Monthly Reading Roundup: What I read in May 2025

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? I’m still trying to catch my breath from 2024, but somehow 2026 is already on the horizon.

May was a slower reading month for me as I built this blog, but I still managed to finish a solid three books, one of which was my first-ever influencer gifted book!

Without further adieu, let’s get into it:

Anastasia, by Sophie Lark

“Even if you see how dark the world can be...choose to believe it could be better. Life had been beautiful once. It could be beautiful again.”

― Sophie Lark, Anastasia

If the animated Anastasia was your favorite movie growing up (hello, 90s kids), you’ll want to pick up this book. 

Who says picture books are for children? Anastasia presents gorgeous original artwork throughout, enhancing the fantasy element and dramatizing some of the most impactful plot points. 

Speaking of plot, I love how the author swirled bits of actual history with magic, making the fantasy believable when mingled with facts. Here, we still see Anastasia’s brother’s hemophilia diagnosis, along with Rasputin’s seemingly mystical treatment of the disease, all of which happened in reality. But in the book, we also learn more about Rasputin’s tragic fictional past, luring readers to empathize with him—that was certainly an unexpected surprise. And, to add even more originality to his character, he may not even be human at all…

While there is a romantic storyline in this book, I personally found it to be quite lacking. Without giving away too many spoilers, the relationship is touted as an enemies-to-lovers (and we all know I have high standards there), but the leap from being enemies to lovers was far too narrow. The development of this relationship becomes lost beneath various other story arcs, although the conflicts forcing Anastasia and Damien apart are intriguing enough to keep readers invested.

Overall a decent read, just don’t expect to be swept away in love and lust here. Focus instead on the magical, mystical, otherworldly themes that ramp up a familiar, beloved fairy tale.

Purchase Anastasia by Sophie Lark on Kindle or Paperback.

Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles,
by David & Julie Lavender

“One of the greatest services you can offer your son is to teach him to treat people the way Christ did. To love them unconditionally, despite their differences and shortcomings, regardless of how they treat us. To be kind, respectful, gentle, and loving. To be willing to stand up to injustice and cruelty. To allow the Holy Spirit to help us point them to Jesus.” 

-David & Julie Lavender, Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles

First of all, I have to say thank you to Zeitgeist Publishing (Penguin Random House) for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review.

As a parent, I am always looking for ways to reflect on how I raise my kids. Spirituality plays an important role in that, so I was excited for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The authors present various scenarios and suggestions for strengthening both the parent’s and child’s character through biblical guidance. Most, if not all, of these tips could be applied to sons and daughters, and the authors share two daughters as well, so I’m not sure why this book is targeted specifically towards raising sons. Nonetheless, I appreciated the advice, particularly when it came to personal reflection and modeling behavior for our children. 

While I do wish the authors expanded upon their personal anecdotes, the chapters are short and easily digestible. Each chapter covers topics derived straight from scripture, and ends with “Biblical Lessons in Action” – opportunities to consider ways of strengthening our morals and values. I didn’t quite expect to learn more about myself in the process, but so much of parenting requires introspection, doesn’t it?

Adapt this book for church life groups, bible studies, or book club discussions with like-minded friends. An easy read that still packs a self-help punch.

Purchase Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles on Kindle and Paperback.

Queen of Shadows, by Sarah J. Maas

“What if we go on,' he said, 'only to more pain and despair? What if we go on, only to find a horrible friend waiting for us?'

Aelin looked northward, as if she could see all the way to Terrasen. 'Then it is not the end.”

― Sarah J. Maas, Queen of Shadows

In true Sarah J. Maas fashion, the fourth installment of the Throne of Glass series takes readers on an epic adventure that so perfectly builds tension and amps up the adrenaline. 

In Queen of Shadows, all of our protagonists from Heir of Fire (book three) finally come together–though not exactly for a common cause. While Manon Blackbeak is employed by the vile King of Adarlan, the others are actively working against his treacherous reign. Though unlikely allies, Manon finds common ground with Aelin, Rowan, and Chaol via a life debt and the discovery that Prince Dorian still exists beneath the demon Valg that has possessed his body. 

Maas simply cannot be outdone when it comes to fantasy world-building. However improbable the supernatural elements may be, I was sucked right into Rifthold, walking along cobblestone streets beside Aelin Galaythunius and the others, scheming covert rescue and recovery missions, and training with a–ahem–very attractive fae prince.

While book three left me rather confused with the introduction of so many new characters, Queen of Shadows made them feel much more familiar. 

The only drawback of this book was the way it ended. Without giving away any spoilers, I expected more grandeur, more traction to pull us into the next installment of the series. Instead, I felt the cool breath of fresh air and resolution–an appropriate ending, but no hint of anticipation for a new beginning.

Maybe SJM just knows she’s that good–we’re going to read the next book, anyway.

Trust me, you don’t want to buy these individually. Pick up the entire Throne of Glass series for Kindle, Paperback, or Hardcover.

Want more book recs? Follow Steph on Fable and Goodreads!

Here’s what I’ve got on deck in June: 

• Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer

• Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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