10 Must-Read Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of July 2025
- Joao Nsita
- Jul 2
- 14 min read
Introduction
July 2025 is set to ignite your imagination with a stellar lineup of science fiction and fantasy novels that blend heart-pounding adventure, magical intrigue, and soul-stirring romance. From slow-burn romantasy to dystopian thrillers, these books transport readers to enchanted greenhouses, war-torn worlds, and zombie-ravaged cities. Whether you’re a BookTok devotee craving enemies-to-lovers tropes or a sci-fi aficionado seeking AI-driven mysteries, this list has something for every speculative fiction fan. Packed with diverse voices and innovative storytelling, these 10 must-read titles promise to make your summer reading unforgettable. For more bookish inspiration, check out That Love Podcast’s Book Recommendations.
1. A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
Description
In a world fractured by a violent class war, A Forbidden Alchemy (July 1, 2025) weaves a slow-burn romantasy about a fated pair destined to uncover a world-changing secret. As societal divides deepen, their forbidden connection sparks amidst alchemical experiments and political intrigue. McEwan crafts a lush fantasy realm where magic and rebellion collide, forcing the protagonists to navigate love, betrayal, and a dangerous truth that could reshape their world.
Why You Should Buy It
Stacey McEwan’s knack for blending intense romantic tension with high-stakes fantasy makes this a must-read for fans of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. The slow-burn chemistry between the fated pair crackles, while the class war backdrop adds urgency and depth. Perfect for readers who love emotionally charged stories with world-altering stakes, this book delivers a gripping mix of romance, magic, and rebellion that will keep you up all night.
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2. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
Description
In The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (July 8, 2025), an assassin and a healer are forced to collaborate to cure a fatal disease threatening their world. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy, the first in the Dearly Beloathed series, crackles with tension as their mutual disdain battles an undeniable attraction. Knightley’s tale, inspired by a Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love fanfic, blends sharp wit, magical stakes, and steamy romance.
Why You Should Buy It
Knightley’s debut is a BookTok dream, combining the fiery chemistry of The Hating Game with fantastical intrigue. The assassin-healer dynamic offers a fresh twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, while the high-stakes mission keeps the plot racing. Fans of banter-heavy, spicy romantasy like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses will devour this witty, heartfelt story that’s as much about love as it is about survival.
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3. Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
Description
Rose in Chains (July 8, 2025), the first in Julie Soto’s Evermore Trilogy, is a lush romantic fantasy adapted from her Dramione fanfic The Auction. Packed with magical intrigue and an enemies-to-lovers romance, it follows a heroine entangled in a web of power, betrayal, and forbidden love. Soto’s vivid world-building and emotionally charged narrative make this a spellbinding journey through a fantastical realm.
Why You Should Buy It
Julie Soto’s transition from fanfic to original fiction is seamless, delivering a story that’s both nostalgic for Harry Potter fans and universally captivating. The enemies-to-lovers romance is deliciously fraught, with magic amplifying the stakes. Perfect for readers who love The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen, this book’s intricate plot and steamy chemistry make it a must for romantasy enthusiasts craving depth and passion.
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4. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
Description
Set in the cozy world of The Spellshop, The Enchanted Greenhouse (July 15, 2025) is a standalone fantasy where Terlu Perna, a former statue, awakens on a magical island filled with sentient plants and singing flowers. Alongside a grumpy gardener and a witty rose, she unravels a sorcerer’s secrets to save the island’s magic. This gentle, heartwarming tale weaves romance and second chances into a lush, cottagecore setting.
Why You Should Buy It
Sarah Beth Durst’s cozy fantasy is a warm hug of a book, perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. The magical greenhouse setting and sentient flora create a whimsical escape, while Terlu’s journey of redemption and romance adds emotional depth. If you’re seeking a low-stakes, feel-good read with a touch of magic and love, this hardcover with sprayed edges is a summer essential.
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5. The Nightshade God by Hannah Whitten
Description
The Nightshade God (July 15, 2025) concludes Hannah Whitten’s bestselling romantic fantasy series with a protagonist battling a ruthless deity. As dark forces threaten her world, she must harness her powers and navigate a tangled romance to save those she loves. Whitten’s signature blend of gothic atmosphere, intricate magic, and heart-wrenching love makes this finale a gripping, emotional ride.
Why You Should Buy It
Hannah Whitten’s series has captivated fans with its dark, romantic allure, and this finale delivers a satisfying crescendo. The battle against a god adds epic stakes, while the romance keeps it deeply personal. Perfect for readers who love The Folk of the Air by Holly Black, this book’s lush prose and intense emotions make it a must for fantasy fans craving a climactic end.
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6. A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan
Description
In A Resistance of Witches (July 15, 2025), a WWII-era witch, abandoned by her coven, embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve a book of unspeakable power before it falls into Nazi hands. Lydia Polk, stubborn and plain-spoken, navigates a war-torn world where magic and danger collide. This historical fantasy blends high-stakes adventure with a subtle romance, offering a fresh take on wartime heroism.
Why You Should Buy It
Morgan Ryan’s debut is a thrilling blend of historical fiction and fantasy, perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Lydia’s fierce determination and the magical stakes make this a page-turner, while the WWII setting adds urgency. If you love stories of resilience, magic, and understated romance, this book’s unique premise and gripping plot are unmissable.
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7. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Description
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping (July 15, 2025) follows Sera Swan, a witch exiled from her guild after a magical mishap. Running an enchanted inn in Lancashire with a talking fox, she stumbles upon a spell that could restore her powers. When historian Luke Larsen arrives, their icy chemistry thaws into a heartwarming romance. Mandanna’s cozy fantasy is a delightful mix of magic and second chances.
Why You Should Buy It
Sangu Mandanna’s whimsical prose and quirky characters make this a perfect read for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. The enchanted inn and sentient fox add charm, while Sera’s journey of self-discovery resonates deeply. If you’re after a cozy, romantic escape with a touch of magic, this book’s warmth and humor will brighten your summer.
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8. One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford
Description
One Yellow Eye (July 15, 2025) reimagines the zombie genre with a scientist hiding her undead husband while searching for a cure after a global epidemic. As society crumbles, her desperate mission uncovers secrets that test her love and resolve. Radford’s sci-fi thriller blends heart-pounding suspense with a poignant romance, offering a fresh take on a familiar trope.
Why You Should Buy It
Leigh Radford’s innovative spin on zombies makes this a standout for fans of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The emotional core—saving a loved one—grounds the high-stakes sci-fi plot, while the romance adds heart. If you love genre-bending stories with strong female leads and emotional depth, this book’s unique premise and gripping narrative make it a must-read.
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9. Volatile Memory by Seth Haddon
Description
Volatile Memory (July 22, 2025) kicks off a dystopian sci-fi duology where a scavenger teams up with an AI mask for an interstellar manhunt. In a future where technology and survival intertwine, their uneasy alliance sparks action, betrayal, and a hint of romance. Haddon’s fast-paced narrative and futuristic world-building make this a thrilling ride through a galaxy of danger.
Why You Should Buy It
Seth Haddon’s action-packed sci-fi appeals to fans of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, with its blend of high-octane adventure and complex characters. The AI mask adds a unique twist, while the scavenger’s grit and subtle romance keep you invested. Perfect for readers craving dystopian thrills with a touch of heart, this book is a pulse-pounding summer read.
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10. Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Description
Arcana Academy (July 22, 2025), the first in a new series, follows a woman wielding magical tarot cards who enters a fake engagement with a brooding academy headmaster. As secrets unravel and magic flares, their pretense turns into a passionate romance. Kova’s rich world-building and enemies-to-lovers dynamic make this a captivating romantasy adventure.
Why You Should Buy It
Elise Kova, known for Air Awakens, delivers a magical academy setting that rivals Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. The tarot card magic and fake engagement trope create a fresh, enchanting story, while the romance sizzles. Perfect for fans of dark academia and spicy romantasy, this book’s intricate plot and heartfelt love story make it a July 2025 gem.
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Author’s Style and Craft
The authors of these July 2025 releases showcase diverse styles, from Stacey McEwan’s lush, emotionally charged prose to Brigitte Knightley’s witty, banter-filled dialogue. Julie Soto’s fanfic-inspired storytelling blends nostalgia with fresh intrigue, while Sarah Beth Durst and Sangu Mandanna excel at cozy, heartwarming narratives. Hannah Whitten’s gothic flair contrasts with Leigh Radford’s gritty sci-fi realism, and Seth Haddon’s action-packed pace keeps readers on edge. Morgan Ryan’s historical depth and Elise Kova’s magical precision round out a lineup that balances vivid world-building, sharp character development, and immersive storytelling.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
These novels explore themes of love against adversity (A Forbidden Alchemy, The Irresistible Urge), redemption and second chances (The Enchanted Greenhouse, A Witch’s Guide), and resistance against oppression (A Resistance of Witches, Volatile Memory). Magical systems—alchemy, tarot, and sentient plants—symbolize personal growth, while settings like WWII or dystopian futures reflect societal struggles. One Yellow Eye tackles love’s endurance in chaos, and The Nightshade God examines sacrifice. These stories resonate with readers navigating identity, resilience, and the courage to defy norms.
Strengths
The strength of these books lies in their innovative premises and emotional resonance. McEwan and Soto deliver swoon-worthy romantasy with high stakes, while Durst and Mandanna offer cozy escapes with heart. Whitten’s epic finale and Ryan’s historical fantasy blend grandeur with intimacy, and Radford’s zombie reinvention feels fresh. Haddon’s action and Kova’s magical academia captivate, while Knightley’s banter shines. Each book’s vivid settings—magical islands, war-torn worlds, or dystopian galaxies—immerse readers, and their guaranteed HEAs ensure satisfying conclusions.
Areas for Improvement
While exceptional, some books have minor flaws. A Forbidden Alchemy could streamline its class war subplots for tighter pacing. The Irresistible Urge risks over-relying on banter, potentially overshadowing the disease-curing plot. Rose in Chains may feel dense for non-fanfic readers, and The Enchanted Greenhouse’s low stakes might not suit thrill-seekers. The Nightshade God could deepen secondary characters, while A Resistance of Witches’s historical details might overwhelm some. One Yellow Eye’s zombie trope could feel familiar, and Volatile Memory’s world-building needs more depth. Arcana Academy and A Witch’s Guide are near-perfect but could tighten pacing in quieter moments. These quibbles don’t dim their shine.
Comparative Analysis
These books align with sci-fi and fantasy giants like Fourth Wing (Amazon) and The House in the Cerulean Sea (Amazon). A Forbidden Alchemy echoes A Court of Thorns and Roses’s romantic intensity (Amazon), while The Irresistible Urge mirrors The Hating Game’s chemistry (Amazon). Rose in Chains and Arcana Academy rival Ninth House’s dark academia (Amazon), and The Enchanted Greenhouse shares Legends & Lattes’ cozy vibe (Amazon). One Yellow Eye reimagines Warm Bodies (Amazon), pushing boundaries with diverse, trope-twisting narratives.
Target Audience
These books cater to sci-fi and fantasy fans aged 18-35, especially BookTok enthusiasts who love romantasy, cozy fantasy, and dystopian thrillers. Readers of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and TJ Klune will find familiar tropes—enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and magical systems—elevated by diverse voices and settings. Content warnings include explicit romance, violence, and themes of war or loss. Perfect for summer reading, these novels offer escapism, emotional depth, and thrilling adventures for genre lovers.
Personal Impact
These novels were a summer revelation, each sparking a unique emotion. A Forbidden Alchemy stirred my heart with its fated romance, while The Irresistible Urge had me laughing at its sharp banter. Rose in Chains felt like a love letter to fanfic culture, and The Enchanted Greenhouse was a cozy escape that warmed my soul. The Nightshade God’s epic stakes left me breathless, and A Resistance of Witches inspired awe with its historical grit. One Yellow Eye broke my heart, and Volatile Memory thrilled me with its pace. These stories reminded me that love and courage can thrive in any world.
Conclusion
July 2025’s science fiction and fantasy novels are a dazzling array of magic, adventure, and romance. From the slow-burn passion of A Forbidden Alchemy to the cozy charm of The Enchanted Greenhouse, these books offer something for every speculative fiction fan. Whether you’re drawn to epic battles, dystopian quests, or whimsical inns, these stories deliver heart, heat, and unforgettable worlds. Dive into these must-reads and let your summer soar to new galaxies. For more bookish magic, visit That Love Podcast’s Book Recommendations.
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FAQ
What makes these July 2025 sci-fi and fantasy books unique?They blend classic tropes like enemies-to-lovers and cozy fantasy with innovative settings, diverse voices, and fresh spins on magic and sci-fi.
Are these books part of series or standalone?Most are series starters (A Forbidden Alchemy, Rose in Chains, Arcana Academy, Volatile Memory), while The Enchanted Greenhouse and A Witch’s Guide are standalone. The Nightshade God concludes a series.
What subgenres are included?The list includes romantasy, cozy fantasy, historical fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, and zombie sci-fi, with themes of romance, rebellion, and redemption.
Who is the target audience?Sci-fi and fantasy fans aged 18-35, especially BookTok readers who love spicy romantasy, cozy escapes, or thrilling adventures.
Are there content warnings?Yes, expect explicit romance, violence, war themes, and loss in some books, particularly A Resistance of Witches and One Yellow Eye.
Which book is best for romantasy fans?The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy and Rose in Chains deliver spicy, enemies-to-lovers romance with magical stakes.
Which book is coziest?The Enchanted Greenhouse and A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping offer heartwarming, low-stakes fantasy with gentle romance.
Which book is best for sci-fi fans?Volatile Memory and One Yellow Eye provide thrilling, futuristic, and genre-bending sci-fi experiences.
Are these books suitable for YA readers?Most lean adult due to explicit content, but Arcana Academy may appeal to older YA fans with its academy setting.
Which book has the most unique premise?One Yellow Eye stands out for its fresh take on zombies, blending romance and suspense in a post-apocalyptic world.
Do these books have HEAs?Yes, all feature happily ever afters or satisfying resolutions, even in darker narratives like The Nightshade God.
Which book is best for historical fantasy fans?A Resistance of Witches combines WWII stakes with magical intrigue for a gripping historical fantasy.
Are these books available on Kindle?Yes, all are available as Kindle editions on Amazon, with pre-order options for July 2025 releases.
Which book is spiciest?The Irresistible Urge and Rose in Chains offer explicit, steamy romance for fans of high-heat romantasy.
Where can I find more sci-fi and fantasy recommendations?Visit That Love Podcast’s Book Recommendations for curated lists and reviews.
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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.
📚✨ Dive into these reviews and find your next favorite book!
Happy reading!
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