Time travel has long been a favorite topic in science fiction, and for good reason. The idea of jumping through centuries, witnessing historic events, or peeking into the future stirs our imaginations like few other concepts. For sci-fi fans in 2025, the fascination with books about time travel is stronger than ever. This list highlights seven incredible reads that explore time travel in unique and thought-provoking ways, offering something for everyone—from gripping action to deeply emotional tales.
Time Loops, Slips, and Thrills: Seven Amazing Time Travel Novels
If you love time slip novels, interesting plots, and thrilling twists, these are the best time travel books you need to add to your 2025 reading list.
1. Leaf Runner by John C. Stroebel
Leaf Runner stands out as a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the list of books about time travel for sci-fi fans. The story follows Mercer Evans, Each morning he wakes from nightmares of his own death—visions so vivid they leave him feeling as if death is stalking him at every turn. The dreams feel so real that he cannot shake the sense of being followed by an invisible threat.
When Mercer uncovers a shocking connection to his family’s secret history, he’s thrust into the mysterious world of the Leaf Runners, a group of time travelers tasked with protecting key moments in history. Their mission is to fight against those who use time travel to twist the past for their own destructive purposes.
Leaf Runner stands out as one of the best books about time travel in 2025. Combining action, emotion, and a thought-provoking exploration of time’s fragility, this novel offers a journey readers won’t soon forget.
2. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
What if you could revisit the past to change the future? In This Time Tomorrow, Alice Stern wakes up on her 40th birthday and finds herself back in her childhood, armed with the knowledge of how her life turned out. While this may sound like a dream come true, Alice quickly realizes that altering the timeline is more complicated than she imagined.
This heartfelt story is one of the best books about time travel for readers who appreciate emotional depth alongside speculative twists. Straub captures the bittersweet nature of second chances, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the impact of revisiting life’s defining moments.
3. The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart
Set in a futuristic hotel that caters to time travelers, The Paradox Hotel is a thrilling mix of mystery and science fiction. The story follows January Cole, a headstrong detective investigating a murder at the hotel. But the catch? The suspects are from different timelines, and January herself is dealing with “time sickness,” which makes her perceive time in strange and unpredictable ways.
This gripping novel is a perfect example of science fiction time travel books that push the boundaries of the genre. Hart weaves together suspense, humor, and mind-bending time travel mechanics, creating an unforgettable reading experience for fans of books about time travelling with a twist of mystery.
4. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Set in a small Tokyo café, this charming yet profound novel explores time travel in the most intimate of ways. Patrons of the café can travel back in time, but there’s one rule—they must return before their coffee gets cold. Each chapter focuses on a different character, offering a heartfelt look at love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold has become a beloved choice among time slip books, resonating with readers worldwide for its simplicity and emotional impact. It’s not just a story about time travel; it’s a meditation on the moments that shape us and the relationships that define us.
5. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
In this imaginative tale, Tom Hazard looks like an ordinary 40-year-old, but he has a rare condition that allows him to age at an incredibly slow rate. Born in the 1500s, Tom has lived through centuries, meeting historical figures and witnessing the rise and fall of empires. However, his prolonged life comes with strict rules, including avoiding attachments to the people around him.
This book is one of the best time slip novels for readers who enjoy blending historical fiction with speculative science. Haig’s storytelling is deeply human, making How to Stop Time an emotional and thought-provoking addition to the list of books on time travel.
6. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Humorous, charming, and endlessly clever, To Say Nothing of the Dog is a classic in the time travel books genre. The story follows Ned Henry, a time traveler tasked with restoring an ancient cathedral by recovering lost artifacts. Along the way, he becomes entangled in a chaotic series of events across multiple timelines, leading to both hilarious and heartfelt moments.
Willis’s novel stands out among time slip books for its wit and the sheer joy of exploring different historical settings. It’s a lighthearted yet smart read, perfect for those who want a break from darker, more intense time travel stories.
7. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
While not strictly a time travel book, The Midnight Library offers a fascinating exploration of alternate timelines. The story centers on Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a magical library where each book represents a different version of her life. As she steps into these parallel lives, Nora begins to grapple with the choices she’s made and what truly makes life meaningful.
This book is a favorite for fans of time slip novels, blending speculative fiction with deeply personal themes. Its universal message about regret and second chances has made it one of the most talked-about books about time travelling in recent years.
Why Time Travel Captures Our Imagination
Time travel taps into our deepest curiosities. What if we could revisit our past? What if we could witness the future? These questions are at the heart of why books about time travel continue to captivate readers. They allow us to imagine scenarios that transcend the boundaries of reality, offering both escapism and a chance to reflect on our own lives.
In 2025, the demand for time travel books shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you’re drawn to the emotional weight of The Midnight Library or the high-stakes adventure of The Paradox Hotel, there’s a book on this list for every type of reader.
Final Thoughts
The seven books listed here represent some of the best books about time travel available today. From thrilling adventures to heartfelt explorations of human connections, they highlight the endless possibilities of this fascinating genre. If you’re a sci-fi fan looking to get lost in time, these books will keep you entertained, inspired, and maybe even make you think about time in a whole new way.
