Oh boy, the literary world is buzzing with excitement over some of the biggest books set to hit shelves next year! From the enigmatic mind of Japanese author Haruki Murakami comes “The Wind from the Sea,” a deeply introspective tale that promises to delve into the human condition as only he can. With his rich, evocative prose and knack for creating unforgettable characters, this book is sure to be another masterpiece in Murakami’s already impressive oeuvre.
2024 proved to be an impressive year for literature, with established authors like Miranda July delivering strong works such as “All Fours,” newcomers like Rufi Thorpe creating buzz with titles like “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” and Kaveh Akbar’s “Martyr!” certainly sparking lively book club conversations. So, what can we expect for 2025? It seems there are a plethora of significant new releases scheduled to hit the bookstores in the coming year—ranging from promising debuts, eagerly awaited books by well-known authors, and even a notable prequel in a popular dystopian series.
Prepare your To-Be-Read pile – an abundance of fantastic books are set to be published in 2025! Regardless if your list is already brimming or you’re trying to shake off a reading rut, feel free to preorder these recommended reads. Here they are, neatly organized by their scheduled release dates for your convenience. Enjoy the exciting literary journey ahead!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (January 21)
If you’re a regular on TikTok’s BookTok corner, you’d know that fantasy novels are taking over the literary world right now, and Rebecca Yarros’ “The Empyrean Series” is no exception. In May of 2023, I dived into her first book, “Fourth Wing,” which introduced me to Violet Sorrengail, a brilliant young woman who dreams of a life spent reading and researching. But fate had other plans, forcing her onto the path of training as a dragon-taming warrior instead. The sequel, “Iron Flame,” followed in the fall of 2023, and now, I can’t wait to get my hands on “Onyx Storm,” the third book in the series, which is set to release early in 2025.
Following her time at Basgiath War College, which spanned almost two years, Violet encounters Onyx Storm. At this juncture, the educational phase has concluded, and the actual war is imminent as enemies close in on Violet and her fellow students. Given the aftermath of “Iron Flame,” where many of Violet’s companions and loved ones sustained injuries, it seems that “Onyx Storm” will be an exhilarating read – if you enjoy “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame,” don’t forget to preorder a copy before its release on January 21.
The Lamb by Lucy Rose (February 4)
The emerging author Lucy Rose, who recently contributed to the modern horror anthology titled “Of the Flesh: 18 Tales of Contemporary Horror” (released towards the end of 2024), has caught the attention of readers seeking a chilling and intriguing read. With her upcoming debut novel, “The Lamb,” set to hit shelves soon, it’s highly recommended that enthusiasts add this contemporary queer fairy tale to their reading lists. The story follows Mama and Margot, a mother-daughter duo who reside near a vast forest, maintaining a solitary existence despite the fact that Margot attends school daily. They lead an unassuming life, but harbor a secret: they provide shelter for “strays.
In the fictional universe of “The Lamb,” a “stray” refers to lost individuals who happen upon Margot and Mama’s cottage. As per the book’s narrative, Mama provides food and wine for these wanderers, but ultimately consumes them herself as her hunger increases. When the story unfolds, an alluring “stray,” named Eden, makes an appearance at their home. This encounter prompts Margot to challenge the power dynamics between herself and her mother after years of passive compliance. Preorder “The Lamb” if you’re brave enough, as it will be released on February 4th.
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (February 25)
If you enjoy sprawling novels set over decades like “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore and “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin, where characters’ lives are traced through time, then you should definitely pick up “Deep Cuts” by Holly Brickley. In this captivating literary debut, we find ourselves in Berkeley in the year 2000, where a young girl named Percy Marks is dissecting a Hall & Oates song playing on a jukebox for anyone who’ll listen. Typically, her musings go unheeded, but on a significant evening, she shares her thoughts with Joe Morrow, a fellow student and songwriter, sparking a professional and personal bond between them.
Following Joe requesting Percy, who doesn’t perform music but is skilled in critiquing it, to evaluate some of his compositions, they embark on a journey that lasts for years, taking them from New York to California. “Deep Cuts” is set to provide an insightful, emotional, and comprehensive exploration of how music connects people, and it’s scheduled for release on February 25.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (March 4)
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m pretty familiar with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an exceptional Nigerian author whose works have left a lasting impact on me. From her captivating novels like “Purple Hibiscus,” “Half of a Yellow Sun,” the critically acclaimed “Americanah,” and her insightful book of essays titled “We Should All Be Feminists,” to her influential speech sampled in Beyoncé’s 2013 hit song “Flawless,” Adichie’s work resonates deeply. Now, she’s gracing us with another novel, “Dream Count.” Given her impressive literary career, I can’t wait to immerse myself in what is sure to be a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging read from this esteemed storyteller.
In the narrative titled “Dream Count,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie concentrates on four women, all natives of Nigeria, as they navigate distinct hardships. The story starts with Chiamaka, a travel writer residing in America, who experiences profound loneliness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and feels disconnected from others. Her best friend Zikora, a successful lawyer, encounters heart-wrenching sorrow and is compelled to transform her life. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s cousin working in finance in Nigeria, grapples with an identity crisis. Lastly, we have Kadiatou, who serves as Chiamaka’s housekeeper and faces challenges raising her daughter in America. Adichie excels at portraying cultural disorientation, life as a Black woman in both America and the world, and highlighting the dramatic aspects of everyday occurrences. The book is expected to be another success for this talented author.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (March 18)
It’s indisputable that one of the most anticipated books set to arrive in 2025 will be Suzanne Collins’ second prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Following the publication of her original trilogy (spanning from 2008 to 2010), Collins penned “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” in 2020, offering a glimpse into the 10th annual Hunger Games, as opposed to the central character Katniss Everdeen, who makes her debut in the 74th Games. The upcoming novel will delve into the 50th Hunger Games and a beloved character from the series when it is released in 2025.
“Dawn at the Harvest Festival” will reveal the tale of the 50th Games, also known as the “Second Quarter Quell,” a period when the Capitol devised an exceptionally cruel punishment for the districts that were forced to send their children to almost certain death in the Games. Typically, 24 children – one boy and one girl from each of Panem’s twelve districts – participate, but in the 50th Games, the number is increased. When we initially encounter Haymitch Abernathy in the original series (portrayed by Woody Harrelson as an adult), he is haunted by his memories of the Second Quarter Quell, where he overcame 47 other tributes to win the entire competition for District 12; now, we’ll discover the truth behind these events. “Dawn at the Harvest Festival” is already scheduled to be a movie, so you’ll definitely want to pre-order it for its March 18 release and read the book before watching the film.
This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead (March 25)
Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to garner recognition, establish myself as a consistent presence on BookTok, and even make bestseller lists, all thanks to my thrilling tales like “Midnight is the Darkest Hour,” “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife,” and the bone-chilling “The Last Housewife.” (It’s important to note that potential readers should always take a moment to read trigger warnings before diving into any of my previous books.) Now, I’m excited to share with you my latest offering, “This Book Will Bury Me,” a tale that promises to deliver the same level of intrigue, horror, and suspense as my other novels.
The novel titled “This Book Will Bury Me” revolves around the life of college student Jane Sharp, who, after her father’s demise, becomes fascinated with true crime and internet detective work. When three young women are brutally murdered in a small town in Idaho, Jane feels compelled to solve the mystery. However, what she and her fellow amateurs discover is much more than they had anticipated. A year later, Jane recounts the events following the “Delphine Massacres.” Winstead is known for her storytelling skills, suggesting that “This Book Will Bury Me” will likely be a highly engaging, disturbing read with numerous unexpected plot twists and turns. If you enjoy intense thrillers, consider preordering it for its release on March 25.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (April 1)
Indeed, it’s not an April Fool’s prank: romance author Abby Jimenez has a forthcoming book in 2025, and the title seems reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s music style if you’re a fan (it seems to be derived from Swift’s song “Wildest Dreams,” a popular track from her album “1989”). The writer behind “Just For the Summer,” “The Friend Zone,” “Part of Your World,” and “Yours Truly” is returning with a new book that ponders if two individuals can walk away from a connection after experiencing a flawless fling.
When Samantha initially encounters Xavier, he appears flawless – he’s a handsome vet, after all – yet once they begin conversing, she discovers the adage “never judge a book by its cover” rings true. Despite this revelation, Samantha is grappling with a complex family predicament that she claims prohibits her from forming a genuine and satisfying relationship. Thus, she requests Xavier to let her go after their first date and erase her from his memory. (It seems unlikely that he’ll comply, given the tone of Jimenez’s previous works.) “Say You’ll Remember Me” is expected to rule beaches and BookTok in 2025, so make sure you preorder your copy for April 1.
Audition by Katie Kitamura (April 8)
Following the release of “A Separation” in 2017 and its immediate inclusion on numerous “best-of” lists for that year, Katie Kitamura gained significant attention as a promising new author. In 2021, she built upon her debut with “Intimacies,” which made Barack Obama’s list of favorite books and even reached the top 10 on the New York Times’ best-seller list. With another book, “Audition,” set to be published in 2025, readers are undoubtedly looking forward to more from this talented writer. What can we anticipate from Kitamura’s upcoming novel?
Information regarding the upcoming book titled “Audition” is scarce prior to its launch, but what has been disclosed piques curiosity. In a New York restaurant, a renowned actress encounters a significantly younger man during a lunch meeting for an undisclosed project. The connection between the two remains unclear, and it can be anticipated that Kitamura’s storytelling in this novel will create a captivating blend of sophisticated literary prose and gripping suspense novels. “Audition” is scheduled to be released on April 8, and it’s strongly recommended that you don’t miss out; the book promises to cause quite a stir upon its release.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22)
A fresh Emily Henry novel is bound to create a buzz among readers worldwide, as Henry herself mentioned in an interview with Us Weekly this May. She described it as a sort of spiritual successor to her previous book, ‘Beach Read’, but with its own unique twist. According to her, it represents her first significant departure, yet it remains both a love story and a romance. So, what is the new book named “Great Big Beautiful Life” about?
On Little Crescent Island, two diverse authors – budding scribe Alice Scott and acclaimed novelist Hayden Anderson – encounter each other, both attempting to engage with the island’s most enigmatic resident, Margaret Ives, a wealthy and influential socialite. Intriguingly, Margaret extends invitations for both Alice and Hayden to stay with her for a month, promising that at the end of this period, she will select one of them to pen her life story. This proposition sets Alice and Hayden in a tense (and possibly passionate) predicament. Interestingly, author Henry has shared that this novel was inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “the last great american dynasty,” which appears on the Grammy-winning album “folklore” and offers a true account of Rhode Island socialite Rebekah Harkness, whose residence Swift now owns. Mark your calendars for April 22 to read “Great Big Beautiful Life.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3)
If you’ve somehow missed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ascent to literary stardom, you’re frankly just missing out on some great books, from “Daisy Jones & the Six” (which became an Amazon Prime original) to “The Seven Lives of Evelyn Hugo” to “Carrie Soto is Back” to “Malibu Rising.” Reid is releasing yet another book in 2025, so those unfamiliar with her work will definitely want to catch up before “Atmosphere” — which bears the subtitle “A Love Story” — hits shelves in early summer.
In the novel “Atmosphere”, author Reid aspires to soar high, quite literally. The story revolves around Joan Goodwin, a passionate physics and astronomy professor who can’t help but be captivated by the universe; in 1980, she responds to an advertisement seeking female scientists for collaboration with NASA and their space shuttle project. With dreams of being among the first women to venture into space, Joan embarks on a training journey alongside a diverse assortment of fellow scientists and aspiring astronauts. As romance blossoms during this time, everything shifts when the mission finally arrives. Reid is renowned for creating immersive worlds and characters, and in “Atmosphere”, she’ll elevate her craft to unprecedented heights when the book hits shelves on June 3.
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10)
As a devoted fan of gripping, authentic thrillers, I can attest that S.A. Cosby is undoubtedly one of the top mystery writers in the field. His works such as “Razorblade Tears,” “All the Sinners Bleed,” and “Blacktop Wasteland” have been nothing short of sensations, solidifying his position as a crime genre mainstay. Intrigued by the epic saga of “The Godfather,” but transposed to the American South, Cosby’s latest masterpiece, “King of Ashes,” follows Roman Carruthers, the eldest scion of a notorious family whose patriarch falls into a coma after a catastrophic car crash. Recalled to Jefferson Run, Virginia – where the Carruthers manage the local crematorium – I soon realize that my entire family is teetering on the edge of impending doom. My brother Dante’s in deep with some intimidating criminals, while my sister Neveah struggles valiantly to keep our clan from collapsing.
Eventually, Roman comes to understand that he’s bitten off more than he can chew, and the abilities he possesses aren’t what the folks in Jefferson Run are looking for; instead, they seek a different range of his talents. If “King of Ashes” is anything like the rest of Cosby’s work, it will be a deep character analysis as well as an exhilarating suspense novel, so you should place your order before it becomes available on June 10.
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (June 24)
2025 will see the release of a chilling new thriller by Lisa Jewell, author of “None of This is True,” “The Family Upstairs,” and “Then She Was Gone.” Given Jewell’s knack for weaving intricate, suspenseful, and disquieting narratives, her upcoming book titled “Don’t Let Him In” promises to be the year’s most captivating read. With its fresh plotline that will undoubtedly leave readers on edge (in a good way), this latest work by Jewell is not one to miss!
Following Paddy Swann’s tragic death, presumably at the hands of an unidentified attacker who pushed him in front of a train, his wife Nina and daughter Ash are left stunned and mourning. However, they find some solace when they receive a package containing some of Paddy’s old items from his friend Nick. Yet, there’s more to the story. Meanwhile, Martha, a woman who lives with her husband Al, their newborn baby, and two sons from a prior relationship, faces an emergency, drawing connections between Nick, Al, and three women in search of answers. Readers eagerly await Jewell’s next work, set to be released on June 24 – a novel you won’t want to miss!
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2024-12-10 19:00