Epic Returns and Fresh Tales Await

Notably, fans of Suzanne Collins can prepare for a gripping return to Panem in "Sunrise on the Reaping," which promises to delve deep into the emotional landscape of a young Haymitch Abernathy just before he becomes a pivotal figure in the infamous Hunger Games saga. Horror aficionados will be thrilled by Stephen Graham Jones' new vampire novel alongside a dose of romance in "Tusk Love," a collaboration with the creative minds behind Critical Role. Excitement is in the air, and readers are sure to find gems that speak to their hearts.

Your 2025 Reading Wishlist Starts Here!

Here’s a sneak peek at 44 of the most thrilling science fiction and fantasy books hitting shelves in 2025:

1. Daughter of Chaos (The Dark Pantheon #1) by A.S. Webb – Jan. 14

Set on the enchanting island of Naxos, this reimagining of Greek mythology follows Danae, a young woman grappling with her newfound powers as she joins forces with legendary hero Heracles.

2. Helen of Troy, 1993: Poems by Maria Zoccola – Jan. 14

An evocative collection imagining Helen as a modern housewife in rural Tennessee, blending ancient myths with contemporary femininity.

3. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix – Jan. 14

Dive into the occult world of the 1970s where Fern, a young girl in a strict maternity home, discovers the freedom that witchcraft can bring.

4. Motheater by Linda H. Codega – Jan. 21

Set against the backdrop of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, this atmospheric tale melds LGBTQ+ themes with elemental battles against industrial encroachment.

5. Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su – Jan. 28

Discover a unique love story involving a sentient blob and self-discovery, pushing the boundaries of romance into the surreal.

6. The Lamb by Lucy Rose – Feb. 4

A modern gothic fairy tale where familial ties and secret relationships blur the lines of loyalty and need.

7. Anoxia by Miguel Ángel Hernández (translated by Adrian Nathan West) – Feb. 4

An intimate ghost story that explores life, death, and the memories that linger in a photographer's quest to document the deceased.

8. Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito – Feb. 4

This dark comedy about a seemingly perfect governess reveals the twisted secrets lurking beneath a pristine façade.

9. Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel – Feb. 4

A blend of suspense and dark humor as a protective sibling grapples with haunting dreams amid chaos.

10. The Crimson Road by A.G. Slatter – Feb. 11

A return to the beloved Sourdough Universe as a warrior confronts her past in a quest for freedom.

11. Beta Vulgaris by Margie Sarsfield – Feb. 11

An eerie tale where harvesting sugar beets leads to unexplainable rashes and supernatural whispers from the harvest itself.

12. The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas – Feb. 11

A delicate balance between tradition and modernity as a young woman finds herself caught between past spirits and her own desires.

13. But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo – Feb. 11

An enchanting novella centered around a humanoid spider-woman and her tragic appetites.

14. Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett – Feb. 11

Follow a charming academic as she navigates the whimsical world of fae and the trials of courtship.

15. Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods – Feb. 18

Combining elements of "The Little Mermaid" and "Cinderella," this captivating tale is set in 1758 as a young woman saves a drowning prince.

16. Hungerstone by Kat Dunn – Feb. 18

Explore the complexities of desire and fear through the lens of a tumultuous relationship intertwined with vampire lore.

17. Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein – Feb. 25

A re-imagining of the notorious pickpocket from "Oliver Twist," presenting a nuanced perspective on his life and struggles.

18. Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill – Feb. 25

A twist on English folklore as two unlikely allies—an unwelcome river hag and a witch—join forces against malevolent threats.

19. The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica (translated by Sarah Moses) – March 4

A captivating narrative set against a backdrop of societal collapse, exploring themes of faith, horror, and the quest for enlightenment.

20. They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran – March 4

Unravel the mysteries of a storm-ravaged Louisiana town as one woman's family legacy collides with supernatural elements.

21. The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar – March 4

A beautifully woven tale of sisters navigating love and ambition against the backdrop of an enigmatic willow-harvesting family.

22. Fan Service by Rosie Danan – March 11

A supernatural romance entwined with aspects of fandom, reminiscent of past crushes and adventures of one's youth.

23. The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones – March 18

A bold narrative revisiting historical horror through the lens of a Blackfeet vampire seeking revenge.

24. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – March 18

A much-anticipated return to Panem, where fans will discover the background of a young Haymitch, preparing us for heartbreak.

25. Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen – March 25

A spectacular hybrid of historical narrative and performance art, imagining Harriet Tubman as a Broadway aspirant.

26. Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou – April 1

A powerful retelling that addresses themes of toxic masculinity intertwined with a motherly love story.

27. Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake – April 1

A family drama layered with magic, as cutthroat ambition threatens a genius family's inherited legacy.

28. Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes – April 8

Space horror meets political chaos as a woman grapples with specters aboard a derelict ship.

29. Sky Daddy by Kate Folk – April 8

Unconventional and imaginative, this novel explores uncharted territories of desire through a flight-obsessed protagonist.

30. Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker – April 29

A harrowing exploration of grief and identity through the lens of the Asian-American experience amid COVID-19.

31. When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley – April 29

An imaginative blend of history and romance featuring a merman hidden within an artistic backdrop of New York City.

32. Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman – April 29

A thrilling reimagination of Robin Hood through the perspective of a clever peasant girl caught in layers of intrigue.

33. Polybius by Collin Armstrong – April 29

Dive into a retro fever dream investigating video game lore and psychological warfare in 1982.

34. Bochica by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro – May 13

A haunted house tale exploring grief and family secrets in a Colombian estate plagued by nightmares.

35. Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove – May 13

A quirky sci-fi odyssey featuring a spaceship on a mission to uncover supernatural phenomena involving its passengers.

36. Anji Kills a King (The Rising Tide #1) by Evan Leikam – May 13

A thrilling escapade as a rogue assassin faces the consequences of her actions while forging unexpected alliances.

37. The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin – May 13

A western fantasy that intertwines the supernatural with the historical, challenging perceptions of reality on a journey for answers.

38. Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel – May 13

A heartfelt tribute to nerd culture as the protagonist champions a beloved series against overwhelming odds.

39. This Princess Kills Monsters: The Misadventures of a Fairy-Tale Stepsister by Ry Herman – June 17

A whimsical and action-packed journey of growth as a reluctant princess discovers her role in plot-twisting adventures.

40. Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon and Critical Role – July 1

A sassy romantic adventure seamlessly merging fantastical elements with delightful humor and charm.

41. One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford – July 15

A gripping story that melds horror and science as a woman races against time to save her undead husband.

42. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis – Aug. 5

A supernatural mystery about societal fears manifesting as witch-hunt hysteria in a quaint village.

43. Love at First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe – Aug. 12

A lighthearted romantic adventure where conspiracy and intrigue reign amidst a quest for truth.

44. The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas – Aug. 19

A chilling tale of madness and desire as personal relationships become intertwined with the supernatural.

Conclusion: Gear Up for an Incredible Year of Reading!

With 2025 bursting at the seams with captivating and innovative storytelling, bibliophiles will find a treasure trove of options to indulge in. Make sure to keep your reading list updated and prepare for some late nights spent under the covers, lost in these spellbinding worlds!