> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://andilgregory.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Favorite Books Read in 2025’s 3rd Quarter - URL: https://andilgregory.com/adventuring-through-life/favorite-books-read-in-2025s-3rd-quarter/ - Published: 2025-09-26T18:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-10T02:40:26.000Z - Author: Andi Gregory - Tags: Book Club Reads, 2025 Reads, Current Reads, July Reads, August Reads, September Reads, cosmere, Wind & Truth, Wind and Truth, Stormlight Archive, Morrigan Crow, The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Wundersmith, The Calling of Morrigan Crow, Hollowpox, The Hunt for Morrigan Crow, Skyborn, Sparrow Rising, Call of the Crow, Once Upon a Broken Heart, A Curse for True Love, OUABH, The Ballad of Never After, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine, The Rivenlea Sphere, Enclave Publishing, Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Lotr, The Two Towers, The Return of the King, The Last Wayfinder, Japanese Inspired, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High Fantasy, What Comes of Attending the Commoner's Ball, #Migrated-1787683573322, #sqs, #Import 2026-08-25 14:46, Books by Quarter, Adventuring Through Life, blog This quarter held a lot of car travel for me, which of course translated into getting through quite a few audiobooks. Although reading dropped off a bit in September with the uptick of volunteer obligations and general things that needed done at home, but I did manage to continue a decent amount of reading on physical books through the last month of the quarter. ☺️ There are a few rereads in here, mostly because it’s a series I never quite finished and needed a refresher 😅 (though a couple of them I definitely enjoyed more the second time around than the first). [![Skyborn: Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/1Sparrow-Rising.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sparrow-rising-jessica-khoury/1137578719?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Sparrow Rising (Skyborn | Book 1) I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while, and I’m *so* glad I finally got the chance! I listened via audiobook, as it was easier at the time, and I absolutely loved it. Both Ellie and Nox are wonderfully written characters, and I loved the dilemmas both had to face. I honestly cannot wait to see what Ellie, Nox, and the gang get up to in book 2! [![Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/1Once-Upon-a-Broken-Heart.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-upon-a-broken-heart-stephanie-garber/1138454250?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart Series | Book 1) I loved this book the first time I read it, and I still love it. It’s fast-paced, full of intrigue and secrets, and the layers written in are fabulous. One of the reasons I love this though is Evangeline’s perspective—her unending hope and belief in fairy tale endings, happily ever afters, and that everyone has a chance at one. Then of course, there’s the Prince of Hearts, and the juxtaposition of their beliefs kept me turning the pages. [![The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/2The-Ballad-of-Never-After.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ballad-of-never-after-stephanie-garber/1140791780?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Ballad of Never After (Once Upon a Broken Heart Series | Book 2) On my second read of this one, I enjoyed it even more than the first time (probably because I knew it wasn’t the last book, unlike the last time I read it 😅). The interplay between Jacks and Evangeline in this part of the story is so intriguing, and I just love how we start uncovering so many secrets! I still definitely have lots of questions (and a few guesses at some of the remaining secrets), so we’ll see if they’re answered in the final book. [![The Last Wayfinder by Ellen McGinty](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/The-Last-Wayfinder-1.png)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+last+wayfinder+ellen+mcginty&crid=QANN2AM1YFBN&sprefix=the+last+wayfinder%2Caps%2C263&ref=nb%5Fsb%5Fss%5Fp13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker%5F1%5F18) #### The Last Wayfinder (Hearts of Ezo) You guys, this is probably my **favorite book I read this quarter.\*** The characters are so well written, and Kira’s struggle kept me turning the pages and made it so hard to put this one down. I also really loved the expansion of the world from *Saints and Monsters* and the little nods to characters from there. But I also loved the standalone quality of it, so you can come to it as an introduction to McGinty’s work. Just . . . go buy this one once it fully releases, because it’s epic and it’s my favorite kind of book: *fantasy with dragons, amazing characters, beautiful settings, and a dash of Japanese inspiration.* \*I was honored to do an edit on this book, which has yet to be released. However, for those interested in this book, I highly recommend McGinty’s [*Saints and Monsters*](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saints-and-monsters-ellen-mcginty/1144397641?ref=andilgregory.com), because it’s just as amazingly good. [![Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/5Wind-and-Truth-3.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wind-and-truth-brandon-sanderson/1144505726?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Wind and Truth (The Stormlight Archive | Book 5) Okay, I know I *said* I finished this one a while ago, but I honestly anticipated I would and then . . . life decided to get in the way. 😅 However, I did ***finally*** have a chance to finish it and oh. my. goodness. SO good. What an epic conclusion to the first arc of the Stormlight Archive, and I’m also now very hooked on the cosmere and need to understand All the Things(TM). 😂 This is definitely one book I’ll be reading again (though likely via audiobook this time, which I find works better for me with these particular books), because it’s excellent and I need to make sure I get all the details straight. [![The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/2The-Fellowship-of-the-Ring.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fellowship-of-the-ring-j-r-r-tolkien/1100013647?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings | Book 1) I always love a good reread of *Lord of the Rings,* and since it had been a while **and** I was heading out on an epic adventure of my own that required 12-14 hours of driving a day for 5-6 days, it seemed like the exact right time to revisit these classic tales. Although I enjoy reading them, I’ve found I love the way Robert Inglis narrates the audio for these ones (and he sings *all* the songs guys—it’s epic). For this first book, I just love the imagery and the sense of who Frodo is and the type of life he leads—once you get to the end, it creates a beautiful but sad juxtaposition that, to me, mirrors so much of life and the struggles we go through. But Frodo also doesn’t go it alone, and that’s ***such a major point***. He’s not meant to do it alone, and the Fellowship doesn’t allow it. (Plus, I do love getting to meet Tom Bombadil!) Just overall, there’s an anticipation alongside heaviness, but also close-knit bonds of friendship among the Fellowship that I just love more every time I revisit these pages. 💙 [![The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/3The-Two-Towers.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-two-towers-j-r-r-tolkien/1100014685?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings | Book 2) This book is such a wild ride, mostly because there are so many different stories going on! Three full stories in one book, and the ramping up of everything to do with the war against Sauron. There’s bonds of friendship (close and unexpected), but overall there’s a sense of seeing that someone’s skills as a leader have nothing to do with the title they hold—even kings earn their titles, and we’re shown there’s absolutely nothing wrong with showing affection to one another in such a platonic way. The connections and deep love shown by the characters even in the midst of darkness is just so beautiful to me. 💙 [![The Chosen Few by L.A. Thornhill](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/2The-Chosen-Few.png)](https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Few-King-Prophet-Chronicles/dp/B0GDQGPQRC?ref=andilgregory.com) I really enjoyed this second installment of the King & Prophet Chronicles. As a second book in a series, it kept my attention and made me wonder, which of course kept me turning pages. Beckah and Seth’s struggles span so many different spaces, and they’re such well-rounded characters for it. Honestly, I’m chomping at the bit for a look at the next book. 😂 Check out book 1, *Prophetess of Arden*, [here](https://www.amazon.com/Prophetess-Arden-L-Thornhill/dp/B0BZFLDRJH?ref=andilgregory.com). \*This is another client edit, but it’s such a fun and entertaining read. I absolutely love these characters, and the things they have to survive and work through only left me wanting more. [![The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/4The-Return-of-the-King.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-return-of-the-king-j-r-r-tolkien/1100178475?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings | Book 3) This is the perfectly epic conclusion to the trilogy centering around Frodo, and I just love the way things wrap up. And how much more there is here that’s not in the movies. To me, the reality of the ending Frodo finds after returning from Rivendell makes sense in a war-torn world, but also his desire for there to be no more killing. And his inability to simply be the hobbit he was before he carried the One Ring for so long is a beautiful testament to us all—sometimes trials we face change us so we can no longer be the person we were before, and that’s perfectly okay. I just love these books and all the things they touch upon. 💙 [![The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/1The-Unraveling-of-Emlyn-DuLaine-2.jpg)](https://oasisfamilymediastore.com/unraveling-hardcover?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine (The Rivenlea Sphere | Book 1) This book is another of my **absolute favorite reads this year**. I *could not* put this book down, because I ***had*** to know what was going to happen with Rivenlea and Emmie and everyone. It’s riveting, but with wonderful callbacks to classic tales and what being a writer sometimes means. The way everything is woven together is wonderful, and the twists and secrets are the perfect blend for this book! Wyverns, lions, and glitter, oh my! I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2! [![Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/1Nevermoor---The-Trials-of-Morrigan-Crow-1.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Nevermoor-Trials-Morrigan-Crow-Book-ebook/dp/B01N9ZT92Q?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor | Book 1) These books are always fun reads, because of our slightly snarky main character, a humongous grumpy cat, and the introduction of a no-nonsense girl to a wondrous and very nonsensical world. This time, however, I’ve put down the audio and picked up the physical books for the first time (and the first time life’s allowed me the chance). It’s absolutely fascinating to me how there are slight changes to my perception of some characters, or how I notice different details far more when reading the physical versus listening to the audio. Overall, though, I’m enjoying this “oops we formed a book club” read-along with another longtime fan and two new Nevermoorians! 🌂 --- # Current Reads: [![A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/3A-Curse-for-True-Love.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-curse-for-true-love-stephanie-garber/1142831119?ref=andilgregory.com) #### A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart Series | Book 3) I still have a few hours left to listen on this one, as I’m listening via audio. I’m not sure why, but it’s not grabbing me quite like the first two books did, so the jury’s still out on whether I’ll enjoy this conclusion or not. [![Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/2Wundersmith---The-Calling-of-Morrigan-Crow-2.png)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDJYMC9?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor | Book 2) I’m almost finished with this one, and then it’s on to book 3! [![What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/What-Comes-of-Attending-the-Commoner-s-Ball.png)](https://www.amazon.com/What-Comes-Attending-Commoners-Ball-ebook/dp/B0D823B2TZ?ref=andilgregory.com) #### What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball Check it out [here](https://www.amazon.com/What-Comes-Attending-Commoners-Ball-ebook/dp/B0D823B2TZ?ref=andilgregory.com). And be sure to have your cheese at the ready. 🧀 [![Call of the Crow by Jessica Khoury](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/2Call-of-the-Crow.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/call-of-the-crow-jessica-khoury/1139353319?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Call of the Crow (Skyborn | Book 2) [![Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/3Hollowpox---The-Hunt-for-Morrigan-Crow-1.png)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SNDXNWJ?ref=andilgregory.com) #### Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow (Nevermooro | Book 3) [![Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/1The-Final-Empire.png)](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mistborn-brandon-sanderson/1100833141?ref=andilgregory.com) #### The Final Empire (Mistborn Era 1 | Book 1) --- Let’s chat books—what have you been reading lately? Anything you absolutely recommend that I should definitely add to my ever-growing TBR? --- Looking for something new of your own to read? Check out my short stories—*Mired in Despair, Sands of Memory,* and *(Un)Ideal Partners.* Three stories set in different worlds. Characters battling unexplainable forces or unfair odds. Available via my newsletter! ![Mired in Despair & Other Short Stories by Andi L. Gregory](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/COVER-Mired-In-Despair---Other-Short-Stories-Sm-3.jpg) #### Mired in Despair & Other Short Stories **Mired in Despair** A dangerous miasma. An enemy who’s an enigma. Two friends whose lives are turned upside down—twice. Through it all, Rikka and Genji must stand together to face the one threatening to tear them apart—all while battling their own demons. **Sands of Memory** In a world nearly consumed by the encroaching desert, Jack works for the infamous Sandman—self-proclaimed king of the “utopia” Jack doesn’t believe in. When lost memories return, he discovers a well-hidden secret that could collapse everything—but save the suffering people. **(Un)Ideal Partners** Willa stands on the cusp of becoming a professional ballerina. Though she doesn’t fit the “mold” of current ballerinas on the stage, she must ignore cutting remarks and work with an unusual partner in the final dance of the competition. Either they must win, or she will lose her one shot at helping a new friend—and her own long-held dreams. [Sign up Now!](#/portal/signup/free) This anthology was so fun to be a part of—52 amazing authors crafting stories around a singular theme, becoming a blend of voices, genres, and intrigue. *Kinship in Shambles* is a story of shattered peace, siblings growing apart, and bonds broken, set in the world of Project Pokemon*.* [![All the Promises We Cannot Keep: An R.H.S. Anthology](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/ATPWCK-Book-Cover-1.png)](https://www.amazon.com/All-Promises-We-Cannot-Keep-ebook/dp/B0DLPCDLLR?ref=andilgregory.com) #### All the Promises We Cannot Keep: An R.H.S. Anthology In the quiet corners of forgotten attics and the echoing halls of ancestral homes, family secrets lie dormant, waiting to be unearthed. In distant realms beyond our own, intrigue weaves its web, ensnaring unsuspecting souls. And amidst the shards of shattered lives, beauty blooms unexpectedly, like wildflowers pushing through the cracks in old stone walls. In this enchanting anthology, discover stories that span generations and traverse worlds. From the crumbling manor where a hidden diary reveals long-buried truths to the starlit forest where a lost love reawakens, each tale invites you to explore the delicate balance between what is concealed and what yearns to be revealed. Whether you seek solace in secrets or find hope in brokenness, “All The Promises We Cannot Keep” invites you to explore the delicate dance between darkness and light, where beauty blooms even in the most unexpected places. [Read Now](https://www.amazon.com/All-Promises-We-Cannot-Keep-ebook/dp/B0DLPCDLLR?ref=andilgregory.com) Want to read more? Check out this anthology of amazing authors, including my story *Shifting Vapors*—a tale of unattainable dreams, taboo talents, and true friends. [![What Hides in the Shadows: An R.H.S. Anthology](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/05/5005b841-a6a9-4902-ad65-ff17b958f53d/content/images/2026/09/What-Hides-in-the-Shadows--Full--1.png)](https://www.amazon.com/What-Hides-Shadows-CJ-Redwine-ebook/dp/B0HDLXPD9X?ref=andilgregory.com) #### What Hides in the Shadows: An R.H.S. Anthology **Some secrets stay hidden because we're afraid to look. Others stay hidden because they're waiting.** In this collection from The Red Herrings Society, you'll find stories that reach into the dark corners we usually walk past. A teenage girl accepts a ride from a killer. A old woman can no longer hold back the ghosts that haunt her home. A property manager disappears, and the only one qualified to search for her is a vampire who doesn't want to get involved. These stories span genres and styles, from literary fiction to thriller, paranormal to fantasy, romance to mystery. But every one of them lives in the same territory: the space just beyond what we can see. The things we bury. The things we ignore. The things that wait quietly until we have no choice but to turn around and face them. Some of these shadows are supernatural. Some are deeply, unsettlingly human. All of them will follow you home. *What Hides in the Shadows* is a multi-genre anthology featuring voices from The Red Herrings Society, a community of writers who believe the best stories are the ones that refuse to let you look away. [Read Now](https://www.amazon.com/What-Hides-Shadows-CJ-Redwine-ebook/dp/B0HDLXPD9X?ref=andilgregory.com)