Each year, there are numerous exciting new books to look out for and far too many to keep track of. Here is a list of authors with upcoming 2025 releases that have all made The New York Times’ best-seller list with their previous novels, who have each developed substantial fan bases. Scheduled for release in the first six months of 2025, these reads are bound to keep you busy through the semester and into the summer.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
Release Date: March 18, 2025
For those familiar with the “Hunger Games” trilogy, Suzanne Collins is set to return with one of the most anticipated reads of the year, “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The book tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, a beloved character from the original trilogy, as he represents District 12 in the 50th annual Hunger Games. Separated from his family and the girl he loves, Haymitch is determined to fight for those who matter to him, even when success seems out of reach. Known for her gripping and emotional storytelling that captures hearts of readers of all ages, Collins is set to transport us back to the dystopian arena this March.
“Never Flinch” by Stephen King
Release Date: May 27, 2025
In the beginning of “Never Flinch,” a letter threatening to kill multiple people in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man” is sent to the Buckeye City Police Department. Detective Izzy Jaynes enlists the help of her friend Holly Gibney to solve the mystery. At the same time, Holly is also hired to be the bodyguard for a women’s rights activist, Kate McKay, as she is targeted by a mysterious stalker who disagrees with her opinion on female empowerment. With these two stories converging in a horrifying conclusion, “Never Flinch” will remind readers that Stephen King is known as the king of horror for a reason.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
Release Date: April 22, 2025
“Great Big Beautiful Life” marks Emily Henry’s annual return to our bookshelves, telling the story of Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson as they compete to write the story of Margaret Ives, the “daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.” Ready for her big break in the publishing world, Alice vies for the spot as Margaret’s biographer, butting heads with the Pulitzer-prize winning Hayden. However, Margaret tells Alice and Hayden different pieces of her story, and a strict NDA prevents them from discussing it with each other. With this story of two writers competing for one coveted position and growing romantic interest for each other, Henry is ready to reclaim her position as one of the best writers of rom-coms.
“The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong
Release Date: May 13, 2025
In the town of East Gladness, Connecticut, 19-year-old Hai is on the verge of jumping off a bridge when he is stopped by Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia who urges him to take another path. Hai chooses to look after Grazina after her act of compassion, and Ocean Vuong — an NYU alum and current creative writing professor — narrates their relationship over the next year. Grazina’s influence alters Hai’s relationship with himself and those around him. Known for telling moving and complex stories, Vuong’s “The Emperor of Gladness” will no doubt feature another cast of emotionally vulnerable characters.
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Release Date: June 3, 2025
“Atmosphere” tells the true story of Joan Goodwin, a professor of physics and astronomy, who gets the chance to fulfill her dream of going to space with NASA’s Space Shuttle program. In the summer of 1980, Joan begins training along with a group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond, scientist John Griffin, mission specialist Lydia Danes, aeronautical engineer Vanessa Ford and Donna Fitzgerald, who is warmhearted yet full of secrets. They all become friends while preparing for their first flight, but everything changes in 1984. Emotional and thrilling, Taylor Jenkins Reid is set to return to her preferred genre, historical fiction, and transport readers back in time.
Contact Aratrika Banerjee at [email protected].
