If you’re looking for the best new books to read in 2025, this list is for you. From bestselling fantasy romances to gripping thrillers and thought-provoking non-fiction, this year’s releases have something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re updating your TBR pile, following celebrity book clubs, or just craving a good story to escape into, these 10 recent books you shouldn’t miss are handpicked based on bestseller rankings, literary buzz, and cultural impact.
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy Romance | Series: The Empyrean #3 | Why It’s a Must-Read: A thrilling continuation of Violet and Xaden’s story.
Rebecca Yarros is back with Onyx Storm, the highly anticipated third book in The Empyrean series, and it’s already topping bestseller charts. Blending intense romance, political intrigue, and dragon-filled battles, Yarros delivers a story that’s even bolder than Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Fans will love the character growth, deeper magic system, and high-stakes plot twists. This book proves Yarros’ reign as a queen of fantasy romance in 2025.
🔹 Perfect for: Readers who loved ACOTAR or Throne of Glass series.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Already a #1 New York Times bestseller and a trending favorite on BookTok.
2. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopian | Series: Prequel to The Hunger Games | Why It’s a Must-Read: A return to Panem with Haymitch’s origin story.
Suzanne Collins revisits the world of Panem in Sunrise on the Reaping, a powerful prequel set 24 years before Katniss’s story. This novel dives into Haymitch Abernathy’s brutal Hunger Games and shows readers how his wit, trauma, and rebellion began. Collins’ masterful storytelling offers both nostalgia and fresh insight into one of YA’s most beloved universes, making it one of 2025’s most anticipated book releases.
🔹 Perfect for: Fans of dystopian sagas, especially The Hunger Games.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Critics are calling it Collins’ “darkest and most emotional” work yet.
3. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Why It’s a Must-Read: A slow-burn romance with a touch of journalism drama.
Emily Henry, the queen of heartfelt rom-coms, delivers another emotional masterpiece in Great Big Beautiful Life. This time, Henry blends romance with the world of journalism, offering a story that feels both intimate and inspiring. With her signature humor, relatable characters, and deep emotional arcs, this book is already climbing bestseller lists and cementing Henry’s place as one of 2025’s top romance authors.
🔹 Perfect for: Romance lovers who enjoy character-driven, slow-burn love stories.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Featured in major outlets like Quartz and Vocal as one of the most talked-about romance releases of 2025.
4. The Crash by Freida McFadden
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Why It’s a Must-Read: A chilling survival story with shocking twists.
Freida McFadden, known for her viral thrillers like The Housemaid, returns with The Crash, a psychological page-turner that will keep you hooked. The story follows a mother’s fight for survival after a snowstorm crash leaves her stranded with her child—and dark secrets begin to surface. McFadden’s sharp storytelling and unpredictable twists make this a top pick for thriller fans in 2025.
🔹 Perfect for: Fans of Gillian Flynn, Lisa Jewell, or fast-paced thrillers.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Highlighted by Quartz and Vocal as a must-read winter thriller.
5. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Sports Romance | Why It’s a Must-Read: A sizzling, high-stakes love story set in the world of Olympic diving.
Ali Hazelwood, known for her witty STEM romances, dives (literally!) into sports romance with Deep End. This story follows elite divers navigating Olympic-level competition, personal insecurities, and an undeniable love connection. Hazelwood’s signature banter and emotional depth make this a refreshing addition to her bestselling lineup. Sports romance is trending in 2025, and Deep End is at the forefront of this wave.
🔹 Perfect for: Fans of sports dramas, slow-burn romance, and strong female leads.
🔹 Buzz Factor: One of the top anticipated romances of 2025, loved by BookTok and Goodreads communities.
6. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
Genre: Dark Fantasy / Literary Fiction | Why It’s a Must-Read: A haunting exploration of academia and the underworld.
After Babel and Yellowface, R. F. Kuang cements her status as a literary powerhouse with Katabasis. This dark fantasy blends Greek mythology with academic satire, following a scholar’s descent into a chilling underworld of power and knowledge. The book’s sharp commentary and haunting narrative earned it the Indie Next List’s September top pick.
🔹 Perfect for: Readers who loved The Secret History or Piranesi and crave layered, thought-provoking stories.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Touted as a literary masterpiece of 2025, already making waves in academic and fantasy circles.
7. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Genre: Literary Fiction | Why It’s a Must-Read: An emotionally powerful exploration of love, caregiving, and self-discovery.
Ocean Vuong, acclaimed author of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, delivers another deeply moving narrative in The Emperor of Gladness. This 2025 release focuses on the delicate bond between caregivers and loved ones, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and deception. With Vuong’s poetic prose and raw emotional depth, this book has become a favorite among literary critics and book clubs worldwide.
🔹 Perfect for: Readers of literary fiction who enjoy lyrical, introspective storytelling.
🔹 Buzz Factor: A top literary fiction release of 2025, already nominated for major literary awards.
8. Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language by Adam Aleksic
Genre: Non-Fiction / Linguistics | Why It’s a Must-Read: A fascinating dive into internet culture and the evolution of language.
Adam Aleksic, widely known as the “Etymology Nerd,” brings his expertise to this groundbreaking book on internet linguistics. Algospeak examines how social media algorithms, memes, and online communities are reshaping global communication. Packed with research, humor, and cultural insights, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the digital age and its impact on language.
🔹 Perfect for: Social media enthusiasts, linguistics lovers, and Gen Z readers.
🔹 Buzz Factor: Quickly becoming the go-to nonfiction pick for tech-savvy readers in 2025.
9–10. Editor & Celebrity Picks: Must-Read Books of Fall 2025
If you’re looking for book club favorites and critically acclaimed new releases, this curated list features standout titles handpicked by editors and celebrities:
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Clown Town by Mick Herron – A sharp spy satire and the ninth in the Slough House series, listed as one of Vogue’s “Must-Reads of Fall 2025.”
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The Trees by Percival Everett – Chosen by Dua Lipa for her Service95 book club, this powerful novel explores justice and history.
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Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo – A reflective masterpiece, recently added to Oprah’s Book Club picks.
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Buckeye by Patrick Ryan – Jenna Bush Hager’s selection, a heartfelt exploration of small-town life.
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The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso – A Good Morning America Book Club pick, blending magic and suspense.
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Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild – Featured on Emma Roberts & Karah Preiss’ Belletrist list, a moving tale of hope and identity.
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The Dilemmas of Working Women by Fumio Yamamoto – Dakota Johnson’s TeaTime pick, giving a bold look at women’s challenges in the workplace.
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No Straight Road Takes You There by Rebecca Solnit – Chosen by Natalie Portman for Nat’s Book Club, celebrating resilience and self-discovery.
These picks bring together thrillers, literary gems, and non-fiction powerhouses—perfect for cozy autumn reads or sparking deep conversations.
Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Read Awaits
The literary world in 2025 is brimming with fantasy epics, thought-provoking non-fiction, psychological thrillers, and heartwarming romances. Whether you’re a bookworm looking for your next obsession or a casual reader wanting to stay updated with the hottest releases, these 10 must-read books offer something for everyone.
Start with one from a celebrity book club for instant buzz, or dive into fantasy realms like Onyx Storm and Katabasis for an escape from reality. No matter what you pick, these books are proof that storytelling is more powerful than ever.
d No Straight Road Takes You There by Rebecca Solnit (Natalie Portman’s Nat’s Book Club).
3. Are there any good non-fiction books to read in 2025?
Yes! Algospeak by Adam Aleksic is a must-read for anyone curious about how social media slang is shaping language and culture. It’s an insightful dive into the future of communication.
4. What are the most popular genres in 2025 book releases?
Fantasy, dark academia, romance, psychological thrillers, and non-fiction on social trends are dominating 2025. Books like Katabasis and Deep End are perfect for fans of immersive storytelling, while Algospeak offers an analytical read.
5. Where can I buy these books?
Most of these books are available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and major bookstores like Barnes & Noble. You can also find signed editions, special prints, and audiobook versions on platforms like Audible.
6. Are any of these books part of a series?
Yes! Onyx Storm is part of The Empyrean fantasy series, while Clown Town is the ninth book in Mick Herron’s Slough House series, making them great for binge readers.
