InvestiGeek

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: January 21

Genres: Romantasy, Dragons, Magic

THE STORM IS COMING . . .

and so is my pre-order. With Fourth Wing being one of my all-time favorite series, it’s no surprise that I have already pre-ordered Onyx Storm. (Bonus: sprayed edges!)

Iron Flame left us hanging on a massive cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see what’s waiting in the next installment of the series.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde #3) by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: February 11

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery

This series has been popping up on every “most anticipated” list I’ve seen, so it’s time I finally pick up a copy. Emily Wilde is a professor of faeries (a refreshing change from the usual FMC bandit).

Plus, the description hints at some enemies-to-lovers vibes with a “dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival.” Fawcett really cut to the chase with that descriptor.

Scythe & Sparrow (The Ruinous Love Trilogy #3) by Brynne Weaver

Release Date: February 11

Genres: Romance, Dark, Thriller

Sometimes, I just need a dark and twisted romance. What else needs to be said.

Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Release Date: February 18

Genres: Romantasy, Witches

This duology caught my eye for its rebellious witch protagonist and enemies-to-lovers dynamic. If it channels the magic of Serpent & Dove while carving its own path, I’ll be thrilled.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid

Release Date: March 4

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Queer Romance

Marketed as “The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” I have no idea what to expect from this sapphic dystopian novel, but I am intrigued. Ava Reid’s previous work left a strong impression, so I’m ready to give this one a shot.

Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: March 18

Tags: Dystopia, Fantasy

As a Hunger Games lifelong-fan who analyzed the series for my thesis, this prequel is an automatic must-read. Bring on the grumpy, morally gray characters and cinematic-worthy moments!

Sakamoto Days – January 5

I am still buzzing from Dandadan as I write this list, so of course I am already anticipating the next action/humor duo anime. Also, I have a soft spot for the anime that doesn’t take itself seriously, but will also make me cry on occasion.

My Happy Marriage, Season 2 – January 6

I always am in need of a solid romance anime and the next season of My Happy Marriage is sure to melt the winter chill.

Honey Lemon Soda – January 9

I am not entirely sure what to expect with Honey Lemon Soda, but I figured its constant mention in media and its fast track to anime adaption is a promosing start. For the sake of shock factor, I am avoiding the trailer…

Apothecary Diaries, Season 2 – January 10

Yes, yes, yes! I sat on several articles about this show simply because I feel like I couldn’t do it justice. Hopefully with the release of Season 2, I will have enough content to bring you many articles about this deeply treasured romance anime!

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, Season 2 – January 12, 2025

After Season 1 of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, I picked up the manga and it did not disappoint. I look forward to this adaption as one of the upcoming arcs transformed this show from a cute school exploration into a deeply compelling narrative.

Video Games for Winter 2025

Aloft – January 15

Tags: Survival, Crafting, Adventure

Soar the skies in Aloft, the co-op sandbox survival game set in a world of floating islands. Build any island into a skyship, your home in the clouds. Find lost knowledge, cure the fungal corruption, and brave the hurricane to restore the ecosystem.

I can’t help but smile every time I think of Aloft. It’s been sitting on my wishlist for so long that I’ve developed a nostalgic anticipation for its release.

The Stone of Madness – January 28

Tags: Strategy, Real Time Tactics, Stealth

The Stone of Madness is a real-time tactical stealth game set in an 18th-century Spanish Monastery. Five prisoners pool their skills and resources to face their phobias, stave off insanity, uncover the mysteries of the Monastery, and find a way to escape.

While I was unable to complete Blasphemous (I am still new to souls-like), hopefully a strategy game by the same developers will be a bit more within my realm.

Each character’s unique backstory and skill set promises an interesting story-driven experience that I’m eager to unravel.

Avowed – February 18

Tags: RPG, Fantasy, LGBTQ+

Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment.

Every year, I anticipate a lore-rich and player-dirven exploration RPG, and that is precisely what Avowed promises. While Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a high bar, I’m optimistic that Avowed will carve out its own niche with its engaging combat and diverse cast of romance options.

The Alters – Q1 2025

Tags: Survival, Action-Adventure, Strategy, Management

Explore an emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. Play as Jan Dolski, a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly.

I’ve been hesistant with exploration games recently, but The Alters trailer immediately drew me in. With the general premise of base-management and the promise of adventure, I think dozens of hours will easily be sunk into this game.

Resources

1. Goodreads. 2025 Releases Books. https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/2025-releases
2. MyAnimeList. Winter 2025. https://myanimelist.net/anime/season/2025/winter
3. Steam. Upcoming Releases. https://store.steampowered.com/explore/upcoming/