If you’re a fantasy fan, get ready—March 2025 has some incredible books on the way! From mystical realms to thrilling battles, these upcoming stories have readers buzzing with excitement. Here are the 5 most anticipated fantasy books coming in March 2025.
Sunrise on the Reaping: By Suzanne Collins
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is an upcoming novel by Suzanne Collins, set to be released on March 18, 2025. This prequel to the original “Hunger Games” series takes readers back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. The narrative centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy, who is unexpectedly thrust into the deadly arena on his birthday, marking the beginning of his harrowing journey.
The novel delves into Haymitch’s life in District 12, exploring his relationships and the events leading up to his selection as a tribute. Readers will witness his struggle for survival in an arena designed for maximum peril, highlighting his resilience and strategic acumen. Collins also examines themes of propaganda and the power of narrative control, inspired by philosopher David Hume’s ideas on governance. An exclusive excerpt reveals Haymitch’s life on the day of the reaping, his relationship with his family, and his initial reaction to the inevitable threat of the Hunger Games.
The Ragpicker King: By Cassandra Clare
“The Ragpicker King” is the second installment in Cassandra Clare’s Chronicles of Castellane series, following the events of “Sword Catcher.” The narrative centers on Kel Saren, the loyal body double to Prince Conor Aurelian, as he investigates a massacre at the royal palace. His quest leads him into Castellane’s underworld, dominated by the enigmatic Ragpicker King, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the royal family. Simultaneously, Lin Caster, having claimed to be the Goddess Reborn to save a friend, faces trials to prove her divinity. Her alliance with the Ragpicker King becomes crucial as she confronts ancient magic and her forbidden feelings for Prince Conor.
Clare expands the intricate world-building of Castellane, delving deeper into its political intrigues and complex characters. The protagonists grapple with personal dilemmas and evolving relationships, set against a backdrop of escalating tensions and hidden agendas. The novel intertwines themes of loyalty, identity, and power, offering readers a richly woven fantasy experience.
Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things: By Breanne Randall
“Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things” by Breanne Randall is a fantasy novel that follows the Petridi sisters—Calliope, Thalia, and Eurydice—who practice a unique form of magic that requires them to sacrifice memories for each spell they cast. Set in the quaint town of Gold Springs, the sisters strive to keep their magical abilities hidden while grappling with personal challenges, including the mysterious disappearance of their mother and Calliope’s heartbreak from a past relationship.
The narrative intensifies when an ancient evil emerges, threatening their town and causing their magic to wane. In a desperate attempt to restore their powers and protect Gold Springs, Calliope inadvertently binds herself to Lucien Deniz, the enigmatic leader of a rival coven known for its relentless quest for dominance. As they confront burgeoning feelings and deep-seated mistrust, Calliope must face buried memories, unveil family secrets, and harness ancient magic to safeguard everything she cherishes.
A Harvest of Hearts: By Andrea Eames
In Andrea Eames’ fantasy novel, A Harvest of Hearts, the protagonist, Foss Butcher, resides in a village where sorcerers routinely extract pieces of human hearts for their spells—a practice accepted by the townsfolk. Foss, practical and unassuming, never anticipates becoming a target. However, when the inexperienced sorcerer Sylvester accidentally “snags” a part of her heart, she experiences an unsettling bond that compels her to seek him out for a remedy.
Determined to reclaim her heart, Foss ventures to the city and becomes Sylvester’s housekeeper in his enchanted, mood-shifting abode. Accompanied by a witty talking cat, she navigates the peculiar household dynamics while uncovering deeper secrets about the heart-snatching tradition and the true nature of sorcerers. As Foss delves into these mysteries, she confronts unsettling truths that challenge her understanding of her world and herself.
Oathbound: By Tracy Deonn
In Oathbound, the third installment of Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle, protagonist Bree Matthews finds herself isolated after severing ties with the Legendborn Order and her ancestral lineage. To protect her loved ones, she enters into a perilous pact with the Shadow King—a shapeshifter who navigates the realms of humanity, the demon underworld, and the secretive Legendborn society. This alliance places Bree under the Shadow King’s tutelage, binding her to his enigmatic agenda.
Meanwhile, the remaining Scions confront internal discord as their Round Table stands fractured and leaderless, with key members like Selwyn missing. Amid this turmoil, Nick is detained by the Order’s Merlins and invokes an ancient law, compelling the High Council of Regents to convene at the Northern Keep. As these events unfold, Bree’s journey intertwines with the fates of her estranged allies, setting the stage for a gripping continuation of this contemporary fantasy saga that melds Southern Black Girl Magic with Arthurian legend.
