Raemona Roundup // Top 5 Summer Reads

Whether you’re sunbathing by the pool or curled up indoors with the fan on, summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in a great book.

From new literary standouts to global favourites, these five reads promise unforgettable stories that will stick with you long after the final page.

1. The Sunrise and The Reaping by R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang returns with a powerful and poetic novel that blends the emotional intensity of literary fiction with the depth of political fantasy. The Sunrise and The Reaping centers on a former revolutionary whose legacy has been twisted into something he no longer recognizes. As he’s reluctantly pulled back into the spotlight, the story unfolds with razor-sharp insight into memory, violence, and the burden of heroism. It’s a searing, beautifully written book that demands to be discussed and devoured. And the film adaptation is set to release next year.

2. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

With Season 3 of the hit TV adaptation now out, Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty is back in the spotlight and for good reason. Set over a series of sun-drenched summers, the novel follows Belly Conklin as she navigates first love, heartbreak, and the complicated bonds between childhood friends. Full of nostalgia and raw emotion, the story perfectly captures that fleeting, transformative time between adolescence and adulthood, all set against the backdrop of beach bonfires and crashing waves. It's the perfect read for teens, young adults, or just those seeking to get a glimpse back into their younger years.

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A fantasy phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down, Fourth Wing is an addictive ride through a deadly war college where dragon riders are trained, and only the strongest survive. With high-stakes trials, simmering romance, and a sharp-tongued heroine who refuses to break, Rebecca Yarros creates a world that's both brutal and intoxicating. It’s the kind of story that hooks you early and doesn’t let go, making it an ideal summer binge for readers craving action, passion, and magic.

4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This modern classic continues to captivate readers across the world with its glamorous yet deeply human portrayal of fame, love, and reinvention. Framed as a tell-all interview, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo reveals the secret history of an aging Hollywood icon and the true love story behind her carefully curated public image. Reid weaves a narrative that’s rich with scandal and heartache but also filled with tenderness and truth, making this a perfect summer read that’s impossible to forget.

5. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

In a small, tucked-away café in Tokyo, visitors have the chance to travel back in time but only while their coffee remains warm. Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a gentle, moving story about the choices we make, the people we miss, and the moments we wish we could revisit. Kawaguchi’s understated storytelling packs a quiet emotional punch, making this a deeply reflective and comforting read, perfect for slow mornings or quiet evenings this summer.

Whether you’re in the mood for sweeping fantasy, nostalgic romance, or thought-provoking fiction, these five books offer something for every kind of reader. So grab your favourite drink, find a cozy spot, and let one of these stories carry you away.