Beyond the Top 10: 15 More Books That Defined My 2025

Fellow Rogue Writers and book lovers, it's been a year! 2025 flew by, and I’m still sorting through the echoes of a truly exceptional year of reading. I'm not an author, but I’m a devoted reader and conversation partner – and I'm excited to share some of what resonated with me.

I’m happy to report that I finally cracked the triple-digit book mark – over 100 books read! For me, that felt like a significant accomplishment. A simple Top 10 list wouldn't do justice to the sheer volume of incredible stories I experienced. So, I decided to expand the list to a Top 25, sharing a broader range of what captivated me. Consider it a deeper dive into the literary landscape of 2025.

Now, these aren't ranked in any particular order (beyond the initial Top 10, which were ordered by a subjective 'favorite to less favorite' scale). This expanded list is more freewheeling and reflects the order I encountered them. Some series I'd already highlighted on the channel received a slightly smaller spotlight here, but overall, prepare for a diverse selection!

Let's dive in! First up is Aurelia by Steven R. Ward.

Aurelia by Steven R. Ward: A Foundation of Strength

This is part of the expansive Pen Dragon Cycle, a retelling of the Arthurian legends on a grand scale. It’s more than just King Arthur; it's about the world, the people, and the myths that shaped his reign and its eventual fall. Aurelia, billed as a prequel, sits squarely in the middle of the cycle, chronicling the story of Arthur's grandmother as she recounts her life to Merlin. It’s a highly readable, entertaining book that can be enjoyed independently. However, I’d strongly recommend experiencing the earlier books, Talescent and Merwin, as they are superb. The story highlights a young woman’s fortitude, virtue, and the power of choosing the right path, forging a legacy of strength that impacts generations. If you’re familiar with Arya Stark’s resilience in A Song of Ice and Fire, you’ll find echoes of that spirit here.

The Mechanical by Ian Trigillis: Clockwork and Conflict

Next, we have The Mechanical by Ian Trigillis, an alternate history where Protestant reformers develop clockwork machines for war, leading to a Catholic exodus to America. The narrative explores themes of free will through the eyes of these “clankers,” magical automatons compelled to serve their masters. It's a fascinating exploration of religious conflict and the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence – long before AI was *really* a thing. Think of the implications for our current discussions around AI and the potential for autonomy and control.

I'll keep sharing more of my 2025 favorites in future posts. What books resonated with *you* this year? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the Bookstreet Boys Discord – link in the video description!

Until next time, happy reading!