On the shelf: Books to look forward to in 2025

By Courtney Warren

As 2025 approaches, bibliophiles around the world are buzzing with excitement over an incredible lineup of upcoming book releases. Just when you thought my bookshelves couldn’t get any fuller…we had more built in the guest room. There is something for everyone in 2025, and I pray that you find the time to read something wonderful. Here are some of the most anticipated books set to make waves in 2025:

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros, the bestselling author known for her masterful storytelling and heart-pounding romance, is set to release Onyx Storm. This book is the latest installment in her wildly popular fantasy series that blends high-stakes adventure with deeply emotional character arcs. Fans are eager to dive back into Yarros’s richly imagined world, complete with political intrigue, magical battles, and swoon-worthy relationships. Early teasers suggest that Onyx Storm will explore themes of redemption and sacrifice, while delivering the action-packed narrative her readers have come to expect. This book is absolutely addicting, but please note that it is in no way appropriate for young adult readers, due to explicit content. 

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins, the mastermind behind The Hunger Games, returns with Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel that promises to shed new light on the dystopian world of Panem. This book reportedly delves into the origins of the Hunger Games themselves, focusing on the fraught period that led to the Capitol’s oppressive rule. I am so excited to learn about the history of some of the districts in the story, as well as what fueled the rebellion. Collins has such skill when it comes to creating characters and world-building, so I have no doubt this book will be a huge success. 

Rebel Witch by Kristin Ciccarelli
Kristin Ciccarelli, beloved for her enchanting tales of magic and self-discovery, is set to release Rebel Witch. This is book two in the Crimson Moth series, and I kept book one on my shelf for far too long. After a reading slump, I picked the story up and, within a day, was turning the final page. According to the publisher, when Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn. This will be the end to a duology. 

Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
Renowned biographer Ron Chernow, whose previous works on Alexander Hamilton and Ulysses S. Grant have become modern classics, turns his lens to one of America’s greatest literary icons: Mark Twain. In Mark Twain, Chernow delves deep into the life of Samuel Clemens, exploring the man behind the pen name. This comprehensive biography promises to shed light on Twain’s personal struggles, his biting wit, and his profound influence on American literature and culture. Readers can expect a meticulously researched and engaging narrative that captures the complexities of a man who was both a humorist and a fierce social critic. For fans of history and literature, this biography is a must-read.

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
Neil Sharpson, celebrated for his genre-bending storytelling, returns with Don’t Trust Fish. This picture book promises to be wonderful, as Dan Santat is the illustrator. Santat is known for his illustrations and even won the coveted Caldecott Medal for his work. Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish? 1) They spend all their time in the water, where we can’t see them; 2) Some are as big as a bus—that is not okay; 3) We don’t know what they’re teaching in their “schools;” and  4) They are likely plotting our doom.

Conclusion
The literary offerings of 2025 promise a thrilling year for readers of all genres. From Rebecca Yarros’s epic fantasy Onyx Storm to Ron Chernow’s illuminating biography of Mark Twain, there’s something to captivate every imagination. Whether you’re drawn to dystopian worlds, magical rebellions, or incisive historical analysis, the year’s upcoming releases are sure to deliver unforgettable stories that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. Prepare your shelves and clear your calendars—2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year in publishing!