Hello everyone,
Would you believe it is that time again?! We are halfway through the year, into July and already closer to 2026 than we are to the end of 2024. It also means that six months of reading time have passed just like that, and we are taking stock of our targets for the rest of the year.
So far it has been a reasonably good reading year and it will be good to look back on some of those highs. But a lot of me thinks some of the best books are still to come in 2025, so let us journey through these prompts and see where they take me!
How much have you read?
Halfway through the year, one book per week and halfway to my reading target! I have read 26 so far, so just about on track. Time is not always my friend and chronic fatigue does impact my energy levels, but I am happy to have been able to maintain a fairly solid reading routine. I also currently have three books on the go.
What have you been reading?
I always read a wide range and 2025 is no different. There has been less fantasy so far compared to in 2024, while I have picked up more mysteries and a couple more non-fiction books than normal. Some of the books I have picked up have been truly unique, with titles such as The Last Murder At The End Of The World, The Thief On The Winged Horse, and The Beekeeper Of Aleppo springing to mind.
In terms of authors, there has been a mix of interesting books by people I have never read before and impressive efforts from some favourites including Gillian McAllister, Chloe Gong, Shari Lapena, and Jennifer Saint.
Best Book You’ve Read So Far In 2025
This book was released 10 years ago and it took me just under half that time to read my second book by Steve Cavanagh. Tell you what, I will not be waiting so long next time as this was the most thrilling, exhilarating ride with an ingeniously intricate yet fast-paced plot.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2025
I have only read three sequels so far this year and all of them have been good, but I cannot look past Foul Heart Huntsman. Everything Chloe Gong writes is a revelation, and after the dramatic events of the first part of the duology, she builds up to a crescendo again here with some intense, immaculate plotting.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
How long have we got?! There are so many that I could name here. I went into a bookstore recently and noticed that several of my favourite authors have new releases that I was somehow not aware of, thereby increasing by TBR considerably.
But if there was one I had to choose, it would be Sunrise On The Reaping. I have all the Hunger Games books in paperback, so the idea of getting this in hardback has so far made me want to wait? But anyway, it feels Suzanne Collins and this world always delivers, so when I do get to it there is little doubt in my mind that it will be amazing.
Most anticipated release for the second part of the year
My head is full of the books I need to read that have just been released seemingly all at once, but looking ahead we have the return of our beloved characters from the Thursday Murder Club in The Impossible Fortune. And also returning after a year away we have another spooky short story collection which has previously been a huge part of my December.
Biggest disappointment
I fully expected to like this one. Natalie Haynes was exquisite in A Thousand Ships but unfortunately her retelling of Medusa’s story was a misfire. The flippant writing style did not work this time and the biggest crime of all was the lack of scenes containing Medusa herself.
Biggest surprise
I came into Juniper And Thorn with a bit of trepidation, giving Ava Reid a second chance after The Wolf And The Woodsman proved among my most disappointing reads of 2024. I was grateful that I did, for this was a really pleasant surprise, showcasing great storytelling and delightfully dark fairytale vibes.
New favourite author (debut or new to you)
I know that people worship Alice Oseman for the wildly popular Heartstopper series, but when I pressed play on the audiobook of Radio Silence at the start of the year it was my first foray into her books. It was extraordinary – even life changing. The way she writes and the characters she created struck such a chord with me that it is a reading experience I will never ever forget.
Underrated gems you’ve discovered recently
I would not necessarily describe this book as underrated as such, but I feel it deserves a bit more attention. The quality of the writing alone is worthy of being considered for awards in my opinion, as the storytelling is done with such care and quality, while the characters and plot are given the space to develop to great effect.
Newest favourite character
All of Richard Osman’s main characters seem to be loveable, and in the first book of his new series I was particularly taken by fictional celebrity author Rosie D’Antonio. She was so much fun to read.
Book that made you cry
No books have made me cry yet this year, although the two closest were Radio Silence and The Beekeeper Of Aleppo.
Book that made you happy
It was just great to be able to spend time with the characters in this series again. Even David was likeable here, shock horror!
Favourite book to film adaptation
I cannot think of any I have watched that stand out.
Most beautiful cover you’ve bought (or received) this year
Every Sue Lynn Tan book cover is gorgeous! This one is right up there with my all-time favourites, with wonderfully illustrated imagery in purple and green. I had this delivered to my workplace and unboxing such a beautiful book was great, and several of my colleagues were drawn to it too.
Favourite posts you have done this year?
Early in the year I did a post called Disappointing Books by Favourite Authors which was fun to write and created some discussion.
My favourite review out of the ones I have posted so far this year is for The Shadow Key.
Let’s Chat
What is your favourite book of the year so far? Have you discovered any great reads that exceeded your expectations? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
