Best Books to Read in 2025 – Top New Releases & Popular Novels

Ocean Vuong’s The Emperor of Gladness is a haunting, lyrical tale about chosen family, grief, and the beauty of second chances. Following a group of friends bound by love and loss, the novel explores how joy can be reborn from sorrow. Written in Vuong’s signature poetic voice, it is a moving meditation on memory, belonging, and the fragile bonds that hold us together. A must-read for fans of deeply emotional storytelling.

From bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid comes Atmosphere, a breathtaking love story set against NASA’s space program in the 1980s. When a female astronaut faces both the dangers of space travel and the pull of a forbidden romance, she must choose between ambition and her heart. Reid blends historical drama with romance and resilience, creating an unforgettable journey to the stars. Perfect for readers who love emotional, cinematic fiction.

The long-awaited third book in Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, Onyx Storm, is a pulse-pounding fantasy filled with dragons, power struggles, and forbidden love. As war looms and secrets threaten to tear apart alliances, Violet must once again risk everything to protect her people. With high-stakes action and heart-racing romance, this bestseller cements Yarros’s place as one of the most thrilling voices in modern fantasy.

Suzanne Collins returns to Panem with Sunrise on the Reaping, a chilling new Hunger Games prequel. Set during the 50th Games, readers witness a young Haymitch Abernathy fight for survival in a deadlier, more twisted arena. Secrets about the Capitol’s cruelty come to light, expanding the world fans thought they knew. Both thrilling and heartbreaking, this novel reignites the beloved series while offering a fresh, gritty perspective on rebellion and sacrifice.

From the author of Migrations comes Wild Dark Shore, a riveting eco-thriller set on a remote Antarctic island. When a researcher discovers a mysterious death in her isolated community, she uncovers shocking truths about climate change, greed, and survival. Atmospheric and deeply suspenseful, McConaghy’s novel blends ecological urgency with human drama, leaving readers breathless until the very last page. A must for fans of thrillers with a conscience.

The First Gentleman is a high-stakes political thriller co-written by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. When America’s first female president faces a scandal involving her husband, the “first gentleman,” shocking secrets emerge that threaten both the White House and national security. Fast-paced, filled with intrigue, and echoing today’s political landscape, this novel combines Patterson’s mastery of suspense with Clinton’s insider knowledge. A gripping page-turner of power and betrayal.

A woman searching for a fresh start stumbles into a small coastal town — and into the lives of people who challenge her guarded heart. With humor, heartache, and hope, her journey becomes a reminder that even the messiest paths can lead to something beautiful.