My Top 30 Most Anticipated Books of 2025!

[@SwagDragon1]

Most of booktube: here’s 10 books/series I want to try next year. Petrik: Here’s minimum 30 books and all their cover artists I’m going to try and cram into my reading list while also producing incredible special editions. You sir are the goat.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahahaha! I don't even know how to function anymore. Everything I do revolves around books and art. xD

[@SwagDragon1]

@ and we appreciate you so much for it! Thanks for everything you do for the publishing industry, Petrik!

[@PreacherReads]

If I get Red God and Sun Eater 7 and The Strength of the Few and The Bound and the Broken 4 in the same year DEAR LORD

[@PetrikLeo]

@@PreacherReads That's my thought as well! What an EPIC year it will be!!

[@brandoncordeau7277]

I have the red rising series all 6 of them so far haven't touched them yet but I'm planning on starting it after what I'm reading now even though I'm half tempted on going to red rising anyway I heard a lot of good things about it so I hope I like it

[@diogutierrz]

Is Bound and the Broken worth continuing? I couldn’t get into the author’s voice and found him to be really redundant, reusing the same metaphors and phrases many many times through out the book. I know it’s a nitpick but my brain noticed it every time. The story was fun but I haven’t felt compelled at all to continue the series despite owning the next two books

[@PabbyRibbons]

@@diogutierrzI struggled with the same thing in the first book. Cahil improves significantly with each book in the series. I’m glad I continued, absolutely loved of War and Ruin.

[@PreacherReads]

@ everyone seems to believe it really takes off book 2 and on

[@Uppernorwood976]

I’m really looking forward to Strength of the Few. That first book really stuck in mind a long time after reading it.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's truly a masterpiece. Rare to find a first book as masterful as that now.

[@ChaptersWeLove]

Here is Petrik messing up everyone’s 2025 TBR 😂 in a good way though 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm messing up my own TBR pile, too. 😂

[@ChaptersWeLove]

@ lol

[@Mage-or-Dad]

Speaking of JRPGs: just played the first Trails game (trails in the sky). Oh my goodness it was the best story in a video game I’ve played through in recent memory. The characters, the world building, the evolution of the plot through just mind blowing twists. Curious if you have a favorite story in games. Cheers, Petrik. Thanks for all the content in 2024!

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh I have a LOT of favorite stories in games. Thank you so much! I played Trails in the Sky already. Great game!

[@Mage-or-Dad]

@@PetrikLeo Video idea...? :)

[@danjackson2313]

Great video, Petrik. I'm delighted that Gatebound is on there. The good news (or bad news, depending on your viewpoint! 😀) is that Gatebound is book 3 of the 4 book series of The Illborn Saga! Thanks again for your support.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@danjackson2313 nah that's good news! I don't even know why I said the last book here. In my previous video I clearly said the penultimate installment 😂😂

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

That's a nice list a lot of overlap with mine. Here's some additional stuff coming I have my eye on: - Feb 11 - Heather Fawcett - Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales - Mar 4 - James J. Butcher - Cold Iron Task - May 13 - Stephen Aryan - The Sorrow of the Sea - May 20 - Vivian Shaw - Strange New World - May 27 - GGK - Written In The Dark - Jun 3 - Vaishnavi Patel - Ten Incarnations of Rebellion - Jun 24 - R.J. Barker - Heart of the Wyrdwood

[@PetrikLeo]

Niceee! I forgot Heart of the Wyrdwood is coming out next year, too. Love R.J. Barker's books! :)

[@amy_harboredinpages]

📚📚📚📚📚📚 Brown, Cahill, Ruocchio, Winter.... gimmegimme!!

[@PetrikLeo]

😂😂

[@curtjarrell9710]

Hi Petrik. Thanks for mentioning the novel by Richard Swan. It has the best cover art and I think I'll enjoy reading it.

[@PetrikLeo]

The cover art is so gorgeous. Knowing Richard Swan, it will be another great book! :)

[@cynthiawiley5228]

Thank ypu for the video. I'm super excited about the 3rd book in the Illborn Saga. I was wondering when it was going to come out.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Not long now. 3 more months!

[@bxp_bass]

Great video, as always, thanks!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!!

[@louloubellex9292]

I missed the announcement for Gatebound! I can’t wait, the series so underrated. Although I think it’s the penultimate book in a series of four!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah it is the penultimate! I misspoke. No idea why I said last here. 😂😂

[@louloubellex9292]

@ just made it more exciting that there is one more book than I first thought 😅

[@VioletBuddha]

Hi Petrik, great video! I'm also looking forward to The Strength of the Few - The Will of the Many is one of my very favorite books! I recently finished An Instruction in Shadow by Benedict Jacka ( book 2 of the An Inheritance of Magic series). Both of those were EXCELLENT 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Yeah, many of us are looking forward to The Strength of the Few next year. I'm so excited for it, too! 😊 I need to read Benedict Jacka's books!

[@book_scent]

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize, so much was coming out next year 😱 I'm so excited for most of these as well!! Especially Of Empires and Dust, Gatebound, The Devils, The Strength of the Few, Sun Eater 7, and Red Rising 7 (hopefully). 2025 is going to be EPIC!! 🔥

[@PetrikLeo]

I know right!? 2025 will be EPIC reading time! 😄😄

[@samlorenz9863]

I didn't know Peter Mclean had another book coming, that's exciting! And of course looking forward to everything Fonda Lee releases

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! I bet both of them will be awesome! 😄😄

[@yremogtnomnad]

I highly recommend the Age of Uprising series! I also read Engines of Empire thanks to Elliot's recommendation and i absolutely loved it, it was one of my favorite books I read last year.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! Elle has really convinced me to give this series a try. Good to hear your resounding opinion on it, too!

[@ZOMGfantasy]

So many awesome books to come! Excellent summary Petrik, here's to another great year of reading!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Likewise, Zammar! :)

[@astevenswrites]

Looks to be another great year for fantasy/sci-fi! Hopefully, I'll squeeze my book somewhere in there and hope it doesn't get swallowed up by all these heavy-hitters 😬

[@PetrikLeo]

It will be a tough crowd but don't give up! Good luck with your debut next year, Andrew! :)

[@astevenswrites]

@PetrikLeo Thanks, Petrik!

[@JustynaDura]

When I still haven’t finished the books from my 2024 reading list but Petrik already shows me what should I read next year 😃 Luckily, I can buy some time if I wait for Polish editions;)

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha! It is my goal no one ever catches up on their reading list! 😃 I have to work harder so there will be a flood of Polish-translated books for you, too, then!

[@javil1648]

Shadows upon time, red god, strength of the few, and new Fonda Lee book! Great year to be a reader

[@PetrikLeo]

Hear hear!!

[@misternegative4918]

Strength of the Few and Grave Empire I will definitely read when they release. Loved Swan’s last trilogy and Will Of The Many was an amazing book

[@PetrikLeo]

I completely agree with you! :)

[@fcsolis]

Katabasis, for sure. Rebecca Kuang had a Q&A/reading session at the main library in my city very recently. She's a rock star. Yah, the sequel to The Will of the Many can't come soon enough. Viz is gonna kick butt. Thank you.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's amazing you got to see R.F. Kuang. Katabasis and The Strength of the Few are some of my top anticipated titles of next year!

[@atlas6890]

Please think about reading A Cavern of Black Ice by J.V. Jones next year!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Will do my best to get to it! :)

[@calumlott]

Gonna be a wild year!!

[@PetrikLeo]

True that!!

[@alisha1341]

Loved this video Petrik it’s got me so in the mood for a chunky fantasy (it’s been a while) 🤣 I miss my name on the patreon but my job situation changed and I pulled in the purse strings haahha!! Looking forward to re-joining the patreon asap!! ❤

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Alisha!! Don't worry about it. I'm sorry to hear about your situation! Please make sure to take care of your finances first. May things look up for you soon. It was a joy to meet you in Stratford Upon Avon! :)

[@markalpheus4943]

I'm using this as a sign to get started (FINALLY) on Red Rising, and maybe pick up Sun Eater as well. I also really hope The Lord of Demons finally get released on 2025 😭

[@PetrikLeo]

Ohhh man I forgot about Lord of Demons. When will that book come out!? The first two were superb!

[@markalpheus4943]

@PetrikLeo it's on May 2025!

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Among my first reads of 2025 are The Wall of Storms (Ken Liu), Blood Over Bright Haven (M.L. Wang), The Fury of the Gods (John Gwynne), The Crimson Court (Brendan Noble), and Legacy of Ash (Matthew Ward). And I have added some of your anticipated books to my list too.

[@PetrikLeo]

Woohoo! That's an epic reading you have ahead of you! 😊😊

[@EC_Vegas]

Red God, by Pierce Brown and Of Empires and Dust, by Ryan Cahill are my most anticipated books for next year! Haven’t started the Sun Eater series yet. Though I have all books. My tbr list grows larger day by day. Thanks Petrik!!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I am so looking forward to reading Red God, of Empires and Dust, and Strength of the Few next year!

[@mix-jk3ys]

It’s amazing my favourite sci fi book ever(yes above red rising) it’s so good though first book is rough but it get better and better

[@RLDesrochers]

So many great titles next year!

[@PetrikLeo]

Seriously!

[@bookbird_anja]

Thats a great list and many are on my list for next year too! Most excited I am for Of Empires and Dust, A Drop of Corruption, The Devils and The Strength of the Few. And here some more tI have an eye on next year: - Secret Project 5 by Brandon Sanderson - The Black Orb by Ewhan Kim - Written on the Dark by GGK - The Amber Owl by Juliet Marillier - Heart of the Wyrdwood by R.J. Barker - Rose/House by Arkady Martine - Lightfall by Ed Crocker - The Outcast Mage (The Shattered Lands, #1) by Annabel Campbell - The Dark Mirror (The Bone Season, #5) by Shannon, Samantha - The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane, #2) by Cassandra Clare - Don't Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo - The Raven Scholar (The Eternal Path #1) by Antonia Hodgens - Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab - The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Anja!! You have a great list on your most anticipated books, too. I'm interested in The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott! :)

[@mariareadsssf]

"A Drop of Corruption" was so amazing! I could not help myself , I could not wait so I immediately read the ARC. I am hoping for the second "Amina al-Sirafi" volume from Shannon Chakraborty in 2025. I am hoping that Ken Liu returns to Fantasy, but I would read anything from him, even Nonfiction.

[@PetrikLeo]

I just got the eARC of Drop of Corruption! Looking forward to reading it in January or February! 😊😊 And hear hear for Ken Liu's books!

[@renee_3364]

I'm really hoping that Cure fot he Living does come out, despite not having a confirmed releasedate. I adored the first book: it's such an underrated gem.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah I completely agree! I have to ask Nicolas. I can't believe the cover art hasn't been revealed yet. 😅

[@sophiegaladheon]

I am looking forward to so many of these. I would also add The Tomb of Dragons by Katherine Addison (my #1 most anticipated release of 2025) the conclusion to her Cemeteries of Amalo trilogy, The Orb of Cairado (a novella also by Addison and set in the same universe, I would read her grocery lists), and and The Incandescent by Emily Tesh.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh yeah! I haven't read anything by Katherine Addison yet. I have to give the series a try someday, Goblin Emperor included!

[@DanielsBookNook]

I’m also going to try The Book That Wouldn’t Burn when the third book comes out, I’ve heard good things, and I bought book one.

[@PetrikLeo]

I hope you'll enjoy it! Mark Lawrence has a great prose! :)

[@MarcAmAlb]

I’ll start setting aside some money. Many books to buy this year.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah, that would be wise! :D

[@kevinwalsh9704]

Just when I think I will catch up a little bit on my TBR in 2025......SO MANY books. Lot's of series are ending which means I can finally start, but also some book 1's from authors I don't want to miss out on (the Devils, Grave Empire, The Last Contract of Isako) then there are books from series I really enjoy (of Empire and Dust, The Blackfire Blade, Red God if comes out) THEN there's stuff you've put on my radar (Anji Kills a King, A Song of Legends Lost, Paved with Good Intentions, Seven Recipes for Revolution). I need a hyperbolic time chamber just to read.

[@PetrikLeo]

I have given up on catching up to my TBR. I'll just read whatever I want depending on my reading mood and see which one I end up with hahaha! If only we have a hyperbolic time chamber! :')

[@readbykyle3082]

2025 is sooo stacked. I have a list and there's still like 6-7 on this I wasn't aware of. Btw, minor correction, I talked with Fonda Lee last week and she said Last Contrast of Isako is a standalone! I was surprised because I also thought it was a duology. Can't wait for Strength of the Few!

[@PetrikLeo]

Wait what!? Isako is a standalone? I really thought it's going to be a duology. Oh well, I hope it will be a great one still!

[@safinan8008]

Looking forward to next year 2025 books 🎉

[@PetrikLeo]

Likewise, Safina!!

[@enriquecastillo3664]

Petrik! You cant just add so many books to my tbr 😭

[@PetrikLeo]

I can and I will! :D

[@nflower33]

I really enjoyed The helm of midnight and the sequel and am looking forward to the last of the trilogy. The RJ Barker trilogy wyrdwood , the war arts saga, Ryan Cahill, and many more 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

I need to read the sequel to The Helm of Midnight. The first book was incredible. Glad you enjoyed the sequel, too! :)

[@laquinta88]

Shadows Upon Time!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@PetrikLeo]

Let's go!!!

[@dinocollins720]

Red God!!!! i'm really hoping!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Me too, Dino!!

[@Eluarelon]

AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! Sorry that had to be said. I don't know what's worse: that I want to read so many of those books you just suggested, or that so many of them are part of series that I haven't even started yet. Next year is gonna get brutal, both for my bank account and my sanity.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's always a struggle to choose which one to read and buy first!! :D

[@ateszyoman]

There will be another book in the end of the year which I’ve been waiting for since I found out it’ll have an English translation, and I think it’s right up to your alley: The Bird that drinks Tears by Lee Yongdo, it’s a Korean fantasy in the scale of The Lord of the Rings, you should check it out!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Wait, is that book coming out inn English? I've been waiting for that! I saw the video game concept and it looks amazing!

[@ateszyoman]

@@PetrikLeo Same here!! It was an awesome teaser, and I can't wait for the game too!! Amazon says it should come out at the end of 2025 (big sad :( ), so I hope there should be some news about it soon.

[@old_Army_guy]

Mine are in order. 1. Red God, 2. Shadows Upon Time and 3. Strength of the Few.

[@PetrikLeo]

VERY solid list!! 😄

[@bwazi24]

The strength of the Few is my most anticipated book

[@PetrikLeo]

SAME

[@Elijah_Gillard]

My most anticipated in no specific order is, Ambessa Chosen of the Wolf, My Friends by Fredrik Backman, The Devils, Red God, Strength of the Few

[@PetrikLeo]

I love that we have Devils, Red God, and Strength of the Few!

[@leticiatoraci9855]

Interesting releases, but the little tones in the video background distracted me a lot, I thought they were a cellphone ringing somewhere😅.

[@PetrikLeo]

Sorry for that. :)

[@olalala439]

red god is my most anticipated book, I can`t wait! I just know Pierce Brown will delivers, he is a goat!

[@PetrikLeo]

PRIME. It will be prime!!!

[@archifrai]

Gatebound is not the last book of The Illborn Saga. It’s the penultimate one

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh, whoops. I literally said it's the penultimate installment in my reveal video of the book. Brain not connecting with words here. hahaha!

[@archifrai]

Happens sometimes, yeah😅

[@Liam-zn6pk]

Broken Binding are doing a new sub box next year where it will have new books in fantasy and sci if. Do you think any of these will get special editions and will you be part of that process?

[@PetrikLeo]

I actually don't know which books will appear on that sub. But I think I will be involved in some of them. Probably not all though. 😅

[@esmayrosalyne]

Now it makes sense why 2024 felt a bit quiet and weak in terms of new releases, they were all being saved to be blasted at us in 2025... my poor TBR, this is gonna be WILD hahahah. I somehow had no idea we were getting a new standalone War for the Rose Throne book, HECK YES!! Aside from that, I think I am most looking forward to The Devils, Of Empires and Dust, Dance of Shadows and Red God. Also, for the love of all that is holy... please let Alecto the Ninth come out already 🥲🤣

[@PetrikLeo]

2025 is going to be amazing for reading, unlike this year for me... 🤣 And I completely forgot about Alecto the Ninth. I really thought that book is published already!

[@esmayrosalyne]

@PetrikLeo IF ONLY IT WERE 🤣🥴

[@christeascozycorner]

watching your videos is always terrible for my tbr 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

You can read them all, my friend!!! :D

[@AnonforGod777]

Petrik let me know if you ever run into The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

[@PetrikLeo]

I have the book! Not sure when I'll get to it yet, though!

[@AnonforGod777]

@@PetrikLeo I heard its unique and needs to be brought to the limelight

[@gryftkin]

Breath of the Dragon was really good. If you liked The Rage of Dragons, you'll like this one.

[@PetrikLeo]

Sounds super promising to me already!

[@Mpalumbo1971]

Still no word for book 2 of The Ashes Of The Unhewn Thrown series by Brian Stavely?

[@PetrikLeo]

Still no word, as far as I know. 🥲

[@mementomori8930]

*Warlock: Book 2* by Daniel Kensington on Feb

[@PetrikLeo]

Never heard of this one before!

[@bxp_bass]

Does anyone know, is there some fantasy series with vibes of old Gothic videogames? (especially Gothic I and Gothic II, before marketing department ruined it) I was obsessed with this world and music of Kai Rosenkranz and to this day I'm searching a fantasy series that would remind me of this. I've asked on reddit but they didn't answer me, instead they're downvoted my question like I said something very wrong...

[@PetrikLeo]

@@bxp_bass Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan is the firstnone that came to my mind.

[@bxp_bass]

@@PetrikLeo Thanks!

[@noname3609]

Hi there 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Hello there! (Obi Wan voice)

[@noname3609]

@PetrikLeo I like Starwars.Enjoying Fury of the Gods and some Conan stories by Robert E. Howard. Btw I love Yoda and his Buddhist kind of philosophy. 🙏

[@brandoncordeau7277]

mikesbookreviews doesn't seem to want to give away his copy of the devils . Can I have yours, lol. I'm also looking forward to Richard Swan's new book. i loved the empire of the wolf

[@PetrikLeo]

To be fair, I don't think I'll part way with my copy of The Devils, too. xD

[@brandoncordeau7277]

​@@PetrikLeoworth a shot lol

[@mix-jk3ys]

Shadows upon time (suneater book 7) has to be my most anticipated book ever even more than stormlight archive book 5(until book 10 releases maybe) because that’s what we have been waiting for hadrian marlowe the hero who ended the war killing every last cielcin in the sky saving mankind also the monster the suneater who killed a sun killing 2 billions humans and even his own emperor(sacrifices for the greater good)

[@PetrikLeo]

@@mix-jk3ys hear hear!

[@PrasadPublishing]

One of my top 5 for 2025 is INFREQUENT FREQUENCIES RARE RESONANCE by G.E. Poole. Mind-bending, riveting journey through science and consciousness with practical guidance for negotiating and transcending the turbulence and uncertainties of life in 2025. Higher purpose and hope for humanity as an "experiment of Consciousness."

[@PetrikLeo]

awesome!

[@aysseralwan]

8:00 if you can see the double wielding, red spirit you are a Stand User

[@PetrikLeo]

@@aysseralwan Dioooooooooo

[@aysseralwan]

​@@PetrikLeo wrrrryyyyyyyyyy

[@gianlucamarcheselli8427]

My most anticipated book of 2025 is written on the dark by guy gavriel kay

[@PetrikLeo]

I know many readers are so looking forward to that! :)

[@zenthepoet.]

Peeeetrik

[@PetrikLeo]

@@zenthepoet. zeeeennnn