December was that month. I officially beat my November reading record by one whole book, wrapping up the year with 15 books read in December and an incredible 170 books total for 2025. I’m honestly still processing that number.

This month was a fantastic mix of sci-fi epics, emotional fantasy, dark academia, heartfelt romances, and stories that completely refused to let me go once I started them. Some were five-star obsessions, some surprised me in the best way, and a few gave me a lot to think about once I closed the final page—but every single one earned its place in this wrap-up.

Here’s everything I read in December and my thoughts on each 👇

Morning Star

This book blew me away. I loved this entire trilogy, and I can honestly say this is one of those series that just keeps getting better and better. I loved the relentless rising tension. This is a book that you just can’t put down because even in those soft moments when you think you can relax, you know something is going to happen. It keeps you on your toes. Sevro is probably my favorite character, to be honest. I love his character development and his brotherhood with Darrow. Octavia is excellent, hands down. Those plot twists! They kept coming again and again, and I loved every minute of it.

A Treachery of Swans

This book was like a combination of The Swan Princess and The Goose Girl. I loved the way Odile grew as a character. But even when you get to the end, you’re still second-guessing her from beginning to end. And then there is Odette. Our swan princess, childhood friend, and Odile’s love interest, who has stolen her identity. I loved the development of the plot, and honestly, I found this novel more engaging than her previous one, which I also enjoyed. But this one kept me on my toes.

House of Hearts

So this was an unexpected delight. It wasn’t exactly what I thought I was going to get when I opened the pages. This is a dark academia novel. It follows Violet as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her best friend’s murder at the prestigious Hart Academy. However, what she discovers is a haunted school ground connected to the death of Hart’s youngest daughter and a curse created by heartbreak and vengeance. So, it was an exciting plot. My only grievance is that the ending seemed rushed. I liked the cursed-to-kill-your-soulmate plotline, but I wanted more investigation, more revelations to lead into the ending.

She Gets the Girl & Joy To the Girls

Huge thank you to the publisher for these ARCs. These are generally not books I would pick up on my own. I will read contemporary romances, but I don’t go out looking for them. I’m a sci-fi/fantasy horror girlie. I was honestly pleasantly surprised by these novels. I loved the dual POV of the books and the way we got to know each character deeply throughout the novel. Watching their friendship grow and then develop into a romance was wonderful. I was invested because I got to know these girls and understand them. And that’s what I like when I read contemporary romances.

Fugitive Six & Return to Zero

The end of the Lorien Legacies series! I felt like Lore lost the plot a little bit here. Not thoroughly, because I do think he wrapped up the storyline neatly, but it still felt lacking in substance. I felt like it could have been longer and more fleshed out. It felt too quick. I didn’t get to know these characters as deeply as I did the main series’ previous characters. And I think that’s my problem. I liked it, sure, but it didn’t hold my attention as well as the previous series did. I am glad it wrapped up a lot of the questions from the previous novels, but overall, I just wanted more.

Across the Green Grass Fields

I love Seanan McGuire. This series has been excellent, and this book was no different. This novel follows Reagan, who is intersex, as they find a home in a world of centaurs, satyrs, and all kinds of magical creatures. She finds her way to the door to save their world, and in doing so discovers a home and the new ability to talk to four-legged creatures. I love these stories because they are emotional, magical, and deeply impactful. Superb storytelling as usual.

The Deep Well

This novel has a slow start. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started this novel. But after a few chapters, I really got into it. It gave me Stephen King vibes in the best way. Like, I feel like if he’d written a young adult novel, this would have been it. I was expecting something more supernatural and sinister, but the way the ending left the door open was interesting. Even the romance subplot was interesting. Zach is a great guy, and he sticks by her, even through all the strangeness, cult followers, and creepy black cars following her. It was a gripping novel.

The Poisoned King

This is the sequel to Impossible Creatures. I loved reading this book to my son. And I like the way the novel handles feeling really big emotions. Princess Anya definitely isn’t a replacement for Mal; she’s her own fierce character, driven by survival and a need for revenge against her uncle, who wants her dead and the throne for himself. Christopher is also so much fiercer than he was in the previous novel. He’s excellent, and I love that about him: his loyalty, his devotion to the archipelago, and the amount of empathy he has.

Make My Wish Come True

Another novel by Rachael Lippincott and wife, Alyson Derrick. This one was very different from their previous novel, She Gets the Girl. It follows Arden, a teen superstar who returns home in hopes of changing her image from party girl to homegrown small-town girl. But that means reconnecting with everyone she shut out of her life. Another dual POV novel, this one spans 12 days and features the fake-dating trope. But what starts as fake becomes real, and Arden discovers that home was always what she needed. It was heartwarming to see the story develop and definitely a great holiday read.

All That We See or Seem

This was my book club pick, and it was terrific. I loved every minute of it. Not only did it take place in Boston, my home, but it was also cyberpunk. But not as cyberpunk as Cyberpunk 2077. It was a little softer, but the techspeak and the sci-fi element were there. Honestly, I think the reason I really enjoyed this novel was that it reminded me of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Julia isn’t as rough around the edges. Still, she is as fierce, tech-savvy, and determined to bring the bad guy down, especially after a bit of soul-searching. There’s definitely a ton of character development, and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to see what Julia Z does next.

This Will Be Interesting

I love this book. Absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. It was funny, steamy, magical, and fantastical, and just kept me engaged from beginning to end. Same world as This Will be Fun, but a whole new set of characters. Honestly, I love it, I love love so much, and I hope there’s more to come.

The Prince of Mourning

This was another novel that I didn’t quite know what to expect. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be historical fiction with fantasy elements. I think I saw the words “gothic romance” and said “need!” Not mad at it. I quite enjoyed the novel, to be honest. I loved the gothic element, and I think it fits the time period this novel is set in. I liked the prince of Mourning, Nin, who is a god in his own right. I love that Molly’s best friend is a ghost, a former nurse in training who was given too much medicine. It had excellent pacing, and the romance and development were fantastic. I was hooked. Honestly, when I was done, before I got to the epilogue, I was like, “Are you kidding me!” But the epilogue made me happy again.

Cardcaptor Sakura Collector’s Edition Vol. 3

I love Cardcaptor Sakura. I love this series, and honestly, it just makes me want to rewatch the entire series. I need them to finish the Clear Card arc anime asap. Please and thank you. I love how the characters grow, and I like their dynamics with one another. It’s a great manga.

Don’t forget to follow Cyn’s Workshop on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads | LinkedIn to stay tuned for more like this.

Become a Supporter