Back In The Game...What I Read In MMXXV:

In 2024, I was in the biggest reading slump of my life. And I was depressed. As an avid lover of books and storytelling, these two struggles went hand in hand. So, when I decided to drop out of university and take a gap year at home, I was determined to get back into what I loved most: reading.

My new year resolutions for 2025 were... simple but a lot: pass my driving test, buy my own car, loose 3 stone, go back to university, and read 50 books.

For the first time in my life, I completed them all.

After two attempts, I passed my driving test in October.

I saved 3 grand from working minimum wage as a barista and bought my own car (a baby blue Fiat 500 called Aelin Ashryver Galathynius... don't judge me).

I've lost over 5 stone and can now fit into size 10 jeans.

I've completed my first semester back at university, studying a different course at a different university.

And I've read 53 books in 2025.

I'm not proud. I'm down right chuffed.

So, to mark the end of the year (how the hell is it December already?) I've put together a chronologically list of all the books I've read this year using the reviews I posted on my Fable profile (check out my account linked at the bottom).

And for the record, this is my blog, I can brag all I want. Because I sure as hell won't be shutting up about this any time soon.

Warning: this does involve spoilers! Read at your own risk!

January & February: slow progress is still progress

Realm Breaker & Blade Breaker, Victoria Aveyard

I was and still am obsessed with Aveyard's Red Queen series, so I knew I would love whatever story Victoria had up her sleeve next. For me, a story is carried by its characters, and it was Aveyard’s strong array of characters in the Realm Breaker trilogy that had me turning each page; from Corayne’s never-ending child-like curiosity, Andry’s squire heart of gold and honour, Domacridhan’s stoic crabbiness (what a name!), Sorasa Sarn’s cutthroat comebacks (it’s giving mother hen), and Valtik’s cryptic rhymes, each name on the page had a uniqueness of its own. I especially loved the concept of the ‘Spindle’ – the way Aveyard entwined this into the story was so well put together, and the worldbuilding trickled into the story at the perfect pace. As an avid fantasy reader, I appreciated the buildup in the first book. Many may not like how far into the book you have to read before all of the main characters meet, but I found this to be the most intriguing of all. Because half the book is dedicated to understanding the characters on their own, it felt like there were two ultimate climaxes to the first book – when Erida’s true intentions are revealed and the Companions reluctantly join forces in order to flee Galland, and the action packed battle sequence against a kraken and a Spindle at the end of the novel. Ultimately, the first book was a promising start, and I was eager to move on to the second…

It’s widely regarded that the second book in a trilogy is the most boring out of the three. In many cases, I’m inclined to agree, and it has often felt like a trudge through each chapter, hoping the final instalment will make up for it. However, Blade Breaker was my favourite out of the three. The ultimate villain of the story, known as ‘What Waits’, feels truly fleshed out in the second book, and I loved the continuation of Erida’s narrative; often the opposing side is left ambiguous for a reason, but Erida’s perspective offered up a lot in relation to her character, her motive, and her growing relationship with Taristan. Aveyard definitely favours story over the romance, but I loved every little glimpse of love she had to spare for the characters, whether platonic or not.

Blade Breaker’s ending had to be one of the most action packed 100 pages I had ever read. I especially loved the one-on-one between Valtik and Ronin, and the hero versus villain between Domacridhan and Taristan was intense.

The stakes were truly high in this book…

March: dragons galore

Fate Breaker, Victoria Aveyard

As far as endings go for epic fantasy trilogies, I wasn’t in love with this one.

Separating the Companions was a gripping move, as I was glad to see Corayne above all make her own way in the world, but the last battle sequence felt rushed. Taristan’s surrender felt a little too far-fetched, and I would have liked to have seen a little more interaction between Erida and the Companions. But ultimately, I enjoyed the journey, and felt satisfied as a reader with how each character’s storylines came to an end.

The Empyrean Series, Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing has completely exploded online, and it had been on my radar for quite some time. For the first few chapters, I hated Rebecca’s writing and wanted Violet to slip off the parapet and die. The writing was giving if Ao3 and Wattpad had a child, and I struggled to picture almost everything she laid out in front of me (still imagine the Gauntlet like BBC’s Total Wipeout), but after settling into the world and the character, you kind of get used to it. The pace felt extremely slow at first, but after Threshing, that was when things truly kicked off. And I loved it. Violet getting the biggest dragon of the lot was a predictable move, but having two dragons was definitely unexpected. The dialogue Violet has with her dragons was extremely enjoyable, and the forced alliance and proximity she had with Xaden had me giggling between pages like a schoolgirl. I could definitely tell Rebecca was more comfortable as a romance writer; that one kissing scene was longer than the battle at Athebyne…

I think the plot moved effectively, because the stakes felt much higher in the second book, Iron Flame. However, Violet’s distrust for Xaden felt continuously tiresome throughout the first part of the book, which didn’t make it as enjoyable as the first, but Violet’s character made a remarkable development since her crossing over the parapet. Her imprisonment and torture highlighted not only her love for Xaden, but for Aretia and her cadet family, and finally her grief for Liam felt resolved but brushed to the footnotes.

I think Dain’s character also improved massively throughout Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, and Ridoc was a memorable side character to be sure. I would like Garrick and Bodhi’s characters to have a uniqueness of their own, instead of just being labelled as Xaden’s best friend and cousin, but perhaps this will come in due course… Safe to say there is much potential with the fourth book.

April & May: Maas what have you done to me?

Throne of Glass Series, Sarah J. Maas

I don’t even know where to begin.

I’ll begin dramatically: this series has completely changed me. Damaged me. Broken me. Saved me. Healed me. I don’t even know. But what I do know is this: the internet might be crazy sometimes, and some books are overhyped, but not Throne of Glass. Whoever tells you to read Throne of Glass, listen to them. Do it.

I loved every single book in this series, which is why it only took me two months to read a collective 5000 pages.

I could write a dissertation of why I love Throne of Glass, but I won’t spoil you. I’ll just say this:

Chaol’s character had one of the best developments I’ve ever read – and yes, he did need an entire book in order to process his emotions and talk about his feelings.

Aelin was in the right. All the time. About everything. She did nothing wrong, and she will remain my favourite heroine of all time. If Aelin has no fans, it means I’m dead.

Rowan was so much more than Aelin’s love interest, and I hate that people think that was all he was worth.

Aedion didn’t deserve Lysandra.

Lorcan is daddy. Period.

Five stars.

10/10

A masterpiece.

June: falling moons, Fae cocaine & copycats

When The Moon Hatched, Sarah J. Parker

The page count was unnecessary.

The lore was incredibly interesting, but rather confusing at times. I think certain aspects of the narrative were very messy, and not entirely thought out – for instance, the perspective of The Other was cool at first, but it got lost in the plot very quickly, and didn’t seem at all linked to the characters or the story at all. Also, the ‘Tookah Trial’ was unnecessarily long, and didn’t play into the rest of the plot at all, just seemed more like an excuse for Kaan to come in and save the day.

A unique plot, but personally I hate memory loss tropes. Raeve started to get on my nerves. And there wasn’t nearly enough dragons in this story…

Crescent City Series, Sarah J. Maas

Going from Throne of Glass to a world with cell phones, club music and machine guns was a culture shock, to be sure, but after a few chapters, I fell in love with the world and the characters. The murder mystery esque plot was such a gripping element, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bryce and all of her antics. The last two hundred pages were a complete whirlwind of emotions, and may just be one of the most memorable climaxes for a story I’ve ever read. There was lots of promise going into book two. I especially loved Ruhn and his connected dreams with Agent Daybright. But what is all this talk about Hunt’s balls? Knock it off. But that ending though? The scream I scrum!

House of Flame and Shadow was epic beyond proportion. Lidia might just be my favourite character of the series, especially after that clever little connection at the end (iykyk)… I absolutely loved Bryce’s journey through this book, and the lore that unfolded has me excited for what Sarah has up her sleeve next, but I think the Crescent City series deserves a pediment of its own. I think it deserves to be loved and celebrated just as much (maybe more) as ACOTAR has been over the years. What a ride…

Powerless Series, Lauren Roberts

For me, this series felt one dimensional. I understand that it’s considered YA, but some of the information was hand fed to us a little too well… The author could have done so much more with the lore and worldbuilding, but she seemed more interested in the characters rather than the story. It very much felt like one thing after another, but with no seamlessness between. I also felt nothing for the character’s the reader is supposedly supposed to pity or love. When it came to their deaths, I simply turned the page and went “Oh well!”

It was only after reading the series I discovered the painfully obvious similarities this series has with Red Queen. Two brothers, different blood types pitted against one another, the trials and tribulations…

Come on…

Queen Victoria Aveyard, you will always be iconic.

July: wtf is a knot?

The Kindred's Curse Saga, Penn Cole

This series started out strong, but there was only so much of Diem’s stupidity and stubbornness I could take. The plot had good pacing, and I loved the politics within the courts, but the lack of communication between the characters was irritating enough for me to put the book down for a week or two. But beyond that, I enjoyed the story and will be reading the next in the series.

Quicksilver, Callie Hart

The name ‘Kingfisher’ was a bit icky at first, but it kind of grew on me?

The characters were likeable, but the dynamic between Saeris and Kingfisher was truly horrible. I truly thought I had missed a whole chapter of development between them, because how can people like them as a couple? Even after realising Kingfisher’s reasons, he was still far too harsh on Saeris, and the pace of their relationship felt far too rushed to feel worthwhile. Saeris herself was… annoying. I didn’t get any of the alchemy stuff.

The climax of the book was entertaining, but that interlude with the gods felt like a vomit of information of the page, and not a satisfying kind of reveal.

I do think this book was overhyped, but after the ending, I might just be inclined to read the sequel when it comes out. Some books just need a second chance, and I think the story has potential, if written right.

From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout

This has been on my TBR for quite some time. I absolutely loved the whole Maiden concept, and I think this first book is a primary example of how well a fantasy series can be fleshed out. The pace was perfect, the worldbuilding subtle and not overwhelming, the characters likeable and memorable, and I loved the tension between the love interests.

Bride, Ali Hazelwood

Forced marriage? Forced proximity? Mates? Yes, yes, yes…

Misery was a whole mood I scarily relate to, and if I could put Lowe in my pocket, I would.

Top tip: if you decide to look up what ‘knot’ means, use incognito and don’t do it in public. You’ll thank me later.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire & The Crown of Gilded Bones, Jennifer L. Armentrout

Casteel has me in a chokehold. He might just be my new favourite book boyfriend?

A lot of information to process, but I’m enjoying the ride so far.

And I’m sorry, but no woman tastes like honeydew. Be so for real…

August: slipped away like a bottle of wine (+ a good book):

The War of Two Queens, Jennifer L. Armentrout

I fucking called in on that threesome.

I truly feel like the plot throughout this book went from 10 to 100 real quick. This world just keeps getting bigger and bigger, it’s hard to keep up. I’m especially glad Poppy has found her own strength after all the struggles she went through as the Maiden, and I love how supportive Casteel is.

I’m going to need a recap video by the time I start The Primal of Blood and Bone.

The Plated Prisoner Series, Raven Kennedy

Gild was incredibly infuriating. The pace of slow, the characters annoying, and the writing was botched. The second and third book were the best of the lot, but it went downhill from there. If I could rate a series minus stars, I would.

The Serpent And The Wings Of Night, Carissa Broadbent

Honestly went into this a little sceptical, since I don’t usually read much vampire content, but overall I really enjoyed reading this. I was hooked! Some bits were predictable, but still had me pretty gripped. Oraya did sometimes annoy me with her inner monologue, especially when it came to trying to defend Vincent constantly, but I think this series has so much potential, and I was very excited to read the next one.

Also… after listening to Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of the Showgirl, ‘Father Figure’ felt like such a Oraya and Vincent song!

September: vampires & Direwolves

The Ashes And The Star-Cursed King, Carissa Broadbent

Raihn was the highlight of this book. I’m not usually a fan of when the love interest makes a big betrayal and they end up hating each other again, but the forced marriage made this trope so much more interesting. The epic battle at the end was truly epic, and I’m sad that the sequel won’t be in Oraya and Raihn’s perspectives, but I’m excited to see what else this world has in store.

A Fate Inked In Blood, Danielle L. Jensen

As an avid fan of the show Vikings, I was very excited to read this. But it did not impress me. It truly felt like the author picked the first few Norse-esque names she found on Google and chose them for her characters. Safe to say, I won’t be reading the sequel.

Dire Bound, Sable Sorensen

The plot was predictable, but I still enjoyed it.

Main character annoyed me a lot of the time, but I loved her relationship with her Direwolf, it felt really unique!

Whoever thought ‘kitten’ would be a cute, sexy nickname was very, very wrong…

I did not like the coloured hair streaks when a person bounds with their Direwolf. Stark has a red streak? Nope.

Phantasma, Kaylie Smith

Plot was predictable… I literally called it at the very start, but I’m easily swooned, so I actually really enjoyed reading this. The ending felt very fulfilling, so I’m curious what the sequel will entail.

The Song Of Achilles, Madeleine Miller

This was a reread, because apparently I hate myself?

It still hurts. The first time I read this masterpiece, I cried so hard I almost fainted. Second round cried until I couldn’t breathe. I’m a sucker for Greek mythology retellings, and Madeleine Miller does it best. Her writing, her language, the characters, the dialogue… Just incredible.

The Crimson Moth, Kristen Ciccarelli

I’ve heard mixed feelings about this, but I really enjoyed it!

Honestly using her menstrual blood for magic was such a diva move.

Loved the tension and the little twists along the way, but the miscommunication trope was getting a little frustration after a while.

I will definitely read the next one!

October: Booktok made me buy it...

Shield of Sparrows, Devney Perry

The main plot twist was pretty predictable, but that isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy it. The sheer amount of world building in this story might not be for everyone, but as an avid fantasy lover, I ate it up!

Metal Slinger, Rachel Schneider

The plot was slow. After being called the ‘most shocking plot twist of all’ or something like that, the actually plot twist was extremely underwhelming, especially since I has my suspicions. But it was still fun? I liked most of the characters, but some felt very one dimensional.

Fear The Flames, Olivia Rose Darling

I love any book with dragons. Period.

Blood of Hercules, Jasmine Mas

This was probably the weirdest book I’ve read in a while. What even happened?

I found myself laughing at a few funny moments, but overall, I was laughing out of sheer hysterics, because the majority of the book felt like an acid trip. Not the good kind.

All About Love: New Visions, bell hooks

A slight switch up of my usual reading material, but a refreshing break. There were truly some beautiful sentiments in this book. For lovers of Dolly Alderton’s memoir and Maya Angelou’s poetry, bell hooks is the writer for you.

Mate, Ali Hazelwood

Just as good as Bride.

Ali has me in a chokehold, I’m definitely more inclined to read her other stuff now.

But ok… the whole Serena thinking she’s going to die, but really she’s just super horny plot point was a mess.

Sidenote: I am now fully aware what a ‘knot’ means. We’re evolving folks!

November & December: Wolves in kilts & the World Ender in flannel...

The Wolf King, Lauren Palphreyman

Wolves. Kilts. Yes please.

Writing felt a bit rough at times, and the dialogue didn’t feel natural at all, but I still enjoyed the journey.

Blake intrigues me the most, but I’m predicting it’s going to be more like a three-way relationship type thing rather than choosing just one.

The Book Of Azrael & The Throne Of Broken Gods, Amber V. Nicole

Absolutely gagged. 

Yes. This is what I’m talking about.

Brimstone, Callie Hart

I was reluctant to read the sequel to Quicksilver, because of how frustrating the plot was initially, but I did enjoy the sequel a lot more than the first book. Yes, enemies to lovers is peak, but I definitely enjoyed Saeris and Kingfisher’s established relationship a lot more than their original dynamic in the first book.

I would have rioted if Onyx didn’t come back.

I’m a little confused, and also frustrated with how much Saeris was kept in the dark. These people really need to start sharing their plans…

Also not sure about Kingfisher’s real name. I think it will grow on me, like Kingfisher did in the first book.

And with that… the 2025 reading saga comes to an end.

Even if my world turns upside down, books will always be a constant in my life.

Time to get out the notebook and jot down some new year resolutions for 2026. Should I go for 75 books? 100? How many books did you read this year?

See you on the flip side.