Emerging Book Trends

Evanne Evans, 20 Feb 2025

The literary landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by cultural shifts, digital innovation, and readers connected through book clubs and social media platforms where reviews and resources are readily shared. These emerging genres encompass much of contemporary society’s current concerns and the need for emotionally intelligent storytelling in a world of fake news.

New genres and storytelling methods are also captivating global audiences with trends focusing on contemporary themes, including climate change and Artificial Intelligence. These emerging genres encompass much of modern society’s current concerns and the need for emotionally intelligent storytelling in a world of fake news. 1. Climate Fiction (“Cli-Fi”)

As climate change continues to dominate global conversations, climate fiction is surging in popularity. These narratives explore human resilience, ecological disaster, and environmental activism.

Publishers Pan Macmillan describe Cli-Fi as a blend of literary fiction, science fiction, and dystopia, listing their recommended reading, including Juice by Tim Winton, about a man and child searching for refuge in an underground mine, only to discover sinister activity lurking beneath the drought-ridden desert.

2. AI-Themed Psychological Thrillers

The integration of artificial intelligence into daily life is stimulating a boom in books that blend sci-fi and psychological suspense. Artificial Wisdom, by Thomas R. Weaver, is a work of political fiction that explores the race between an AI and humans, affecting tragic world events.

3. Literary Romantasy

Blending lush fantasy worlds with emotionally intense romance, “romantasy” is the latest breakout hybrid genre. Published in January 2025, Onyx Storm is the third novel in the The Empyrean series written by Rebecca Yarros. The novel is already ranking a healthy 4.5 stars on GoodReads.

4. Interactive and Multimedia Novels

The growing emphasis on immersive storytelling has fueled a rise in novels that integrate multimedia elements, such as augmented reality, audio, and branching narratives. Storytime with Nigel is ideal for young readers who struggle to fall asleep at night. The platform's interactive e-books, such as “The Sleep Wizard” and “Treasure of Dream Island,” are thoughtfully animated with dreamy visuals that match.

5. Neo-Gothic and Dark Academia

Interest in gothic aesthetics and academic intrigue continues, but with a modern twist: issues of privilege, mental health, and identity are central themes. For those keen to explore a wide variety of novels in this genre spanning a decade, check out the list published on the book blog site Books, Burgers and Backpacks.