Stories in Flux: Emerging Genres Shaping Today’s Readers

As we step into the final quarter of the year, a few clear currents in publishing are

impossible to ignore. New genres have claimed the spotlight in 2025, gathering

momentum with each passing month. For readers in search of fresh escapes or

writers shaping their own stories, these trends offer both inspiration and direction.

Social media, especially TikTok’s BookTok community, has undeniably amplified

certain genres. Yet, the shifts go deeper than algorithmic virality. In a world broiling

with conflicts on every front, the human instinct to seek refuge has undoubtedly

intensified, dictating not only what they want but also where they turn for solace.

Readers are drawn toward narratives that offer shelter- be it emotional, imaginative,

moral, or spiritual; from the weight of survival in such uncertain times. At the same

time, publishing’s embrace of social relevance and diversification has opened space

for voices from different traditions and identities, reshaping the very landscape of

storytelling.

Romantasy

Romantasy, the fusion of romance and fantasy, has swiftly matured into a well-

established genre, drawing in waves of readers and writers alike. Unlike pure fantasy

or traditional romance, romantasy places romance at its core while weaving

fantastical elements around it, creating an entirely new dimension for storytelling.

The numbers reflect its explosive rise. In 2024, romantasy sales reached an

estimated $610 million, up from $454 million the year before. Within that surge, the

genre helped lift the overall market share for science fiction and fantasy by 41.3% in

2024- a remarkable leap that underscores its influence across the industry.

Climate science fiction

Science fiction has been steadily branching into more niche terrains. Sub-genres like

cli-fi (climate fiction) and solarpunk are gaining traction, moving away from the

once-dominant dystopian narratives. In the midst of a growing climate crisis, readers’

anxieties over unchecked technological advancement have found expression in

these new modes of storytelling. Where cyberpunk dwells on decay and collapse in

a hyper-technological world, solarpunk envisions the opposite: an optimistic future where technology and nature exist in harmony. It paints a world free of pollution, powered by clean energy from wind and sun, and infused with the promise of peace largely absent in today’s capitalist structures. With the establishment of the Climate Fiction Prize in 2025, the recognition and legitimacy of climate fiction have never been greater.

Graphic novels and manga

The growing appeal of manga, comics, and graphic novels is hardly new, yet their

momentum shows no signs of slowing. These versatile forms of storytelling continue

to captivate readers across generations. Among them, manga has been the driving

force, drawing in vast audiences worldwide. With its blend of striking visuals and

compelling narratives, manga feels both accessible and less intimidating to new

readers, while offering depth that resonates with seasoned ones. Its hybrid form

where text and image work together makes it uniquely powerful in capturing the

imagination of young and old alike.

The market numbers reflect this dominance. In 2025, the global manga industry was

valued at USD 19.35 billion, and it is projected to nearly double, reaching USD 47.82

billion by 2030. This growth, however, is not simply about economics it highlights

how visual storytelling has become central to literary culture. With the rise of digital

platforms and the global circulation of Japanese and Korean titles alongside Western

comics, these works are no longer niche they are shaping mainstream reading

habits, expanding the very definition of literature.

Horror

Often reflective of the instability of present social conditions, horror allows readers to

process those anxieties within a controlled environment. There is safety in fear when

it is contained within a story; one can experience terror while knowing it is happening

elsewhere. The genre offers a wide canvas for experimentation from surreal

alienation to visceral body horror, each form probing the deepest layers of human

fear, anxiety, and desire. The destabilisation of the fictional landscape comes as a

relief and sense making in the chaos of today. It is our fascination with the unknown

that keeps us tethered to these tales, where horror alone grants a release both

haunting and profound.

This resurgence is especially visible in subgenres like psychological, supernatural,

and folk horror, where writers are using the form to probe grief, mental illness,

ecological collapse, and the fragility of social systems. In 2024, horror sales saw a

dramatic increase, rising by 79%, a sign of just how powerfully it resonates with contemporary readers. The broader fiction market is projected to reach $11.07 billion in 2025, and horror is fast becoming one of its most dynamic engines of growth; agenre that thrives precisely because it speaks to the fears and uncertainties of our age.

These trends are more than just passing fads. They reflect what the readers crave

as a reflection of the time they dwell in. More than just numbers, these genres are

potent clues that trace the evolution and development of humanity and culture-

reminding us that storytelling will always remain our truest mirrors.