Farewell 2025. Hello 2026!!!
- Lavay Byrd
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Well, my reader friends! We made it to 2026!!! (And if you’re still waking up from partying, that’s okay!!)
Looking back, I believe a great deal has happened in 2025, both personally and creatively.
I discontinued my newsletter and restarted my journal/blog.
I finally finished my YA epic fantasy series “The Aethon Chronicles”. (YAAAY!)
Made a new online writer friend (Jessica A. Tanner)
Grew more as a person... but still learning how to be an adult.
Spent more time with my friends and family
Found a lot of new books to read
And discovered new stories to write!!
I’m actually looking forward to 2026, even though I don’t know what the future holds. (Okay, I’m nervous, but... kind of excited!)
Yet, I’m grateful to Papa-God for being with me in my life thus far. And always, whenever I think of what I need to do, I would here Him say, “Trust Me. I got this.”
I’m still learning... but I’m still LIVING!!
Now, I get to share all the “bookish worlds” I discovered and revisited this past year!! Note, the following reviews are based on personal experiences and MY opinions.
Some links will lead to my reviews on my blog... and others on Goodreads. (Just click on the covers!)
2025 Favorite Re-Reads
Favorite New Reads of 2025 (from 10th to 1st Place)
Snapdragon by Sarah Beran
Mashup “Cozy” Retelling of Thumbelina and Hades & Persephone
I was almost hesitant to read this one, but knowing the author, this book was quite a treat! Despite a few kidnappings and moments of despair, it’s all perfectly balanced with wholesome romance, twists, humor, and enchanting worldbuilding! The characters were all a delight, from Spunky Percy (Persephinia) to heroic Prince Hayse and his fun friends!
Face the Night by Lani Forbes
YA Western Fantasy Standalone
This book was quite a thrilling ride that grips you to the end. Full of action-packed scenes of gunfights and epic showdowns and memorable characters that shine, woven with fantastical elements. This is also the ONLY western fantasy novel I actually enjoyed!
Visions of Grandeur by Josiah DeGraaf
Dark Fantasy Short Story Collection
Goodness. These were... heavy short stories! I loved the idea of superheroes and villains in a medieval-like world. Still, the author doesn’t shy away from writing real heroes (and possibly villains) who make decisions-- both good and horrible-- and face life-altering consequences.
The Boy Who Didn’t Exist by Mariposa Aristeo
Novella Reimagining of “The Invisible Man”
This was so hauntingly beautiful. Woven in an almost dystopian country is a message of hope. The hope that those who feel unseen... are seen... and loved. And valued.
Singular by Nicole Sager
Inspirational Fantasy Novella
This little book is... too beautiful and soul-stirring for words to describe. You'll have to read it yourself!
Peaflower by Jessica A. Tanner
Fairytale Retelling of “The Princess and the Pea”
This was LOVELY!!! I actually read it within hours! But this is not your typical retelling. It’s a mashup of MULTIPLE. With a plot full of intriguing mysteries, family dramas, and unexpected TWISTS perfectly balanced with WHOLESOME SWEETNESS! And the characters were delightful --- except for two certain villains.
The Betrayal of Eden by Erin Phillips
YA Dark Academia, gender-swapped Reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo.
This book sucked me in and left my heart aching! (And I read it in a day!!) The two main characters (Eden and Hunter) stole my heart! The elements of "Count of Monte Cristo" are so cleverly woven throughout, yet so unique at the same time!
Lady Carliss & the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black
YA Medieval Fantasy
Goodness, this book was an unexpected adventure! So much so that I read it twice! (Some weeks later!) I found myself immediately loving and rooting for Lady Carliss (FINALLY a brave female warrior who also likes to wear dresses!), but so many of the characters stood out! The plot was so full of twists and turns that it kept me glued to my seat!
Of Sea and Smoke by Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Epic Fantasy
This was such a ride! Full of wars, treachery, and shocking revelations after another! Many of the characters wrestle with inner demons and against their physical enemies as they fight for their countries yet learning to find hope in the midst of their struggles. Excuse my language, but Shades! I was not ready for that shock of a cliffhanger!
Collusion by H.S.J. Williams
High Fantasy
This was such an awesome book! You can tell that the world and the characters we came to love have grown, with an intriguing touch of “Gaslamp” elements. In many ways, the story doesn't shy away from the terrible injustices we see in our world today (greed, treachery, hatred, human trafficking...). And yet, it was so perfectly balanced with heartwarming and uplifting moments of friendships and family, and best of all, HOPE.
Here's to looking forward to another year of stories and life in this journey Papa-God takes me!
Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
How about you?
Have you discovered new reads-- or anything else in 2025? What are you looking forward to in 2026?
Share in the comments below!
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