Welcome, BookTok enthusiasts, to your ultimate reading list for 2025! This year has already been a whirlwind of epic tales, swoon-worthy romances, and heart-pounding thrillers, all thanks to the incredible power of BookTok. We’ve scoured the hashtags, tracked the creator buzz, and tallied the reader engagement to bring you the top 10 books that have taken the platform by storm. From dark fantasy to contemporary romance and mind-bending thrillers, these are the stories that everyone is talking about. So, get your TBR list ready, because you won’t want to miss these BookTok sensations.
1. Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: The third installment in the Empyrean series continues the saga of Violet Sorrengail as she navigates the treacherous world of Basgiath War College. With the stakes higher than ever, Violet must confront new enemies, forge unlikely alliances, and uncover secrets that could change the course of the war.
Why BookTok Loves It: The “Fourth Wing” phenomenon continues with “Onyx Storm.” Readers are obsessed with the high-stakes fantasy world, the intricate plot, and the sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance between Violet and Xaden. The book’s stunning cover and the ongoing theories about the series’ trajectory have kept it trending for months.
2. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: In a world of vampires and mortals, Oraya, a human adopted by the vampire king, must compete in a deadly tournament to prove her worth. To survive, she must ally with a powerful and mysterious vampire, Raihn, who is both her greatest ally and most dangerous enemy.
Why BookTok Loves It: This book is a perfect example of the “romantasy” genre that BookTok adores. With a strong female protagonist, a dark and atmospheric world, and a slow-burn romance, “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” has captivated readers who love a good “Hunger Games” style plot with a vampiric twist.
3. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: In a gothic-inspired world, a young woman with a mysterious past finds herself entangled with a knight who is cursed to be a monster. As they work together to unravel the secrets of their world, they find themselves drawn to each other in a forbidden romance.
Why BookTok Loves It: “The Knight and the Moth” is a visual and atmospheric masterpiece that has inspired countless fan edits and aesthetic videos. The “Beauty and the Beast” trope, combined with a unique magic system and a compelling mystery, has made this a must-read for fans of dark academia and gothic fantasy.
4. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: A dark and gritty fantasy novel that follows a cast of morally gray characters as they navigate a world of political intrigue, brutal warfare, and ancient magic. The story is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, with each character’s journey more compelling than the last.
Why BookTok Loves It: Joe Abercrombie is a master of grimdark fantasy, and “The Devils” is no exception. BookTok is buzzing about the complex characters, the shocking plot twists, and the unflinching portrayal of a dark and realistic world. It’s a book that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the last page.
5. Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Genre: Romance
Summary: In a dystopian world where society is divided by class, a young woman from the lower class finds herself entangled with a powerful and ruthless member of the elite. As they navigate a world of danger and betrayal, they find themselves drawn to each other in a passionate and forbidden romance.
Why BookTok Loves It: “Silver Elite” is the perfect blend of dystopian action and steamy romance. The enemies-to-lovers trope is a fan favorite, and the book’s fast-paced plot and high-stakes world have made it a viral sensation.
6. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Summary: A heartwarming and emotional story about a young woman who, after a life-altering event, decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Along the way, she finds love in the most unexpected of places and learns to embrace the beauty of a messy and unpredictable life.
Why BookTok Loves It: Emily Henry is the queen of contemporary romance, and “Great Big Beautiful Life” is another masterpiece. Readers are drawn to the book’s relatable characters, its witty banter, and its heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and second chances. It’s the kind of book that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love.
7. If You Stayed by Brittainy Cherry
Genre: Romance
Summary: A poignant and emotional story about two people who find love and healing in the wake of tragedy. The book is a beautiful exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
Why BookTok Loves It: “If You Stayed” is a book that will make you “ugly cry” in the best way possible. BookTok is obsessed with the book’s raw and honest portrayal of love and loss, and the emotional journey of the characters has resonated with readers around the world.
8. The Tenant by Freida McFadden
Genre: Thriller
Summary: A psychological thriller about a woman who becomes obsessed with her new tenant, a man who is hiding a dark secret. As she delves deeper into his past, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that puts her own life in danger.
Why BookTok Loves It: Freida McFadden is the queen of the plot twist, and “The Tenant” is one of her best. BookTok is filled with videos of readers reacting to the book’s shocking ending, and the hashtag #FreidaMcFadden has become a staple for thriller fans.
9. The Crash by Freida McFadden
Genre: Thriller
Summary: Another mind-bending thriller from Freida McFadden, “The Crash” follows a woman who, after a car accident, begins to suspect that her husband is not who he says he is. The book is a rollercoaster of suspense and paranoia that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Why BookTok Loves It: Just like “The Tenant,” “The Crash” is a book that is best experienced blind. The BookTok community loves to share their theories and reactions to the book’s twists and turns, making it a fun and interactive reading experience.
10. Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
Genre: Thriller
Summary: A gripping thriller about a group of friends who must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of their friend, a popular social media influencer. The book is a timely and chilling exploration of the dark side of social media and the price of fame.
Why BookTok Loves It: “Julie Chan Is Dead” is a thriller that feels incredibly relevant in today’s digital age. The book’s exploration of influencer culture and the pressures of online life has resonated with a generation that has grown up on social media. The mystery at the heart of the story is both compelling and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller with a modern twist.
There you have it – the top 10 BookTok sensations of 2025 so far. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping fantasy epic, a heartwarming romance, or a pulse-pounding thriller, this list has something for everyone. Happy reading!