What is the ruling on reading e-books, even though publishing is a right of the publishing house, but due to addiction to reading and inability to bear the prices of books?

There is no harm in reading books published online without copying them if their owners have authorized their publication. However, if they have not authorized it, then reading them is not permissible, because reading is a form of utilization. Some scholars have permitted copying books for personal use when there is a need and the original copy is not available or one is unable to purchase it, provided that this is not a means of earning money or engaging in trade.