Best Folklore Books of 2025

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a breathtaking blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore that follows the story of Feyre, a huntress who is dragged to a magical land ruled by lethal faeries. As she adapts to her new home, Feyre's feelings for her captor, Tamlin, transform from hostility to passion. However, an ancient and wicked shadow is growing in the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it before it dooms Tamlin and his world forever. Maas has created a dazzling world, complex characters, and sizzling romance in this seductive and action-packed fairytale.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas is a seductive and stunning sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses. The story follows Feyre as she struggles with the aftermath of her trials and her upcoming marriage to Tamlin, all while navigating a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power. As a greater evil looms, Feyre must decide how to harness her harrowing gifts and heal her fractured soul to shape the future of a world in turmoil. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this action-packed series to new heights. The book is fiercely romantic, irresistibly sexy, and hypnotically magical, making it a must-read for fans of dark, lush, sexy fantasy.

A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third novel in the Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. The story follows Feyre as she returns to the Spring Court to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn about the invading king threatening her land. She must play a deadly game of deceit and balance her struggle to master her powers and political game while fighting for her court and family. This book is a true page-turner with suspense, romance, intrigue, and action. Maas creates a complex world with alluring characters that will leave readers wanting more.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas is a tender addition to the Court of Thorns and Roses series. The book bridges the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and upcoming books. Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are trying to recover from the war and rebuild the Night Court. As Winter Solstice approaches, the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. Feyre's concern for those dearest to her deepens, and scars from the war have far-reaching effects on their court. A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the fierce love between friends and the effects of a devastating war. This book is perfect for fans of dark, lush, sexy fantasy.

The Song of Achilles by Ecco Press is a retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel is an action-packed adventure, an epic love story, and a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner that brilliantly reimagines Homer's enduring masterwork, The Iliad. The book has been praised for its captivating retelling of The Iliad and its well-rounded and compassionate portrait of Achilles. The Song of Achilles is a remarkable achievement that offers a unique perspective on a timeless classic.

Hooked: A Dark, Contemporary Romance (Never After Series) by Emily McIntire is a twisted and steamy retelling of Peter Pan. The story follows James, who plans to seduce and use Wendy, the daughter of his enemy, for his revenge. However, things get complicated when James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game. McIntire delivers a gripping and addictive love story filled with danger and desire. The book stands out for its unique and creative take on a classic fairy tale. Overall, Hooked is a must-read for fans of dark romantic erotica.

The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set is a must-have for any J.R.R. Tolkien fan. This set includes The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, all in a compact size that makes them easy to carry anywhere. The books come in a beautiful leatherette-bound box with gold foil stamping. The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected adventure with dwarves to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent. The Lord of the Rings tells the story of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Overall, this set is a timeless classic that is a must-read for any fantasy lover.

"Circe" is a captivating retelling of the infamous female figure from the Odyssey, recasting her as a hero in her own right. The daughter of Helios, god of the sun, Circe is banished to a deserted island where she discovers her power of witchcraft. From there, she crosses paths with many famous figures in mythology, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying of the Olympians. With vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, "Circe" is a triumph of storytelling and a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world. Overall, a must-read for fans of Greek mythology and feminist literature.

The Silmarillion [Illustrated Edition] is a special edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, filled with color illustrations by the author himself. The book tells the earlier history of Middle-earth, introducing key characters and the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the gods. The book also includes several shorter works, such as a myth of the creation and the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor. Tolkien's son, Christopher, edited the work from many manuscripts to bring his father's great vision to publishable form. This special edition presents anew the beginning of an illustrious forty years and more than twenty books celebrating his father's legacy.

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution, written by R. F. Kuang, is a thought-provoking and brilliantly written book that challenges the reader to think about the power of language and translation. Set in the 19th century, the story follows Robin Swift, a Chinese boy who is brought to London and trained in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for his enrollment in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. As he navigates the world of translation and magic, Robin finds himself caught between serving Babel and his loyalty to his motherland. The book is a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, making it a unique and captivating read.