10 Must-Read Books of 2025: Our Top Picks
Each year, the literary world gifts us with stories that challenge our perspectives, take us on thrilling adventures, and introduce us to characters who stay with us long after we turn the final page.
As 2025 unfolds, we’ve handpicked 10 must-read books across different genres—spanning from powerful fiction and historical retellings to heart-pounding thrillers and thought-provoking non-fiction.
So whether you’re looking for a bestselling page-turner, an inspiring new voice, or a book that will make you think deeply, these are the stories you won’t want to miss in 2025!
1. “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros (Fantasy/Romance)
📅 Release Date: January 7, 2025
The Empyrean series continues with the highly anticipated Onyx Storm, bringing us deeper into the world of Violet Sorrengail as she faces betrayals, heart-wrenching choices, and battles that will define her fate.
Yarros has mastered the art of high-stakes storytelling, blending romance, action, and world-building in a way that keeps readers on edge. If you were obsessed with Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, you won’t want to miss this next chapter!
🔥 Perfect for fans of: Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and epic dragon-filled fantasy sagas.
2. “Never Flinch” by Stephen King (Thriller/Crime)
📅 Release Date: May 27, 2025
Stephen King is back, and this time, he’s taking us on a crime-filled psychological ride with the return of Holly Gibney. In Never Flinch, expect twists, psychological depth, and the eerie, unsettling atmosphere that King is famous for.
This novel isn’t just about the mystery—it’s about the human mind, fear, and the secrets we keep buried. If you love King’s ability to blend horror with realism, this one is a must-read.
🔪 Perfect for fans of: Gillian Flynn, Harlan Coben, and psychological thrillers that keep you up at night.
3. “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins (Dystopian)
📅 Release Date: March 18, 2025
The Hunger Games universe expands once again! Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s rebellion, Sunrise on the Reaping takes us into the 50th Hunger Games (a.k.a. the Quarter Quell), a time when victors were thrown into even deadlier stakes.
Collins has always had a way of turning dystopian fiction into social commentary, and this book promises to do just that—exploring themes of survival, power, and the human cost of entertainment.
🏹 Perfect for fans of: The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner series.
4. “The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong (Literary Fiction)
📅 Release Date: May 13, 2025
Ocean Vuong, the author of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, returns with another deeply poetic and emotionally charged novel.
The Emperor of Gladness tells the story of Hai, a 19-year-old living in East Gladness, Connecticut, who unexpectedly finds himself caring for an elderly woman. Through Vuong’s signature lyrical prose, this book promises to be a raw, introspective exploration of identity, love, and healing.
💭 Perfect for fans of: Rupi Kaur, Celeste Ng, and literary fiction with deep emotional impact.
5. “Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Contemporary Fiction)
📅 Release Date: June 2025
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, known for Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, delivers a powerful, multi-layered narrative following the intertwined lives of four women.
Through brilliant storytelling, unforgettable characters, and sharp social insight, Dream Count is set to be one of the most talked-about novels of the year, highlighting the experiences of women navigating love, ambition, and cultural expectations.
🌍 Perfect for fans of: Zadie Smith, Jhumpa Lahiri, and thought-provoking contemporary fiction.
6. “We Do Not Part” by Han Kang (Historical Fiction)
📅 Release Date: January 21, 2025
If you loved The Vegetarian, prepare for another beautiful yet haunting novel from Han Kang. We Do Not Part follows Kyungha, a woman stranded on Jeju Island during a snowstorm, where she is forced to confront her past and the island’s dark historical secrets.
Han Kang’s writing is known for its elegance and raw emotional power, making this a book that will stay with readers long after the final page.
🌸 Perfect for fans of: Historical fiction, literary fiction, and deep, contemplative storytelling.
7. “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry (Romance)
📅 Release Date: 2025
Emily Henry, the queen of heartfelt romance, brings us another irresistible read about love, second chances, and self-discovery.
This time, two rival authors must uncover the truth about a mysterious woman’s past, leading to unexpected emotions and a journey that changes them both. Expect laughter, tears, and swoon-worthy moments.
💖 Perfect for fans of: Colleen Hoover, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and contemporary romance lovers.
8. “Everything Is Tuberculosis” by John Green (Non-Fiction)
📅 Release Date: 2025
John Green trades fiction for science, history, and personal reflection in this fascinating book about tuberculosis—one of the most misunderstood diseases in human history.
If you loved The Anthropocene Reviewed, you’ll appreciate Green’s signature mix of humor, research, and storytelling in this eye-opening exploration of medicine, culture, and resilience.
📖 Perfect for fans of: Non-fiction lovers, science nerds, and John Green fans.
9. “The Running Man” by Stephen King (Sci-Fi/Thriller)
📅 Release Date: November 7, 2025
Yes, another King book, but this time, it’s a reimagining of his classic dystopian thriller, The Running Man. Directed by Edgar Wright, this adaptation will finally give fans the faithful version they’ve been waiting for.
🚀 Perfect for fans of: Dystopian thrillers, The Hunger Games, and Black Mirror.
10. “Source Code” by Bill Gates (Memoir/Technology)
📅 Release Date: 2025
A behind-the-scenes look at Microsoft’s rise, Gates’ innovations, and his journey from tech giant to philanthropist. Essential reading for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and business minds.
💡 Perfect for fans of: Tech history, business strategy, and memoirs.
📌 Final Thoughts: Which Book Will You Read First?
2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for books, with thrilling new releases across every genre. Which book are you most excited about? Comment below & share your thoughts!
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