Aliens, Magic & Monsters: 9 Wild Books I Might Put in the Summer Reading Guide
Get a behind-the-scenes look at 9 science fiction, fantasy, and horror books I'm considering for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide. Get early reviews and see what might make the final cut.
The Journal: On Tuesdays, dive into personal essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from my bookish and personal life.
📚🌌 Behind the Scenes of the Summer Reading Guide (Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Edition)
Hi Bookish Besties,
We’re getting closer to the reveal of the 2025 Summer Reading Guide, and this week, I’m sharing the genre that’s always a little wild and always full of wonder: science fiction, fantasy, and horror. You can expect all the genre-bending, mind-expanding, alternate-reality reads I’ve been vetting for the guide.
If you’re new here (welcome!), every other week in The Journal, I’ve been sharing early book reviews for a specific genre I’m considering for the guide. These are personal, behind-the-scenes notes, and so far, we’ve done the following:
🕵🏾♀️ Mystery & Thriller: These Mystery & Thriller Books Are SO GOOD… But Are They Guide-Worthy?
📚 Literary Fiction: 13 Literary Fiction Books I Might Put in the Summer Guide (But Should I?)
This week, I’m sharing some sci-fi, fantasy, and horror picks, with 9 early reviews. From magical realism and cosmic disasters to reimagined myths and haunted family legacies, these books surprised me in all the best ways—but will they make the final cut?
Keep reading for:
My review style and vetting criteria for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror picks.
Early reviews of 9 books I’m considering for inclusion in the guide.
What kind of reader each book is perfect for.
Why I think it has potential for the guide—but why I’m still sitting with it.
A poll where YOU can vote on what sounds good to you—basically what pitch has you interested.
Thinking it’s too soon for summer book reviews? I get it. So you should probably check out The 2025 Spring Reading Guide.
Already a subscriber? You’re good to go—just scroll down.
Not subscribed yet? Now’s the perfect time to upgrade to get exclusive access to this deep dive—and be the first to know which books might make the final Summer Reading Guide! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get in the library queue early or preorder the ones that you’re interested in.