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2025. What a nice even number of a year. 2025 really rolls off the tongue beautifully. I’d be more excited about this year except the last time we had a nice even, symmetrical year, things didn’t turn out so hot. 😓
Moving on. This year, I thought I’d share with all of you my 2025 clean fantasy read list. These are books I plan to read this year and I’ll share why they’re on my list. Now, I want to be clear. I’m not vouching for any of these books at this point. I haven’t read them yet! So, don’t come for me if they’re no good.
This is also by no means an exhaustive list. I’ll probably read books that aren’t on this list and if any of them do turn out to be stinkers… I DNF if I must. Life is far too short to read a book I’m not enjoying. Enough blibber blabber. Let’s get into my 2025 reading list. I’ll tell you a little about the book and why it made my list!
- Melderblood by E. A. Winters
Princess Aviama’s world has been steeped in chaos ever since long-dormant magic returned – and came alive in her blood.
Enemies to the north have summoned her to compete for the hand of their prince, an invitation she cannot refuse. Despite unstable powers, she is sent to keep the peace, gain the prince’s trust, and discover the hostile kingdom’s sinister plans.
As rumors about the prince’s hatred for magic melders spread, Aviama is forced to conceal her abilities while battling to defend her kingdom—amidst whispers of a murderous secret society.
With threats on the rise, Aviama starts to wonder if she’ll ever earn the prince’s trust. But will she live long enough to find out?
WHY IT MADE MY LIST: Winters is big on TikTok and I started following her quite a while ago because she boasts that her books are clean fantasy and I’m always looking for a good, clean, fantasy book. (I’ve been tricked into too many spicy 🌶️ books against my will) This one caught my eye because for 3 main reasons: (1) female lead that is (2) summoned to a “Selection” like competition with (3) hidden magical abilities. Ah yes, tick, tick, tick! I love all of that.
Now full disclosure: I am already reading this book. I’m about a third of the way through and it’s good so far. It hasn’t GRABBED me quite yet but I’m enjoying it enough that I’m gonna keep going.
Check out Melderblood by CLICKING HERE
2. To Bind Fire by D.E. Carlson
A powerful imposter. A land torn by war. Their only hope-a child born in innocence. And Iris has killed him.
Iris is a frightened girl thrust into a foreign world by her own terrible mistake.
Besaun is Crown Prince of the Fire Empire who would rather tinker than assume the throne.
Both are fated to save the world.
Iris knows little of her past and less of her heritage, but she knows Fire. It whispers to her, leaping at her urging, delighting her eyes.
But then, fire takes everything from her, and she learns her bloodline’s terrible secret.
Her terrible secret.
Because of her, the world is dying.
But there is hope for them all, if she can face her deepest fear. If she can master the fire.
WHY IT MADE MY LIST: Born with powers! I love this trope- girl born with incredible/unique power and she must learn to control it. Sounds like she’s going to kick butt and save the world so I’m on board. Also, definitely hinting at a romance plot line. ❤️
Check out To Bind Fire by CLICKING HERE
3. The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin
Selling stories is a deadly business
Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories–she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down…and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers…and they’re after her too.
WHY IT MADE MY LIST: I actually didn’t know much about the plot of this book when I put it on my list, but I have had this book recommended to me several times. I’ve heard that it’s really good and quite the page turner so I’m gonna trust those recommendations and check it out!
Check out The Story Peddler by CLICKING HERE
4. Bluebeard and the Outlaw by Tara Grayce
Marriage: the ultimate heist.
Robin of the Greenwood spends her days robbing from the rich to feed the poor. With her knowledge of the fae paths, she eludes all attempts to capture her. But she and her merry band of brothers never seem to get anywhere. The more she steals, the more the evil Duke Guy “Bluebeard” taxes the villagers.
When Robin discovers that Duke Guy plans to marry yet again, she conceives a plan for a final, big score. As Guy’s wife, she will have access to his wealth. The lord is notorious for killing his wives shortly after he marries them, but Robin has no plans to be dead wife number four.
The only problem is that Duke Guy is devastatingly handsome, brooding, and nothing at all what she expected. If she isn’t careful, she might just find that he steals her heart before she can rob his riches.
WHY IT MADE MY LIST: Oooo okay, so this one is a little out of the ordinary YA fantasy purview. It’s a gender flip of Robinhood which I found really intriguing. Plus I love the idea of marrying someone as ploy to get his riches. 😏So, let’s give it a whirl!
Check out Bluebeard and the Outlaw by CLICKING HERE
Bonus!
5. The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
Ok so this one is NOT a fantasy book. In fact, it’s non-fiction. You might not know this about me but I probably devour non-fiction more than I do fiction! And another disclosure: I am also currently reading this book and just about done with it.
WHY IT MADE MY LIST: I’m a voracious consumer of both Youtube content and True Crime. This book is the intersection of those two things so it piqued my interest. It’s very good. It’s very sad. You should read it if either of those things interest you.
Check out The House of My Mother by CLICKING HERE
Alright folks, there ya have it! My 2025 TBR list. I’m looking forward to diving in. Please go check out these authors if any of these blurbs sound intriguing to you. Leave a comment below if you’ve read any of these books or plan to!
And if you’re looking for a FREE clean fantasy read, you can download a copy of The Sacrifice of One by signing up for my email newsletter. Check it out by CLICKING HERE.
Until next time,
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