November is speeding by, and with it, the last wave of this year’s new releases.
I’ve managed to read most of the books I was excited about in 2025, but of course there are always a few titles that slip through the crack or that publish late in the year and instantly jump onto the TBR.

So, before we officially say goodbye to 2025, these are the six books I still hope to read before the end of December. 

To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth
This is the one I’m most excited about. I loved When Among Crows, and I’m hoping this novella continues in the same tone and quality. High expectations, and very ready to be swept away again.

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
The buzz around this book has been impossible to ignore. At this point, I simply need to know whether it’s as good as everyone says, or if it’s another case of hype doing the heavy lifting.

Katabasis by R.F.Kuang
I haven’t actually read much of R.F. Kuang’s work, and most of what I’ve heard about this one has been mixed. That only makes me more curious, honestly. I’m going in with an open mind.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
It has been years since I’ve felt any desire to return to the world of The Hunger Games, but the sheer amount of conversation around this book is wild. The FOMO would absolutely destroy me if I didn’t at least try reading it. 

The Strength of the Few by James Islington
I recently finished The Will of the Many, and I didn’t love it as much as most people seemed to but curiosity (and the inevitable buzz) means I’ll be picking up the sequel. I want to be part of the conversation this time, if at least to say I still don’t get the hype.

Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Legends & Lattes was one of my favourite cozy reads ever, but the prequel Bookshops & Bonedust ended up being a DNF for me. Funny enough, this only makes me more interested in Brigands & Breadknives, so I’m giving this universe another go.

As you can probably tell, part of this list is simply my desire not to be out of the loop by the end of the year but I am genuinely hoping to enjoy all or most of these. If I manage to squeeze in a few more before 2026, even better.