Her Campus at U Ottawa acknowledges that we are located on the stolen and unsurrendered land of the Algonquin people.
One of the most joyful things in life is curling up with a good book during a cold night, wrapped up in warm sweaters, cozy socks, and a thick blanket, with a warm cup of tea. Bonus points for low lighting and a fireplace.
During those kinds of nights, the books I like to read are not my usual romcoms, which are a better fit for sunny summer days. Instead, I delve into the fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery/thriller genres. Here are some of my favourite books to read in colder weather.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
This book, described as “part Wonder Woman, part Vikings,” was one of my favourite books when I first read it. It follows Eelyn, a warrior of the Aska clan, who gets captured by the rival Riki clan. There, she sees that her thought-to-be-dead brother has actually been living among the Riki. When a new enemy emerges, Eelyn must trust her brother’s best friend, Fiske, to unite the clans and fight for their survival. This book has fighting, Vikings, and an enemy-to-lovers romance, and it’s a quick read. It’s the perfect cool-weather read because as the characters are out fighting the elements, you’ll be comfortably snuggled inside with this book.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Roshani Chokshi is a master of weaving beautiful prose and creating elaborate magical worlds that will leave you wishing fiction is real. If I had to use one word to describe The Gilded Wolves, it would be “magical.” Set in Paris during the 1800s, the story follows a group of mismatched friends led by hotelier Séverin as they try to capture an ancient artifact. The story is much deeper than this one-sentence summary, though, with complex characters you can’t help but fall in love with. There’s nothing like reading about heists and glittering Paris during a cold night.
The Project by Courtney Summers
Courtney Summers has cemented herself as one of my go-to authors for thriller/mystery books. Her novels always tackle hard topics in a captivating way. The Project is the story of two sisters, Lo and Bea Denham. Bea joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo alone with no contact for six years. Finally, Lo is able to access The Unity Project, hoping to connect with her sister. The truth she uncovers is far more sinister than she could have expected. I could barely stop reading once I’d started, and its chilly contents pair perfectly with a cold winter night.
These are only some of my favourite types of books to read during the colder months. When I’m not studying, I like to enjoy a quiet night indoors, away from the below-zero temperatures and falling snow outside. Some fuzzy socks, a thick blanket, and a warm cup of green tea paired with any of these books spell a recipe for a picture-perfect night.