Book Releases in August 2025 I Want to Read
My TBR is always far longer than I can probably tackle in a lifetime. But with so many exciting new book releases, can you blame me? Here’s a list of all the August 2025 book releases I’ve marked as “want to read.” As you’ll see, I read pretty widely across genres, though I lean toward Fantasy and Sci-Fi! Let’s see how our tastes align.
Katabasis - R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is back with another academic themed fantasy. Say less! In her newest book, the main character tries to retrieve her mentor from Hell with the works of Dante to guide her. This sounds very relevant to my interests and may shape up to be my favorite Kuang book yet. I’m sure this one is a most anticipated of the year for many readers.
Mistress of Bones - Maria Z. Medina
This YA fantasy is about a necromancer, and I have a weakness for those. It’s described as a tragic romance and multi-POV swashbuckling adventure reminiscent of Six of Crows. That’s the kind of book I can always get in the mood for!
The Dead Husband Cookbook - Danielle Valentine
The cover and title of this book definitely grabbed my attention! It looks like this is about a famous chef who may also be a murderess. A memoir writer is about to find out the truth. I’d rather not poke into any further spoilers and let that hint whet my appetite.
The Magician of Tiger Castle - Louis Sachar
I was absolutely thrilled to find out Louis Sachar, author of Holes is debuting an adult book - and a fantasy no less! Holes was one of my number one favorite books when I was in middle school, full of twists and memorable characters. I can’t wait to see how an adult Sachar novel compares.
Woven from Clay - Jenny Birch
This is a YA contemporary fantasy/romance about a golem. I’d really like to see a return of contemporary and paranormal YA fantasy and golems seem like an under-represented creature in YA books.
Once a Villain- Vanessa Len
The final book in a YA contemporary fantasy trilogy, if you haven’t read the Only a Monster series, I highly recommend getting caught up before this releases! I can’t wait to see how it ends.
Black Flame - Gretchen Felker-Martin
This horror story is about a character haunted, seemingly possessed, by a found footage exploitation film. I love meta-fiction and spooky lore about lost media, so this sounds right in line with my interests.
Full Bloom -Francesca Serritella
An adrift young woman’s life changes when a mysterious Frenchwoman gives her a perfume that seems to make everyone wildly attracted to her. This sounds unhinged. I’m excited for it.
The Island of Last Things - Emma Sloley
Yet again, this is a book where I need few details to capture my interest. This is about a zookeeper at the last zoo in the world. Done. I’m there.
Are You Mad at Me? - Meg Josephson, LCSW
I don’t read a lot of self-help, but this book is for elder daughters and conflict avoiders, so maybe I should give it a read…
A Spell to Wake the Dead - Nicole Lesperance
Two teen girls set out for the beach at midnight, and find a dead body washed up on shore in their little Cape Cod town. This sounds like another solid Summerween choice for those of us rushing through Summer in search of Fall feelings.
Hemlock & Silver - T.
Kingfisher
Many people have recommended Kingfisher to me. This would be my first read from this author. The description of the main character, a healer who drinks poisons to discover cures, reminds me a bit of the anime, The Apothecary Diaries, which I’ve been enjoying. This dark Snow White re-imagining seems like a good intro to Kingfisher books for me!
The Hounding - Xenobe Purvis
This book is pitched as The Crucible meets The Virgin Suicides, which is really all I need to know. When strange creatures appear and ravens behave strangely, five sisters are accused of witchcraft. This is a perfect Summerween vibe for me, as I prefer folk horror to summer camp slashers.
Warrior Princess Assassin - Brigid Kemmerer
This sounds like such a classic formula for a YA romantasy. We’ve got a love triangle between three enemies and high stakes adventure. I trust Brigid Kemmerer to deliver a page-turner.
The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas
This ghost story takes place in a Mexican silver mine circa 1765 after the main character flees a plague. I’m always excited to read about historical events I don’t know much about, add a ghost and it’s even better.
The Book of Lost Hours - Hayley Gelfuso
This one is recommended for fans of The Ministry of Time, which was probably my very favorite read from last year. Set in the Cold-War era, the characters discover a time/space library stocked with books filled with the memories of witnesses to history. Sounds very Doctor Who, and I’m all about that vibe.
The Once and Future Me - Melissa Pace
I’m not totally sure if this book is for me, but it sounds so weird I’m intrigued and need to check it out. A woman in a psychiatric hospital has visions of a dystopian other world and no memory of who she is.
Doll Parts - Penny Zang
A 90's era mystery about the deaths of college students who were members of a Slyvia Plath fan club, ruled as suicides but with a darker truth beneath? Once again, say less.
If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You - Leigh Stein
This social satire is about the social media hunt for a tarot influencer who vanished from a decrepit Hollywood mansion. I love creepy mansions and examinations of true crime social media culture.
Moderation - Elaine Castillo
I will admit to judging this book by its super rad cover. Apparently, it’s semi-futuristic about a successful virtual reality content moderator. Sounds interesting to me.
Seduction Theory - Emily Adrian
What can I say? I’m a sucker for sleazy stories about academics and Fragonard’s The Swing.
Happy Reading!
There you have it! My August reading list. Which ones are you looking forward to reading?
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