From fang-tastic fantasy romps to spook-tacular supernatural adventures to fa-boo-lous folk horror, I’ve resurrected 33 must-reads for the season. Some will send shivers down your spine, others will fill you with Halloween joy, and all are irresistible.

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story written by Mariana Ríos Ramírez; illustrated by Sara Palacios

A tender, heartwarming picture book of Día de Muertos joy, family, love, dancing, and Mexican culture with beautiful illustrations, perfect for fans of Coco.

Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones

A gripping, mesmerizing YA graphic novel brimming with tarot-inspired magic, witches, found family, mystery, and love.

Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

A powerful, chilling Indigenous horror anthology with sharp explorations of colonialism, desire, hunger, expectations, family, and love.

Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis

A sweeping, cinematic YA paranormal romance with a satisfying love triangle, vivid characters, and a sweeping spin on werewolves and vampires.

Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond

A blood-soaked, captivating historical horror novel with a thought-provoking take on vampires and immortal emancipation, set in eighteenth-century America.

Brewed with Love by Shelly Page

An enchanting, comforting YA cozy fantasy brimming with exciting mystery, sapphic romance, and witchy magic.

Cape Fever by Nadia Davids

A lyrical, engrossing psychological thriller with vivid imagery, spirits, folktales, and a decaying gothic manor, set in the 1920s.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A sweeping, simultaneously heartwarming and heart-wrenching YA urban fantasy brimming with brujx, ghosts, mythology, queer love, and the magic of Día de los Muertos.

Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray

An enchanting, atmospheric YA fantasy inspired by the Gilded Age, featuring magic, a murder mystery, romance, and a dash of cozy allure.

It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller

An urgent, chilling novel brimming with Alaskan Native folklore, sharp prose, supernatural horror, and thought-provoking explorations of colonialism, womanhood, and sisterhood.

Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe 

A seductive, riveting novel of Norse folklore, electric sapphic romance, visceral horror, and a cathartic exploration of the dark side of academia.

Our Cut of Salt by Deena Helm 

A haunting, immersive horror novel following a Palestinian haunted house and the three generations of women tied to it, brimming with brilliant and tender explorations of colonialism, grief, reclamation, revenge, resilience, and family.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

An emotional, propulsive thriller that opens on Halloween night, filled with an irresistible murder mystery and tender love story.

Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig

An entrancing, thrilling reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera that explores ambition, love, desire, belonging, and the power of the performing arts.

Rooted by Leopoldo Goût 

A delightfully disturbing, energetic horror novel of love, family, colonization, history, art repatriation, and power, set in Mexico City.

She’s a Doll by Barbara Truelove 

A fierce, emotional horror novel threaded with hope and brimming with friendship, murder, revenge, female rage, grief, and love.

Strange Lights by Mira González 

A tender, propulsive paranormal novel with a cinematic road trip, a captivating cast of cryptids, queer found family, and the struggles of parenting a toddler chupacabra.

The Children by Melissa Albert

A raw, haunting novel woven with eerie tinges of horror, magic, and childhood nostalgia, perfect for readers who devour dark fairytales that feel like fever dreams.

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman

An enchanting, empowering historical fantasy with spirit magic, lyrical prose, and a captivating cast, set at the turn of the 20^th century.

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard

A mysterious, addictive YA murder mystery infused with vivid autumnal imagery, 1990s nostalgia, and romance, perfect for fans of Nancy Drew.

The Flayed Man by Chloe Lauter

An absorbing, poignant horror novel complete with cinematic descriptions of the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas, a compelling spin on vampires, and a touching sapphic love story.

The Huntsman and the Witches retold by Abraham Matias; illustrated by Molly Mendoza

A lush, captivating picture book retelling of a Mexican folktale, brimming with stunning illustrations and a laugh-out-loud funny narrative.

The Lone Wolf Café by Sydney Wilder

A welcoming, heartwarming cozy fantasy with an autumnal village atmosphere, witches, werewolves, swoony sapphic love, and Halloween delights.

The Monsters We Made by Peyton June

An atmospheric, eerie YA thriller set in the vivid small town of Scarberry, brimming with queer love and paranormal mystery.

The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap

A witty, touching historical fiction novel with a gripping gothic atmosphere, achingly beautiful queer love story, and body snatching, set in Scotland in 1828.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White 

A vicious, powerful YA historical fantasy set in London in 1883, brimming with gritty horror, tender love, raw prose, and immersive historical details.

The Thieves Beneath the Floorboards by Mikey Please 

A playful, charming picture book featuring a splendidly monstrous cast, lush imagery, and marvelous mischief.

This House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud

A propulsive, vivid historical horror novel filled with hauntingly beautiful prose, the gutting history of Ireland’s Great Famine, a captivating love story, and a sweeping gothic atmosphere.

We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad

A surreal, unsettling horror novel with a fever-dream atmosphere, vibrant cast, and satirical exploration of academia, power, creativity, and conformity.

What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne 

An emotionally charged, wonderfully disquieting YA ecological horror brimming with adventure, twists, friendship, monsters, and Void diving, perfect for fans of Annihilation and The Descent.

Witch Season by Julia Bianco 

An exhilarating, spellbinding urban fantasy brimming with a creative and complex witchy magic system, immersive descriptions of Los Angeles, and an addictive cast of characters.

You Did Nothing Wrong by C.G. Drews

An enrapturing, evocative psychological suspense novel of motherhood, deeply unsettling horror, wriggly twists, and a thrilling haunted-house spin.

You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker by Gwenyth Reitz 

A heartfelt, thoughtful YA supernatural romcom featuring a clever take on ghosts, a swoon-worthy love story, and pinches of horror, set in a haunted mansion.

From spooky to sweet, and chilling to comforting, there’s a little something to satisfy every creepy craving in these tales. Brimming with the macabre, myth, magic, mystery, monsters, and more, these stories are perfect for spooky season. Happy reading!

Do you have any other recommendations for us? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 33 Bewitching Books for Spooky Season appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ancient Night by David Bowles; illustrated by David Álvarez

An enchanting, beautiful, and calming picture book with sweeping illustrations, inspired by Mesoamerican mythology.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Here by Autumn Krause

A lyrical and immersive young adult (YA) historical fantasy infused with a haunting gothic atmosphere, tall tales, and a Faustian bargain, set in 1836.

Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez

A sunny, swoony, and vibrant contemporary romance of burnout, friendship, and love, set in Rhode Island.

Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

An exhilarating and romantic YA fantasy filled with love, dark magic, circus whimsy, and a wonderful ostrich.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A spellbinding YA contemporary fantasy threaded with Latine culture and traditions—including Día de los Muertos—and brimming with ghosts, queer love, brujx, found family, and mystery.

Gods of Jade & Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A sweeping and riveting historical fantasy set in Jazz Age Mexico, filled with Mexican folklore, adventure, and love.

Into the Mighty Sea by Arlene Abundis; illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

A glimmering, vivid, and heartfelt picture book of big emotions, family, and art, complete with stunning illustrations.

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie

 An emotional, heartwarming YA novel threaded with Shakespeare, Spanglish, and queer community.

Pretend You’re Dead and I Carry You by Julián Delgado Lopera 

A poignant, vibrant, and raw literary fiction novel brimming with Spanglish, Colombian culture, family, queer history, and a pinch of magical realism.

Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

A touching and welcoming YA novel of coming out, love, sexuality, friendship, and discovering who you are.

Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho

A heartwarming and charming Romeo & Juliet-inspired YA rom-com set in Brazil, brimming with scrumptious baking scenes and swoon-worthy romance.

Salvación by Sandra Proudman

A thrilling, immersive YA fantasy of magic, adventure, family, and love, inspired by El Zorro.

The Huntsman and the Witches by Abraham Matias; illustrated by Molly Mendoza

A vivid, captivating, and witty picture book inspired by a Mexican folktale, filled with lush illustrations and a stunning celebration of Mexican folklore, food, and imagery.

The Last Vampire by Romina Garber

A romantic and addictive YA gothic fantasy that is a love letter to classics, set at an eerie boarding school with an intriguing twist on vampires.

The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda

A captivating and propulsive historical fiction novel set in sixteenth-century Mexico and filled with adventure, mouthwateringly delicious food descriptions, and sweeping historical details.

The Quince Project by Jessica Parra

A sweet, fun, and hopeful YA contemporary novel of grief, joy, love, and rewriting your happily ever after, filled with Southern California adventures, quinceañera planning, and adorable romances.

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban

An atmospheric, haunting YA contemporary fantasy inspired by the myth of La Cegua, threaded with chilling horror and romance.

We Could Be Anyone by Anna-Marie McLemore

A gripping, sharp YA thriller with a glamorous and haunting gothic atmosphere, Latine culture, mythology, and tender queer romances, set during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

A sweeping and fierce YA fantasy of celestial magic, love, and politics, inspired by Bolivian history.

Brimming with Latine culture, folklore, food, and family, these brilliant books are perfect to kick off the Latine Heritage Month celebration. Happy reading, and Happy Latine Heritage Month!

The post 19 Must-Reads for Latine Heritage Month appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

While Cemetery Boys worked wonderfully as a standalone, I am so glad that Aiden Thomas decided to return and give us readers more time with Julian and Yadriel. Whereas the first book focused on Yadriel and his uphill battle to get his family to accept him, Espíritu shifts the focus to Julian as he struggles to catch up to everything that has happened to him—you know, being dead for a few weeks and not so casually chilling as a ghost, and then being undead and able to communicate with ghosts and all that fun stuff—while new issues arise as Julian suddenly begins to see things no one else can, shadows that do not seem all that friendly.

I was absolutely stoked when I learned that we get Julian’s POV, which may have been my only gripe with Cemetery Boys, which was (for very valid reasons) only Yadriel’s POV. I was itching to finally hear Julian’s voice and boy, I was not disappointed in the slightest. In Cemetery Boys, he won readers’ hearts with his sarcastic, funny remarks and genuine golden-retriever vibes but here, you get to hear his side of things and learn to understand his motivations behind always bringing the good mood to everything in a whole new way that made me even more endeared to him. Besides that, it also added a new layer of depth and a brand-new perspective to Yadriel’s family dynamics and the lore that many readers loved in Cemetery Boys.

Yadriel, who also gets his own POV in the novel, continues to be the soft place where Julian can land when his thoughts are all over the place. While their relationship is not the focus of the novel, these quiet and sweet moments felt like it gave you the space to breathe and take everything in when the plot and the action picked up and you needed a moment to sit with it. Despite the struggles and the secrets they keep (especially Julian), they find comfort in each other in various ways throughout the novel which made my heart soar. These moments of emotional intimacy and support truly showed their relationship blossom.

You’d think with such a big focus on Julian and his struggles Yadriel might be waylaid, but no, we still get to see plenty of growth from him. After what happened in Cemetery Boys, it felt vindicating to see him finally establishing himself as the brujo he was meant to be despite still having to fight to not just be seen as a little kid anymore by his family (mostly his dad). I appreciate that there wasn’t really a “villain” here for him. While it’s of course frustrating to see Yadriel being held back, you can also actually tell that Enrique is coming from a place of fear and a desire to keep his son safe from a world that seems to grow darker every day. I won’t spoil Cemetery Boys in case you haven’t read it yet, but let’s just say the betrayal that the family and mostly Yadriel experienced there still lingers and it was satisfying that it wasn’t just hidden under a rug but addressed and resolved.

Another highlight was of course the setting. Readers who loved Cemetery Boys will already be familiar with Yadriel’s family and their many traditions that invite you into a whole new world of rites and special occasions, and the fact that this book was set in the Christmas period felt like an absolute treat. We get even more glimpses of the Mexican-inspired lore that make everything feel even more magical.

The mystery was also well done. Those types of mysteries where you can tell who the bad guy is pretty early on can be hit or miss, but here the fast pacing and the already established bonds between characters helped keep you on your toes as the clues drop. The creepy shadows that linger add a darker tone to the narrative and somehow make the entire story feel more mature.

I also really liked the juxtaposition of thinking of Julian’s ability as a gift which quickly gets turned on its head and becomes entirely unsettling and traumatic in its own kind of way when you see dark spots enveloping the people you care about – and when they start following you. As always, I’m not a fan of miscommunication or hiding something when talking about it would actually just resolve everything but here at least it made sense that Julian doesn’t tell anybody about what he’s seeing. Overall, it gave his found family a chance to show him just how important he is to them, so in that way the resolution of the mystery will satisfy readers for sure.

The underlying themes of identity and belonging that I loved in Cemetery Boys are only stronger here. I loved how we got to see not only Yadriel but Julian trying to find their place and struggling with what belonging even means. Especially in connection to Julian’s power and the choice between what’s right and what would make life easier, this just resonated a lot with me.

While I could spend another fifteen books in this wonderful world, each one with new mysteries – and maybe some more new additions to their found family – I think fans of Cemetery Boys will feel wholeheartedly satisfied by this sequel, even if it is the last we see of Yadriel and Julian.

Whether you’re looking for a slightly haunted narrative with a great mystery and wholesome found family vibes to get you in the autumn mood or just want to reunite with beloved characters, fantastic queer rep and epic found family vibes, diving into Espíritu is sure to keep you turning those pages all night long!

Espíritu is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 8th 2026.

Will you be picking up Espíritu? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis

New York Times-bestselling author Aiden Thomas returns to the beloved world of Cemetery Boys, this time following Julian—chaos magnet extraordinaire. With restless spirits vanishing and a dark demon from their past emerging, he and Yadriel might be the only ones reckless enough to stop a threat that could tear their world apart.

Julian used to be a ghost and now he can’t stop seeing them.

Ever since Julian was sacrificed as part of a forbidden ritual, he has been able to see and talk with spirits. And that’s really cool, since it allows him to be part of his new boyfriend’s community. But Julian’s seeing other things, too: flickers at the edge of his vision, eyes burning in the night, and “dark spots” on people—gaping wounds that thrum and bleed shadow. Yadriel has never heard of anything like it, either, and he’s so busy with his new brujx responsibilities that Julian hates for his problems to ruin what little time they have together.

Then a strange new brujx shows up. Angel, as a nonbinary bruje, can heal the living and release the dead, but more than that, they can also see the same dark spots as Julian. Despite Yadriel’s reservations, Julian eagerly accepts their help. But, Angel’s ruthless methods feel wrong to Julian.

With the shadows growing darker and the discovery of a gaping dark spot on his friend Luca, Julian has to decide who he wants to put his trust in, and just how far he’s willing to go to save what is his.

The post #ReadWithPride: ‘Cemetery Boys: Espíritu’ by Aiden Thomas appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

Touching, thoughtful, and incredibly fun, And They Were Roommates is a delightful YA light academia romance.

Brewed with Love by Shelly Page 

Sweet, cozy, and mysterious, Brewed with Love is a thrilling YA fantasy with witches, an immersive small-town setting, and a tender romance.

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter

Blending the history of 1500s London with swoon-worthy romantic tension, By Any Other Name is an unforgettable YA historical fiction novel.

Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo

With faerie curses and a cozy fairytale atmosphere, Call Forth a Fox beautifully retells the Brothers’ Grimm’s “Snow White and Rose Red.”

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Spellbinding and powerful, Cemetery Boys is a simultaneously heart-wrenching and heartwarming YA contemporary fantasy with mythology, ghosts, and brujx set during Día de Los Muertos. 

Coming Out Perfect by Richard Mercado

Uplifting, hopeful, and funny, Coming Out Perfect is a beautiful YA graphic novel of familial expectations, fitting in, queer community, and coming out.

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

Set in a queer-normative world with a sentient forest, a magic school, shapeshifting, witches, and romance, Daughter of the Bone Forest is a sweeping YA fantasy.

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Witty, comforting, and swoony, Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend is a Victorian romance with hijinks, matchmaking, and love.

Exquisite Things by Abdi Nazemian 

Empowering, thought-provoking, and romantic, Exquisite Things is a propulsive YA historical fantasy of art, storytelling, immortality, resistance, community, grief, belonging, and, ultimately, hope.

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos 

Wildly entertaining and achingly beautiful, Furious is a swoon-worthy YA contemporary romance that’s perfect for fans of Fast & Furious.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher 

Swoony, hilarious, and riveting, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a heartwarming medieval romcom filled with found family, love, and witty banter galore.

Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews 

With a bloodthirsty garden, gritty botanical horror, and lingering love story, Hazelthorn is an enrapturing YA gothic.

Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Romantic, fierce, and heartwarming, Just Between Us is an unputdownable YA graphic novel with figure skating, romance, and stunning imagery.

Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne

Quirky, vibrant, and wonderfully mossy, Moss’d in Space is a creative and hilarious cozy sci-fi novel.

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

Set in a dystopian society with a dark academia atmosphere, body-swapping, assassins, and magic, Queen of Faces is a sharp and lyrical YA fantasy.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

Laugh-out-loud funny with found family and forbidden romance, Red, White & Royal Blue is a cinematic and irresistible contemporary romance.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell 

Monstrous and splendidly strange, Someone You Can Build a Nest In is a quirky, vicious, and surprisingly cozy fantasy.

Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Brimming with wit, whimsy, romance, and magical creatures, Sorcery and Small Magics is an enchanting cozy fantasy.

Soul of a Gentleman Witch by David Ferraro

Sweeping and threaded with magic, Soul of a Gentleman Witch is an addictive YA cozy fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Tenderly, I am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

With a breathtaking romance, lyrical prose, and an eerie atmosphere, Tenderly, I am Devoured is a magical YA fantasy.

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton 

Brimming with friends-to-lovers yearning, Fae, and a riveting heist, The Absinthe Underground is a captivating YA fantasy perfect for fans of Moulin Rouge! and The Cruel Prince.

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

Funny, vibrant, and magical, The Entanglement of Rival Wizards is an addictive fantasy romcom with academic rivals-to-lovers tension.

The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray by Christine Calella 

With a maritime adventure, a beautiful sibling bond, and a compelling cast, The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray is a gritty, emotional, and exhilarating YA fantasy.

The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill 

Heartfelt and hopeful, The House of Now and Then is a sweeping summer romance with an undertone of magic set in Cape Cod.

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland 

With witches, a dark academia atmosphere, demons, and a murder mystery, The Invocations is a gripping and haunting YA thriller.

The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens

Magical, adventurous, and hilarious, The Last Best Quest Ever is a delightful YA fantasy romp with found family and fantastical creatures.

The Leaving Room by Amber McBride 

Spellbinding and achingly beautiful, The Leaving Room is a tender YA novel-in-verse brimming with emotion, memories, family recipes, love, and hope.

The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. Dawson

Set in modern-day Chicago and threaded with Greek mythology, The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World is a poignant and touching urban fantasy perfect for fans of Hadestown.

The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson

Infused with horror, art, and romance, The Macabre is an adventurous and inventive contemporary fantasy.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska

 With adventure, magic, and rivals-to-lovers tension, The Midnight Girls is a cinematic and whimsical YA fantasy.

With Fire in Their Blood by Kat Delacorte

Set in Italy with witches, a love square, and warring mafia clans, With Fire in Their Blood is a romantic and thrilling YA paranormal romance.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White 

Vicious, sharp, and brilliantly unsettling, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a YA historical fantasy set in London, 1883.

This Must Be the Place by Kelly Quindlen 

Welcoming, emotional, and tender, This Must Be the Place is a captivating YA contemporary novel with found family set in small-town Alabama.

This Raging Sea by De Elizabeth

Sea-soaked, haunting, and lush, This Raging Sea is a YA dark fantasy with romance, eldritch secrets, horror, witches, and time travel.

Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry 

Vivid and romantic, Time After Time is a breathtaking YA romance following two love stories set one hundred years apart.

Vile Lady Villains by Danai Christopoulou 

Sharp, lyrical, and twisty, Vile Lady Villains is a fierce and creative fantasy threaded with Greek mythology and Shakespeare.

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune 

Heavy yet full of life, We Burned So Bright is a heart-wrenching but unexpectedly comforting fantasy of humans at the end of the world facing love, loss, and life itself.

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

Twisty, immersive, and magical, What Wakes the Bells is a gripping YA fantasy with a gothic atmosphere inspired by a Prague legend. 

From heartwarming found families to swoon-worthy romances to laugh-out-loud banter, these stories bring extra queer joy, community, and love to the Pride Month celebration. Happy reading, and Happy Pride Month!

The post 38 LGBTQIA+ Books to Add to Your Pride Month TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About Carnival Fantástico: An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears. Out February 3rd 2026.

The three full-length YA novels I have written might seem vastly different at first glance. In Sinner’s Isle, a witch held captive on a remote island finds a way to escape by blackmailing a handsome, recently marooned pirate. In A Cruel Thirst, a freshly turned vampire longs to reclaim his humanity, but instead collides with a determined, wannabe vampire huntress. In Carnival Fantástico, an ex-thief and spy hides within a magical traveling carnival and is willing to do whatever it takes to become the lead act, including teaming up with the boy who once broke her heart.

On the surface, these three tales may seem unrelated, but a single thread weaves through them all: trickster deities and mythological creatures who shape the fates of the characters. To take it further, all of these supernatural beings are inspired by Mexica (Me-shee-ka) mythology––often referred to as Aztec mythology––which holds a special place in my heart.

We so often see fantasy novels set in Eurocentric worlds, which I love, but I also love exploring the dynamic, complex deities that can only be found in Mesoamerican legends. Below, you will find five other novels that celebrate these beautiful, terrible, awe-inspiring deities and mythological beings, and the Mesoamerican cultures from which they emerged.

Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Gritty, dark, and thrilling, this fresh take on vampire lore is an electrifying neo-noir set in a reimagined Mexico City. The protagonist, descended from Aztec blood drinkers, is on the run from a rival narco-vampire clan determined to hunt her down. This story sank its fangs into me and never let go––but all of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing has a way of doing that. If you’d like to explore more of Moreno-Garcia’s works steeped in Mesoamerican traditions, I highly recommend Gods of Jade and Shadow.

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

I will read anything Aiden Thomas writes, but The Sunbearer Trials is one of my absolute favorites. The story introduces us to Teo, the trans son of Quetzal, the goddess of birds. When Teo is chosen against all odds to compete in the Sun Bearer Trials, he must face opponents who are far more powerful and far better equipped to survive. During our hero’s journey, we meet a rich cast of deities that have been reimagined from Mesoamerican legend, making this story feel epic, daring, and truly unique. Celestial Monsters, the second book in this duology, is equally remarkable.

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall

Intricate, clever, and set in parallel timelines that are masterfully woven together, this novel was one of my favorite reads of 2025. We meet Sitlali, a young Mexican woman in the modern day searching for her family and a safe place to rest her head, and Calizto, a young Aztec warrior in 1521 Tenochtitlan fighting to save his city from Spanish imperialists. Connected by an enchanted conch, the two find each other across time and help each other face the biggest trials of their lives––while also falling deeply in love. What more can you ask for?

Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda

With magnificent prose and captivating storytelling, Robleda is an author whose books will always have a special place on my shelves. Set during 16^th-century Guatemala, this historical fantasy draws heavily from Mesoamerican lore and history–– specifically K’iche’ Maya traditions. Catalina, our biracial protagonist, works in secret to preserve the sacred texts in the face of Spanish colonization. She is the kind of main character you root for the second you meet her on the page. Robleda weaves a tale that is heartbreaking, beautiful, and profoundly inspiring, rooted in the real-life suppression of the Mayan culture during this period. This is a novel that must not be missed. I’m also extremely excited for her upcoming book, The Other Moctezuma Girls.

The Actual Star by Monica Byrne

This novel came highly recommended by a friend, and I am so very glad I listened to her. What a powerful showcase of intricate worldbuilding and storytelling. This ambitious and immersive novel unfolds across three interconnected timelines (1012 CE, 2012, and 3012) which are all tied to an ancient Maya city. My brain was on fire while listening to the audiobook, and I absolutely loved every second of it.

I’d also like to highlight Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas. Though this novel isn’t Mesoamerican-inspired, it draws from Inca culture and the author’s own heritage, making it well worth celebrating. A fierce debut steeped in ancestral magic, betrayal, and defiance, Their Will Undone is a powerful exploration of what happens when we reclaim our fate and fight back against those who seek to control us. Valldeperas spoke truly when she described this book as not just a coming-of-age story, but a coming-of-rage.

There are so many more books I couldn’t fit into this list, but I hope I inspired you to explore other works rooted in Mesoamerican mythologies. Each is unique, rich in culture, steeped in fascinating mythos, and exceptionally creative, and all of them deserve a place in libraries, bookstores, and on your shelves.

The post Five Novels that Celebrate Mesoamerican Cultures and Mythologies appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Aiden Thomas’s Celestial Monsters, which is out September 3rd 2024.

Teo never thought he could be a Hero. Now, he doesn’t have a choice.

The sun is gone, the Obsidian gods have been released from their prison, and chaos and destruction are wreaking havoc on Reino del Sol. All because Teo refused to sacrifice a fellow semidiós during the Sunbearer Trials.

With the world plunged into perpetual night, Teo, his crush Aurelio, and his best friend Niya must journey to the dark wilderness of Los Restos, battling vicious monsters while dealing with guilt, trauma, and a (very distracting) burgeoning romance between Teo and Aurelio. Determined to rescue the captured semidioses and retrieve the Sol Stone, the trio races against the clock to return Sol and their protective light. With it, order can be restored.

The future of the whole world is in their hands.

“Don’t you get it? . . . I don’t need your help, I don’t want you to save me! I am Obsidian, and this is our revenge!”

Xio spat his final declaration as he was swallowed by the nebulous dark Caos had conjured. The rush of wind howled in Xio’s ears as he flailed, untethered and falling endlessly. The air was sucked from his lungs and for a brief, disorienting moment, Xio thought he might suffocate—and then it was like someone flicked on the lights. He landed hard on his back.

He had a second to register their new location—wet stone soaking into the back of his shirt, the smell of damp moss and the relieving cool of being deep underground, the throbbing in his right hand—before the world exploded with movement all around him.

Ocelo was the first to launch, their claws extended and aimed directly at Venganza’s face. The tall, goat-headed god sighed as though he found this all incredibly dull, and flicked his wrist, backhanding Ocelo with such force it sent them flying head over heels.

Auristela shouted. Unlike Ocelo, she had taken a moment to assess her surroundings before charging into action—which, Xio reflected, was to be expected. Her gold jewelry sparked in firelight as she sent a massive wave of flames careening toward Venganza, Caos, and Chupacabra from behind.

Xio hadn’t spent months of his life learning all her tricks to fall for that now.

“Watch out!” he cried, scrambling to his feet. But he didn’t need to.

Caos threw out their midnight blue hand and Auristela’s fire went out—disappearing in a puff. Auristela snarled, and Xio was pretty sure he heard a chuckle echo from Caos’s shrouded, featureless face. The hem of their dark robes hovered above the ground, their exposed midnight blue skin dancing with moving constellations.

Xio crouched, readying himself to be the target of the Golds’ rage, but they didn’t seem to even notice him.

The semidioses put up a good fight, throwing all of their best moves at the three gods. Still decked out in their gaudy regalia, the Golds looked out of place. They were supposed to be parading around Sol Temple, gleaming alongside all the opulence and grandeur. Instead, they were in dank, wet darkness.

Xochi’s thorns were out in full force, ready to shred whatever she struck with her vines. Marino used high pressure streams of water powerful enough to cut through wood, an advanced move he used so rarely that Xio had only ever seen one video of it on TúTube. Atzi tossed lightning, not at all weighed down by her ruffled dress. Earsplitting cracks filled the room as the bolts missed their targets and ricocheted off the walls.

Dezi, fast as a hummingbird, dodged around the others, trying to get within reach of one of the gods, but it was no use. They were disorganized and sloppy, frantic instead of calculated.

Xio relaxed. He wasn’t in any danger.

For once, the Golden children of the dioses were outmatched.

And, damn, did it feel good to watch.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Celestial Monsters’ by Aiden Thomas appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This is the queer The Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson that is going to take readers’ hearts by storm, I guarantee it. Thomas creates a vivid world that feels almost seamless. There’s no info-dumping that might drag down the pacing, instead, new information about the places Teo gets to visit is given peu a peu, which I love especially in high fantasy. All the cities are a mix of modern elements and old glamor and while there are nods to real life (social media and celebrity life), it is well balanced with the magic that keeps their world thriving, such as the highly powerful Sol Stones. Altogether, this mix of mythology, modernity and magical abilities made for one hell of a ride.

While I admit that I sometimes had trouble distinguishing the characters from each other (there’s a huge cast of characters and of course there isn’t time to flesh out everyone completely especially since this is a duology), I loved how we got to see characters bond and squabble and actively try to sabotage others. There are definitely a few characters in the book you’ll love to hate while others turn out to be potential friends that you might not have guessed would be helpful.

The highlight of this story is of course The Sunbearer Trials. From the harrowing challenges the chosen ones have to face to the unlikely alliances—and downright villainous acts of other competitors—that are created, every trial felt more dangerous than the last one. I loved the way the media sensationalised the trials and how Teo’s role in the competition engendered character growth. The trials are a horrible practice and always end with someone being the sacrifice and this barbaric tradition has never sat right with Teo—and that doesn’t change even as he fights for his own survival. There is also so much camaraderie and support between Teo, his best friend and another competitor they chose to take under their wing (pun intended) that adds so much to the stakes of the trials. Other characters that are introduced also play huge roles in the way Teo sees not only himself but his entire existence as a Jade and I loved how that added to the story. We also have a bit of a childhood friends to rivals to …maybe something more than friends teased between Theo and Aurelio which I was so here for. There’s also a few twists and turns and I found myself rooting for different outcomes throughout the story, yet couldn’t have predicted where the novel ends up going.

Thomas also adds so much inclusion and diverse representation without making it the focus of the story which I absolutely loved—we need more representation where queerness is totally the norm and here we have it— from fluid gender and sexuality representation and Sol’s genderless presence to a nonbinary villain and our main character Teo whose transition isn’t so much the focus as him binding his wings for much of his teenhood because of the dysphoria they initially cause. There’s also so much rich culture discussed in this story that I couldn’t do it justice by merely listing it here. All I can say is that it’s a rich tapestry that will have you compelled to flip the pages even faster.

The climax of the story is as intense as it gets and with a plot twist that is much a surprise as it is a betrayal, I’m itching to see how it all wraps up in the second part of this promising duology.

Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games in this queer adventure in which teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges to safekeep their world. With high stakes, intricate mythology, vivid worldbuilding and a riveting cast of characters all spearheaded by snarky Teo, this book is perfect for fantasy readers young and old alike!

The Sunbearer Trials is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 6th 2022.

Will you be picking up The Sunbearer Trials? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.

“Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I’m just a Jade. I’m not a real hero.”

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all―they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can’t help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldn’t mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo’s taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.

The post #ReadWithPride: The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Heat Wave by T.J. Klune
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Nick, Seth, Gibby, and Jazz are back in action bringing justice, protection, and disaster energy to the people of Nova City. An unexpected hero returns to Nova City and crash lands into Nick’s home, upturning his life, his family, and his understanding of what it means to be a hero in the explosive finale of the thrilling and hilarious Extraordinaries trilogy.

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens
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For fans of Vampire Diaries and dark academia, two queer teen bloodsuckers at an elite vampire-only boarding school must go up against all of Vampirdom when they uncover a frightening conspiracy on campus.

The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride by Hayli Thomson
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The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride is a queer coming of age story with biting humor about a young lesbian striving to win a spot on SNL. Taylor Parker isn’t out yet, but she’s keeping an even bigger secret: she entered a sketch contest where the grand prize is an internship at SNL.

The Witchery by S. Isabelle
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Haelsford, Florida, is a hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a new witch struggling to control her powers, thinks when she arrives at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three: Iris, a deathwitch, who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Thalia, the talented greenwitch, on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her; and Jailah, one of the most extraordinary witches at the academy whose thirst for power may lead her down a dark path.

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
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Offering a steamy, queer spin on the feel-good tropes of a Hallmark movie, this sweet, funny #OwnVoices rom-com is perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur!

Husband Material by Alexis Hall
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In Boyfriend Material, Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do.

The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver
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From the bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best, comes a new kind of love story, about the bad decisions we sometimes make… and the people who help get us back on the right path.

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
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This fun, irreverent summer romp is Netflix’s Never Have I Ever meets What If It’s Us about a high school senior determined to get over his unrequited feelings for his best friend by getting under someone else.

Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt
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Six of Crows goes to Las Vegas in debut author Amanda DeWitt’s suspenseful casino heist, starring an entire crew of asexual teens.

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna Marie McLemore
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Three teens chase their own version of the American Dream during the Roaring 20s in this YA remix of The Great Gatsby. 

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
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Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.

Fraternity by Andy Mientus
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A queer, dark academia YA story about a mysterious boarding school, a brotherhood that must stay in the shadows, and an ancient evil that could tear it all apart. 

Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsberg
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From Stonewall Award winner Bill Konigsberg, a remarkable, funny, sexy, heartbreaking story of two teen boys finding each other in New York City at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One by Maggie Horne
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A funny, feminist, and queer contemporary middle grade debut that follows twelve-year-old loner Hazel Hill, who, after one of her classmates is harassed online, devises a plan to catch the school’s golden boy in the act.

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
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A delicious story from a new voice in suspense, Lev AC Rosen’s Lavender House is Knives Out with a queer historical twist.

The First To Die at The End by Adam Silvera
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In this prequel to They Both Die at the End, #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Silvera tells the story of new star-crossed lovers facing down Death-Cast’s first day. It’s the night before Death-Cast goes live, and there’s one question on everyone’s mind: Can Death-Cast actually predict when someone will die, or is it just an elaborate hoax?

You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
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An “effervescent” (Rachel Lynn Solomon) Christmas LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Schitt’s Creek and Red White & Royal Blue.

This Is Our Place by Vitor Martins
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Three teens — in three different decades — navigate life, love, and family in Vitor Martins’ heartfelt new novel that spans generations. Perfect for fans of Tales from the City and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix
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Love and duty collide in this richly imagined, atmospheric young adult debut about a witch whose dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war between the only family she’s ever known and the enemy who makes her question everything.

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
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Family secrets, a swoon-worthy romance, and a slow-burn mystery collide in We Deserve Monuments, a YA debut from Jas Hammonds that explores how racial violence can ripple down through generations.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake
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An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
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A girl enters a reality dating competition to get revenge on her cheating, royal-adjacent ex-boyfriend, and ends up falling for another girl on the show—in fact, the girl he cheated on her with.

Wicked Little Things by Justin Arnold
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Silver in the Mist by Emily Victoria
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Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Whisperer of Aris, the head of the spies, retreating into her position away from everyone… even her daughter.

A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
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Adiba Jaigirdar, author of one of Time‘s Best YA books of all time, gives Titanic an Ocean’s 8 makeover in this nail-biting heist set onboard the infamous ship.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These Upcoming 2022 Queer Book Releases To End The Year appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Coffee Boy by Austin Chant

After graduation, Kieran expected to go straight into a career of flipping burgers—only to be offered the internship of his dreams at a political campaign. But the pressure of being an out trans man in the workplace quickly sucks the joy out of things, as does Seth, the humorless campaign strategist who watches his every move.

Soon, the only upside to the job is that Seth has a painful crush on their painfully straight boss, and Kieran has a front row seat to the drama. But when Seth proves to be as respectful and supportive as he is prickly, Kieran develops an awkward crush of his own—one which Seth is far too prim and proper to ever reciprocate.

GEORGE by Alex Gino

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily ever after. But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave. When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

When the Moon was Ours by Anne Marie McLemore

To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel’s skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they’re willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up.

I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman

For Angel Rahimi, life is only about one thing: The Ark – a pop-rock trio of teenage boys who are currently taking the world by storm. Being part of The Ark’s fandom has given her everything – her friendships, her dreams, her place in the world. Jimmy Kaga-Ricci owes everything to The Ark too. He’s their frontman – and playing in a band is all he’s ever dreamed of doing. It’s just a shame that recently everything in his life seems to have turned into a bit of a nightmare. When Angel and Jimmy are unexpectedly thrust together, they will discover just how strange and surprising facing up to reality can be.

May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor

A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer in ZR Ellor’s contemporary YA debut.

All Kinds of Other by James Sie

In this tender, nuanced coming-of-age love story, two boys—one who is cis and one who is trans—have been guarding their hearts to protect themselves, until their feelings for each other give them a reason to stand up to their fears.

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

Felix Ever After meets Becky Albertalli in this swoon-worthy, heartfelt rom-com about how a transgender teen’s first love challenges his ideas about perfect relationships.

The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez

Red, White, and Royal Blue meets The West Wing in Jasper Sanchez’s electric and insightful #ownvoices YA debut, chronicling a transmasculine student’s foray into a no-holds-barred student body president election against the wishes of his politician father.

Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve

Dean Foster knows he’s a trans guy. He’s watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he’s a lesbian—including his girlfriend Zoe, and his theater director, who just cast him as a “nontraditional” Romeo. He wonders if maybe it would be easier to wait until college to come out. But as he plays Romeo every day in rehearsals, Dean realizes he wants everyone to see him as he really is now––not just on the stage, but everywhere in his life. Dean knows what he needs to do. Can playing a role help Dean be his true self?

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post #ReadWithPride: Trans Visibility Day Book Recommendations appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

I have quite mixed feelings about Lost in the Never Woods. While I appreciated the story once I finished it, I had a hard time getting through the majority of the novel. The characters are engaging and fleshed out enough with Peter in particular being very close to the original version, and there are some side plots that enrich the story, but my biggest issue was the pacing, which was so slow that I often put the book down because nothing was happening. Wendy seems proactive, always making plans or trying to get a move on with things, but for the first two-thirds of the book, nothing really happens, there is just a lot of talk about what should. It’s a long build-up for the big showdown of reveals that is dealt with fairly quickly, but definitely brings the drama and “gasp” moments you wait the whole novel for.

And I will say this: the plot twists in Thomas’ novel were outstanding. I’ve been known to predict a few plot twists in my time, but the ones in Lost in the Never Woods completely blindsided me without feeling like they came out of nowhere, if that makes sense. You can go back through the story and see clues here and there that lead up to the big reveals. Once you get to the plot twists, the slow pacing of the entire novel also makes sense, but it’s tough sludging your way before understanding why the pacing was necessary.

I know you shouldn’t compare works from an author with each other, but I’ve seen a lot of reviewers point out their ambivalent feelings after having loved Cemetery Boys and feeling somewhat let down by Lost in the Never Woods. I certainly see their point as Cemetery Boys is quite different in its subject matter, its originality and its execution. Here, the focus lies less on identity, queer culture, and reconciliation, and more on grief, loss, and guilt. But I also think that, if you go into this book without any preconceived notions about what it will end up being, chances are good that you’ll find another favourite of the year with Lost in the Never Woods. Thomas shines here with the same elements that have made their debut such a sound success with the dark vibes, the haunting aesthetic of the setting and flawed characters that you can’t help but root for, even when they mess up. And the depiction of grief certainly brings something new to the table.

With Lost in the Never Woods, Thomas delivers a dark and atmospheric Peter Pan retelling with a haunting depiction of grief and twists that will make you gasp out loud.

Lost in the Never Woods is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 23rd 2021.

Will you be picking up Lost in the Never Woods? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

When children go missing, people want answers. When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers.

It’s been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road, and gets pulled into the mystery haunting the town.

Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, claims that if they don’t do something, the missing children will meet the same fate as her brothers. In order to find them and rescue the missing kids, Wendy must confront what’s waiting for her in the woods.

The post Review: Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas appeared first on The Nerd Daily.