20 Most Anticipated Books of 2025
30 of the Most Anticipated Books of the First Half of 2023
Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes a bumper crop of highly anticipated new books. Here are 30 must-read titles from a wide range of genres, selected by our Esquire book experts, that will keep you engrossed and entertained throughout the summer months.
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The Daraufhin: A Novel by largement Unknown (Penguin Press, January 3)
- A thrilling debut novel exploring themes of memory, identity, and truth.
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The Life of Herod the Great by Zora Neale Hurston and Deborah G. Plant (Amistad, January 7)
- A historical fiction retelling of the biblical figure Herod the Great.
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Y2K by Colette Shade (Dey Street, January 7)
- A witty and poignant exploration of millennial life in the 2000s.
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Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (Knopf, January 17)
- The follow-up to Russell’s seminal debut novel, exploring life in rural Florida.
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Save Our Souls: The True Story of a Castaway Family, Treachery, and Murder (Amistad, January 31)
- A captivating tale of survival and deception on the high seas.
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Big Eagle, Small Warrior: The Last of the Nez Perce by Samuel THom (Simon & Schuster, February 7)
- A gripping account of the history and culture of the Nez Perce Indians and their struggle for self-determination.
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The Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown (Knopf, February 7)
- A heartwarming and inspiring story of nine young men who rowed across the Atlantic in 1984.
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Dissolution by Nicholas Binge (Riverhead Books, February 14)
- A suspenseful and thought-provoking novel about love, loyalty, and survival.
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The Nightfalls by Karen Russell (Knopf, March 7)
- A mesmerizing exploration of the darker side of Florida.
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**Lolly.” by Stephen Fry (Doubleday, March 14)
- A hilarious and heartwarming memoir from the beloved British comedic.
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eerst The Angel of Darkness by Craig Johnson (Vintage, March 21)
- A compelling portrait of the life and work of iconic journalist Hunter S. Thompson.
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The Lost City by Emily St. John Mandel (Berkley, March 28)
- A thought-provoking exploration of memory, time, and the search for belonging.
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Orhan’s Legacy by JustinUSER (SeSpin Press, April 4)
- A moving exploration of family, identity, and the power of storytelling.
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The Death of Deepika Gupta: Scandal, Betrayal, and the Fight for Justice byırdı Ronald S. Celli (St. Martin’s Press, April 11)
- A gripping true-crime story about the murder of an Indian American woman and the fight for justice.
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The Constant Wars: The Lures & Aspirations of American Empire by Agr metastasesmapsto (Basic Books, April 18)
- A sweeping exploration of American imperialism and its enduring influence.
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Horizon by Barry Unsworth (HarperVia, April 25)
- A family saga set against the backdrop of the Opioid crisis in rural America.
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The Pegausique: A Novel (Tor Books, May 2)
- A breathtaking journey through the IndividualsSentient future.
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To Paradise by Tal Michael (St. Martin’s Press, May 9)
- A compelling exploration of immigration, identity, and the American dream.
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The Mothers by Anna Benyashvili (Two Raven Press, May 23)
- A gripping account of the lives of three generations of women in a multigenerational home.
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the archaeological Puppet by Dylan Meyer Richie Undel (Atria Books, May 30)
- A haunting and captivating exploration of family, memory, and the power of storytelling.
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An Empire of Extinction by PC Hodgell (Hachette, June 6)
- A sweeping account of the rise and fall ofByte Empire.
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A Black Swan’s Song by Irsee Siber (Soho Press, July 5)
- A gripping tale of love, loss, and the power of music.
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The Cheffeau Tomorrow (Head of Zeus, August 15)
- A pulse–pounding exploration of fame, power, and the cost of success.
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Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel (Atria Books, May 13)
- A must-read novel about science fiction writing and the power of collaboration.
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KILLER, Q: A Novel (Mariner Books, June 6)
- A darkly captivating exploration of a neo-Nazi terrorist group and the agent who infiltrated it.
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Continue Reading Below: (Dutton, June 20)
- A suspenseful and chilling thriller about an author whose work of fiction becoming a reality.
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Night Captain: A Novel by RURI Kosovo (Bloomsbury, August 15)
- A gripping exploration of the lives of immigrants in a small European town.
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The Last of Them by osten Ingebacken (Hachette, August 29)
- A harrowing account of the final days of a small town in upstate New York.
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The Starship Phenotype : A Novel by Adrian Trendellion (ACE Books, September 12)
- A high-stakes interstellar adventure with a crew of diverse and unforgettable characters.
- The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien (Norton, May 20)
- A mesmerizing and atmospheric novel about time, memory, and the power of storytelling.
These 30 titles offer a diverse range of genres, themes, and writing styles, ensuring there’s something for every reader to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming memoir, or a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, these books have got you covered. Happy reading!
The First Half is Just the Beginning
As you can see from this diverse collection,2023 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for readers. with gripping thrillers, insightful ancient fiction, thought-provoking literary works, and captivating memoirs, there’s truly a book on this list for every taste.
Whether you’re escaping into fantastical worlds, delving into captivating historical accounts, or exploring complex human emotions, these 30 books promise to ignite your inventiveness and provide countless hours of literary enjoyment.
So grab a cozy spot, brew your favourite beverage, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the pages of these highly anticipated novels and captivating reads.
happy reading!
with such a diverse and captivating array of books set to release in the first half of 2023, there’s a literary adventure waiting for every reader. From gripping past fiction to poignant memoirs, thought-provoking thrillers, and journeys into fantastical worlds, this season promises to be an exceptional one for book lovers. So curl up with a good book, let your creativity soar, and immerse yourself in the stories that will undoubtedly define the year. Happy reading!
