The first few days of any new year always feel like a strange, frozen state. But as January draws to a close, it’s time to catch up, including on your reading list for 2025.
Save this post, because we’re bringing you the five most anticipated books of 2025 that will be released throughout the year — and you should definitely read them.
We Do Not Part, Han Kang
Historical fiction
Release date: January 21, 2025
Pages: 272
Author’s nationality: South Korea
Originally published in South Korea in 2021, 2025 brings the English translation of the latest novel by 2024 Nobel Laureate in Literature Han Kang.
We Do Not Part is about friendship, memory and the weight of history. In this haunting novel, Kyungha begins a perilous journey to Jeju Island to rescue her friend’s pet bird during a fierce snowstorm. Kyungha is drawn into a hidden chapter of Korean history — a testament to the power of love and resilience.
Like her acclaimed novel The Vegetarian, which powerfully examined themes of misogyny and control, We Do Not Part delves into the complexities of the human experience, exploring the fragility of life, the power of memory and the importance of confronting the past.
With its lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of human resilience, We Do Not Part solidifies Han Kang’s position as one of the most important literary voices of our time.
Atmosphere: A Love Story, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Historical fiction, romance
Release date: June 3, 2025
Pages: 352
Author’s nationality: USA
Taylor Jenkins Reid (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six) once again delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant novel with Atmosphere.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program, the story follows Joan Goodwin, a brilliant physicist who defies expectations to become one of NASA’s pioneering female astronauts.
Reid combines themes of ambition, love, loss and the human spirit. Like Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones, Joan is a complex protagonist in a world dominated by male figures. Reid’s signature will undoubtedly transport readers to the thrilling heights of the space race while exploring the profound impact of ambition and love on the human heart.
Never Flinch, Stephen King
Horror, suspense
Release date: May 27, 2025
Pages: 448
Author’s nationality: USA
The master of suspense, Stephen King, returns with Never Flinch, a thrilling novel featuring two stories: a chilling serial killer case and the escalating threats against a prominent feminist activist.
This latest work features King’s characteristic blend of horror, suspense and social commentary, recalling his earlier books such as Misery and The Shining.
Featuring the beloved Holly Gibney alongside a dynamic cast of new characters, including a world-famous gospel singer and a determined villain, Never Flinch promises to be an unforgettable read. With this novel, King continues his exploration of contemporary anxieties. Never Flinch is a timely, thought-provoking thriller that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.
Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins
Fiction, young adult
Release date: March 18, 2025
Pages: 400
Author’s nationality: USA
Suzanne Collins, the acclaimed author of the Hunger Games trilogy, is set to charm readers once more with Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel novel that delves into the history of Panem.
Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s iconic rebellion, the story follows Haymitch Abernathy — the cynical mentor from the original series, as he faces his own terrifying ordeal in the 50th Hunger Games, a special edition known as the Quarter Quell.
Collins weaves a narrative of love, loss and rebellion that reveals the devastating consequences of the Capitol’s cruel games. With Sunrise on the Reaping, Collins expands the Hunger Games universe, offering a deeper understanding of the oppressive regime and the sacrifices made by those who dared to defy it.
My Name Is Emilia del Valle, Isabel Allende
Historical novel
Release date: May 6, 2025
Pages: 304
Author’s nationality: Chile
As in her previous works, such as The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende explores themes of identity, family and the power of female ambition.
Set in 19th-century San Francisco and Chile, the story follows Emilia, a young journalist working to uncover the truth about her father and her own origins.
Emilia, a strong and independent woman who defies societal norms, embodies the spirit of Allende’s unforgettable female protagonists, from Blanca Trueba to Eva Luna. With a touch of magical realism, Allende crafts a compelling story of love, loss and self-discovery that will leave readers engaged from the first page to the last.