10 Must-Read Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of May 2025
- Joao Nsita
- Apr 11
- 12 min read
Introduction
Picture this: a rebel psychic infiltrating a futuristic elite academy, her every move shadowed by a commanding officer whose piercing gaze threatens to unravel her secrets. Or imagine a medieval monk racing against time, rallying a band of misfit monsters—vampires, necromancers, werewolves—to save a crumbling world from elven chaos. Perhaps it’s a haunted Colombian estate whispering nightmares, a dragon-slayer facing a queen who challenges her very purpose, or a spaceship teetering on the edge of cosmic horror as its human cargo succumbs to supernatural forces. These aren’t fleeting daydreams—they’re the vivid, breathtaking worlds awaiting you in May 2025’s most unmissable science fiction and fantasy releases. This month isn’t just a blip on the literary calendar; it’s a supernova of speculative fiction, bursting with tales that twist your mind, tug your heart, and redefine what’s possible.
Science fiction and fantasy have always been the playgrounds of dreamers—realms where the boundaries of reality bend, break, and reform into something extraordinary. May 2025 takes that legacy and runs wild with it, delivering a lineup that’s as diverse as it is daring. From the psychic espionage of Dani Francis’s Silver Elite—praised by Ali Hazelwood as a vein-injecting obsession—to Joe Abercrombie’s bloody, irreverent The Devils, this collection spans genres, tones, and stakes. You’ll find Danielle L. Jensen’s A Curse Carved in Bone, a high-fantasy saga of fate and fury, alongside Ling Ling Huang’s Immaculate Conception, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that Kelly Link calls a nail-biting descent. Neon Yang’s Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame pits a legendary dragon-slayer against a kingdom’s secrets, while Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro’s Bochica unearths gothic hauntings in Colombia’s heart. Barbara Truelove’s Of Monsters and Mainframes offers a punk-rock space odyssey, Evan Leikam’s Anji Kills a King kicks off a gritty epic, Frederic S. Durbin’s The Country Under Heaven blends Lovecraftian dread with Western grit, and Lincoln Michel’s Metallic Realms celebrates nerd heroism in a multiverse showdown.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a portal to worlds where rebels defy empires, monsters become saviors, and the line between hero and villain blurs into shadow. These books tackle big questions: What does it mean to wield power in a world that fears you? Can love survive a technology that invades the mind? How do you fight fate when it’s carved in your bones? They’re packed with the tropes we adore—chosen ones, forbidden alliances, epic quests—yet each twists the familiar into something fresh, daring, and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to the visceral action of a sword fight, the eerie chill of a haunted house, or the cerebral thrill of a sci-fi mystery, May 2025 has your next obsession. These authors, from genre titans to bold newcomers, are set to dominate bestseller lists and fan discussions, offering escapes that feel as real as the ground beneath your feet—and as vast as the stars above. So, dust off your TBR shelf, preorder your picks, and dive into the 10 must-read science fiction and fantasy books of May 2025. Your next adventure awaits.
1. Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Description:Wren Darlington is a secret weapon in a world that would destroy her if it knew the truth. A psychic with powers that could topple empires, she fights for the rebel Uprising against the oppressive Continent. When she’s forced into their elite training program, Wren sees a chance to spy from within—a high-stakes gamble that could turn the tide of rebellion. But survival means resisting her commanding officer, a man whose sharp intellect and magnetic charm threaten to pierce her carefully guarded facade. As Wren navigates a labyrinth of loyalty, deception, and forbidden attraction, every step risks exposure—and every glance from him risks her heart. Ali Hazelwood raves, “I’m absolutely obsessed, and I need the next book in the series injected into my vein right now,” and it’s easy to see why: this is a sci-fi thriller pulsing with tension and tantalizing romance.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Silver Elite kicks off May with a bang, blending psychic intrigue with a slow-burn romance that’ll keep you guessing. Wren’s dual role as rebel and infiltrator, paired with a commanding officer who’s as dangerous as he is alluring, makes this a standout for fans of dystopian stakes and heart-pounding chemistry.
2. The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:In an alternate medieval Europe, Brother Diaz is a monk with a mission: summoned to the Sacred City, he’s tasked by Pope Benedicta with an impossible job—stop the elves lurking at the world’s edges from seizing power. His plan? Place a thief on Troy’s throne and unite a fractured church before chaos reigns. Armed with a crew of “devils”—a vampire, a necromancer, a werewolf, and more—Diaz embarks on a bloody, fast-paced romp across a gritty landscape. Abercrombie’s signature dark humor and visceral action shine as this motley band battles foes, faith, and each other. It’s a tale of unlikely heroes, epic stakes, and the kind of twisted alliances that only Abercrombie can deliver.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Joe Abercrombie, master of grimdark, returns with a standalone that’s equal parts brutal and brilliant. The Devils offers a medieval fantasy twist with a monstrous crew you’ll love to root for, perfect for readers craving action, irreverence, and a world where good and evil blur.
3. A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Freya, the shield maiden of The Saga of the Unfated, returns in this gripping sequel. Desperate to escape a fate foretold by a seer, she sets out to confront the prophecy head-on as war looms over her people. Old enemies turn into uneasy allies, friends betray her, and blood oaths pull her in opposing directions. Inside, her chaotic magic boils, a wild force she struggles to control. Freya’s mission is clear: protect her kingdom at all costs. But one wrong move could unleash the destruction she’s sworn to prevent, making her the harbinger of her people’s doom. Jensen weaves a high-fantasy epic of loyalty, power, and the battle to defy destiny.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Fans of The Bridge Kingdom will devour this sequel’s blend of fierce heroines, intricate politics, and magical turmoil. Freya’s journey is a heart-wrenching quest for agency in a world that’s slipping into chaos, making it a must for epic fantasy lovers.
4. Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Enka and Mathilde meet in art school, their bond forged in admiration and rivalry. Mathilde’s effortless brilliance outshines Enka’s struggles, yet their friendship teeters on obsession. Years later, Enka marries a billionaire whose tech empire unveils a mind-bending invention: a device to enter another’s consciousness. It could bind the women forever—or shatter them entirely. Kelly Link calls it “twisty, nail-biting,” and she’s spot-on: Huang’s sci-fi thriller dives into jealousy, identity, and the ethics of intimacy. As Enka grapples with her creation’s power, the line between connection and control blurs, pulling readers into a psychological vortex where love and destruction collide.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Immaculate Conception is a cerebral sci-fi gem with a dark, artistic edge. Its exploration of codependence and invasive tech offers a chilling twist on human connection, perfect for fans of mind-bending narratives and emotional stakes.
5. Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon Yang
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Description:Yeva was thirteen when she slew her first dragon, a rare gift that branded her a legend—and a tool. Drafted to the imperial capital, she’s trained into a mythic figure, never shedding her armor in public. Now, dispatched to Quanbao to kill a protected dragon, Yeva faces a dilemma: obey the empire or heed the queen who guards the beast. Their meeting ignites a connection that tests Yeva’s loyalties, forcing her to question a lifetime of duty. Neon Yang crafts a fantasy of identity, rebellion, and forbidden bonds, set in a world where dragons soar and secrets simmer.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Yang’s lyrical prose and knack for complex characters shine in this standalone. Yeva’s journey from weapon to woman, paired with a dragon-rich world, makes it a dazzling pick for fantasy fans craving depth and defiance.
6. Bochica by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:La Casona, a sprawling estate in Soacha, Colombia, is more than a house—it’s a living nightmare. Antonia and her family move in, only to be plagued by horrific dreams. Three years after a tragic accident claims her mother and her grieving father tries to torch the place, Antonia returns to the now-hotel estate seeking answers. What really happened that night? As she digs into the house’s haunted past, spectral whispers and buried truths unravel a gothic mystery that’s as chilling as it is poignant. Flórez-Cerchiaro blends folklore and family secrets in a tale that grips like a cold hand in the dark.
Why It’s a Must-Read:This atmospheric gothic fantasy offers a haunting Colombian twist on the haunted house trope. Antonia’s quest for closure, wrapped in eerie elegance, is a must for readers who love their fantasy with a shiver.
7. Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Demeter, a sentient spaceship, is on a mission: ferry humans from Earth to Alpha Centauri. But her cargo keeps dying—supernatural deaths she can’t explain. Facing decommissioning, Demeter teams with a vampire, a werewolf, and an undead engineer to unravel the cosmic horror aboard. Truelove’s punk-rock odyssey fuses pulp horror with classic sci-fi, delivering a queer, quirky crew racing against time. It’s a wild ride through space where monsters aren’t just threats—they’re the heroes, battling forces that defy logic and threaten humanity’s last hope.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Of Monsters and Mainframes is a genre mashup that screams originality. Its oddball team and supernatural stakes make it a thrilling, irreverent pick for sci-fi fans who love a twist of the bizarre.
8. Anji Kills a King (The Rising Tide #1) by Evan Leikam
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Anji’s story begins with a blade through a king’s heart—a bold act that shatters her life. Now a fugitive with a bounty on her head, she flees across a brutal kingdom, pursued by mercenaries like the Hawk, a seasoned swordswoman. When the Hawk catches up, their clash births an unlikely alliance, thrusting them into a rebellion that could topple empires. Leikam’s debut launches The Rising Tide series with gritty action, intricate world-building, and a heroine whose defiance echoes The Blacktongue Thief. It’s a fantasy epic of survival, loyalty, and the cost of power.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Anji Kills a King is a fierce series starter for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy. Anji and the Hawk’s dynamic promises a thrilling ride, blending swordplay with soul.
9. The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Ovid Vesper, a Union soldier scarred by Antietam, rides across the American West, haunted by visions he can’t decipher. Seeking answers—Why him? What do they mean?—he stumbles into a Lovecraftian frontier where the strange grows stranger. Durbin’s fantasy Western merges historical grit with cosmic dread, crafting a tale of a man unraveling mysteries that twist the world around him. Think Arthur Morgan meets H.P. Lovecraft: dusty trails, eldritch horrors, and a quest that’s as much about survival as it is about sanity.
Why It’s a Must-Read:This genre-blending marvel offers a fresh spin on Westerns with a dark, fantastical edge. Ovid’s journey is a slow-burn descent into the unknown, perfect for readers who crave atmosphere and unease.
10. Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Description:Michael Lincoln isn’t the sci-fi hero he idolized growing up—he’s a nerd with a mission. When his best friend Taras K. Castle and their writing group, Orb 4, create The Star Rot Chronicles—home to the greatest multiverse ever—he vows to preserve it. In a world where heroism feels out of reach, Michael’s quest to save this fictional legacy becomes his rebellion. Michel, a sharp voice in modern sci-fi, crafts an ode to fandom, weaving clever twists and heartfelt stakes into a multiverse-spanning adventure that celebrates the power of stories.
Why It’s a Must-Read:Metallic Realms is a love letter to nerds and creators, blending meta storytelling with sci-fi flair. Michael’s journey resonates with anyone who’s ever fought for a story they adore, making it a unique gem.
Conclusion
May 2025 is a cosmic feast for science fiction and fantasy fans, serving up a constellation of tales that stretch from medieval battlegrounds to interstellar voids, from haunted estates to multiverse archives. These 10 must-read books—spanning psychic espionage, grimdark romps, gothic mysteries, and punk-rock odysseys—offer something for every speculative soul. Whether it’s Wren’s rebellion in Silver Elite, Freya’s fate-defying quest in A Curse Carved in Bone, or Michael’s nerdy heroism in Metallic Realms, each story invites you to lose yourself in worlds where the stakes are sky-high and the imagination knows no bounds.
These authors, from genre legends like Joe Abercrombie to bold newcomers like Dani Francis, deliver escapes that thrill, chill, and linger long after the last page. So, preorder your favorites, clear your calendar, and dive into May 2025’s sci-fi and fantasy treasures. The multiverse is calling—answer it with a book in hand.
15 FAQs About the 10 Must-Read Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of May 2025
Why is May 2025 a big month for sci-fi and fantasy?
It’s packed with diverse releases from top authors, blending epic fantasy, dark sci-fi, and fresh twists on classic tropes.
Are these books standalone or part of series?
Most are standalone (The Devils, Bochica), but A Curse Carved in Bone and Anji Kills a King kick off or continue series.
Which book has the best world-building?
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie crafts a gritty alternate Europe that’s immersive and brutal.
Is there a sci-fi thriller in the list?
Yes, Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang offers a mind-bending tech-driven mystery.
Which book is best for dark fantasy fans?
A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen delivers fate, magic, and betrayal in spades.
Are there any horror elements?
Bochica by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro and Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove bring gothic and cosmic chills.
Which book has the most unique premise?
Of Monsters and Mainframes—a spaceship teaming with monsters to solve supernatural deaths—stands out.
Is there a fantasy with dragons?
Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon Yang centers on a dragon-slayer’s epic quest.
Which book is the funniest?
The Devils offers Abercrombie’s dark, irreverent humor with its monstrous crew.
Are these suitable for all ages?
Most suit 16+ due to violence, horror, or mature themes; check individual titles for specifics.
Which author is a debut writer?
Dani Francis (Silver Elite) and Evan Leikam (Anji Kills a King) make stunning entrances.
Is there a book with a historical twist?
The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin blends Civil War history with Lovecraftian fantasy.
Which book is best for action fans?
Anji Kills a King kicks off with regicide and never slows down.
Can I preorder these now?
Yes—all are available for preorder on Amazon with links above.
Where can I find more sci-fi and fantasy picks?
Explore That Love Podcast’s blog for curated reads beyond May 2025!
Looking for your next great read? Dive into our collection of book reviews where we explore a variety of genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartwarming tales. Here’s a glimpse of what we have to offer:
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty – Unravel a web of secrets and consequences in this gripping tale of hidden truths. Read the full review here.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell – A dark and thrilling puzzle that will keep you guessing till the last page. Check out our thoughts on this suspenseful novel.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown – Follow an extraordinary journey of survival and friendship in the natural world. Discover the magic of this unique story.
My Temptation by T.L. Swan – Indulge in a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance that will captivate you from start to finish. Get the full scoop on this steamy read.
Pucking Around by Emily Rath – The longest sports romance book ever! Dive into this epic, heart-pounding love story. Read our review here.
Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand – Explore this gripping novel that blends mystery and drama in a perfect summer read. Find out why this book should be on your list.
Happy reading!
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