I already met my reading goal for the year! It’s so nice to reach it early. It means I can bump up next year. I might make my pre-reading slump rate of a book a week this year!
What did I read?
In the third quarter of 2025, I read fourteen books. I read primarily in audiobook, but it accounted for 4400 pages, and it took an average of 9 days to finish a book.
My moods were quite varied this quarter. I primarily read adventurous books, which is almost always my top mood. I also read mysterious and emotional books. Tense, reflective, lighthearted, funny, dark and hopeful stories round out my moods. I so rarely read lighthearted books, so I’m pleased to see that this quarter.
While I normally read medium-paced books followed by fast-paced, this quarter, I also read a couple slow-paced books.
My award reading ended and I’ve been reading more 2025 and 2026 debut novels.
Fantasy topped my genres this quarter. I also read LGBTQIA* and Science Fiction books and some young adult. These tend to be my top genre. I also read Middle Grade, which is a fun genre. I think it’s underappreciated.
I feel like I read a bunch of varied genres this quarter, more than usual. As I head into the end of the year, I will probably read slightly lighter books.
I read two books by three authors, which isn’t very common. I got caught up on Seanan McGuire’s A. Deborah Baker’s middle grade series. I read Arkady Martine’s Teixcalaan duology and both of Keshe Chow’s books.
Best Books of the Quarter
Of the fourteen (14) books I read last quarter, I gave three (3) 5* ratings.
First up is Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay. I read the audiobook, which I think had some changes compared to the print book. I just loved this book. Super creepy.
Next up is A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine. I am a little late to the series, but better late than never, especially in this case. I liked this book more than the first. It started a little slow, but that second half and ending hit exactly right for me.
Finally, The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is in competition for my favorite read of 2025. The story is beautiful, the writing is gorgeous, the narration is stunning. If adult fantasy novellas are in your wheelhouse, run, don’t walk, to your nearest book-procuring location and get this right now! I wouldn’t be surprised if Amal El-Mohtar doesn’t sweep awards with this one.
So ends my third quarter Reading Reflection–with a contender for my favorite read of the year. I’ll be back at the New Year with an entire year wrap-up and my new 2026 reading goals.