Best BookTok books to get out of your reading slump in 2025
Gen Zers are turning to this once considered ‘old-fashioned’ hobby in droves.
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When it comes to the world of reading, a lot has changed since the days of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Even since Harry Potter in the 90s. Thanks to TikTok, or more specifically BookTok, the reading landscape has shifted dramatically.
No longer are critics confined to newspapers and serious literary magazines, but Gen Zers are turning to their peers online for the latest reads.
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The trend first began during Covid in 2020 and by November 2023, the BBC reported the #BookTok had been viewed over 200 billion times and with over 60 billion videos.
Like other trends often associated with Gen Z, BookTok is frequently looked down upon thanks in part to the smutty or ‘porn’ romantic fantasies that have gained traction on the platform. But there’s no denying it’s genuinely made a substantial impact on reading and publishers.
By the end of 2020, around one year into Booktok, Bloomsbury saw a 220 per cent rise in profits and by 2021, book sales in the US rose by 9 per cent. This was more than any other year since BookScan started recording data in 2004.
It’s clear that this is not a silly little trend to be ignored.
To find out more, we spoke with two of Australia’s biggest BookTokers, Jayden Kouli (@jaydenkouli) and Freya Valerio (@freyavalerio). The two have a combined following of over 456,000 and have received over 18 million likes.
BEST BOOKTOK BOOKS
Here, Freya shares her top ten BookTok books and why.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, $17.70 at Amazon Australia
Genre: YA fantasy
Following six outcasts trying to pull off an impossible heist, Six of Crows immerses you in a dark, magical world with morally grey characters that stick with you long after finishing the book.
Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh, $18.75 (for the first book in the series) at Amazon Australia
Genre: Romance
The Boys of Tommen series is an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible, introducing you to characters that will break your heart and slowly put it back together.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, $12.99 (down from $19.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: YA fantasy romance
Once Upon a Broken Heart is the most whimsical fantasy series I have ever read. Evangeline makes a deal with Jacks, a villain who should never be trusted, to stop her true love from marrying someone else. This sparks a magical adventure set in a dreamlike world.
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings, $12 (down from $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: Romance
Set in London and following the iconic socialite Magnolia, this series is full of drama. Warning; you will get emotionally attached to these characters and may need tissues while reading.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, $14.69 (for the first book in the series) at Amazon Australia
Genre: High Fantasy
Mistborn is a high fantasy trilogy set in Brandon Sanderson’s Comsere universe. This series is full of political intrigue, suspense and betrayal, immersing you in a truly unique and magical world that never has a dull moment.
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen, $17.24 at Amazon Australia
Genre: Fantasy romance
The Games Gods Play incorporates Greek mythology into a high-stakes fantasy romance full of tension, action and a slow-burn romance. With Hades as our morally grey love interest, it is truly impossible to put down.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, $12 (down $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: Historical fiction/romance
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the story of Evelyn, an Old Hollywood star, who finally reveals the scandalous but heart-wrenching truth of her time in the spotlight.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, $12 (down from $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: YA fantasy romance
One Dark Window is a gothic fantasy romance following Elspeth, who is desperately trying to unleash the monster within her to save the kingdom. This duology will immerse you in a unique, magical world and you will be hooked within the first chapter.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, $17.70 (down from $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: Fantasy
The Darker Shade of Magic trilogy follows Kell, a rare magician who can travel between the multiple realities of London. This series is full of action and suspense with a subplot of romance that cannot be ignored.
Beach Read by Emily Henry, $14 (down from $22.99) at Amazon Australia
Genre: Romance
The perfect summer romance following January, a hopeless romantic and Gus, a serious writer who refuses to believe in true love. These characters have stuck with me ever since I read Beach Read; they are real and flawed, but completely loveable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Jayden Kouli explains how he got into BookTok and tells us about his favourites too.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BOOKTOK?
“One misconception I see is that reading romance or fantasy isn’t “real” reading. In reality, these genres are filled with rich storytelling, political themes, complex characters, and deeply emotional narratives. Romance and fantasy books bring so much joy to readers, and have built incredible communities on BookTok. The way these books inspire people, spark discussions, and create connections is what makes reading so special.”
WHAT MADE YOU FIRST GET INTO READING?
“I started reading at the beginning of 2021 because I wanted to join a book club and challenge myself to read 52 books in a year. What I didn’t expect was how life-changing that decision would be. I discovered an entire community of passionate readers on TikTok, met some of my now closest friends and hit the reading goal!”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK THAT YOU’VE DISCOVERED THROUGH BOOKTOK?
“It might be cliche, but I have to say A Court of Thorns and Roses. It was my first foray into the genre, and it opened a new world of reading. More than that, it introduced me to my book club community – a special shoutout to my Inner Circle girlies!”
WHAT IS YOUR PICK FOR THE NEXT BIG BOOKTOK BOOK?
“One of the best things about BookTok is that no one can predict the next big hit. It only takes one out of context quote or a single passionate reader to start a movement. Right now, I’m reading The Woven Kingdom series by Tahereh Mafi all because of this. As a Shatter Me fan, this series has been *chef’s kiss* perfection.”
WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED BOOKTOK BOOK?
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“There are so many amazing books that deserve more love! I tend to enjoy the popular ones, but I also love championing hidden gems. One book I think deserves more attention is a recent read of mine, Swimming in the Dark written by Tomasz JÄ™drowski. It’s a queer love story set in the 1980s between Ludwik and Janusz who find themselves navigating life through the complex political world around them.”
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