Speculative fiction includes fantasy, science fiction, horror, and many related subgenres. It remains one of the most popular and growing categories in publishing. However, some genres and subgenres are much more popular than others. For new authors, knowing what kinds of books readers are buying in 2025 can help focus your writing and marketing efforts.
This article looks at bestselling books and trends in speculative fiction today to help new writers understand which genres are reaching readers and why.
Fantasy Romance Leads the Market
Fantasy romance is currently the most popular speculative fiction subgenre. Books like Fourth Wing and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series continue to dominate bestseller lists on Amazon and other platforms.
These books combine magical worlds with strong romantic plots. They appeal mostly to women aged 18 to 35. Social media platforms like BookTok and Instagram play a huge role in their success. Readers enjoy the emotional arcs, character development, and romantic tension.
If you write fantasy romance, focus on deep character relationships and emotional stakes. Romance is not just a subplot but a key part of what draws readers in.
Progression Fantasy and LitRPG Attract Loyal Fans
Progression fantasy and LitRPG (literary role-playing game) stories are very popular in indie publishing and digital platforms like Kindle Unlimited and Royal Road.
Popular series like Cradle by Will Wight or Defiance of the Fall show readers love to follow characters who grow stronger through clear rules, level-ups, and challenges. These readers often prefer frequent updates and long story arcs.
The typical audience is younger and mostly male, including gamers and tech-savvy readers. Serialization and consistent releases are important to keep fans engaged.
Dark Fantasy and Grimdark Attract Serious Readers
Dark fantasy and grimdark books offer more mature, often brutal stories with complex characters and political intrigue. Titles like The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang and The First Law Trilogy trilogy by Joe Abercrombie remain popular among adult readers.
These books may not top mainstream bestseller charts, but they have dedicated fan bases and often perform well in hardcover and paperback formats. They appeal to readers who want morally complex stories and realistic portrayals of power and conflict.
Dystopian Fiction is Changing
Dystopian fiction was very popular in the 2010s, especially among young adult readers, but it has softened in mainstream publishing recently. Instead of big, action-driven dystopias, readers now prefer character-focused, thoughtful stories.
Recent hits like Station Eleven and Silo show that dystopian stories with strong themes and hopeful messages still find an audience, especially when paired with TV or movie adaptations.
Science Fiction Finds Success with Emotion and Hope
Hard science fiction has a smaller but loyal audience. Books that combine emotional storytelling with scientific ideas are selling better than purely technical works.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and Isles of the Emberdark show that hopeful or character-driven sci-fi appeals widely. Readers want stories that explore humanity, relationships, and possibility as much as futuristic technology.
Hybrid Genres Offer New Opportunities
Many bestselling speculative fiction books blend elements from different genres. For example, Gideon the Ninth mixes horror and fantasy, while Ice Planet Barbarians combines romance and science fiction.
These hybrid books reach multiple groups of readers and perform well on platforms like Amazon and BookTok. Combining genres can help new authors stand out and find a larger audience.
Genre Popularity and Platforms
Fantasy Romance
Progression Fantasy / LitRPG
Dark Fantasy / Grimdark
Dystopian Fiction
Soft / Hopeful Science Fiction
Hard Science Fiction
Final Advice for New Writers
Know the strengths and expectations of your chosen genre.
Publish on platforms where your genre’s audience gathers.
Don’t be afraid to blend genres to reach more readers.
Remember that strong characters and emotional engagement are often the keys to success.
Keep your release schedule consistent, especially if writing progression fantasy or serial fiction.
Understanding these trends can help you write books that readers want and build an audience faster.