Disappointing Reads & DNFS of 2025

Let’s talk about my disappointing reads & dnfs of 2025. It was a good reading year. After 2024, I was so happy to find books that I really enjoyed again. But I will say there were some duds and a super shocking disappointment. So, let’s chat.

This is Halloween

I don’t think I’ve ever been more disappointed in a book. And the problem is a few of the short stories are great, but I can’t condone the unnecessary sexualizations in this book.

My Rating: 1/5

My Full Review: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/10/29/this-is-halloween-review/

The Mist in the Mirror

This book had a great gothic setting, but nothing happened. Interesting plot lines would come up, and they would go nowhere. It explained the narrator’s lunch in great detail, however. So read this if you enjoy reading about mundane day-to-day things.

My Rating: 2/5

My Full Review: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/10/27/the-mist-in-the-mirror/

With a Vengeance

I’m shocked that a Riley Sager is on this list. Normally, he’s an auto buy author for me. I usually love his plot twists but this time they didn’t work for me. He went too far and suddenly it felt far-fetched and annoying. Also, there was not one character in this book that I enjoyed. They were horrible people. And don’t even get me started on the ridiculous plot holes.

My Rating: 2/5

My Full Review: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/06/23/with-a-vengeance-review/

The Devils

This book could have been 100 pages shorter. I kept waiting for a twist that never came. It just felt like a letdown in an otherwise decent story.

My Rating: 2/5

My Full Review: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/06/13/the-devils-review/

All Systems Red

I didn’t particularly dislike All Systems Red. I just felt lackluster about it. It needed more world building and backstory. I didn’t understand why the characters were on this planet or what was happening and honestly, I didn’t care.

My Rating: 3/5

My Full Review: https://wildwoodreads.com/2025/03/25/all-systems-red-review/