25 books to read in 2025 📖⭐️ my 2025 TBR

[@pkmadsen2850]

Over the years, I've learned that (for me) setting a TBR for the year doesn't work because I'm SUCH a mood reader. Indeed, I wanted to read those 24 books at the beginning of the year - a reflection of who I was reading-wise at THAT time -- but not where I was at typically as the year trudged on therefore a lot of the books didn't get read and the pressure of the list was hanging over me. Instead, in 2024, I kept track of "my 24 favorites of 24". First, it helps me remember that "high" of reading that book at the time (feelings change when time passes after completion) and second, it's a better view of my personal enjoyable reads instead of a "top ten" kind of shorter list. That said, I always enjoy watching these kinds of TBRs. :)

[@pkmadsen2850]

I love and adore The Name of the Wind. You MUST read it. I've tried to read Brandon Sanderson for years. Last year I tried to read The Way of Kings and for the first time -- at page 75 -- I wanted to throw a book against the wall. Earlier this year, I read Mistborn The Final Empire and enjoyed it. A few days ago I decided to try The Way of Kings again -- and I'm enjoying it. Perhaps I'm now tuned into Sanderson's writing style and worldbuilding. Am I an acolyte of Cult BrandoSando? No. But I do respect his authorship.

[@emmaskapetis7603]

I am just doing a little tbr because I also am a huge mood reader.

[@Ssophie123]

I decide to do a book bingo for next year instead of a tbr, it feels less pressure than an actual list and it doesn't have specific books on it

[@rawwritzlarr]

GIRL i’m so glad you’re picking up Manacled! please please do a reading vlog on it, it will destroy you in the best way 😅 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@katiematthews4136]

I’m so excited that you want to read Empire of the Vampire. That series has changed my opinion of good writing for the rest of my life. Also can’t wait for the Cosmere books. I’m currently reading wind and truth and I am crying through every chapter (out of happiness just because I’ve missed these characters so much)

[@ravenhairedreader]

this makes me so excited 😍

[@marliscan]

I loved that book, i have the second one and it glares at me from its shelf, i need to pick it up and get back into that pretty terrifying world. I love love Jay Kristoff!!!

[@arinushka6816]

I cant wait for your opinion on Anna Karenina! One of my favourite books of all time, make sure to watch the movie and ballet after you finish it!!

[@susanscott7765]

Definitely read City of Brass trilogy it is wonderful, Starless Sea I did not get into and was disappointed because I adored the night Circus, loved the name of the wind, you must read Lani Taylors books they are the absolute best, definitely read the storm light archives they are brilliant, Tress of the Emerald Sea is gorgeous.

[@danamonsees-cns]

This might be the most intimidating and relatable fantasy TBR of all time 😅

[@BethanyAustin-d6p]

Added some of those books to my own tbr! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@AngelicaNyqvist]

yes, the count of monte cristo is my favorite classic Ive ever read, so good :D

[@ravenhairedreader]

I hear from so many people that it’s great!! I can’t wait to read it 🙌🏼

[@kayy.crossing]

soo excited for you to read city of lost souls!! i have felt pretty similar to you in terms of the shadowhunter chronicles (thought the first tmi books were fine, adored tid, was surprisingly gagged by tmi4) and city of lost souls is one of my FAVORITE books by cassandra clare. i think about it every day tbh so i hope you like it & vlog it!!

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

Also Song of Achilles is my favorite book of 2024 it’s such a beautiful book

[@DommP20]

It’s one of my favorite! You should read Circe, if you haven’t already. Same author and fantastically written :)

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

@ Yay! I have it on my shelf I’m getting to it this year for sure! 😊

[@JulesIsWatchingStuff]

Yesss a new video ! Love you Rachel, I hope you're doing really well after your break !

[@ravenhairedreader]

thank you!! I am doing great 🩷

[@helendesposito2457]

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my fave books of all time. Read in high school and have reread. On my tbr for another reread as it’s been awhile. So many twists and turns. It’s amazing!

[@jaycarr5906]

If you end up being intrigued by the story but don't vibe with the writing style, get the Oxford World's Classic edition of Anna Karenina. The translation you have is the oldest version and it's not for everyone. The Oxford translation is the most modern. It's the one I have and I like it.

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

I’m starting my Brandon Sanderson journey this year I’m so excited

[@MrsOptimus]

Pachinko is amazing! 😍

[@cassielovesreading]

Hi Rachel!!! I think that you and I have the same taste in books! I too am a fantasy and romance girlie, and most of the books on your TBR for 2025, I have and some that I have read! I would definitely love to see you vlog LOTR: The Fellowship of the Rings, Tress of the Emerald Sea and Starless Sea!!! Anyhoo, great video as always, I will definitely be reading the books that I haven't read yet, for 2025! I hope that you're have a wonderful holiday season and have a wonderful Monday! Take care sweetie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[@tarareads23]

I read The Count of Monte Cristo and it was amazing! I wanted to read Dracula this Halloween but didn’t get to it. But next year I will. Anna Karenina for the longest. But yes, 2025, I will do it! 😊 ⭐️

[@happily_ever_april]

I'm actually a little surprised you haven't read city of brass! hope you enjoy it and become obsessed.

[@DaughterOfTheKingdom16]

Omg!! Lol Song of Achilles has been on my tbr forever lol! I hope I also read it 😂 16:06

[@telola56]

I hope you vlog reading Manacled. It’s so very good! I find that I have the same reading taste as you for the most part. I think you will love it.

[@Sigisnook]

You’re gonna love Pachinko!

[@macinnismama]

You've compiled such a fantastic list ✨️ I'm considering having my list focused on sequels

[@nattyic3]

I read all 3 LoTR installments this year and it was a journey of high highs and low lows. I definitely recommend picking them up but get ready for a lot of scenery descriptions and traveling montages. Fellowship didn’t truly pick up for me until the crew went traveled into Moria. The chapter with the Balrog was so epic and fun to read. I really hope you get around to them in 2025 I’d love to watch your reviews! Same with ASOIAF I’m currently on Storm of Swords :)

[@nicoleyearsley3452]

This year I made a 24 books in 2024 list and started the year off strong. I just got off track because I stopped reading for a while, but something that had been working for me was reading one book on the list while it was still 2023. Essentially I started 2024 off already feeling pumped because one book was already read. Then I started adding two of the books to each month’s tbr and making sure I read them. That worked out so great, until I got into a massive reading slump, but that was unrelated. Hope this helps at least one person in the comments. It really helped me for a long time. 😀

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Todd here. Wonderful List! I started The Name of the Wind by Rothfuss years ago, I need to finish it! Happy Holidays!

[@Bookbonkers8439]

I have faith in you that you will read these 25 books!! That would be a great vlog series, to read your 25 in 25! ⭐️⭐️

[@LochsLibrary]

i hope you loooove manacled 😭💚 🌟✨💫⭐️✨

[@TheKatherineCummings]

I want to re-read The Hunger Games next year, plus read the 4th ('cause I didn't even know it was a thing until this year), AND I'm excited for book 5 which is Heimich's (unsure on how to spell it, haven't read them in English yet) story! I'm with you on the three classics as well. I have them in my possession (along with many other classics) for AGES and I have not managed to get to them. Taking a lot of suggestions too here. My poor TBR, haha! Also, I also want to try Brandon Sanderson. I tried Mistborn trilogy ages ago, but didn't get into it. GAME OF THRONES! I have the same edition! In fact, I have the whole 5-book boxset. They are so cute, I love them! But, I keep starting and stopping. Even now a bookmark is still in there, with a big white tassel hanging off of it and the book is GLARING at me! I almost picked it back up last month, but it didn't work out. ⭐

[@proseandcons7730]

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy! And I’m 3/5 books into Stormlight Archive and it’s a wild ride! So worth the read and Warbreaker is still my fave from Brandon Sanderson

[@CleverClarkCreations]

Currently reading The Name Of the Wind; it such a warm sweater of a book! Rothfuss is an amazing writer! ❤❤

[@books_and_heels]

Thank you for putting several new books I have never heard of on my radar, Rachel! Have you thought about recording a vlog this month around your 24 books to read in 2024 TBR? 😋💛🎀

[@fallonturner7441]

A Song of Ice and Fire is one of my favourite series of all times, the first season was a very good replica of book one but over time the series moves further away from the plot of the books. Read Tress and Pachinko this year and loved them both! Also read the Starless Sea - I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Night Circus and I can see that it wouldn’t be for everyone, but I did still enjoy it and I’d like to read it again to pick up on things I might have missed the first time around.

[@ashleykinney4294]

I also want to give Manacled a shot in 2025, it was on my TBR all year lol ⭐️

[@beekause_i_read2300]

Great list. I have a lot of them on my tbr too.❤

[@MariaMightReadThat]

I'm so excited for you that you get to experience City of Brass/Daevabad for the first time!!

[@1U7S7A6]

The Starless Sea is my favorite book of all time!!! I’d give it a 100 stars ⭐️ If I could. I even bought the first uk edition hand signed!

[@lottasnook]

I'm now reading The Inadequate Heir. The middle part is a bit to slow for me but the rest is 5 star amazing! 🥰🥰⭐

[@terithomas4879]

So many of these books are on my tbr also!

[@ErinRoberts-b2y]

Darkfever is fabulous! Read 10 plus years ago and I need to reread!

[@emmaskapetis7603]

I also have Brandon Sanderson books, the Song of Ice and fire series and Dracula on my tbr.

[@Romy-90]

Yes "A Song of Ice and Fire" ❤ one of the most special book series I've ever read and so much better than the TV show! Hope you'll get to "A Storm of Swords" at one point because that book is so so good!

[@CaseyVReadsAlot]

I have like 99% of these books on my TBR as well! We should make a group to hold ourselves accountable & buddy read them together! ❤

[@rinblackmare]

I don’t want to ruin your TMI plans or anything, but… the release date for Cassandra Clare’s last trilogy in The Shadowhunter Chronicles is actually currently listed for 2026 😅 I mean, at least you get more time to read the other series!

[@OnniesJournal]

Dracula is one of my all time favorite books that I've read. Into the Dark 😭❤ that book is so deep but so good. 🐝 🐺 🦌 You've got lots of good books on this tbr. ⭐️

[@KattDee]

Daughter of smoke and bone! Love it!

[@Taabea]

I‘m so excited for Alchemised my god

[@giantcupofcoffee]

Brave lady! My TBRs are always a pile of liessss. But Starless Sea will change you so that’s one you gotta get to!

[@ravenhairedreader]

this has me so excited!!

[@hallewhy]

⭐️

[@Cm-up9sf]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️the list sounds good ! Can you vlog Manacle? Are you going to read Onyx Storm ?

[@ravenhairedreader]

yes I hope to vlog it! and yes i am going to read onyx storm ☺️

[@angelyntor2273]

hope you get to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone! I finally finished the trilogy in the beginning of this year (I own the books and they sat in my shelf unread for many years) and I really enjoyed my experience

[@Dasha-pv1xk]

City of lost souls is the best TMI book!!!

[@GamenRead]

I’m on book 3 of Stormlight (Oathbringer), and as someone who often really struggles to get through large tomes like these due to being a huuuuge mood reader, I’ve had a hard time putting these books down for anything else!

[@KatiesBookNook426]

✨ my bookish tattoo is a quote from the starless sea so you could say i liked it LOL 😂

[@xxxChRiStInA2512xxx]

I'm so sure you will love Manacled

[@Ananenina]

You neeeed but neeeeeeed to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone Song of Achilles Manacled Those changed me fundamentally. I think you will really love them both three have a heart wrenching romances

[@Mimlou]

For 2025, I want to read The Zodiac Academy. So much hype around it. Same with Brandon Sanderson's books. Curious to see it it's worth it 🤭

[@daphne.readsnl]

⭐️ Into The Dark is also on my 25 tbr! So glad I'm not the only one who hasn't read it 🤭 I'm just not ready for Magnolia and BJs story to be over 🥺

[@ravenhairedreader]

me too!! it’s sad to think their story is over 😭

[@temiomotayo]

what edition of fellowship do you have? i need it!!!

[@Livelifelovebooks]

I drove to the bookstore the day The Starless Sea came out and I have yet to pick it up only because I have such high high hopes for it

[@jackielowrey3032]

Harry Potter & LOTR are my 2025 must reads or I’ll be in trouble with myself lol

[@Edum24-z6t]

With the LOTR books you will learn a lot more about the history of Middle Earth be introduced to a lot of different characters some that you didn’t see in the movies all in all it is an amazing series that I enjoyed I am interested in what you think of it. Also you might want to read the Hobbit first you don’t have to but I think it will make your reading journey with LOTR more enjoyable.

[@MelLenoreReads]

You're going to be living your best life next year!

[@ravenhairedreader]

that is the plan!!

[@CleverClarkCreations]

I will buddy read The Starless Sea! Erin Morgenstern is auto buy, auto cry, auto heart wrench! ❤❤

[@emilyyopchick8865]

where did you find that version of fellowship of the ring?

[@jens112_]

Please read the last Magnolia Parks 💙 it’s so so worth it

[@roxannawhatever]

⭐️✨🌟

[@IamCarmenE]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@anabeladesousa682]

🌟 🌟 🌟

[@woodlandlady7011]

⭐🌟

[@AP-hh2ki]

Did you end up reading book 3 in the Legacy series ? What did you think ?

[@krlovn]

Gurl A song of Achilles!!!! Please!!!❤

[@karendavis-macon9658]

I ordered these in blue…what did I get charcoal!!

[@lulun1669]

I saw that you might cancel your romantasy subscription (which is so fair I'm feeling the same way lol). butttt I do just want to mention that the February pick is something i think you will love!👀

[@ravenhairedreader]

OMG I just saw the prediction post and I will 100% be keeping my subscription now hahah. maybe next year is going to have a better selection overall 🤞🏼

[@lulun1669]

​@@ravenhairedreader immediately thought of you when i saw it!! it gives me hope that we will get good ones in 2025😭

[@xfanboyxreadsx]

Our list is overlapping so much. 🤣 2025 is the year of epic fantasy!!! Cosmere here we come!

[@ravenhairedreader]

entire tbr buddy read?? 😂

[@xfanboyxreadsx]

@ always. 🤣

[@heathers_happily_ever_afters]

⭐

[@dorysannerysdejesusmejia3952]

I would love to watch your journey with The lord of the rings trilogy 💍is one of my favorite movies of all times but I feel so intimidated to read the books⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@JulEnglefaris]

We can't keep doing 25 in 2025 or 26 in 2026 at this point. It's just too much lol. I say let's do top 10 and leave it at that!

[@kindlesandcandles]

Omg if I want to read a book REALLY BAD my brain puts this mental block on it and like will not let me pick it up? It is bizzare. Like I’m massively afraid of the disappointment if it’s not 5*? I have no idea lol . Unless it’s a new release, then I can read it right away (like Iron Flame I read at midnight when I got it lol). But I’m glad I’m not the only one!!

[@ravenhairedreader]

literally me!!!

[@liezllovesbooks]

good luck

[@isabelmdr3332]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Gillian.Ashcroft.66]

🖤💜🤍🤎

[@bethany92321]

Maybe 2025 will be the year I dip my toes into dark romance 🫣I’ve really wanted to read Haunting Adeline since last year but I’ve always been scared 🤣 I’m hoping to make the plunge and read it in 2025. I also want to read the zodiac academy as well. I read book 1 and I’m so interested to read about this world more.🩷🩷

[@Livelifelovebooks]

I drove to the bookstore the day The Starless Sea came out and I have yet to pick it up only because I have such high high hopes for it

[@bethmetcalf3447]

⭐️

[@SBreadss]

✨️

[@WendyTheGeekGoddess]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TeenaReadsandCrochets]

⭐️