Goodreads' 15 Most Popular Books Of 2026 (So Far), Ranked By Reviews

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If you've been paying attention to 2026's hottest new book releases, you won't be surprised to learn literary superstars Colleen Hoover and Freida McFadden have published new novels this year. What may surprise you, though, is that their latest releases didn't make it into our most popular books published in 2026, according to Goodreads ratings and reviews. Instead, new releases from the likes of Viola Davis (yes, "How To Get Away With Murder"'s Viola Davis), iconic sci-fi writer Matt Dinniman, and popular novelist Kathryn Stockett impressed Goodreads users more.

To find out which novels from this year are getting the most buzz, we analyzed Goodreads' Most Popular Books Published In 2026 list. We narrowed the list down to 15 fiction and non-fiction released based on their average user-given score out of 5.0. If you're looking for the most popular books that weren't necessarily published this year, check out Goodreads' top 15 most read books of 2026 (so far), ranked by reviews, where things look very different.

"The Knave and the Moon" by Rachel Gillig has been rated over 30,000 times and has an average score of 4.38 at the time of writing. The second "The Stonewater Kingdom" fantasy book picks up after the dramatic events of "The Knight and the Moth," in which Aisling Cathedral was destroyed. Sybil Delling is being held captive and forced to marry the king, Benji, who is hellbent on making his power known. But just as things looks their bleakest, a enigmatic knave enters the fray...

One Goodreads user noted the book was worth the wait after the release of the first installment in 2025, writing, "This book is filled with so much adventure (just as the first book was), and just seeing how everything was laid out on the pages... it was all such a perfect experience." A second Goodreads user shared how much they loved the fantasy book's dramatic ending and wrote, "The plot, lore, history, humor, romance !!! Everything hits."

"Judge Stone," from actor Viola Davis and author James Patterson, has been rated over 74,800 times and, at the time of writing, has a 4.39 average Goodreads score. The mystery/thriller book that's made a splash in 2026 centers on small town judge and farmer Mary Stone. Her quiet, provincial life is blown apart when she's assigned to a very high-profile court case and, suddenly, the eyes of the world are on her and the life changing decision only she can make.

"I'm honestly godsmacked by how this was written and the power behind it.. This wasn't even 'written', it was crafted..I've never read a book that played so much like a movie in my head," wrote one Goodreads user in a glowing five-star review. Another also praised the cinematic nature of the dramatic storyline, while a third reader wrote, "If you're looking for a captivating, emotionally charged legal thriller, look no further." If you want more from Davis after finishing her debut novel, her memoir "Finding Me: An Inspiring Story of Resilience, Self-Discovery, and Finding Your Voice" is one of Oprah's Book Club's best picks of the 2020s.

"Dawn of the North" from Demi Winters has been rated more than 28,300 times at the time of writing and has a 4.40 average score. This viking romantasy (that's romance and fantasy) story is the third in "The Ashen" series and takes readers back to the Kingdom of Íseldur, picking up immediately after "Kingdom of Claw." Our protagonist Silla is back and ready to pull Ivar Ironheart down from power, but she'll have to come to terms with the God living her head first. At the same time, Silla's sister Saga Volsik is still a prisoner and faces having to make an impossible decision that could change her fate, and the fate of the kingdom, forever.

One Goodreads user shared how much they enjoyed the romance stoyline, as well as how the intallment bolstered the mysterious world of Íseldur via new creatures and characters. "The plot twists and turns had me utterly hooked that I didn't want to stop binging it," they wrote. Another highlighted how strong the book's ending is, writing, "The ending of this book had me tearing up multiple times, and all the characters stories are now all falling into place."

Ilona Andrews' "This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me" has a 4.41 average score at the time of writing from over 48,500 ratings. In this popular romantasy novel, avid reader Maggie wakes up inside the world she previously thought was confined inside the pages of one of her favorite books. Though Maggie initially tries to escape and get home as quickly as she can, she soon finds out she can't be killed in this strange world and may have been transported there for a reason: to help those in need and save the magical kingdom.

Multiple Goodreads reviewers branded the book (which is the first and only, at the time of writing, book in the "Maggie the Undying" series) their favorite release of the year, while one noted the novel is perfect for fantasy book lovers. "It delivers on everything the Andrews are known for: a strong female lead, fascinating and alluring love interests, characters with emotional depth in general, amazing world building, nerve-wrecking action, and occasional humor," shared another reader.

Sadeqa Johnson's "Keeper of Lost Children" has a 4.43 average score from over 44,500 ratings at the time of writing. The historical fiction book entwines the stories of three people. Ethel Gathers is an American soldier's wife living in Germany during WWII, Ozzie Philips is an army man fighting for what he believes is right in the 1940s, and Sophia Clark is preparing to head to boarding school in the 1960s. Though the three stories seem separate, Johnson links them in a touching way her highly-rated character-driven novel.

One reader called "Keeper of Lost Children" their favorite of Johnson's books so far. "No dragging plots, no fillers, just pure historical fiction that keeps you at the edge of your seat," they wrote on Goodreads. A second fan said in their five-star review, "This novel is brilliantly written, reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and The Help."

Devney Perry's "Rites of the Starling," the second in the "Shield of Sparrows" books, has over 208,400 ratings and an average score of 4.43 at the time of writing. Odessa has been kidnapped by a priest while her world is at war. She's also the caregiver to a little girl, who relies on her for everything. But, amid the mounting pressure, Odessa also has a huge decision to make if they're ever going to get back to safety — especially after everything changes on one terrifying night.

One reader highlighted how shocking they found the ending in their Goodreads review, while a second user also praised the twists in the romantasy's dramatic romance plot. "This was such a strong follow-up. Action packed, full of secrets, beasts, prophecies, betrayal, and that lingering unfinished business that keeps you on edge the whole time," shared another. "[Perry] effortlessly elevated this story by seamlessly interlacing a secondary story, adding a richer layer that made the overall story feel intensely vivid and emotionally devastating," wrote a fourth reader

"Hunt the Villain" from Rina Kent has more than 54,200 ratings and a 4.44 average score at the time of writing. The dark enemies-to-lovers romance is the second in Kent's "Villain" series and, though it can be read alone, is best read in order with the other books in the series. It brings together Yulian Dimitriev and Vaughn Morozov, who grew up the sons of high-profile men in mafia gangs. Initially, the two despise one another and will do anything to one up the other prove they're top dog. But they soon realize there's a very fine line between love and hate.

"I didn't want that to end. The banter was amazing, the spice was amazing, their connection was amazing," one Goodreads user wrote of Yulian and Vaughn's connection. Another claimed the book was their favorite from Kent so far, while a third shared, "This book was so wholesome like IT WAS PERFECT. The banter, the possessiveness, the toxicity, the yearning , the jealousy, the obsession, the spice- EVERYTHING."

In "Because I Killed Him" by Edith Birde, Loredana Waldsten is living in a world where wealth and the color of your blood determines everything. But, not only is Loredana not part of the elite, she forfeited her right to carry arms to defend herself after committing a crime. Even worse, her dad's a politician determined to fight for justice against the elite — and that puts a major target on Loredana's back. Loredana has to rely on Edmund Prew for protection, despite their families being sworn enemies. Only, Edmund doesn't know the truth about why Loredana is unarmed... and he's unlikely to be happy when he finds out.

At the time of writing, the novel has more than 24,900 ratings and a 4.46 average score. "This was an INSANE debut. Genuinely such an amazing start to what seems to be an epic dystopian romance series," wrote a Goodreads user who also praised the dramatic ending. Another gushed, "This book consumed me. this world, the politics/class system, the plot, the f**king characters? All perfection."

"The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy" from Brigitte Knightley has more than 21,300 ratings at the time of writing and a 4.47 average score. Osric and Aurienne are back in the second "Dearly Beloathed" romantasy story and, despite being polar opposites, they find their attraction rapidly growing. The two join forces when they learn a deadly disease has been unleashed in their kingdom. With rumors swirling that another Order may have launched it as an act of war, the twosome work closely together to find out who's responsible.

One Goodreads user noted how much they enjoyed the romantasy book's pacing, writing, "The pace of the story was to my liking. Aside from some wonderful moments between them, we also got some secrets, laughter, abandoned asylums, danger, murder, unlikely allies, brave warriors, battles, tearful moments and above all else, happiness." A second impressed reader noted, "From the witty banter, to the interesting world, to the amazing plot that had me glued to this book, i loved every moment in this."

At the time of writing, Carissa Broadbent's "The Lion & the Deathless Dark" has an average rating of 4.59 from more than 11,800 ratings. The fifth and final "Crowns of Nyaxia" book follows bounty hunter Kyrene as she attempts to get her revenge by killing the goddess of vampires. To fulfil her goal, she becomes friendly with the vampire prince Septimus, who is willing to help her on her quest. Only, the curses in this mysterious world say otherwise.

"This was a fantastic and heartbreaking fantasy romance about betrayal, power, love, survival, courage and revenge," one Goodreads user said. A second shared how much they enjoyed the complexity of the characters and wrote, "Genuine enemies to lovers done right. The banter was top tier, the chemistry was undeniable, the slow burn was perfectly paced, and the spice was exactly where it needed to be."

Liv Zander's "Crown Me Yours" (the second "Heartstring Duet" book) has more than 78,000 ratings at the time of writing, for an average rating of 4.53. Elara and Vale are at the heart of this romantasy story after Elara killed the king in the hopes of breaking the curse upon her. Only, that didn't work, and Elara is getting desperate. Now she's turned her attention to death himself with a devilish plan to marry and kill him.

One Goodreads user highly praised Zander's writing, sharing, "The fact that she managed to pack such a moving, powerful, complete story into a short duet is honestly a testament to her writing. There was no filler. Every single page felt important." Another claimed they preferred the book to the first in the collection and also appreciated Zander's expert pacing. "It explores love, grief, loss, and hope in such a heartfelt way without feeling forced. I also loved that the ending felt meaningful and earned," they wrote.

"Heartstopper: Volume 6" by Alice Oseman, at the time of writing, has a 4.58 average rating from over 38,000 ratings. The LGBTQ+ plus romance concludes the "Heartstopper" series and brings back fan-favorite couple, Nick and Charlie. The two grapple with the struggles of teenage love as Charlie finds himself wrapped up in the duties of school responsibilities while Nick prepares to go off to college and potentially enter a world where Charlie isn't by his side day after day.

"It's a love letter to these characters and the journey they've been on together as much as it is an ending, and I cried," one Goodreads user shared of the sweet love story, which was turned into a TV series that ran from 2022 until 2024. "Alice Oseman perfectly balances the heavy stuff with the absolute sweetest moments, and I was smiling the entire time. She really outdid herself and wrote the most perfect ending to this six-book adventure," a second reviewer stated, noting the book wraps up the series but still gives readers plenty of story to enjoy. And there are plenty of other LGBTQ+ romance books to dive into once you finish the series.

Matt Dinniman's "A Parade of Horribles" has a 4.61 average rating from over 114,200 ratings at the time of writing. It's the eighth book in the famed author's "Dungeon Crawler Carl" collection and takes place after the Faction Wars. Fan favorites Carl and Donut are back, and this time they're taking part in dungeon races. But there are rumors brewing on the tenth floor of the dungeon suggesting something not quite right is happening above them. That's when Carl hatches a dangerous plan that could easily go seriously wrong.

One Goodreads reviewer highlighted the sci-fi book's fast pacing, writing, "This book gave me whiplash. It was constant action, racing against time to get ready for each heat and then taking part in it." In a five-star review, another reader shared, "I really enjoyed this one. The relative simplicity of the races after all the craziness of the Faction Wars was a nice change of pace." The "Dungeon Crawler Carl" series has proven particularly popular in 2026. The first book, also called "Dungeon Crawler Carl", is one of Goodreads' top 15 most read fantasy books of 2026 (so far).

"The Calamity Club" by Kathryn Stockett has a 4.62 average rating from more than 364,400 ratings at the time of writing. The historical fiction novel is set in 1930s Mississippi and entwines the stories of multiple characters, including an orphan named Meg, down on her luck woman named Birdie, and the struggling Charlie. When the trio unexpectedly cross paths, they form an empowering alliance and vow to help one another to get what they need.

"This is a beautifully written, character-driven story," wrote on Goodreads reviewer, who noted how carefully Stockett chose her words for extra meaning and power. "The grief was heartbreaking, but the clever one-liners had me laughing too. She captured so many emotions perfectly, and this story completely captured my heart," they poignantly added. A second reader shared the book had more humor than they were expecting considering the novel touches on some dark themes, while a third wrote, "The power of smart and hardworking women and what they can accomplish together is shown here, and I could picture these characters vividly!"

"A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides" by Gisèle Pelicot has an average Goodreads score of 4.66 from over 40,200 ratings. It's the only non-fiction book to land on our ranking and tells Pelicot's real-life harrowing story of surviving horrific sexual abuse at the hands of her now ex-husband. The book (which is also available as an audiobook narrated by actor Emma Thompson) also delves into her childhood and serves as a testament to Pelicot's strength and determination to speak out for herself and other victims.

"This book was inspiring. It was so raw and honest, not sparing any of the horrifying details of what Gisele went through," wrote one Goodreads user in a five-star review. A second commended Pelicot for her braveness in speaking so candidly in the book. "I was brought to tears of anger and grief several times, but also left in awe of her courage," they shared. A third wrote, "A searingly bold account of one woman's horrific ordeal."If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

With all the hit new novels on the market, curating a list of the best ones is no easy feat. To make our list, each book had to be included on Goodreads' Most Popular Books Published In 2026 list at the time of writing. It needed to be published for the first time (reprints and reissues don't count) in 2026, but prior to September 2026. "Crown Me Yours" was included as the Kindle version was released in July 2026, despite the paperback version not hitting shelves until November 2026. We selected the top 15 based on their average Goodreads score out of 5.0, and ranked them in ascending order.