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If I were to categorize my daily activities, reading would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Following closely behind is my passion for creating book lists. Much of my day is spent organizing various titles into categories—whether by month, genre, personal favorites, or those I wish to purchase. You name it, I probably have a list for it! I maintain a comprehensive document featuring over 3,000 upcoming book releases for the rest of 2025, ensuring I stay informed about what’s on the horizon.
This article dives into the five fantasy books I’m most excited about this summer from that extensive list. Although I generally have patience, waiting to read new releases tests my limits. To keep my impatience at bay, I often find solace in the countless books already available. However, I guarantee that once these anticipated titles hit the shelves, I’ll be quick to grab them! Let’s explore these upcoming gems!
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (Berkley, July 15)
Sangu Mandanna’s previous work, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, charmed many readers, and her upcoming follow-up promises a similarly delightful experience. The story follows Sera Swan, a young witch who has lost her powers and been exiled from her guild. She now manages an inn with her great-aunt, whom she brought back to life, and a talking fox with a questionable morality. All this changes when a magician arrives, seeking the spell that could restore Sera’s magic. Spoiler alert: romance is likely to blossom.
The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw (Tor Nightfire, July 22)
Diverging into darker territory, this novel from the acclaimed author of The Salt Grows Heavy presents a thrilling dark fantasy. Set in the Hellebore Technical Institute for the Gifted, a prestigious school that trains some of the world’s most powerful beings, the narrative follows Alessa Li during a chaotic graduation day when faculty turn on students. Surviving students must escape an increasingly dire situation, adding a layer of suspense to this gripping tale.
The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar (Ace, August 5)
This marks the adult debut of renowned children’s author Louis Sachar, famous for Holes. In the kingdom of Esquaveta, a desperate king concocts a plan to marry his daughter to an unsuitable prince to save his realm. When the princess falls for a humble scribe instead, he enlists the help of a less-than-successful magician. As Anatole grapples with this moral dilemma, the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance. Will magic prevail? Get ready for a spellbinding journey!
Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher (Tor Books, August 19)
In her second release of the year, T. Kingfisher reimagines the Snow White tale. In this retelling, Anja is a healer who, summoned to save the king’s ailing daughter, struggles against time and magical barriers. Her quest leads her to a mystical mirror that may hold the answer she seeks. As Anja navigates this enchanting yet perilous situation, the stakes elevate when the mirror reveals unexpected truths. This fresh approach promises a unique twist on a classic fantasy narrative.
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (Harper Voyager, August 26)
As one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, Yellowface‘s R. F. Kuang delivers a compelling narrative in her new work. The protagonist, Alice, must venture into Hell to rescue her professor following a tragic incident. Partnering with her rival adds layers of tension and complexity, with each character’s motivations in question. This thrilling tale blurs the lines between trust and betrayal in a captivating race against time.
In closing, dear readers, take the insights shared here and put them to good use. For those eager to discover more about the literary landscape, join me as I share ongoing discussions about books on platforms such as the Book Riot podcast All the Books! as well as on Bluesky and Instagram.
The Most Anticipated Literary Events of 2025
For many readers, literary events provide delightful surprises, while others may find joy in planning for these occasions well in advance. In collaboration with my editorial team, we gathered towards the close of 2024 to outline the key happenings for book enthusiasts in 2025—from award announcements to prominent authors’ birthdays, and even Banned Books Week. With literary events on the horizon, there’s plenty to anticipate.
Whether you are a creator in the literary space, someone who tracks award-winning titles, or simply a book lover, this is your starting point for planning out the rest of the year.
Source
bookriot.com