If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing more exciting than discovering a fresh stack of books to dive into—and 2025 is already delivering in a big way. From sweeping fantasies to emotional page-turners, this year’s new releases are packed with stories that are impossible to put down. I’ve rounded up ten of the most talked-about titles that readers (myself included!) can’t stop buzzing about. Whether you’re into magic, mystery, or moving stories that stay with you, there’s something here you’re bound to love.
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
The third installment in The Empyrean series, Onyx Storm continues the story of Violet Sorrengail as she navigates political intrigue and magical warfare. Released on January 21, 2025, the book sold 2.7 million copies in its first week, marking it as the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. Wikipedia
2. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Scheduled for release on May 13, 2025, this literary novel delves into themes of memory and identity, drawing from Vuong’s personal experiences in the service and elder care industries. Wikipedia
3. The Rose Field by Philip Pullman
Set to release on October 23, 2025, this final book in The Book of Dust series follows Lyra Silvertongue as she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of Dust. Wikipedia
4. We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Originally published in Korean in 2021, this novel was translated into English and released on January 21, 2025. It reflects on the Jeju massacre through the eyes of a woman named Kyungha, offering a poignant exploration of memory and loss.
5. Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel
Released on May 13, 2025, this novel is a brilliant homage to the golden age of science fiction. Set in Brooklyn, it follows a group of young writers who collaborate on a shared fictional universe called The Star Rot Chronicles. BOOKCLUBS.COM+3Esquire+3Wikipedia+3
6. The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien
Scheduled for release on May 20, 2025, this novel tells the story of a father and daughter migrating across the ocean who discover a liminal island where other migrants live in buildings made of time. Esquire
7. Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
Set to release on August 26, 2025, this dark fantasy novel follows Alice Law as she travels to Hell to retrieve her deceased professor. The book is anticipated to be a major hit, with comparisons to Dante’s Inferno and Piranesi. Esquire
8. The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
Released on May 6, 2025, this psychological thriller follows two women haunted by their sisters’ unsolved disappearances as they band together to find them. BOOKCLUBS.COM
9. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Scheduled for release on April 22, 2025, this novel centers on two writers competing for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve. BOOKCLUBS.COM
10. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Released on March 4, 2025, this novel tells the story of four women and their loves, longings, and desires. BOOKCLUBS.COM
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket or sneaking in a few pages during your lunch break, I hope these standout 2025 reads find their way into your hands—and your heart. With so many incredible voices and unforgettable stories on the shelves this year, it’s a great time to be a reader. Which one are you picking up first? I’d love to hear what’s on your list!