Best Fiction Books January 2025

Crown of Midnight

Celaena Sardothien, the King’s Champion, finds herself caught in a web of secrets and lies. As she struggles to maintain her facade of loyalty, her heart is torn between two men: the roguish captain of the guard and the charming prince. But darker forces are at play, and Celaena must confront her own mysterious past. With each mission, she uncovers more about the kingdom’s sinister underbelly, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew. In this gripping sequel, Maas weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and magic that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Throne of Glass

In a world where magic has been outlawed, Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin, is offered a chance at freedom. Compete as the King’s Champion and win her liberty, or face certain death in the salt mines. As she battles fellow criminals and warriors, Celaena uncovers dark secrets and confronts her own haunting past. With each challenge, she questions her loyalties and discovers an unexpected ally. Maas weaves a tale of survival, romance, and political intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night. A thrilling start to an epic fantasy series.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Feyre’s world shatters as she grapples with the aftermath of her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court. Torn between duty and desire, she discovers hidden strengths within herself and a realm of breathtaking beauty. As dark forces gather, Feyre must confront her own demons and embrace her newfound powers. Maas weaves a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Feyre’s world shatters when she kills a wolf in the forest, only to be dragged into the treacherous realm of the Fae. Held captive by the enigmatic Tamlin, she discovers a world of magic and danger beyond her wildest dreams. As Feyre unravels the secrets of the faerie lands, she finds herself drawn to Tamlin in ways she never expected. But a sinister force threatens everything she’s come to love, and Feyre must find the strength within herself to save both worlds. A spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that will leave you breathless.

Bridge of Clay

Clay Dunbar, the quiet middle child of five rowdy brothers, embarks on a journey to build a bridge—both literal and metaphorical. Zusak’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of family, loss, and redemption, as Clay grapples with his mother’s death and father’s abandonment. Through sweat and determination, he constructs a bridge across a dry riverbed, symbolizing his quest to reconnect his fractured family. This poignant tale of brotherhood and resilience will leave readers pondering the bridges we all must build in our lives.

The Messenger

In “The Messenger,” Zusak weaves a tale of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Ed Kennedy, a hapless cab driver, finds himself entangled in a mysterious game of chance and destiny. As he receives cryptic playing cards with addresses, Ed becomes an unwitting messenger, touching lives in ways he never imagined. With each task, he uncovers hidden truths about himself and the power of small acts of kindness. Zusak’s prose is both poignant and humorous, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page.

Paris for One

Nell’s carefully planned weekend getaway to Paris crumbles when her boyfriend fails to show. Stranded alone in the City of Light, she reluctantly embraces the unexpected. As she wanders cobblestone streets and charming cafés, Nell discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. A chance encounter with a handsome Frenchman sparks a whirlwind romance, challenging her notions of love and adventure. Moyes weaves a delightful tale of self-discovery, reminding us that sometimes the best journeys are the ones we never planned.

Winter in Paradise

Irene Steele’s idyllic life in Iowa City is shattered when she learns her beloved husband, Russ, has died in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. Shocked and grief-stricken, she travels to St. John with her sons to unravel the mystery of his death. As they navigate the sun-drenched island, they uncover secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew about Russ. Hilderbrand’s vivid prose brings the lush landscape to life, while her deft storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end. A perfect escape for those dreaming of tropical beaches and family drama.

The Escape Room

In this heart-pounding thriller, four Wall Street rising stars find themselves trapped in an elevator-turned-escape room. As the hours tick by, tensions rise and dark secrets surface. Each character’s carefully crafted facade begins to crumble, revealing the cutthroat ambition and betrayal lurking beneath. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish. Goldin’s sharp prose and twisty plot kept me guessing until the shocking end. A claustrophobic, suspenseful read that will make you think twice about office politics.