Goodreads is one of the world’s most influential reading communities, and its annual rankings offer a powerful snapshot of what readers loved most each year. In 2025, the platform revealed a list of the most popular books published that year based on how often readers added titles to their virtual shelves. These rankings reflect widespread enthusiasm across genres, including fantasy, romance, thrillers, and literary fiction. The following list provides context on the books that defined the year, offering insight into reader trends and what made each title stand out.
15 Most Popular Books on Goodreads
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Onyx Storm dominated the 2025 Goodreads popularity charts with more than 2.8 million adds, securing its place as the most popular book of the year. This third entry in The Empyrean series blends dragons, romance, and high fantasy in a way that resonates deeply with the romantasy audience. Set in a world marked by war, magic, and power struggles, the novel continues protagonist Violet Sorrengail’s journey as she faces escalating challenges that test her strength, alliances, and heart.
The book’s success highlights the continued influence of the romantasy genre, which combines emotional character arcs with sprawling fantasy worlds. Onyx Storm benefitted from passionate fan communities and a strong online presence, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where readers share reviews, fan art, and reactions. The novel’s mix of epic stakes and intimate character relationships helped it connect with a broad audience in 2025.
2. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins returned to the world of The Hunger Games with Sunrise on the Reaping. This prequel explores the early story of Haymitch Abernathy, providing backstory and fresh insight into the dystopian universe beloved by millions. Readers responded enthusiastically, placing this book second on Goodreads’ list of 2025 titles. Collins’s skill at layering political intrigue, social critique, and personal conflict again drew widespread engagement.
The popularity of Sunrise on the Reaping reflects both nostalgia and curiosity. Fans of the original trilogy were eager to revisit Panem and explore untold events from the series’ lore. The continued expansion of the franchise also speaks to how established worlds can find new life when approached with thoughtful storytelling and deeper character explorations.
3. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life ranked among the top books of the year thanks to its blend of romance, introspection, and humor. The novel follows two journalists tasked with writing the biography of a reclusive heiress and, along the way, explores ambition, personal growth, and the messy truths that define human relationships. Great Big Beautiful Life drew a devoted readership, earning critical praise and a strong presence on Goodreads shelves.
Henry’s signature style balances emotional depth with sharp dialogue and memorable character dynamics. Fans of contemporary romance appreciated her ability to dig into real-world themes while delivering satisfying romantic arcs. The book’s popularity in 2025 further underscored Henry’s status as one of the most compelling voices in modern fiction.
4. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere brings emotional complexity and unique narrative flair to the list of 2025 favorites. Known for her skill in blending human drama with compelling settings, Reid takes readers on a journey that is both intimate and expansive. The novel captured readers’ attention with its rich character work and thematic resonance around identity, connection, and belonging.
The book’s inclusion on the Goodreads list reflects its cross-genre appeal, drawing fans of literary fiction, romance, and character-driven stories. Reid’s growing reputation for delivering thought-provoking novels that feel both personal and universal helped Atmosphere stand out in a crowded field of 2025 releases.
5. The Crash by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden’s The Crash earned a high spot on Goodreads’ 2025 rankings with its gripping psychological drama and tense plot. The story centers on a woman and her daughter stranded during a snowstorm, where survival instincts and buried secrets come to the fore. McFadden’s talent for crafting suspenseful narratives with emotional stakes kept readers turning pages and engaging with the book online.
McFadden’s style aligns with her broader catalog of addictive thrillers that blend domestic tension with unexpected twists. The Crash resonated with readers who enjoy fast-paced, high-tension storytelling, contributing to its widespread popularity and frequent social media shares.
6. The Tenant by Freida McFadden
Another entry by Freida McFadden, The Tenant, also found a large audience in 2025. This psychological thriller explores the eerie, unsettling experiences that unfold when a protagonist rents a new home, triggering a chain of mysterious, dangerous events. Its strong placement on Goodreads speaks to McFadden’s command of suspense and the broad appeal of her storytelling voice.
Readers drawn to The Tenant appreciated its layered narrative and the way McFadden balances tension with character vulnerability. The novel’s success further cemented her reputation as a leading author in the thriller genre, appealing to fans who favor unpredictable plots and memorable twists.
7. Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Romance and emotion sit at the heart of Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, a novel that combines humor with heartfelt storytelling. It explores the connections that define us and how love and memory intersect. The book’s presence on Goodreads’ list of popular 2025 titles reflects readers’ appetite for stories that marry emotional depth with relatable characters.
Jimenez is known for crafting uplifting yet poignant narratives that tackle realistic situations with warmth and candor. Say You’ll Remember Me struck a chord with readers seeking romantic fiction that also offers meaningful reflections on life’s complexities and human bonds.
8. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Broken Country brought literary and contemporary fiction into the 2025 Goodreads spotlight. The novel’s exploration of identity, family, and societal fracture resonated with readers, earning its place among the most popular books of the year. Hall’s vivid prose and layered approach to character and theme made this title a frequent topic of discussion in online book communities.
Readers drawn to Broken Country appreciated its emotional depth and its approach to timely questions about belonging and resilience. The novel’s appeal extended beyond pure literary circles to readers who enjoy stories that engage with both personal and broader cultural narratives.
9. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood’s Deep End gave contemporary romance fans another memorable story in 2025. The novel showcases Hazelwood’s engaging voice and deft ability to balance humor, heart, and character chemistry. Its ranking on Goodreads reflects readers’ strong affinity for romance that feels fresh, relatable, and emotionally satisfying.
Hazelwood’s work often appeals to readers who enjoy narratives that are both light enough to read quickly and rich enough to leave a lasting emotional impression. Deep End continued this tradition, helping it become one of the most widely shared novels of 2025.
10. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune made the list with its evocative writing and nostalgic tone. The story draws readers into a world of memory and transformation, offering a reflective escape that many found compelling. Its popularity on Goodreads speaks to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, emotionally resonant fiction.
Fortune’s ability to weave together themes of love, loss, and reinvention made this title stand out in 2025. Readers often praised the book for its lyrical style and for balancing evocative imagery with deeply relatable characters and situations.
11. My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman’s My Friends earned a place among 2025’s most popular books with its heartfelt and thoughtful storytelling. Backman is known for his ability to blend humor with emotional insight, and this novel is no exception. It illustrates the everyday connections that shape our lives and offers a compassionate look at friendship, resilience, and the human experience.
Readers often highlight Backman’s talent for creating memorable, layered characters and dialogue that feels honest and relatable. My Friends continued their reputation for engaging emotionally resonant narratives that appeal to a wide range of readers.
12. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore brought atmospheric literary fiction to the forefront in 2025. Set against stark and evocative landscapes, the novel combines suspense and reflection, drawing readers into a profound exploration of belonging and family. Its presence on Goodreads’ list highlights the appeal of immersive worlds and introspective themes.
The novel’s appeal goes beyond plot to encompass the sensory experience of its setting—lush, bleak, and richly described. McConaghy’s skill at balancing character psychology with dramatic environments has helped her build a dedicated readership and secure Wild Dark Shore a place among 2025’s most popular new books.
13. Atmosphere By Taylor Jenkins Reid (Extended Reach)
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere deserves additional mention for its critical and popular reach. Beyond its high placement on the Goodreads list, it also gained traction as a standout story that blends speculative elements with deep human drama, captivating readers who enjoy both thought-provoking concepts and emotional storytelling.
Reid’s ability to craft layered narratives with emotional complexity has helped Atmosphere resonate widely. Its popularity reflects broader reader interest in novels that transcend traditional genre boundaries while delivering rich character work and memorable themes.
14. Sunrise on the Reaping (Cultural Impact)
Sunrise on the Reaping also made an impact beyond Goodreads rankings, with anticipation building among fans of The Hunger Games franchise. The novel’s exploration of Haymitch’s earlier life and its connection to a beloved universe helped it stay top of mind throughout 2025.
The cultural relevance of this title extended into conversations about adaptation and franchise legacy, as readers debated its place in the broader series canon and what it might signal for future media projects. Its prominence on Goodreads underscores how established franchises can dominate conversation when new installments align with reader expectations.
15. Great Big Beautiful Life (Genre Momentum)
Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life represents a broader trend in contemporary fiction that centers on emotional nuance and character development. Its popularity on Goodreads reflects the appetite for books that blend romance, personal growth, and narrative intelligence.
The success of this novel also illustrates how established authors with devoted followings can command significant visibility on social reading platforms. Its presence on both popularity and choice lists highlights the connection between reader engagement and narrative resonance.
Goodreads Influence On Reading Habits
Goodreads lists influence not only what people choose to read but also how books are perceived and discussed. Community ratings and reviews help guide readers toward discoveries and create a sense of shared experience among book lovers. The most popular books published in 2025 were not only widely read but also widely talked about, often inspiring fan art, discussion groups, and deeper engagement that extended far beyond the page.
As reading trends continue to evolve, Goodreads remains a central hub for tracking what resonates with readers and why. Its data provides valuable insight into how novels find legs in the digital age, with social platforms and passionate communities helping propel books into bestseller status and cultural conversation.
