By Edwin Ronald Lambert 
Introduction
A new year means new pages to turn—and January 2025 is already shaping up to be a promising month for readers everywhere. Whether you’re diving into your first book of the year or curating a fresh TBR list, this month’s releases bring a mix of powerful debuts, highly anticipated sequels, and unforgettable stories across genres. From fantasy realms and twisted thrillers to deeply personal memoirs and historical dramas, here are the 10 must-read new book releases to read in January 2025 and what most excited to read as the year begins.
Here’s a look at what’s hitting the shelves—and why you should be paying attention.
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3)
Rebecca Yarros
Summary: The third installment in Yarros’ bestselling Empyrean series will continue the saga of Violet Sorrengail, who will step into her power and take bold strides beyond Aretia’s borders. Expect dragon politics, hidden truths, and high-stakes war with the Venin. Given the record-breaking success of its predecessor, Onyx Storm is poised to dominate both bestseller lists and BookTok recommendations this year.
Pages: 527 pages
First published: January 21, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Romance
The House of My Mother
Shari Franke
Summary: In this powerful debut, former family vlogger Shari Franke will break her silence on life behind the camera as a member of the infamous “8 Passengers” household. She’ll unpack generational trauma, religious control, and her fight for autonomy in a story expected to spark vital conversations on family, identity, and the cost of public childhoods.
Pages: 320 pages
First published: January 7, 2025
Genres: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Autobiography
The Crash
Freida McFadden
Summary: Tegan will be traveling through a blizzard, pregnant and frightened, when her world shatters — literally — in a car crash. Is she alone? Or is someone out there watching her? Known for her lightning-paced twists, McFadden is expected to deliver another viral hit perfect for winter nights.
Pages: 384 pages
First published: January 28, 2025
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult, Crime
The Favorites
Layne Fargo
Summary: Set in the glittering, cutthroat world of elite figure skating, this epic love story will explore the fire and fragility of ambition. Kat and Heath, both driven, both flawed, will navigate fame, addiction, and desire in a narrative promising emotional punch and slow-burn passion. Fargo’s fans will find this her boldest book yet.
Pages: 448 pages
First published: January 14, 2025
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Sports, Adult
Beautiful Ugly
Alice Feeney
Summary: Marriage, secrets, and revenge will swirl in this suspenseful novel by the queen of the twist. When truths unravel and loyalties shift, nothing will be what it seems — and Feeney’s masterful storytelling will keep readers guessing until the final jaw-drop. Expect this to dominate thriller feeds all month long.
Pages: 306 pages
First published: January 14, 2025
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
Grady Hendrix
Summary: Grady Hendrix is back with a wicked, nostalgic, feminist horror novel set in a 1970s Florida maternity home. Five teen girls, each grappling with secrets, will stumble across an ancient book that awakens more than just curiosity. Think The Craft meets One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, with Hendrix’s signature blend of horror and heart.
Pages: 482 pages
First published: January 14, 2025
Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Thriller, Adult, Historical Fiction
Good Dirt
Charmaine Wilkerson
Summary: From the author of Black Cake comes a new multigenerational story about Ebby Freeman, a woman unraveling buried family legacies. Spanning decades and continents, this novel will dig into personal and cultural roots with tender prose and rich storytelling. A likely book club favorite for 2025.
Pages: 368 pages
First published: January 28, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Family, Contemporary
More or Less Maddy
Lisa Genova
Summary: Lisa Genova, known for her heartfelt medical narratives, will take on bipolar disorder in this new release. Maddy, a sharp and funny protagonist, will battle stigma while chasing a career in stand-up comedy. Expect laughter, tears, and a story that will illuminate mental health with honesty and grace.
Pages: 368 pages
First published: January 14, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Psychology, Adult
What Happened to the McCrays?
Tracey Lange
Summary: When Kyle McCray returns home after a decade away, he’ll find a family in ruins and secrets he can no longer ignore. Lange is expected to explore forgiveness, grief, and the bonds that bind — and break — with her signature emotional clarity. This one will hit home for fans of character-driven drama.
Pages: 352 pages
First published: January 14, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Family, Adult
The Lotus Shoes
Jane Yang
Summary: Set in 19th-century China, The Lotus Shoes will tell the intersecting stories of Little Flower and Linjing, girls raised under the cruel tradition of foot binding. As they confront betrayal, societal expectation, and personal transformation, their resilience will define this moving tale of identity and rebellion. A must-read for historical fiction fans.
Pages: 400 pages
First published: January 7, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult, Literature
Final Thoughts
January 2025 is kicking off with a powerful range of books that promise to entertain, challenge, and inspire. Whether you’re in the mood for a mind-bending thriller, a healing memoir, or a sprawling historical drama, these ten releases are set to dominate TBR lists worldwide.
✨ What will you be reading first? Let us know in the comments or tag us with your #StackArchivesReads.
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