Ronit J

Top 10 Books of 2025! With almost 50 books (including novellas and graphic novels), I can say that it has been quite an amazing year reading-wise. I did explore a lot of graphic novels this year. In case you’re wondering what my year in books looks like, it’s this:

I’ll admit, I wanted to read more, but couldn’t find enough time for multiple reasons. However, whatever I did read, I’m happy with. There were maybe 2 duds all year, with most being at least enjoyable. So, here’s my Top 10 Books of 2025! This year, I’ve decided to even rank them!

Note: Not all of these books released in 2025; I read them all this year for the first.

Honorary Mentions (almost made it to my Top 10 Books of 2025 list):

These 6 almost made it to my list, but missed it by the narrowest of margins. But, once you see the list, you might be inclined to agree.

Reviews of the honorary mentions, if you want to check them out:

• Foundation & Empire & Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov
• Soul Music Terry Pratchett
• Blood Reunion by JCM Berne
• The Private Eye by Brian K Vaughan
• Why The Poor Don’t Kill Us Manu Joseph
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
  • Part 1: Phantom Blood
  • Part 2: Battle Tendency

10) The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells

Haunting and atmospheric, this one reminded me a lot of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. While it had some racist elements (expected given when this was written), I found that this book was quite reflective of the colonial mindset, one that saw all others as animals to be tamed. A must read, if you ask me.

Check out my full review.

9) A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe

How do you make a story about grief and coping so heartwarming and sweet!? I mean, I did say that Holcombe’s writing reminded me of Pratchett a lot, but here I am ranking him above Pratchett? Yes, the book is that good. It’s emotionally moving, and absolutely deserving of every praise it gets.

Check out my full review.

8) Spectators by Brian K Vaughan & Niko Henrichon

Dark, reflective, and so very graphic, Spectators explores deep philosophical questions from the perspective of ghosts. These are individuals who died, but the afterlife has no heaven or hell. All they can do is spectate the end of the world. From Niko Henrichon’s brilliant illustrations to Brian K Vaughan’s thought-provoking writing, I loved everything about this graphic novel.

Read out my full review.

7) The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman

I almost thought of quitting this series after the dull Book 2. But Book 3 was everything I loved about Book 1 times a hundred. Great plot, break-neck pacing, interesting characters, and a deeper, more mature exploration of its characters. I get why everyone loves this series so much, and I can’t wait to dive back in.

Check out my full review.

6) Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky

My first Tchaikovsky novel, this one did not disappoint. My favourite part of this novel was the alien creature and its POV. The more I think about this book, the more I am reminded of its eerie atmosphere, its dense science and prose, and the feeling I was left with by the end. An absolute masterpiece, and a must read!

Check out my full review.

5) The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee

I am halfway through Jade Legacy, which I plan to compete before the year ends. I thought of putting Jade War here, but I have to admit. The Green Bone Saga was one of the best reading experiences of the year. For one series to occupy 3 spots doesn’t make sense, so I’ve decided to add the whole trilogy here. Is it really that good? Yes.

Check my full reviews for:

• Jade City
• Jade War

4) Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R. F. Kuang

Kuang’s best work, in my opinion. As someone who hails from a former colony, I completely understand what Kuang tried to do with this book. From its prose to the themes it explores, I loved everything about it. Especially the ending, which can be quite divisive.

Read my full review.

3) The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman

An unfortunately relevant read, this memoir about Spiegelman’s father’s experiences during the holocaust is quite a daunting experience. The artwork is great, only minimally softening the harrowing experience of the story it tells. A must read, especially in today’s day and age.

Check out my full review.

2) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Yet another relevant read in today’s AI-driven hellscape, Fahrenheit 451 is one of the best known dystopian sci-fi books out there for a reason. A must read for everyone. Also, F*ck AI.

Read my full review.

1) The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (translated to English by Richard Pevear & Larissa Volokhonsky)

Dostoevsky books leave you a changed person. And his magnum opus is perhaps the most powerful life-changing read there is out there. With Pevear & Volokhonsky’s brilliant translation, Dostoevsky’s deep philosophical ideas and moral, ethical questions leave you pondering over not just the story and its characters, but what they really have to say about the world and humanity as a whole. I voluntarily chose not to review this because I can’t find the right words to express my enchantment, bafflement, and awe of this literary tome.

The most difficult read of the year, but also the best.

Closing Remarks

Wow, I can’t believe the year is already over. I love looking back at the year and everything I’ve read. I also posted a video on my YouTube channel, if you’d like to check it out:

So many amazing stories, so many amazing experiences. And so many more to come next year!

What do you think about my Top 10 Books of 2025 list? Agree or disagree, let me know in the comments below!

Also, let me know what were your favourite reads of 2025? I’m always happy to get recommendations.

Check out:

• Top 10 Movies of 2025
• Top 10 TV Shows of 2025
• Stranger Things Season 5 Finale | Series Finale | Review
• Island of the Dying Goddess

Hope y’all had a great 2025. Until next time!