So, 2025, huh? What a year! Despite everything happening, I was lucky enough to have a really good year. I hope most of you have had that chance as well, or that you can at least find enough positives in the past 12 months to go into 2026 with a cautiously optimistic outlook.
Since we are here to talk about books, for me, 2025 was the year when I got back into reading. I read two books per month, on average. For some, this is a very low count, but for me – who did not manage to read even one book per month in the past two years – this was a success and the fulfillment of a goal that I was not certain I’d be able to complete this year.
I focused a lot on new releases this year, mainly because they motivated me to keep going. I can’t say that I think this was a year of hugely successful fantasy books from my perspective, but I also think I managed to read some really good ones. I’ve prepared a list of five favourites and my reasons for why I loved these books more than the rest I read, starting from fifth place and working up to the best.
Let’s get to it!
5. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
While not one of my favourites of all time, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil was certainly one of the most memorable reads of this year. I enjoyed it, and the themes and characters stayed with me for quite a while after finishing it. While the Goodreads Choice Awards do have their issues, I was pleasantly surprised to see this book win in the fantasy category. If you have not picked this book up, it is worth it. You can also check out my full review on the blog, just beware of spoilers.
4. Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race
This book was a huge surprise for me and a release that did not get much love, but I can love it for all of us. Just kidding, but the book really did strike a great balance between historical inspiration and crafting a new fantasy world. I am excited for the next part, which should come out in 2026.
3. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Cozy and enjoyable, I found this book better than its much more famous predecessor. It explores the topics of grief, loss, and found family in a way that is heartfelt and wholesome. I can see that the book got a lot of love, but it should have gotten even more.
2. To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth
One of the most surprising finds for me this year has been the Curse Bearer series by Veronica Roth. I loved the first part, and I loved the second part. The worldbuilding is cool, the characters are great, and the story is so short but so packed. It reminded me of just how much I love urban fantasy, and I do not get the impression that we see a lot of it being published these days. This is a major recommendation for everyone, especially if you are short on time, as this and the first installment are both novellas.
1. A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett
I do not fancy myself special or alone in loving this book. I had my struggles with The Tainted Cup, but A Drop of Corruption totally did it for me. If you can only read one book released in 2025, pick this one up. It features amazing worldbuilding, unique and interesting characters, and a plot that manages to be both complicated and easy to follow in the way the author relays it.
Those are my top fantasy book picks of 2025. Getting back into reading this year was a personal goal, and these new fantasy releases made the journey especially rewarding. If you’re looking for the best fantasy books of 2025 or searching for your next read, I hope this list gave you a few ideas.
I’d love to know what your standout reads were this year, whether they’re on this list or not, so feel free to share your recommendations in the comments.
Here’s to more great stories, cozy reading time, and hopefully an even better reading year ahead!
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