Book News

Your weekly digest of book industry trends and reader insights

Week 2025-W42 · Friday, October 17, 2025

This Week's Trending Books & Bestsellers

This week's top trending books include a mix of new releases and bestsellers across various genres, from fantasy and mystery to historical fiction. Notable authors like Dan Brown and Stephanie Garber are making waves with their latest works. The list also features popular series continuations and standalone novels that have captured readers' attention.

Alchemised

by SenLinYu

A fantasy novel about an imprisoned alchemist recovering lost memories.

The Secret of Secrets

by Dan Brown

A mystery involving a missing scientist and a secret project.

Tourist Season

by Brynne Weaver

A true crime thriller set in Cape Carnage.

The Primal of Blood and Bone

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The sixth book in the Blood and Ash series.

One Dark Window

by Rachel Gillig

A quest to gather Providence Cards before solstice.

Alchemy of Secrets

by Stephanie Garber

An adult fantasy debut with magical themes.

BookTok & Social Trends

What's buzzing on social media this week

This week on BookTok, fantasy and romance continue to dominate, with new releases like Stephanie Garber's *Alchemy of Secrets* and Ali Hazelwood's *Mate* generating significant buzz. Trends also highlight genre diversification into dark academia, horror, and speculative thrillers, alongside a rise in cinematic marketing through high-quality book trailers and savvy indie author promotions.

#AlchemyOfSecrets

driven by Stephanie Garber’s adult fantasy debut, blending folklore and modern settings, captivating fall fantasy readers.

#Mate

Ali Hazelwood’s romantasy sequel featuring witty dialogue and supernatural romance, sparking excitement among romance fans.

#DarkFantasy

rising interest in darker, moodier fantasy titles like *Alchemised* by SenLinYu, reflecting a shift toward more intense narratives.

#BookTokMadeMeBuyIt

perennial trend where emotional, swoon-worthy, or tearjerking books go viral and boost sales.

#CinematicBookTrailers

authors and publishers producing high-quality visual teasers to capture attention in TikTok’s fast-scrolling environment.

#IndieAuthors

increasing success of self-published and indie authors across genres, including adult fiction and memoirs, leveraging TikTok’s algorithm.

#GenreDiversification

expanding beyond YA fantasy and romance to include horror, dark academia, and speculative thrillers.

#BacklistResurgence

older titles gaining new popularity through viral BookTok videos, reviving interest in previously overlooked books.

Industry Analysis

Market insights and key developments

The book industry is experiencing significant shifts driven by technological advancements and changing reader behaviors. The rise of audiobooks and e-books continues to shape the market, offering new opportunities for authors and publishers alike. Independent publishing is gaining traction, allowing authors more creative control and financial benefits. Meanwhile, traditional publishers are adapting by acquiring successful self-published titles and exploring new financial models.

Key Takeaways

The demand for audiobooks is growing rapidly, with a projected annual increase of 26.4% over the next seven years, offering a lucrative opportunity for authors to expand their audience.

Independent publishing is on the rise, with platforms like Substack and Kickstarter enabling authors to bypass traditional publishing routes and maintain greater control over their work.

Traditional publishers are shifting towards profit-sharing models instead of traditional advances, aiming to attract authors who might otherwise self-publish.

The market for collectible physical books is booming, with special editions becoming a key sales driver for dedicated fanbases.

Genre trends in 2025 include a continued interest in romantasy and speculative fiction, with a growing demand for diverse stories reflecting marginalized communities.

Emerging Genres

New trends in book categories

This week, **romantasy** continues to dominate as a highly popular subgenre, blending romance with fantasy elements and appealing strongly to BookTok audiences. Emerging alongside are **climate fiction** and **queer speculative fiction**, reflecting growing social and environmental awareness. Additionally, hybrid genres like **romantic thrillers** and **cozy fantasy** are gaining traction, driven by readers’ desire for emotional depth combined with suspense or comfort.

Romantasy

A blend of romance and fantasy featuring steamy relationships in otherworldly settings; remains highly popular due to its cross-demographic appeal and strong BookTok presence.

Climate Fiction

Focuses on environmental themes and climate change, gaining momentum as societal concern about ecological issues rises.

Queer Speculative Fiction

Explores LGBTQ+ themes within science fiction and fantasy, reflecting increasing demand for diverse representation.

Romantic Thrillers

Combines romance with mystery or suspense elements, appealing to readers who want emotional intensity alongside plot twists.

Cozy Fantasy

Offers comforting, gentle fantasy stories often with a focus on community and warmth, emerging as a counterbalance to darker or more intense genres.

Psychological Thrillers

Delve into identity, deception, and mental health, attracting readers seeking gripping, edge-of-the-seat narratives.

Literary Fiction with Experimental Storytelling

Emphasizes psychological depth and innovative narrative structures, appealing to readers interested in complex, thought-provoking works.

Research Sources

accio.com shewrites.com goodreads.com bookinfluencers.com

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Additional research sources available

libraryaware.com booklistqueen.com tertulia.com