My favourite books of 2025 were the Steerswoman series, by Rosemary Kirstein. I loved them with the whole of my heart.
Imagine if there were an order of female explorer-philosopher humanists, given free rein to wander the world investigating whatever they like. The Steerswomen are respected by everyone due to their decency and reciprocity: if you ask a question of a steerswoman, she must tell you the truth. But in return you must answer any question she asks, or else fall under the steerswomen’s ban.
But curiosity is not a trait beloved by all, and something is up. And I will say no more than that, because part of the fun is working it out for yourself. Best to just go in blind.
Do know that it is worth it. Like the whodunnit where the clues lead you a merry dance but slot into place at the end, it is trustworthy. Not that it’s a crime thriller. As Cory Doctorow put it, you don’t even know what genre you’re in.
There are 4 books so far, all very different from each other and all equally satisfying. The lead character, Rowan, is reliably smarter than I am, and it is a joy to see the world through her sharp eyes and ability to filter noise. Oh to be so perceptive. I ended the series perfectly willing to ditch my life and go train in the Steerwomen’s guild.
Oh also each book starts with a map. I mean come on.
Should you buy it? As Rowan would say: possibilities are two. And it’s £2 on Kindle. If you enjoy please please ping me: I need to talk to people about it.