12 Must-Read New Fantasy Books Releasing in April 2025: From Fearless to Enchantra

The year 2025 is gearing up to be a thrilling one for fantasy enthusiasts, with an array of captivating novels set to debut this April. Following a strong start, including sequels such as Onyx Storm and Oathbound, fans can expect an exciting lineup of both continuing series and fresh standalone tales. As the literary landscape expands, renowned authors are returning with fresh narratives that promise to enchant readers throughout the coming months.

April 2025 will see numerous beloved authors launching new fantasy titles, including Olivie Blake, best known for her work on The Atlas Six. Her latest offering has been likened to the critically acclaimed series Succession, but with a magical twist. Furthermore, the month will mark the conclusion of Lauren Roberts’ Powerless Trilogy and several hotly anticipated sequels, including the continuation of The Stardust Thief and the climactic chapter of Mark Lawrence’s Library Trilogy.

12 Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Olivie Blake’s Gifted & Talented is shaping up to be a significant release this April. Following her acclaimed Atlas series, this standalone narrative opens with the shocking death of tech mogul Thayer Wren and the subsequent struggles of his three gifted children who vie for his legacy. Each sibling, armed with telepathic and electrokinetic abilities, enters a complex battle filled with familial discord and ambition, amplified by their privileged backgrounds.

This tale promises an engaging blend of familial turmoil and the fantastic, as the siblings wield their powers in their quest for control of Wrenfare Magitech. Blake’s previous works excellently illustrate the dark side of privilege through a magical lens; thus, fans of her earlier series should eagerly anticipate this one, especially those seeking a unique take reminiscent of Succession.

11 A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Hot on the heels of The Tainted Cup, touted as one of 2024’s standout fantasy novels, Robert Jackson Bennett returns with A Drop of Corruption. As the second installment in the Shadow of the Leviathan series, it escalates the tension for Detective Ana Dolabra, thrusting her into a murder mystery intertwined with the mysterious disappearance of a Treasury officer.

With an early Goodreads rating of 4.59, expectations for Ana’s latest case are high, positioning it as one of April’s must-read offerings. The prior installment set a high bar with its thrilling suspense and intricate world-building, and A Drop of Corruption seems poised to build upon this foundation.

10 Fearless by Lauren Roberts

Release Date: April 8, 2025

With the impending release of Fearless, Lauren Roberts concludes the riveting Powerless Trilogy. This final chapter will unravel the fates of Paedyn, Kai, and Kitt, especially after the cliffhanger left by Reckless in 2024. As lingering plot threads await resolution, the excitement surrounding this finale is palpable.

As the story unfolds in Ilya, Fearless will delve into political tensions between Elites and Ordinaries following Paedyn’s return, enhancing its intrigue beyond mere romance. Its promising early rating of 4.35 on Goodreads raises expectations that it will deliver a satisfying conclusion.

9 Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Continuing her successful Wicked Games series, Kaylie Smith introduces Enchantra in April. Building upon the success of last year’s Phantasma, this new entry follows a different protagonist while promising to interweave elements of fantasy, horror, and romance.

Enchantra follows Genevieve Grimm as she embarks on a journey to Italy, only to find herself unwelcome at the palace of Rowin Silver. After sneaking inside, she enters a dark game of hide-and-seek that will challenge her in unexpected ways, setting the stage for an enchanting blend of romance and thrilling escapades.

8 The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Mark Lawrence is bringing the Library Trilogy to a thrilling conclusion with The Book That Held Her Heart. Following the intricate tales of The Book That Wouldn’t Burn and The Book That Broke the World, this final entry will see characters separated across “time and space”as they confront the ultimate challenge surrounding the Library.

7 The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson

Release Date: April 8, 2025

April will also mark the launch of the Reign of Remnants series with Julie Johnson’s The Wind Weaver. This highly anticipated title is set in the world of Anwyvn, where magic is feared, leading to the brutal treatment of halflings. Protagonist Rhya Fleetwood narrowly escapes execution only to be captured by the formidable Commander Scythe. Their ensuing journey through the perilous Northlands will reveal shocking truths about Rhya’s identity as a Remnant.

As Rhya fights to fulfill her destiny of restoring the balance of magic, she must navigate her growing connection with Scythe. This tale promises both a captivating romance and thrilling magical elements that will appeal to fans of the romantasy genre.

6 Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Tahereh Mafi re-enters the literary scene with Watch Me, the first book in her Shatter Me: The New Republic series. Set a decade after the fall of The Reestablishment, this installment follows James Anderson, Warner’s younger brother, as he is intentionally imprisoned on Ark Island—an essential base for the fallen regime.

While on Ark Island, James’ journey entwines with Rosabelle Wolff, a resolute assassin under The Reestablishment’s orders. As the plot unfolds, the clash of loyalties and burgeoning romance is sure to engage fans who adore Mafi’s signature style.

5 The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Antonia Hodgson makes a foray into fantasy with The Raven Scholar, expected to be a hit this April. Set in the empire of Orrun, where political intrigue reigns, the story follows High Scholar Neema Kraa as she must navigate a deadly competition to find a new leader. The stakes are raised when one competitor is murdered, thrusting Neema into a race against time to unmask the killer amidst intense rivalry.

The Raven Scholar offers a rich blend of epic fantasy and thrilling mystery that promises to captivate readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

4 The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah

Release Date: April 15, 2025

Chelsea Abdullah’s sequel to The Stardust Thief, The Ashfire King, is set for release, taking readers deeper into Loulie al-Nazari’s saga as tensions mount in the realm of jinn. With political chaos looming and the sinking cities of the jinn, Loulie’s journey is sure to intensify as she navigates old alliances and new threats.

Early reviews on Goodreads suggest that this next chapter may exceed the original, making it an essential read for followers of Abdullah’s narrative.

3 When The Tides Held The Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Venessa Vida Kelley makes her debut with When the Tides Held the Moon. Set in 1910s New York, this charming narrative unfolds at Coney Island, where Benigno “Benny”Caldera encounters a merman named Río, who is part of an eccentric sideshow. Their profound connection leads Benny to face the conflict of prioritizing Rio’s freedom over his own aspirations.

With its fairytale elements and LGBTQ+ romance, When the Tides Held the Moon promises an emotional journey that resonates on multiple levels, making it a standout April release.

2 One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Returning to the world of Who Fears Death, Nnedi Okorafor brings us One Way Witch, the second novella in her She Who Knows trilogy. Set to explore the life of Najeeba—lead character of the previous title, now older—this addition tackles deeper themes of grief and growth following significant sacrifices.

Najeeba’s journey sets the stage for personal healing, illustrating the complexities of her character while expanding Okorafor’s imaginative universe.

1 The Floating World by Axie Oh

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Lastly, Axie Oh returns with The Floating World, inspired by Korean mythology and described as “Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone.”Following the journey of former soldier Sunho, the narrative stirs intrigue as he searches for a girl imbued with the ability to wield silver light. His quest intertwines with Ren’s struggle to save her uncle, leading them into a captivating world filled with danger, romance, and destiny.

Scheduled for release with a sequel in the pipeline, The Floating World is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated contributions to the fantasy genre in April.

Source & Images