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Best selling books of 2025
21
items 2025 has been an incredible year for books — whether you’re craving heart-stopping fiction, mind-expanding non-fiction, or that perfect blend of fantasy + romance (“romantasy”) that has BookTok buzzing. These bestselling books aren’t just flying off ...
Sections
4
Romantasy and fantasy
Self help and motivation
Mystery, thriller & crime
Emotional & relational stories
Romantasy and fantasy
More readers want to escape, but still feel something — these books deliver both escapism and emotional connection.
One of the fastest-selling adult novels in two decades: part of The Empyrean series. Huge among romantasy fans.
Onyx Storm (Wing and Claw Collection, 3)
A fantasy-leaning, imaginative, big concept book; academic, magical, hellish (in the metaphorical sense) — readers love the dark world-building & philosophical edge.
Katabasis (Deluxe Limited Edition) - by R F Kuang (Hardcover)
Why readers are hooked: If you like deep, twisting mysteries + a detective duo with tension + a big intricate cast, this Cormoran Strike entry delivers.
The Hallmarked Man: A Cormoran Strike Novel ...
Think of this: two brilliant magicians (PhD candidates!) who have to descend into hell itself to save someone they deeply respect. That’s Katabasis. It blends academic intrigue + metaphysical horror + moral cost. It’s dark fantasy, yes — but it’s als...
Katabasis: A Novel by R. F. Kuang
If you grew up obsessed with The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping feels like stepping back into that world you thought you’d left behind — but with a darker, deeper twist.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping - by Suzanne Collins ...
A thriller / domestic suspense hit — people love the tension, plot twists, and the “what would you do?” morally problematic protagonist.
The Housemaid: McFadden, Freida: 9781538742570
Self help and motivation
Titles around mental health, empowerment, life strategy are resonating especially in a time of global change.
The Dan Brown magic formula: history, mystery, decode-this maps & conspiracies. Always a bestseller.
The Secret of Secrets: A Novel (Robert Langdon)
Non-fiction trend: motivational / self-help / life strategies. Robbins is hitting that sweet spot with personal growth + accessible author voice.
The Let Them Theory: Life-Changing Tool
Brené Brown always hits with a message people want right now. Strong Ground is about leadership in uncertain times — practical, hopeful, and actionable.
Strong Ground: Lessons of Daring Leadership
Essays from Zadie Smith — she dives into urgent topics with style + nuance. If you like thinkers who aren’t afraid to grapple with complexity, this is one.
Dead and Alive: Essays by Zadie Smith
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of stress, fear, and uncertainty (hello, modern life), Beyond Anxiety shows you how to break free in a way that’s sustainable and authentic. Martha Beck blends neuroscience, coaching wisdom, and practical tools so ...
Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity & Purpose
This is one of those self-help books that doesn’t just stay in your head — it gives you tools you can actually use. For anyone chasing high performance (athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, but really anyone wanting their best life), Inner Excellence d...
INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Performance
Mystery, thriller & crime
Suspense sells. Strong plotting + relatable stakes = page-turners that are also conversation-starters.
Herron
For fans of thriller / crime / dark satire. A compelling genre mix.
Clown Town (Slough House) by Mick Herron
It explores the infamous stock-market crash with both historical impact and dramatic storytelling. For those who love learning history and reading it like a thriller.
1929: Inside the Greatest Wall Street Crash
Thriller + remote, spooky locales + mind games? This book has them. A man’s wife disappears, there’s a nearly identical woman on a remote Scottish island, hidden secrets, and even a scenario where the protagonist ends up buried alive. It’s atmospheri...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel - Feeney, Alice: Books
It’s emotional and terrifying: this one’s about fathers and sons, trauma, secrets from the past, and the lengths people will go to escape what haunts them.
The Man Made of Smoke: A Novel by Alex North, Hardcover
Emotional & relational stories
Identity, family, loss, love — people gravitate toward what feels human, raw, and honest.
This one’s romance + historical vibes + emotional depth. Perfect for readers wanting both warmth and tension.
Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club
it: A coming-of-age story in a dystopian setting with funny, sharp commentary. It’s bittersweet and grounded — great for people who love layered characters + social reflection.
Vera, or Faith: A Novel: Shteyngart, Gary - Books
It’s part memoir, part novella, born from the heartbreak of a breakup and the shadows of depression. If you’ve ever wondered how life pieces itself back together when your own sense of self feels fractured — this hits deep. 
The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey, Hardcover
It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped inside a war zone: set in modern Ukraine during the 2022 invasion, following a 12-year-old boy, Artem, with queer feelings for his best friend, struggling with loss, displacement, identity. If your audience connects...
The Sunflower Boys: A Novel - Wachman, Sam: Books
Even in 2025, this keeps winning in the self-help / habits space. Long tail success + word of mouth + steady relevance.
Atomic Habits: Easy Way to Build & Break Habits