The 10 Best Books I’ve Read in 2025 So Far: A Personal Ranked List

As 2025 rolls on, I’ve found myself devouring more books than I expected. It’s been a fascinating reading year filled with new releases that surprised me, challenged me, and occasionally left me thinking long after I turned the last page.

Some books this year quickly became favorites. Others crept up on me slowly, and a few still linger in my head weeks later.

Here’s a ranked list of the top 10 books I’ve read in 2025 so far, along with brief personal reviews. These aren't just the most hyped books of the year — they’re the ones that actually stuck with me.

1. The Weaver by Saad Ali

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

This one genuinely surprised me. The Weaver is a psychological thriller with a chilling cosmic horror undertone. It tells the story of Dr. Aris Thorn, a historian who finds himself able to manipulate key moments in history. But as he changes the past, the ripple effects become increasingly sinister.

The pacing is a slow burn, but the creeping dread and moral weight build perfectly. If you enjoy stories that blend big philosophical questions with personal stakes, this book will stay with you.

2. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3/5

A perfect blend of nostalgia and horror, this story follows pregnant teens in a 1970s maternity home as they discover a forbidden power. Hendrix nails the uneasy balance between social commentary, dark humor, and genuinely unsettling moments. It’s both a feminist punch and a great, creepy ride.

3. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.1/5

Set in a near-future world where dreams can be monitored—and weaponized—this speculative fiction novel is hauntingly timely. It explores identity, memory, and surveillance with sharp precision. Lalami’s writing is as elegant as ever, and the central concept hooked me immediately.

4. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

A gothic debut that absolutely nailed the atmosphere. Set in 1700s England, The Hounding is filled with superstition, dark family secrets, and the kind of creeping paranoia that slowly tightens its grip. It’s the kind of book you read on a rainy day and can’t put down.

5. Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5

Junie weaves historical fiction and supernatural elements in a powerful, haunting story set on a slave plantation. The prose is beautiful, and the emotional weight is heavy but rewarding. It’s one of the most unique voices I’ve read this year.

6. Good Girl by Aria Aber

Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5

Set against Berlin’s underground art scene, this coming-of-age story follows the daughter of Afghan refugees navigating identity, family expectations, and self-expression. Aber’s writing feels raw and intimate, and the emotional layers unfold naturally.

7. Audition by Katie Kitamura

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

Minimalist and emotionally charged, Audition explores identity and the subtle, almost invisible shifts in human connection. It’s a short, quiet book that lingers longer than you’d expect. Kitamura’s fans will appreciate her delicate touch here.

8. Twist by Colum McCann

Rating: ★★★★☆ 3.9/5

A dense, reflective story set aboard a cable-laying ship in the North Atlantic. The narrative explores loneliness, survival, and the weight of personal history. It’s not a page-turner, but the emotional depth makes it worth the slow pace.

9. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.7/5

This romantasy hit me harder than I expected. Dragon academies, complicated family ties, and emotional conflicts fill this installment. It’s fast-paced and addicting, even if some of the tropes feel familiar.

10. Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

The final book in the Windy City series brings emotional closure to a long-running story. It’s heartfelt, full of nostalgic moments, and wraps up character arcs in a satisfying way. Great for fans who’ve followed the series from the start.

Final Thoughts

2025 has been a rich year for fiction. From chilling thrillers to cozy fantasy and powerful literary voices, there’s been something for every mood and season.

For me, The Weaver stands out not just because it came from a lesser-known author, but because it genuinely kept me thinking about how fragile history—and our own choices—can be.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’ve found your own hidden gems this year, please share! My reading list is always open to more recommendations.