After a rabies mutation leads to a zombie apocalypse, Flora must protect herself and her brother while trying to find her dad, who disappeared in search of a safe haven at their cabin in northern California. Flora is sad to leave her old life behind but knows that leaving provides the best chance of survival. Along the way she meets up with her old friend and crush, Crisanta, and Crisanta’s new ally, Adán, and Flora begins to wonder if she can protect everyone. Will sacrifices need to be made to put her family first?
This is definitely my favorite read from this year! The writing in this book was captivating, and the thriller elements kept me on my toes—I just couldn’t put it down. I thought Flora was such an interesting and relatable character, and I loved the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) representation. Each of the characters were so distinct that it was easy to connect with them and root for their happy ending. This is the first book I’ve read from Marie, but it won’t be my last.
Emersen Cooper, Pine Reads Review Writer and Editor
In the second book of the This Woven Kingdom series, Alizeh, the hidden heir of the Jinn, is taken to the kingdom of Tulan by the cunning Cyrus, who has a risky plan for her. She struggles with her feelings for him, her duty to her people, and her love for Kamran. Meanwhile, Kamran fights to reclaim his kingdom and find a way back to Alizeh, facing betrayal, war on the horizon, and powerful magic along the way.
Even though it wasn’t published in 2025, These Infinite Threads became the YA book that left a lasting impact on me this year. The switch-up in this book really shocked me, especially with the dual points of view. I loved seeing Alizeh figuring out who she really is as a Jinn and what that truly means for her. It was also touching to see how Kamran still wants to believe in her after everything that’s happened between them. Cyrus also turned out to be very different from the first impression I had of him, which made his perspective even more compelling. By the time I finished These Infinite Threads, I was already placing All This Twisted Glory in my cart.
Keonte Emerson, Pine Reads Review Writer, Editor, and Social Media Manager
My favorite YA book of the year would have to be Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews. Evander lives at Hazelthorn, an old estate with a bloodthirsty garden. After his parents died, he was taken under the wing of Byron Lennox-Hall, a reclusive billionaire, and hasn’t left the estate since. Byron’s other ward is his grandson, Laurie, the same roguish, handsome boy who tried to kill Evander years ago. When their guardian mysteriously dies and leaves everything to Evander, he suspects murder and will do anything to solve the case—even if it means joining forces with Laurie.
I loved this gothic, darkly imaginative book from start to finish. Whether it was the eerily sentient garden, the complicated, slow-burn queer romance, or the visceral horror, I couldn’t put the book down, and I bet you won’t be able to either!
Danielle Hartshorn, Pine Reads Review Writer and Editor
My favorite book from 2025 was Dragonborn by Struan Murray. The first book of a series set in a world of shapeshifting dragons, I was hooked by the dual perspectives and mystery of the world. I really loved each little moment of foreshadowing, and the twists were so great that I had to put the book down to process them. Anyone who’s ever been a Wings of Fire fan will find themselves right at home in Dragonborn.
Grace McCool, Pine Reads Review Writer & Editor
I’ve been a big Axie Oh fan for years, but The Floating World is just a cut above the rest of her books. She released both it and the sequel, The Demon and the Light, in 2025, but the first one was my favorite. Inspired by Korean legend, this book mixes fantasy and sci-fi to create a powerful coming-of-age story topped with a beautiful romance. The premise was unlike anything I had ever read before, and the world was so unique. I loved the two main characters, Ren and Sunho, so much, and what truly struck me about this book was the way neither character lost sight of their goals as their relationship grew. It was also a true slow burn, which is hard to find these days. While I read many great books this year, none stood out to me as much as The Floating World.
Sam Yanis, Pine Reads Review Lead Writer