This year marks a bad milestone for me. Usually I mention three books for this annual round-up, in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, and science fiction. But for the past several years I’ve been reviewing fewer novels, to the point that this year I’m not sure if I read any new fiction that wasn’t SF. So I had to skip that category.

I keep saying how I have to try and read more new fiction. And every year it seems I read less. Maybe 2025 will see a change, but at this point I’m not optimistic.

Best non-fiction: there continue to be a lot of good political books coming out in these depressingly political times. But the one that stood out the most for me was Anne Applebaum’s Autocracy, Inc. I said in my review that it might have been the scariest book I read all year, and I think it might also be the one whose analysis has the most lasting power, which is unfortunate. Whatever name you want to give it — autocracy, oligarchy, kleptocracy, kakistocracy — the global condition she describes is one that’s only worsening.

Best SF: there were a number of books I really enjoyed this year. And I think enjoyment is the key word. These were fun reads, first and foremost, though they could be thoughtful too, and often were. Among the highlights I’d put Ray Nayler’s The Tusks of Extinction, The Family Experiment by John Marrs, Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby, and The Fabulist Play Cycle by Hugh A. D. Spencer. But sticking with the fun factor I guess I’ll say High Vaultage by Chris and Jen Sugden. A steampunk mystery thriller with all kinds of alternative-history madness to keep things whipping along. Not as deep as the other books I mentioned, but I had a great time with it.