- - Romantasy Fatigue, Even More Special Editions and AI: Bookish Trends For 2026

Desiree AnelloDecember 24, 2025 at 3:59 AM

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The 2026 State of Reading Report shared a few predictions for what readers might embrace in 2026

Along with a cooling of the viral romantasy genre, publishers are expected to continue experimenting with digital forms of storytelling, including AI and audio summaries

Companies like Vrbo have also leaned into the idea of book-centered vacation rentals, also known as “readaways”

The future of books is here — are you ready?

In the second-annual Everand State of Reading Report, which surveyed readers' habits by analyzing data collected by the ebook and audiobook site Everand as well as users' activity on the literary social media app Fable — shared a handful of predictions for what bookworms might shun or embrace in 2026.

While the past few years have seen a stratospheric rise in romantasy series, largely popularized by Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thrones and Roses and Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and The Empyrean Series, the new year may see the obsession begin to cool a bit. According to the report, reader interests have already begun to stray away from the crowded landscape that is the romantasy genre.

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'A Court of Thorns and Roses' box set

The industry has also seen publishers experiment with new forms of digital storytelling, including using AI to create audio summaries. And as book clubs continue their resurgence in popularity, companies like Vrbo have taken the idea to another level with “readaways,” or book-centered vacation rentals.

“Book enthusiast groups are heading to serene destinations such as coastal homes, chalets and countryside retreats to unplug, unwind and connect over stories — making vacation rentals the perfect setting”, the company wrote on their website. “Mentions of reading-related terms in Vrbo guest reviews has surged 285% year-over-year, and searches for ‘book retreats’ and ‘book club retreat ideas’ are up 100% and 275%, respectively, on Pinterest.”

And good news for those who design their bookshelves to show off their exquisite taste: the explosion of special collectors’ editions isn't expected to slow down any time soon. Rather, employees at Everand and Fable have deemed them the “next status symbol in reading.”

Meanwhile, “best books” lists and rankings are starting to hold less weight with readers than they once did, the report shows. After all, most readers have come to rely on their peers and smaller community spaces for the most honest opinions and reviews.

Whatever 2026 holds for the literary community, one thing is for certain: Reading is hot, and it's only getting hotter.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”