Nils’ Top Reads of 2025
Last year I didn’t share a list of my favourite reads because well… there just wasn’t enough to make a list. However, thankfully, this year is a whole different story because with the rise of murder mystery fantasy, cosy fantasy and releases from my favourite authors, I had so many favourites.
Below is my Top 20 reads of 2025 with a brief summary of who I would recommend it for and I hope they can be useful to anyone looking for a new story to dive into. Not all of these reads were released in 2025 and some won’t even be out until 2026 but as I’m an ARC reader and I’ve read them this year, they’re still going to be included. My list, my rules!
I’m starting with my three outstanding books of the year, my crème de la crème! The rest follow in no particular order but I loved them all.
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson (first in a series)
Blend of dark academia, epic fantasy and murder mystery — an absolute triumph!
Recommended for people who like: Murder mystery, deadly, puzzling trials, houses/factions, scholarly main character and clever twists.
The Book of Fallen Leaves by A S Tamaki (first in a series, releases 17th March 2026)
An empire in turmoil, warring monks, samurai, demons and gods, and a deep philosophical reflection on the realities of warfare.
Recommended for people who like: epic fantasy, Japanese mythology, feudal-Japan setting, political intrigue and battles.
Grave Empire by Richard Swan (first in a trilogy)
Chilling mysteries, explosive action and epic adventure.
Recommended for people who like: flintlock fantasy, supernatural horror, fans of Swan’s Empire of the Wolf trilogy.
The Iron Road by David Wragg (Tales of the Plains book 3)
Fun banter, heartfelt character growth and action scenes to excite and delight!
Recommended for people who like: humorous fantasy, mother/daughter relationships, fun shenanigans and adventure.
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett (standalone, releases 17th February 2026)
Full of warmth, magic, hope and love.
Recommended for people who like: Cats, cosy reads, light romance, studio Ghibli, mages and chaotic magic.
Read my buddy review with Beth here
Once was Willem by M R Carey (standalone)
Dark tale of necromancy, nightmarish monsters with surprising heart and a fable that teaches of tolerance and understanding.
Recommended for people who like: medieval setting, mythical monsters, Frankenstein, paganism, corrupt kings, a melancholic tone and dark sorcery.
King Sorrow by Joe Hill (standalone)
Clever allegories, characters that showcase the full range of human shortcomings and strengths, and a dragon to send shivers down your spine.
Recommended for people who like: genre blends, thrillers and contemporary fantasy, dragons and chunky reads.
The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong (standalone)
Fantastic balance of magic, whimsy, humour and light academia and explores themes of kindness, understanding and learning to put less pressure on ourselves.
Recommended for people who like: cosy reads, light sapphic romance, studio Ghibli, quirky magic and magical academies.
Read my buddy read review with Beth here
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (first in a series)
Backstabbing politics, morally grey characters and an abundance of sardonic humour.
Recommended for people who like: humorous books, religion, a band of monsters, quests, and everything going wrong!
Read my buddy review with Beth here
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi (standalone)
Two doomed characters in a fairytale-esque world that’s bursting with whimsy
Recommended for people who like: cosy reads, fairytales, quirky magic and friendships.
Review to come in January
The Last Vigilant by Mark A Latham (first in a series)
Classic fantasy meets a puzzling mystery.
Recommended for people who like: murder mystery, epic fantasy, light magic system, necromancy and political intrigue.
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (second book in Shadow of the Leviathan series)
Fuses together fantasy and sci-fi, politics and mysticism, nature and technology, new life and horrifying deaths.
Recommended for people who like: the first book, Sherlock and Watson esque duo, deadly botanical magic and monsters.
Death on the Caldera by Emily Paxman (standalone)
Epic fantasy world combined with a murder mystery plot. A thrilling and unputdownable tale.
Recommended for people who like: witches, murder mystery, Agatha Christie, unique magic and myth.
Read my buddy review with Beth here
The Tower of the Tyrant by JT Greathouse (standalone)
Sword and sorcery with philosophy and myth.
Recommended for people who like: epic fantasy, morally grey characters, supernatural elements, and expansive worldbuilding.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (standalone but there is now a prequel set in the same world, House of Splinters)
Historical horror which promises to give readers goosebumps
Recommended for people who like: atmospheric reads, gothic fantasy, spooky, supernatural horror and historical fiction.
The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst (standalone but set in the same world as The Spellshop)
Unique magical tale of fresh starts and healing.
Recommended for people who like: cosy reads, botanical magic, romance, talking plants, animals and sweet treats.
The Dark Mirror by Samantha Shannon (fifth novel in The Bone Season series)
Gripping cinematic fantasy thriller.
Recommended for people who like: the other books in the series, unique supernatural magic system, urban fantasy and rebellions.
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H. G. Parry (standalone)
A dark academia brimming with fun, familiar characters, literary analysis and a compelling mystery.
Recommended for people who like: books about books, classic literature, sibling relationships and plenty of exciting shenanigans.
A Palace Near the Wind by Ai Jiang (first in a duology)
Blends sci-fi, fantasy and a touch of dystopian together. A haunting story that is both strange and fascinating
Recommended for people who like: novella’s, genre blends, strange worlds, mystery and family dynamics.
The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow (standalone)
Filled with twists and turns and hidden depths. A love story that is haunting, melancholic but oh so beautifully explored.
Recommended for people who like: historical fantasy, Arthurian mythology, romance, lyrical prose and Lady Knights.
Read my buddy review with Beth here
