The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating time for fantasy enthusiasts, with a plethora of enticing new titles poised to enrich the genre in the next 12 months. Following the success of 2024’s remarkable fantasy lineup, it is encouraging to see the upward momentum continue. Although additional releases are sure to be revealed throughout the year, there are already numerous stories that fans are eagerly anticipating.
This coming year will witness the continuation and conclusion of several beloved fantasy series, with their latest volumes ranking among the most highly anticipated works in the genre. Notable mentions include Onyx Storm, which readers are waiting for with great anticipation, alongside the endings of Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle and Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup. Additionally, various stand-alone novels are set to appear, providing delightful options for readers curating their to-be-read lists for 2025.
20 Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Sue Lynn Tan, known for her acclaimed work Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is set to release Immortal, a standalone romantasy, this January. The story follows the protagonist, Liyen, as she seeks alliances in the Immortal Realm to save her homeland, Tianxia. The complexities of her budding feelings for the God of War promise to add layers of tension to this enemies-to-lovers narrative infused with political intrigue — a perfect way to commence the year.
19 Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire
Release Date: January 7, 2025
The popular Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire continues with the release of Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear. This tenth installment, set to debut on January 7, follows the character Nadya, first introduced in Beneath the Sugar Sky. Nadya’s internal struggles with her adoptive family drive her to a doorway leading to Belyrreka, where she is transformed into a Drowned Girl. This emotionally charged journey promises to resonate deeply with fans as Nadya seeks her identity and community.
18 Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee & Fonda Lee
Release Date: January 7, 2025
17 Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland
Release Date: January 7, 2025
16 Lightfall by Ed Crocker
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Ed Crocker debuts with Lightfall, an exciting blend of supernatural and social commentary that immerses readers in a world inhabited by vampires and werewolves. The story revolves around Sam, a vampire maid who navigates a murder investigation to ascend the social ladder, involving her with a sorcerer and a werewolf assassin. With uncovering a deeper conspiracy among vampires’ ruling elite, Lightfall promises to be an enthralling start to The Everlands Trilogy.
15 Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Uniquely captivating, Samantha Sotto Yambao’s Water Moon focuses on a peculiar pawnshop in Tokyo that masquerades as a ramen restaurant, only visible to those harboring deep regrets. The narrative unfolds as the shop’s current owner, Hana, embarks on a quest to recover a missing item alongside its former owner, intertwining moments of humor and poignancy in this unpredictable tale.
14 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Release Date: January 21, 2025
One of the most highly awaited titles in 2025, Onyx Storm is the next chapter in the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros. Following the stunning plot twists of Iron Flame, this installment will deepen the conflict between Navarre and the venin, propelling Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson into a more intense struggle where personal stakes are at an all-time high. As readers prepare for heartbreak in this captivating sequel, the excitement for this next installment is palpable.
13 Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales
Release Date: February 11, 2025
With the third entry in the series, Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales is set to enchant readers on February 11. This installment sees Emily and her companion Wendell facing their most formidable challenges yet, as they claim the throne of Faerie while contending with curses stemming from Wendell’s stepmother. Fans can expect a blend of charm and cozy storytelling, paired with escalating tension and high stakes.
12 Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
Release Date: March 4, 2025
The conclusion of Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle is on the horizon with the release of Oathbound, promising to be one of the most significant releases of 2025. This final chapter follows Bree, who finds herself disconnected from the Legendborn Order and entangled with the Shadow King, needing to reach new heights as dead Merlins start appearing, lifting the stakes even higher.
11 The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Cassandra Clare’s transition to adult fantasy continues with The Ragpicker King, the sequel to the powerful Sword Catcher. Set for release in March 2025, it will intensify the challenges faced by Lin and Kel, with Kel scrutinizing a recent massacre while Lin grapples with the weight of proclaiming she’s the Goddess Reborn.
10 Emberclaw by LR Lam
Release Date: March 4, 2025
The concluding volume of L.R. Lam’s Dragon Scales duology, Emberclaw, promises an exhilarating finish in March. This installment sees Arcady seeking a scholarship by competing in the University of Vatra’s trials while grappling with the repercussions of his choices. Meanwhile, Everen confronts the fallout of his past actions. The looming threat of an “ancient danger”that may bring them back together adds a layer of suspense to this anticipated finale.
9 The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Katherine Addison closes out the Cemeteries of Amalo Trilogy with The Tomb of Dragons, exploring Thara Celehar’s identity crisis after losing his title as Witness for the Dead. The forthcoming narrative encompasses not only personal dilemmas but also presents the backdrop of a murder mystery and political turbulence, raising the stakes in an engaging conclusion.
8 A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery by Robert Jackson Bennett
Release Date: April 1, 2025
The sequel to one of 2024’s standout titles, A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett, will delve into an intricate mystery involving the disappearance of a Treasury officer. As Ana Dolabra investigates, the complexities of the case reveal more than mere criminality, teasing a larger threat lurking behind the scenes, making this installment a highly anticipated continuation.
7 Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Release Date: April 8, 2025
The concluding chapter of Lauren Roberts’s thrilling Powerless trilogy promises to close out the journeys of Paedyn, Kai, and Kitt on an emotional note. Following the shocking cliffhanger of its predecessor, Fearless is set to address the ongoing conflict between the Elites and the Ordinaries while unraveling the implications of Kai and Paedyn’s confessions. This finale has the potential to evoke heartache and profound storytelling.
6 The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Esteemed fantasy author Joe Abercrombie launches a new series with The Devils. This formidable narrative follows Brother Diaz, who must ally with some of the darkest characters imaginable while facing flesh-eating Elves. As with Abercrombie’s previous works, the tension and moral complexities promise a dark yet captivating reading experience.
5 Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
Release Date: June 10, 2025
The latest offering from V.E. Schwab, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, promises to be a riveting exploration of themes surrounding vampires, female rage, and LGBTQ+ romance, interweaving the lives of three women across different eras. Given Schwab’s mastery of lyrical prose and character depth, this narrative is poised to captivate readers and spark meaningful conversations.
4 The Jasad Crown by Sara Hashem
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Wrapping up the Scorched Throne duology, Sara Hashem’s The Jasad Crown will prompt Sylvia to confront the destiny she sought to evade while pursuing a connection with Arin. The tension inherent in their journey may present obstacles to a joyful resolution, making this finale both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing.
3 A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Ava Reid’s A Study in Drowning garnered significant attention, and its sequel, A Theory of Dreaming, is set to build on that momentum. Readers will follow Effy and Preston as they grapple with the aftermath of their past decisions while confronting the challenges posed by their university and national conflict. This sequel is likely to provide satisfying resolutions to lingering questions from the first book while delivering a riveting adventure.
2 Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Continuing the trend of highly anticipated releases, T. Kingfisher‘s Hemlock & Silver is set to launch on August 19, following healer Anja who navigates a complicated case in which she must save a hospitalized princess. As she encounters magic and mysteries surrounding a transformative mirror, readers can expect Kingfisher’s signature blend of charm, wit, and atmosphere.
1 Katabasis by RF Kuang
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Anticipation for R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis continues to grow ahead of its August release. Centered around two rival magic students who journey to the underworld to rescue their professor, this tale draws heavily on the mythological influences of Orpheus and Dante. With its rich literary foundations and Kuang’s proven storytelling ability, Katabasis is expected to be yet another remarkable entry in her portfolio, possibly even surpassing the acclaim of Babel.
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