It is so hard to believe it is the last day of the year. 2024 has flown past, and 2025 is officially almost here. And as we end one year of reading, next year already has some amazing new releases I can't help but be excited for. So, these are the books I am most excited about coming out in January and are perfect for starting my year's reading goal.
1. Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland
Five Broken Blades is a heist story like none other - especially because it ended in absolute failure. However, this group of thieves has a new mission they need to accomplish and even less trust than they started with. Which is surprisingly possible. I'm so excited to see how the consequences of the first book play out with the second, especially with the time crunch the team is under - and the certain death they'll face if they fail.
Four Ruined Realms is available for preorder through Entangled Publishing and will be released on January 7, 2025.
2. Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia
When I first read the plot synopsis of Mystery Royale, it made me think of Knives Out, which is always a compliment in my eyes. But this one adding in magic almost immediately put it on my TBR. It looks like it's going to be a fun and twisty murder mystery, and having a teenager as the focal point brings me back to my days when I adored The Westing Game and Harriet the Spy, and hope it lets see other teenage sleuths in the future.
Mystery Royale is available for preorder through Penguin Random House and will be released on January 7, 2025
3. The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
There are some books I feel like Kleenex should do a partnership with to provide a box of tissues to come with it when it releases - and based on the synopsis, The In-Between Bookstore is one of them. Darby going to his favorite bookstore after losing his job, and finding the cashier is his teenage self is a premise I know a lot of people will understand. The subtle magical realism, and getting the chance to answer the question, "What advice would you give to your younger self?" makes me know this book will be a tearjerker, but in a poignant and important way.
The In-Between Bookstore is available for preorder through HarperCollins Publishers and will be released on January 14, 2025
4. The King's Quartet by S.C. Selby
I have to admit, I'm a little biased about this one, because I have an ARC for it, and I am hyped to read it! But this indie debut has been hyped so well by the author on social media, every single snippet I have seen of this romantasy world makes it one I want to live in. I'm here for swoon and political intrigue, and this book promises to be a lot of both.
The King's Quartet is available for preorder through Amazon and will release on January 15, 2025.
5. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
I'm pretty sure Onyx Storm is on everyone's most anticipated January release list. In fact, I had trouble finding any other book coming out on its release date, which says a lot about how the publishing industry as a whole is reacting to Onyx Storm. And while there are plenty of rereads to be had and theories to gossip over, what I am most excited about is finding out more about Andarna - and finding out what Xaden's decision at the end of Iron Flame means for his relationship with Violet.
Onyx Storm is available for preorder through Entangled Publishing and will release on January 21, 2025.