We’re somehow already halfway through 2025, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that time flies when you’re buried in great books. I’ve been incredibly lucky to read a wide variety of stories over the past few months. Narrowing it down to just six favourites was not easy, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect and share the books that truly stood out to me. Here are the books I’m still thinking about.
The Boy I Love is one of the most beautifully written and emotionally powerful novels I’ve read in a long time. William does an incredible job of capturing the tender love between two soldiers amidst the brutality of the Somme, weaving a story that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. What really stood out to me was the way he balances the harsh realities of war with such lyrical, deeply felt moments of connection and resilience. Danny and Stephen’s story is devastating at times, especially as they navigate the trauma of battle and the pain of hiding who they are, but it’s also uplifting and full of quiet courage. This novel stayed with me long after I finished it it's not just a war story, but a deeply human one about love, identity, and the bravery it takes to be true to yourself.
Our Infinite Fates is one of those rare books that completely sweeps you away from the very first page. As a longtime fan of Laura Steven, I went in with high expectations and this story still managed to exceed them. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally rich, and wildly immersive read that perfectly blends whimsical charm with darker, high-stakes tension. What I love most about Laura’s writing is her ability to balance breathtaking prose with compelling, fast-paced storytelling. I found myself gasping at twists, highlighting countless lines, and getting completely lost in the world she created. Evelyn and Arden’s love story tragic, haunting, and layered with mystery across lifetimes—offers so much more than romance. It’s a moving exploration of fate, identity, and the threads that connect us through time. If you’re after a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is gripping, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Elphie is a great addition to the Wicked Years series to anyone who’s loved Wicked or is simply drawn to richly imagined character-driven stories. This book offers a heartfelt and insightful look into Elphaba’s early years, showing how her childhood shaped the iconic figure she becomes. I loved how it explored her preteen struggles friendships, identity, and growing self-awareness in such a relatable and tender way. Maguire also adds fascinating layers by delving into Elphie’s early curiosity about politics and learning, deepening our understanding of her character. Her relationships with her siblings and her personal growth are handled with such emotional depth that the story stayed with me long after I finished. I absolutely adored this instalment, and I’m really hoping the series continues especially if we get a Glinda origin story next.
The Banned Books of Berlin is for anyone who loves historical fiction with emotional depth and contemporary relevance. This dual-timeline novel completely captivated me from Freya’s fight for survival in 1930s Berlin under the shadow of censorship, to Maddie’s journey in 2024 as she uncovers her family’s hidden past. The way Daisy weaves the two timelines together is seamless, with both narratives equally compelling and full of heart. I was deeply moved by the themes of resistance, the power of stories, and the courage it takes to speak out in the face of silence. The writing is vivid and evocative, the characters are richly drawn, and the emotional impact of the story stayed with me long after I finished. It’s a poignant reminder of how history echoes through generations and why books truly matter.
Song of Sacrifice is for anyone who loves mythological retellings with emotional depth and rich, immersive prose. Rhiannon Janell breathes new life into the myth of Troy, crafting a vivid and powerful narrative that feels more like epic fantasy than traditional historical fiction. What really sets this book apart is its fresh perspective focusing not just on battles or politics, but on the heart breaking inevitability of Paris and Helen’s fated love, shaped by the whims of the gods. I especially appreciated how Janell gives voice to the often-overlooked women of Troy, adding layers of emotional resonance and complexity. The gods feel genuinely fearsome, their presence haunting every decision and twist of fate. Her storytelling is lush and masterful, drawing you in from the very first sentence. Song of Sacrifice isn’t just a retelling it’s a bold, unforgettable reimagining of a timeless myth.
The Tarot Reader of Versailles by Anya Bergman Review (Gifted/AD)
The Tarot Reader of Versailles is for anyone who loves
historical fiction with depth, intrigue, and a touch of the mystical. While the
beginning requires a bit of focus with its multiple timelines, rich historical
detail, and shifting perspectives it’s worth reading. Once everything clicks
into place, it becomes a gripping, layered story that constantly surprises you.
I thought I knew a fair amount about the French Revolution, but this book
offered a fresh perspective, especially in how it highlights the roles of women
during that period. The unexpected connection to the Irish rebellion was
fascinating and led me down some rewarding historical rabbit holes. What really
stood out to me was how tarot is woven seamlessly into the plot. It’s not just
an aesthetic choice; it adds real weight, mystery, and a sense of fate to the
narrative. The characters are compelling, their stories distinct yet
beautifully intertwined, and the vivid settings from the French court to
revolutionary Paris to rural Ireland completely transported me. Knowing it was
inspired by the real-life Marie-Anne Adelaide Lenormand made it all the more
compelling. This book hit everything I love in historical fiction: strong
characters, emotional resonance, a rich sense of place, and that magical
feeling of learning something new without it ever feeling like a lesson.
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