Anyone else think 2025 just flew by? Just me?
A new reading year with Aardvark always feels like stepping into the unexpected, and that’s exactly why predicting their January 2026 picks is so much fun. Unlike more mainstream clubs, Aardvark thrives on bold choices and we normally see underrated gems, inventive genre mashups, sharp debuts, and books that take risks in voice and structure. With so many exciting releases on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly standout month for the Aardvark crowd.
I’m currently reading one of my predictions, and have ARCs of the rest. Based off the vibes of Aardvark these are the books I think would fit best for them but who knows! 2025 saw quite a few true horror stories, so 2026 might feature a completely genre more or continue to lean into that horror mix.
Be sure to come back and check out my reviews. I also have some confirmed spoilers, if you’d like to know the confirmed picks send me a DM on Instagram (@speakingof.books ), TikTok (@speakingof.books) or comment below.
Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not, all or most of these are on my January Most Anticipated New Releases list and my Winter 2025 Most Anticipated.
January 2026 MOST ANTICIPATED
WINTER 2026 MOST ANTICIPATED
When the picks are announced and you find you have space in your box still, make sure to also check reviews of all past Aardvark Books that I’ve read HERE or check out my list of all the 2023 picks I read HERE, because who couldn’t use even more books!
Keep in mind that these are simply predictions and books I hope get chosen. I could get these completely wrong but the anticipation and guessing is part of the fun right?!
January 2025 Predictions
I’m expecting a lineup that leans into their signature blend of bold premises, literary edge, and stories that push beyond traditional genre boundaries. At the top of my prediction list is Just Watch Me by Lion Torenberg, a sharp, unsettling novel that feels tailor-made for readers who love psychological tension with a literary punch. What Boys Learn by Andromeda Romano-Lax also seems like an excellent fit. I believe it’s a more introspective, socially aware, and deeply character-driven and could fit into their niche.
For something genre-bending, Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone could easily pop up as a standout romance-with-teeth selection, while Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy is likely to generate huge conversation with its emotionally charged and boundary-pushing narrative. Plus Jenette McCurdy I’m Glad My Mom Died was a huge success and I’d love to see her dive into Fiction. On the atmospheric end of the spectrum, The Stark House by Sara Ackerman delivers moody suspense and lush setting both elements Aardvark readers consistently respond to.
Rounding out the possibilities, The Bloody Brick Road by Maude Foyer brings dark fantasy flair with a twisty, imaginative edge; Kind of a wildcard but with all the OZ hype currently going on, we might see this Wizard of Oz retelling. The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Lotto Yambao offers unique speculative storytelling with strong book-club appeal; and The Society by Karen Winn promises secretive dynamics, layered tension, and the kind of morally messy characters that spark great discussions. Altogether, these titles feel like a strong reflection of Aardvark’s eclectic, adventurous spirit heading into 2026.
I hope you found a book that you are truly excited about in this post. Let me know which other new releases you are excited for this month or that you’re hoping are BOTM picks, by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof_books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!
Happy Reading!
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