I picked this one up again because I just couldn’t stop thinking about it—it’s the kind of story that hangs out in the back of your mind long after you’ve finished. The first time I read it, I was in such a fog that when I was done, I could barely remember the plot, just the way it made me feel—and that feeling was strong enough that I actually put it back on my TBR, which I almost never do. Reading it again now, with a clearer head, I appreciated the moody vibe and emotional moments so much more; it’s one of those books that quietly pulls you back in, even when the details have faded. If I’d only read the physical copy this time, I probably would’ve rated it higher, because on the page the story really works. But the audiobook narration was super flat and weirdly paced, and it kept yanking me out of scenes that should’ve been totally immersive. The performance didn’t fit the tone of the story at all, and instead of making the experience better, it kind of dulled everything—so even though the book itself has that haunting, stay-with-you quality, the audio version kept getting in the way.

BOOK 87 OF 2026📚

DARKMORE PENITENTIARY #1: CAGED WOLF

BY: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable