Booktopia's Top April Reads: From Netflix Hits to Political Thrillers
There's something undeniably exciting about a few days off paired with a brand-new book. Enter Booktopia, the online marketplace that serves as a home to thousands of bestsellers, hidden gems, and timeless classics across fiction and non-fiction. With such an extensive selection, finding the perfect read can be daunting, but we're here to help you choose.
Right now, Booktopia is offering a 10 per cent discount on gift cards throughout the Easter weekend, making it an ideal time to invest in your next literary adventure. Below, we reveal five of the best books to add to your reading list this April, each promising to captivate and entertain.
1. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – Currently $16.99
First on the list is Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures, a soon-to-be Netflix adaptation that has already garnered critical acclaim. A New York Times bestseller with over 60,000 five-star reviews, this novel tells the poignant story of Tova Sullivan, who takes a night cleaning job at the Sowell Bay Aquarium after her husband's death. Still grappling with the mysterious disappearance of her son Erik thirty years ago, Tova finds solace in her work.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she forms a unique friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus at the aquarium. Marcellus, who observes everything but rarely intervenes, deduces the truth behind Erik's vanishing. As their bond deepens, he must use all his cunning to uncover the secrets before it's too late. Readers describe this book as "so touching and original" and claim you "won't be able to put it down."
2. The Second Wife by Ali Lowe – Currently $19.99
Next up is Ali Lowe's unputdownable thriller, The Second Wife, which follows the seemingly perfect Fairchild family. As billionaires, they appear to have it all, but beneath the surface, tensions simmer. When patriarch Irving plans to reveal his succession plans during a luxury cruise on the Titan Pacifica, the family's facade begins to crumble.
Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, this novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. As six family members embark on what should be the journey of a lifetime, not all will return to dry land. With its gripping plot and sharp characterizations, The Second Wife is the perfect holiday read, guaranteed to keep you hooked until the very last page.
3. What Can We Know by Ian McEwan – Currently $24.99
A new release from Ian McEwan is always a literary event, and What Can We Know is no exception. The story centers on Tom Metcalfe, an academic at the University of the South Downs, who becomes engrossed in archives from a distant era, fascinated by the freedoms of human life at its peak.
When Tom uncovers a clue leading to a lost poem, he unravels a tale of entangled loves and a crime that shatters his understanding of those closest to him. Described as a masterpiece and a fictional tour de force, this novel reclaims the present from looming catastrophe and imagines a future where hope persists. McEwan's prose is as compelling as ever, making this a must-read for fans of thoughtful, immersive fiction.
4. A Court of Silver Flames (Book 5) by Sarah J. Maas – Currently $21.75
With the sixth installment of the beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses series set for release later this year, now is the perfect time to dive into A Court of Silver Flames. A BookTok sensation, Sarah J. Maas continues her richly imagined fantasy world with the story of Nesta Archeron, Feyre's fiery sister.
Nesta, made High Fae against her will, struggles to find her place in the Night Court while battling inner demons. Her dynamic with Cassian, a battle-scarred warrior, ignites both temper and passion. As they train together, sparks fly, and with war looming, they must confront monsters from within and without. This installment blends romance, action, and emotional depth, making it an essential read for fantasy enthusiasts.
5. One Of Us by Elizabeth Day – Currently $26.75
Rounding out the list is Elizabeth Day's latest novel, One Of Us, a gripping exploration of friendship, power, and secrets. The story follows Martin, who reconnects with his former best friend Ben after seven years of silence, invited back into the Fitzmaurice family's inner circle.
Ben, now a rising political star tipped to be the next Prime Minister, seems to have it all, but cracks begin to show. From his wife Serena's gilded cage to their daughter Cosima's activism and the mysterious death of family black sheep Fliss, the Fitzmaurices are unravelling. Day weaves a compelling narrative of a family and nation under pressure, culminating in a reckoning that questions the true meaning of love and loyalty.
Whether you're in the mood for a heartwarming tale, a thrilling mystery, or a thought-provoking drama, these five books offer something for every reader. Happy reading!
