2025 Reading Trends: The Rise of Romantasy, Literary Fiction’s Comeback, and How to Read More

If you’ve been scrolling through BookTok, browsing your local bookstore, or just checking what’s topping the bestseller lists lately, you’ve probably noticed something exciting: 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years for reading in recent memory. The literary world is buzzing with contrasting currents, one side captivated by high-stakes romance in magical realms, the other drawn back to the quiet depth of literary fiction. Whether you’re chasing dragons or dissecting character psychology, there’s something for every kind of reader this year.

Let’s dive into the most compelling reading trends of 2025, spotlight some standout books, and explore how you can make the most of this golden era of reading.

The Unstoppable Rise of Romantasy

It’s no secret that romantasy, a delicious blend of romance and fantasy, has taken the publishing world by storm. But in 2025, it’s not just popular; it’s dominant. Titles like Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros and Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy, #3) by Lauren Roberts are flying off shelves, breaking pre-order records, and inspiring passionate fan communities across social media.

What makes romantasy so irresistible? It combines the emotional intensity of romantic relationships with the escapism of richly imagined worlds. Think enemies-to-lovers arcs on dragonback, ancient prophecies entwined with forbidden desire, and lush worldbuilding where magic systems are as intricate as the characters’ love lives.

Key elements driving the genre’s popularity:

• Strong, complex heroines who are both vulnerable and powerful
• Slow-burn chemistry between leads, often with morally ambiguous love interests
• High-stakes plots that balance political intrigue with intimate emotional journeys
• Aesthetic appeal, romantasy books are often beautifully designed, making them perfect for display and social sharing

Publishers have taken note: major houses are fast-tracking romantasy manuscripts, and debut authors are landing seven-figure deals. International interest is soaring too, with translations of Korean and European romantasy titles gaining global traction.

If you haven’t dipped into romantasy yet, now’s the perfect time. Start with:

• Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (if you haven’t already!)
• A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (still going strong in 2025)
• Upcoming 2025 releases like Lisiteya. Refined Games (first in a new Ukrainian series gaining buzz)

Literary Fiction Makes a Thoughtful Comeback

While romantasy captures the zeitgeist, literary fiction is having a quieter but equally profound moment. After years of genre dominance, readers are returning to introspective, character-driven narratives that explore identity, relationships, and societal shifts.

This resurgence isn’t about rejecting escapism, it’s about balance. As the world feels increasingly fast-paced and uncertain, many readers are seeking books that slow them down, challenge their assumptions, and deepen their empathy. Literary fiction offers that space: stories where the internal journey matters as much as the plot.

Publishing trends reflect this renewed interest:

• Increased visibility for quiet, literary debuts in major book clubs and subscription boxes
• More bookstore displays dedicated to “thoughtful reads” and “fiction for deep readers”
• Strong representation in 2025’s National Book Award and Booker Prize longlists

Notable literary fiction releases this year include:

• The Ministry of Time by Kōbō Abe (reissued with new translation and critical essays)
• All Fours by Miranda July, blending autofiction with surreal exploration of midlife
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, though rooted in true crime, it’s praised for its literary depth and feminist perspective

For readers looking to explore this trend, try creating a “literary sandwich” reading plan: pair one page-turner with one quiet, reflective read. You’ll be surprised how much richer your reading life becomes.

How to Read More in 2025 (Without Burning Out)

With so many exciting books and trends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But reading more isn’t about speed, it’s about intention. Here are three practical, sustainable ways to boost your reading habit this year:

1. Set Micro-Goals Instead of Big Numbers
Forget “read 50 books a year.” Try “read 10 pages a day” or “finish one book per month.” Small, consistent actions build lasting habits. Use a simple tracker, digital or analog, to celebrate progress.

2. Curate Your TBR Mindfully
Your To-Be-Read (TBR) list should inspire joy, not anxiety. Limit it to 10–15 books at a time. Mix genres and formats: include a romantasy, a literary novel, a memoir, and maybe a graphic novel. Variety keeps reading fresh.

3. Join or Start a Niche Book Club
Shared reading deepens engagement. Instead of general fiction, consider themed clubs: “Romantasy & Wine,” “Literary Deep Dives,” or “2025 Debuts Only.” Discussing books with others amplifies your enjoyment and accountability.

Journaling Your Reading Journey

One of the quietest but most powerful trends of 2025? Book journaling. More readers than ever are documenting their experiences, not just tracking titles, but reflecting on how books made them feel, what quotes moved them, and how their tastes are evolving.

A reading journal can be:

• A physical notebook with hand-written reviews and doodles
• A digital spreadsheet with ratings and themes
• Or a dedicated app that syncs with your calendar and goals

The act of recording what you read strengthens memory, clarifies preferences, and creates a personal archive you’ll treasure for years.

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