Sun’s out, books out. For me, summer means long evenings, quiet mornings, and a pile of books (both physical and digital) teetering on every available surface. Once again, I’ve pulled together 12 titles I’m excited to get stuck into over the holidays—some brand new, some long overdue, and a few that are technically for children, but as Katherine Rundell would argue, that’s all the more reason to read them.
Here’s what’s on the list for Summer 2025:
1. The Kraken Wakes – John Wyndham
I’ve developed a bit of a thing for Wyndham. In previous summers, The Day of the Triffids and The Chrysalids both left me awestruck with their quiet, creeping tension. The Kraken Wakes promises more of that same slow-burn suspense. Radio broadcasts from the ocean? A mysterious invasion from beneath the waves? Yes please.
2. Thunder City – Philip Reeve
Reeve is the master of world-building in my book (literally). The Railhead trilogy remains my all-time favourite sci-fi series, and I still maintain that the Mortal Engines books are criminally underappreciated—especially considering what the film tried to do (and… didn’t). Thunder City is a prequel I’ve had on my radar for months, and I’m expecting the same steampunk brilliance and layered storytelling Reeve is known for.
3. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase – Joan Aiken
This one’s been lurking on the edge of my TBR for years. A children’s classic that crops up on countless school reading lists, it’s high time I find out what the fuss is about. Set in an alternate 19th-century England plagued by wolves, the book promises gothic chills, daring escapes, and a pair of plucky heroines. What’s not to like?
4. The Marble Hall Murders – Anthony Horowitz
Horowitz is the king of clever crime, and this latest addition to the Magpie Murders series has me very intrigued. I grew up on Alex Rider and have followed his work into adult fiction with the same enthusiasm. Expect puzzles within puzzles and his usual clever, self-aware style.
5. King of Nothing – Nathanael Lessore
Carnegie-nominated? Say no more. But it was actually a recommendation from a real-life teenager that bumped this one up the list for me. I’m always on the lookout for authentic, funny, and sharply written contemporary fiction—and this sounds like it’ll tick all the boxes.
6. Why You Should Read Children’s Books (Even Though You Are So Old and Wise) – Katherine Rundell
Rundell is one of my favourite children’s authors, and this short essay-slash-manifesto is a rallying cry for adults to return to the books that shaped them. I’m planning a staff training session next year themed around this exact idea—so this feels like both homework and a treat.
7. Saffiya’s War – Hiba Noor Khan
This historical novel, set during WWII and focused on a young girl’s resistance efforts, is exactly the kind of powerful storytelling I love seeing in children’s fiction. Khan has been making waves, and I’m keen to see how she brings this tense, emotional narrative to life.
8. Wings – Terry Pratchett
Back in Year 4, my teacher read Truckers to our class. It was weird and wonderful and completely unlike anything I’d heard before. I recently reread Truckers and Diggers, and now I’m finally ready to complete the trilogy with Wings. I can’t wait to see how the tiny people’s epic journey concludes.
9. The Appeal – Janice Hallett
WhatsApp threads. Emails. Texts. No traditional narrator. The format of this one is what first caught my eye—everything is told through documents the reader must piece together. I love a good puzzle, and I’ve heard this is twisty and full of surprises. Perfect for a long, uninterrupted train journey.
10. The Curious Case of Karl Nova – Karl Nova
Karl Nova’s Rhythm and Poetry was a standout read for me—playful, sharp, and full of energy. His unique blend of spoken word rhythms and everyday observation makes his poetry incredibly accessible but still deeply thoughtful. I’m really looking forward to this new collection; if it’s anything like his last, I’ll be reading poems aloud to anyone who’ll listen.
11. The Nine Night Mystery – Sharna Jackson
Jackson’s earlier books (High-Rise Mystery, The Good Turn) were both cracking reads: fast-paced, smart, and full of heart. I’ve got high hopes for this latest mystery, set in the world of Caribbean heritage and family secrets. It’s already getting great reviews.
12. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit – Nahoko Uehashi
Uehashi’s The Beast Player absolutely gripped me – gorgeous prose, a richly imagined world, and genuinely memorable characters. Moribito is a different story entirely, but with a new format: a graphic novel. I’m intrigued to see how her writing translates to this visual style with Yuko Shimizu’s illustrations.
Be First to Comment