It’s never too early to start planning which books you’ll be buying over the next year. Across fantasy, literary fiction, historical fiction, romance and more, here are The National’s picks for the novels you should look out for in 2025.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Release date: January 21
Listed as on the bestseller charts by August 2024 due to pre-order sales, the third instalment of the popular Empyrean series is one year’s most anticipated releases. Following the action in the first two novels Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, the romantasy story will continue to follow Violet Sorrengail.
She attended Basgiath War College, where she become a dragon rider and worked with her friends to fight evil magic-wielders. But things are different now. They aren’t students any more. There is a dangerous and very real war happening and Violet must protect the things she cherishes the most – her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Release date: February 4
Ali Hazelwood is known for her romance novels, such as the popular The Love Hypothesis and Not in Love. Her next release delves into love in the world of competitive sports. Scarlett Vandermeer is a dedicated junior at Stanford University trying to get into medical school and a student-athlete specialising in platform diving.
She has no time for relationships. Lukas Blomqvist the golden boy, a swim captain and world champion who thrives on discipline. They seem to have nothing in common until a well-guarded secret slips out and changes everything. So Scarlett and Lukas make an arrangement, a temporary fling. But when Olympics pressure builds up, their relationship takes a turn and Scarlett realises that staying away from Lukas is impossible changing what she knows about herself and her future.
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Release date: February 4
This novel is based on a true story from the 16th century. Marguerite is a young woman destined for a life of prosperity as the heir to a chateau with its own village and land. But everything changes when she is orphaned and her guardian, Jean Francois de la Rocque de Roberval – a volatile older man she has never met – takes control of her assets and future.
Alone and afraid, Marguerite begins a relationship with De Roberval’s servant. The two start meeting secretly when they are discovered by De Roberval who, as punishment, maroons them on a small island. Marguerite is now at the mercy of nature and must learn to survive in the wilderness on her own.
The Talent by Daniel D'Addario
Release date: February 25
Hollywood is preparing for the biggest night of the year and five actresses hope to win the prize of the night. Adria is the grand dame of the movie industry; Bitty is attempting to control a nervous breakdown; Contessa, a former child star wants the world to take her seriously; Davina wants to make a name for herself in Los Angeles after leaving the London stage; and Jenny, who has always come second to Adria.
This debut novel from Variety chief correspondent Daniel D'Addario is set to be a delicious look into the build up towards the awards season and how the women who are in the business of being perceived and revered are forced to confront truths about themselves.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Release date: March 4
Nigerian writer and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has several literary accolades under her belt, including the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award. A prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction, this year she is set to release her first novel since Americanah in 2013.
The novel follows the lives of four Nigerian women – Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor and Kadiatou – and explores themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. Chiamaka is a Nigerian travel writer who, in the midst of the pandemic, recalls her past lovers and grapples with her choices. Zikora, her best friend, is a successful lawyer in the midst of heartbreak turns to the last person she thought she needed. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s cousin, is a financial powerhouse in Nigeria who is now unsure how well she knows herself. And Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s housekeeper, is raising her daughter in America is facing a hardship that will threaten all she has worked to achieve.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Release date: March 4
From the renowned Arab-American novelist Laila Lalami comes a novel set in a dystopian future where even our dreams are being watched.
Sara has just landed at LAX when agents from the Risk Assessment Administration (RAA) inform her that she will soon commit a crime. Using data from her dreams, the RAA’s algorithm has determined that she is at risk of harming her husband and she must be kept under observation for 21 days. The agents transfer Sara to a retention centre, where she is held with other inmates, all of them women trying to prove their innocence from crimes they are yet to supposedly commit. Then a new resident arrives, leading Sara down a path that sees her face the companies that are taking away her freedom.
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman
Release date: March 11
Exploring motherhood, parenting challenges and the pressures of fitting in, Harman’s darkly comedic novel follows the story of Florence Grimes, a 31-year-old single mother and former pop star.
Florence is attempting to clear her 10-year-old son Dylan's name when he becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his classmate, Alfie Risby a bully and heir to a frozen food empire, during a school trip. Despite her lack of any investigative skills and her disdain of the other mothers from Dylan’s private school, Florence decides to investigate the case herself and prove her son's innocence.
Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian
Release date: March 11
Part feminist satire, part thriller, this novels touches on themes of fertility and reproduction as a marker for identity.
Sanjana Satyananda is a 39-year-old woman trying to recover her life after leaving her husband, Killian, at a commune in India when they disagree about having children. She is determined to resurrect her career and get her divorce finalised, but then gets the news that Killian has gone missing. As Sanjana tries to track him down, she is faced with the choices she didn’t take in life and begins to wonder what her life might have been if she’d chosen parenthood.
The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li
Release date: May 6
This story is told in dual timelines and spans three generations. It begins with the death of actress Vivian Yin, who rose to fame in the 1980s and then disappeared from the spotlight at the height of her career, living out the rest of her life as a recluse.
Now that she has died, her daughters expect to inherit her Southern California garden estate but, in a last-minute change to the will, the house has passed on to another family instead. In hopes of staking their claim, both families move into the mansion and now Vivian’s daughters must find out what happened to their mother during the last weeks of her life.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Release date: May 13
Set in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, this is a story of an unlikely friendship. Hai is a 19-year-old who is contemplating suicide on a bridge during a rainy evening when he is stopped by Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia.
This life-changing encounter pushes Hai to become her caretaker. Over the course of the following a year, they develop a profound bond that transforms both their lives. Hai starts to change his relationship with his family, his community and himself.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Release date: June 3
Taylor Jenkins Reid has made a name for herself with a run of best-selling novels, including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six. This year she's taken her writing back to the setting of the 1980s Space Shuttle programme, with a love story set within it's high-pressure confines.
Physics and astronomy professor Joan Goodwin has long been fascinated by stars, which prompts her to apply to be one of the first women scientists to join Nasa’s Space Shuttle programme. She is selected, and joins a crop of fellow candidates on the programme, where they strike up life-changing relationships as they prepare to take on their first flight.
Katabasis by RF Kuang
Release date: August 26
After her hugely popular The Poppy War fantasy trilogy and the bestselling thriller Yellowface, RF Kuang is releasing a dark academia fantasy novel.
Alice Law is a determined student who has sacrificed almost everything to achieve her dream: to be one of the brightest minds in the field of Magick and to work with Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge, the greatest magician in the world.
But then her plans come to a halt when he dies in a magical accident that is possibly her fault. The professor may be dead, but that’s not going to stop Alice from getting her recommendation and secure the future of their academic careers. And that’s exactly the same conclusion her academic rival Peter Murdoch has come to. Now they have to work together to rescue the soul of their adviser.
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TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Directed by: Michael Fimognari
Starring: Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Two stars
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Blue%20Beetle
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
Mental%20health%20support%20in%20the%20UAE
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Read more about the coronavirus
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The full list of 2020 Brit Award nominees (winners in bold):
British group
Coldplay
Foals
Bring me the Horizon
D-Block Europe
Bastille
British Female
Mabel
Freya Ridings
FKA Twigs
Charli xcx
Mahalia
British male
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy
Best new artist
Aitch
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Sam Fender
Best song
Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care
Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up
Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant
Dave - Location
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
International female
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
International male
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Tyler, The Creator
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
Best album
Stormzy - Heavy is the Head
Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka
Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Dave - Psychodrama
Harry Styles - Fine Line
Rising star
Celeste
Joy Crookes
beabadoobee
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Brief scores:
Toss: Kerala Knights, opted to fielf
Pakhtoons 109-5 (10 ov)
Fletcher 32; Lamichhane 3-17
Kerala Knights 110-2 (7.5 ov)
Morgan 46 not out, Stirling 40
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Studying addiction
This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.
Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.
The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.
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The years Ramadan fell in May
The lowdown
Badla
Rating: 2.5/5
Produced by: Red Chillies, Azure Entertainment
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh, Tony Luke
THE SPECS – Honda CR-V Touring AWD
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 184hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 244Nm at 3,900rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
0-100kmh in 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 202kmh
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
Price: From Dh122,900
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Match info
Wolves 0
Arsenal 2 (Saka 43', Lacazette 85')
Man of the match: Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)
