What's Trending On Booktok

BookTok on TikTok has been buzzing with a mix of genres and themes lately, and it’s fascinating to see how trends evolve. One of the biggest trends right now is the resurgence of dark academia vibes, with books like 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt and 'If We Were Villains' by M.L. Rio dominating feeds. These books, with their moody aesthetics and intellectual undertones, are perfect for the fall season. Another trend I’ve noticed is the rise of cozy fantasy, with titles like 'Legends & Lattes' by Travis Baldree and 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune gaining massive popularity. These books offer a comforting escape, which seems to resonate deeply with readers.

Romance is, as always, a huge hit, but there’s a shift towards more diverse and inclusive stories. Books like 'Honey & Spice' by Bolu Babalola and 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood are getting a lot of attention for their fresh takes on love. Additionally, thrillers and mysteries are making a strong comeback, with 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides and 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn being frequently recommended. What’s interesting is how BookTok creators are pairing these books with aesthetic visuals, creating a whole experience around reading. It’s not just about the story but the vibe it brings, and that’s what makes BookTok so unique and engaging.

BookTok has been a treasure trove for discovering novels that resonate deeply with readers, and some titles have truly taken the platform by storm. 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover is a standout, with its raw emotional depth and exploration of complex relationships. Another favorite is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, which beautifully reimagines the epic tale of Achilles and Patroclus, blending mythology with heart-wrenching romance.

'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera is another BookTok sensation, offering a poignant story about love and mortality that leaves readers reflecting on life’s fleeting moments. For those who enjoy fantasy, 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas has become a must-read, with its lush world-building and captivating romance. Lastly, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid has captivated audiences with its glamorous yet deeply human story of love, ambition, and identity. These novels have not only trended but also sparked meaningful conversations among readers.

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the BookTok world, and one title keeps popping up everywhere: 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover. This book has taken over my feed with its emotional depth and raw storytelling. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about resilience, love, and difficult choices. The way Hoover writes about complex relationships feels so real and relatable. I’ve seen countless videos of people crying, laughing, and reflecting on their own lives after reading it. The characters, especially Lily and Ryle, are so well-developed that they feel like people you know. If you’re looking for a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it, this is the one. It’s no wonder it’s trending so hard right now.

Lately I've seen a massive surge in #DarkRomance and #MorallyGreyMafia again—seriously, every other video I scroll past is a girl clutching 'King of Wrath' or 'Does It Hurt?' like it's a lifeline. It feels like the 'after dark' niche just keeps exploding. #BookishBaddies is paired with it constantly, which is basically code for 'I love a heroine who's as messy and ruthless as the love interest.' I'm a bit tired of it, honestly. Makes finding anything outside that bubble harder.

Then there's #FairySmut, which blew up after that viral 'A Court This Cruel & Lovely' edit. People can't get enough of fae romance with that specific mix of high fantasy and, well, explicit spice. It's dominating the fantasy romance side of things.

A quieter but steady trend I appreciate is #QuietBooks. It's not about the hyped, high-drama plots but softer, character-focused stories like 'A Psalm for the Wild-Built' or 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.' My feed feels more balanced when I search that tag. Also, #BacklistBookTok is having a moment, probably as a pushback against only reading the latest releases. People are rediscovering older gems and giving them the fancy, trending-edit treatment.

Of course, #Romantasy is still the overarching giant, but the specific tags underneath it shift weekly. The one I'm most curious about is #MundaneFantasy, which is just starting to pop up—stories where the magic is low-key and the stakes are personal. Feels like a potential next wave.