Top Books We Discovered in 2025

In a year that dragged as if it spanned a century, diving into captivating novels provided some necessary escapism. The Engadget team indulged in reading many enthralling books in 2025, and we’ve rounded up our most cherished selections.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Charlotte McConaghy masterfully intertwines a deeply personal tale with the looming threat of climate crisis in 'Wild Dark Shore'. On a secluded island by Antarctica, a father with his children tends to an enormous seed repository from a forsaken scientific site. While staying afloat until a rescue effort arrives, they unexpectedly welcome Rowan, a woman who washes up, entangling herself with the family. Her mysterious ties to the island's past and its former researchers add layers to the narrative.

McConaghy builds tension masterfully across the storyline, leaving readers with a sense of unease, anticipating the inevitable clash. Though focusing on a small family drama, the stakes are heightened by environmental catastrophe. Her ability to depict near-future ecological disasters in striking prose sets the novel apart, reminiscent of her acclaimed work, 'Migrations'.

Moonflow by Bitter Karella

Bitter Karella’s 'Moonflow' is an exhilarating yet unsettling adventure that kept me riveted. Be wary, as this ride is not for the faint of heart. The book eerily juggles horror and humor, creating a chaotic experience for its readers. Told through concurrent narratives, it follows Sarah, a trans woman wrapped in a perilous scenario, and members of a lunatic cult residing in a bewitched forest. Chaos ensues when Sarah seeks the mythic mushroom, King's Breakfast, in their territory.

Karella crafts a sensory-rich narrative, transporting readers into a world you feel viscerally. Its quirky, caricature-like characters are reminiscent of those I've encountered, and the cult members' names added comedic flavor. The unpredictability aside from few ominous hints ensures a memorable and intense reading journey.

Simplicity by Mattie Lubchansky

Despite 'Simplicity' centering on a cult, its depiction veers away from the typical negative connotations. Lured by praise from the online community, I dove into this novel set in a futuristic Catskills, familiar terrain for me in New York's Hudson Valley. A techno-dystopia grips New York City in 2081, but outside its confines, communities like The Spiritual Association of Peers live off-grid.

Lucius Pasternak, a transgender man, embarks on an assignment to understand their lifestyle at Simplicity. However, eerie visions and violent disruptions threaten their existence. Through Lucius' eyes, a profound exploration of queer identity, community, and self-discovery unfolds. It’s a book that resonates deeply with readers, offering a sense of belonging.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Stephen Graham Jones presents a haunting blend of history and horror in 'The Buffalo Hunter Hunter,' weaving a vampire mythos with the grim retelling of indigenous oppression by settlers in America. The story, chronicled in a found journal, outlines the confessions of Good Stab, a Blackfeet vampire recounting his tale to pastor Arthur Beaucarne, filled with devastating vengeance and suffering. It’s poised to become a definitive modern horror classic.

Isola by Allegra Goodman

With historical fiction, 'Isola' cleverly educates while enthralling readers. Allegra Goodman spins the survival tale of Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, stranded on a remote Canadian isle in 1542. Guided by archival records, Goodman forgoes predictable plot trajectories, immersing readers in the hardships Marguerite faces against nature's harshness.

Marguerite’s journey is marked by resilience, combating adversity at every life stage. Goodman paints her not just as a stereotypical spirited protagonist but as a complex, impulsive, and perceptive individual. The narrative brings the distant past closer, with vivid, detailed portrayals of both medieval and wild natural settings.

Old Soul by Susan Barker

Susan Barker’s 'Old Soul' was among the earliest reads that stayed with me through the year. Unraveling across eras and continents, it follows a woman apparently transcending death, leaving despair in her wake. Barker’s gripping prose draws readers into this unsettling saga, where the pace may be deliberate but deftly unravels the enigmatic impact of its protagonist.

Meet Me at the Crossroads by Megan Giddings

'Meet Me at the Crossroads' poses an intriguing question: Would you step through a mysterious door, ignorant of its destination or guarantee of return? Megan Giddings introduces seven inexplicable doors appearing globally, drawing fascination, fear, and faith from the masses. Ayanna, raised in a religious faith built around these doors, embarks on a ceremony when a decision upends her journey.

Following Ayanna's brave venture, catalyzed by her twin sister Olivia’s impulsive choice to join her, the story unfolds as they explore the world beyond these mystical gateways. This emotional narrative delves into themes of belief, fate, and sibling bonds.

Woodworking by Emily St. James

In 'Woodworking,' Emily St. James offers a touching, humorous, and poignant exploration of personal identity among two trans women. Erica, a recently divorced teacher coming to terms with her gender identity, finds an unexpected guide in her confident student, Abigail, despite the latter's youth and unresolved traumas.

Their intertwined stories accentuate the complexities and societal challenges faced by trans individuals, showcasing the profound significance of community support in embracing one's true self. St. James vividly captures both the internal and external conflicts, offering readers a nuanced perspective on acceptance and self-discovery.