There’s something irresistibly enticing about a debut. Readers can’t help wondering whether they might find their new favorite author. Did the author get lucky and break through early, or has it taken years of disappointment and perseverance? It can be a long road to traditional publication, and the author’s work doesn’t end on launch day.  If you’re a new author trying to establish yourself, the hurdles—logistical and sometimes political—are particularly intimidating. Let’s celebrate these noteworthy, thought-provoking 2025 debuts and wish their authors much success to come.

Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia (Disney-Hyperion, Jan. 7): Cavalancia, an orthodontist who has branched out into writing fiction, debuts with this suspenseful mystery with a magical twist. A reclusive Hamptons billionaire leaves his fortune—and his magic—to whomever emerges victorious from a dayslong, clue-filled game by solving his foretold murder. Cash-strapped Mullory isn’t the only contestant who’s desperate to win.

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson (Harper/HarperCollins, Jan. 7): In this imaginative alternate-history fantasy set in interwar England, literary translator Williamson, whose grandmother spoke Welsh and English, explores multilingualism and political oppression. Aspiring Draconic Translator Vivien Featherswallow recognizes that in “the gap between languages” lies “a secret invisible to those who only have one language with which to navigate the world.”

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn (Wednesday Books, Jan. 28): British actor, screenwriter, and comedian Trevaldwyn turns his hand to novels with this cheeky, uproarious account of Patrick, who’s in search of his first boyfriend: “Boyfriend Checklist: Very, very hot (will make sure to tell people this doesn’t matter, though).” When two new boys join the school drama club, the scene is set for love and intrigue.

You Belong Here by Sara Phoebe Miller, illustrated by Morgan Beem (First Second, March 4): Miller, a comic-book editor, debuts with a heartfelt coming-of-age story illustrated in soothing, contemplative shades of blue by Beem. Long Island senior Essie’s inner tumult leads her to question both what she wants and what her family expects even as she grapples with her brother’s addiction, a breakup, and an important audition that she bombs.

All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis (Atheneum, April 15): University English instructor Davis brings her personal experience of neurodiversity to this nuanced story about the complexities of navigating a largely white Florida community as a Black boy. Aiden, who’s autistic, is excited to play on the football team with his older brother, Brandon, but a moment of tragedy disrupts the siblings’ dreams.

This Moth Saw Brightness by A.A. Vacharat (Dutton, May 27): This original, offbeat novel by Vacharat, an illustrator and web developer, introduces ‘Wayne “D” Le, a high school senior whose mother, who has OCD, left him and his dad. D joins a nutrition study at Johns Hopkins University, hoping to impress his distant father, but he discovers something fishy is going on.

Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.