My Favourite Books of 2025

Every year I make a list of my favourite books. They're not necessarily published in 2025, but they were read in that time. If you haven't read any of my reviews or followed my Goodreads account, beware that my tastes tend to lean sci-fi heavy.

So: in no particular order, these are the 10 books I enjoyed most this year.

1. Pretenders to the Throne of God by Adrian Tchaikovsky

This is the 4th full-length novel in Tchaikovsky's "Tyrant Philosophers" series. If you've read any of my book reviews, you'll know that this is my favourite series from my favourite author. I'm not usually a fantasy fan but this series is a fascinating exploration of the problems with obtaining perfection.

2. Is a River Alive by Robert MacFarlane

I was lucky enough to attend the book launch for this. MacFarlane is a prolific nature writer; this work focuses on rivers in the UK and beyond, and the fight to obtain rights and respect for these living beasts.

3. Some Body Like Me by Lucy Lapinska

I didn't have high hopes for this book; I was given an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), which are always hit and miss. This story takes place in a not too distant future, where androids not only exist but have gained human rights. It's weird and strange and definitely picking up, if only for the fact that one of the main characters is named Autumn.

4. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

I feel weird recommending this book because it is...disgusting. Graphic. Harsh. It's not one I'll ever read again, but I'm glad to have read it. I honestly think this is best going in blind, so give it a chance? Or don't; that might be for the best.

5. Talk by Elizabeth Stokoe

I've been trying to read more nonfiction lately, and I'm glad I picked up this one. It's a study of conversations--a real study, focusing on the functions of spoken language. It's fascinating in its own right, but also as a resource for those of us working in content and conversational design.

6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

I have to include at least one classic. I've been putting off reading this one for years, though I'm not sure why. You don't need to me to tell you to pick up Dickens. Just do it.

9. Gravitation by Milan Dezinsky

Another ARC, this small poetry collection knocked me back. Punchy, succinct, slightly unhinged.

10. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds by Marianne Taylor

Okay, granted, this isn't your traditional book. But 2025 was a year of birdwatching for me, and this nifty guide has helped me look like less of an idiot in front of experts. It's already worn and muddy, and I'm looking forward to getting more use out of it in 2026.