Another year is coming to a close if you can believe it…and I have once again read some books! As always, it’s a trial narrowing it down for me. All of them have been 5/5 star reads for me, so each and every one has my full endorsement.
I’m currently at 90 reads completed for 2025, many of which were horror. This is a bit lower for me, but I did launch multiple of my own releases this year so that takes time. If you’ll recall, I mostly listen to/read somewhat silly Christmas stuff in December, so I don’t think anything will knock down something out of the top, but who knows…
So here we go!- No particular order here! (Although I’d say Slashed Beauties is a real tree topper for 2025!)
Top Reads of 2025
For me, this book tells the story of losing, or the loss of, autonomy. Or perhaps even the realization you never had it. A truly beautiful, mixed timeline novel that had me gripped from start to finish. Read my full review here!
I really ended up enjoying this one as it made the mundane daily tasks of a stepparent seem much more alarming than your home or person being possessed by a ghost. That and someone namedropping pop punk music… read my full review here!
A twisting and turning climax made this an immediate 5/5 for me. I had a tickling in my mind that one of the things was going to happen, but overall, this one kept me guessing until the very end. I particularly loved the juxtaposition between Cordi’s whiplashed nature and Prim and Briar’s suffocating, tyrannical nurturing. Read my full review here!
This was a quick little novella that packed a hell of a punch. The dialogue and introspection both share an incredible emotional depth, and I was really impressed by the polar opposites in Simon and Priya. This author definitely did a deep dive into his characters’ psyche. Read my full review here!
Sharply written, this collection made me feel the entire gamut of emotions. And while there are so many different stories, I did feel a kind of through-line with the author’s voice that I really enjoyed. I have not been so pleasantly surprised and happy with a collection in a long time. Read my full review here!
The main character of Grahme was absolutely stellar. His personality feels spot on, and even with all his flaws and mistakes, he still has enough hero built in to carry a story. He shapes up to be a pretty awesome reluctant hero, and as you experience his growth, his power even surprises you. The way the druid magic works felt reminiscent of the Animorphs series, but in a way that tickled nostalgia but also felt like its own thing. Read my full review here!
The prose are sharp and everything is to the point without appearing rushed in any way. The author is certainly playing within the tropes I know and love here, which for me made this a compulsive read. Although I will say, woah! zombie novel where they say zombie!! Each scene end is a chapter, whether short or long, and that made for a continuous “one more chapter” pull to every breakaway. Read my full review here!
What I truly loved the most about the novel was Jerry. A lead that appears to be a grumpy old loner, is actually just a grieving, socially awkward and anxious man. So used to having his wife with him as a salve, he’s unsure of how to tackle this last stage of life. Read my full review here!
Super intriguing. Thoroughly enjoyable. And easy to imagine how endless the world could be. I’m interested in their next case, and even hopeful for side stories exploring the world at large. Probably the most original read of the year. Read my full review here!
DAMN IT DULIN. Now when it comes to book 3 on its own, there was an incredibly tall order for it to hold up to the others. So does it? In my opinion, yes, absolutely. I do think there is enough emotional damage done here that a court may order reparations. I reeled myself in from messaging the author after finishing but that’s the sign of a well done ending. Read my full review here!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
What would another year be if this wasn’t super hard for me to do this, right? So here are a few that really made me consider doing a top 15 or more…
The Forsaken Planet by Bryan Wilson, The Last Gasp of Midnight by Thomas Howard Riley, and Fogbound by N.J. Alexander.
For nonfiction reads I loved: On Writing by Stephen King and Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins.
Much love and thanks to this great community. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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