7 Books Trending on BookTok That Are Actually Worth Your Attention
In today’s literary landscape, BookTok has become an undeniable force that propels books to the top of bestseller charts. With nearly 200 billion views for the #BookTok hashtag, this community of readers on TikTok regularly transforms titles into cultural phenomena. But among the multitude of books going viral, which ones truly deserve your time? Here are seven books making waves on BookTok in 2025 that are genuinely worth your attention.
1. “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros
The highly anticipated third installment in the Empyrean series, “Onyx Storm” hasn’t just conquered BookTokâit has become the fastest-selling adult fiction book since “The Da Vinci Code” over 20 years ago. This romantasy (romance + fantasy) series continues to captivate readers with its immersive world and complex characters.
What makes this book so successful on BookTok is its perfect blend of thrilling action, intense romance, and detailed worldbuilding. Readers share their emotional reactions to the plot twists, creating a collective reading experience that amplifies the excitement.
Key takeaway: The Empyrean series proves that romantic fantasy has become a major genre that can compete with the biggest commercial literary successes.
2. “Deep End” by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood, already beloved on BookTok for her romances set in academic scientific settings, changes course with “Deep End.” This novel ventures into the highly appreciated domain of sports romance, telling the story of a championship swimmer overcoming an injury while developing feelings for a colleague.
TikTok videos overflow with reactions to the book’s most emotional and sensual scenes, with readers sharing their favorite passages and theories about the characters. Hazelwood’s ability to create authentic chemistry between her protagonists continues to captivate her loyal audience.
Key takeaway: Contemporary romances that explore specific environments like professional sports offer a perfect blend of familiarity and discovery that particularly resonates with BookTok readers.
3. “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins returns to the “Hunger Games” universe with this prequel centered on young Haymitch Abernathy and his fight against the dystopian government. Fans praise this book as a brilliant addition to the series, while others see it as a relevant allegory for political resistance against oppressive regimes.
On BookTok, readers share their theories about connections to the original series and analyze the novel’s political themes. Emotional reactions to certain key moments in the book generate millions of views, rekindling interest in the entire franchise.
Key takeaway: Prequels to popular series can captivate a new generation of readers while satisfying longtime fans, especially when they delve deeper into beloved secondary characters.
4. “Rewitched” by Lucy Jane Wood
This cozy fantasy novel by YouTube star Lucy Jane Wood generated such excitement upon its announcement that it rose to first place on the Amazon chart based on pre-orders alone. The story follows Belle, a burnt-out witch juggling her work at Lunar Books bookstore and concealing her magical powers. When her thirtieth birthday triggers a summons from her coven and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever.
Content creators on BookTok adore this blend of everyday magic, endearing characters, and perfect autumnal atmosphere. Videos featuring book-inspired “aesthetics,” with candles, teacups, and Halloween decorations, generate millions of views.
Key takeaway: Cozy fantasy, with its blend of magic and everyday comfort, perfectly responds to the need for gentle escapism in an anxiety-inducing world.
5. “Beautiful Ugly” by Alice Feeney
British mystery writer Alice Feeney returns with a classic premise: a missing wife, a baffled husband, and a small, windswept Scottish island. The promotional tagline that swept through BookTok in early 2025 perfectly summarizes the plot: “Wives think their husbands will change, but they don’t. Husbands think their wives won’t change, but they do.”
This psychological thriller generates countless reaction videos to the plot twists, with readers sharing their theories and moments of shock. Content creators even organize live “reading vlogs” to capture their authentic reactions to the book’s revelations.
Key takeaway: Domestic thrillers with unexpected twists continue to fascinate readers, particularly when they explore the complex dynamics of marital relationships.
6. “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix
Horror author Grady Hendrix returns with another female-centered story about fighting adversity. The novel follows a group of misfit girls who stumble into the occult, triggering a fun and bloody uprising against their overly strict parents and teachers.
On BookTok, readers share their favorite passages, create playlists inspired by the book’s atmosphere, and discuss the themes of female empowerment and sisterhood that run through the work. Hendrix’s characteristic blend of horror and humor finds particular resonance with the platform’s audience.
Key takeaway: Horror that incorporates elements of humor and empowerment attracts a broader audience, particularly young readers looking for stories that challenge social norms.
7. “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones returns to historical horror with this novel set in 1912, where a vampire wreaks havoc. Narrated by a Lutheran priest witnessing growing violence, this Native American revenge story captivates readers with its historical depth and supernatural elements.
Content creators on BookTok analyze the layers of cultural and historical significance in the novel while sharing their reactions to the most terrifying moments. Discussions about the representation of indigenous peoples and how Jones interweaves horror with social commentary generate significant engagement.
Key takeaway: Horror novels that integrate diverse cultural perspectives and rich historical contexts offer a deeper reading experience that resonates with contemporary readers.
Conclusion
These seven books trending on BookTok in 2025 perfectly illustrate why this community has become so influential in the publishing world. Beyond mere buzz, these works offer rich and varied reading experiences that truly deserve the attention they receive.
Whether you’re drawn to romantic fantasy, psychological thrillers, historical horror, or cozy fantasy, this selection demonstrates the diversity of literary tastes thriving on the platform. These books aren’t just ephemeral viral phenomena but works that capture the imagination and spark meaningful conversations among readers.