The start of a new year brings lots of change and excitement, especially if you view a new year as one large reset button. As a reader, I love the beginning of a new year because it gives me the opportunity to set my reading goal back to 0 and get excited about all of the books on my TBR that I hope to prioritize throughout the year. Added to this list, of course, are anticipated reads that are set to release at some point throughout the year. Here are 5 of my most highly anticipated fantasy reads of 2025 that you should consider keeping on your radar.
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
You will pretty much hear every reader ever talking about the release of Onyx Storm on January 21st, because it very well may be the MOST popular fantasy book releasing all year. Iron Flame left us on such a crazy cliffhanger and I am equally excited and scared to see where Rebecca takes this story and these characters. What will I do after finishing it? Who knows. I’ve heard talk about Rebecca taking a writing break after this release, so with no definitive idea of when book 4 of the series is set to release, I may just have to hibernate until I have some more information. Who’s with me?
2. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns—The Shepherd King duology—is my favorite duology ever written. Rachel’s ability to write such a beautiful story set in the most captivating world with characters you can’t help but adore has made her an immediate auto-buy author for me. Her newest book, The Knight and the Moth, is an adult gothic romantasy releasing on May 20th. I am truly so excited to dive into this new world she’s created and I just know I will love these characters just as much as the ones from One Dark Window.
3. Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
Heartless Hunter was in my top five reads of 2024, so of course the sequel is one of my most anticipated releases of the entire year. Releasing February 18th, Rebel Witch will pick up where the painful cliffhanger left us at the end of Heartless Hunter. If you’re someone who reads books for the tropes, this series is enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies and I truly have no idea what Kristen has in store for the main characters, but let me tell you, I am very eagerly anticipating this release so I can find out.
4. Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
I can only describe this series as a good time—it’s hilarious, the characters are relatable, there’s a frog who communicates with one-word signs (and wears a crown), the female main character is unpredictable in the best way, and it features a male main character who would burn the world for her—what’s not to love? The third book in the series is set to release on August 5, and I already know it’s going to be one of my favorite reads of the summer. Hannah also posts the best teasers on her Instagram, and I am SO excited to read this one. This is a great series to get into if you’re new to the genre or looking for something fun and quick to read!
5. Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
Truthfully, this is a book I don’t know a lot about, but I follow so many people on Instagram who have done nothing but rave about this one. I have seen a lot of out-of-context quotes that make me need to read them ASAP because they are just so good. This one releases on January 14th, and if it does live up to the hype, I have a feeling it’s going to be one of my favorite reads of the year.
There is such a long list of fantasy books releasing in 2025 that I can’t wait to read and my TBR is already overflowing. I also can’t be the only reader who is anxiously anticipating some book announcements this year—Sarah J. Maas—so here’s hoping this is a great year for the bookworms!