20 Most Anticipated Books of 2025
2025 is set to be an exciting year for readers, with books that will captivate, inspire, and keep us glued to the page.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
This year’s book releases contain thrilling stories, unforgettable characters, and fresh ideas. Fans can look forward to everything from epic fantasies to heartwarming romances and gripping mysteries. Whether you’re after a groundbreaking debut or the next installment of a beloved series, these 20 books are bound to deliver.
1. Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry
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Emily Henry delivers a heartwarming story about embracing life’s surprises. This novel is about finding joy in the unexpected, learning to live fully in the present, and understanding that sometimes the best moments are the ones we don’t plan for. It’s a tale of growth, love, and discovering what makes life beautiful.
2. Onyx Storm – Rebecca Yarros
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Get ready for an emotional, action-packed adventure. Rebecca Yarros’s Onyx Storm is a gripping story about love, survival, and the battles we fight to protect those we care about. It features intense drama and powerful characters who face a literal and emotional storm.
3. Say You’ll Remember Me – Abby Jimenez
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Abby Jimenez’s new romantic novel tells the story of two people finding love when they least expect it. The characters are both dealing with their own struggles and dreams, and they help each other heal through their connection. Expect heartwarming moments and plenty of swoon-worthy romance.
4. Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
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In Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins returns with a dystopian tale about survival, loyalty, and revolution. The story also explores the fight for freedom and justice in a world on the brink of collapse. Her Hunger Games series fans will find the same gripping tension and complex characters in this new adventure.
5. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil – V. E. Schwab
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A dark and thrilling fantasy, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil takes readers to a mysterious world of secrets and danger. V. E. Schwab’s writing is haunting and atmospheric, pulling you into a story where the dead might not be as gone as they seem. Expect twists, suspense, and a chillingly original plot.
6. Katabasis – R. F. Kuang
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R. F. Kuang’s epic novel Katabasis is a journey into power, revenge, and the human spirit. It mixes historical fiction with fantasy, creating a world of intense political intrigue and emotional conflict. Kuang’s storytelling promises to challenge readers with complex themes and unforgettable characters.
7. Atmosphere: A Love Story – Taylor Jenkins Reid
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In this love story, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores the beauty of relationships that grow amidst uncertainty. Atmosphere is about two people who connect most unexpectedly, finding love while navigating life’s challenges. Expect plenty of tender moments and the emotional depth Reid is known for.
8. Dream Count: A Novel – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count is a thought-provoking exploration of dreams, identity, and self-discovery. Through this novel, Adichie offers a unique narrative that challenges the traditional boundaries of storytelling. It will make you reflect on your journey of self-realization and what it means to be truly free.
9. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – Grady Hendrix
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Grady Hendrix’s Witchcraft for Wayward Girls brings a magical twist to the coming-of-age genre. This enchanting novel is about girls discovering their supernatural abilities and embarking on a journey filled with mystery, magic, and self-empowerment. It’s fun, quirky, and full of heart.
10. Three Days in June: A Novel – Anne Tyler
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Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June is a beautifully written story about life’s small moments and our connections. This novel focuses on how one weekend can change everything as a group of people experience shifts in relationships, love, and identity. Tyler’s mastery in creating deeply human stories shines through in this moving work.
11. Good Dirt: A Novel – Charmaine Wilkerson
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Good Dirt is a family saga by Charmaine Wilkerson that delves into identity, legacy, and secrets buried deep in the past. This novel examines how our roots shape our identity and the generational ties that bind us. Through its intricate characters, the book offers a poignant look at the importance of home, family, and uncovering the truth.
12. Beautiful Ugly: A Novel – Alice Feeney
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Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly explores how perception can distort reality, especially when it comes to beauty. This psychological thriller takes readers on a tense journey of deceit, lies, and dangerous games. It’s a compelling story that will keep you questioning what’s real until the last page.
13. Death of the Author – Nnedi Okorafor
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Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor pushes the boundaries of storytelling. This speculative novel delves into the power of stories, the role of the author, and how readers shape narratives. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of identity and creative ownership that will spark deep conversations.
14. Stag Dance: A Novel & Stories – Torrey Peters
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Stag Dance by Torrey Peters blends a novel and short stories that explore gender, love, and self-discovery. The collection is a candid and bold look at modern identity, examining how society shapes us and how we, in turn, challenge those expectations. Peters’ unflinching honesty and fresh perspective make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern life.
15. We Do Not Part – Han Kang
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In We Do Not Part, Han Kang writes a haunting and emotional story about love, loss, and memory. This novel explores how connections between people persist, even when physical separation occurs. Kang’s delicate writing captures the quiet beauty and pain of remembering loved ones no longer around.
16. Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People – Imani Perry
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Imani Perry’s Black in Blues combines music, history, and culture to reflect on the Black experience in America. Perry explores themes of identity, struggle, and resilience through the lens of the blues. It’s a powerful book that connects music rhythms with life’s rhythms.
17. Harlem Rhapsody – Victoria Christopher Murray
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Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray explores the vibrant culture of Harlem through the eyes of its residents. The novel weaves music, love, and personal ambition in a rich narrative celebrating Harlem’s soul. Expect a story that honors this iconic neighborhood’s past and present.
18. Flirting Lessons – Jasmine Guillory
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Jasmine Guillory’s Flirting Lessons is a fun and flirty romance about love, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of modern dating. The story follows a woman who learns how to navigate her own heart while facing the realities of relationships. It’s a lighthearted read with charm and chemistry between the characters.
19. We All Live Here: A Novel – Jojo Moyes
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Jojo Moyes’ We All Live Here is a touching and emotional story about the bonds that unite us, even in the most trying times. Set in a community where diverse lives intersect, the novel examines the shared experiences that shape relationships and our sense of belonging. Moyes’ talent for creating heartfelt, relatable characters shines in this novel.
20. Don’t Let Him In: A Novel – Lisa Jewell
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Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell is a chilling psychological thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. The story centers around a woman caught in a web of secrets and lies after inviting a stranger into her life. With unexpected twists and a haunting atmosphere, it’s a gripping tale that will keep you hooked until the last page.