Ah, summer’s finally here! The sun’s out, our TBR’s towering, and BookTok’s been blessing us! Let’s be honest, who’s able to deny the irresistible charm of a fresh, shiny-new BookTok release?

We’re talking of emotional roller-coasters, with just the right amount of plot twists, and my favourite dark academia aesthetics. I’m about to list some of the most chef’s kiss summer 2025 releases, so find a cool spot in the shade, grab an ice-chilled drink—because we’re about to update your Kindle and your bookshelf.

Here are six of the summer 2025 BookTok releases I can’t wait to devour.

1. Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Image Credit: Jez Timms from Unsplash

Release Date: 26 August, 2025

I have never in my life felt so insulted academically, yet hooked and enthralled. Dark academia’s back from the dead—literally! Think Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi.

R.F. Kuang is making us dive into—literally—the underworld, a.k.a. Katabasis. Opponents, who are PhD students, must team up to save their advisor’s soul from the land of the Dead.

The author always does a great job in trying to jot down the ambition, sacrifices, and power (Read ‘The Poppy War’ anyone?), but over here, she’s done something different, using dark academia + satire. It’s brutal yet brilliant. I’m expecting gut-wrenching decisions, which are morally grey by the way, and quotes worth scribbling in a leather journal.

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2. Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Image Credit: Elin Melaas from Unsplash

Release Date: 29 July, 2025

Jennifer Lynn Barnes has returned with another book in The Grandest Games Series, following The Inheritance Games, which has no business being this addictive. The aesthetic of this book screams ‘boarding school meets treasure hunt’.

This young adult mystery continues in this sequel, where seven contestants play for a fortune and their survival. As the game develops and goes even farther, we’re met with glimpses of psychological complexity, shifting of loyalty, and unexpected plot twists.

I’m invested, but yet so scared(in a good way, though!). I honestly don’t know who’s gonna win in this round of the Grandest Game, but I have the back of whoever’s the most underestimated, complex, and cunning. If you liked her previous book (duh) or A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, for the cleverness, you’re going to love this book. Calling out the people who love private school uniforms (like me!) and drama with logic.

3. The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika and Maritza Moulite

Release Date: 22 April, 2025

The Moulite sisters have crafted a novel that talks about a Haitian American girl, Brielle, who has big dreams for her culinary career, supporting her family with her cooking. As her food becomes a sensation among Miami’s elite crowd, she discovers her food has a weird addictive quality that is…let’s say not just from Whole Foods, and an even bigger revelation—she might just be part zombie.

The Summer I Ate the Rich is a pretty unique and original addition to the YA horror genre.

If you’re looking for lore that combines ethereal and supernatural aspects with real-life elements and issues, this should be your go-to.

4. Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

Image Credit: Katelyn Greer from Unsplash

Release Date: 27 May, 2025

Ann Liang’s books have a way to hit that sweet, nostalgic spot, you know? This new story follows the journey of Leah Zhang, an ex-model in L.A., who faces a linguistic mishap at her cousin’s wedding, which leads to an unintentional insult. Her parents send her on a trip to China she never intended to take, to connect with her roots, which she ends up doing.

What she never saw coming was Cyrus Sui, her former classmate and a person who took part in a past humiliation. As they both travel through China’s scenic places, Leah tries to accept her feelings for Cyrus, and her identity—her culture. This is especially great for those exploring their cultural identity, or even teens who sometimes feel out of place.

5. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

Release Date: 13 May, 2025

This is Ocean Vuong’s latest novel, set in the fictional town of East Gladness, with the story of Hai, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American boy struggling with depression and a detachment from life. But when Hai is having suicidal thoughts, he meets Grazina, an 81-year-old widow. From there, his life takes an unexpected turn, and he becomes Grazina’s caretaker, forming a bittersweet bond between them. As Hai explores this new responsibility, he works at a fast-food restaurant as well, where he finds a family in his co-workers.

I feel like reading this book would be like going back to a memory you never even knew you had. What I loved about this one is that it is a quiet book, which sits with you when you’re recalling and contemplating. It has even earned a spot on Oprah Winfrey’s latest book club pick, and I highly recommend it.

6. Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane

Image Credit: Ethan Hoover from Unsplash

Release Date: 8 July, 2025

Okay, so let’s talk about the protagonist here—I just love the idea of her. Greta Green Riley is flawed, extremely suspicious of everyone (same girl, same.), and is definitely allergic to the idea of the textbook “hero.” This book has this contagious, keeping-you-hooked, chaotic vibe, and the sarcasm is on point.

Greta works at an amusement park for a summer job, and then gets acquainted with a performer called Mercy Goodwin, who trusts her with a secret. But then, when Mercy abruptly and strangely disappears the next day, Greta eventually finds out that she might be the last person she’d visited. As she gets entangled further in the mystery, she’s forced to confront her own troubled past, and the amusement park’s as well.

It’s perfect for those who fancy Sadie by Courtney Summers.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reached the end of this article, pack your beach bags with these brilliant new reads. Feel the light summer breeze in your hair, enjoy ice cream, and give your mind a mini vacation too! These refreshing summer 2025 reads will do exactly that for you! Happy summer, guys!