10 Most Popular Books On BookTok

Summary

• BookTok offers a variety of book genres, from fantasy to romance, with recommendations tailored to individual preferences.
• Popular titles like
  A Court of Thorns & Roses
  and
  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
  dominate BookTok conversations and recommendations.
• Romantasy books like
  Powerless
  and dark romance novels like
  Butcher & Blackbird
  have also found popularity on the platform.

BookTok has become a great place to find books to 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 the best 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.

10 A 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, and A Court of Thorns & Roses is probably the author’s most popular fantasy series on the platform. Although the first installment came out in 2015, Maas is still writing new ACOTAR books. In fact, the sixth Court of Thorns & Roses book is 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 & Roses follows 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 reason ACOTAR is so popular, but its fantasy elements are also fun and gripping.

9 Fourth Wing By Rebecca Yarros (2023)

Why It’s Popular: Easy Writing To Fall Into, A High-Stakes Fantasy World, Steamy Romance

Fourth Wing is 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 Wing follows 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 — but Fourth Wing‘s politics make the narrative more complex from there.

Like
A Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wing
delivers an impressive balance of fantasy storytelling and steamy romance.

Like A Court of Thorns & Roses, Fourth Wing delivers 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 throughout Fourth Wing and 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.

8 It 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 Us is probably the biggest; it even has a movie starring Blake Lively coming out in August 2024. It Ends With Us is 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 Us continues 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 like Verity, November 9, and its sequel, It Starts With Us, making the rounds online.

7 The 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, and The 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, like Daisy Jones and the Six and Carrie Soto Is Back, are keeping readers invested in the author. And a movie adaptation is planned for The 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.

6 Powerless By Lauren Roberts (2023)

Why It’s Popular: Romantasy Genre, High-Stakes Story

Romantasy books always do well on BookTok, and Powerless by Lauren Roberts has quietly become a beloved release on the social media platform. Set in a world where there are Elites and Ordinaries, Powerless follows 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 after
ACOTAR
or
Fourth Wing
could 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 in Reckless on July 4, 2024. Roberts’ story is planned as a trilogy, and the fact that book one is dominating BookTok is a testament to how popular the series could become. Those looking for something to pick up after ACOTAR or Fourth Wing could enjoy what this 2023 release has to offer, especially if the positive reviews are anything to go by.

5 Butcher & Blackbird By Brynne Weaver (2023)

Why It’s Popular: Dark Romance, Killing Rivalry, Unique Story

Another 2023 release that dominated BookTok is Brynne Weaver’s Butcher & Blackbird. An unconventional dark romance, Butcher & Blackbird follows 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 & Blackbird sees 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 wonder Butcher & Blackbird is as popular as it is. And with two sequels, readers can remain in Weaver’s world for an extended time.

4 The 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, and The Housemaid is 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 Housemaid
is known for its impressive twists, which have made it a sensation on BookTok.

The Housemaid is known for its impressive twists, which have made it a sensation on BookTok. It also has two sequels — The Housemaid’s Secret and The 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 novels for those less familiar with the genre.

3 Red, White & Royal Blue By Casey McQuiston (2019)

Why It’s Popular: Sweet Central Relationship, Unique Premise, Plenty Of Humor

Red, White & Royal Blue is a fun and lighthearted romance book, as Casey 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 Blue continues to be recommended on the platform, and it even has a movie adaptation. On the bright side, it’s one of those BookTok books that absolutely deserves the hype. It’s perfect for readers looking for escapism and a compelling central relationship.

Red, White & Royal Blue follows 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 Blue is a must-read; there’s a reason it’s so popular online.

2 Twisted 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’s Twisted Love proves that suspenseful love stories with complicated characters are just as popular, as the 2021 novel is highly praised on the social media platform. Twisted Love follows 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 Love is 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.

1 Book Lovers By Emily Henry (2022)

Why It’s Popular: Bookish Themes, Likable Characters, Compelling Romance

Emily Henry books tend to do well on BookTok, but Book Lovers is 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 Lovers follows 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 that Book Lovers is among the most popular romance books on TikTok. And those who enjoy this 2022 release can check out her other novels as well.