In 2025, the literary landscape as seen through the lens of Google search data presented a fascinating tapestry. Readers globally were drawn to a powerful combination of new emotional narratives, timeless classics, and expansive fantasy worlds. This diverse list, powered by Google Trends data from throughout the year, reveals not just fleeting interests but sustained curiosity around stories that explore deep human emotions, societal structures, and imaginative realms.
The Reign of Contemporary Emotion and Fantasy
The top of the search charts was commanded by modern storytellers who connect deeply with readers. Colleen Hoover's "Regretting You" remained a major search topic throughout 2025. The novel's profound exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the complex dynamics between a mother and daughter following a tragedy resonated powerfully, making it a consistent point of online discussion and discovery.
Similarly, Rebecca Yarros's "Onyx Storm," part of the Empyrean series, saw its popularity surge dramatically. Searches for this title exploded as readers sought out its unique blend of intricate world-building, fiery romance, and dragon-centric conflict. Yarros's skill in crafting immersive worlds and emotionally charged character interactions clearly captured the digital zeitgeist.
Dark romance also claimed a significant spot, with Navessa Allen's "Lights Out" attracting intense search interest. The novel's suspenseful plot, featuring mafia enforcers, forbidden attraction, and morally gray anti-heroes, appealed strongly to readers looking for tension and complexity beyond traditional romantic or thriller genres.
Enduring Classics and Adaptations Drive Searches
Proving that great stories are truly timeless, several classic works continued to generate significant search volume in 2025. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" maintained its status as a heavily searched term, its themes of creation, responsibility, and the essence of humanity proving perpetually relevant to new generations of readers.
The political allegory of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" also saw sustained searches. Its satirical take on revolution and the corruption of power kept it in the digital conversation, often mirrored against contemporary global events.
In the realm of horror, Stephen King's "It" continued to be a search staple. The novel's chilling narrative, intertwined with themes of memory and childhood friendship, ensures its status as a horror classic that never fades from public curiosity.
Series Power and Nostalgic Appeal
The influence of screen adaptations and nostalgic value was unmistakable in the search data. Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series enjoyed renewed search momentum well into 2025. Continued rumors of adaptations and the universal, nostalgic appeal of its coming-of-age story attracted both new readers and those revisiting the series.
The rich, lore-heavy universe of Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" series continued to draw significant search traffic. Fans regularly turned to Google to delve deeper into the world of Geralt of Rivia, fueled by the enduring popularity of the books, video games, and screen adaptations.
For younger audiences and the young at heart, Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series remained a beloved and frequently searched entity. Its relatable humor and candid take on the trials of middle school life secured its place as a perennial favorite in search queries.
The Thriller That Kept Readers Guessing
The psychological thriller category was dominated by searches for Freida McFadden's "The Housemaid." This series captivated readers with its intense, mysterious plot twists set within a deceptively normal household. McFadden's knack for rapid, surprising storytelling made it one of the most discussed and searched-for thrillers of the year.
This list, compiled from Google Trends data up to December 17, 2025, offers a clear snapshot of the year's literary pulse. It shows a reading community equally engaged with the heartfelt dramas of today, the chilling and philosophical tales of the past, and the sprawling fictional worlds that continue to expand our imaginations.
