Best Books of 2025: Must-Read Fiction Gems Across Genres

Introduction: What Makes These the Best Books of 2025?

Looking for your next unforgettable read? The best books of 2025 deliver fresh voices, genre-bending storytelling, and emotional depth. From Stephen Graham Jones’ chilling horror to Abby Jimenez’s tender romances, this list celebrates the year’s most captivating releases.

TL;DR: One Sentence Summary

 *These 10 books—spanning horror, romance, fantasy, and magical realism—are 2025’s must-read standouts.*

1. I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones

A Horror Masterpiece with Heart

Stephen Graham Jones cements his status as a horror legend with this gripping slasher tale. Fans of The Only Good Indians will love its raw voice and psychological depth.

Why It Stands Out:
✔ Unreliable narration that keeps you guessing
✔ Explores teen angst through a terrifying lens
✔ Sets up Jones as a must-read horror author

Perfect For: Horror lovers craving smart, character-driven scares.

2. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

A Romance with Emotional Heft

Abby Jimenez (Part of Your World) returns with a poignant love story about two people healing from childhood trauma.

Key Themes:
✔ Complex family dynamics (especially mother-child relationships)
✔ Cameos from past Jimenez characters (read Yours Truly first!)
✔ Balances humor and heartbreak flawlessly

Read If: You love romances that make you laugh, cry, and swoon.

3. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Magical Realism Meets Unforgettable Romance

Tia Williams (Seven Days in June) blends jazz-age glamour with a touch of the supernatural in this lyrical love story.

What Makes It Special:
✔ Time-bending romance with lush prose
✔ Celebrates Black artistry and history
✔ More whimsical than Williams’ previous work

Warning: Not for readers who dislike magical elements in romance.

4. Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis

A Villain’s Redemption Arc Done Right

This darkly comic novel follows a self-loathing villain who forgets his evil past—until it catches up with him.

Why It’s a 2025 Highlight:
✔ Hilarious yet profound take on morality
✔ Perfect for fans of Vicious by V.E. Schwab
✔ Sets up an exciting 2025 sequel

Best Enjoyed With: A love for antiheroes and dry wit.

5. Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

Sapphic Horror with Heart

A monstrous protagonist embraces her villainy in this wildly original fantasy. Think Gideon the Ninth meets Carmilla.

Standout Features:
✔ Over-the-top humor and gore
✔ Sapphic romance with emotional depth
✔ Author’s 2025 release is already on our radar

Ideal Reader: Those who like genre-blending stories with queer rep.

6. A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

Dark Fairy Tale Retelling at Its Finest

T. Kingfisher (Nettle & Bone) delivers another gothic gem, with readers calling it her best work yet.

Why It Shines:
✔ Atmospheric and eerie
✔ Explores mother-daughter bonds in twisted ways
✔ Cements Kingfisher as queen of dark fantasy

Pair With: Her other books, especially The Hollow Places.

7. Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir

A Novella That Defies Expectations

This out-of-print treasure (hunt it down!) subverts the “damsel in distress” trope with sharp wit and a shocking ending.

Don’t Miss:
✔ 40 floors of escalating chaos
✔ A reread-worthy finale
✔ Muir’s signature blend of absurdity and depth

Pro Tip: Read Gideon the Ninth next if you haven’t!

8. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Cozy Fantasy with a Sentient Plant Sidekick

Sarah Beth Durst (Queen of Blood) pivots to whimsical low-stakes fantasy—with a spider plant named Caz stealing the show.

Charm Points:
✔ Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes
✔ Healing magic and baked goods galore
✔ The cozy read we all need

Best For: When you want fantasy without the angst.

9. Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko

A Raybearer Standalone Worth the Wait

Jordan Ifueko returns to the world of her hit debut with this mythic, lushly written tale.

Why It’s Underhyped (But Shouldn’t Be):
✔ Rich West African-inspired worldbuilding
✔ Complex characters you’ll adore
✔ Proves Ifueko is a generational talent

Read If: You loved Raybearer or Children of Blood and Bone.

10. Evocation by S.T. Gibson

A Divisive but Addictive Paranormal Drama

This slow-burn relationship study splits readers—but if you love angsty dynamics, it’s a must.

Controversial For:
✔ Being less fantasy-driven than expected
✔ Focusing heavily on emotional tension

Try It If: You enjoyed A Dowry of Blood’s character depth.

Final Verdict: Which 2025 Book Should You Read First?

Can’t decide? If you love horror, start with Stephen Graham Jones. For romance, Abby Jimenez never misses.

FAQ: Quick Answers About 2025’s Best Books

1. Which 2025 book has the most hype?

I Was a Teenage Slasher and A Sorceress Comes to Call are critical darlings, while Just for the Summer dominates BookTok.

2. Are these all standalone novels?

Most are! Maid and the Crocodile is set in the Raybearer world but works alone.

3. What’s the best cozy read on this list?

The Spellshop—imagine Studio Ghibli meets a fairy-tale bakery.

What’s Next?

Ready to dive in? Grab one of these best books of 2025 and prepare to be obsessed.

 Which title excites you most? Let us know in the comments!