It’s been a big year for me, even though my book count doesn’t always tell the same story. Uncoincidentally, I’m saying goodbye to Goodreads as well as saying goodbye to 2025, and saying hello to 2026 and StoryGraph.
Goodbye, Goodreads!
At long last, the severe lack of quality updates and missing dark mode convinced me that it was time to part ways. I felt that the work was very one-sided, from me, in putting up with the poor quality. In letting Goodreads abuse me with its blinding UI at 1am. In agreeing to Goodreads’ misleading page count. I’m not accepting this as the best experience any longer!
Instead, I’m switching to StoryGraph (add me: @melancholy3004!) which solves all my problems. Read my full breakdown post to find the best book tracker for you.
My 2025 Reading Wrap Up
Should a good reading year be determined by how many books you read? What about how many pages? How would you measure a year which has a higher average rating than the previous? Could this be a measure for success?
If we’re judging the year’s reading on the rating values, then my 2025 was great! I wish every book I picked up was a 4.5. I’m hoping that 2026 is the year where I truly count my achievements by the good (happiness) they bring.
As a side note, I also hit my book aim (16) and page count (7000).
What’s Coming to the Blog in 2026?
Another sixteen titles, another 7000 pages, and plenty more reviews! Up next to be reviewed are the following four fantasy novels:
Ship of Magic, Robin Hobb (1998)
A traditional fantasy trilogy set in the Realm of the Elderlings. Featuring a strong female protagonist, talking ships, and lots of magic, this book is going to be a wild ride and I can’t wait to review it.
The Liveship Traders trilogy technically follows The Farseer Trilogy, but can be read out of sequence.
The Awakening of Roku, Randy Ribay (2026)
Only just published, I’m excited to pick this up and complete the third duology in this six-book series.
Check out my other reviews for the Chronicles of the Avatar.
Under the Oak Tree, Suji Kim (2024)
I read the first book of Under the Oak Tree before it had an official English translation, but I’m yet to review it and need a reason to continue collecting the beautiful Inklore hardbacks.
This is a romantasy novel for the blog’s 18+ readers! Heavy warning; book one opens on a very dark scene, so check out some trigger warnings if you’re at all worried.
Already a fan of the series? Check out my review of the novella, Riftan’s POV.
Haunted, Kelley Armstrong (2005)
The fifth installment of the Women of the Otherworld series, and another entry for the 18+ book reviews section.
I’m expecting more spicy urban fantasy as I dive deeper into Armstrong’s world of supernatural thrills.
I typically read 16 books in a year, so there’s plenty more to come. Subscribe for reviews straight to your inbox.
Interested in guest posting? Message me on BlueSky (@Melancholy3004) or comment below.
Beyond The Spine Reviews 