2026 – Night Owl Reviews

In February I read three books and watched one movie.

Books:

The first book I read was Slayers of Old by Jim C Hines which is a fantasy novel following several former chosen ones who have retired but are being called back to save the world once again. We follow Jenny, Amet, and Temple who think they are done fighting evil and work more to heal but someone is summoning an ancient evil. I loved how everyone you met is connected to the others and come together to save the world.

Next I read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This is a dystopian where due to declining fertility rates the Republic of Gilead has forced both men and women but primarly women into very strict social orders. We follow Offred a Handmaid whose job and purpose is to have children for those who can’t but this has been forced upon her. I liked the concept but not how it was written. The writing at times feels disjointed and I had trouble following the timeline of events. Also how Gilead is formed and stays in power doesn’t make logical sense.

The last book I read in February was The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty. This is a historical fantasy that follows Amina who was a pirate but is trying to no longer live that life. When she is contacted by a crewmate’s mother to go after her “kidnapped” granddaughter Amina gathers her crew for one las adventure. I loved how the story unfolded and what is really going on with the granddaughter. This could be read as a standalone but I’m looking forward to the sequel.

Movies:

The only movie I watched was 28 Weeks Later. 28 Weeks Later is a zombie movie and the sequel to 28 Days Later where after 28 weeks most of those infected with the rage virus have starved and there is now a military run protected zone in London. When two kids sneak out to their old home they find their mother who while infected shows no symptoms she is brought into the protected zone, her husband get infected, and the spreading virus destroys everything. While not a bad movie in comparison to 28 Days which felt like it had something to say about society 28 Weeks is just another zombie movie.

In January I read four books/short stories, watched four movies including two documenteries, and played one video game.

Books:

The first thing I read was the short story These Deathless Bones by Cassandra Khaw. This is a horror short story about a witch bride who is the second wife of a king and the conflict between her and his son. The son is a horrible person who kills both people and animal and he gets what he deserves. I loved Cassandra Khaw’s writing and the ending.

In Mercy, Rain by Seanan McGuire is a short story set in the Wayward Children series following Jack in the Moors. Set shortly after Jack goes with the mad scientist and gives us some idea on what Jack’s life was like in the Moors. I love this series and Jack is one of my favorite characters so I always like getting more of her story.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amelie Wen Zhao is a Chinese inspired fantasy where demons roam the land after the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers. We follow An Ying who decides to enter the immortality trails to heal her dying mother. I loved the premise but not the execution. I’m getting a little tired of competition stories and I didn’t find the romance believable.

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley is the first book in a slow burn enemies to lovers Romantasy. We follow Osric a member of an order of assassins whose magic is slowly dying. He forces Aurienne a healer to help him by funding a cure for a plague. The story is primarily about their relationship and budding romance but mysteries are uncovered. I loved this book and have a full review posted as well.

Movies:

In January I watched two movie and two documentaries. I rewatched Jurassic Park which has always been a favorite and I think will continue to be. Really all I have to say is if you haven’t seen the original Jurassic Park you should.

Next I was able to go see Iron Lung in theaters. Iron Lung is the YouTuber Markiplier’s first feature film and is a horror movie that is based on the video game of the same name. After the events of the Quite Rapture where all of the planets and humanity expect those on space stations have disappeared, moons covered in oceans of blood have been found. We follow the Convict Simon who is being sent down in a submarine to explore these blood oceans. I loved this movie and have a full review posted. I need to purchase a copy because this is one of those movies that I think is better understood on rewatch.

The first documentary I watched was Markiplier From North Korea, which is a documentary where Markiplier travels to South Korea with is mom and learns more about the family history and his grandfather’s escape from North Korea. I watched this because a book of the same name is coming out and I wanted to see what the documentary is. I would recommend this for fans of Markiplier.

Finally I watched the documentary Wick is Pain which is all about the John Wick movies, how the movies where made, and how physically tasking they were. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it for fans of the John Wick movies.

Video Game:

The only video game I played this month was the puzzle game Is This Seat Taken. Which is a puzzle game where your characters who are different shape have to be placed in cars, planes, buses etc. while taking into account each characters preferences such as not hearing loud music, being next to specific characters etc. I played this on Switch and found it to be a cute but quick game.