20 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Authors Decide Their Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books of 2025

Every month, io9 compiles a list of the new sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books popping out that we expect will excite our readers probably the most. As we began trying again on all of the pages and pages that hit bookshelves in 2025, we dreamed up a enjoyable spin on the annual “Finest Books of the 12 months” lists you begin to see all over the place in December.

io9 reached out to present sci-fi, fantasy, and horror authors that we admire and requested them to call which sci-fi, fantasy, or horror guide (or books, because the case could also be) they liked probably the most this yr.

Learn on for the responses we obtained, and also you’ll little doubt be beefing up your private studying listing with these glowing suggestions. Due to all of the writers who helped us out—you should definitely try their books, too!

Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky

I drastically loved Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky! There are a variety of completely different sorts of sci-fi to like, however I’ll all the time have a comfortable spot for good aliens. Adrian Tchaikovsky writes nice aliens. Shroud has the type of mind-bending alien life the place I spend half the guide making an attempt to determine what they’re and the way they work, after which the opposite half excited to see how they’ll work together with people. A marvelously twisty learn throughout. –T. Kingfisher, writer of Snake-Eater, What Feasts at Night time, and Nettle & Bone

This fantastically dizzying, totally brain-breaking novel introduces the reader to a quite simple concept (“What if some organisms had the flexibility to simply erase themselves out of your reminiscence, as a type of camouflage?”) after which immediately sends that reader flying off a cliff. The twists hit so exhausting and quick that you simply’ll barely have time to understand the implications of 1 earlier than the subsequent comes crashing in. Not that that is chaos only for the hell of it; every part makes good sense throughout the established guidelines of the novel’s universe. It’s clear from the opening sentences that this story is the work of a talented craftsman. Writer Sam Hughes (writing below the pseudonym “qntm”) has quite a lot of such works below his belt in addition to an incredible sci-fi horror story formatted as a Wikipedia page however There Is No Antimemetics Division appears to have vaulted him into the mainstream. I’d like to see this became a movie however, if I’m sincere, I doubt there are even 5 administrators on the planet who might do it justice. –Jason Pargin, writer of I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

2025 was the yr I found Emily Tesh and questioned why it took me so lengthy. My favourite learn although needs to be There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm—a massively entertaining, tremendous sensible, witty novel that can also be nerve-shreddingly terrifying. Whereas it’s full of concepts, it places human connection at its core, with an ending that’s each tense and transferring. It delivered to thoughts The Lathe of Heaven and The Kraken Wakes—a well timed guide that can also be one for the ages. – Antonia Hodgson, writer of The Raven Scholar

This trilogy accomplished in 2025, so I hope this qualifies. The Stardock Trilogy is, in my view, simply probably the greatest examples of SF that I’ve learn in years. This collection has aliens (two units), AI, spaceships, house battles, spectacular explosions, and alien expertise. The characters aren’t cliché, and so they are clever, so there’s no fool script moments to make you throw the guide towards a wall.

However largely it’s in regards to the serial drawback fixing. The Martian was serial drawback fixing, the Bobiverse collection is about serial drawback fixing, and so is the Stardock Trilogy. Should you like sensible characters who don’t journey over their very own ft, well-described alien tech, and house battles (did I point out house battles?) that is the collection for you. – Dennis E. Taylor, writer of We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

A slender novel that, for those who squeeze it too tight, drips blood. Nevertheless it’s the type of blood that makes you smile. The violence in right here is wonderful, is over-the-top, is balletic and frenetic and righteous. Nevertheless it by no means forgets to be sticky and disturbing, both. And, I’m no Victorianist, am in all probability extra of a Bret Michaels-ist, however the period captured on the web page right here, the small print, the manners, the attitudes and convictions, the lace doilies and oh-so-proper speech, they transport you proper again to those occasions we prefer to no less than suppose had been extra genteel. Virginia Feito has some updates about that, although. Go on, wade into this one. However carry your . . . your no matter “rubber boots” had been referred to as again in Dickens-times: Virginia Feito is aware of. I’m fairly positive she needed to put on them, to put in writing this. – Stephen Graham Jones, writer of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, The Solely Good Indians, My Coronary heart Is a Chainsaw, I Was a Teenage Slasher, and the upcoming Night of the Mannequins

The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott—I like Kate Elliott’s work and this new fantasy was simply so good and a lot enjoyable. Participating characters and gripping journey in a wild, authentic world.

Don’t Sleep With the Lifeless by Nghi Vo—This was a lush and atmospheric follow-up to her novel The Chosen and the Stunning, which was additionally one among my favorites. Vo’s work jogs my memory a variety of Tanith Lee at her greatest. – Martha Wells, writer of the Murderbot Diaries collection (together with the upcoming Platform Decay), in addition to Witch King, Metropolis of Bones, and The Dying of the Necromancer

2025 has been a LOT for everybody, and I feel greater than something, it’s proven us the worth of group and luxury. Now, whereas I like every part Annalee Newitz writes, that specific caveat of life in 2025 in all probability heightened my response to their newest work Computerized Noodle. On this cozy novella, a gaggle of sentient robots come again on-line in post-war near-future San Francisco to search out new which means in opening a noodle store. Besides a coordinated evaluation bombing threatens the livelihood, and it takes group to save lots of the day. It’s humorous and endearing, with lovely prose and sharp wit, and leaves us with a reminder that even when issues are horrible, a bowl of noodles makes issues higher. – Mike Chen, writer of Star Wars: Brotherhood, Right here and Now and Then, A Quantum Love Story, and the upcoming The Photonic Effect

After I first learn The Solely Good Indians, I knew Stephen Graham Jones was going to develop into one among my favourite authors. I had excessive hopes for The Buffalo Hunter Hunter and he delivered an unbelievable story in it, making it my guide for 2025. His writing is each dreamlike and visceral, intermixing painfully emotional and delightful moments with gut-wrenching brutality. The story unfolds by way of the diary of a Lutheran pastor, who data his personal unraveling whereas additionally writing down the life story of a Blackfeet Indian named Good Stab. What drew me into the story had been the narrators, one upfront about his deeds and anger, the opposite hiding his sins below a masks of innocent conviviality. Little by little, the story unfolds as their previous is unearthed, and I discovered that probably the most horrifying elements of the guide weren’t even the bloodiest. This can be a guide about vengeance and guilt that spans generations, and whereas the guide brings every part to an in depth, I, the reader, discover myself grappling with this story lengthy after the final web page. – Bonnie Quinn, writer of How to Survive Camping

I learn so many unbelievable SFF books this yr so I’ve a number of favorites relying on my temper! However one latest learn that I actually liked was Warrior Princess Murderer by Brigid Kemmerer. This can be a swoony poly romantasy that includes three leads I simply completely fell in love with. The world is fascinating, the intrigue twisty, and the magic glowing, however above all, the characters actually captured my coronary heart. You’ve obtained the considerably naive however form princess, a king with a nasty popularity and harmful secrets and techniques, and (my private favourite) an murderer with a painful previous and a secret comfortable coronary heart. Their relationships with one another develop in such a real and candy method, and I discovered myself falling in love proper alongside them, simply in time for some intriguing twists proper on the finish of the guide. I’m desirous to learn the subsequent one! – Carissa Broadbent, writer of the Crowns of Nyaxia collection in addition to the Conflict of Misplaced Hearts collection, together with the newly launched Children of Fallen Gods

My favourite 2025 launch is Pink Metropolis by Marie Lu! The romance was devastating, the magic was extremely cool, and the twists had me gasping constantly for the final 25% of the guide. I can be studying the sequel as quickly as I can get my palms on it, and doubtless in a single sitting. – Hannah Whitten, writer of The Foxglove King and, as Hannah F. Whitten, the upcoming Reliquary

2025 was full of lovely books, however none made me really feel as heat and as secure as this one. Sera misplaced her prodigious magic resurrecting her great-aunt, and now she runs an inn for all of the individuals who’ve been by harm the world, from a person who refuses to cease sporting plate armor to a speaking cursed fox. Sangu Mandanna writes cozy fantasy the best way it was imply to be written, deeply inclusive and stuffed with coronary heart. – Tasha Suri, writer of The Isle in the Silver Sea

 My decide is Gap within the Sky by Daniel H. Wilson. Half sci-fi, half cosmic horror, and laced with Native American lore and fringe theories, this story follows varied individuals confronted with imminent first contact with an alien intelligence, just for them to find what humanity has awoken could finish the world. The narrative has a grand really feel and regardless of its many influences is totally authentic, balancing the epic with a narrative that’s deeply private. It jogged my memory of why I like studying. I devoured it. – Craig DiLouie, writer of Episode 13 and My Ex, the Antichrist

Between Babel and now Katabasis, I’m beginning to suppose R.F. Kuang may truly be a wizard. I used to be ensorcelled from web page one, and as soon as I began studying it I discovered myself unable to consider anything till lengthy after I turned the ultimate web page. – John Joseph Adams, collection editor of Finest American Science Fiction and Fantasy and editor-publisher of Lightspeed

My favourite SFF launch this yr was Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. There’s nothing extra thrilling than the risks and challenges that come up from a descent into the underworld. Kuang’s reflections on academia as a type of hell are equal measures poignant, insightful and bitterly amusing. I walked away from Katabasis impressed by the wealthy narrative and charming characters. As somebody who as soon as thought-about pursuing a doctorate in political science, Katabasis made me grateful I made a decision to go away any ideas of pursuing one far behind. I’d undoubtedly be a type of poor souls trapped within the early circles, subjected to torment of my very own dissertation making! – Katrina Kwan, writer of The Final Dragon of the East and the upcoming The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox

The kindest factor I did for myself in 2025—apart from a analysis journey to Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona, as a result of typically we undergo for our artwork however typically we completely luxuriate in it—was ensuring I had the sequel to The Tainted Cup earlier than I even began studying it. I don’t normally put together this nicely, however for as soon as I had my very own again. If I’d learn Robert Jackson Bennett’s delightfully weird excessive fantasy Holmes-and-Watson novel whereas overseas with out the sequel readily available, I might have been as depressing as Din watching Ana eat. A Drop of Corruption didn’t disappoint, constructing on the inspiration of guide one with an excellent sharper and extra compelling homicide thriller that opened the world in intriguing new methods. I’m eagerly anticipating guide three and searching ahead to a re-read in preparation.

 My different favourite learn this yr hasn’t come out but, however please for the love of all that’s cozy (however nonetheless tautly paced and intricately plotted), put Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett on prime of each TBR listing you have got. It’s an ideal guide, and, like me, you’ll thank your self for being ready. – Kiersten White, writer of Lucy Timeless and the upcoming The Fox and the Devil

 Sluggish Gods by Claire North—the most recent work by one of many style’s most thought-provoking authors. A narrative of planetary cataclysm, private estrangement and alien thriller.  North’s ingenuity and complicated worlds by no means masks the deep human—and posthuman—themes and feelings that run by way of her work. – Adrian Tchaikovsky, writer of Children of Time and Shroud

Chasers is an absolute curler coaster journey that appears on the twin horrors of being Black and trans in 2025 America. It skirts the knife’s edge between too-absurd-to-believe and too-absurd-not-to-believe, proper as much as an explosive ending that peels again the true terror of this filthy world. AND The Divine Flesh, Drew Huff: What the hell is even taking place on this one? A surreal, nightmare journey that should be skilled to be believed, and Huff’s surreal, nightmare prose completely simulates the sensation of getting a psychotic break. AND A Recreation in Yellow, Hailey Piper: Piper’s New York all the time looks like a skinny neon veneer of sanity over a darkish, teeming, hedonistic morass, making it the proper backdrop for this story about how deeply you’d dive into pure indulgence earlier than you may’t climb out once more. – Bitter Karella, writer of Moonflow

There are books you like as a result of they’re precisely to your style; you already know from the primary web page that you’ll take pleasure in them, the best way you already know you’ll take pleasure in devouring a favourite childhood dish. Then there are the books you like as a result of they shock you; you open them trepiditiously, unsure they’re meant for you, but you may’t resist, as a result of they difficulty a problem. (Oh, you don’t suppose you just like the style of mushrooms? Properly, have you ever eaten them ready like this?) 

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar was that sudden guide for me this yr. I don’t, as a common rule, gravitate to fairy tales; I might go as far as to say I’m allergic to something with the phrase “faerie” in it. Tales centered on ballads, poetry, and music fly straight over my head. And but, this beautiful gem of a novella enchanted me, due to El-Mohtar’s superlative potential to humanize the numinous. The bond between sisters pulses on the coronary heart of this lyrical fable, and earlier than you already know it, you’ve consumed the entire scrumptious story in a single transportive sitting. – Fonda Lee, writer of the Inexperienced Bone Saga and the upcoming The Last Contract of Isako

I’ve all the time felt a robust kinship with Susanna Clarke’s work, primarily as a result of she usually focuses on the inconceivable reconciliation between nature and humanity, sanity and the numinous. Her newest work, The Wooden at Midwinter, is sort of a fresco coming alive, with illustrations that make a Wooden communicate, a scrumptious chill. What resonates most with me, although, is a protagonist who’s “single-minded in following the place love leads that she barely notices she has left sanity behind.” Clarke talked about in an interview that she can not write “out of the season.” If that’s true, then The Wooden is a narrative for individuals who can not learn out of season both and need to expertise midwinter in its bleak glory. Be warned, this can be a very quick learn, good for whetting one’s urge for food for Clarke’s heftier works. – Giovanni De Feo, writer of The Secret Market of the Dead

2025 was a superb yr for style mashing, and two of my favorites had been A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett and The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson. Each are epic fantasies, each homicide mysteries, and each excel are creating complicated worlds, novel characters, and splendidly stunning mysteries to unravel. Bennett’s guide is the second in his Shadow of the Leviathan collection. (The primary gained the Hugo for Finest Novel.) Bennett affords readers a world whose expertise is powered on the corpses of lifeless sea monsters. On the middle of the story is the Holmesian duo of Ana and Din, Ana being the eccentric genius and Din her put-upon, overworked, underpaid, sleep-deprived assistant. Din is a captivating narrator, and their banter propels the reader by way of a very baffling thriller to satisfying conclusion. 

The Raven Scholar is a convincing debut pushed by a prickly and controversial scholar named Neema Kraa who has made some questionable decisions for sympathetic causes (an authentic sin that haunts the story) and now finds herself the prime suspect in a homicide. Her solely hope is to resolve the homicide herself first. Nevertheless, nothing is because it appears, what mates she has can’t be trusted, and somebody is clearly more than pleased to see her take the autumn. However the true stars of the present are the omniscient narrators, the ever-lurking ravens who solely need to assist, or so they are saying. A pleasant learn stuffed with twists and divulges, final one assured to have you ever ranting within the group chat. – Rebecca Roanhorse, writer of the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, Path of Lightning, and Star Wars: Resistance Reborn

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