5 Of The Best Books From Debut Authors In 2025, According To Reviews

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Anyone who loves to read knows one of the most exciting things about the new year — aside from setting new reading goals — is all of the books that'll be hitting the shelves. Another exciting find for readers? A new voice. Each year, new writers emerge, whose debut novels instantly capture readers' attentions and spark insightful conversations. These are the first books that offer people a glimpse into a writer's way of thinking and how they view the world around them. 

Debut novels surely mean the world to the author, but they're quite special for readers as well. They offer a uniquely thrilling chance to discover a story, a style, or a new perspective for the very first time. It's an excitement that's hard to replicate. A new voice can surprise readers with the most unexpected insights, emotions, and sometimes humor. 2025 was one heck of a year, full of works by debut authors. 

From a touching novel about teenage grief by an Academy Nicholl Fellow screenwriter to a Native American writer offering a refreshing take on culture and identity, there were so many novels that introduced bold and unique voices. This list of books spans genres, from heartfelt YA novels to profound literary fiction. With extensive research, we've selected the absolute best five books from debut authors in 2025 according to real reader reviews. 

While Jennifer E. Archer's "Into the Deep Blue" is a contemporary YA novel, it's one of those YA books even adults can enjoy. Originally a screenwriter, Archer brings a cinematic eye to her writing, telling the story of two fragile teens trying to navigate the kind of grief that's hard to put into words. The story follows Fiona and Nick, who have both lost their mothers, on a trip intended to give them the will to move forward. Instead, it just may force them to face everything they've been trying to avoid. 

Reviewers have praised the novel for being grounded and realistic, and many loved the friends-to-lovers thread woven quietly through a story of grief. A Goodreads reviewer gave the book five stars, noting, "I absolutely loved the best friends to lovers aspect of this book. Nick and Fiona have such great chemistry and I enjoyed their moments, even the ones that had my heart hurting. The angst, the pain, the strong feelings between them [...] it's all written so well." This review was even liked by the author herself. 

An Amazon reviewer who listened to the book (via Audible) was clearly left impressed, as they said, "This book has officially set my standards for what writing should be in a book. There's no fluff. There are no flat lines with little to no description. There are no wasted plot lines." If you want to know what a book from a screenwriter looks like, look no further than Archer's debut YA novel. 

The Boston Globe's Marion Winik described Aaron John Curtis as "an entrancing new voice." Curtis' debut novel, "Old School Indian," draws heavily from his own life, and it's something the author is proud to acknowledge. It also gives the narrative an unmistakable authenticity. The story follows Abe Jacobs, a Native man trying to understand the life he's lived while paving a path for his future. Alongside this quest, he's also working on his relationship with his family while facing the scars of his past. 

Over 70% of the 1,500+ Goodreads raters have given the book a 4-star rating or higher. A five-star reviewer seemed blown away as they said, "My review won't do this book justice. I made the mistake of stopping in the middle and reading another book ... Don't be me. Read it straight through, preferably in a day or two. Maybe read it again." The reviewer also pointed out that the book offers so many opportunities for rich classroom discussions if it weren't for the mature content. At the end of their review, they added, "I'm not capable of writing a review to match the level of the book. You will have to read it for yourself." 

Reviewers also loved and appreciated the poetry that was woven naturally throughout the novel, noting that it adds so much more emotional depth. Another 5-star reviewer noted, "THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. How is this a debut novel?!? Not only is the book itself excellent, but the poetry written by the main character's alter-ego is also excellent..." 

Another YA book has made it on this list — it's "First Love Language" by Stefany Valentine, and just a heads up, it's another friends-to-lovers story. But this one is a tiny bit lighter and blends together a lot of humor and heartfelt moments to tell a meaningful story about belonging, identity, and finding your place in the world. Released in January 2025, the book was selected as the Best YA Book of January by Amazon Editors. Amazon Editor, Ben Grange, described the book perfectly and said it is "a poignant and emotional story of immigration, adoption, and family." 

Reviewers loved the author's exploration of culture, heritage, and self-discovery throughout the story. An Amazon reviewer gave the read four stars, stating, "I picked this book up because I've been trying to read more debut authors ... I really liked certain elements of the story, especially Catie reconnecting with her Taiwanese side." A Goodreads reviewer said they'd like to see more of these kinds of books as it shows "why we need more diversity in books!" They added, "I loved seeing an adoptee try to get back to their roots in a world that has left them unmoored. To learn this was inspired by the author's own experience made it that much more important." 

The story follows a teenager trying to reconnect with her cultural roots while navigating love, familial relationships, and her identity. This is the perfect debut book for those who want something lighthearted yet thoughtful.

"Garbage Town" may be Ravi Gupta's very first novel, but he already has quite the social media following as a stand-up comedian. His witty humor brings a lively edge to a whodunnit, making the story as exciting as it is suspenseful. The Midwest Book Review praised Gupta's debut novel as an "Original, compelling, emotionally engaging, skillfully crafted, and a thoroughly entertaining read..." 

Many reviewers stated the story evoked strong nostalgia, reminding them of their younger years. One 5-star reviewer described the book as a "masterpiece," noting how vibrant and heartfelt the storytelling was. They added, "Every page transported me back to a time and place that felt both specific and universal, as if Gupta had captured the soul of Staten Island during that era with uncanny precision." 

A Goodreads reviewer, Sarah, gave the book 4.5 stars and a thorough review that concluded with a message for Gupta: "Ravi Gupta. I need more books ASAP! What an incredible author! The dialogue was funny, engaging, and easy to read. The story itself wasn't overcomplicated, boring, or slow. It flowed so well and everything was structured to perfection." And their detailed review convinced other readers to add this book to their TBR, as one reader commented on the review, "Such a wonderful review, Sarah! I've had my eye on this one. I guess I will have to give it a read." If you've been seeking a new voice in the mystery & thriller genre, give Gupta's debut novel a try. 

Good Morning America Book Club's January 2025 pick, Karissa Chen's debut novel, "Homeseeking," follows a female protagonist on a journey to find a sense of belonging and a place to call home. Introduced by "Good Morning America" hosts as "a sweeping family drama spanning six decades about how a single choice can change an entire family's life," this just may be one of the best picks from the Good Morning Book Club. Chen's rich storytelling and evocative prose have been continuously praised by reviewers. Our writer, who read the book, noted how the story is a beautiful balance of relatable family drama and so many heartfelt moments.

An Amazon reviewer gave the book five stars and said, "Karissa Chen has written a debut that is both sweeping in scope and achingly intimate ... Chen's prose is lyrical without ever losing its emotional clarity. What struck me most was how deeply human this novel felt." A 4-star reviewer wrote, "Our entire book club enjoyed reading Home Seeking. Full of historical and cultural insights but done from a deeply personal perspective. A beautiful portrayal of a magical childhood friendship and familial bonds torn apart by war, communism, and even freedom." 

One Goodreads reviewer summed the story up perfectly in the eyes of our writer, "Between growing up together, feeling destined for each other, being pulled apart by circumstance and loyalty, and criss-crossing paths over the years, the beautiful story of Haiwen and Suchi broadened beyond the borders of a typical love saga."

When gathering a list of books by debut authors, we went about it by creating a list of novels that received high ratings, ideally four stars or higher, from reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads first. This is always a great starting point as it ensures we can narrow down a list of titles that have already resonated with readers, earning genuine praise from them. Once we were able to have a shortlist of 10 books or so, we dove into the ones we hadn't read already. We dug deeper into critical reviews, tried to get a hold of detailed synopses, and researched the impact the book had on readers. 

If we'd already read the book, it was great because it allowed us to see how our impressions aligned with those of other reviewers, and it helped us gauge whether or not the book truly deserved a spot on this list. If the book was new to us, it was a chance for us to discover fresh stories and voices and add them to our own TBRs, whether they made the list or not. This was a great way for us to assure our readers that we were providing them with books that have strong reader support, that might also be able to offer a memorable and unique reading experience.