2025 Reading

Reading, for me, is an exploration. Each story is a mystery, even if I know what it is about. I listened to a review on a book I really enjoyed, and they talked about what kind of people might like the book. I wasn’t what they described. In fact, I disagreed with almost each thing that was said. It reminded of the beauty of reading and how the things we like are subjective.

Like always, I come away from this year wishing I had more time to read. If there is an excellent story that did not make this list, perhaps I didn’t get to it. Maybe I haven’t even heard of it yet. I am not nearly as plugged in as I once was. Here is a list of stories I enjoyed this year and a little bit of why. These are in no specific order, and many will not be new releases. If you decide to read them, please check trigger warnings and/or reviews as this is just me gushing about stuff I like.

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

Creepy (in the best way) and addicting. At times this was hard to put down and made me wish I had hours to just sit and devour it.

American War by Omar El Akkad

Heavy and addicting. This is difficult material but also a fresh reminder of who is hurt in war times.

White as Snow by Tanith Lee

The most horrific fairytale retelling (in the best way) I’ve read since Deerskin by Robin McKinley. It is feminist and ruthless and I was in love with it.

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

Every now and then I pick up a book that I think everyone should read and the world might be a better place. If I was the one out here picking what became classics, this would be one.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

I haven’t started the new one yet, but I’m excited for it. Out of the cozy reads this one has been on my top.

The Power by Naomi Alderman

I’d had this on the TBR for years and got to this year. It was soooo well done and has some of the best story framing.

He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan

The first book in this duology said, “hold my beer epic/historic fantasy.” And this book somehow topped it. This is what I want in story and character. This has some epic scenes that are still in my head.

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

This is frightening, heart-breaking, and in some ways already happens in our prison systems. Not the futuristic parts—but in the future who knows. I loved the voice.

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

Might be my favorite from Okorafor to date. This book is a powerhouse that packs a punch.

Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

I love Gothic Horror, and this is that. It is also one of the only YA novels here (though I will do comics next.) This is Gothic Horror that does not shy away and I devoured every bit of it as my inner Goth kid squealed with glee.

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

I have no words for how wonderful listening to this one was. It was excellent.

Here are some comic books I devoured.

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath; Letterer- Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Murder and furries! Buckets of blood with a color palette of adorableness. Even the title is adorable but this is about a serial killer. I loved this and everyone should know about it.

Lore Olympus, Vol 4-7 by Rachel Smythe

I have something with palette color that I like. This has that same quality. This story is angsty (in the best way) and so much fun. I have enjoyed each, one.

Gotham Academy by (writers) Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher; (Illustrator) Karl Kerschl, Mingjue Helen Chen, MSASSYK, Adam Archer, Sandra Hope

There should have been more to this story/series. It is amazing. That first volume is so well done. I not only want more, but I want a spin-off cartoon.

Short stories! (and novelettes) Like books my tastes can be strange, mainly because I write them. For example, there was one year my favorite short was an 800 word flash about teleportation that I LOVED because of how it creeped me out and stayed with me. It is STILL with me.

Because It Is My Nature by Derek Wagner

Flash Kaiju story. Do I need to say much more?

The Village of the Sleeping Dead by Blue Guldal

Beautiful and full of heart.

Mindtrips by Tlotlo Tsmaase

Memory, dreams, different versions of the self. Loved!

Stargazing by Jillian Grant Shoichet

All the feels with an ostrich.

Restaurant Space for Lease by Vivian Chou

Giant Squid and restaurants. I think, I have a thing for giant monsters!

 A Touch of the Wild by Anne Wilkins

Another monster story with a wild ending. Done so well.

Ribs by Livvy Jean

Sad, Stark, and I loved every word.

As of pulling this together, the year isn’t over yet. Maybe I will get to add more before 2026 comes around. <3 I hope you read all the awesome things.