Hi, Kira! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m a Seattle based writer who grew up in Jakarta, Dubai, Singapore and Texas. I write stories that are funny and in reference of nature. I believe in kindness, laughter, creativity, but not cilantro. I have befriended wild crows who follow me on walks around the neighborhood. More and more these days, I find myself writing escapist fiction for a reader to get happily lost in other worlds.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I was very lucky to have been read to as a child. A love of bedtime stories turned into a love of reading by myself. I wanted to become a writer because of the particular magic of reading—that I could crack open a book and stream across the sentences to become a pirate, a sleuth, a witch or a warrior. Whole worlds opened up to me and I began wanting to create the ones I had imagined for myself. The first story I wrote was about a dragon who ate too much and was unable to fly.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: What-A-Mess Goes To School – Frank Muir
• The one that made you want to become an author: The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Wall – Marlen Haushofer

Your latest novel, Tartufo, is out January 28^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Giant truffle—blessing or curse?

What can readers expect?

A funny, nature-forward story set in Tuscany, where a village is in dire straights and it’s only hope is when truffle hunter Giovanni and his dogs find the largest truffle on earth. A culinary diamond potentially worth a fortune that will rot in five days. TARTUFO is feel-good fiction, to be read for comfort and in the event a foodie vacation to Tuscany is on your dream list. The Tartufo reading experience has been likened to “a warm hug from your Nonna.”

Where did the inspiration for Tartufo come from?

My parents live in a small medieval village in Tuscany. We’ve owned a house there for almost thirty years. I love it there—the people, the culture, the food—and I have undoubtedly been inspired by our adventures. I am also a huge fungi fan and am particularly captivated by truffles. They are nature’s rags to riches story—a pungent fungus that is dug up from the dirt and flown to some of the finest restaurants in the world. It’s just so delicious. A truffle doesn’t grow unless there are good relationships between the fungi and a tree, and I saw allegory in that and the community of small village life.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Every single character was a delight to discover and spend time with on the page. I love the challenge of writing from the perspective of animals, so there was a particular joy in writing scenes where Aria and Fagiolo, the truffle dogs, are hunting in the woods. There is also a chapter that follows the flight of a sweet little Italian honey bee that was wonderful to explore and imagine creatively. I loved writing from the perspective of Al Pacino, who is a cat with an intolerance for nonsense. I can’t seem to stop writing about cantankerous cats.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I was initially very worried about the sheer number of characters and about how to paint scenes when they are all together without overwhelming a reader. I wanted readers to know each of the fascinating villagers and make sure each character responded authentically to the madness and mayhem happening around them. It took commitment and trust that I could find the balance organically. It often helps me to remember to have fun—if I’m enjoying writing the scene, there is a greater chance a reader will enjoy it more too.

This is your third novel! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned since your debut in 2019?

Persistence is key! Every book has felt different to write and required patience as I figured out how to tell it. I’ve learned that it is important to stay true to your creative instincts. Writing for the sake of the story and by following your curiosity vs. writing with an external expectation (for example, what might do best commercially) results in braver, more interesting, more original literary adventures.

What’s next for you?

I’m excited to be touring for Tartufo and I have a few other stories that I’m wrangling into shape.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?

Elise Hooper has a new novel coming out in 2025 called THE LIBRARY OF THE LOST DOLL HOUSES that I’m very much looking forward to reading. And although it came out in English in 2024, I am looking forward to finally diving into Olga Tokarczuk’s THE EMPUSIUM. Markus Zusak has a new memoir called THREE WILD DOGS (AND THE TRUTH) that I would love to get my paws on.

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

The post Q&A: Kira Jane Buxton, Author of ‘Tartufo’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

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She has his dead wife’s heart; the one she wants is his. The author of The Family Plot brings her signature prose to a twisty novel about a heart transplant patient who becomes romantically obsessed with her donor’s husband.

The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen

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The caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel finds herself fighting for her life—and sanity—in this twisty, addictive thriller.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

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A group of young women in a home for unwed mothers in 1970s Florida who find a book to witchcraft—a guide which may just be the key to regaining their power or the source of their worst nightmares.

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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A twisty domestic thriller about an author who travels to a remote Scottish island to write his next book…only to run into a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

The Weekend Guests by Liza North

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In the vein of Lucy Foley’s chilling, atmospheric mysteries, a compulsive, psychological thriller about a group of old university friends whose seaside reunion will end in betrayal and murder.

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young

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In this captivating atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow, a woman investigates her twin brother’s mysterious death while confronting the ghosts of her own haunted past.

The Crash by Freida McFadden

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A gut-wrenching story of motherhood, survival, and twisted expectations, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a snowbound thriller that will chill you to the bone.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

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Two former serial killers trying to keep their past buried realize that old habits die hard in this “wildly original, razor-sharp thriller” (Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark).

Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji

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A sweeping family saga following one woman’s struggle to protect her culture and her family amidst the backdrop of a military occupation.

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

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From the USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Girl in 2A and The New Neighbor comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question: are murderers always the bad guys?

Head Cases by John McMahon

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Head Cases follows an enigmatic group of FBI agents as they hunt down a murderer seeking his own justice in this electrifying―and commercial―series debut.

At The Bottom of the Garden by Camilla Bruce

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A murderess becomes the guardian of two very unusual girls in this mesmerizing gothic novel from acclaimed author Camilla Bruce.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

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A moving story about two very different sisters, and a love letter to childhood, growing up, and the power of imagination—from the bestselling author of Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead and Interesting Facts About Space.

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz

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Fixer Upper meets Gone Girl in this suspenseful and witty domestic thriller set in the world of home renovation TV—featuring a woman who becomes public enemy #1 after a horrifying discovery prompts her to flee her celebrity husband with their twin babies.

Old Soul by Susan Barker

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The Historian meets Under the Skin in this searingly provocative literary horror novel about one woman’s determination to stay alive at any terrifying cost.

We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr

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Weaving the women’s stories across multiple timelines, We Rip the World Apart reveals the ways that simple choices, made in the heat of the moment and with the best of intentions, can have deep and lasting repercussions―especially when people stay silent.

The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

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An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.

The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha

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A billionaire is primed to announce the succession plan for his company to his family at a lavish reunion, but at least one person won’t make it through the week alive. . . Most family reunions end in tears. This one will end in murder.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn

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From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi “show camp” Theresienstadt.

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

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From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow

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New from the author of Presumed Innocent, the #1 bestseller that redefined the legal thriller and is the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever.

Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton

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Written in the same enchanting style and raucous humor that defines Hollow Kingdom and Feral Creatures, Tartufo is a reflection on the interconnectedness of life in all its manifestations—and how holding on to harmony in the face of hardship can grow something beautiful and rare beneath the surface.

The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas

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From esteemed author Julia Bryan Thomas comes a novel for readers who loved the fashion and glamour of The Second Life of Mirielle West and the clandestine intrigue of The Secrets We Kept, showcasing a journey to France through the eyes of a wide-eyed American orphan who becomes embroiled in an international espionage scheme.

What January releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 24 New Fiction Books Releasing In January 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Calling all fans of Shit Turd’s and animal lovers! Have you all heard that Shit Turd, yes, The One Who Keeps from Hollow Kingdom, is back? This time, more sardonic, sassier, and stronger than ever.

If you haven’t already read Hollow Kingdom, do yourself a favour and read it. For those who have, there’s a high chance you’ll enjoy Feral Creatures too. In Hollow Kingdom, the world ended because of humanity’s obsession with their electronic devices, and S.T., our heroic crow, and his motley crew were trying to save whatever that was left from further destruction. In the sequel, Shit Turd had a child with him. A child, you say? Yes, 13-year-old Dee, the last surviving MoFo (read: human), whom he was trying to protect from The Changed Ones (atrophied humans), along with his loyal friends, the snowy owls, Ooomingmak the musk ox, and Migisi the bald eagle.

And along the way we meet again the cocky Genghis Cat (whom I loved a little more than S.T. in this series despite her brief appearances), Ghubari the African gray parrot, Orange the Orangutan, and the suspicious stripey tigers. We were also introduced to new characters like Budiwati the Cassowary, a wise walrus who claimed to be Onida (who was an octopus in Hollow Kingdom), a pod of killer whales who called themselves the Black Fins, and some friends of Ghubari’s which included a yellow-crested cockatoo named Tom Hanks. I bet Buxton is a fan of his, as she made a couple of references to him in the book, which I didn’t mind because I am one too!

While protecting Dee from The Changed Ones, S.T. was also trying to keep her ‘human’—teaching her MoFo words, how to play basketball, bringing her clothes and books about her people called the Yup’ik, and celebrating ‘ThanksChristmasHallowHanuKwanazza’ with her each year. But much to his dismay, Dee kept being drawn back to the natural world, spending most of her time outdoors, digging her nails into soil, feeling every inch of the earth, listening to the ocean, tuning into the communication with Auro, Echo and Web.

He wanted desperately for Dee to stay to her roots as a human; he didn’t want to give up his idea of her. But as much as he tried to deny it, he observed that ‘the only thing in this world that she wants it to sprout wings and grow roots and disappear into he soil and sea.’ And Dee hated what she was.

Nevertheless, S.T. loved her more than Cheetos®, more than his own life. But will he be able to protect her, now that he was losing communication with Aura, Echo and Web, and support from some of his animal friends? Or was the polar bear right when he told S.T. that he’ keeps a monster in [his] nest’?

I was excited to enter S.T’s world again, meeting old and new friends. His humour entertained as always, making me chuckle and grin every now and then. Book 2 showed a more mature side of S.T. (although not without his signature sass and sarcasm) now that he was a parent. When he lost Dee once, he panicked and worried that she wouldn’t survive on her own. But she proved him wrong, by showing her uncanny ability to communicate with the wild.

Just like Hollow Kingdom, its sequel was just as enjoyable and the writing flawless with vivid descriptions that brought to live the apocalyptic world, spotting ‘ramshackle stores’, ‘emerald ferns bursting in viridescent fireworks’, trees that had been hollowed and eaten from the inside out, and the morphed MoFos, some with ‘gigantic legs outspread to suction itself’, some ‘evolved to survive without sun in the manner of creatures who live under stone (and the Irish) and some slithered and had skin that was ‘slack and pulpy’.

There were many parts that tickled my funny bone too, and one that I remembered was when S.T. met a crab, The One Who Creeps. They kept insisting that they were summoned by Aura. The crab got irate and said, “I was called here.” To which S.T. responded, “Are you pulling my leg?” And here comes S.T.’s thoughts: ‘The crab’s eyes widened in horror and I realized my impudence immediately. Pretty much every entity on earth is after a crab’s stems; they are understandably a little sensitive.’ Here I chuckled! I’m a sensitive crab myself!

If you like that sort of humour, fret not, there are a lot in this book. My only niggle was that it could’ve been condensed a bit more because some parts felt a little repetitive, and you might find S.T.’s sardonic humour a little too much. And there were also several Western/American references like ‘Captain Jack Morgan’, ‘Vincent Lombardi Trophy’, and ‘Pabst Blue Ribbon’ that I was not familiar with and therefore couldn’t relate to. Also the author sometimes used those terms as a verb, like ‘…her colorful little body be Benihana-ed into a small mound of glitter.’ I have no idea what Benihana means.

If you’re looking to be entertained, look no further. Start reading this series, especially if you’re an animal lover, and if you like fast-paced stories filled with humorous quips and comebacks from witty animals. Hey, this would make a great beach companion too! You can laugh your heart out hidden behind your sunglasses and big beach hat.

So, my dear S.T. fans and animal lovers, pack yourself a few bags of Cheetos® and be prepared to go on a crazy, roller-coaster ride. Find out if S.T. succeeded in protecting Dee and live up to his name of ‘The One Who Keeps’, or if he’d lose her to The Changed Ones, or if Dee had all along, been a ‘monster’ that the polar bear had warned S.T. about.

Thanks again for the fun adventure, S.T. I know I’ll be seeing you again very soon. Meanwhile, stay safe and stay out of trouble! Quoting the Yup’ik, Ikayurtarluten yullgutevnun (be helpful to one another)!

Feral Creatures is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 24th 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

In this stunning follow-up to Hollow Kingdom, the animal kingdom’s “favorite apocalyptic hero” is back with a renewed sense of hope for humanity, ready to take on a world ravaged by a viral pandemic (Helen Macdonald).

Once upon an apocalypse, there lived an obscenely handsome American crow named S.T. . . .

When the world last checked-in with its favorite Cheeto addict, the planet had been overrun by flesh-hungry beasts, and nature had started re-claiming her territory from humankind. S.T., the intrepid crow, alongside his bloodhound-bestie Dennis, had set about saving pets that had become trapped in their homes after humanity went the way of the dodo.

That is, dear reader, until S.T. stumbled upon something so rare—and so precious—that he vowed to do everything in his power to safeguard what could, quite literally, be humanity’s last hope for survival. But in a wild world plagued by prejudiced animals, feather-raising environments, new threats so terrifying they make zombies look like baby bunnies, and a horrendous dearth of cheesy snacks, what’s a crow to do?

Why, wing it on another big-hearted, death-defying adventure, that’s what! Joined by a fabulous new cast of animal characters, S.T. faces many new challenges plus his biggest one yet: parenthood.

The post Review: Feral Creatures by Kira Jane Buxton appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

While there have been many debut novels released this year, we round up some of the most buzzed about 2019 debuts!

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.

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
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A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford Rebels, in which a fiercely independent vicar’s daughter takes on a powerful duke in a love story that threatens to upend the British social order.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
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In the early 1900s, a young woman searches for her place in the world after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.

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.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

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…

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
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Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Americanah in this disarmingly honest, boldly political, and truly inclusive novel that will speak to anyone who has gone looking for love and found something very different in its place.

The Perfect Son by Lauren North
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A disturbing and shocking debut novel of psychological suspense about a recently widowed mother, her young son, and the lengths she’ll go to in order to keep him safe.

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
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Eragon meets And I Darken in this thrilling new fantasy debut that follows a fallen princess as she ignites a rebellion to bring back the magical elemental crows that were taken from her people.

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
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A tender and terrifying literary horror novel–the author’s debut–that tells the story of a family (creators of a haunted house attraction called the Wandering Dark) and the hereditary monsters–both metaphorical and all-too-real–that haunt them.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
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Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skilfully animated as necromantic skeletons. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
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Four Queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them. An enthralling fast-paced murder mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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A big-hearted romantic comedy in which First Son Alex falls in love with Prince Henry of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends…

There Will Come A Darkness by Katy Rose Pool
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Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows meets Kristin Cashore’s Graceling, with a dash of Winter is Coming, in this showstopping debut YA fantasy!

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
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From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
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A uniquely emotional genre-bending debut, Here and Now and Then captures the perfect balance of heart, playfulness, and imagination, offering an intimate glimpse into the crevices of a father’s heart, and its capacity to stretch across both space and time to protect the people that mean the most.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this stunning fantasy adventure from debut author Charlotte Nicole Davis.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
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As one by one her beautiful sisters mysteriously die on their isolated island estate, Annaleigh must unravel the curse that haunts her family. Be careful who you dance with. . . .

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Do you have any new favourite authors from 2019? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Best Debut Novels of 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We Are All Good People Here by Susan Rebecca White
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From the author of A Place at the Table and A Soft Place to Land, a gripping, multigenerational story inspired by true events that follows two best friends through their political awakenings in the turbulent 1960s—and the repercussions of their actions after their daughters encounter the secrets they thought they had buried long ago.

The Whisper Man by Alex North
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In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of suspense, as a father and son are caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
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Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author turns from the glamour of the royal courts to tell the story of an ordinary woman, Alinor, who cannot bear to conform to the life that lies before her.

The Murder List by Hank Phillippi Ryan
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Law student Rachel North will tell you, without hesitation, what she knows to be true. She’s smart, she’s a hard worker, she does the right thing. She’s successfully married to a faithful and devoted husband, a lion of Boston’s defense bar. And her internship with the District Attorney’s office is her ticket to a successful future. Problem is–she’s wrong.  And in this cat and mouse game–the battle for justice becomes a battle for survival.

The Perfect Son by Lauren North
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A disturbing and shocking debut novel of psychological suspense about a recently widowed mother, her young son, and the lengths she’ll go to in order to keep him safe.

The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney
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The perfect life. The perfect love. The perfect lie. From the bestselling author of The Girl Before comes a gripping new psychological thriller.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
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A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

State of Lies by Siri Mitchell
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One woman is forced to question everything she knows in this domestic suspense novel from award-winning author Siri Mitchell.

Things You Save In The 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 Nine by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg
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Both a coming-of-age novel and a portrait of an evolving mother-son relationship, The Nine is the story of a young man who chooses to expose a corrupt world operating under its own set of rules―even if it means jeopardizing his mother’s hopes and dreams.

Have you picked up any of these books or will you be checking them out? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August 2019 Book Releases: Fiction appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

It’s August and can you believe that we’re already more than halfway through 2019?! Today, we will share a selection of debut releases that you don’t want to miss this month! And if you’re ready to find your next favourite book (and author too!), be sure to keep reading this post as we’ve selected a few of our most anticipated!

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons
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A contemporary story from debut author Abbie Emmons, featuring Tessa Dickinson, a blogger/poet who just recently become blind because of a car crash and Weston Ludovico, a confident and optimistic amputee who wants to help Tessa to keep blogging by becoming her typewriter. Through many ups and downs, and after Life knocked both of them down with different challenges during different times, we got to witness how the two started as barely a stranger, and become each other’s biggest support system.

As Many Nows As I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl
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In one impulsive moment the summer before they leave for college, overachievers Scarlett and David plunge into an irresistible swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions. This is the story of a grounded girl who’s pulled into a lightning-strike romance with an electric-charged boy, and the enormity of the aftermath.

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
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Inspired by her personal experiences, Color Me In is a coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds. Biracial 16-year-old Nevaeh Levitz had to move to her mom’s family home in Harlem and she labeled as a white who’s too privileged to relate to the injustices they face on a daily basis as African Americans. Can she face this challenge when it comes from her own family?

Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon
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When homosexuality is still considered as a mental illness in 1973, aside from alcoholic father, sympathetic neighbor, and his friend, Carla, 16-year-old Jonathan Collins is completely alone. To cope with his loneliness, he escaped to an alternate universe, his own imagination. In this place, he had his hero David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and dead relatives, including his mother. Until suddenly, Web, a fearless, fearsome and, most importantly, not ashamed of being gay, stumbled into his life. And maybe, Web is a kind of escape Jonathan has never known.

Carnegie Hill by Jonathan Vatner
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A belated-coming-of-age novel about sustaining a marriage—and knowing when to walk away. It chronicles the lives of wealthy New Yorkers and the staff who serve them, as they suffer together and rebound, struggle to free themselves from family entanglements, deceive each other out of love and weakness, and fumble their way to honesty.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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Hollow Kingdom is a humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp through the apocalypse and the world that comes after, where even a cowardly crow can become a hero. When one day, S.T., a domesticated crow,  saw his owner’s eyeball falls out of his head, he feels like something isn’t quite right. Forced to leave his old life, S.T. now ventures out into a wild and frightening new world with his trusty steed Dennis, and discovered that humanity is about to extinct, and he seems to be the only one who can save it.

I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones
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When the opposite Lena and Campbell went into the Friday-night football game,  they didn’t expect to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together. They aren’t friends. They hardly understand the other’s point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they’re going to survive the night.

They Could Have Named Her Anything by Stephanie Jimenez
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Racism, class, and betrayal collide in this poignant debut novel about restoring the broken bonds of family and friendship. They Could Have Named Her Anything explores the heartfelt expectation of what it means to live up to the name you’ve been given and the more rewarding discovery of what really matters.

A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
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When 18-year-old Emmaline Watkins heard about the design competition held by the most admired fashion house in the city, she knew this is her opportunity to get closer to her dream. As the first “country girl” to compete, Emmy knows she’ll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion she starts to wonder: will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?

Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell
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As a descendant of Aillira and god-gifted in her own right, Lira has the power to read people’s souls, to see someone’s true essence with only a touch of her hand. Until one day, a golden-haired warrior washes up on the shores of her homeland — Reyker — and after reading his soul, she realizes Reyker is different than his brethren who attack the coasts of Glasnith. As Lira and Reyker form a bond forbidden by both their clans, the wrath of the Dragon falls upon them and all over their city, and Lira finds herself facing the same tragic fate as her ancestor. The battle for Lira’s life, for Reyker’s soul, and for their peoples’ freedom has only just begun.

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford
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Every girl in Ilara is dreaming to become the next princess of a kingdom that’s ruled their village for as long as anyone can remember. When a childhood accident left Nor with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.  But when Zadie is gravely injured, Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
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Twelve sisters lived in a manor by the sea, but when accidents came to them one by one until only four of them left, Annaleigh, one of the girls that survived, Annaleigh became increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn’t sure whether  to join or stop them. When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.

Will you be picking up any of these debut books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 12 Debut Novels To Pick Up In August 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Hollow Kingdom tells the story of a zombie apocalypse (think The Walking Dead, or, perhaps more aptly, 28 Days Later) from the perspective of those left behind—this time not of human survivors, but of animals—wild and domesticated alike—who once again have the chance to thrive…if they can survive the wake of what humanity has left behind. Narrated primary by S.T., a domesticated crow who’s simultaneously naïve about humans and in possession of a brutal sense of humor about them. In Kira Jane Buxton’s debut novel it is animals who are left to remind us about the beauty of a world without the (often disastrous) impact of mankind.

Set in Seattle, S.T. and his canine companion—a dosey bloodhound by the name of Dennis—must venture out into the wild unknown when their owner, Big Jim, succumbs to the technology-induced plague that has wiped out humans. Along the way, S.T. must accept and come to know the part of himself that he has long ignored—the fact that he is a wild-thing himself—and shake free the “clipped wings” of his life as a pet to find his place in a very different new world. Along the way, S.T., Dennis, and a series of pawed, clawed, and tentacled companions come to rediscover a much-changed Seattle, one where the natural order of things has broken free of humanity’s shackles: zoo animals bring the wild to pets who’ve escaped alive; the trees speak with renewed voices (“Life is not the same once you’ve learned just how deeply a tree can feel.”); and we witness firsthand both the glorious and the gory of what happens when Mother Nature is free to flourish without interference. “When the spirit of a species leaves us, it doesn’t go easily.” (The story is also speckled with Seattle landmarks, pop culture references, and some really interesting animal biases. Sorry, penguins.)

Buxton’s story about the collapse of mankind—a consequence of our ongoing and generally unhealthy love affair with technology—though based around the extinction of man is not your average zombie story. It’s less a story about the end of the world as we know it, as it is a call to liberate ourselves from our own domestication, much like that which S.T. and his companions face. It’s a critical look at the impact the human ego has had on the environment and the cost we’ll leave to future inhabitants, human or otherwise, to pay. And, it’s told from the perspective of a life force we’ve caged as wholly as we’ve caged ourselves, making it a poignant portrayal of the beauty we fail to see around us on an everyday basis as well as a stark glimpse of the future we are already carving out for ourselves.

For all its sharp edges and gritty no-punches-pulled humor, Hollow Kingdom is a remarkably tender story that manages to make you feel just a tiny jealous of the resilient cast of characters that have survived humanities apocalypse. It’s a magnum opus on environmental degradation, an expose on the impact of technological dependency, and—above all else—a testament to the bizarre and indelicate beauty of rewilding. (And, I would be remiss without adding, it is the single most beautiful ode to the infallible and unconditional companionship of dog I might have ever read.)

Hollow Kingdom is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of August 6th.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

S.T., a domesticated crow, is a bird of simple pleasures: hanging out with his owner Big Jim, trading insults with Seattle’s wild crows (those idiots), and enjoying the finest food humankind has to offer: Cheetos ®.

Then Big Jim’s eyeball falls out of his head, and S.T. starts to feel like something isn’t quite right. His most tried-and-true remedies–from beak-delivered beer to the slobbering affection of Big Jim’s loyal but dim-witted dog, Dennis–fail to cure Big Jim’s debilitating malady. S.T. is left with no choice but to abandon his old life and venture out into a wild and frightening new world with his trusty steed Dennis, where he discovers that the neighbors are devouring each other and the local wildlife is abuzz with rumors of dangerous new predators roaming Seattle. Humanity’s extinction has seemingly arrived, and the only one determined to save it is a foul-mouthed crow whose knowledge of the world around him comes from his TV-watching education.

Hollow Kingdom is a humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp through the apocalypse and the world that comes after, where even a cowardly crow can become a hero.

The post Review: Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover the authors who will be releasing their debut novels and tell us in the comments below what you’re looking forward to!

JULY

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
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A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
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In this unputdownable domestic suspense debut, a lonely suburban housewife finds her life entangled with the family that moves in across the street at the same time that she becomes convinced someone is watching her–perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
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Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Tell Me Everything by Cambria Brockman
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A murder at an elite New England college tears apart a group of friends – and one of them is playing a dangerous game – in this electrifying debut in the tradition of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Couple Next Door.

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
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A page-turning, coming-of-age story, written with a lyrical sense of place and a profound appreciation for the sustaining power of books, The Last Book Party shows what happens when youth and experience collide and what it takes to find your own voice.

The Expectations by Alexander Tilney
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In the tradition of Prep and Old School, a sharp and evocative portrait of insiders–and outsiders–at an elite boarding school who must face a reality very different from the one they imagined.

AUGUST

Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell
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Every child of Glasnith learns the last words of Aillira, the god-gifted mortal whose doomed love affair sparked a war of gods and men, and Lira of clan Stone knows the story better than most. As a descendant of Aillira and god-gifted in her own right, she has the power to read people’s souls, to see someone’s true essence with only a touch of her hand.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
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Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
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The high-stakes fashion scene of a reimagined nineteenth century Europe takes center stage in this YA debut perfect for fans of The Belles and The Luxe.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
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A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
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Debut YA author Natasha Díaz pulls from her personal experience to inform this powerful coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds.

SEPTEMBER

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
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In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Cold Storage by David Koepp
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For readers of Andy Weir and Noah Hawley comes an astonishing debut by the screenwriter of Jurassic Park: a wild and terrifying adventure about three strangers who must work together to contain a highly contagious, deadly organism

Tinfoil Butterfly by Rachel Eve Moulton
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The Shining meets About a Boy in this electrifying debut about a troubled young woman and a lonely boy facing their demons in the frozen Black Hills.

The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring
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Simmering in Patagonian myth, The Tenth Girl is a gothic psychological thriller with a haunting twist.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
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A tender and terrifying literary horror novel–the author’s debut–that tells the story of a family (creators of a haunted house attraction called the Wandering Dark) and the hereditary monsters–both metaphorical and all-too-real–that haunt them.

OCTOBER

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
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An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
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Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
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The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. 

How Fires End by Marco Rafala
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A dark secret born out of World War II lies at the heart of a Sicilian American family in this emotional and sweeping saga of guilt, revenge, and, ultimately, redemption.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
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From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
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The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

NOVEMBER

Her Crown of Fire by Renee April
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In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.

A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price
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Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl
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A lonely newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law follow divergent and dangerous paths through the postwar American West.

Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell
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A girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel.

When The Stars Lead To You by Ronni Davis
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Nicola Yoon meets Jenny Han in a heated first-love romance about two teens who are torn apart one summer by prejudice and mental illness, and find each other once again.

My Sister Is Missing by Julia Barrett
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Stephanie Henderson gazes at her newborn daughter and wonders if husband Adam will notice the lack of resemblance. But when her lover demands a paternity test, Stephanie tells Adam a string of lies—lies that lead the two men to a dramatic confrontation.

DECEMBER

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
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The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters
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A cynical assistant at a screenwriting agency must reenact the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedy movies in order to help her #1 client get his scriptwriting mojo back–but can a real-life meet-cute be in store for someone who doesn’t believe in happily ever after?

All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums
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Fans of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman will fall for this tenderhearted debut mystery following a young girl on a quest to save her family.

The Network by L.C. Shaw
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A pulse-pounding, page-turning thriller involving corruption, secrets, and lies at the very deepest levels of government and media.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson
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Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Holly Banks Full of Angst by Julie Valerie
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A laugh-out-loud debut novel for anyone who’s tried to live the perfect life—and learned the hard way there’s no such thing.

Will you be reading any of these debuts? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 36 Authors Making Their Debut Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.