2025’s Best Fiction Books: 12 Must-Read Titles Reviewed

We explored the best fiction books that transport you to other worlds, ignite imagination, and capture the essence of storytelling.
The Great Gatsby coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover1984 cover

Are you on the hunt for the best fiction books that captivate your imagination and tug at your emotions? Look no further! We’ve put together a list of 12 classic and modern must-reads that range from heart-wrenching tales to epic fantasies. While putting this list together, we focused on books that not only offer compelling plots but also provide deep and lasting impact. So, whether you’re looking to escape into fantastical worlds or explore the human condition, these best fiction books have you covered!

On this list:

12 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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Classic novel with a mysterious millionaire and jazz age parties. We loved its timeless themes of love and wealth.

11 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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A compelling story on racial injustice in the Deep South. The characters stay with you for a long time.

10 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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Dystopian tale that still feels fresh. Scary how relevant its themes are today.

9 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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A classic romance with biting wit. Austen nails the complexities of 19th-century society.

8 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 277

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Teen angst like no other. Holden Caulfield’s voice is unforgettable.

7 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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Adventure story that’s fun for all ages. Tolkien’s world-building is top-notch.

6 The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1950
  • Pages: 768

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Magical lands and talking animals! Always a hit with both kids and adults.

5 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 208

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Philosophical and inspiring. Santiago’s journey to find his treasure is a treasure itself.

4 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1932
  • Pages: 268

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Societal critique wrapped in a gripping narrative. Huxley’s vision is haunting.

3 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

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Where it all began! Rowling’s magic world captured our imagination.

2 The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Post-apocalyptic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 287

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Post-apocalyptic and heart-wrenching. A father-son journey that we won’t forget.

1 Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 585

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A whale of a tale! We chose this as the best for its depth, adventure, and rich character exploration.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!