What to read in August — from new book for Fourth Wing fans to one of 2025's most-anticipated reads

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

From the latest releases by bestselling authors to striking debuts, August has something for every reader
July was a fantastic month for bibliophiles, with fresh offerings from popular authors like Scarlett St. Clair, Elise Kova and Sangu Mandanna, as well as bestselling author Holly Jackson's thrilling adult debut, Not Quite Dead Yet.
August is shaping up to be equally exciting, with many eagerly awaited releases by beloved authors such as Carissa Broadbent, R. F. Kuang and T. Kingfisher, as well as some hidden gems that might have slipped under your radar.
Here are 10 must-read books releasing in August 2025, with selections across the romance, fantasy, literary fiction and romantasy genres. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, you can also subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
1. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
Katabasis is arguably one of the most-anticipated new releases for August, with a whopping 238,000 people already shelving the book as 'want to read' on Goodreads, reports the Express.
The latest novel from the author of Babel, Yellowface and The Poppy War trilogy follows two graduate students who must journey to Hell to save their professor's soul.
But when Hell proves to be quite different from what they expected, Alice and Peter will need to set aside their fierce rivalry if they're to get out of the underworld alive.
You can pre-order Katabasis, out August 26, here.
2. The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent
Another major August release comes courtesy of Carissa Broadbent, with the fourth instalment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
In this novel, we journey with Mische and Asar as they're presented a final chance at redemption - and a path back to each other. However, they must first undertake an extraordinary mission through both the mortal and immortal realms, accompanied by old allies and relentless foes.
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk is the second instalment of the Shadowborn Duet, so whilst it's not necessary to have read the initial two Crowns of Nyaxia books, you'll need to ensure you've read The Songbird & the Heart of Stone prior to starting this one.
3. Break Room by Miye Lee, trans. Sandy Joosun Lee
Break Room is the fresh novella from the author who brought us the bestselling DallerGut Dream Department Store series. This riveting psychological drama involves eight unsuspecting individuals invited to participate in a mysterious new reality programme.
The twist? They've all been nominated by their colleagues as the people they'd least like to share a break room with, otherwise known as the office 'villains'.
Despite its brevity, Break Room delivers a powerful impact. It's the ideal summer read for anyone working in an office, or simply those who enjoy watching reality TV. You'll certainly view your colleagues differently after reading this....
You can buy Break Room, out August 28, here.
4. Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
Bestselling author T. Kingfisher returns with another fairytale reinterpretation, this time giving Snow White a modern twist.
In Hemlock & Silver, unconventional healer Anja is called upon by the King to aid his ailing daughter, Snow.
However, as Anja attempts to uncover the cause of Snow's mysterious ailment, it soon becomes apparent that conventional methods are futile. But when she discovers a hidden world within a magical mirror, will this dark realm hold the cure to Snow's illness or will it be their downfall?
Featuring a self-absorbed talking cat, unexpected plot twists, and a humorous and relatable protagonist, this is a spellbinding read with references to a well-loved fairytale.
5. Aphrodite by Phoenicia Rogerson
From the author of Herc comes another captivating mythical reinterpretation, this time centred on Aphrodite. However, Phoenicia Rogerson's Aphrodite isn't the goddess of love we believe we know; instead, she rises from nothing, spinning a web of deceit to convince everyone she's a deity.
But once she ascends to the pinnacle, she realises it's not quite what she envisioned, and one day Aphrodite simply decides she's had enough.
This is a brilliantly witty story, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar figure in Greek mythology.
You can buy Aphrodite, out August 14, here.
6. Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
In a remarkable debut novel from the author of The Undocumented Americans, Catalina narrates the tale of an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador who works her way up to Harvard. After narrowly escaping death in Latin America, Catalina is brought up by her undocumented grandparents before being accepted to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities.
There, she immerses herself in clandestine societies, lavish parties and coveted internships, whilst also finding herself increasingly attracted to a fellow student.
Set over her final year at university, we follow her as undocumented immigrants become the focus of political unrest and Catalina's New York life starts to unravel.
7. The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold by Ally Carter
Two competing spies are forced to collaborate in order to survive in the latest romantic comedy from bestselling author Ally Carter. Waking up handcuffed together in the dark, a year after their last encounter, with no clue where they are or how they ended up there, they find themselves thrust into their most challenging mission yet.
This is an exciting second-chance love story filled with twists and turns, featuring flashbacks from their thrilling 10-year shared history. This book is the sequel to 2023's The Blonde Identity, but can also be read in isolation.
8. On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
If you enjoyed Fourth Wing or Zodiac Academy, this one's for you. On Wings of Blood is the first instalment in a captivating dark academia romantasy saga featuring all the good stuff. Think vampires, dragons, fae, magic, Arthurian legend and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
We follow Medra Pendragon, a half-fae princess from Camelot who finds herself thrust into a perilous world where mortals and vampires coexist, all while being engaged to Blake Drakharrow, an arrogant yet captivating vampire.
Originally self-published, the book already boasts legions of fans, with many on Goodreads attributing it to curing their post-Onyx Storm reading slump.
9. Discontent by Beatriz Serrano, trans. Mara Faye Letham
On the outside, Marisa seems to have everything. She resides in a plush flat, lives above her neighbour/lover and has rapidly ascended the ladder at a thriving advertising agency.
The only snag? She utterly despises her job and everything it represents. Nonetheless, she manages until her meticulously constructed office persona threatens to shatter when she's obliged to attend her company's annual retreat.
Although Discontent may be a relatively brief read, it's a rollercoaster of a ride, and even if you adore your job, you're bound to see a bit of yourself in this book.
10. The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown
From the author of The Book of Doors comes The Society of Unknowable Objects, which follows a trio of seemingly ordinary individuals who are in fact members of a clandestine society charged with locating and safeguarding concealed magical objects.
When the latest member, Magda, encounters a problem while searching for an item in Hong Kong, it triggers a dangerous global quest to uncover both the elusive object and the truth.