25 Books in 2025 Update
In 2025 I challenged myself to read 25 specific books that I didn't want to go a year (or another year) without reading. I have currently read 9/25. So half way through the year and I'm 36% done. I plan on doing a separate blog in early July to update on how my other goals are doing. For this blog though I wanted to give a review of the books I've read, and share the 16 books I still have left to read.
Summer in the City by Alex Aster - The only book I have rated 5 stars so far this year. An amazingly written love story that follows two people throughout a summer in NYC. I felt all the emotions and couldn't put the book down. Really, I read it all in one sitting, and there was screaming, laughing and tears involved. I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for them the whole time. The prose of the book is also very whimsically, romantically written. It might not be for everyone, but I like the way days bled together and we got a montage feel of their romance at points.
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Stevens - Considering I ordered 4 copies of this book, I knew I had to read it ASAP. In the end, I would give this book 3.5-4 stars. It could have been so much more, and things could have been more explained, and we could have gotten to see how things played out more, but overall it's a unique story with good twists. I enjoyed how the story went back and forth and putting together the pieces of their story.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - The newest book in The Hunger Games world, I was very excited for this to come out. I read it quickly and really enjoyed it. A solid 4.5 stars. I can't wait for the movie to come out. I think the commentary in this book is something everyone should experience.
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga - This book made the list because I had ordered a special edition based solely on how pretty it was, and knew that I needed to read it to see if my investment was worthwhile. It was a good book that blended magic and real life very uniquely. I ended up giving it 3 stars and recommending it to some friends.
Betting on You by Lynn Painter - Picked for how long I have had Lynn Painter books just sitting on my shelf unread. While this book was a bit too YA for my taste, I did enjoy the banter and overall idea. It led me into reading more Lynn Painter and now I have cleared my TBR of her books.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach - I just knew I would like this book, and boy was I right. This book had me laughing and crying. The opening is very dark, so go into it knowing what you're about to read about. But the book is a beautiful expose on being human. Someone finding their way from ready to die to ready to live is truly special. This author did such an amazing job making sure to connect the reader with the character, I could imagine myself in the main character's shoes.
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister - A new release from my favorite thriller author! It was such a stunning thriller! I loved the twists and turns. I wanted slightly more explanation at the end, and the twists to start a bit earlier, but besides that it was a perfect read. I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan - The prettiest book I own for sure. This book made the list for that alone, I wanted to be able to display it on my shelf. Fathomfolk had everything I love in a fantasy book, political tension, layered worldbuilding, and mermaids! I loved the world building and unique cast of characters. I found the whole story so intriguing and fun. If you loved The Bone Shard Daughter like I did, or are looking for your next political fantasy, definitely pick this one up!
Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter- Another by Lynn Painter, this book was a gift from last year so I knew I wanted to get to it soon. A cute romcom where two people fall in love with a mystery person they are texting, but with some twists. I gave this book 4 stars, my favorite Lynn Painter book to date.
Now we have the books I have yet to read but plan to before the end of the year.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - Honestly so surprised this was never spoiled for me.
The Sirens by Emilia Hart - I swear I have been on the waitlist for this book for months!
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid - I have been told by a few that I will love this book, so it's time for me to get to it.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccaarelli - I think I would really enjoy this book, but everytime I start it I get distracted by something else.
Blood Over Brighthaven by M.L. Wang - Widely recognized as the best book ever by people in my circle, I am dying to know what all the hype is about.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni - I have heard this book is really good and it has a lot of the tropes I tend to go for. It is part of a trilogy, but I think I could make quick work of it.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett - Another trilogy that is supposed to be very good, about a professor of mythical creatures who marries a fae.
Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan - The only thing I have heard about this book is that it is a great romance, since I own multiple of Tan’s books but haven't read any, I thought this was a good place to start.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace - Full of tropes I love, Belladonna is the start of another trilogy in which a girl keeps attempting to die as a way of meeting the man who is death.
Great & Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros - A contemporary novel, I went through a phase of buying every Rebecca Yarros book and now I need to get started on reading them all.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer - About a author who attends a bunch of writing events to avoid his ex boyfriend's wedding, it is a Pulitzer Prize winner.
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft - This made the list due to being a book I wouldn't normally read. I tend to avoid gothic academia books. But this one stuck out as possibly being a good one, and I received the book in a subscription box so it is extra pretty.
Wicked by Gegory Mcquire - With the 2nd part of the movie coming out, and the book being a gift it's something I want to get to soon!
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - A bit of an impulse purchase for me, it's apparently similar to Caraval (which is a favorite of mine), but is more adult. I think it sounds good and I don't want it sitting on my TBR for too long.
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin - I read the series that comes after this one and really enjoyed it, so naturally I want to go back and read the series that started it all.
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson - A book about a girl who thinks her new neighbor might be a serial killer. I have started this book a few times but never made it far. This year I plan to finish it.
And there you have it, all 25 books I plan to read this year and why! What books do you want to finish before the end of the year?