My favourite books (for now)
These are how I feel as of April 2025. The list will no doubt change again.
12. Mordew by Alex Pheby
In the decaying city of Mordew, young Nathan discovers he holds a powerful, forbidden magic that disrupts the established order controlled by the mysterious Master. As Nathan delves deeper into the city’s rot and secrets, he begins a grim journey of rebellion, power, and twisted transformation.
This book is miserable. Imagine a Dickensian world where God is dead, and a city is melting into the muck. Incredibly visceral, raw, and with heavy themes. It drips atmosphere like thick condensation. A masterclass in world-building. The first book is fantastic; the sequel is not.
11. Blackwing by Ed McDonald
Set in a grim, war-ravaged wasteland known as the Misery, bounty hunter Ryhalt Galharrow is bound to the will of a nameless god. When a powerful ancient weapon resurfaces, he must confront dark magic, shifting loyalties, and the brutal cost of survival.
Another miserable book, this time where there are all-powerful wizards duelling it out – but you never really see it. You just see this sad dude who is contracted to do things for one of the, and he deals with a world breaking under the strain of the conflict.
10. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
A sweeping silkpunk epic where two unlikely friends—a cunning bandit and a stoic noble—lead a revolution to overthrow an empire. As power shifts, their visions for the new world clash, testing their bond and reshaping the fate of a continent.
Another one where the first book is an absolute banger, but the rest are not. Still, this one is good. It follows a duo of people who try to take over the country, Game of Thrones style, but steeped in a different flavour of conversations and conflicts. Incredible cast of characters, a captivating read, and a story which absolutely slaps.
9. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman retells the major Norse myths with his signature wit and clarity, breathing life into gods like Odin, Loki, and Thor. These stories span creation to Ragnarok, weaving tales of trickery, tragedy, and cosmic grandeur.
I am annoyed too. But Neil Gaiman wrote one of my favorite comfort reads with some well-told versions of the Norse myths. Best read before bed.
8. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
A ragtag crew aboard the Wayfarer tunnels wormholes through space, forming a found family as they travel to a distant and politically sensitive planet. Along the way, personal histories and inter-species relationships unfold in a warm, character-driven space opera.
I’m a sucker for companion stories (see: Mass Effect and Dragon Age). The book is basically a version of that, where each of the characters have their depth and interacts in unique ways. It’s just lovely.
7. Making Money by Terry Pratchett
Moist von Lipwig, former conman and reluctant civil servant, is tasked with revolutionising Ankh-Morpork’s failing banking system. With golems, gold bars, and absurd bureaucracy in the mix, it’s another sharp, satirical adventure through the Discworld.
My favorite Discworld book. I have others I like too – Going Postal, Truth etc – but this one was my first, and it had a strong plot throughout. I like how Terry used Moist von Lipwig as a character, and where the character goes to comment on the nature of money.
6. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Between life and death, Nora Seed finds herself in a magical library where each book contains a different version of her life. As she explores alternate realities, she seeks out what truly gives life meaning and confronts her regrets.
Perhaps this one hit me at the exact right time, but it's a story where it shows how different paths in your life don’t necessarily mean better. Very easy to flick through, and I would love to see it as a movie someday.
5. The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Kvothe continues his mythic tale, journeying from the University to distant lands in search of power, knowledge, and understanding of the mysterious Chandrian. Filled with lore, romance, and a touch of tragedy, it deepens the legend of a gifted but haunted man.
The first two books are classics, while the missing third book is a thorn in my literary side. But the man crafted a story with such great pacing and writing that it is an addictive read, just to see what Kvothe goes through and his escapades. Pretty much perfect as a young person reads.
4. Babel by R.F. Kuang
At Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel, language is literal power—used to fuel the British Empire’s dominance through magical silverwork. As a Chinese-born student becomes embroiled in resistance, he must choose between loyalty and revolution.
I love the magic system, the themes, the characters, and the history behind the books. The execution is controversial, sure, but Kuang crafted a story where I wanted to keep turning the pages to see what each of the four leads go through. I especially like the use of footnotes, with cheeky side-eyes to the audience.
3. The First Binding by R.R. Virdi
A storyteller known as Ari recounts his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legend, revealing secrets of ancient magic, love, and betrayal. Blending South Asian mythology with epic fantasy traditions, it’s a rich tale of identity and consequence.
This is like Patrick Rothfuss’ books, only with an author who is likely to finish the trilogy. I also adore the vibes as well; it’s a more South Asian take on the story, lifting a lot of themes from Rothfuss and other places too. But combined in the pot, it’s a delicious take. It’s thick with atmosphere, the main character is interesting, and the beginning of the tale is gripping.
2. The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks
Jernau Morat Gurgeh, a master of strategy games in the utopian Culture, is drawn into a deadly alien contest where the stakes are life, power, and empire. What begins as a challenge of skill becomes a philosophical battle against a cruel society.
My favorite Iain M. Banks book, from the Culture series. This was published in 1988, but had themes which still resonate in 2025, as well as a great story where a human has to rise up the ranks in an alien civilization. Good character turmoil, great court intrigue, and a thrilling climax – all told with a game which the author barely describes. Incredible writing skills.
1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
An angel and a demon, long-time frenemies, team up to stop the apocalypse after misplacing the Antichrist. With quirky humour and sharp satire, it’s a hilarious, heartfelt romp through fate, faith, and ineffable plans.
Yes, I am annoyed too. One died too soon, and the other one got cancelled. But the duo wrote a lovely book about trying to find the Antichrist, with sharp writing and a well-paced story. What holds it together is how well written Aziraphale and Crowley are, bouncing between each other as they go their own ways in the tale. And this is matched by various sub-plots about prophecy, and how these small lines could be used in many different ways. It’s a nostalgic favorite, but one I still have as a well-leafed copy.
