Book Riot - The Podcast: "Books To Watch for in 2025" Summary
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Hosts: Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
In the episode titled "Books To Watch for in 2025," Book Riot's Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky delve into the most anticipated literary releases slated for the upcoming year. Flipping the calendar mentally to embrace the future, the hosts curate a comprehensive list of ten standout books across various genres, offering listeners insights into what promises to be an exciting literary landscape in 2025.
Introduction: Shifting Focus to 2025
Jeff and Rebecca kick off the episode by emphasizing the transition from reflecting on past successes to eagerly anticipating future releases. They acknowledge the unpredictability of the publishing world but express enthusiasm for the curated selections that cater to a broad readership.
Top 10 Books to Watch for in 2025
10. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Third installment in the Empyrean series
Rebecca introduces "Onyx Storm," highlighting its blend of fantasy elements with dragons and intense romantic undertones. She notes the series' rapid readership growth, with fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of the saga.
"It's going to sell the most copies. It's the biggest story of the first part of the year." – Jeff O'Neill [03:32]
9. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
A grocery store mystery thriller and the first novel by a person of color in the genre
Jeff expresses excitement about "King of Ashes," praising Cosby's sophisticated storytelling and gritty portrayal of rural political landscapes. Rebecca adds that Cosby's work is poised to make significant waves within the bookish community.
8. Atmosphere by [Author Name]
[Details about the book]
Note: The transcript does not provide the author's name or detailed synopsis for "Atmosphere."
7. The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
A fantasy novel intertwining multiple timelines and magical elements
Amal's "The River Has Roots" is celebrated for its imaginative world-building and complex character dynamics. Jeff compares it to her previous successful works, anticipating a strong reception from fantasy enthusiasts.
6. Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
A novel exploring chosen families and unexpected friendships
Ocean Vuong's "Emperor of Gladness" is anticipated for its poetic narrative and deep emotional resonance. Rebecca predicts nominations for prestigious awards, underscoring Vuong's literary prowess.
"It's about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive." – Rebecca Schinsky [25:25]
5. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
A prequel to The Hunger Games series
Jeff discusses "Sunrise on the Reaping," noting its success compared to previous entries in The Hunger Games universe. He speculates on its potential as a major movie adaptation, emphasizing its enduring popularity.
4. We Do Not Part by Han Kang
[Details about the book]
Han Kang's "We Do Not Part" is highlighted for its ghostly thriller elements and literary acclaim. The hosts express curiosity about its reception and potential as a page-turner.
3. The Dry Season by [Author Name]
Possibly a memoir or novel with deep emotional themes
The transcript does not provide comprehensive details about "The Dry Season." However, it's clear the book is anticipated for its emotional depth and storytelling.
2. Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
A dark academia fantasy involving a journey to the underworld
R.F. Kuang's "Katabasis" is praised for its intricate plot and homage to classical literature, likened to a blend of "Dante's Inferno" and works by Susanna Clarke. Jeff lauds Kuang's versatility and anticipates the book's success.
1. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
A multi-timeline fantasy novel spanning Santo Domingo, London, and Boston
Securing the top spot, "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V.E. Schwab is lauded for its expansive storytelling and rich character development across different eras and locations. Jeff emphasizes the book's potential to captivate a wide audience, driven by Schwab's established fandom.
"If we had to pick a Stephen King descendant who's going to have every year, every two years, a big selling, genre-adjacent book, do you pick anyone other than her?" – Jeff O'Neill [38:05]
Discussion: Ranking Methodology and Industry Insights
Throughout the episode, Jeff and Rebecca discuss their criteria for selecting and ranking the books. They consider factors such as anticipated sales, genre diversity, author reputation, and potential for critical acclaim. The hosts also ponder the impact of book adaptations and publicity campaigns on a book's success.
"We don’t have the fall catalogs yet, which actually will probably come out in like five weeks. Random House, I know, is early February, and once that falls, a lot of the dominoes fall into place." – Jeff O'Neill [06:06]
Concluding Remarks: Embracing the Future of Reading
As the episode wraps up, Jeff and Rebecca reflect on the promising slate of books lined up for 2025. They express optimism about the diversity and quality of upcoming releases, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the evolving literary scene.
"We're going to start the fire and then you'll see the flames." – Jeff O'Neill [Unavailable Timestamp]
Notable Quotes
- "Rarely have we been that wrong. We're wrong often because we are people. But we were, man, we were super wrong." – Rebecca Schinsky [01:24]
- "It's going to sell the most copies. It's the biggest story of the first part of the year." – Jeff O'Neill [03:32]
- "If you interpret us talking about how readers need to intentionally and purposefully pick up books by people of color as disdain for readers, you can just carry on to the next podcast, leave your one star review and get the hell out." – Jeff O'Neill [15:56]
Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and Listener Engagement
The hosts hint at future discussions, including potential book club selections and interactive segments like a "Fantasy Author League." They invite listeners to contribute ideas and engage with the podcast's evolving format.
"Maybe this could be a Patreon episode. Just to figure it. Just the rules committee's deliberations would be fun." – Jeff O'Neill [42:05]
Final Thoughts
Jeff and Rebecca wrap up the episode with gratitude towards their listeners and enthusiasm for the upcoming year's literary offerings. They emphasize the joy of discovering new stories and authors, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for 2025's book releases.
"Thank you so much for listening this year. I really appreciate it. I hope you had a great reading year." – Jeff O'Neill [47:05]
For more insights and detailed discussions, listen to the full episode on Book Riot's website or follow their Patreon for exclusive content.