The Best-Selling Fiction Books of 2025
The fiction market in 2025 has been dominated by escapist fantasy, romance-infused “romantasy,” and gripping thrillers, with sales boosted by viral TikTok trends, book club picks, and major adaptations. Based on data from Circana BookScan, The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon charts through mid-September 2025, here are the top 10 best-selling fiction books of the year so far, combining print, e-book, and audiobook sales. Sales figures are approximate and reflect year-to-date performance.
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: Over 2 million copies
- Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy
- Why It’s Hot: The finale of the dragon-riding Empyrean series delivers high-stakes romance and epic battles. Deluxe and standard editions fueled massive pre-orders, with BookTok driving hype. Fans love Violet Sorrengail’s journey and the steamy tension with Xaden.
- Notable: Outsold competitors in just weeks; TV adaptation rumors abound.
2. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 1.6 million copies
- Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian
- Why It’s Hot: This Hunger Games prequel, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy, bridges YA and adult audiences. Its release tied to a 2026 film announcement, sparking nostalgia and new fans. The dystopian themes resonate in today’s climate.
- Notable: Strong crossover appeal; a favorite for book clubs.
3. Iron Flame (Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 1.2 million copies
- Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy
- Why It’s Hot: The second book in the Empyrean series continues to ride the romantasy wave. Its mix of dragon battles, political intrigue, and spicy romance keeps it on bestseller lists, boosted by new readers discovering Fourth Wing.
- Notable: Evergreen sales; BookTok keeps it trending.
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses (Re-release) by Sarah J. Maas
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 900,000+ copies
- Genre: Fantasy/Romantasy
- Why It’s Hot: This re-released edition of the 2015 classic surged due to buzz around a Hulu series adaptation. Feyre’s faerie-filled journey blends romance and mythology, appealing to Maas’s loyal fanbase and new readers.
- Notable: Series sales spiked across all five books.
5. Funny Story by Emily Henry
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 800,000+ copies
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Why It’s Hot: A Reese’s Book Club pick, this witty romance about a librarian and her ex’s fiancé’s fake-dating scheme delivers humor and heart. Henry’s relatable characters and sharp dialogue make it a beach-read favorite.
- Notable: Strong audiobook performance; film rights sold.
6. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
4.4 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 600,000+ copies
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Why It’s Hot: This enemies-to-lovers tale set in a tropical paradise follows an artist and a professor in a marriage-of-convenience plot. Christina Lauren’s signature banter and chemistry make it a fan favorite.
- Notable: TikTok romance communities boosted visibility.
7. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
4.4 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 500,000+ copies
- Genre: Literary Thriller/Mystery
- Why It’s Hot: A layered family saga set in the Adirondacks, this atmospheric mystery about a missing child blends suspense with emotional depth. Book clubs and critical acclaim drove its steady sales.
- Notable: Longlisted for major literary awards.
8. Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
4.3 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 450,000+ copies
- Genre: Thriller/Mystery
- Why It’s Hot: Sager’s latest explores a suburban dad unraveling a decades-old disappearance. Its twisty plot and nostalgic ’90s setting hooked thriller fans, with strong word-of-mouth buzz.
- Notable: Consistent top 10 on Amazon’s thriller charts.
9. The Women by Kristin Hannah
4.7 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 400,000+ copies
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Why It’s Hot: This Vietnam War-era story about a nurse’s resilience continues Hannah’s streak of emotional, female-driven narratives. Book clubs and historical fiction fans keep it selling steadily.
- Notable: Strong library circulation; adaptation in talks.
10. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
4.5 out of 5 ratings
- Sales: 350,000+ copies
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Romantasy
- Why It’s Hot: A TikTok viral hit, this enemies-to-lovers fantasy about a powerless girl in a magical world gained traction with a re-release. Its fast-paced plot and swoony romance appeal to YA and adult readers.
- Notable: Series sales grew with sequels in 2025.
Trends and Insights
- Romantasy Rules: The Empyrean series and Sarah J. Maas’s works highlight the romantasy genre’s dominance, blending fantasy’s world-building with romance’s emotional pull. TikTok and Instagram Reels amplify their reach.
- Adaptation Buzz: Books tied to films or TV (Sunrise on the Reaping, A Court of Thorns and Roses) see surges, as fans revisit or discover stories.
- Diverse Appeal: From literary thrillers (The God of the Woods) to accessible romance (Funny Story), 2025’s list spans tastes, with crossover YA titles like Powerless drawing multigenerational readers.
- Book Club Power: Reese’s and Oprah’s endorsements (Funny Story, The Women) drive sales, as do online reading communities.
For the latest rankings, check NYT Best Sellers, Amazon’s charts, or Circana BookScan. These titles reflect sales through mid-September 2025 and may shift with holiday shopping. Want a chart of sales data or a deeper dive into a specific book? Let me know!
