Can you believe we’re already through the first month of 2025? And what better way to celebrate the turn of a calendar page than reflecting on the biggest books of the month? This month is the first time since we started tracking most read books on Goodreads that only two authors are represented in the top five. Can you guess which ones?
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is third on this list, but only because it came out on the 21st: it’s #1 this week, and it’s a good bet that it will be staying there for a while. Despite Fourth Wing, the first book in this series, having 2.5 million ratings on Goodreads, there were still hundreds of thousands of readers that read it for the first time in January. By this point, you’d think anyone interested in picking it up would already done so, but we somehow still don’t seem to be past the peak.
Because there are only two authors represented here, I’ve also included the top five from countries around the world. This time, we’re looking at Argentina, the Philippines, and Sweden.
#5:
 The Boyfriend by Freida McFaddenFreida McFadden is the reigning queen of thrillers, and she continues to claim two titles in the top five. This is her newest title, which follows Sydney, who just met the perfect guy…at the same time that news stories come out about a serial killer is dating women before murdering them. The Boyfriend had over 107,000 readers on Goodreads this month, with a 4.0 average rating. Argentina: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden Philippines: Funny Story by Emily Henry Sweden: The Vegetarian by Han Kang |
#4:
 The Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThis is the first book in Freida McFadden’s Housemaid series, followed by The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid Is Watching. It follows a housemaid who cleans for a wealthy family, takes care of their child, and lives in their attic bedroom. She’s soon pulled into the family’s dangerous secrets, but her employers underestimated what she’s capable of. This was read by more than 131,000 Goodreads users this week, with a 4.3 average rating. Argentina: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Philippines: The Wedding People by Alison Espach Sweden: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney |
#3:
 Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosRebecca Yarros now claims the top three spots with her Empyrean series. Onyx Storm came out on January 21st, and there were hundreds of midnight release parties across the U.S. and Canada, and a Target special edition sold out within hours. Two more volumes are planned in the series. This was read by more than 193,000 users in January and has a 4.5 average rating. Argentina: Blackwater: La riada (Blackwater I: The Flood) by Michael McDowell, translated by Carles Andreu Philippines: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Sweden: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros |
#2:
 Iron Flame by Rebecca YarrosIron Flame, book two of the series, was read by 238,000 users this month and has a 4.4 average rating. Argentina: The Vegetarian by Han Kang Philippines: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden Sweden: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros |
#1:
 Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosThe #1 most read book on Goodreads this week was Fourth Wing, the first book in the Empyrean series. This romantasy series is about 20-year-old Violet, who has been ordered to become a dragon rider at a war college, despite the deadly risks. It’s one of the most popular in the genre. Fourth Wing was read by almost 263,000 users this month and it has a 4.6 average rating. Argentina: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Philippines: Ang mutya ng Section E by Eatmore2behappy Sweden: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros |
Two New Books Out This Month You Should Know About
Unfortunately, the most read books on Goodreads tend not to be diverse by any definition of the word. So, here are a couple of new books that came out in January that deserve wider readership.
 The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen LeeIn this follow-up to 2024’s The 7-10 Split, Karmen Lee takes us back to Peach Blossom, Georgia. When Jessica is heading into town for a visit, her car breaks down, and the mechanic who helps her out is everything Jessica wants in a fling. But Vini wants more than anything to fall in love. As she takes time out of her schedule to drive a carless Jessica around town, she isn’t sure if she’s willing to compromise. —Jessica Pryde |
 Hammajang Luck by Makana YamamotoBe gay, do crime: This queer, debut sci-fi novel is a heist story! Once upon a time in future Hawai’i, Edie trusted Angel, and now Edie has spent eight years in prison. Womp womp. Then Edie gets word that early parole is available—they just have to do one last job. For Angel. Edie thinks it would be outrageous to trust Angel again. But they’d also really like to get out of prison, so Edie agrees. What could go wrong? —Liberty Hardy |
If you’re looking for more buzzy books, check out The Bestselling Books of the Week, According to All the Lists.
Find more news and stories of interest from the book world in Breaking in Books.
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