One of our favorite things about being part of the Once Upon a Book Club team (aside from designing magical boxes and obsessing over bookish details) is talking about what we’re actually reading right now. Our current reading lists are as varied as our personalities, and they’re constantly changing depending on mood, season, and whether we’re reaching for comfort, chaos, or something that keeps us up far too late, saying, “Just one more chapter.”

This list is a little peek behind the scenes at what the OUABC team is currently curled up with. Some of these reads are laugh-out-loud funny, some are delightfully eerie, some are pure escapism, and some have us listening to audiobooks every spare second. What they all have in common is that they’ve captured our attention and earned a spot in our current reading rotation.

Logan: The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland

“It's a really funny read about four friends close to hitting forty and realizing that they didn't reach any of their high school superlative aspirations, so they make a pact as it's never too late to reach their goals. It's a really amusing read so far that has me consistently chuckling, and the characters are a lot of fun!”

The Most Likely Club follows four former best friends who reunite at their high school reunion and are forced to confront the dreams they once thought were inevitable. Back in 1997, their futures looked unstoppable, complete with impressive superlatives and big expectations. Fast forward twenty-five years, and life hasn’t exactly followed the script they imagined.

When an unexpected moment at the reunion sparks reflection (with the help of a bit of liquid courage), the friends make a pact to finally pursue those teenage ambitions they left behind. As they attempt to bring their long-lost dreams back to life, the story explores friendship, nostalgia, middle-aged angst, and the reality that success doesn’t always look the way we expected it to. Funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable, it’s a reminder that peaking in high school isn’t the goal, and it’s never too late to try again.

Sydney: The Institute by Stephen King

“I haven't read a ton of Stephen King before, but I've owned this book for years and decided to listen to it on audio. I'm only 25% through, but I'm dying to know what's happening at this institution with all these kids with psychic powers!”

The Institute centers around a mysterious institution where children with psychic abilities are taken and held against their will. As Sydney has already discovered, there’s something deeply unsettling about what’s happening behind closed doors, and the questions only multiply the further you get into the story.

The book leans into suspense, mystery, and that creeping sense of unease that Stephen King is so well known for. As the children inside the institute begin to understand the true purpose of their confinement, the tension builds steadily, pulling readers (and listeners) deeper into the unknown. It’s the kind of story that keeps you hooked, constantly wondering what’s really going on and how far the institution is willing to go.

Teri: An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

“This book has all of the atmosphere and mystery of a great Dark Academia novel, which is my favorite. Seeing things in the shadows, creeping déjà vu, a school built on a secret occult history. There's also a unique device used throughout the book to track how magic moves its way through the story.”

Set at Warren University, an elite institution with a long and unsettling history, An Arcane Inheritance is steeped in dark academia vibes. The university’s foundations are rooted in forbidden magic and hidden secrets, creating an atmosphere where nothing feels entirely safe or entirely real.

Ellory Morgan arrives determined to prove she belongs, but almost immediately begins experiencing an eerie sense of familiarity she can’t explain. As her déjà vu intensifies and the school’s occult past begins to surface, Ellory realizes she’s connected to Warren University in ways she doesn’t yet understand. With the help of a reluctant legacy student, she must unravel her own past before the magic consumes her entirely. It’s moody, mysterious, and perfect for readers who love secrets hidden in ivy-covered halls.

Ryan: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

“This is the first non-romance book I have read in 7 years. It is chaotic and hilarious, and I haven't stopped laughing. The audiobook is fantastic and definitely makes the story even more enjoyable.”

In Dungeon Crawler Carl, Earth is suddenly transformed into a massive, deadly dungeon after every human-made structure collapses and sinks into the ground. What remains is an 18-level labyrinth filled with monsters, traps, loot, and a ticking clock, and it’s all being broadcast as the most-watched game show in the galaxy.

Survival isn’t just about strength or skill. It’s about performance, popularity, and entertaining an audience watching from across the universe. Carl must fight not only to stay alive, but to stand out. The story blends absurd humor with high-stakes action, turning a survival scenario into a chaotic spectacle. It’s fast-paced, over-the-top, and clearly just as fun to listen to as it is to read.

Nicole: How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin

“This is the second book in the series, and I thought the first one was so good I couldn't wait to start this one! This book returns to Castle Knoll, and this time, instead of solving the murder of a dead great aunt, we're solving the murder of the town's fortune teller!”

Returning to Castle Knoll, this sequel picks up with Annie Adams trying to settle into her new life after a summer that involved far too much murder for anyone’s liking. Just as things begin to feel (slightly) calmer, Annie encounters Peony Lane, a fortune teller who once predicted a murder and now insists on sharing another grim prophecy.

When Annie refuses to listen, tragedy strikes once again, and Peony is found murdered inside Gravesdown Hall. With yet another mystery on her hands, Annie must dig into the past, piece together clues, and uncover who killed the fortune teller and why. Atmospheric and intriguing, this story blends small-town unease with classic whodunit energy.

Tristan: Frostheart by Jamie Littler

“This is an adorable MG story set in a snowy world with pirate-like snow ships, lovable characters, and a great plot. The book has incredible artwork throughout. It's perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon, One Piece, and Abominable!”

Frostheart takes readers to a frozen world where monsters lurk beneath the Snow Sea, and a lonely stronghold sits isolated from the rest of humanity. Ash, a young boy waiting for his parents to return, spends his days singing forbidden lullabies and avoiding his grumpy yeti guardian.

When a daring rescue reveals Ash’s hidden magical abilities, he’s swept into an adventure aboard the Frostheart, a sleigh crewed by fearless explorers. Packed with heart, humor, and stunning artwork, the story is full of magic, danger, and found family. It’s a joyful middle grade adventure that’s just as charming as it is exciting.

Until the Next Chapter

One of the things we love most about sharing our current reads is seeing how wildly different they can be and how each one fits a particular mood or moment in life. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud reunion story, a chilling mystery, a magical academic setting, or a chaotic dungeon crawl, there’s something special about discovering a book that pulls you in completely.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, make sure to check out February’s new releases. 

Happy reading, and don’t forget to tell us what’s on your nightstand right now.