Top 5 New Fantasy/Sci-Fi Releases for April-May 2025
A curated list of the most anticipated new fantasy and sci-fi releases this spring, based on community sentiment and early reviews
The five upcoming fantasy and sci-fi titles listed below stand as the top anticipated releases slated for this spring season.
The monthly release of many exciting new books makes determining which ones deserve your time and attention quite difficult. The top five fantasy and sci-fi book releases for April-May 2025 stand out in this curated list that combines community feedback with early reviews and anticipation scores. These diverse selections illustrate the extensive range and inventive nature of current speculative fiction through themes ranging from Korean mythology to dystopian prequels and from dark fantasy to space opera.
Selection Criteria
These books were chosen based on:
- Advanced reader copies received substantial positive feedback from both reviewers and influential book personalities.
- The exceptional reader interest for these titles is demonstrated by high pre-order numbers alongside strong Goodreads anticipation ratings and active social media buzz.
- The publishing decision includes well-established authors with solid backlists and new authors who have already gained noteworthy attention.
- Innovative stories which introduce new perspectives alongside unique magic systems and creative worldbuilding within their subgenres
- Books that attract readers from various backgrounds yet deliver substantial depth and high quality
Why These Releases Matter
Speculative fiction readers can expect an extraordinary season during Spring 2025. The five selections showcase various genre aspects including young adult fantasy that reinterprets Korean mythology with dark fantasy that explores theological themes alongside dystopian prequels and both horror-infused mystery stories and modern space opera works.
The standout factor for these releases is their arrival at a time when fantasy and sci-fi readers are seeking new perspectives. Each book offers something distinct:
- “The Floating World” provides stunning worldbuilding while exploring Korean mythology;
- “The Sunrise on The Reaping” offers essential background information for a cherished series;
- “The Devils” signals Abercrombie’s successful return to dark fantasy territory;
- “The Staircase in the Woods” combines horror elements with mystery storytelling;
- “Dark Diamond” creates a groundbreaking space opera through its distinctive concept.
These works illustrate that fantasy and science fiction genres maintain their popularity through continuous evolution and inventive surprises.
The Most Anticipated Fantasy and Sci-Fi Releases of Spring 2025
The Floating World
by Axie Oh
The story presents a captivating fantasy that merges Korean celestial maiden mythology with elements inspired by Final Fantasy. A traveling acrobat named Ren conceals her silver light magic while Sunho fights his internal demonic presence as amnesia-stricken mercenary throughout their separate journeys which eventually unite in a divided world filled with light and shadow. The intricately designed world shows a stark contrast between the glowing Floating World above and the perpetual darkness of the Under World below through its exploration of identity and power dynamics alongside exploitation.
Read Our Review
The Sunrise on The Reaping
by Suzanne Collins
The series' fifth book transports readers to the 50th Hunger Games and depicts sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy's transformation from a determined District 12 participant to the broken victor we encounter years later. The prequel shows how an ambitious young man becomes the alcoholic guide from the original trilogy while investigating propaganda effects and narrative control along with the psychological impacts of resistance. The novel presents its most intense Hunger Games as Collins introduces doubled tributes while showcasing the Capitol's relentless drive for domination.
Read Our Review
The Devils
by Joe Abercrombie
On May 6th the first book of a new dark fantasy series will release where Brother Diaz arrives at the Sacred City for expected commendation only to discover his task is leading a group of murderers, monsters and practitioners of dark magic. Their mission: The mission involves escorting a former thief who became a princess to the throne through a treacherous world where bordering elves eat human flesh and ambitious princes focus solely on their personal gain. Abercrombie returns to fantasy storytelling with this medieval Europe-inspired novel that features theological conflicts and power struggles after an empress dies while delivering fast-paced action and dark humor alongside remarkable character development. Stay tuned for our forthcoming advance review!
The Staircase in the Woods
by Chuck Wendig
This chilling novel is released on April 29th and tells the story of five friends who find an unusual staircase while camping in the woods. The group becomes confused when one of them climbs up the stairs and then disappears forever while the stairs themselves disappear. The mysterious staircase returns twenty years after it vanished prompting the friends to reunite in order to uncover its secrets and locate their lost friend. In his suspenseful narrative Wendig combines horror elements with mystery to examine the border between the natural world and the supernatural which critics acclaim as both horrifying and emotionally gripping.
Dark Diamond
by Neal Asher
The space opera trilogy launches April 15th as the start of an exciting new saga. The captain who survives assassination attempts thanks to a strange device becomes the main character of the story. While exploring his strange new world he must both defend the powerful device from those who seek its power and investigate its enigmatic beginnings. Through his signature high-concept science fiction style paired with intense action sequences Asher examines mortality themes alongside identity issues and ethical questions involving resurrection technology during extensive interstellar battles.