There’s something electric about a debut book—the thrill of discovering a brand-new voice, a fresh perspective, or a story you didn’t know you needed. Let’s dive into the most anticipated debut books of April 2025 that deserve a spot on your TBR pile.
The Bright Years: By Sarah Damoff
Sarah Damoff’s debut novel, The Bright Years, is a poignant family saga that delves into themes of love, secrecy, and the enduring impact of addiction. Set against the backdrop of Texas, the story introduces us to Ryan and Lillian Bright, a couple deeply in love and newly married, who welcome their daughter, Georgette, into the world. However, beneath the surface, both harbor significant secrets: Lillian has a son from a previous relationship she hasn’t disclosed to Ryan, and Ryan struggles with an alcohol addiction unknown to Lillian. As Georgette grows up, she becomes a witness to the tumultuous rise and fall of her parents’ marriage, shaped by hidden pasts and unspoken struggles.
The narrative spans four decades, offering perspectives from three generations within the Bright family. When Lillian’s estranged son seeks out his birth family years later, Georgette is compelled to confront her family’s complex history. This journey forces her to decide whether she can embrace love and reconciliation before it’s too late. Damoff’s storytelling intricately explores the ripple effects of secrets and addiction across generations, ultimately highlighting the redemptive power of grace and love.
Julie Chan Is Dead: By Liann Zhang
Liann Zhang’s debut novel, Julie Chan Is Dead, is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of influencer culture and the complexities of identity. The story follows Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier leading a modest life, who discovers her estranged identical twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen—a renowned social media influencer—dead under mysterious circumstances. Seizing the opportunity, Julie assumes Chloe’s identity, stepping into a world of glamour and deception. As she navigates this new life, Julie uncovers unsettling secrets about Chloe’s past and the dangerous realities of the influencer industry.
As Julie becomes more entangled in Chloe’s world, she realizes that her sister’s life was far from the perfection portrayed online. The façade of luxury and popularity masks a web of obsessions, betrayals, and hidden threats. Julie must confront these challenges head-on, all while maintaining the charade and protecting herself from the same dangers that may have led to Chloe’s demise. Zhang crafts a narrative that is both a suspenseful page-turner and a sharp critique of social media’s impact on personal identity and societal values.
Boys with Sharp Teeth: By Jenni Howell
Jenni Howell’s debut novel, Boys with Sharp Teeth, is a dark academia thriller that delves into themes of revenge, obsession, and the supernatural within the cloistered walls of an elite boarding school. Seventeen-year-old Marin James has always lived in the shadow of the exclusive Huntsworth Academy. When her cousin Sam is found dead on the school’s property, Marin is convinced that his death was no accident. Determined to uncover the truth and seek justice, she forges documents to enroll at Huntsworth under a false identity. Her plan is to get close to Adrian “Graves” Hargraves and Henry Wu, the enigmatic and dangerously alluring leaders of the school’s social elite, whom she suspects are connected to Sam’s death.
As Marin navigates the treacherous social hierarchies of Huntsworth, she finds herself drawn into a complex web of desire and deceit. Her quest for vengeance becomes entangled with her growing attraction to the very individuals she suspects, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The discovery of an otherworldly secret that Adrian and Henry are hiding forces Marin to question her perceptions of reality and morality. Howell crafts a narrative rich with atmospheric tension and unexpected twists, challenging readers to explore the depths of human emotion and the consequences of obsession.
When the Tides Held the Moon: By Venessa Vida Kelley
Venessa Vida Kelley’s debut novel, When the Tides Held the Moon, is a beautifully illustrated historical fantasy set in 1910s New York City. The story follows Benigno “Benny” Caldera, an orphaned Puerto Rican blacksmith whose exceptional ironwork catches the eye of a Coney Island sideshow proprietor. Benny is commissioned to create an iron tank for Luna Park’s latest attraction—a live merman captured from the East River. This opportunity introduces Benny to a world of wonder and exploitation, as he becomes part of a community that blurs the lines between spectacle and reality.
As Benny becomes more involved with the sideshow, he forms a deep connection with Río, the merman confined within the tank. Their growing bond challenges Benny to confront his own beliefs about freedom, identity, and love. Releasing Río would mean betraying his new family and risking everything he has built. Kelley’s narrative intricately weaves themes of queer identity, found family, and self-discovery, all set against the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century New York. The novel is further enriched by Kelley’s own illustrations, featuring full-color endpapers, designed chapter headers, and 27 detailed artworks rendered in aqua blue and black inks, enhancing the immersive experience of this unique fairytale.
Also Read: Most Anticipated Mystery/Thriller Books Of April 2025
