With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time to stock up on new sci-fi and fantasy books, right? April 2025 is bursting with 18 incredible releases, and I’m thrilled to share my top 10 picks from this stellar lineup. Whether you’re craving magical worlds, futuristic adventures, or a blend of both, these books—penned by some of the genre’s most popular authors—promise to sweep you away. We can never have too many epic reads, and I’m betting you’ll find a new favorite (or five) this month. I’ve been spotlighting the best sci-fi and fantasy releases every month this year, so if you missed March’s gems, catch up here. But now, let’s dive into April’s must-reads—these books are too good to miss!
1. Last Chance to Save the World by Beth Revis – April 8
Beth Revis, the New York Times bestselling author of Across the Universe, caps her Chaotic Orbits trilogy with Last Chance to Save the World. Ada and Rian, our spacefaring duo, face their final mission: infiltrate a high-security facility to halt nanobots bent on Earth’s destruction. Packed with action, clever twists, and a dash of one-bed-trope romance, this sci-fi thriller hums with Revis’s trademark wit. “We’ve got one shot, and I’m not letting nanobots outsmart us,” Ada quips, encapsulating the stakes. Fans of Murderbot or Becky Chambers’s Wayfarers will devour this fast-paced, character-driven finale.
Buy it on Amazon.
2. One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor – April 29
Nnedi Okorafor, the Hugo and Nebula-winning visionary behind Binti, returns to her Who Fears Death universe with One Way Witch. Najeeba, a forty-something survivor of loss, seeks a sorcerer’s tutelage to wield magic against a looming threat. This Africanfuturist tale blends raw emotion with a richly imagined magical world, showcasing Okorafor’s knack for fierce heroines and cultural depth. It’s a standalone triumph of resilience and family, perfect for readers craving speculative fiction with soul. If you love epic fantasy with a sci-fi twist, this one’s a spellbinding must-read.
Get it on Amazon.
3. Don’t Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo – April 8
Nghi Vo, acclaimed for The Empress of Salt and Fortune, spins a haunting companion novella to The Chosen and the Beautiful with Don’t Sleep with the Dead. Nick Carraway navigates 1930s New York’s glittering underbelly, his façade cracking when Jay Gatsby’s ghost resurfaces. Vo’s prose dances with jazz-age allure and supernatural chills, crafting a tale of longing and unraveling secrets. This queer fantasy reimagining of The Great Gatsby is a delicious encore—spooky, stylish, and emotionally raw. Fans of historical fantasy with a twist will be enchanted.
Order it on Amazon.
4. The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah – April 15
Chelsea Abdullah, the rising star of The Stardust Thief, continues her Sandsea Trilogy with The Ashfire King. Loulie and Mazen are trapped in a collapsing jinn realm, caught in an ancient rebellion as magical cities crumble. Abdullah weaves desert fantasy with heart-pounding intrigue, forcing Loulie to forge her own path amid chaos. Her lush worldbuilding and complex characters shine, making this a gripping sequel for epic fantasy lovers. If you crave tales of rebellion and destiny like The City of Brass, this one’s a sandy, magical treat.
Pre-order on Amazon.
5. Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake – April 1
Olivie Blake, the viral sensation behind The Atlas Six, delivers Gifted & Talented, a darkly funny sci-fi family drama. When genius inventor Thayer Wren dies, his superpowered siblings—Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh—vie for his legacy. Meredith hides a secret, Arthur’s political career teeters, and Eilidh seeks validation, all while powers clash. Blake’s sharp wit and intricate character dynamics make this a standout, blending speculative intrigue with sibling rivalry. Perfect for fans of dysfunctional families and superhuman stakes, it’s a wild ride.
Get it on Amazon.
6. The Twisted Throne by Danielle L. Jensen – April 10
Danielle L. Jensen, beloved for The Bridge Kingdom, dives deeper into political fantasy with The Twisted Throne. Ahnna, a royal bride, steps into Harendell’s treacherous court, where dark secrets and a forbidden bond with her fiancé’s half-brother threaten everything. Jensen’s knack for high-stakes drama and swoon-worthy romance shines, crafting a tale of sacrifice and intrigue. This fantasy romance pulses with tension, ideal for readers who adore A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes with a regal twist.
Buy it on Amazon.
7. A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett – April 1
Robert Jackson Bennett, the award-winning author of The Founders Trilogy, returns with A Drop of Corruption, the sequel to The Tainted Cup. Eccentric detective Ana Dolabra tackles a baffling murder threatening the Empire, aided by her loyal assistant Din. Bennett’s twisty plotting and vivid worldbuilding—think magical forensics meets imperial decay—keep you guessing. This fantasy mystery blends cerebral thrills with heart, perfect for fans of intricate plots and unique settings. It’s a must for speculative fiction aficionados.
Order it on Amazon.
8. The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence – April 8
Mark Lawrence, the grimdark maestro of The Broken Empire, concludes his Library Trilogy with The Book That Held Her Heart. Livira rallies her allies to save the Library—and perhaps the world—against impossible odds. Lawrence’s lyrical prose and epic stakes soar, weaving love, sacrifice, and the power of stories into a breathtaking finale. This fantasy epic is a love letter to books and resilience, ideal for readers who crave emotional depth with their battles. Don’t miss this tear-jerking triumph.
Get it on Amazon.
9. Polybius by Collin Armstrong – April 29
Collin Armstrong’s Polybius isn’t from a household name yet, but this debut sci-fi thriller earns its spot with sheer intrigue. In a small town, a mysterious arcade game turns players paranoid and violent, pulling teen Andi and sheriff’s son Ro into a chilling mystery. With Stranger Things-esque vibes, Armstrong crafts a suspenseful tale of tech gone wrong and teens fighting back. It’s a fresh, spooky addition to April’s sci-fi slate, perfect for fans of retro horror and conspiracy thrills.
Pre-order on Amazon.
10. Notes from a Regicide by Isaac Fellman – April 15
Isaac Fellman, celebrated for The Two Doctors Górski, offers Notes from a Regicide, a poignant sci-fi exploration of identity. Griffon, a trans man, uncovers his second parents’ lives through his father’s prison journal, revealing love, pain, and a fractured family. Set in a speculative world, Fellman’s tender storytelling digs into trans experiences and legacy with heartrending grace. This emotional sci-fi tale is a gem for readers seeking depth and humanity in their genre reads.
Buy it on Amazon.
Why These Authors and Books Stand Out
April 2025 is a treasure trove for sci-fi and fantasy fans, spotlighting popular authors at their peak. Beth Revis wraps her trilogy with action-packed flair, while Nnedi Okorafor’s Africanfuturist magic enchants. Nghi Vo’s ghostly Gatsby twist dazzles, and Chelsea Abdullah’s desert saga deepens. Olivie Blake’s quirky brilliance shines, Danielle L. Jensen’s romance sizzles, Robert Jackson Bennett’s mysteries captivate, and Mark Lawrence’s finale soars. Newcomers like Collin Armstrong and Isaac Fellman add fresh voices, proving the genre’s vibrancy. These 10 books blend star power with innovation, making them must-reads.
Sci-Fi Highlights: Tech, Thrills, and Heart
The sci-fi picks—Last Chance to Save the World, One Way Witch, Polybius, and Notes from a Regicide—span the spectrum. Revis delivers a high-octane trilogy closer with nanobot chaos and spaceship romance. Okorafor’s sorcery-fueled resistance offers a fierce, futuristic lens on strength. Armstrong’s eerie arcade mystery channels retro paranoia, while Fellman’s introspective sci-fi probes family and identity. Together, they showcase speculative fiction’s range: action, magic, tech, and soul.
Fantasy Gems: Magic, Romance, and Epics
The fantasy lineup—Don’t Sleep with the Dead, The Ashfire King, Gifted & Talented, The Twisted Throne, A Drop of Corruption, and The Book That Held Her Heart—is a feast of enchantment. Vo’s ghostly novella haunts with style, Abdullah’s jinn-filled sequel thrills, and Blake’s superpowered siblings spark. Jensen’s courtly romance simmers, Bennett’s detective tale twists, and Lawrence’s library epic concludes with grandeur. These tales weave magic, intrigue, and emotion into unforgettable reads.
Tropes to Love This April
Expect fan-favorite tropes:
Enemies-to-Lovers: The Twisted Throne simmers with forbidden tension.
Found Family: Notes from a Regicide and Gifted & Talented explore bonds beyond blood.
Second Chances: Don’t Sleep with the Dead rekindles past promises.
High Stakes: Last Chance to Save the World and The Book That Held Her Heart bet it all.
Mystery: A Drop of Corruption and Polybius unravel dark secrets. These tropes hook you and don’t let go.
Why You’ll Want These on Your Shelf
These books aren’t just reads—they’re escapes. Revis and Lawrence deliver trilogy payoffs worth the wait, while Okorafor and Vo expand beloved worlds. Abdullah and Jensen deepen their sagas, Blake and Bennett flex their genre mastery, and Armstrong and Fellman bring bold debuts. Whether you’re into sci-fi thrills or fantasy epics, April 2025’s releases from these popular authors promise heart, heat, and heroism. Stock up—your TBR deserves this spring fling.
Personal Favorites and Predictions
My top picks? The Book That Held Her Heart—Lawrence’s finale will break me, I’m sure. One Way Witch has Okorafor’s magic written all over it, and Don’t Sleep with the Dead is Vo at her haunting best. I predict Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (not listed, but a buzzworthy April release) and Last Chance to Save the World will top bestseller lists, but A Drop of Corruption might sneak into awards chatter. These are books to savor and share.
Conclusion: Spring Into These Reads
April 2025 is a sci-fi and fantasy lover’s dream, with popular authors like Beth Revis, Nnedi Okorafor, and Mark Lawrence leading the charge. From nanobot showdowns to jinn rebellions, ghostly reunions to courtly intrigue, these 10 books offer thrills, tears, and triumphs. Pre-order now, clear your calendar, and dive into spring’s best reads—because in these pages, every world is worth saving.
FAQs: 10 Must-Read Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of April 2025
What are the best sci-fi and fantasy books coming out in April 2025?
April 2025 shines with releases like Last Chance to Save the World by Beth Revis, One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor, The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence, and seven other gems from popular authors. This list blends epic fantasy, thrilling sci-fi, and everything in between!
Do I need to read previous books to enjoy these April 2025 releases?
Some are standalone, like Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake and Notes from a Regicide by Isaac Fellman. Others, like Last Chance to Save the World (Chaotic Orbits #3), The Ashfire King (Sandsea #2), and The Book That Held Her Heart (Library #3), conclude trilogies—starting earlier enhances the experience but isn’t mandatory.
Which April 2025 books are from popular sci-fi authors?
Beth Revis (Last Chance to Save the World), Nnedi Okorafor (One Way Witch), and Robert Jackson Bennett (A Drop of Corruption) lead the sci-fi charge. Revis wraps her trilogy with nanobot thrills, Okorafor dives into Africanfuturism, and Bennett unravels a magical mystery—hallmarks of their acclaimed careers.
Are there any fantasy romance novels in the April 2025 lineup?
Yes! The Twisted Throne by Danielle L. Jensen blends political intrigue with forbidden romance as Ahnna navigates a royal court and a steamy connection. It’s perfect for fans of fantasy romance with high stakes and swoon-worthy tension.
What themes can I expect in these April 2025 sci-fi and fantasy books?
Look for family and identity (Notes from a Regicide, Gifted & Talented), resilience (One Way Witch, The Book That Held Her Heart), and rebellion (The Ashfire King, The Twisted Throne). Tech paranoia (Polybius) and ghostly pasts (Don’t Sleep with the Dead) add thrilling twists.
Which book is best for fans of epic fantasy trilogies?
The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence is your pick. Concluding the Library Trilogy, Livira’s battle to save the Library blends epic stakes, emotional depth, and Lawrence’s signature grit—ideal for fans of sweeping fantasy sagas.
Are any of these April 2025 releases spooky or supernatural?
Absolutely! Don’t Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo features a ghostly Jay Gatsby haunting 1930s New York, while Polybius by Collin Armstrong delivers creepy, tech-driven suspense. Both offer chills with their speculative twists.
Which April 2025 book should I read for a unique worldbuilding experience?
One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor stands out with its Africanfuturist setting, expanding the Who Fears Death universe. Its magical systems and cultural richness make it a vibrant, standout read for worldbuilding lovers.
Are there debut authors in this April 2025 sci-fi and fantasy list?
Collin Armstrong (Polybius) joins the ranks with a thrilling debut, while Isaac Fellman (Notes from a Regicide) builds on his rising reputation. Both bring fresh perspectives alongside heavyweights like Okorafor and Lawrence.
Where can I buy these April 2025 sci-fi and fantasy books?
Pre-order all 10 on Amazon via the links in the article. For local support, check Bookshop.org for titles like Don’t Sleep with the Dead and The Ashfire King. Grab them early—these spring reads won’t wait!
Looking for your next great read? Dive into these captivating book reviews and discover stories that will stay with you long after the last page!
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Hockey Heart – A Single Dad Hockey Romance (Skates and Sparks) by Kate Wilder – When a rugged hockey player and devoted single dad meets the one woman who makes him believe in love again, sparks fly both on and off the ice. A swoon-worthy romance packed with sizzling chemistry and heartfelt emotions.
Two Weeks in Tahoe by Erica Everett – A woman looking for a fresh start, a charming local who wasn’t part of the plan, and a stunning mountain backdrop set the stage for a romance that proves two weeks can change everything.
The Pieces We’ve Lost by H.K. Green – A deeply emotional novel that weaves past and present into a poignant tale of love, regret, and healing. As one woman pieces together the story of her past, she uncovers the truth about the love she thought was lost forever.
The Sixty-Forty Rule by Ellie K. Wilde – A clever and steamy romance that challenges the idea of balance in relationships. Can love truly be fifty-fifty, or does one person always give more? This witty and thought-provoking novel will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about love.
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey – A Sizzling Forbidden Romance – Tessa Bailey brings her signature steamy romance to life in this passionate and high-stakes love story. When a woman falls for the one man she absolutely shouldn’t, resisting temptation is impossible—but will giving in cost them everything?
Wild Side by Elsie Silver – A Small-Town Romance That Ignites the Heart – A slow-burn, emotional romance that captures the beauty of small-town life and the thrill of taking a chance on love. With undeniable chemistry, playful banter, and a few unexpected twists, this book will steal your heart.
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone – A Heartwarming Beacon in the Storm of Grief – This deeply moving story explores love, loss, and the power of second chances. When two souls, each carrying their own burdens, find unexpected solace in each other, they discover that even in the darkest times, love has a way of shining through.
Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle #3) by Tracy Deonn – A Magical Odyssey Through Power and Destiny – The highly anticipated third book in the Legendborn Cycle delivers an epic journey of magic, legacy, and self-discovery. Tracy Deonn masterfully expands her world of Arthurian legends with gripping action, intricate lore, and an unforgettable heroine.
First Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison – A Cozy Romance That Rings True – A sweet and cozy romance that unfolds over late-night calls and heartfelt confessions. When a radio host connects with an anonymous caller, neither expects the sparks that fly—or the surprises that await them in real life.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A Battle of Wits That Steals Your Heart – A deliciously addictive enemies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter, sizzling tension, and a love story that will have you grinning from start to finish. A must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and office rivals who just can’t resist each other.
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Romance Community Resources
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Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
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Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
