Let’s normalize not finishing books.
This is your reminder that DNF is not a moral failing—it’s a reader protecting their time, peace, and ever-growing TBR. These are the fantasy and romantasy books I started in 2025…and then politely (or not-so-politely) walked away from.
If you need permission, strategy, or reassurance, I have a whole post on how to DNF a book without guilt that breaks down when to walk away and why it’s okay to do so. Bookmark it. You’re welcome.
No hate. Just vibes. And honesty.
The 2025 DNF List (With Receipts)
These are all the books I DNF’d in 2025.
Unbroken Bonds — J. Bree
📍 DNF at 24% (Book 6)
I made it through five books hoping for growth, change, something. Book six felt like a carbon copy of the previous five, and I finally accepted that the series and I were no longer compatible.
A Monsoon Rising — Thea Guanzon
📍 DNF at 60% (Book 2)
I tried. I really did. But by the halfway point I realized I was reading out of obligation, not excitement—and that’s my cue to bow out.
The Lies of Lena — Kylie Snow
📍 DNF at 10%
Early exit. The writing and story didn’t hook me at all, and I knew forcing it would only make me cranky.
Rule of the Aurora King — Nisha J. Tuli
📍 DNF at 75% (Book 2)
This one hurt because I made it so far. Unfortunately, I was deeply bored and pushing through out of sheer stubbornness. I finally chose peace.
North Queen — Nicola Tyche
📍 DNF at 24%
The pacing was glacial, my patience was thin, and the spark never showed up.
Throne of Ice and Blood — Marion Blackwood
📍 DNF at 21%
A disappointing sequel to a five-star read. I genuinely questioned whether I was reading the same characters from book one.
Sunrise on the Reaping — Suzanne Collins
📍 DNF at 20%
As a lifelong Hunger Games fan, this was painful. I’ve accepted that the spin-offs just aren’t for me.
The Never List — Jade Presley
📍 DNF at 24%
Weird pacing, insta-love, and one-dimensional characters. I needed depth and got none.
Lady of Shadows — Melissa K. Roehrich
📍 DNF at 42% (Book 2)
So. Slow. I kept waiting for momentum that never arrived.
Veiled in Stars and Silver — J. Ann Curtis
📍 DNF at 30%
A poorly executed story with underdeveloped characters. The potential was there, but the execution missed.
On These Black Sands — Vanessa Rasanen
📍 DNF at 50%
Bored, irritated, and deeply unconvinced by the FMC. That’s three strikes.
Arcana Academy — Elise Kova
📍 DNF at 41%
Interesting magic system, but I never connected with the characters or believed the romance.
Firebird — Juliette Cross
📍 DNF at 20%
Insta-love strikes again. It’s just not my thing.
Silvercloak — L.K. Steven
📍 DNF at 38%
The plot took a hard left turn and suddenly felt like a completely different book. At that point, I’d rather read Harry Potter fanfiction.
I Am A Serial DNFer (And Unashamed)
DNFing a book doesn’t mean it’s bad. It means it wasn’t for me. Let this list of books I DNF’d in 2025 prove that not finishing a book is okay.
Life is too short to force-read books you’re not enjoying, especially when there are so many incredible fantasy romances out there waiting to ruin you emotionally (in a good way).
If you loved any of these? Amazing. If you DNF’d them too? Welcome, friend. 💀📚
Why DNFing Actually Helped My Reading Life
Because I DNF’d these books, I was able to finish 87 books in 2025.
Fourteen of those were five-star reads. Some of them wrecked me emotionally. Some healed me. And yes—some of them were fanfiction, which I will defend forever.
The books I DNF’d in 2025 made room for books I actually loved instead of forcing myself through ones I didn’t.
If you want the reads that truly delivered, go browse my five-star reads tag and save yourself some time.
Your TBR (and sanity) will thank you. 📚✨
✨ Pin this graphic and spread DNF freedom to your fellow book babes 📌
Leave a Reply