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If you’re anything like me, the start of a new year always feels like the perfect time to dive into a fresh batch of books.
And what better way to kick off 2025 than with some brand-new science fiction and fantasy releases?
Whether you’re into space adventures, magical realms, or mind-bending worlds, January has a whole lot to offer.
I’ve rounded up some of the most exciting upcoming books that are sure to keep you hooked from the first page.
So, grab your reading glasses and let’s take a sneak peek at what’s coming your way!
1. Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland (January 7)
The second book in the Broken Blades series ups the stakes as the Blades—reluctant allies with a messy history—must pull off a dangerous heist.
Their target? A magical Golden Ring that the manipulative King of Yusan will stop at nothing to possess.
Trust is in short supply as betrayal and revenge drive their mission.
The question is, can they outsmart the king and save their families, their realms, and themselves before it’s too late?
2. Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia (January 7)
Mullory Prudence is broke and desperate when she’s invited to compete in a high-stakes mystery game at a magical estate.
The prize? A fortune. The catch? She must solve the murder of the estate’s owner, Xavier Stoutmire, while navigating a web of lies, secrets, and betrayal among his family.
With billions on the line and her life at risk, Mullory must outsmart her competitors and uncover why she was chosen for this deadly game.
3. The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold (January 7)
Liz has been surviving in a crumbling world by trading books for supplies at an abandoned bookstore.
When a new apocalypse looms, she reluctantly teams up with Maeve, a resourceful stranger, to prepare for the next disaster.
As their partnership blossoms into a tender romance, secrets and fears threaten to tear them apart.
With the clock ticking, Liz and Maeve must fight for love and survival in a world on the brink of destruction.
4. Breath of the Dragon: Breathmarked by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee (January 7)
Jun is determined to prove his worth in a warrior tournament that could restore his family’s honor.
But his father forbids it, and the competition is more dangerous than Jun imagined, involving ancient magic and deadly rivals.
Set in a world inspired by Bruce Lee’s teachings, this action-packed fantasy is about family, legacy, and the courage to fight for your dreams—even against impossible odds.
5. The Dryad Storm by Laurie Forest (January 7)
In the epic finale of The Black Witch Chronicles, Elloren Gardner Grey must confront her destiny as a guardian of the Forest while battling devastating losses and looming threats.
With allies scattered and enemies closing in, Elloren faces impossible choices to unite a fractured world.
As war rages and shadow demons rise, this is the last chance to stop destruction—if she can survive the prophecy that her bonded mate may be the one to kill her.
6. A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson (January 7)
In a 1920s London where dragons are real, Vivian Featherswallow dreams of a quiet life studying dragon languages.
But her world is upended when her parents are arrested, her sister vanishes, and she’s thrust into a secretive role as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park.
Tasked with decoding a mysterious dragon language to help the war effort, Viv discovers dangerous secrets, unexpected allies, and a bubbling civil war.
With stakes rising, she must figure out where her loyalties lie in this twisty, Dark Academia-inspired fantasy.
7. The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill (January 14)
Darby, a trans man looking for a fresh start, returns to his hometown and discovers a magical bookstore stuck in time.
There, he meets his teenage self, opening a chance to reflect on his past and rethink his present.
This heartfelt story explores identity, courage, and what it means to embrace your true self, all while wondering if you’d take a different path if given the chance.
8. Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella (January 14)
Ell seizes a chance to escape her cruel stepfamily by tricking Prince Bayard into believing she’s the mystery girl he met at the ball.
Life in the palace isn’t as magical as she hoped, though—the princess is missing, war with the fae looms, and Bayard’s suspicious friend Maxim seems to see right through her lies.
To hold on to her new life, Ell must navigate royal intrigue, rescue herself, and decide who she can really trust.
9. Prophecy by M.L. Fergus (January 14)
Persephone has lived her life as a servant, but she’s never lost her spirit or sense of humor.
When a charming thief, Azriel, offers her a chance to escape, she jumps at the opportunity—only to find herself caught in a whirlwind of rebellion, magic, and danger.
Azriel believes Persephone holds the key to saving his oppressed people, but their journey forces her to question everything she knows about trust, freedom, and love.
Prophecy is a thrilling start to a series blending romance, adventure, and high-stakes political intrigue.
10. The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman (January 14)
Josephine Reynolds is mourning the loss of her husband in her mid-thirties and feels trapped in loneliness.
In a moment of despair, she wishes she’d never been born—only to stumble across her great-grandmother’s house in a foreclosure listing.
Determined to reclaim it, Josephine starts restoring the home and uncovers some eerie secrets, including a carved message on an old door.
Speaking the words aloud takes her back to a lavish 1920s party hosted by her great-grandmother.
As timelines blur, Josephine realizes her throwaway wish could erase her entire existence unless she can set things right.
11. Lightfall by Ed Crocker (January 14)
In a vampire city ruled by rigid blood-based class systems, palace maid Sam has had enough.
When she stumbles upon a clue about a high-profile murder, she blackmails her way into a better life.
Teaming up with a rebellious crew of immortals—a sorcerer, a werewolf assassin, and a savvy countess—Sam uncovers a conspiracy that could topple the city’s elite.
But with danger closing in, surviving long enough to expose the truth may be her toughest challenge yet.
12. The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang (Author) and Slin Jung (Translator) (January 21)
Serin stumbles upon a magical market that offers a chance to completely change her life.
With her talking cat companion Issha, she explores enchanting stalls, searching for her ideal future.
But there’s a catch—she only has a week to decide, or she’ll disappear forever.
As a mysterious shadow follows her, Serin faces a life-changing decision that could lead to happiness or oblivion.
13. Carving Shadows Into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer (January 28)
In a kingdom teetering on the edge of war, magic is both a blessing and a curse.
Tycho, Jax, and Callyn each face their own battles—untrustworthy allies, family feuds, and love gone wrong—while trying to wield the magic that could either save or destroy their land.
With magical creatures attacking and rivals plotting to overthrow the throne, the stakes couldn’t be higher as this spellbinding story of love, loyalty, and betrayal unfolds.
14. On the Wings of La Noche by Vanessa L. Torres (January 28)
Noche is a shape-shifting owl who guides souls to the afterlife, but she can’t bring herself to let go of her girlfriend Dante’s spirit after her tragic death.
While grieving, she meets Jax, a newcomer who makes her feel alive again, stirring guilt and confusion.
With Dante’s soul fading and her connection to Jax deepening, Noche must face her fears, rediscover her purpose, and learn that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting.
So, which of these upcoming books are you most excited about?
Let me know in the comments below!
I’d love to hear which ones you’re adding to your TBR list.
Be sure to check out related posts for more exciting sci-fi and fantasy recommendations, and don’t forget to join the conversation in the comments section below!
