Get ready to be whisked away with a new fantasy or sci-fi read because we’ve rounded up 72 upcoming reads that will be hitting shelves between January and June this year! From epic fantasy and speculative fiction, to space adventures and fantasy with more than a dash of romance, there’s something for every type SFF reader out there!

This year sees new releases from the likes of Jim Butcher, Isabel Ibañez, Kate Golden, Ava Reid, TJ Klune, Mike Chen, James S.A. Corey, Veronica Roth, RJ Barker, Shannon Chakraborty, Martha Wells, Sunyi Dean, Brandon Sanderson, and many more, plus some extremely exciting debuts!

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2026 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, and Young Adult lists!

JANUARY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Starseekers by Nicole Glover

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Indiana Jones meets Hidden Figures in this brand-new stand-alone historical fantasy set in the world of The Conductors, in which the space race of the mid-20th century will be determined by magic…if not murder.

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself?

Way of the Walker by Salinee Goldenberg

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Return to the Thai-inspired world of Suyoram in this vicious follow up to 2024’s The Last Phi Hunter, exploring mythology, colonialism, and feminine rage. A perfect read for fans of Iron Widow and The Sword of Kaigen.

City of Others by Jared Poon

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Dive into a world where magic lies hidden just below the surface in this charming urban fantasy full of workplace found family, queer romance, and supernatural creatures straight out of Southeast Asian lore, from debut author Jared Poon. 

Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Isabel Ibañez makes her adult debut with a gorgeous, historical, and romantic fantasy perfect for fans of One Dark Window and Ever After. A lush tale full of enemies-to-lovers tension, whimsical magic, villain romance, and slow-burn desire, set in an enchanted, perilous Florence where forbidden power could ignite a war.

Enchanting The Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Stephanie Burgis delivers another irreverent, sparkling, and sexy installment in the Queens of Villainy series, where a seductive fae queen meets her unexpected match in the enemy empire’s valiant general.

We Who Have No Gods by Liza Anderson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In a world of witches, a human woman must hunt or be hunted in this explosive gothic dark academia fantasy filled with war-bent rivals, guarded secrets, and simmering chemistry.

Godstorm by Solitaire Townsend

Publisher | Amazon | Waterstones | Goodreads
Fast-paced and highly original, Godstorm transports the reader to a vivid, alternative Roman Empire, which has evolved into an oil-worshiping global superpower fueled by petrol, domination and greed.

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A space shuttle flight crew discovers that the Earth they’ve returned to is not the home they left behind in the first book of this emotional, mind-bending thriller series from the creator of the hit Netflix show Manifest and the bestselling author of The Warehouse.

Ballad of the Bone Road by A.C. Wise

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In the glittering city of Port Astor, where fae roads criss-cross human highways and ghosts whisper to the living, nothing is ever as it seems. This utterly original dark fantasy tale of faith and fanaticism, doomed love and desperate bargains is perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Ava Reid.

The Twice-Wanted Witch by Katie Hallahan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Six months after slaying an Archdemon, McKenna Ellerbeck is overworked and sidelined by the Council. When her friend faces trial and her ex goes missing amid demon plots and secrets, McKenna must uncover the truth and choose between power and justice.

The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
When you lose your way in life, the Elsewhere Express just might find you. Step on board the train that may take you to your life’s purpose in this wistful, Ghibli-esque fantasy from the bestselling author of Water Moon.

FEBRUARY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Dive into the dark underbelly of England’s most ancient university, where behind closed doors a circle of privileged students enter into a dark pagan ritual–one that holds tantalizing power and comes at a terrible price.​

Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An ordinary man discovers a hidden world of supernatural creatures—and an unexpected home—in this enchanting contemporary fantasy debut.

Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl.

A Day of Breath by Darby Cox

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A dark and imaginative coming of age adventure filled with demons and religious conspiracy, A Day of Breath is a perfect read for fans of Naomi Novik and N.K. Jemisin.

The Gods Must Burn by T.R. Moore

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A disgraced war hero is transformed into the Wolf God, protector of the Forest God, and must earn her trust in this healing dark fantasy for fans of The Wolf and the Woodsman and Princess Mononoke.

The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Debut author Cameron Sullivan tears the heart out of history with this darkly entertaining retelling of the hunt for the Beast of Gévaudan. Lifting the veil on the hidden world behind our own, it reimagines the story of Europe, from Imperial Rome to Saint Jehanne d’Arc, the madness of Gilles de Rais and the first flickers of the French Revolution.

Half City by Kate Golden

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
When a lone demon hunter is recruited by a reformed demon to enroll at a private school for hunters like herself, she will reckon with secrets from her deceased father’s past, her mixed feelings for a man she’s been taught to hate, and a series of mysterious attacks that threatens the lives of every student at Harker Academy.

The Apple and the Pearl by Rym Kechacha

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A richly atmospheric fantasy set across one day, as a ballet troupe of lost souls perform an ancient dance for the faerie realms, knowing they could be snatched away by their audience of faerie princes, imps and sprites at any moment.

Nightshade and Oak by Molly O’Neill

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An Iron Age goddess must grapple with becoming human in this delightful historical fantasy of myth and magic from the author of the instant hit Greenteeth.

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Readers will lose themselves in the mesmerising magic of this absorbing and utterly unputdownable page-turner, perfect for fans of Weyward, The Lost Apothecary and Practical Magic.

The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox by Katrina Kwan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the author of The Last Dragon of the East comes a sweeping fantasy adventure with a dash of romance between a nine-tailed fox and the demon-hunter who captures her, banished to the underworld together and forced to form a reluctant alliance in order to escape the circles of Hell.

The Misheard World by Aliya Whiteley

Amazon | Goodreads
An interrogation of a famed spy by a military agent reveals deeper secrets about the beginnings of the war—and about the world itself—in the latest groundbreaking novel from the Arthur C. Clarke Award-nominated Aliya Whiteley.

MARCH 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The First Step by Tao Wong

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In a spectacular world of immortals, spirit beasts, and mystical martial arts, the young farmer Wu Ying’s life will be changed forever when he is unexpectedly invited to join an elite school of cultivation.

The Ascension of Souls by Bronte-Marie Wesson

Publisher | Amazon | Goodreads
The first in the Broken Cycle trilogy, The Ascension of Souls is an epic fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, complex characters, political schemes and a unique magic system.

Innamorata by Ava Reid

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A visionary and atmospheric gothic fantasy about necromancy, vengeance, and soul-consuming love, the first in a duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning and Lady Macbeth.

Voidverse by Damien Ober

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Dune meets Wool in this high-octane quest through the void, where two eternal forces are about to collide in an epic showdown.

The Fountain by Casey Scieszka

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Blending the spectacular with the everyday in a tale filled with humor and warmth, The Fountain explores what gives life meaning and how our understandings of our histories shape—and cage—us.

The Fox and the Devil by Kiersten White

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An obsession with a beautiful serial killer entangles a vampire hunter’s daughter in an immortal sapphic romance in this enthralling gothic fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lucy Undying.

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel by Elizabeth Everett

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
When a magical hotel appears smack-dab in the middle of the most unmagical of worlds, the last thing the residents expect is to fall in love.

The Book of Fallen Leaves by A.S. Tamaki

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Shogun meets Game of Thrones in the blockbuster epic fantasy event of the year.  A. S. Tamaki weaves a powerful tale of ambition, vengeance and sacrifice in this masterful fantasy retelling of an ancient Samurai saga, packed with memorable characters, stunning worldbuilding and epic adventure.

Aicha by Soraya Bouazzaoui

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads|
Aicha is the story of Morocco’s warrior goddess, her strange magic, fierce rebellion, and devastating romance. Soraya Bouazzaoui weaves an epic tale of female rage and hidden myths, perfect for fans of The City of Brass and The Stardust Thief.

No Man’s Land by Richard K. Morgan

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A compelling standalone dark fantasy set in a gritty post-WWI Britain that has been overrun by the fae, from the award-winning author of Altered Carbon.

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic “evil” stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children.

The Library of Amorlin by Kalyn Josephson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A brilliant con artist and a secretive librarian collide in New York Times bestselling author Kalyn Josephson’s enchanting adult fantasy debut packed with twists, tricks, slowburn romantic tension, and magical creatures — perfect for fans of S.A. MacLean, Mai Corland, and K.A. Linde.

APRIL 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The Subtle Art of Folding Space, is the exhilarating debut science fiction novel from Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author John Chu channels unhinged physics, generational trauma, and the comfort of really good dim sum. This isn’t your usual jaunt through quantum physics.

An Arcane Study of Stars by Sydney J. Shields

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From Sydney J. Shields, the breakout author of The Honey Witch, comes An Arcane Study of Stars, a historical dark academia fantasy filled with ancient secret societies, a swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance, and dangerous deals made after dark. Perfect for fans of The Atlas Six and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

The Lighthouse at the End of the World by Philip A. Suggars

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Enter a London like no other in this fast-paced, captivating fantasy novel filled with warring gods, alternate realities and a working class kid caught in the middle of it all, perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and Genevieve Cogman.

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A heart-wrenching standalone novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, We Burned So Bright follows an elder gay couple on an end-of-the-world road-trip.

The Tricky Business of Faerie Bargains by Reena McCarty

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A former changeling must return to the land of the Fae to right a bargain that’s gone terribly wrong in this delightful cozy fantasy debut packed full of charm, adventure, romance and heart.

Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.

Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A reclusive witch who fled the burden of her bloodline rises to be the greatest among them in this lush and haunting fantasy debut.

The Language of Liars by S. L. Huang

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Training to infiltrate the Star Eaters, Ro believes empathy will transform him rather than make him an imposter. Ignoring his elders’ warnings, he fails to realise that understanding an alien species may come at a devastating cost.

The Photonic Effect by Mike Chen

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen.

The Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
James S. A. Corey’s Expanse series has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 23 languages, establishing itself as a modern masterwork of science fiction. Now, the Hugo-award winning author returns with the second volume in their New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed space opera trilogy, The Captive’s War. 

The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Arrival meets Wild Dark Shore in this captivating novel that follows a family over fifty years—a bold and compassionate exploration of the universe around us and what it truly means to be human.

What We Are Seeking by Cameron Reed

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From Cameron Reed, the acclaimed author of The Fortunate Fall, comes a soaring novel of queer hope and transformation, perfect for readers of Ann Leckie and Amal El-Mohtar.

MAY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A battle-worn corporate samurai undertakes one last mission on a merciless planet where death is always a mere breath away, in this standalone dystopian epic from the author of the modern fantasy classic Jade City. 

The Franchise by Thomas Elrod

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Game of Thrones meets The Truman Show in this epic tale of a Hollywood-owned fantasy world where nothing is quite as it seems to the people who live and die at the studio’s whim.

Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An epic, romantic dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor’s Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth.

Mortedant’s Peril by RJ Barker

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In a city of ancient automata, strange spirits, and sleeping gods, a cleric of death finds his own life on the line in this vividly imagined fantasy murder mystery from the acclaimed author of The Bone Ships and Age of Assassins.

Absence by Andrew Dana Hudson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this gripping, moving, and genre-blending speculative debut, the world is unraveling from an epidemic of human vanishing. Two rookie agents from the Bureau of Depopulation Affairs are dispatched to small-town Kansas to investigate a woman who claims to have returned from Spontaneous Human Absence, offering answers that could change everything.

Palaces of the Crow by Ray Nayler

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In Ray Nayler’s speculative novel of the recent past, four young teens caught between Nazis and the Red Army survive winter in the woods with the help of a flock of highly intelligent crows with a magnificent secret of their own to protect.

Magician by Tracy Lynne Oliver

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A dark magic debut novel featuring the Boy who becomes the Magician and the villainous Mother whose sadism might end it all—for fans of Our Share of Night and The Changeling.

A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
New York Times bestselling author of The Night Huntress series Jeaniene Frost returns with a brand-new series! It’s Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, except Beauty IS the Beast, and he’s the Warden keeping mythical beings in check in our world and beyond.

The Tapestry of Fate by Shannon Chakraborty

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
New York Times bestselling author Shannon Chakraborty sets sail into the second adventure of pirate Amina al-Sirafi as her quest to track down magical artifacts brings her to the island lair of a sorceress whose woven enchantments are impossible to flee.

Platform Decay by Martha Wells

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Everyone’s favorite lethal SecUnit is back in the next installment of Martha Wells’ bestselling and award-winning Murderbot Diaries series.

The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Book Eaters comes The Girl with a Thousand Faces, a stunning Gothic tale set in a historical Hong Kong that meshes ancient myths and local legends into a haunting story of ghosts, grief, and women who will not forgive.

Death’s Daughter by S.A. Barnes

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Perfect for fans of Ninth House, Nightshade, and Neon Gods, Death’s Daughter is a dark, spicy and deliciously autumnal contemporary romantic fantasy in a dark academia setting, in which the only daughter of Death is named his successor, making her both a powerful ally and a massive target, all while she tries to make it through her final year at college . . .

JUNE 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

Heaven’s Graveyard by Grace Curtis

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the Sunday Times-bestselling author of Floating Hotel and Idolfire comes a science fantasy tale of history and myth, magic and mystery, perfect for fans of Shelley Parker-Chan and A. K. Larkwood.

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
With her country’s future and her own life at stake, an orphaned duchess must journey into a world of myth and there discover a power that may be her salvation—or her demise—in this enchanting new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Winternight Trilogy and The Warm Hands of Ghosts.

Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A London rocker is faced with a life-or-death choice when he realizes that a powerful society of magic wielders are the only ones keeping London safe in this deft contemporary fantasy cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson with author and musician Peter Orullian.

Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Doppelgängers, corporate intrigue, heartbreak, betrayal, and the harsh permanence of the border: Sublimation is a thrilling and provocative debut for fans of Severance that asks what you’d sacrifice for a different life from award-winning author Isabel J. Kim.

The Winged Game by Sophie Kim

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Fantasy meets sports romance in this sizzling slow-burn novel in which the disgraced star of a brutal magical sport must team up with the rival who destroyed her career, from the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The God and the Gumiho.

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A witch and her young ward discover a magical, walking house and learn the true meaning of home in this cozy, enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jaleigh Johnson.

A Dance of Burning Blades by M. H. Ayinde

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
War rages on in the second heart-pounding novel in M. H. Ayinde’s relentless epic fantasy series The Invoker Trilogy, a sweeping epic of revenge and rebellion set in a richly drawn world of warring clans and ancestor magic.

The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A marine biologist makes the discovery of a lifetime when called to rescue the inhabitants of a small Maine island being menaced by a giant, glowing jellyfish in this richly imagined, wholly original debut.

Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.

The Traveler by Joseph Eckert

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The Traveler is the story of a reluctant time-traveler and his son, and the bond between them that even millennia cannot break. An adventure full of heartbreak, hope, and futures beyond imagination.

The Sixth Nik by Daniel Kraus

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A startling hybrid of the Alien franchise and Ender’s Game, The Sixth Nik is the first sci-fi novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Whalefall and Angel Down.

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K England

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

What new fantasy and sci-fi book releases are you looking forward to picking up this year? Any from this list? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Devour In 2026 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

2026, here we go! With the new year just around the corner, it’s time to start focusing on something that really matters… NEW! BOOK! RELEASES!  We’ve rounded up some highly anticipated  books from a range of genres releasing between the months of January and June 2026.

So far the year promises new releases from Jennifer Niven, Jennette McCurdy, Jim Butcher, Heather Fawcett, Kerri Maniscalco, Edward Ashton, T. Kingfisher, Richard K. Morgan, Rainbow Rowell, TJ Klune, Katherine Center, Julie Murphy, Katherine Arden, Melissa Albert, and many more, plus some dazzling debuts!

You’ll find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other January to June 2026 lists, which we’ll be releasing over the next month! This article will also get updated with those links so you can easily find them, including our Anticipated Romance Reads, Anticipated Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books and Anticipated YA Reads… We apologise in advance to your TBR pile and wallet!

JANUARY 2026 BOOK RELEASES

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Funny, big-hearted, and deeply moving, Meet the Newmans is a rich family story about the dual lives we lead. Because even when our lives aren’t televised weekly, we all have a behind-the-scenes.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and In Five Years—a beautiful, powerful, and transportive new novel about a music executive desperately trying to bring a rock band back from the brink, from bestselling author Ashley Winstead.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I’m Glad My Mom Died comes a sad, funny, thrilling novel about sex, consumerism, class, desire, loneliness, the internet, rage, intimacy, power, and the (oftentimes misguided) lengths we’ll go to in order to get what we want.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
My Husband’s Wife is a tangled web of deception, obsession, and mystery that will keep you guessing until the last page. Prepare yourself for the ultimate mind-bending marriage thriller and step inside Spyglass – if you dare – to experience a story where nothing is as it seems.

If All the Stars Go Dark by S. G. Prince

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An out-of-this-world queer space opera (aka: sci-fi with magic) complete with a murder mystery, a prison break, and heist during which time the fate of the universe may or may not hang in the balance – and made even more exciting by the swoon worthy will-they-won’t-they romance.

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself?

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of First Lie Wins, a tense, feverish thriller about two women’s lives that are forever intertwined when a murder threatens to expose them both.

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Sparks fly in this second chance m/m rom com when an unlucky-in-love event planner realizes the man-of-honor at the high profile wedding he’s planning is the same man who broke his heart.

A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rebellion happens in the shadows. In the sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Language of Dragons, language is the greatest weapon in a war between humans and dragons—and one translator has the power to change the world. 

Vigil by George Saunders

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An electric novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling, Booker Prize–winning author of Lincoln in the Bardo, taking place at the bedside of an oil company CEO in the twilight hours of his life as he is ferried from this world into the next.

Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily R. Austin

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A luminous new novel following a librarian who comes back to work after a mental breakdown only to confront book-banning crusaders in an empowering story of grief, love, and the power of libraries.

FEBRUARY 2026 BOOK RELEASES

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

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A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montreal turns to a grouchy but charming wizard to help save the shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series.

The Girls Before by Kate Alice Marshall

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From the bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods, No One Can Know, and A Killing Cold, a new novel about a search & rescue expert, a kidnapped woman, and the lost girls who haunt them both.

Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi

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Cleopatra tells her own story in this evocative and sensuous historical epic from the bestselling and award-winning author of Faebound and The Final Strife.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

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From New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures.

Game, Set, Match by Jennifer Iacopelli

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She’s a tennis superstar on the rise. He’s the bad boy champ who broke her heart. When they meet on the court, their competition is hot—but their chemistry is even hotter.

Throne of Nightmares by Kerri Maniscalco

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In this action-packed standalone fantasy romance from New York Times bestselling sensation Kerri Maniscalco, a book of dangerous magic draws two readers into a perilous quest to find it—and their own happy ending.

It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica

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Two families at a secluded lake resort are at the center of a chilling crime in this twisty thriller from the bestselling author of Local Woman Missing.

Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn

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This magical new YA romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of To Kill a Shadow will steal your heart. Set in Andalay, a world where the ruling Fates bestow gifts among the favored, a thief must join forces with the palace darling after he unwittingly steals a necklace with the power to change everything.

After The Fall by Edward Ashton

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Part alien invasion story, part buddy comedy, and part workplace satire, After The Fall by Edward Ashton, author of Mickey7 (inspiration for the film Mickey 17), asks an important question: would humans really make great pets?

Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

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From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Illuminae and Aurora Rising comes a high-stakes, high-chemistry, sci-fi romp about a stowaway girl and the richest boy in the galaxy, racing the clock to outwit a gang of mercenaries.

How To Kill A Guy In Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson

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A humorous, swoony, and downright terrifying slasher rom-com in which a cinephile gets caught in the middle of a murder spree at a speed-dating event and must use her encyclopedic knowledge of the romance and horror genres to make it as a real-life Final Girl.

Half City by Kate Golden

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Crescent City meets Buffy, the Vampire Slayer in the first installment of a pulse-pounding dark academia fantasy series from USA Today bestselling author Kate Golden.

MARCH 2026 BOOK RELEASES

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Say You’ll Remember Me comes a beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way.

Bloom by Robbie Couch

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From the New York Times bestselling author of If I See You Again Tomorrow comes a delightful and heartwarming novel about family, love, grief, and one precocious houseplant, that reminds us of the beauty of living a life in full Bloom.

Strangers In The Villa by Robyn Harding

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From the international bestselling author of The Drowning Woman, a psychological thriller about a couple rocked by infidelity who moves to a villa in Spain’s Costa Brava to rebuild their relationship, only to welcome a pair of visitors who have no intention of leaving.  

Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher

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Something darker than the devil stalks the North Carolina woods in Wolf Worm, a new gothic masterpiece from New York Times bestselling author T. Kingfisher

The Ascension of Souls by Bronte-Marie Wesson

Publisher | Amazon | Goodreads
The first in the Broken Cycle trilogy, The Ascension of Souls is an epic fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, complex characters, political schemes and a unique magic system.

A Spell For Saints and Sinners by Emily Carpenter

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Like a gender-flipped You but dripping with Southern Gothic atmosphere, a young psychic on the verge of losing everything becomes obsessed with a wealthy, beautiful heiress in this clever, darkly atmospheric novel of psychological suspense set amid the lush, moss-draped beauty of Savannah.

Thirty Love by Tom Vellner

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Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports rom-com, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Casey McQuiston.

Wretch by Eric LaRocca

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From rising horror star and award-winning author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke comes a nightmarish, haunting, tech-Gothic thrill ride about sorrow, memory, and the unabashed complexity of love as a transgressive act.

No Man’s Land by Richard K. Morgan

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A compelling standalone dark fantasy set in a gritty post-WWI Britain that has been overrun by the fae, from the award-winning author of Altered Carbon.

One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

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Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.

Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier

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A gothic romantasy Beauty and the Beast retelling about a vampire prince and the captive bride who will do anything to break his curse – for fans of Naomi Novik, Heather Fawcett and Howl’s Moving Castle.

The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton

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The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas meets “Sister Wives” in a deliciously chilling, darkly romantic, historical gothic horror with a feminist slant, as a young Mormon woman is haunted by a malevolent presence in the decrepit Salt Lake City mansion she shares with her new husband and his other wives…

APRIL 2026 BOOK RELEASES

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

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Fans of Agatha Christie’s locked-room mysteries and modern tales like Knives Out will fall for The Ending Writes Itself, which masterfully blends classic mystery elements with genre-bending tropes. Crafted with razor-sharp wit and a meta twist, this satirical take on the publishing world ensures readers will hang on every word, right up to its breathtaking finale.

Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell returns with a breathtakingly honest novel about a woman who lost everything — and isn’t sure she wants it back.

Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker

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In this lyrical, wildly inventive horror novel interwoven with Japanese mythology, two people living centuries apart discover a door between their worlds.

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

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From New York Times bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow, an irresistible story about what happens when your teenage fantasy comes true after you’re already an adult.

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune

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A heart-wrenching standalone novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, We Burned So Bright follows an elder gay couple on an end-of-the-world road-trip.

Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

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New York Times bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez delivers a captivating story about a young woman whose life becomes ensnared in her glamorous neighbor’s secret past, laying bare the mounting tensions at play in a rapidly gentrifying, early 2000’s Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

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The Subtle Art of Folding Space, is the exhilarating debut science fiction novel from Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author John Chu channels unhinged physics, generational trauma, and the comfort of really good dim sum. This isn’t your usual jaunt through quantum physics.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

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Told with Sally Hepworth’s twists, humor, charm, and heart, MAD MABEL is novel that weaves past and present together–through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion.

Odessa by Gabrielle Sher

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In a powerfully imagined Russia at the height of the pogroms, a grief-stricken family turns to ancient magic to bring their daughter back from the grave.

Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

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A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

How to Fake It in Society by KJ Charles

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Bridgerton meets The Goldfinch in How to Fake It in Society, a stunning queer romance by rising genre star KJ Charles.

MAY 2026 BOOK RELEASES

The Shippers by Katherine Center

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No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

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Twisty, high-concept, and emotionally charged, this novel is an utterly compelling story of the hunt for a serial killer. But it’s also a heartfelt―and heartrending―novel about fate, innocence lost, and two souls who find that sometimes being broken is the only way for the light to get in. The Anniversary reaffirms Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

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Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

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When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop? A magical, time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.

Student Union by Julie Murphy

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From #1 New York Times–bestselling author Julie Murphy comes a sexy rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101…The first in a trilogy of romance novels that follows a group of girls as they navigate love, friendship, and new adulthood, this is perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace.

Young World by Soman Chainani

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From the New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders—until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect.

The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee

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A battle-worn corporate samurai undertakes one last mission on a merciless planet where death is always a mere breath away, in this standalone dystopian epic from the author of the modern fantasy classic Jade City. 

The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego

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A bookseller must escape the infamously haunted library that holds her darkest secrets, but with a murderer in her tour group, escaping alive is not as simple as it seems, in this twisty locked-room thriller from bestselling author of You Are Fatally Invited.

Bone of My Bone by Johanna van Veen

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Bram Stoker Award–nominee and USA Today bestseller Johanna van Veen unveils a sapphic folk-horror tour de force―perfect for fans of The VVitch and The Salt Grows Heavy. A skull’s grin is eternal…

The Dorians by Nick Cutter

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On a remote island in the Canadian wilderness, five elderly volunteers from different walks of life are given a tantalizing offer: to stall their biological clocks or even reverse them, restoring their lost youth. 

We Dance Upon Demons by Vaishnavi Patel

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi, a galvanizing stand-alone contemporary fantasy following a burnt-out reproductive health care worker as she fights back against escalating attacks on her clinic and the malevolent forces in hot pursuit of her newly acquired power.

The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill

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From the author of The In-Between Bookstore, the sweet, unforgettable story of a trans man in his thirties who books a Cape Cod cottage for one lonely summer—only to have its magic bring him visitors from the past and romance where he least expects it, perfect for fans of TJ Klune and Ashley Poston.

JUNE 2026 BOOK RELEASES

The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The new head gardener at the enchanting Lilymoor House stumbles upon a secret garden . . . with a mysterious man trapped inside, in the next magical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Sounds Like Love and The Seven Year Slip.

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden

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With her country’s future and her own life at stake, an orphaned duchess must journey into a world of myth and there discover a power that may be her salvation—or her demise—in this enchanting historical fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale.

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the award-winning New York Times and Indie bestselling author of Ace of Spades comes a mystery about five teen geniuses, their billionaire father, and the aftermath of his murder―perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying, Holly Jackson, and How to Get Away with Murder!

Whistler by Ann Patchett

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The acclaimed, prize-winning #1 New York Times bestselling writer returns with a moving, luminous novel that reminds us of the sweetness and impermanence of life and the power of connection to defy time.

This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint

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The epic, captivating tale of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who must reconcile her mind and heart when she is drawn against all odds to Ares, the god of war, from the internationally bestselling author of Ariadne and Hera.

Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni

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A young reaper hunter must conspire with her enemy to uproot the ancient evil that threatens her world in this heart-pounding romantic fantasy from the bestselling author of The Prison Healer.

The Children by Melissa Albert

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The haunting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Melissa Albert, in which the estranged adult children of a legendary author, written into their dead mother’s beloved fantasy series, must contend with the vine-like creep of legacy, memory, and magic

You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings

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Cubby Clark is spiralling—her band is broken, her ex is famous, and inspiration is gone. As tabloids spin a love triangle and a summer tour amplifies tensions, Cubby and her best friend Darcy must confront buried feelings or risk losing each other and the music they love.

Dearly Departed by Chip Pons

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A Hades-inspired gay rom-com, in which the former god of the Underworld turned grumpy funeral director must find a loophole in the Immortal Retirement Act that banished him to Earth, until the florist next door who sees life in full bloom begins to unravel all his carefully laid plans.

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff

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From the author of The Bright Years, the story of April and Leo, a couple on the brink of collapse. When their house goes up in flames, family secrets and thorny histories emerge as they are forced to decide what is worth salvaging.

There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson

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A cinematic, razor-sharp novel following a backlot fixer’s daring investigation into the suspicious death of a closeted Black actor within the glamorous world of Hollywood, from the bestselling author of My Government Means to Kill Me.

Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian

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A London rocker is faced with a life-or-death choice when he realizes that a powerful society of magic wielders are the only ones keeping London safe in this deft contemporary fantasy cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson with author and musician Peter Orullian.

What new book releases are you looking forward to picking up this year? Tell us in the comments below! And be sure to check back later in the year for our August to December picks!

The post Anticipated Book Releases Hitting Shelves In 2026 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

About The Black Market: Author-artist Jed Alexander’s debut novel is filled with scares, determined, relatable kids, and uncanny pranks; accompanied by Alexander’s classic-style, atmospheric illustrations.

As a writer for middle grade fantasy, I have my favorites, both classic and contemporary, And it doesn’t get more classic than Daniel Pinkwater. Some might say, “the 80s? That’s not classic. Where’s the Roald Dahl? The Lewis Carroll?” Well, there’s classics, and there’s classics, and Pinkwater, as far as I’m concerned, deserves to be an institution. 

Alan Mendelsohn, Boy From Mars by Daniel Pinkwater

The fact that Alan Mendelsohn is from Mars is the least interesting thing about him and is incidental to the events of what we shall loosely call a plot.  Leonard Neeble and his friend Alan meet the con man Samuel Klugarsh who gives them a gadget that puts them into state 26, allowing them to control minds. Sort of. At first all they’re able to do is make people rub their bellies and take of their hats.  But it’s not about mind control, or going into that other plane of existence known as  Waka Waka. With Pinkwater it’s more about the journey than the destination. And what a journey! But even better than Alan Mendelsohn is:

The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death by Daniel Pinkwater

Walter’s friend Winston Bongo is the inventor of “snarking out,” or sneaking out at night to go to The Snark Theater to watch unusual, rare, and classic movies. On a solo Snark, Walter meets Rat, a punk rock girl with an eccentric family. Walter, Winston and Rat are on the search for Rat’s recently missing relative, but really, summarizing Pinkwater’s books is impossible so I won’t even try.

This one has genuine moments of real magic that outmagics anything in a Harry Potter book. There’s one particularly evocative scene with a performing chicken that is both absurd and beautiful. And no one describes food better than Pinkwater; baked potatoes, pastries, bowls of Bermuda Triangle chili. Everything about these books is delicious.

 His books typically have no grand themes or morals, and often it feels like he’s making it up as he goes along, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The sequel, The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror isn’t nearly as good, but still worth a look. Or really, you can’t go wrong with any Pinkwater book. He has written, and sometimes illustrated, everything from picture books to middle grade to YA, and one book for adults called The Afterlife Diet. He has such a distinct voice, you can recognize it a mile off, just for the way he describes doughnuts.

Skullduggery Pleasant By Derek Landry

This series is more in the realm of contemporary fantasy, with lots of Irish wit. It’s about Skullduggery Pleasant, a skeleton sorcerer detective, and his protégé, twelve year old Stephanie Edgeley AKA Valkyrie Cain. Lot of action, adventure, and the occasional horrible pun. There are over 18 books in the series, but I’m afraid to say I’ve only read the first three, which I adored. The first book came out in 2007.

Neal Shusterman’s Skinjacker Trilogy

This one is also from the mid 2000s. The tone of Shusterman’s books is more on the dark and serious side. The series begins with Everlost, which is also the name of the limbo between heaven and earth where the book takes place. The recently deceased kids in the story can’t be seen by the living world, but some of them have learned to “skinjack” or inhabit the bodies of the living.  

Shusterman at his best writes real horror, and The Skinjacker series is as horrific as middle grade fiction gets. Not Goosebumps jump scare horror, but real existential, what happens when we die, dread. The other books in the series are Everwild and Everfound. Five stars!

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson

Another 2007 release. I’ve only read the first of the series, but I can’t wait to read the sequels. Alcatraz Smedry’s clumsiness and general tendency to destroy things is both the bane of his existence and his superpower. He has bounced from foster home to foster home because of it. On his 13^th birthday he meets his biological grandfather for the first time.  His grandfather informs him that he is part of a great legacy of Smedrys who each have a strange inborn talent that at first seems like a nuisance, but turns out to be their secret weapon, like his cousin Sing Sing who has the ability to trip and fall at just the right moments. And part of that legacy is their ongoing battle with a conspiracy of Evil Librarians who secretly rule the world.  What more is there to say?

Your Pal Fred, A Graphic Novel by Michael Rex

The most recent of the bunch, Your Pal Fred came out in 2022. Fred is a relentlessly friendly boy robot from a more enlightened time, who is revived by scavengers to find himself in a future post apocalyptic hellscape. In contrast to the cynical world he finds himself in, Fred believes in friendship, kindness, and fairness, and brings a beam of sunshine to everyone he meets. In the midst of this chaos, can Fred negotiate peace between the two biggest nastiest warlords of the apocalypse, Lord Bonkers and Papa Mayhem?

First in a series. The second book, Your Pal Fred, Low Power was released this year, and I can’t wait to check it out!

This short, very biased, and not at all up to date list only scratches the surface, since, in the last 20 years, middle grade and YA fantasy have exploded. So good hunting! And be sure to pick up my book, The Black Market if this kind of thing appeals to you.

The post Jed Alexander’s Middle Grade Fantasy Picks appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Nophek Gloss by Essa Hansen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a young man’s planet is destroyed, he sets out on a single-minded quest for revenge across the galaxy in Nophek Gloss, the first book in this epic space opera trilogy by debut author Essa Hansen, for fans of Revenger and Children of Time.

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Uprooted, this stand-alone, fantasy romance about a human girl and her marriage to the Elf King is impossible to put down!

The Betrayals by Bridget Collins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An intricate and utterly spellbinding literary epic brimming with enchantment, mystery, and dark secrets from the highly acclaimed author of the #1 international bestseller The Binding.

The Awakening by Nora Roberts
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts begins a new trilogy of adventure, romance, and magick in The Awakening.

The Way Back by Gavriel Savit
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for readers of Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman, a sweeping historical fantasy that follows two teens on a journey through the Far Country, a Jewish land of spirits and demons.

The Alpha Enigma by W. Michael Gear
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A thrilling new science fiction mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of the Donovan novels.

The Thief on the Winged Horse by Kate Mascarenhas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dazzling mixture of crime, romance, magic and myth from the acclaimed author of The Psychology of Time Travel.

Soulswift by Megan Bannen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark, epic fantasy about a girl who must reevaluate everything she believes after she is betrayed and hunted by the religion that raised her—from Megan Bannen, author of The Bird and the Blade. Perfect for fans of The Winner’s Curse and The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The exciting end to The Poppy War trilogy, R. F. Kuang’s acclaimed, award-winning epic fantasy that combines the history of twentieth-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating, enthralling effect.

The Arrest by Jonathan Lethem
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of The Feral Detective and Motherless Brooklyn  comes an utterly original postapocalyptic yarn about two siblings, the man that came between them, and a nuclear-powered super car.

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Stormlight Archive saga continues in Rhythm of War, the eagerly awaited sequel to Brandon Sanderson’s #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from an epic fantasy writer at the top of his game.

Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the epic, action-packed sequel to the “brilliant” (Booklist, starred review) novel War Girls, the battles are over, but the fight for justice has just begun.

What fantasy and sci-fi releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post November 2020 Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
This is the obvious place to start, since the Wheel of Time series is kicking off soon as Amazon’s answer to HBO’s success with epic fantasy. A group of friends in a small town get launched into the wider world of magic, politics, and the ancient battle between good and evil when sorceress Moiraine arrives looking for the prophesied Dragon Reborn. Sprawling across a whopping 13 books, it can feel bloated and draggy at times, but also thrilling, intense, and brilliant. Jordan sadly passed away before he could complete the series, so the last books are written by Brandon Sanderson, who appears on this list in his own right as well.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Yes, it’s a single volume, but it’s a 900+ page single volume that spans continents, centuries, and a wide cast of characters. It has action, magic, politics, religion, battles, and dragon-riding, too. It takes inspiration from another English source: the legend of St. George and the Dragon, rather than the War of the Roses. But this isn’t the princess-rescuing tale you think you know; it’s a wild, complex, and sweetly sapphic epic.

A Chorus of Dragons by Jenn Lyons
If the intense politics and character-driven drama were your favourite parts of GoT, fear not, for the Chorus of Dragons series may be even more twisted and intense. The magic is also bigger, there are more dragons, and the march of the undead to do battle with the living happens every few years, not every few millennia. It’s like GoT on PCP.

Oh, and if you’re worried that this series will end up with a perpetually delayed finale just like G. R. R. Martin’s or Patrick Rothfuss’s, I wouldn’t fret too much. Lyons is an absolute powerhouse, and she’s released three of the five (massive) volumes in two years. Would someone please give this woman her own miniseries?

The Shadow by Lila Bowen aka Delilah Dawson
If all the crazy monsters, cults, magic, and sweeping vistas are what you like best about GoT, then try The Shadow series. It’s set in an alternate version of the American West, so you won’t have any of English or Tolkenian tropes. Instead there’s Rhett, a pansexual, biracial transman chosen by destiny to hunt monsters. Only, he’s a monster too, a shapeshifter who will have to learn to hold his own among human cowpokes and rangers as well as alchemists, dragons, Chupacabra, and—my personal favourite nightmare—something called the Cannibal Owl. Rhett’s found family is just as loyal (and just as persnickety) as the Starks, too.

The Broken Earth by N. K. Jemisin
As massive in skill as in scale, these books each won a Hugo for their brilliance. Shifting POV and delving far into the past to try to save the future, these books ask questions about systems of power and delve into the lives of those who have immense power—and immense lack thereof, too. If GoT leaves you wondering what’s happening to all the people who aren’t kings and khaleesis, or find the relentless endurance of its characters compelling, try this trilogy.

The Belgariad and The Malloreon by David and Leigh Eddings
GRRM is what happens to Tolkien in a grittier, less noble world. The Belgariad is what happens if Tolkien had a sense of humour. All the tropes like thief, sorcerer, barbarian, chosen one, etc. are represented and given wry twists, but it’s not really satire or Pratchett-esque absurdity. It’s serious fantasy without quite so much doom and gloom. These books are also classic 80s and 90s works, so parts might feel a little dated, but the bones are strong.

The Books of Pellinor by Allison Croggon
This is like LOTR if all the singing were the main point of everything. Bards are the magic-users in this world, and they use their power to bring healing, justice, and prosperity to the land. But darkness is now rising and evil is creeping into even the ranks of the Bards. If you want to see how people draw together to fight a much larger threat even while dealing with smaller, more immediate crises, these books will scratch that itch.

The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson doesn’t really write anything but epics, so honestly you could choose even a standalone novel of his, like Warbreaker or Elantris. It’s most fitting, though, to highlight his epic-to-incorporate-all-epics, which is a planned ten volumes, each of which are massive and complex. Sanderson is incredibly consistent, so know that you’ll get lots of great action and meticulous plotting that results in some great twists. He’s very chaste, though, so don’t expect anything at the level of twincest.

The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny
Although four of Zelazny’s books equal one of Martin’s, I’d still say this hefty tome is worthy of inclusion on a list of epics. Corwin is one of nine brothers and seven sisters vying for the throne of Amber, the ultimate kingdom of which our world and all others are merely shadows. Playing with the concept of Platonic ideals, Corwin and his siblings can warp reality to bring it closer to the “ideal” realm. If you like the family drama and the swordfighting, here are the books for you. Also, there are a bunch of, ah, sibling relationships. Lannicest fans, I don’t really understand you but there you go.

The Dragaeran Books by Steven Brust
These books ask—and answer—the question of what happens if the hero of an epic is a thief and assassin rather than a noble chosen one. Vlad Taltos, minor mafioso, thief, for-hire killer and occasional witch, has a sword and a dragon.

He also has bills to pay, people to kill, and enemies to avoid. Good thing he also has some powerful friends. These books are perfect for anyone whose favourite character is Arya/A Girl, or who appreciates Littlefinger’s schemes. Vlad does become a reluctant do-gooder in later books despite his best efforts, drawn into not just the machinations of the gods and god-like sorcerers, but also the work of political organisers and social justice reformers that really put these books ahead of their time in some ways.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and is only meant to get you started. What other epics would you recommend? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Books For People Still Missing ‘Game of Thrones’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Alloy of Law (Mistborn Era Two #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Set 300 years after the events of the wildly fantastic Mistborn series, The Alloy of Law introduces us to a new group of uniquely magical characters and their fight to fix their corrupt world. Narrated by Michael Kramer, a god among audiobook narrators, The Alloy of Law and the whole Era 2 series is brought to life through his vast collection of accents. This is particularly perfect considering Wayne, arguably the best comedic sidekick in any fantasy book, adopts and dismisses numerous accents through the course of the story. If anyone knows the power of a proper accent, it’s Wayne and Michael Kramer.

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Kady Grant and Ezra Mason have just broken up, had their home attacked by a rival corporation, and are now trapped on separate ships while fleeing from the battlecruiser bent on their annihilation. Things can’t get any worse, right? Narrated by a full cast and enhanced by background sound effects, the audiobook version of Illuminae brings to life all the ways things get so much worse for Kady and Ezra. Author’s personal opinion: Illuminae is the best audiobook of all time.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

The first book in the epic series of Celaena Sardothian, the young assassin who was betrayed and thrown in a labour mine, released a year later to compete in a tournament to become the King’s Champion, and starts a chain of events that will reshape the land of Adarlan. There is not a narrator out there whose voice so exquisitely embodies the character as Elizabeth Evans does for Celaena. From haughtiness to rage to devastation, Evans hits every tone and emotion with perfection and brings the story of Celaena to life in a way that only an audiobook can.

Sleeping Giants (The Themis Files #1) by Sylvain Neuvel

Told entirely through interview and video transcripts, Sleeping Giants is the story of Rose Franklin and how her discovery of a giant robot hand hidden in rural South Dakota irrecoverably changes her life and the course of Earth’s history. Read by a full cast, the narration gives you the sense that you are sitting in a windowless room with the nameless interrogator who has collected these files just for your listening.

My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies #2) by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton

A satirical retelling of Jane Eyre featuring Charlotte Brontë and a group of slightly inept ghost hunters, My Plain Jane is a hilarious tale of friends, ghosts, and love. While the story is rife with biting satire and hilariously ridiculous moments, much of the humour falls flat on the page. However, when narrated by Fiona Hardingham, the jokes land spectacularly and you will find yourself laughing through your read.

Red Rising (Red Rising Saga #1) by Pierce Brown

The first book in the epic sci-fi saga of a lowly miner who rises far above his station and takes on the tyrannical government who killed his wife and subjects his people to life underground on Mars. Brown’s writing is fantastic on its own accord, but narrator Timothy Gerard Reynolds brings such depth to the story with his voice. At times gravely and broken or affluent and fierce, the narration draws the reader into the dark depths of emotion throughout this brutally masterful series.

The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Asha is the fiercest dragon slayer in the kingdom of Firgaard and when given the chance to escape a terrible arranged marriage by killing the most powerful dragon, she is confident she will be victorious. But long hidden truths come to light that threaten to destroy her world and she must figure out who to trust before she loses the one thing she never thought she’d have: love. Narrated by Doctor Who’s Pearl Mackie, The Last Namsara benefits greatly from her smooth, hypnotic voice. The novel has dragon myths scattered throughout and Mackie’s natural storytelling voice adds a fantastic layer to the experience of reading this book.

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

The post 7 Audiobooks That You Must Listen To appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hey Nerds, content contributor Holly here, keeping you in the loop of my reading with the Mid Year Book Freakout tag! As of the end of June, I have read 67 books out of my 75 goal for the year of 2019, which is a total of 23,981 pages! Here’s what I recommend based on what I have read so far in 2019!

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2019?

• Sharp Objects Gillian Flynn: Completely and utterly disturbing. Perfect for the horror lover! Go into this novel with a tough stomach. MAJOR TW FOR CUTTING AND VIOLENCE.
• Misery by Stephen King
• Pet Sematary by Stephen King: Do you notice a trend? We at the Nerd Daily are fascinated by the macabre.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2019

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand: Killer, kickass, magical queens. What more could you want?

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To?

• Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
• Inspection by Josh Malerman

Most Anticipated Release For Second Half of 2019

• Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren: I’m complete and utter trash for this duo.
• Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier: Thanks to The Nerd Daily, I’ll be reading an ARC and uploading a review soon!
• American Royals by Katharine McGee
• The Institute by Stephen King
• The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
• And like every other person on this planet… The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Biggest Disappointment?

• Ruin & Rising and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo: Sorry, I just don’t understand the hype. After finishing this series, I said hello to a MAJOR book slump. The trilogy just could not live up to the hype.
• Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy: nothing happened… never in a book have I experienced so much talk of action but no actual action. I was so hyped to get an arc but it had to be one of the largest disappointments so far.
• Fire & Blood by George R R Martin: Um this was a as boring as a history textbook. Can we just get Winds of Winter already?!

Biggest Surprise?

The Test by Sylvain Neuvel: Short and sweet. You’ll never quite know what to expect with this one.

Favourite New Author?

Stephen King… yes. I know, I am the last on the very large bandwagon. So much horror, so much weird fiction.

Newest Fictional Crush?

Saying hello to a girl crush: Daisy Jones from Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. She is so screwed up in so many ways but powerful, resilient and kickass at the same time.

Newest Favourite Character?

An odd one coming your way…. Annie Wilkes from Misery by Stephen King. Is it any surprise that I’m choosing a villain? Probably not LOL. I mean don’t you sometimes want to kidnap your favourite writer and force them to rewrite a book so they don’t kill your favourite character? Yeah me too…

Book That Made You Cry?

Now, I’m not a crier but I felt all the feels with Michelle Obama’s Becoming. She is a lawyer, mother, political advocate and can now add author to the list. This book was written so beautifully she could be a best seller even without being the famous ‘Michelle Obama’. I would die for another piece of her writing. So well done.

Book That Made You Happy?

Colourless Tsukuru Tazak by Haruki Murakami: ALL the nostalgia from my time living in Tokyo. Also beautiful writing, a new author I would love to read more of.

Favourite Book To Screen Adaptation You Saw This Year?

The Handmaid’s Tale

Favourite Review You’ve Written This Year?

Favourite and hardest review to write this year…. Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman! I wanted to spoil and gush the entire review so it was so hard to keep it spoiler free! However, such an amazing opportunity to interview the author himself! So thankful to Jimmy Patterson books, the Nerd Daily and Derek himself for a great book, review, and experience!

Most Beautiful Book You Bought So Far This Year?

UK edition of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson! This book looks like literal magic… hopefully it lives up to the hype of such a talked about fantasy author.

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End of The Year?

• The Dark Half by Stephen King
• The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
• Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
• The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
• Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
• Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

Have you read any of these books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Holly’s Reads: Mid-2019 Book Freak Out Tag appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Game of Thrones producers broke the hearts of many last month as the series finale aired capturing the attention of millions.

If you have been following the epic fantasy series, then you have probably heard the backlash the producers and HBO team are facing over how they approached the final season. It has even escalated to the point where a petition has been circulating the Internet in which frustrated viewers speak out against how the Thrones team decided to end the ever so popular TV series after eight dramatic seasons. As George. R. R Martin, author of the famous series and now TV show, has yet to complete the final two books in the series, some fans believe that the Thrones team did not do Martin’s ideas justice and that an alternate ending is needed. On the other hand, die-hard fans are just sad that the adventure is over and as such await the remaining books to be published.

In the meantime, if you are looking for post-Game of Thrones books to fill that empty void you may be feeling, then I highly recommend the following novels, many of which are also epic fantasy series in which may help you move on!.

A Time of Dread (Of Blood and Bone Series) by John Gwynne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Time of Dread, the first book in the Of Blood and Bone Series, has captured the attention of many seeking the next best epic fantasy series. It is a fiery tale written by the well-known epic fantasy author, John Gwynne, who tells a story of the Banished Lands, a previously used setting in some of his other fantasy novels. Gwynne has created yet another masterpiece in the eyes of many and I strongly recommend reading this novel as well as the sequel, A Time of Blood.

The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In search of a new series about the rise to power? Look no further by picking up The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence. This series consists of 3 novels and follows the main protagonist by the name of Jorg Ancrath who attempts to rise up the ranks in the setting of post-apocalyptic Europe. Having the title of Prince of Throns (ironically the name of the first book in the series), Ancrath faces many challenges, including have to come face-to-face with his childhood fears. This series is both captivating and thrilling and will leave you wanting more as you move from one book to the next!

The Name of The Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles) by Patrick Rothfuss
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If you are looking to add a magical touch to your TBR list then look no further! The Name of the Wind is a fictional tale written by Patrick Rothfuss and has a unique voice to it as it is told by the main character himself Kvothe (otherwise known as “the man of many names” as he takes on many titles throughout series). This series has almost a memoir feel to it as Kvothe tells his story to The Chronicler from start to finish, over a three-day period. Despite the lack of climatic battle scenes, The Name of The Wind is an intriguing, mysterious novel that should definitely be added to your #TBR if you are searching for something to get out of your post-GoT depression.

The City by Stella Gemmell
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The City, a compelling dark-fantasy novel by debut author Stella Gemmell, has caught the attention of many over the last few years as she tells a powerful tale about overcoming the darkness and fear that has taken over The City. The City, a now-abandoned void, is thought to be the home to an ancient emperor for who very little truth is known. This heroic tale against the powers of evil will have you reading this book from start to finish in one sitting!

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
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Black Leopard, Red Wolf has captured the hearts of many with its breath-taking entrance into the fantasy literary world. This novel is the first novel in The Dark Star Trilogy and has been compared to famous epic fantasies such as Tolkien’s work and has even been called “An African Game of Thrones”. 620 pages of adventure, thoughtful character analysis, and, of course, loads of excitement! A definite read for all those fantasy-lovers out there!

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Since we are talking about must-read epic fantasies, how could we not forget the classics? The Lord of The Rings changed the fantasy game by creating a world of its own. From The Fellowship of The Ring to The Return of The King, you will become a part of Middle Earth as you read through the histories and adventures of dear Frodo and Sam, two hobbits living in The Shire. Embark with them on their epic journey through Mordor and enjoy the different characters you meet along the way!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
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Throne of Glass tells a powerful story surrounding a young assassin by the name of Celaena Sardothien who must now fight for her freedom after receiving an opportunity to obtain a royal pardon from the Crown Prince himself. This book, with a strong female lead, tells a compelling tale as you follow Celaena through her triumphs as she fights for her freedom as well as her survival!

The Axe & The Throne by M.D. Ireman
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Said to have “Game of Thrones-style-tales”, The Axe & The Throne has become a fan-favourite among all high-fantasy genre lovers. This detail-friendly novel follows a man by the name of Tallos on his quest to rescue his friend’s oldest son who has been taken by the Northmen a group of people you would not want to be caught with alone. This novel causes all sorts of emotions and will keep you reading until the very end. With a strong fictional world and endless character development, you would be a fool not to add this book to your next epic-fantasy TBR!

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Achieve Series)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

If you’re looking for a nice-long epic-fantasy read, then you have stumbled upon the right book for you! Brandon Sanderson’s, 1008-page novel, The Way of Kings contains all the critical elements of an epic fantasy and will leave you immersed in the wonderful world of Roshar – a world of stone and storms. With excellent world-building details and character development, this is for sure a Sanderson classic and strongly recommended to those die-hard GoT fans out there.

The Priory of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Being one of the most-talked about fantasy novels circling the literary world in 2019, The Priory of The Orange Tree tells a tale like no other. Its unique setting and characters will have you attempting to read this book cover to cover just so you can find out what happens at the end! A definite highly recommended read for anyone looking for a new release fantasy!

Any other suggestions? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Books To Read After ‘Game of Thrones’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Brandon Sanderson’s latest book, Skyward, is the newest YA sci-fi adventure that I didn’t realise I needed until now! The human race has been all but wiped out. Forced to live on a barren planet whilst a mysterious race only known as the ‘Krell’ battles them in war fought over generations, the only way to fight them is to become a pilot, the most highly accepted job in all the clans.

In this time, we meet a young girl named Spensa, who longs to join the rankings like her father once before, but his label as a coward makes it all but impossible for her dreams to come true. However, when she comes across a ship wreckage in an abandon cavern, she realises she may fly after all. Even if the ship seems to have a mind of its own.

Sanderson has done it again! The storyline itself could’ve easily falter or become stagnant as we join Spensa mostly through flight school, leaving room for the story to grow stale and somewhat repetitive. However, new plot points and materials are brought in throughout these scenes. On top of this, his writing style has the rare ability to make you feel as if you are in the scene with the characters, watching it unfold with them and feeling their emotions head on.

There are such a wide range of characters that everyone can find one that they agree or level with to an extent. With characters ranging from Spensa, an aggressive and talented cadet who struggles to come to terms with her father’s mistakes, to Kimmalyn, a polite and happy cadet who just so happens to be the best sniper the DDF has seen for years. It’s so easy to get attached to this team. Whilst following their training and knowing that only 1-2 cadets in each team are likely to graduate, there is so much room for laughter and heartbreak.

My favourite character throughout the book is the big personality that is M-Bot, the lovable and funny ship that she finds abandoned. With one liners such as “Maybe I should start calling you a cow, since you have four limbs, are made of meat, and have rudimentary biological mental capacities.”, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with him as well.

The message of this book is one I rarely see in sci-fi and fantasy, but it is one that should be brought to the forefront more often than not. It brings forward the idea of bravery, but not in the fantasy cut off the head of the dragon kind of way. Although Spensa is finally living her dream of becoming a pilot and has worked so hard against the odds to be there, she begins to lose that chip in her shoulder she once used as the forefront of her personality. The debate in her mind and with others is when is it time to say enough is enough and walk away from what you thought were your dreams? Does it make you any less brave for doing so? And since her father was branded a coward for his actions as a pilot, she wrestles with the idea of what a coward truly is and does walking mean giving up?

I personally loved this book! There wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t engaged with the story and the characters and there were so many emotions provoked from just 513 pages (I cried… a lot). Sanderson’s ability to tell a story whilst also making you feel like one of the team shows why he’s one of the most well-known and beloved authors in the sci-fi world at the moment. If you’re looking for action, humour, but also a little bit of a cry then I couldn’t recommend this book more!

Skyward is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers!

Have you read Skyward? Or will you be checking it out? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.

The post Review: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Perhaps you’re in need of some YA? Be on the look out for Leigh Bardugo’s King of Scars, Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Virtue and Vengeance, Christine Riccio’s Again, But Better, and Kasie West’s Maybe This Time.

If fantasy and sci-fi is more your speed, pick up Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree, Marlon James’ Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Gods of Jade and Shadow, or Rick Riordan’s The Tyrant’s Tomb.

Or get drawn into a good mystery or thriller with Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s An Anonymous Girl, Samantha Downing’s My Lovely Wife, Wendy Walker’s The Night Before, and Megan Goldin’s The Escape Room.

Read on to discover just a few of the exciting 2019 new releases you can check out and tell us in the comments below if you will be adding them to your list!

JANUARY

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the authors of the blockbuster bestseller The Wife Between Us comes an electrifying new novel about doubt, passion, and just how much you can trust someone.

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
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Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
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An unforgettable romantic comedy about a woman who finally has a shot at her long time crush—if she dares.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
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Set in a darkly glamorous world, The Gilded Wolves is full of mystery, decadence, and dangerous but thrilling adventure.

The Suspect by Fiona Barton
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The new must-read standalone crime thriller from the author of Sunday Times bestseller, The Widow, and the Richard & Judy No. 1 bestseller, The Child – featuring unforgettable journalist, Kate Waters.

Golden Child by Claire Adam
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A deeply affecting debut novel set in Trinidad, following the lives of a family as they navigate impossible choices about scarcity, loyalty, and love.

FEBRUARY

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
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On the Come Up is Angie Thomas’s homage to hip-hop, the art that sparked her passion for storytelling and continues to inspire her to this day.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
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From the internationally bestselling author of The Bone Season, a trailblazing, epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons – and the women who must lead the fight to save it.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn
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A fascinating historical novel about a battle-haunted English journalist and a Russian female bomber pilot who join forces to track the Huntress, a Nazi war criminal gone to ground in America.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
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Marlon James draws on a rich tradition of African mythology, fantasy and history to imagine an ancient world, a lost child, an extraordinary hunter, and a mystery with many answers…

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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A shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive…

Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCracken
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A sweeping and enchanting new novel from the widely beloved, award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken about three generations of an unconventional New England family who own and operate a candlepin bowling alley

MARCH

Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Pena
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Clark Kent has always been faster, stronger, better than everyone around him. But he wasn’t raised to show off, and drawing attention to himself could be dangerous. Plus, it’s not like he’s earned his powers . . . yet.

Run Away by Harlan Coben
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She’s addicted to drugs and to an abusive boyfriend. You haven’t seen her in six months. Then you find her busking in New York’s Central Park. But she’s not the girl you remember. This woman is frail, filthy, terrified, and in more trouble than you ever imagined.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi (Pushed back to June 2019)
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Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
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Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this wildly compulsive debut thriller about a couple whose fifteen-year marriage has finally gotten too interesting…

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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A thrilling story told in the form of an extended oral history, Daisy Jones and the Six transports the reader to the world of ’70’s rock ‘n roll; creative chaos, musical alchemy and an iconic sound.

Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi
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Influenced by the mysterious place gingerbread holds in classic children’s stories from the tantalizing witch’s house in “Hansel and Gretel” to the man-shaped confection who one day decides to run as fast as he can. this is a delightful tale of a surprising family legacy, in which the inheritance is a recipe.

APRIL

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
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In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, the paths of three individuals entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth
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A twisty, compelling novel about one woman’s complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in murder…

The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare
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From #1 New York Times bestseller Cassandra Clare and award-winner Wesley Chu comes the first book in a new series that follows High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood as they tour the world after the Mortal War.

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
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In this shimmering Chinese-inspired fantasy, debut author Joan He introduces a determined and vulnerable young heroine struggling to do right in a world brimming with deception.

Little Darlings by Melanie Golding
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Compulsive, creepy, and inspired by some our darkest fairy tales, Little Darlings will have you checking―and rechecking―your own little ones. Just to be sure. Just to be safe.

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
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The New York Times bestselling author of Pucked and The Good Luck Charm delivers a Hollywood happily-ever-after where a famous heartthrob falls for his ultimate fangirl in this sexy standalone romantic comedy.

MAY

Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
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Shane has been doing college all wrong. Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. She needs a change — there’s nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She’s going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! Easier said than done.

The Night Before by Wendy Walker
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Told in dual timelines—the night before and the day after—The Night Before is a riveting thriller about family loyalty, obsession, and what happens when the desire for love spins out of control.

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
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The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the academy would touch…

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
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From the critically acclaimed author of The Kiss Quotient comes a romantic novel about love that crosses international borders and all boundaries of the heart…

We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal
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Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award longlist title The Poet X comes a dazzling novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright.

JUNE

I’ll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie
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From Catherine McKenzie, the instant bestselling author of The Good Liar, comes a riveting domestic suspense in the vein of Liane Moriarty that sees five siblings forced to confront a tragedy they thought was buried long ago.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
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From the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens comes an imaginative fantasy about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.

The Beholder by Anna Bright
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Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare
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Follow Brother Zachariah and see, against the backdrop of the Shadow Market’s dark dealings and festive celebrations, Anna Lightwood’s first romance, Matthew Fairchild’s great sin and Tessa Gray plunged into a world war. Valentine Morgenstern buys a soul at the Market and a young Jace Wayland’s soul finds safe harbor.

The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad
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Inspired by fascinating, true, yet little-known events during World War II, The Long Flight Home is a testament to the power of courage in our darkest hours—a moving, masterfully written story of love and sacrifice.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
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From the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things, a delicious novel of glamour, sex, and adventure, about a young woman discovering that you don’t have to be a good girl to be a good person.

JULY

Dark Age by Pierce Brown
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Morning Star returns to the Red Rising universe with the thrilling sequel to Iron Gold.

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
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The next heart-pounding thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager follows a young woman whose new job apartment sitting in one of New York’s oldest and most glamorous buildings may cost more than it pays.

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
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Maddie and Theo have two things in common: Alexa is their best friend and they hate each other. After an “oops, we made a mistake” night together, neither one can stop thinking about the other.

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
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A gritty YA fantasy about a young chieftain from a persecuted caste of mercy-killers who must rely on her wits and bone magic to smuggle the crown prince to safety.

Maybe This Time by Kasie West
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One year. Nine events. Nine chances to…fall in love? Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.

This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amar El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
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Two time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love in this thrilling and romantic book from award-winning authors Amal-El Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

AUGUST

Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center
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From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel about family, hope, and learning to love against all odds.

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
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For fans of JP Delaney’s The Girl Before and Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 comes this hair-raising novel of deception and revenge that will blow readers away.

The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang
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The sequel to R.F. Kuang’s acclaimed debut THE POPPY WAR, THE DRAGON REPUBLIC combines the history of 20th-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating effect.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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The Mayan God of Death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this dark fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore, for readers of The Song of Achilles and Uprooted.

Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood
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From the author of Rust & Stardust comes this heartbreaking story, inspired by true events, of how far one mother must go to protect her daughter.

Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell
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Pumpkinheads is a book about fall and friendship and saying good-bye. About puns and pumpkin spice. And about taking a moment, while everything around you changes, to appreciate something wonderful.

SEPTEMBER

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
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Margaret Atwood’s sequel picks up the story 15 years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead.

Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff
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A ruthless young assassin’s journey for revenge comes to a stunning end in the conclusion of this acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy.

The World of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
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The official guide to the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series complete with characters, creatures, new artwork, and more!

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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The Ninth House trilogy—Gideon the Ninth, Harrow the Ninth, and Alecto the Ninth—is an epic science fantasy that blends necromantic theory and thrilling swordplay with a wicked, sacrilegious sense of humor; a modern mix of Dune, Riddick, and Gormenghast.

His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler, Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, and more
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Dahlia Adler (ed.)’s HIS HIDEOUS HEART, a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s most unsettling and surprising short stories reimagined by authors Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, Lamar Giles, Tessa Gratton, Tiffany Jackson, Stephanie Kuehn, Amanda Lovelace, Emily Lloyd-Jones, Hillary Monahan, Marieke Nijkamp, Caleb Roehrig, and Fran Wild.

The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan
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It’s not easy being Apollo, especially when you’ve been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors.

OCTOBER

The New Bad Thing by Michael Ebner
Goodreads | Book Depository

Teagan can’t have what she wants most in life. Now everywhere she goes and everyone she knows are constant reminders of this. Desperate for a distraction, she needs to focus her energy elsewhere. Suddenly a foreign news story shocks her to the core. From that moment, she takes matters into her own hands and starts a special project. It could become a global game changer.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads

At once a sultry romance and a thrilling murder mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet: The Beautiful. And these vampires don’t sparkle. They slay.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
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The new series centers on Alex Stern, a 20-year-old California high school dropout with a criminal past who is mysteriously offered a second chance as a Yale University freshman. Ninth House, the first book, follows Stern’s freshman year, where she is charged with monitoring Yale’s secret societies, who engage in sinister occult activities.

Untitled by Paula Hawkins
Goodreads

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads

Pitched as Frozen meets Mad Max, the series is about a world ruled by goddesses that has been split in two—one half existing in perpetual scorching Day, the other in freezing Night—and the twins separated at birth who learn they’re destined to make their way across the great divide and rule a reunited world.

Into The Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
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Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a strange book hidden in the library stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood.

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
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From #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare comes the first novel in a brand-new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London. Chain of Gold is a Shadowhunters novel.

Starsight by Brandon Sanderson
Goodreads

The follow-up to Brandon Sanderson’s 2018 YA sci-fi novel Skyward.

The Light of All The Falls by James Islington
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The Light of All That Falls concludes the epic adventure that began in The Shadow of What Was Lost, the acclaimed fantasy blockbuster from James Islington.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
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A heart-breaking, uplifting story for fans of PS I Love You and Jojo Moyes, this gorgeously romantic novel will make you laugh, cry and remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to love and to be loved.

Quantum by Patricia Cornwell
Goodreads | Amazon

International bestselling, award-winning, and groundbreaking author Patricia Cornwell will introduce a new heroine for the technological age with Quantum.

What new release are you most excited to read this year? Tell us in the comments below!

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