The year 2025 is proving to be an extraordinary chapter in the world of storytelling, with fiction books capturing global attention across genres and themes. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, romance, historical fiction, or contemporary dramas, the literary scene this year is bursting with fresh voices and unforgettable narratives.
This curated list of the top 10 fiction books 2025 brings together bestselling international authors and emerging Indian talents who are reshaping the reading experience. If you’re updating your bookshelf or Goodreads list, these novels are absolutely worth adding.
1. The Memory Weaver by Arundhati Sen
Arundhati Sen’s new release is a hauntingly poetic blend of magical realism and family drama. Set in Kolkata, this novel explores generational trauma through a woman who inherits her grandmother’s mysterious memory tapes.
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Genre: Magical Realism / Drama
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Highlight: A mix of folklore, feminism, and nostalgia
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Perfect for fans of: The God of Small Things
2. The Eden Protocol by James Parker
A high-concept sci-fi thriller, The Eden Protocol explores climate collapse and AI governance. As world leaders fall into silence, a young coder uncovers a hidden Earth survival project known as Eden.
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Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia
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Highlight: Climate-tech meets conspiracy
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Buzz: Tipped to be adapted into a mini-series
3. A Fire in Varanasi by Anjali Mehra
Anjali Mehra takes readers on a spiritual and emotional pilgrimage through the ghats of Varanasi. A young woman in mourning finds unexpected strength and purpose amid sacred rituals and strangers who become family.
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Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Women’s Fiction
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Highlight: Soulful Indian setting, beautifully lyrical prose
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Reader Response: Already trending among Indian book clubs
4. The Last Symphony by Andrew Hawke
This gripping historical novel is based on the life of a forgotten 18th-century female composer in Vienna. Hawke masterfully reconstructs her passion, love, and betrayal amidst rising fascism.
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Genre: Historical Fiction
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Highlight: Women in music, artistic rebellion
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Award Watch: Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2025
5. Rain on Mars by Tanushree Rao
In this genre-blending novel, Tanushree Rao weaves together space travel, philosophy, and human emotion. A mission to Mars becomes a deep introspection on what it means to be human—and alone.
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Genre: Sci-Fi / Psychological Fiction
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Highlight: Mars as metaphor for isolation
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Notable: Written by India’s youngest female sci-fi novelist
6. Letters to a Stranger by Mia Delgado
A bestselling romance novel told through anonymous letters exchanged between two strangers on opposite ends of the world. Their bond grows stronger as secrets unravel and lives intertwine.
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Genre: Romance / Epistolary Fiction
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Highlight: Modern love meets old-fashioned storytelling
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Global Praise: Bestseller in 12 countries by mid-2025
7. The City That Forgot Its Name by Neil Bhatt
A mystical urban fantasy, Neil Bhatt’s novel creates a fictional city that erases memories overnight. A detective must solve the murder of someone no one remembers—while battling the city’s curse.
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Genre: Fantasy / Mystery
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Highlight: Psychological depth + world-building brilliance
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Style: Reminiscent of Neil Gaiman meets Italo Calvino
8. House of Forgotten Gods by Saira Khan
This debut novel explores mythology and migration as a British-Pakistani girl discovers her family’s ancient secret in the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro. A riveting mix of magical folklore and identity.
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Genre: Mythological Fiction / Coming-of-Age
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Highlight: South Asian mythology reimagined
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Rising Star: Saira Khan named “Author to Watch” by The Guardian
9. Crossing the Rubicon by Elias Navarro
A gritty political thriller set across Rome and New Delhi, this novel exposes a global scandal where ancient history meets modern espionage. Intrigue, betrayal, and bold plot twists fuel every page.
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Genre: Thriller / Political Fiction
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Highlight: Perfect pacing for lovers of fast reads
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Best For: Fans of Dan Brown and John le Carré
10. Salt in the Wound by Rhea Singh
A moving portrayal of friendship, heartbreak, and resilience in small-town Punjab. Singh explores grief, rural beauty, and quiet rebellion in her deeply human tale that stays with you long after the last page.
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Genre: Literary Fiction / Realistic Fiction
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Highlight: Emotionally rich and rooted in Indian life
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Recommendation: Top pick by Indian Express Fiction Editors
Emerging Trends in Fiction Books 2025
The top 10 fiction books 2025 also reflect larger global reading trends:
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Blending of genres (romance + mystery, sci-fi + philosophy)
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Cultural narratives are being reimagined by new voices
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Preference for strong female leads and diverse representation
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A surge in Indian regional authors publishing in English
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Rise in literary-to-screen adaptations
FAQs
Which is the best fiction book of 2025 so far?
The Memory Weaver by Arundhati Sen is receiving strong critical and reader acclaim and may top several “Book of the Year” lists.
Are there any top Indian fiction authors in 2025?
Yes, authors like Tanushree Rao, Rhea Singh, and Anjali Mehra are receiving national attention and featuring on bestseller charts.
Is there any good sci-fi fiction among the top 10?
Yes, The Eden Protocol and Rain on Mars stand out as powerful science fiction novels combining futuristic themes with emotional depth.
Where can I buy these top fiction books?
These titles are available on Amazon, Flipkart, major bookstores, and select indie platforms like Pratilipi and Juggernaut for Indian authors.
Are any of these novels being turned into movies or series?
Several of the books, including The Eden Protocol and Letters to a Stranger, are under consideration for screen adaptations.