Best Top Fiction Novels of 2025: 9 Must-Reads

Discover the top fiction novels that captivate readers, ignite imaginations, and get you hooked from start to finish.
Where the Crawdads Sing coverThe Night Circus coverThe Vanishing Half cover

Ever find yourself lost in the endless sea of novels, searching for the perfect story to captivate you? Well, worry not, dear reader, for we have handpicked a selection of top fiction novels that promise to sweep you off your feet and into realms full of mystery, emotion, and sheer page-turning intrigue. In choosing these gems, we focus on the richness of the story, the depth of characters, and the ability to keep us glued till the last page. Whether you’re after a tale of self-discovery or a magical adventure, our list will surely guide you to your next great read.

On this list:

9 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 368

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This book took our hearts with its beautiful depiction of nature and Kya’s compelling story. It’s like getting lost in a marshland fairytale.

8 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 512

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We dived into this enchanting novel, quite literally. The circus is magical, and the competition keeps you on the edge of your seat.

7 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 343

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A thought-provoking narrative about identity and family. The characters leap off the page and make you ponder societal norms.

6 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 273

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Rooney’s style is contagious. The raw emotions and up-and-downs of relationships made this a must-read.

5 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 327

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With quirky humor and heartbreaking moments, Eleanor’s story is nothing short of a modern classic.

4 The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Water Dancer cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 416

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Combining history with a touch of magic, Coates crafts a story that’s as informative as it is moving.

3 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 337

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Ove is the grumpiest old man you’ll fall in love with. A heartwarming tale that surprises you at every turn.

2 Educated by Tara Westover

Educated cover

  • Genre: Memoir
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 334

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Westover’s memoir reads like fiction, blending personal struggle with triumphant discovery. Inspiring and powerful.

1 The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 771

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We crown this one the best of the top fiction novels for its epic storytelling and complex characters. Tartt’s novel takes readers on a journey that spans continents and decades. Theo’s life, filled with loss and unexpected adventures, captures the essence of the human experience. The prose is beautiful, and each page offers something new. Art, crime, and identity intermingle in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. You won’t be able to put it down until you reach the last page.

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!