Most Anticipated Fantasy Book Releases of 2025

close up shot of a person writing on a spell book
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

2025 promises a wealth of fantastic reads for fantasy enthusiasts, with a mix of new series, standalones, and eagerly awaited sequels. Here’s a list of the most anticipated releases, arranged chronologically, with detailed descriptions to help you plan your reading year.


Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, brings Immortal, a standalone romantasy about Liyen, a mortal queen striving to save her kingdom, Tianxia. Her journey takes her into the Immortal Realm, where she must ally with the God of War. This enemies-to-lovers story is packed with tension, political intrigue, and lush world-building.

Immortal: An Enchanting Fantasy Romance with Forbidden Passion, Perfect for Winter 2025, Lose Yourself in a World of Magic and Romance
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Tan, Sue Lynn (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/07/2025 (Publication Date) – Harper Voyager (Publisher)

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire

Release Date: January 7, 2025

The Wayward Children series continues with its tenth installment, focusing on Nadya, a character introduced in Beneath the Sugar Sky. Nadya discovers a doorway to Belyrreka, where she transforms into the Drowned Girl. Her journey explores themes of belonging and the search for one’s people in McGuire’s signature poignant style.

Sale
Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children, 10)
  • Hardcover Book
  • McGuire, Seanan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 160 Pages – 01/07/2025 (Publication Date) – Tordotcom (Publisher)

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee & Fonda Lee

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Breath of the Dragon, the first book in the Breathmarked Duology, introduces 16-year-old Jun, who defies his father to enter the Guardian’s Tournament. Inspired by Bruce Lee’s legacy, this action-packed tale combines martial arts, magical scrolls, and high-stakes competition.

Sale
Breath of the Dragon: Breathmarked (Breathmarked, 1)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Lee, Fonda (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 352 Pages – 01/07/2025 (Publication Date) – Wednesday Books (Publisher)

Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland

Release Date: January 7, 2025

The sequel to Five Broken Blades, Four Ruined Realms delves deeper into a world of betrayal and high-stakes heists. The blades must steal a ring from the God King Joon’s sister, but fractured trust among the group threatens their mission. This gripping follow-up is sure to thrill fans of the series.

Sale
Four Ruined Realms (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Broken Blades, 2)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Corland, Mai (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages – 01/07/2025 (Publication Date) – Entangled: Red Tower Books (Publisher)

Lightfall by Ed Crocker

Release Date: January 14, 2025

Ed Crocker’s debut novel, Lightfall, is the first book in The Everlands Trilogy. Blending supernatural creatures with political intrigue, the story follows Sam, a vampire maid navigating a murder investigation. Her journey uncovers the secrets of the ruling elite, delivering an inventive and gripping tale.

Sale
Lightfall: Book One of The Everlands (The Everlands Trilogy, 1)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Crocker, Ed (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages – 01/14/2025 (Publication Date) – St. Martin’s Press (Publisher)

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Release Date: January 14, 2025

In Water Moon, a magical pawnshop in Tokyo masquerades as a ramen restaurant, visible only to those with deep regrets. When an item disappears with its owner, Hana begins a quest to recover them. Samantha Sotto Yambao weaves a poignant and imaginative story full of charm.

Water Moon: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Sotto Yambao, Samantha (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 374 Pages – 01/14/2025 (Publication Date) – Del Rey (Publisher)

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: January 21, 2025

The third book in the Empyrean Series, Onyx Storm, picks up after the shocking events of Iron Flame. With the war against the Venin escalating, Basgiath’s Dragonriders must abandon their education to prepare for battle. Rebecca Yarros raises the stakes in this heart-pounding sequel.

Sale
Onyx Storm (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Empyrean, 3)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Yarros, Rebecca (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 544 Pages – 01/21/2025 (Publication Date) – Entangled: Red Tower Books (Publisher)

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Emily Wilde returns in the third installment of her cozy yet adventurous series. In Compendium of Lost Tales, Emily adjusts to life as the Queen of Faerie alongside Wendell while contending with a curse from Wendell’s stepmother. This book is a delightful addition with heightened stakes and Fawcett’s trademark charm.

Sale
Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales
  • Hardcover Book
  • Fawcett, Heather (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 368 Pages – 02/11/2025 (Publication Date) – Del Rey (Publisher)

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

Release Date: March 4, 2025

The final chapter in Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle, Oathbound, sees Bree separated from the Legendborn Order and forced to ally with the Shadow King. With dead Merlins appearing and tensions at an all-time high, this conclusion promises an epic finale to a beloved series.

Sale
Oathbound (3) (The Legendborn Cycle)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Deonn, Tracy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 656 Pages – 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 4, 2025

In The Ragpicker King, the sequel to Sword Catcher, Cassandra Clare raises the stakes for Lin and Kel. As Kel investigates a massacre, Lin struggles with the consequences of claiming to be the Goddess Reborn. With political intrigue and personal dilemmas, this sequel is a must-read.

Sale
The Ragpicker King (Chronicles of Castellane)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Clare, Cassandra (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 576 Pages – 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) – Del Rey (Publisher)

Emberclaw by L.R. Lam

Release Date: March 4, 2025

The conclusion to L.R. Lam’s Dragon Scales Duology, Emberclaw, follows Arcady as they face the University of Vatra’s trials of magic and Everen as he grapples with his actions. In this thrilling and emotional finale, the pair must reunite to combat an ancient danger.

Emberclaw (Dragon Scales Book 2)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Lam, L. R. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) – DAW (Publisher)

The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison

Release Date: March 11, 2025

The final book in The Cemeteries of Amalo Trilogy, The Tomb of Dragons, explores Thara Celehar’s identity after losing his role as Witness for the Dead. With murder and political turmoil at its core, Katherine Addison promises a compelling and satisfying conclusion.

The Tomb of Dragons: The Chronicles of Osreth: The Cemeteries of Amalo Trilogy, Book 3
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Addison, Katherine (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 03/11/2025 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)

A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery by Robert Jackson Bennett

Release Date: April 1, 2025

In the sequel to The Tainted Cup, Ana and Din investigate the disappearance of a Treasury officer, uncovering a grand conspiracy. With intricate plotting and a mysterious killer, A Drop of Corruption is a thrilling follow-up to Bennett’s 2024 hit.

Sale
A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery (Shadow of the Leviathan)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Bennett, Robert Jackson (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 480 Pages – 04/01/2025 (Publication Date) – Del Rey (Publisher)

Fearless by Lauren Roberts

Release Date: April 8, 2025

The Powerless Trilogy concludes with Fearless, as Paedyn, Kai, and Kitt face their ultimate challenges. With conflicts between Elites and Ordinaries reaching a crescendo, this installment promises to be the most devastating and compelling yet.

Sale
Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Roberts, Lauren (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 608 Pages – 04/08/2025 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Joe Abercrombie introduces a new series with The Devils, following Brother Diaz as he allies with a team of killers and monsters to combat flesh-eating Elves. Gritty and dark, this novel combines Abercrombie’s trademark style with high-stakes adventure.

Sale
The Devils
  • Hardcover Book
  • Abercrombie, Joe (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages – 05/13/2025 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Release Date: June 10, 2025

V.E. Schwab’s Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil connects three women across centuries in a tale of female rage, vampires, and forbidden love. With Schwab’s signature nuanced storytelling, this novel promises to be haunting and thought-provoking.

Sale
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
  • Hardcover Book
  • Schwab, V. E. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 544 Pages – 06/10/2025 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)

The Jasad Crown by Sara Hashem

Release Date: July 15, 2025

The conclusion to The Scorched Throne Duology, The Jasad Crown, forces Sylvia to face her destiny. With Arin racing to reach her and her kingdom in peril, this finale delivers a nerve-wracking and emotional conclusion to Sara Hashem’s debut series.

The Jasad Crown (The Scorched Throne)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Hashem, Sara (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 07/15/2025 (Publication Date) – Orbit (Publisher)

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid

Release Date: August 5, 2025

In A Theory of Dreaming, Effy and Preston return to face the aftermath of their choices in A Study in Drowning. Their defiance of their university and nation leads to greater conflicts, promising a gripping continuation of Reid’s acclaimed debut.

Sale
A Theory of Dreaming Deluxe Limited Edition
  • Hardcover Book
  • Reid, Ava (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 416 Pages – 08/05/2025 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

Release Date: August 19, 2025

T. Kingfisher’s Hemlock & Silver reimagines Snow White with a dark twist. Anja, a healer and poison expert, investigates a princess’s mysterious illness, uncovering secrets with the help of a magical mirror and a narcissistic cat. This imaginative tale is quintessential Kingfisher.

Hemlock & Silver
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kingfisher, T. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 368 Pages – 08/19/2025 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Release Date: August 26, 2025

R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis sends two rival magic students to the underworld to rescue their professor, drawing inspiration from Orpheus and Dante. With its mythological underpinnings and intense rivalries, this novel promises to be a standout release in 2025.

Sale
Katabasis (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Novel
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kuang, R. F (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages – 08/26/2025 (Publication Date) – Harper Voyager (Publisher)

These 2025 fantasy releases promise a year full of adventure, magic, and unforgettable stories. Which of these books are you most excited to read? Let us know in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links.



The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!

The Best New Science Fiction Books of January 2025

robot pointing on a wall
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

As we enter the new year, science fiction offers a stunning array of fresh perspectives and imaginative worlds. January 2025 boasts an incredible lineup of books, spanning genres and themes to delight every type of reader. Whether you crave eco-thrillers, space operas, or thought-provoking meditations on technology and humanity, this month’s releases are guaranteed to inspire and entertain.


Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor delivers a mind-bending exploration of storytelling and artificial intelligence in Death of the Author. Sci-fi writer Zelu sets out to craft a novel about AI and androids after humanity’s extinction, only to find that the boundaries between her fictional world and reality begin to dissolve. With themes of creativity, identity, and existentialism, Okorafor again demonstrates why she is a must-read author.

Sale
Death of the Author (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Novel
  • Hardcover Book
  • Okorafor, Nnedi (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 448 Pages – 01/14/2025 (Publication Date) – William Morrow (Publisher)

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall

Eiren Caffall’s haunting literary adventure is set in a future where glaciers have melted, submerging New York City. The protagonists, tasked with preserving artifacts on the American Museum of Natural History roof, navigate the challenges of survival in a drowned world. Inspired by real-life curators who protected cultural treasures during wartime, this novel offers a poignant reflection on resilience and humanity’s relationship with history.

All the Water in the World: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Caffall, Eiren (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 290 Pages – 01/07/2025 (Publication Date) – St. Martin’s Press (Publisher)

We Lived on the Horizon by Erika Swyler

In Erika Swyler’s captivating novel, a bio-prosthetic surgeon and her AI assistant live in a city governed by artificial intelligence that rewards sacrifice. When a brutal murder occurs, the AI erases the event from its records, leaving the surgeon to grapple with hidden truths. Swyler’s richly imagined world and complex characters make this a thought-provoking exploration of power, ethics, and survival.

Sale
We Lived on the Horizon: A Novel
  • Hardcover Book
  • Swyler, Erika (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 01/14/2025 (Publication Date) – Atria Books (Publisher)

Picks and Shovels by Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow returns with the latest installment in his Martin Hench series. Set in 1986, forensic accountant Hench investigates a Silicon Valley start-up, only to side with the group of young women creating a rival company. Picks and Shovels blends tech intrigue with social commentary, showcasing Doctorow’s signature wit and incisive critique of corporate power.

Picks and Shovels: A Martin Hench Novel (The Martin Hench Novels)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Doctorow, Cory (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 02/18/2025 (Publication Date) – Tor Books (Publisher)

Space Oddity by Catherynne M. Valente

The sequel to the Hugo-nominated Space Opera, Catherynne M. Valente’s Space Oddity returns to the galactic stage with a mix of gladiatorial combat, beauty pageantry, and musical extravaganza. Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes are back, preparing for another contest where Earth’s fate hangs in the balance. Valente’s dazzling prose and inventive world-building make this a must-read.

Space Oddity (Space Opera, The Book 2)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Valente, Catherynne M. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 381 Pages – 09/24/2024 (Publication Date) – S&S/Saga Press (Publisher)

The Ancients by John Larison

The Ancients weaves three interconnected tales in a far-future Earth transformed by climate change. A group of siblings ventures through a wilderness searching for their lost community, raiders capture their mother, and a scholar at the seat of power faces a moral crossroads. John Larison’s epic narrative combines adventure, survival, and profound ethical questions.

The Ancients: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Larison, John (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 396 Pages – 10/15/2024 (Publication Date) – Viking (Publisher)

The Garden by Nick Newman

Nick Newman’s The Garden blurs the lines between horror and post-apocalyptic fiction. Two elderly sisters live in isolation in a walled garden until a nameless boy disrupts their secluded existence, drawing the outside world into their lives. With its eerie atmosphere and emotional resonance, this novel is chilling and deeply moving.

The Garden
  • Hardcover Book
  • Newman, Nick (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 320 Pages – 02/18/2025 (Publication Date) – G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Publisher)

Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza

In filmmaker Josh Mendoza’s space opera, a disgraced detective is framed for murder. He uncovers a sinister cabal of interdimensional invaders as he fights to clear his name. Shadow of the Eternal Watcher combines high-stakes action with a richly imagined universe, offering an exhilarating ride for fans of the genre.

Shadow of the Eternal Watcher
  • Mendoza, Josh (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 325 Pages – 01/28/2025 (Publication Date) – Inkshares (Publisher)

Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane

Emily Jane’s Here Beside the Rising Tide brings romance and mystery to the forefront. Romance author Jenni returns to her childhood beach home, where her best friend Timmy vanished decades ago. When a boy emerges from the sea claiming to be Timmy, she must confront the secrets of the past and the dangers lurking beneath the waves. This beautifully crafted novel perfectly blends love, suspense, and sci-fi intrigue.

Here Beside the Rising Tide
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Jane, Emily (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/28/2025 (Publication Date) – Hyperion Avenue (Publisher)

A Month of Boundless Imagination

This January, science fiction offers something for every reader, from eco-thrillers and literary adventures to space operas and speculative romances. These books are not just stories but gateways to new perspectives and thrilling possibilities. Which of these titles will you explore first? Let us know in the comments!



The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!