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

• Popularity: Very High

• Best Platforms: Amazon, BookTok

Progression Fantasy / LitRPG

• Popularity: High (Niche)

• Best Platforms: Kindle Unlimited, Royal Road

Dark Fantasy / Grimdark

• Popularity: Moderate

• Best Platforms: Traditional publishing, Hardcover editions

Dystopian Fiction

• Popularity: Stabilizing

• Best Platforms: TV tie-ins, Literary fiction circles

Soft / Hopeful Science Fiction

• Popularity: Moderate

• Best Platforms: Book clubs, Audiobooks

Hard Science Fiction

• Popularity: Niche

• Best Platforms: Print editions, Audiobooks

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.

In the ever-evolving world of literature, a new genre has taken center stage: romantasy—a blend of fantasy and romance that has captivated millions of readers worldwide. This genre, once a niche market, has become a powerhouse in the publishing industry, dominating bestseller lists, trending across social media platforms, and even inspiring adaptations into film and television. But why has romantasy resonated so strongly with today’s readers? Let’s explore the key factors driving its explosive rise in 2025 and highlight some of the most anticipated romantasy books of the year.

What is Romantasy?

Hallmarks of the genre include:

• Richly imagined fantasy settings with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient prophecies.
• Compelling romantic subplots that drive character growth and narrative stakes.
• Strong, complex protagonists, often featuring warriors, mages, or royalty navigating both external conflicts and their personal love stories.
• Slow-burn or enemies-to-lovers tropes, which have proven immensely popular among modern readers.

Why is Romantasy So Popular in 2025?

BookTok and Social Media Influence
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok’s “BookTok” community, have propelled romantasy books into the mainstream. Readers are eager to share their emotional reactions, swoon-worthy moments, and fan theories, creating viral trends around books like Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses. The power of social media has led to books skyrocketing in popularity overnight, often selling out in bookstores within days of release.

Escapism with Emotional Depth
In an era of increasing global uncertainty, romantasy offers a perfect blend of escapism and emotional catharsis. Readers are drawn to epic, high-stakes narratives where love conquers adversity, providing both thrilling adventure and deep emotional satisfaction. The genre allows readers to immerse themselves in grand, fictional worlds while still feeling connected to the human emotions at their core.

Multimedia Adaptations Fueling Interest
Streaming services and film studios have taken notice of the romantasy boom, leading to high-profile adaptations. Popular book series such as The Empyrean and Blood and Ash are being optioned for TV series, following the footsteps of hits like Shadow and Bone and The Witcher. These adaptations introduce the genre to even wider audiences, creating a feedback loop where new fans discover the books after watching the adaptations.

Diverse and Inclusive Storytelling
Modern romantasy has moved beyond traditional tropes and now embraces diverse characters, LGBTQ+ relationships, and culturally rich fantasy settings. Authors are crafting worlds that reflect a wider range of experiences, making the genre more relatable and appealing to a global audience.