October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up | Classic Horror

October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up | Classic Horror | Spooktober | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up! It’s Spooktober, and almost everything I read this month had a bit of a horror spin to it. I didn’t really plan it, but it kinda just happened. Also, I am very close to finishing a book that’s been on my CR for quite a while, so I’m super stoked about that.

So, without any further ado…

October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up!

Blood Reunion (Turn Three of the Hybrid Helix) by JCM Berne – ★★★★1/2

Blood Reunion (Turn Three of the Hybrid Helix) by JCM Berne

I love The Hybrid Helix, especially the protagonist, Rohan. But Blood Reunion really takes everything to a whole new level. Rohan is put through the meat grinder (almost literally), and the main villain, an immortal ancient vampire, is a super compelling threat that might just completely destabilise the galaxy. This was certainly the best of the series so far, and I genuinely cannot wait to read more. I’ve heard it gets better.

My full review is live on SFF Insiders.

Vanishing Point by Mark Russell & Ryan Alexander-Tanner – ★★★1/2

Vanishing Point by Mark Russell & Ryan Alexander-Tanner

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

An anthology of sci-fi, horror, dystopian shorts, this was quite the entertaining read. A mix bag of stories, the anthology as a whole left me with many different thoughts. The best of the lot has stayed with me even today, while the worst is as forgettable as they come. Each story is written by Mark Russell, with different artists serving as illustrators, colorists, and letterers. So, the best way to review this anthology is to individually review each short. Which is what I’ve done on my full review for SFF Insiders.

The Private Eye by Brian K Vaughan, Marcos Martin & Munsta Vicente – ★★★★

The Private Eye by Brian K Vaughan

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

I discovered Brian K Vaughan earlier this year with Spectators (another eARC from NetGalley), and I’m starting to fall in love with his stories. The Private Eye too was an absurdly profound, relevant mystery set in a dystopian future where the Internet doesn’t exist and privacy is of utmost significance. While the mystery and conspiracy were a little simplistic, it’s the philosophical implications of the villain’s actions that have stayed with me, forcing me to question our current reality.

My full review is live on SFF Insiders.

The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells – ★★★★1/2

The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells

This one gave me very strong Frankenstein vibes, except it didn’t come close to the brilliance of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece. However, The Island of Doctor Moreau has its own charm (and horror).

My full review is live on SFF Insiders.

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – ★★★★

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Honestly, this one left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I have to admit the brilliance of the book’s content. On the other, I can’t help but notice the issues I had with the aged prose and one-dimensional characters. I’m rating this 4 stars because it’s objectively a good book, but the complaints I have with it are also very relevant.

Check out my full review on SFF Insiders.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1: Phantom Blood by Hirohiko Araki – ★★★1/2

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 1 Phantom Blood by Hirohiko Araki

Bizarre doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of how weird this series is. I’m glad I finally decided to pick it up, because man, what an adventure this has been. And Phantom Blood is supposed to be the weakest of the lot? Well, I’m already making my way through Battle Tendency, so that should tell you how much I enjoyed this manga series.

My full review is live on SFF Insiders.

Why The Poor Don’t Kill Us: The Psychology of Indians by Manu Joseph – ★★★1/2

Why The Poor Don’t Kill Us – The Psychology of Indians by Manu Joseph

A very thought provoking read, Manu Joseph will compel you to think and reflect over the state of Indian society. His unique perspective, rich with lived experiences and real interactions makes for a very insightful read that, without taking sides, highlights some interesting observations about the poor, the rich, and everything that separates them.

You can read my full review on my blog.

October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up | Current Read:

I’m almost done reading The Brothers Karamazov! I had taken a break from this one for personal reasons, but I dove back in last week. And boy, it has been un-put-down-able since. I think I paused at the wrong time, because every single chapter I’ve read has left me feeling just a little bit more enlightened. I can say this without a doubt that reading a Dostoevsky novel changes you, and I can feel myself changing with every idea, every philosophical discourse, and every chapter that I have read of this book.

I don’t know if I’ll be reviewing this book, because I don’t know if I can do justice to the brilliant genius of this Russian author. But, if I decide to attempt that feat, you can find my review on my blog. I know I’m going to finish this one over the coming weekend.

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated to english by Richard Pevear & Larissa Volokhonsky

Finally,

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope my October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up helps you decide on your next read. Check out my other posts:

If you haven’t yet, subscribe to my newsletter below, and get a free e-copy of my grimdark fantasy anthology, Abandoned by the Gods!

Hope you had an amazing month! Until next time!

ronitjauthor

October 31, 2025