Summary
BookTok has become a great place to findbooksto read, and some of the most popular novels on the platform are well worth picking up. Although YouTube still offers long-form book content,TikTok has become the go-to place to find recommendations and reviews. TikTok’s short-form videos offer an ideal way to communicate about books, and the platform has caused many titles and authors to go viral. Popular novels on BookTok aren’t limited to new releases, either. Some of the biggest hits are books that came out years ago.
Like BookTube before it,BookTok offers something for every type of reader. Users can find discussions about thebest fantasy books,best romance releases, and the biggest thrillers and horror novels. Depending on a person’s preferences, the algorithm will serve up recommendations for specific genres. But anyone on BookTok is also sure to come across the platform’s most popular books — the ones people have been talking about since the online community first emerged.
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15A Court Of Thorns & Roses By Sarah J. Maas (2015)
Why It’s Popular: A Compelling Romance, Gripping Fantasy Elements, Steamy Scenes
Anyone who’s frequented BookTok will likely have heard of Sarah J. Maas, andA Court of Thorns & Rosesis probably the author’s most popular fantasy series on the platform. Although the first installment came out in 2015, Maas is still writing newACOTARbooks. In fact,the sixthCourt of Thorns & Rosesbookis next on her agenda, and it will likely dominate BookTok conversations when it finally arrives. Anyone less familiar with the series will be encouraged to start at the beginning, though, and it’s well worth taking this book recommendation.
A Court of Thorns & Rosesfollows a young woman named Feyre as she’s taken by Fae to the world of Prythian. As punishment for killing one of the Fae, she’s forced to reside with the High Lord of the Spring Court. Despite Feyre’s less-than-ideal circumstances, she begins to form a bond with him. This takes her on a dangerous journey into the world of the Fae, one that’s full of risk and romance. The latter is a huge part of the reasonACOTARis so popular, but its fantasy elements are also fun and gripping.
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2021
14Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarros (2023)
Why It’s Popular: Easy Writing To Fall Into, A High-Stakes Fantasy World, Steamy Romance
Fourth Wingis one of the biggest fantasy books making the rounds on TikTok, and it will likely keep finding its way onto recommendation lists as its sequels hit shelves. The first installment in Rebecca Yarros’Empyrean Series, Fourth Wingfollows Violet Sorrengail as she joins the Rider’s Quadrant at Basgiath War College. The goal is to become a dragon rider, but many first-years at Basgiath perish before they get the chance to bond with a dragon. Needless to say, Violet’s is a story of survival — butFourth Wing’s politics make the narrative more complex from there.
LikeA Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wingdelivers an impressive balance of fantasy storytelling and steamy romance.
LikeA Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wingdelivers an impressive balance of fantasy storytelling and steamy romance. This is why its reputation on BookTok is so positive, and it helps that the writing is incredibly easy to fall into. Yarros also builds a high-stakes world, keeping readers on their toes throughoutFourth Wingand its sequel,Iron Flame.It’s no wonder people are so eager to pick these books up. And with a third installment coming in 2025, it’s the perfect time to.
2023
2025
13It Ends With Us By Colleen Hoover (2016)
Why It’s Popular: Addresses Difficult Themes, Marketed As Romance, From A Well-Known Author
Colleen Hoover is incredibly well-known on BookTok, and readers will find many of her books recommended by creators on the platform. However,It Ends With Usis probably the biggest; it even has a movie starring Blake Lively coming out in August 2024.It Ends With Usis often marketed as a romance, as many of Hoover’s books fall into the category. But those taking this BookTok suggestion should be warned: while the book is about relationships and love, it tackles difficult subjects like abuse and trauma, making it a far cry from a traditional romance book.
That said,It Ends With Uscontinues to resonate with many readers frequenting BookTok. It’s often recommended as an entry-point to Hoover’s work, and there’s a reason it’s receiving a film adaptation later this year. Those who enjoy Hoover’s 2016 novel will also see titles likeVerity, November 9,and its sequel,It Starts With Us,making the rounds online.
2022
12The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo By Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017)
Why It’s Popular: Emotional Storytelling, Iconic Main Character, Surprising Developments
Taylor Jenkins Reid is another big-name author on BookTok, andThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is among her biggest releases. The 2017 novel follows the titular Hollywood icon as she recounts her life to a reporter. Evelyn decides to reveal secrets she’s kept for a long time, taking journalist Monique Grant — and readers — on a thrilling ride. Evelyn’s story proves emotional and surprising, and it’s part of the reason Reid is so popular within the book community.
Evelyn’s story proves emotional and surprising, and it’s part of the reason Reid is so popular within the book community.
Of course, other books, likeDaisy Jones and the SixandCarrie Soto Is Back,are keeping readers invested in the author. And a movie adaptation is planned forThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,which means it will remain a beloved BookTok recommendation for quite some time. Its timeless story has kept it popular since 2017, and it stands to get even more attention whenever the movie hits theaters.
11Powerless By Lauren Roberts (2023)
Why It’s Popular: Romantasy Genre, High-Stakes Story
Romantasy books always do wellon BookTok, andPowerlessby Lauren Roberts has quietly become a beloved release on the social media platform. Set in a world where there are Elites and Ordinaries,Powerlessfollows one of the latter. Paedyn may be Ordinary, but she manages to blend in among the Elites — at least until she saves one of her kingdom’s princes and finds herself in the Purging Trials. This competition is meant to show off the Elites' abilities, and Paedyn must be smart if she hopes to survive without any power.
Those looking for something to pick up afterACOTARorFourth Wingcould enjoy what this 2023 release has to offer, especially if the positive reviews are anything to go by.
It’s a perplexing situation, and it makes for a gripping story that will continue inRecklesson August 21, 2025. Roberts' story is planned as a trilogy, andthe fact that book one is dominating BookTok is a testament to how popular the series could become. Those looking for something to pick up afterACOTARorFourth Wingcould enjoy what this 2023 release has to offer, especially if the positive reviews are anything to go by.
2024
10Butcher & Blackbird By Brynne Weaver (2023)
Why It’s Popular: Dark Romance, Killing Rivalry, Unique Story
Another 2023 release that dominated BookTok is Brynne Weaver’sButcher & Blackbird.An unconventional dark romance,Butcher & Blackbirdfollows two killers as they form a friendship and rivalry with one another— and eventually take things to the next level. Rowan and Sloane are both killers who murder other killers.Butcher & Blackbirdsees them engaging in a competition with one another, leading to plenty of violent encounters. It also sees feelings forming between them, making for an intriguing and unique story.
Weaver’s novel will appeal to those who like their romances dark, and there’s a whole portion of BookTok that enjoys this subgenre. It’s no wonderButcher & Blackbirdis as popular as it is. And with two sequels, readers can remain in Weaver’s world for an extended time.
9The Housemaid By Freida McFadden (2022)
Why It’s Popular: Thrilling Twists, A Gripping Story, Great Entry-Point For Thrillers
Freida McFadden is a beloved author in the thriller spaces of BookTok, andThe Housemaidis arguably her most popular novel. McFadden’s 2022 release follows a housemaid named Millie as she navigates her new job. Millie starts working for a wealthy family, but it doesn’t take long to notice that something is awry. While Andrew Winchester seems perfectly nice, his wife is prone to fits of rage. She also goes out of her way to make Millie’s job more difficult, which makes sense once Millie realizes what’s going on.
The Housemaidis known for its impressive twists, which have made it a sensation on BookTok.
The Housemaidis known for its impressive twists, which have made it a sensation on BookTok. It also has two sequels —The Housemaid’s SecretandThe Housemaid Is Watching— so readers can continue enjoying the thrills of McFadden’s fictional world. This series is never dull, and it makes for a fast-paced read.It’s a great way to start reading thriller novelsfor those less familiar with the genre.
8Red, White & Royal Blue By Casey McQuiston (2019)
Why It’s Popular: Sweet Central Relationship, Unique Premise, Plenty Of Humor
Red, White & Royal Blueis a fun and lighthearted romance book, asCasey McQuiston knows how to write lovable characters and witty interactions. These are just a couple of things that make this 2019 novel great, and its reputation remains positive on BookTok.Red, White & Royal Bluecontinues to be recommended on the platform, and it even has a movie adaptation. On the bright side, it’s one of thoseBookTok books that absolutely deserves the hype. It’s perfect for readers looking for escapism and a compelling central relationship.
Red, White & Royal Bluefollows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. president, and Britain’s Prince Henry as they go from reluctant acquaintances to much, much more. Their romance is made complicated by their stations, forcing the duo to keep things a secret. But eventually, they’ll have to decide whether their love is worth risking it all for. Alex and Henry’s romance makes this TikTok favorite great, as does the humor scattered throughout their story.Red, White & Royal Blueis a must-read; there’s a reason it’s so popular online.
7Twisted Love By Ana Huang (2021)
Why It’s Popular: Explicit Scenes, Complicated Characters, Popular Romance Tropes
Not all of BookTok’s preferred romances are lighthearted and sweet.Ana Huang’sTwisted Loveproves that suspenseful love stories with complicated characters are just as popular, as the 2021 novel is highly praised on the social media platform.Twisted Lovefollows Alex and Ava, two characters with tragic histories, as they discover one another sexually and romantically. Their forbidden love gets dark at times, making this book ideal for readers who enjoy angst.
Twisted Loveis also popular because of its steamier scenes, as there’s plenty of explicit content within the pages of Huang’s book. Such stories do well on certain parts of BookTok, and the fact that Twisted Love is the first in a series makes it even more compelling. It also capitalizes on popular romance tropes, including opposites attract and sibling’s best friend.
6Book Lovers By Emily Henry (2022)
Why It’s Popular: Bookish Themes, Likable Characters, Compelling Romance
Emily Henry bookstend to do well on BookTok, butBook Loversis especially popular on the platform. Perhaps this isn’t a surprise; after all, it makes sense that a novel about reading would land well among an audience obsessed with books.Book Loversfollows a literary agent and an editor as they fall for one another — despite a somewhat rocky start to their relationship. It perfectly weaves bookish themes into their love story, so it’s an ideal choice for anyone who considers themselves a book lover, too.
It perfectly weaves bookish themes into their love story, so it’s an ideal choice for anyone who considers themselves a book lover, too.
Nora and Charlie’s love story is one of Henry’s best, and it serves as a rivals-to-lovers narrative. It perfectly embodies this trope, and its central couple will leave readers rooting for their relationship to begin. It’s a testament to Henry’s storytelling abilities thatBook Loversis among the most popular romancebookson TikTok. And those who enjoy this 2022 release can check out her other novels as well.
