My Best Books of 2025

It’s wrapped season! Spotify, gifts, the whole darn year… they’re all getting wrapped up. The most fun thing for me is what I have called my “goodreads wrapped” — I just love seeing all my little books of the year lined up in a row!

Per usual, my numbers goal was to read 52 books but my REAL goal was to read 70. But my biggest reading goal this year was to read more books by authors of color / nonwhite authors. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and finally bucked up and did this year. I don’t share this to ask you to clap for me or to paint myself in some sort of way— I mean, I barely made it y’all. If anything, I think that reflects rather poorly on me!

honestly, I’m embarrassed

In my ever-so-slight defense, basically 1/3 of my “books I read written by white people” were written by Robin Hobb.

This felt like a particularly important goal to try in 2025 (and continue into 2026), considering the current trend of book banning. Book banning disproportionately affects authors of color, often because white people are uncomfortable with confronting racism. Or just being uncomfortable.

Look, white people like to yap (no judgement: I am a white person who likes to yap). And they publish a lot more books. Racism exists in every industry and publishing is no exception. Unfortunately, it’s capitalism out there, so seeking out and buying books by non-white authors lets publishers know to continue to focus on lifting up diverse voices.

When I told someone I’d set this goal, they wondered a loud if it wasn’t “a little prescriptive.”
Yes? It is?
Sometimes doing things that are “a little prescriptive” are really good for us. I love a goal. A deadline. A little something-something to motivate me to stretch. I don’t think it’s inherently bad to say “I want to get myself out of this comfort zone I’ve created. I want to make an intentional point to engage with different texts and various perspectives.” If familiarity breeds comfort, I must make myself familiar with things that initially strike outside my comfort zone.
I know what I gravitate towards— vaguely euro-centric fantasy that often ends up being authored by a white person. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if I only stay in the box I’m comfortable with, I’m never gonna grow. I would’ve never discovered that I like books in verse, or that samurai gangster urban fantasy is a subgenre I enjoy.

You just don’t know what you don’t know! So why not try? A book is like, the least scary new thing to try. I don’t believe you waste time when you read, even if you come out of it thinking “wow, that book sucked.” You know what that means? It means you learned something about yourself and what you like and don’t like! Maybe you even learned something about story structure. Cool!

Anyways, enough of that.

Below, you’ll find my favorite reads of 2025. They’re mostly going to run fantasy, but every year I think I expand to new genres. I’ve categorized them by middle grade, YA, and adult, but don’t let the age be the reason you avoid picking something up. A good book written for adults is a good book for adults. A good book written for a child is a good book for everyone.

Middle Grade

Middle grade is undoubtedly my favorite genre. Admittedly, I’m biased, considering it’s what I write, but come on guys! Middle grade is the FOUNDATION for lifelong readers!
I find there to be a surprising amount of… snobbery(?) about middle grade. Some people are so dedicated to the classics that they miss the amazing stuff being published today. That’s not to shade the classics, nor is it to ignore valid criticisms of more recent books. But to write off the current middle grade market is a mistake.
Most of the books I have listed here were published within the last five years! Give new middle grade a chance!

Brother’s Keeper - Julie Lee
Set right before the Korean War and based on the author’s family’s experience, I read this in one day— it was that gripping. The prose was stark (and sometimes a little stilted), but Sora’s character, her physical and emotional journey, and her relationships with her family are all so well written. Lee doesn’t mince words about the horrors of the Korean War, but manages to keep things opaque enough that I don’t think the target older MG readers would have a hard time.
She also weaves the Pak family’s faith in in a really lovely way— never preachy, but definitely present.

The Girl and the Ghost - Hanna Alkaf
I’m always on the lookout for Southeast Asian fiction, so I was excited to discover Alkaf! While I’m not the biggest horror fan, this is more of a horror-tinged fantasy following Suraya and Pink, the ghost Suraya inherits from her witchy grandmother. For along time, all Pink and Suraya have is each other; until Suraya makes a flesh-and-blood friend. Pink’s jealousy becomes consuming and bitter, and Suraya must find a way to save both of her friends before it’s too late.
This book has such DiCamillo-like prose while remaining fantastical. Again, this definitely has horror elements, but I don’t think it’s scary. There are moments where Pink’s actions are confusing, bordering the line of cruelty, BUT an eleventh hour reveal makes his relationship with Suraya make ALL the sense.

Max and the House of Spies + Max and the Land of Lies - Adam Gidwitz
Full disclosure: I didn’t find the first book of this duology incredibly strong, but the second more than makes up for it. Gidwitz wrote one of my favorite middle grade reads (The Inquisitor’s Tale), so I had high hopes coming into this duo.
As expected, this is thoroughly researched historical fiction. Max is a compelling protagonist, and the second book in particular keeps you very on edge. Gidwitz is a king of nuance— he doesn’t mince words about Nazi Germany, but there is compassion displayed for ordinary people caught in the current of fascism, trying to battle out as best they can. The efforts of the British spies that Max involves himself with aren’t universally praised; rather, the good is displayed alongside the ugly.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest - Aubrey Hartman
This one is gonna Newbery, I’m calling it now.
Clare, the aforementioned undead fox, is the usher of wandering souls, helping those the indecisive spirits of recently deceased animals choose their best afterlife. It’s a quiet, predictable life… until a badger soul named Gingersnipes comes along.
This is a charming, weird, and delightfully touching novel! Lots of topics are dealt with here: grief, loneliness, love, loss, even badger morality. Clare and Gingersnipes have such a sibling dynamic, and Clare’s emotional arc is really lovely.
The ending leaves room for another deadwood novel; I hope we get it!

brown girl dreaming - Jacqueline Woodson
I think this is literally the first novel I’ve ever read in verse, and what a banger to start with! Woodson does amazing things with such limited text, walking us through her childhood, familial relationships, and experiences growing up Black in the south before moving to NYC. Woodson is just so smart in the way she uses language— I can’t imagine the skill it takes to paint such vivid images with such few words. I’m so glad I read this post-fellowship-I-did-last-year, because that experience gave me such a deeper appreciation for poetry and the ways it moves us!

Front Desk - Kelly Yang
Mia Tang has finally caught a break! After struggling to find work for years, her parents are now managing a motel in California. But things aren’t as fun as they seem on the surface. For one, the owner won’t even let Mia use the pool! And for another, that same owner isn’t just mean, he’s exploiting the Tang family. And if he finds out that Mia’s parents are letting down-on-their-luck fellow immigrants stay in the empty motel rooms free of charge…
It’s honestly amazing how Yang manages to deal excellently with issues of immigration, racism, and income inequality in a way that perfectly explains it to young readers without feeling preachy! Mia is such a charming main character. She makes mistakes, but she’s also kind and clever and has a huge heart. There are several more books in this series, and I can’t wait to read the rest!

Continental Drifter - Kathy MacLeod
This autobiographical graphic novel follows young Kathy on her family’s summer trip to Maine, where she’ll attend American summer camp for the first time. Growing up in Hong Kong with an Asian mother and White American father, Kathy grapples with both her identity as biracial and as a third culture kid. Her experiences as “other” both racially and culturally are heart-wrenching, but beautifully processed in graphic novel form. The illustrations are simple, which leaves generous breathing room for the story’s thematic complexity.

Silverborn - Jessica Townsend
I have been anticipating the next installment of Morrigan Crow’s story for YEARS and Silverborn did not disappoint! Though it was a pivot from the first three books, I felt like we got a great mystery and some really interesting character development from Morrigan. Townsend has previously said she hopes to complete Morrigan’s story in 9 books, and so I found this a great sort of interlude that doesn’t ignore the main story, but allows Morrigan and Co. some wiggle room to grow!
In fact, I had such a fun time with this that I had to go back and reread the first three books!

Young Adult

YA is always so iffy for me! Obviously I’m not the target audience for these books, but I’m, not the target audience for middle grade works either and I don’t generally find the same issues over there.
That’s not to say that there isn’t good YA out there, more so I suppose it’s a reflection on my preferences and what I connect with.

Sunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne Collins
There isn’t a ton for me to say that hasn’t already been said. Collins continues to excel in her cultural commentary, covering Haymitch’s games and the pervasive power of propaganda in this novel. Though a bit longer than the original Hunger Games installments, Collins still keeps her prose tight and her plot racing, somehow without sacrificing the moments that make us gasp.

The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
Somehow I hadn’t read this! Thomas’ story of police violence, told through the eyes of 16-year-old Starr Carter, is an all too realistic look at the systemic racism that flows in America’s veins. It’s also a testament to the power of community and a sobering reminder of all the ways Black Americans face racism. Starr has a very realistic emotional arc for a teen, and while Thomas pulls not punches, she’s still generous with joyful moments.

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler - John Hendrix
Okay… this is kind of a cheat, because I think it can be upper MG or YA. But I’m putting it in YA to flesh out the category a bit more ;)
This graphic novel is part Bonhoeffer biography and part historical overview of Germany pre-WWII and during the war. Honestly, the most compelling part of this book is the comprehensive way that Hendrix details Hitler’s rise to power (disturbingly similar to the USA’s current wannabe-dictator). It’s easy to comprehend without sacrificing specifics, and is woven intricately with Bonhoeffer’s life story.
The graphics add even more depth to the work, the striking two-color illustrations working overtime to add symbolism and enhance the text.

Lunar New Year Love Story - Gene Luen Yang, LeUyen Pham
Valentina (Val) Tran was named after Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, due to her parents’ split, Val hates love. So when the spirit of Saint Valentine tells her that her family is cursed in love, it’s not a problem. Until she meets someone who might just make her heart skip.
This graphic novel is full of heart and beautiful art. At it’s core, it isn’t just a romantic story— there’s all sorts of love living in these pages.

Adult

The Green Bone Saga (Jade City, Jade War, Jade Legacy) - Fonda Lee
What if jade (the stone) gave a certain subset of people superhuman powers? What if those people were members of rival gangs, each bent on taking control of the jade trade?
Fonda Lee has the answers.
The Green Bone Saga follows the Kaul family, the leaders of one of the ruling gangs on the island of Kekon. Kekon is home to the only jade supply in the world, and the only natural Green Bone Warriors. As Kekon recovers from foreign occupation, the No Peak clan and the Mountain clan grapple for control in the power vacuum.
While Kekon isn’t based on a particular country, its struggles are reflective of many east and southeast Asian island nations post-WWII. In between bloody battles, strained relationships, and complex politics, Lee weaves together thoughtful commentary on colonization, control, and culture.

Pachinko - Min Jin Lee
I was a little late to the game with this but unsurprisingly, Pachinko blew me away. This multigenerational historical epic is held together by Sunja, whose life is the thread that weaves together the stories of her parents, her sons’ fathers, her in laws, and her children. I learned a great deal about Korean-Japanese politics and relations, but far more about the human condition. Lee is a master writer on all fronts, from structure to prose to characterization.

Purple Hibiscus - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Kambili lives a privileged life in Nigeria, sheltered from every worldly harm by the power of her father’s money. Yet while Papa is outwardly generous and is respected and beloved by their community, inside the home he is a religious zealot, running the family with fists of iron. When political unrest gives Kambili and her brother the chance to stay with their aunt and cousins for a while, they find room to grow and bend and ask hard questions. Adichie skillfully forces the reader to wrestle with Papa’s outer good and inner violence through Kambili’s eyes. Kambili herself has such a realistic arc as a girl slowly waking up to the abusive nature of her home.

The Parable of the Sower and The Parable of the Talents - Octavia Butler
Did I enjoy reading these? No, they made me panicky and sad.
But do I think these are important novels to read? Absolutely.
But did I like them? Yes? And also no?
But have they stuck with me? Yes.
The Parable novels follow Lauren Olamina, a teenager at the beginning of the first. Living in a climate-change ravaged 2020’s California, her family keeps secure in their walled neighborhood. But Lauren knows that the worst is yet to come, and she’s not about to face things unprepared.
Butler offers a brutally realistic look at the United States, not at all far from our current reality. Climate change has forced people to migrate northwards, while political and social instability are the rule. Talents even sees the rise of a Christian Nationalist movement, whose slogan is “Make America Great Again” (Talents was published in 1998). Butler’s ability to see the faults in our country and the ways they would play out is eerie.
These books made me extremely uncomfortable, which is not a bad thing, but did make for an unpleasant experience. I’m very glad I read them, and I think they’re important to read, but I don’t think I’m going to read them again for a long time. I hope and pray that— even though many of Butler’s speculations have come to pass— we can correct course before her predictions become fully realized.

Katabasis - R.F. Kuang
Alice Law is on the hunt for her PhD advisor. Usually he’s in his office or his lab, but for the past few months, he’s been in hell. Unfortunately, he isn’t on some quest or mission— he’s very, very dead. This proves rather inconvenient for Alice, as she’d really like to graduate.
Alongside her academic rival, Peter, the two descend unto hell to retrieve the professor. What follows is part love story, part academic satire, and part internal-battle-with-burnout-and-depression.
To me, this was Kuang’s take on the romantasy genre, which means it’s smart (unless you have a masters in philosophy, make peace with the fact that some things will go over your head). It’s also quite scalding, and our lead and her love interest are incredibly imperfect— bitingly competitive brainiacs who are a little dumb in the social-emotional side of things.
Is it a bit self-inserty? Yeah, but I still had an absolute blast!

The Realm of the Elderlings (the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Rain Wild Chronicles, and the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy) - Robin Hobb
I DID IT! I finished Robin Hobb’s 16 book epic and despite how much I was dying to know how things ended, I’m so sad that I’ll never be able to read these books again for the first time. I read the first trilogy (the Farseer trilogy) at the end of last year, and finished the last book of the last trilogy on a plane to Singapore.
(It made me weep uncontrollably for half an hour, so I do not recommend finishing this series in public).
Realm of the Elderlings is an expansive fantasy series that is made up of 4 trilogies and a quartet. Hobb follows an A B A B A structure for her subseries reading order. The A trilogies follow our main boy Fitzchivilry Farseer, and by follow I mean that I have never been in a character’s head as intimately as I’ve been in Fitz’s. A lot of readers get annoyed with Fitz often, and understandably so; he’s talented at making slappable decisions. I, however, find him utterly enduring. I want to give this seven-trauma-responses-in-a-trenchcoat a hug and a cup of tea. Fitz can be stupid and impulsive but at his core, he is so full of love— it’s just that no one has taught him how to express it.
Besides watching Fitz’s entire life, trilogies in the A structure revolve closely around the politics of the Six Duchies. Fitz’s status as a bastard of the royal Farseer line often has him working on the more shadowy parts of kingdom-ruling, from ancient magics to rescuing princes to assassinations.
The trilogy and quartet in the B structure follows a city-state and territory (Bingtown and the Rainwilds) further down the coast, away from the Six Duchies. Somehow, Hobb manages to write from approximately 20 different points of view and makes each sound distinctive. You’ll get loads of further politicking in these series, but wrapped in a great deal of character development and amazing magic systems (talking pirate ships!). In Mad Ship (probably one of my favorite books of the whole RotE), one character literally had me physically punching my book in her first POV and gasping and cheering in her last.
I don’t want to say too much, but I cannot recommend this series enough. It might not be for everyone— it’s long and at parts can build very slowly. It also contains some harder things to read about, particularly pertaining to violence. But for me, it was as close to perfect as can get: interesting magic systems, depth of characters, richness of the world, and complex politics are all things I love in my books, and RotE had them all.

The Art

I will detail the process of this piece in a January Art Dump (I may or may not have had to paint this twice oops), but I wanted to give a little key to all the characters and their corresponding books! I did this painting in acrylic gouache, after doing it once before in regular gouache. Sometimes you have to experiment. Sometimes those experiments go wrong.

It’s very difficult for me to make fanart with traditional paints. Painting— especially in full color with as much detail as I truly want— often takes me a long time and is quite laborious, so I tend to feel like I’m “wasting” that energy. But that’s not necessarily true and sometimes what I need is to fall into the ease of creating from a ready-made source.

Looking Ahead

I’m not sure what my goal for this next year will be, or if I’ll even have one. Perhaps I will attempt to read a bit more nonfiction in 2026. It’s probably my least favorite genre, in part because I am deeply judgemental of people who think you can only learn things by reading nonfiction.

My TBR is never-ending and grows every day, but here are a few books I’m really looking forward to in 2026!

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia - Leia Ham
Empire of AI - Karen Ho
The Tapestry of Fate - Shannon Chakraborty
The Everlasting - Alix E Harrow
Impossible Creatures - Katherine Rundell

Thus concludeth my year of reading! As the world is increasing enamored by short-form content and the insidious rise of AI continues to make the internet a less reliable place, I encourage you to read a book, especially a physical book you can hold! Your library is a great place to find a new read, but if you enjoy purchasing books, used bookstores are abundant, as are websites like thriftbooks! And of course, support your local indie bookstore if you want crisp new pages.

Fascism thrives in part when citizens are illiterate. Literacy isn’t just whether you can or cannot read, rather, it is the exercise of our critical thinking skills. Ultimately, plowing through books (I’m talking to YOU, skimmers and/or people who listen to audiobooks on 3x!) won’t do you good. Take time to notice things about what you read— the arc of the story, the characters, the world. If you liked it, try and pinpoint why. If you didn’t, see if you can articulate the reason. Read books that challenge your worldview— you don’t have to agree with it to read it!

On a sillier, happier note: after years and years of reading books, 2025 was the year I actually finished writing my first book (out of many I have started, almost finished, and then put on the back burner). I finished it in March and spent the rest of the year on edits. I’m now in the querying trenches, so maybe it will see the light of day. Maybe it won’t. But I’m proud of it all the same.

Now it’s your turn— help me grow my TBR and tell me your favorite reads of 2025!