These are the best books I read in 2025. While I have rated other books higher than some of the ones I have included on this list, these are the books that have stuck with me. They have either impacted me through deep emotion, were just so good they stuck with me, or both.
5. The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August
The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August is about Scout, their brother and their cat, and their search for remains of long dead civilisations.
I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved the characters and the plot, and I adored Pumpkin the cat. This book was very emotional and explored death and loss in a way that stuck with me, which is why it’s on this list.
4. Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the story of VictorFrankenstien who creates a person and gives them life. This book has easily become one of my favourite classics. While Victor isn’t the most likeable protagonist, his story and journey through the book is fascinating. I also loved the section that is from the creature’s perspective. I love the depth in the creature’s emotions. This story, and this years film adaptation by Guillermo Del Toro has even inspired me in my own writing.
3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is another book set in the world of Panem. This book, centred on the 50th annual Hunger games, changes everything readers thought they knew about Haymitch.
This book was amazing. The commentary on propaganda and how facts are presented without context was brilliant. What was known of Haymitch’s games from the original Hunger Games series is completely changed, leaving every moment full of suspense. Even now, I’m still remembering the sense of dread that lasted through the book.
2. On Love and Barley: Haiku of Basho by Matsuo Basho
On Love and Barley: Haiku of Basho is a collection of haiku by Japanese poet and Buddist monk, Matsuo Basho. This version was translated by Lucien Stryk. This is quite different to what I usually read but it captured my interest. What I loved about this book was that because I could read a haiku or two when I didn’t have much time to read. The poems also helped me to reflect and be present and its helped during some of my mental health struggles this year.
1. Babel by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s Babel was the first book I read this year and was easily the best. The story deals with colonialism, revolution, and how language shapes the world in a historical fantasy.
I loved the plot of this book. Right from the beginning, it points out the issues of colonialism and how some people are only accepted for how useful they are. The characters were interestring throughout, with developments that were shocking at times, but completely reasonable. Even now, I am still thinking about not just the ending, but the entire last third of the book. I wish I could read it all for the first time again and stay up late just know know what happens., that’s why this is the best book I read in 2025.
So, these are the best books I read in 2025. I look forward to what I’m going to read in 2026. If you’d like to read a book review of something I did read this year and liked, just not enough to put on this list, click here.