Best Books to Read in 2025
Ready for your next unforgettable read? Whether you crave edge-of-your-seat suspense, swoon-worthy romance, or powerful real-life stories, here’s your 2025 guide to the best books across every major genre. Dive in—discover your next favorite!
Thriller & Mystery
The Last Carver by A.J. Devlin
A clever, pulse-pounding thriller set in a small town, The Last Carver follows homicide detective Elena Ortiz as she hunts a serial killer who carves biblical verses into his victims.
- Why it’s a must-read: Fast-paced detective work anchored in character-driven tension.
Deep Echoes by Erica Chan
The internet goes dark, and chaos ensues. This high-concept sci-fi thriller blends tech paranoia with an intimate search for truth.
- Why it’s a must-read: Bold premise meets meticulous research.
Romance & Women’s Fiction
Summer Lights by Naomi Reyes
Two former high school sweethearts reunite in a beach town haunted by their past. Full of nostalgia, second chances, and a dash of family drama.
- Why it’s a must-read: Emotional depth with a lush summer setting.
When Lilacs Bloom by Aisha Clarke
This multi-generational saga follows three women connected through a community garden in London. Themes of grief, rebirth, and found family bloom throughout.
- Why it’s a must-read: Poignant, hopeful, and beautifully human.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
The Starforge Chronicles: Embers of Dawn by R.K. Linton
An intergalactic rebellion forms when a rogue engineer discovers the secret to forging stars. Epic battles, queer representation, and godlike tech.
- Why it’s a must-read: A fresh twist on space opera with robust worldbuilding.
Wings of the Verdant Realm by S.J. Hawkins
Set in an enchanted forest threatened by industrial expansion, this lush fantasy features fae royalty, alliances, and ecological magic.
- Why it’s a must-read: evocative setting and a strong environmental theme.
Non-Fiction: Memoirs & Biographies
In the Shadow of Giants by Lara Nguyen
A moving memoir that traces the author’s journey from a refugee camp to a career in human rights advocacy.
- Why it’s a must-read: Brave, inspiring, and deeply human.
The Art of Failure: Lessons from Great Losers by Tim Rodriguez
A counterintuitive exploration of how failure breeds innovation—through real stories from entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists.
- Why it’s a must-read: Encouraging and eye-opening perspective on resilience.
Historical Fiction
The Silk Merchant’s Daughter by Meera Patel
Against the glitter of 18th-century Indian trade routes, a young woman defies convention to claim her destiny.
- Why it’s a must-read: rich cultural tapestry and a spirited heroine.
Shadows Over Sarajevo by Lukas Jovic
Set during the waning days of Yugoslavia, this story weaves espionage, forbidden love, and the tension leading to war.
- Why it’s a must-read: Tense and immersive—like The Nightingale but set in the Balkans.
Young Adult
Echoes of Tomorrow by Mia Stewart
In a world ravaged by climate collapse, teens with time-travel powers try to rewrite history—and their past mistakes.
- Why it’s a must-read: Stands out in YA sci-fi with emotional stakes.
The Midnight Library Club by Jordan Reyes
Four misfit teens spend the night in a mystical library where books rewrite their realities—or trap them forever.
- Why it’s a must-read: Cozy horror with magical realism and friend-group dynamics.
Literary Fiction
Tales from the Woven Coast by Eleni Petrou
A lyrical, multi-perspective novel set in a Greek fishing village, exploring love, tradition, and the sea’s mysteries.
- Why it’s a must-read: Poetic prose and a deeply evocative sense of place.
The Honeycomb Lives by Caleb Murray
Follows five characters connected through honey farming in rural Kentucky. A meditation on family, labor, and connection.
- Why it’s a must-read: Quiet, reflective, and richly character-driven.