In today’s ever-growing world of literature, readers are constantly searching for stories that don’t just entertain but leave a lasting impression—books that feel like experiences rather than just words on a page. Fiction and fantasy novels have become the perfect escape: blending emotional depth with imaginative worlds, they allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes while also transporting us to places beyond reality. Whether it’s surviving the harsh wilderness of Alaska, unraveling secrets in the corridors of a Shakespearean conservatory, navigating the heartbreak of wartime France, or battling for survival in kingdoms filled with magic, these novels deliver stories that stick with us long after the last page.
Across Goodreads and book communities like BookTok, certain titles are sparking conversations, filling TBR lists, and climbing bestseller charts. From Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpieces to dark romances with cult followings, and from heartwarming book-lover’s tales to epic YA fantasies, readers are finding something to connect with in every corner of the genre.
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the most talked-about fiction and fantasy books right now—complete with author insights, storylines, ratings, and where you can grab your copy.
Author: Kristin Hannah
Storyline: Set in 1970s Alaska, The Great Alone follows the Allbright family as they attempt a fresh start in the untamed wilderness. Ernt, a former POW, battles PTSD and unpredictable bursts of rage, while his wife Cora clings to hope that their love can endure. Their teenage daughter, Leni, finds herself torn between loyalty to her parents and her own yearning for freedom. As brutal winters descend and the family grows more isolated, survival becomes as much about emotional endurance as braving nature’s ferocity. Hannah weaves a story that’s equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting.
Ratings & Recognition: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.3/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.7/5. Winner of the 2018 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction and a New York Times bestseller.
Why It Matters: Beyond its survival theme, the book dives deep into domestic struggles and personal growth, resonating strongly with readers who crave emotional storytelling.
Best For: Adult readers who enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth.
Where to Buy: Amazon| Goodreads
Author: M. L. Rio
Storyline: Told partly as a prison confession, this dark academia thriller follows seven theater students at an elite conservatory where Shakespeare is more than performance—it’s a way of life. Their obsession with art, rivalry, and perfection soon spirals into secrets, betrayal, and ultimately murder. As friendships fracture and loyalties blur, the line between role and reality vanishes, leaving readers to question how far ambition and jealousy can drive someone.
Ratings: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.2/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.4/5
Why It Matters: Fans call it a spiritual cousin to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. Its haunting atmosphere, layered characters, and Shakespearean flair make it irresistible for literary fiction lovers.
Best For: Ages 18+, especially readers drawn to dark academia and psychological thrillers.
Where to Buy: Amazon | Goodreads
Author: Anthony Doerr
Storyline: This Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece intertwines the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris with her father, and Werner, a German orphan with a gift for radios who is recruited into the Hitler Youth. Their stories run parallel until fate brings them together in Saint-Malo, where the war reaches its shattering climax. With exquisite prose and poignant detail, Doerr explores the resilience of the human spirit, the cost of innocence lost, and the unseen connections that bind us even in the darkest times.
Ratings & Recognition: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.3/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.6/5. Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 2015.
Why It Matters: Praised for lyrical prose and emotional impact, it’s both a war novel and a celebration of humanity. Adapted into a Netflix miniseries.
Best For: Ages 16+, lovers of historical and literary fiction.
Where to Buy: Amazon | Goodreads
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Storyline: A.J. Fikry is a widowed bookstore owner on a remote island, whose life has dwindled into routine and cynicism. But when a mysterious package arrives—an abandoned baby girl—his world begins to shift in unexpected ways. What follows is a heartwarming journey of love, community, and redemption, as A.J. discovers that books and people alike can change us in profound ways.
Ratings: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.0/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.5/5
Why It Matters: Uplifting and heartwarming, it’s described as a “book lover’s dream.” Recently adapted into a film.
Best For: Adult readers who love contemporary fiction with hope-filled themes.
Where to Buy: Amazon| Goodreads
Author: K. A. Knight
Storyline: Roxane never wanted ties to the Vipers, a ruthless gang feared across the city. But when she’s thrust into their violent, shadowy world, her life transforms into a whirlwind of danger, lust, and betrayal. Each member of the Vipers is dangerous in their own right, yet together they weave a dark web of passion and power that Roxane cannot escape. This isn’t a love story for the faint of heart—it’s brutal, addictive, and unapologetically raw.
Ratings: ⭐ Goodreads: 3.6/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.3/5
Why It Matters: Bold, controversial, and addictive, it’s a cult favorite for readers who like their romance raw and edgy.
Best For: Mature audiences (18+) who enjoy dark, unconventional romance.
Where to Buy: Amazon| Goodreads
Author: Chloe Walsh
Storyline: Set in Ireland, this beloved YA series captures the chaos and charm of teenage life. From hilarious classroom antics to heart-wrenching moments of first love and friendship struggles, the series balances humor with real emotional depth. Chloe Walsh doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier themes—family conflicts, loss, and personal growth—while keeping the story warm, relatable, and utterly binge-worthy.
Ratings: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.5/5 | ⭐ Amazon: 4.5/5
Why It Matters: Known for its authentic characters and emotional arcs, it’s a go-to series for fans of heartfelt YA.
Best For: Ages 15+; fans of contemporary YA romance and coming-of-age stories.
Where to Buy: Amazon| Goodreads
Author: Lauren Roberts
Storyline: In the divided kingdom of Ilya, the Elites wield powerful magic while the powerless—known as Ordinaries—are seen as lesser. Paedyn, hiding in plain sight as an Ordinary pretending to be a seer, lives quietly until one act of bravery changes everything. After saving Prince Kai, she is forced into the deadly Purging Trials where only the strongest survive. With her secret hanging over her and feelings she shouldn’t have growing stronger, Paedyn must fight not only for her life but also for a future where she belongs.
Ratings & Recognition: ⭐ Goodreads: 4.2/5 (650k+ ratings) | ⭐ Amazon: 4.6/5. A 2023 Goodreads Choice finalist and NYT bestseller.
Cultural Buzz: Viral on BookTok; widely recommended by influencers.
Best For: YA readers (16+) who love dystopian fantasy and forbidden romance.
Where to Buy: Amazon| Goodreads
From the emotional landscapes of Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone to the magical trials of Lauren Roberts’ Powerless, these novels prove why fiction and fantasy dominate Goodreads shelves. Whether you’re drawn to dark academia, wartime resilience, bookish heartwarmers, or epic YA sagas, there’s a story here waiting to spark your imagination.
So, which one will you be adding to your Goodreads TBR next?
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September, 1, 2025
