As 2025 comes to a close, these are the books that defined the year. With fresh talent, bold storytelling, and can’t-miss favorites, this year delivered something for everyone.

Alchemised by SenLinYu

Helena Marino remembers little of the Resistance she once served, only that her allies are dead and her freedom is gone. The necromancers who now rule Paladia believe she is hiding something vital, a truth buried in the months she cannot recall. Sent to the High Reeve to unlock her past, Helena discovers that the secrets within his crumbling estate may be as dangerous as the ones inside her.

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy

In their newest adventure, the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse return to the wilds. As clouds gather, the boy must remember what he once learned about love, trust and finding light when the world grows heavy. A tender new story from Charlie Mackesy, celebrating courage, kindness and the strength we forget we have.

Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood

In her long-awaited memoir, Margaret Atwood reflects on a childhood spent in the wilds of Quebec and the experiences that shaped her extraordinary career. She reveals how personal trials, political pressures and encounters with remarkable people became the seeds of her most enduring stories. Thoughtful, vivid and full of curiosity, this is a journey into the heart of a singular imagination.

Remain by Nicholas Sparks

When architect Tate Donovan retreats to Cape Cod for anew beginning, he hopes to leave grief and doubt behind. Instead, he meets Wren, a mysterious young woman who awakens a connection he cannot explain. As Tate is drawn deeper into her world, he discovers that beneath the calm of the seaside town lie secrets capable of destroying them both. To save Wren, he must face truths that challenge reason itself and confront the boundaries between life and what lingers beyond it.

Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson

In Tailored Realities, Brandon Sanderson steps beyond the Cosmere to present a sweeping collection of short fiction in both science fiction and fantasy. The never-before-seen Moment Zero joins acclaimed works such as Snapshot, Perfect State and Defending Elysium, all accompanied by evocative illustrations. This is a rare chance to explore the full range of an author whose storytelling has captivated millions.

The Land of Sweet Forever BAM! Exclusive Edition by Harper Lee, Casey Cep

Discover a new side of Harper Lee in this posthumous gathering of early fiction and insightful essays. These works trace her path from small-town Alabama to the literary circles of New York, revealing the humor, curiosity and moral clarity that shaped her novels. With context from biographer Casey Cep and an exclusive letter from Lee’s nephew, this collection invites readers to rediscover a beloved writer through her own evolving voice.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

In Dan Brown’s most electrifying thriller yet, Robert Langdon travels to Prague for a landmark scientific lecture by Katherine Solomon, only to be thrust into a deadly mystery when she vanishes without at race. Pursued by a shadowy organization and a terrifying figure from ancient legend, Langdon races across Prague, London and New York to uncover the truth behind a secret project that could redefine human consciousness.

The Widow by John Grisham

John Grisham returns with a gripping mystery as small-town lawyer Simon Latch is suddenly accused of murdering his newest client, an elderly widow with a hidden fortune. With evidence stacking against him and his life unraveling, Simon must uncover the truth behind her past before he is condemned for a crime he did not commit. Grisham’s first whodunit offers classic courtroom suspense blended with a tight, twist-filled investigation.

The best books of 2025 are here. Explore the stories everyone is talking about in store or online today.

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