Ava Hicks
New year, new reads. 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for new releases, the continuation of much-loved series and catching up on the showstoppers you missed over the past few years. Here’s the books that should be on your TBR pile in 2025.
Heavily anticipated 2025 releases
Onyx Storm – Rebecca Yarros
I couldn’t start this list without talking about the book on everyone’s minds. If you haven’t read Fourth Wing (2023) yet then now is the perfect time with the third instalment being released on the 21st January 2025. If you’re not normally a fantasy reader, then Fourth Wing is a perfect entry to the genre. Its informal writing style, fascinating world-building and tantalising romance make it clear why so many people are obsessed with the series.
Onyx Storm picks up where the second instalment, Iron Flame (2023), left off and follows our main character Violet Sorrengail as she works towards saving her kingdom and the man she loves more than anything.
Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry
If romance is more your vibe, then you should check out Henry’s books. Fan favourites Beach Read (2020), Book Lovers (2022) and Happy Place (2023) are heartwarming romances with deep, interesting characters and dynamics.
“Henry never disappoints”
This year, Henry is back with Great Big Beautiful Life which releases on the 22nd April 2025. A forced proximity, rivals-to-lovers romance between two writers vying for the chance to write a coveted biography. Henry never disappoints and is sure to engross us all once again with her beautiful writing style.
Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
A new Hunger Games (2008) novel in 2025? Yes, please. In Sunrise on the Reaping, coming out on March 18th, 2025, we follow fan-favourite Haymitch Abernathy in the second quarter quell. Double the number of tributes means an even bigger landscape for Collins’ poignant narratives on contemporary society. Her previous instalments delivered commentary on rebellion and power. Collins has previously stated that she only writes a book when she has something to say so it will be exciting to see what brings this story to life.
Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
The author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017), Daisy Jones & the Six (2019) and Malibu Rising (2021) is back with Atmosphere which will reach bookshop shelves on the 3rd June 2025. Bringing us an ensemble cast once again, Reid takes us to the 1980s on a space mission in which friendships, passion and love change the course of these character’s lives forever. Reid’s writing is a standout in modern fiction and it is her historical pieces that have gripped people most. This is definitely not one to miss.
Katabasis – R.F. Kuang
From the talented mind of R.F. Kuang, we have enjoyed The Poppy War (2018), Babel (2022) and Yellowface (2023). In August 2025, Katabasis will take us to the ancient Greek underworld. In another magic-filled world, the two main characters will have to put their rivalry aside to cross the underworld and save the man who can teach them all they need to know for success.
The Crash – Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden’s thrillers have long been a favourite of readers everywhere. Fast-paced and shocking, McFadden’s books are often read in one sitting. This year is a big year for The Housemaid (2022) as the TV adaptation is starting production. If you’ve already devoured McFadden’s catalogue of thrillers, then you’re in luck as her newest, releasing on 28th January 2025 is not likely to disappoint.
“Fast-paced and shocking”
In The Crash, we follow Tegan who finds herself stranded in a deadly situation in the middle of a snowstorm.
Some past releases that should be on your 2025 TBR pile
Beartown (2016)– Friedrick Backman
This deep, character-focused novel follows secluded Beartown as it reaches the height of the junior hockey season. With poignant narratives on the human experience including themes of grief, homosexuality, sexual assault and the dangerous politics of small towns and small minds – Backman creates a community you can’t help but return to. The sequels, Us Against You (2017) and The Winners (2022) are equally as good, if not better than, the first.
The Jasmine Throne (2021) – Tasha Suri
This sapphic fantasy from Suri came out a few years ago and has slipped under the radar of many. Set in a fantasy world inspired by India, readers follow a maidservant with a secret and a princess fuelled by vengeance as they work to overthrow the latter’s brother from the throne.
A unique romance in a diverse landscape, The Jasmine Throne and its sequels are worth picking up.
Pride and Premeditation (2021) – Tirzah Price
This unique, fun retelling of a beloved classic with a murder mystery twist deserves more hype. The feminist narrative and wacky plot change the story we know while keeping the regency tone and enemies-to-lovers romance. This, the first in a series of Jane Austen murder mysteries, is an extremely fun read that you should pick up if you want something fresh but easy to read.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men (2019) – Caroline Criado-Perez
This non-fiction from 2019 has never been more relevant than today’s socio-economic climate. A stark reminder of systemic sexism in any industry, this book presents data and a detailed analysis of how this world prioritises the male experience. An eye-opening investigation into the misogyny of everyday life that we often overlook, is one everyone should read.
“The magic of books has always been the community we find through reading them”
Of course, everyone’s tastes are different so if these don’t sound like the books for you, I implore you to find recommendations online. Social media is never lacking in its ability to find your next big read. Take on 2025 as the year to get out of your comfort zone. Join a book club, whether that’s local or online, and connect with people who read similarly or differently to yourself. The magic of books has always been the community we find through reading them, so don’t let that stop.
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Featured image courtesy of Getty Images on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.
Ava Hicks
I am currently a third year undergraduate history student in Cardiff. My passion for journalism came from contributing to my university publications and now I wish to pursue is as my career. My interests lie in entertainment, lifestyle, and current affairs.