Fantasy Meets Reality: Fiction and True Crime Books to Start Your 2025
As the New Year begins, there’s no better way to kickstart your reading journey than with stories that blend the magical and the real. Whether you’re seeking escape into fantastical worlds or gripping accounts of real-life mysteries, 2025’s top fiction and true crime books offer unforgettable experiences for every reader.
At I Was Today Years Old, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, entertain, and transform. Here’s our curated list of the most captivating fiction and true crime reads to start your 2025 on the right page.
Fantasy Picks to Spark Your Imagination
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Why It’s Great: Dive into a world of dragon riders, forbidden romance, and thrilling battles.
Perfect For: Fans of Game of Thrones or The Priory of the Orange Tree.
2. A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
Why It’s Great: A richly woven prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree, filled with epic quests and unforgettable characters.
Perfect For: Readers who love deep world-building and intricate plots.
3. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Why It’s Great: This cozy fantasy follows an orc who trades the battlefield for the joys of running a coffee shop.
Perfect For: Those looking for a heartwarming, low-stakes fantasy.
4. The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
Why It’s Great: The sequel to The Atlas Six takes readers deeper into a world of magic, rivalry, and ambition.
Perfect For: Fans of dark academia with a fantastical twist.
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Why It’s Great: A timeless classic that takes readers on an unforgettable adventure through Middle-earth.
Perfect For: Readers of all ages who want to revisit or discover a beloved tale.
True Crime Picks to Keep You Hooked
1. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Why It’s Great: Chronicles the haunting case of the Golden State Killer and the author’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Perfect For: True crime enthusiasts who love detailed investigations.
2. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Why It’s Great: A genre-defining masterpiece that reconstructs the brutal murder of a Kansas family in the 1950s.
Perfect For: Readers who appreciate literary true crime.
3. American Predator by Maureen Callahan
Why It’s Great: Unveils the chilling crimes of serial killer Israel Keyes and the FBI’s hunt to capture him.
Perfect For: Fans of psychological crime stories.
4. The Innocent Man by John Grisham
Why It’s Great: Examines a shocking case of wrongful conviction, shedding light on flaws in the justice system.
Perfect For: Readers drawn to real-life legal dramas.
5. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Why It’s Great: Explores the dramatic rise and fall of Theranos in a tale of corporate fraud and deception.
Perfect For: Fans of investigative journalism and high-stakes scandals.
Why Combine Fantasy and True Crime?
Escape and Explore: Fantasy offers a break from reality, while true crime delves deep into it.
Broadens Perspectives: Experience the imaginative and the factual in equal measure.
Keeps Things Fresh: Balancing genres ensures variety and keeps your reading list exciting.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re escaping into fantastical realms or uncovering real-life mysteries, these books promise to start your 2025 with excitement and inspiration. At I Was Today Years Old, we’re here to guide you toward stories that match your vibe and spark your curiosity.
Which book will you pick up first? Let us know in the comments below! 📚✨