Best science fiction and fantasy books of January 2025, as chosen by the Amazon Editors

EDITORS' PICKS

Ben Grange | January 9, 2025

Three book covers on a soft beige background. On the left is “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros. In the center is “All the Water in the World” by Eiern Caffall. On the right is “Lightfall” by Ed Crocker.

New year, new books. If your resolutions included items such as “read more books” or “finally start reading fantasy like everyone’s been telling me to,” then you’re in luck—January has a great roster of new science fiction and fantasy books for you. These five were some of the Amazon Editors’ favorite reads this month, and if you’re looking for more, take a look at all our picks for the best science fiction and fantasy books of the month!

This beautifully written tale is a deep evaluation of both where humanity has been and where it is headed. In the not-too-distant future, climate change has completely altered the course of life. The glaciers are gone. New York City is all but abandoned. The few remaining among the skyscrapers have made a settlement on the roof of the Museum of Natural History, and do what they can to preserve the slice of humanity’s history left to them. But in a time where there is no more ice, water is as much a threat as it is a necessity. With a storm at their backs, we follow a family of historians and researchers as they flee their home in New York in an attempt to save what little knowledge of the past they can. For those who look to the future and wonder what’s ahead if global temperatures keep climbing, this is a must-read. —Ben Grange, Amazon Editor

This book starts off with a bang and doesn’t let go, and I loved every minute of it. Fans of Grumley’s Deep Freeze should eagerly jump into the next book in the series, but if you haven’t read that one yet, don’t let it stop you—this can be read as a standalone. Grumley has an excellent voice for thrillers, and his futuristic sci-fi world makes this a great crossover for fans of both genres. Army vet John Reiff is a science experiment, a lab rat brought back from the dead by a secret organization, and he's on the run. He knows things he shouldn’t, things that could get him killed—and that’s precisely what the org has in mind for him if he doesn’t come back quietly. Perfect for fans of Robert Ludlum and Michael Crichton. —Ben Grange, Amazon Editor

If you’re a fan of vampires, werewolves, and magic, put this book at the top of your to-be-read pile. Crocker delivers a truly unique take on classic monster tropes in fantasy, and has an excellent style. In a world of vampires, a murder mystery might not be the first thing you think of, but that’s exactly where we start—and it doesn’t stop there. The investigation into the murder of the city lord’s son leads Sam, a vampire maid, into the company of werewolves and sorcerers all trying to rise above their station, but they quickly find a sprawling conspiracy underpinning the murder they set out to solve. A highly entertaining and original take on dark fantasy, prepare to be sucked in. —Ben Grange, Amazon Editor

The third book in The Empyrean series comes out January 21, and all I can say is… It. Is. So. Good. But seriously, I can’t say much without spoiling this book, which I would never dream of doing. What I will share is that Yarros’s storytelling is more riveting and expansive than ever, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Violet and Xaden search the Continent and beyond to save everyone, most especially, each other. I fell more in love with every character, including, and most especially, the dragons. As compulsively readable as the previous books, Onyx Storm is a fantastic continuation of this riveting series that defies genres and expectations. —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor

The five blades are back in this propulsive sequel to Mai Corland’s debut, Five Broken Blades, in which five dangerous assassins band together in an attempt to kill the God King. Now, in Four Ruined Realms, the five blades take on a new mission: the heist of a powerful artifact known as the Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. Vengeance drives them forward, but to succeed, they’ll have to work together—even though killing each other seems more likely at times. As fast-paced and unrestrained as the first book, Four Ruined Realms is an excellent addition to the series. If you haven’t picked it up yet, now is the best time to read these books. —Ben Grange, Amazon Editor

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About the Editor

Ben Grange

Ben has been in the book industry for over 10 years and has worn many hats, including (but not limited to) a publisher’s assistant, a literary agency assistant, a marketing manager, and a senior literary agent. He grew up with a reading disorder, but when he was thirteen, he locked himself in his room and forced himself to read until he could finish a whole novel. He’s been reading (mostly science fiction and fantasy) ever since.