If you’ve spent any time on TikTok recently, you’ve probably noticed the explosive trend of BookTok — a niche community of book lovers who recommend, review, and discuss their favorite books. With millions of readers sharing their thoughts, BookTok has become one of the most influential spaces in the literary world. If you're looking for fresh reading material, BookTok has you covered.
In this blog, we will explore 5 books you need to read this year based on rave recommendations from BookTok. Whether you're into romance, fantasy, thriller, or contemporary fiction, these books have something for everyone. So, grab your TBR (To Be Read) list and get ready to discover your next favorite read!
1. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy and sizzling romance, "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros is a must-read. This book has been making waves on BookTok, quickly becoming a favorite among readers who are looking for an immersive fantasy world filled with dragons, danger, and romance.
Why It's a BookTok Favorite:
"Fourth Wing" takes place in a world where dragons and humans coexist, and it’s one of those books that blends magical elements with emotional depth. The protagonist, Violet, finds herself thrown into a military academy where she must train to become a dragon rider. The stakes are high, the relationships are complex, and the action is relentless. With romance that gives A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes and a gripping plot, it’s easy to see why this book has garnered so much attention.
BookTok users have raved about the characters, especially Violet’s fierce determination, and the slow-burn romance that builds beautifully throughout the book. Fans have also praised the author’s ability to build tension and suspense while giving readers a satisfying emotional payoff.
What You'll Love:
- A strong, determined female protagonist
- An enemies-to-lovers romance
- Intense action scenes involving dragons
- A world-building experience that pulls you in
If you love high-stakes fantasy with a healthy dose of romance, “Fourth Wing” should be your top pick this year.
2. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
BookTok has been buzzing about "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid for a while now, and for good reason. This historical fiction novel gives readers an in-depth look at the life of a Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo. The book explores love, loss, fame, and the price of success.
Why It's a BookTok Favorite:
Evelyn Hugo is a character that sticks with you long after you turn the final page. She’s a glamorous and enigmatic movie star who, after years of hiding away from the public eye, decides to tell her story to an unknown journalist. The book takes you through Evelyn’s seven marriages, each one revealing more about the complexities of her life and relationships.
One of the most powerful aspects of this book is its exploration of themes like self-identity, the sacrifice for fame, and the LGBTQ+ representation that readers love. BookTok users have repeatedly shared how emotional and transformative reading this book is, with many calling it an "emotional rollercoaster" that will leave you in tears by the end.
What You'll Love:
- A deep dive into the price of fame
- A strong LGBTQ+ storyline
- Beautifully written prose
- Complex, multi-dimensional characters
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a captivating read that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you hooked until the very end.
3. “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover
Genre: Romance / Contemporary Fiction
If you haven't heard about "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover yet, you’re probably living under a rock. This book has been a top recommendation on BookTok, and it’s easy to see why. Colleen Hoover has captivated readers with her raw, emotional storytelling, and this book is one of her best.
Why It's a BookTok Favorite:
"It Ends With Us" follows Lily Bloom, a young woman who is trying to navigate her new life in Boston. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon with an intense personality, and sparks fly. However, their relationship takes a complicated turn as secrets and past trauma resurface, challenging their future together. At the same time, Lily is confronted with the return of her first love, Atlas Corrigan, whose presence adds another layer of complexity to the story.
BookTok has praised “It Ends With Us” for its powerful depiction of domestic abuse and the difficult choices that come with being in an abusive relationship. Hoover doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and readers have admired how she weaves an emotional narrative without sugar-coating the realities of toxic love.
What You'll Love:
- A heartfelt and difficult love story
- Representation of domestic violence and its complexities
- Emotional character arcs that stay with you
- Intense, heart-wrenching twists
This book has been described as a “tearjerker” that’s incredibly impactful, making it a must-read for those looking for a deep, emotional story.
4. "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab
Genre: Fantasy / Historical Fiction
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab is a unique and unforgettable tale that has captured the hearts of readers on BookTok. If you’re looking for something that blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, this book will take you on a journey through time, love, and self-discovery.
Why It's a BookTok Favorite:
The story centers on Addie LaRue, a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious being in exchange for freedom. However, the bargain comes with a twist — Addie is cursed to live forever but is forgotten by everyone she meets. The book jumps through time, exploring her life over the centuries as she navigates a world that forgets her the moment she leaves the room.
BookTok fans have loved the poetic nature of Schwab’s writing and the emotional depth of Addie’s journey. The book delves into themes of loneliness, identity, and the desire to be remembered, making it a poignant read that resonates deeply with those who feel overlooked or forgotten.
What You'll Love:
- A beautifully unique narrative structure
- Thought-provoking exploration of immortality and loneliness
- Strong character development
- Beautiful prose that captures the essence of longing
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a dash of magical realism and an emotional, character-driven story.
5. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
Genre: Mythology / Romance
For fans of Greek mythology and heart-wrenching love stories, "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is a must-read. This reimagining of the Iliad centers on the love story between Achilles and Patroclus, two iconic characters from ancient Greek mythology.
Why It's a BookTok Favorite:
This book has captured the hearts of countless readers, especially those on BookTok, for its beautiful and tragic portrayal of Achilles and Patroclus’ relationship. Told from the perspective of Patroclus, the book gives new depth and humanity to these legendary figures, transforming them from mythic heroes into complex, relatable individuals.
“The Song of Achilles” has been praised for its emotional weight and its beautifully crafted prose. BookTok users have highlighted how the story’s combination of romance, mythology, and tragedy will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the characters.
What You'll Love:
- A beautiful, tragic love story
- An immersive take on Greek mythology
- Strong character development
- Poetic, lyrical writing
Whether you're already familiar with the story of Achilles and Patroclus or you're new to Greek mythology, "The Song of Achilles" is a book that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime BookTok user or just getting started, the recommendations above are sure to enrich your reading list this year. From magical fantasy to emotional romance, these five books are some of the most talked-about titles on TikTok right now, each offering a unique and powerful reading experience. So, why not dive in and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
Happy reading, and may your TBR pile continue to grow!
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