren Asher's Dreamland Billionaires series. After Declan and Rowan have completed their late grandfather's assignment, it's time for Callahan (Cal) Kane to do what he has to do. Cal is required to return to their family home at Lake Wisteria, spend his summer there, sell the house by the end of summer, and go to rehab (Cal has a drinking problem).
So Cal obeys his late grandfather's request. He returns to their family house at Lake Wisteria. Cal thinks the house is empty. But to his surprise, Alana Castillo and her adopted daughter, Cami, live there. Alana is the daughter of the Kanes' family's housekeeper, and also Cal's ex.
Cal and Alana are surprised to see each other. They haven't seen each other for six years. Alana is also anxious to see Cal ~ the only man she has ever loved. But he broke her heart six summers ago. Alana agrees to sell the house. As they work together, something ancient in them begins to stir. Are they falling in love for the second time ...
MY REVIEW
Among all of Lauren Asher's books that I've read, this one is the best for me. FO is not a traditional love story. This story helps me revise everything I've learned about self-love, unconditional love, true love, destiny, and the invisible string. Yes, it makes me question myself again about everything I thought I knew about love.
I like the messages that the author shares in FO. It's not hard to guess if a person is in love with you. But it is not easy to trust someone to love you for eternity, stay with you for the rest of your life, and accept you fully. And yes, to love someone, you must love yourself first. You must be good and take care of yourself well. Plus, there's a reason for separation. Separation is not a punishment. It's a blessing. It's a chance for two people to do their inner work before the union.
Besides the moral messages, I also like Lauren Asher's writing style for FO. In fact, I always like her writing style ~ very chic, creative, and precise. FO has a fast pace. Every chapter ends with 'what's next?' This book is another page-turner indeed.
The characters that Lauren Asher created are make-believe people. Alana is a strong-willed female lead. I like her character a lot. Callahan Kane is now my favorite Dreamland Billionaires male lead. I actually had a crush on all of the Kane brothers while reading the series. But I believe Cal has the most beautiful soul among the brothers. It's so sweet that he helps Alana achieve her dream of becoming a baker. Auuwwwww!!!!!!!
Overall, I'm giving FO a 10/10. I love this book a lot. I highly recommend my fellow bookworms check it out. In fact, I am recommending you guys to check out all three books in the series ~ The Fine Print, Terms & Conditions, and Final Offer. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with the series. And Insya-Allah, I'm planning to share a geeking post of the Dreamland Billionaires series on my blog. So stay tuned ^_^
#4 JIKA AKU
AUTHOR: Anna Lee
PUBLISHER: Prolog Media
GENRE: Romance + Mystery + Thriller
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Malaysia
PAGES: 335 pages
THE STORY
Jika Aku (JA) follows a young girl named Teja Citra. Teja is not a normal girl. She has a special ability. Teja can read minds. Yup, she's a mind reader.
Being able to read others' minds is so not peaceful for Teja. It makes Teja a loner. Teja doesn't have friends. She's too scared to make friends with people. For 25 years of her life, Teja has never had any romantic interest in any guy. But suddenly, Maliq enters the scene. Teja finds Maliq fascinating and intriguing. It's like the man has a lot of stories to tell. Who is Maliq anyway ...
MY REVIEW
Whoa! What a mind-blowing romance novel. JA is different from all the romance novels I've read before. The whole idea for this story is so unique. The plot, storyline, and premise are so intriguing. Every chapter piques my curiosity.
JA also carries a good moral message. The story is about facing your truth and accepting yourself for who you are. Every gift Allah SWT gives you are blessings, including handicapped ones. The moment Teja accepts herself for who she is, everything starts to shift for her. And yes, she meets her people and true love.
I like Anna Lee's writing style for this novel. It's simple, precise, yet expressive. It makes me able to feel Teja. Teja Citra is a very awesome female lead. She's strong and never gives up on what she wants. I like this kind of female lead.
Overall, I rate this novel 10/10. I highly recommend my fellow bookworms to check this novel out. Jika Aku is the first Anna Lee novel that I read. Reading it makes me want to check out her other works. So, any recommendations, fellow bookworms? ^_^
#5 EMMA
AUTHOR: Jane Austen
PUBLISHER: Arcturus
GENRE: Classic Literature/Romance
LANGUAGE: English
PAGES: 412 pages
THE STORY
Emma Woodhouse is different from Jane Austen's other female leads. She is born rich, beautiful, and smart. But Emma is also spoiled and meddlesome.
At the beginning of the story, Emma's governess, Miss Taylor, ties the knot with a wealthy widower named Mr. Weston. It was Emma who set up Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston. Emma is overjoyed by the union. It makes Emma believe she has a matchmaking talent. Emma decides not to get married and become a matchmaker instead. Emma's good friend, George Knightley, disagrees with her.
Later in the story, Emma befriend with a sweet and innocent orphan girl named Harriet Smith. She vows to help Harriet find a perfect match. When Emma finds out that a farm boy named Robert Martin likes Harriet, she tells the innocent girl that he is too low for her. Emma even advises Harriet to reject Robert Martin. Harriet follows Emma's advice, but she is not happy.
Later, Emma introduces Harriet to a wealthy gentleman named Philip Elton. But Philip Elton likes Emma instead. Harriet gets heartbroken again, even though Emma rejected him. After Philip Elton left, another gentleman named Frank Churchill entered the story. Frank Churchill is charming. Emma likes the attention Frank Churchill is giving her. But Frank Churchill is secretly engaged to a woman named Jane Fairfax.
Harriet tells Emma that she might like George Knightley and finds him a fine gentleman. Emma suddenly feels anxious. She suddenly feels that she might like her good friend, too. So, what will Emma Woodhouse do? Will she stop meddling in others' lives?
MY REVIEW
This is the second time I read Emma. I first read this novel when I was only 17. Emma is always a delightful read for me. I like Emma Woodhouse's character. She's very adventurous and imaginative. I like her wittiness. And yes, Emma Woodhouse is a very interesting character to study.
I like Emma's relationship with her father. It's so heartwarming. I also like her relationship with George Knightley. Their chemistry is so electrifying. They begin as good friends who secretly like each other. Auwwwwww!!!!!! What I like most about Emma is the way Jane Austen plays along with the hero's journey. I can strongly feel Emma and her growth. That's brilliant!
Overall, I'm giving this novel a 9/10. If you're a literature buff and an Austen fan, Emma is a novel you must not miss besides Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion.
Okay, so these are the books I read during January and February 2026. Before I end this post, I want to share one exciting news with you all. My good friend, Mak Chantek a.k.a Setangi (her English pen name), has published her first English novel titled The Mars Excursion. The Mars Excursion is now available in e-book at Amazon. I've read the Malay version, Rombongan Ke Marikh. The Mars Excursion/Rombongan Ke Marikh is a very hilarious sci-fi comedy. It's something you guys must not miss. To grab The Mars Excursion, click on this link >> THE MARS EXCURSION @ AMAZON.
Okay, this is all for now. Thank you for reading. Insya-Allah, I'll see you guys again in my next post.
XoXo,
Fadima Mooneira ^_^
(Authorpreneur, Novelist, Blogger, Illustrator & Crafter)
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MY PREVIOUS READING WRAP-UPS
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Never heard about these books but I am grateful that you shared
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of these books before but they sound great!
ReplyDeleteLucy Mary
I love the sound of some of these books. Emma is a firm favourite of mine. Good luck with your new novel, I hope it all goes well for you.
ReplyDelete