Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Lilliam Rivera’s Barely Floating, which is out now!

Natalia de la Cruz Rivera y Santiago, also known as Nat, was swimming neighborhood kids out of their money at the local Boyle Heights pool when her life changed. The LA Mermaids performed, emerging out of the water with matching sequined swimsuits, and it was then that synchronized swimming stole her heart.

The problem? Her activist mom and professor dad think it’s a sport with too much emphasis on looks–on being thin and white. Nat grew up the youngest in a house full of boys, so she knows how to fight for what she wants, often using her anger to fuel her. People often underestimate her swimming skills when they see her stomach rolls, but she knows better than to worry about what people think. Sometimes, she feels more like a submarine than a mermaid, but she wonders if she could be both.

Barely Floating explores what it means to sparkle in your skin, build community with those who lift you up, and keep floating when waters get rough.

“From here to the other end of the pool,” I say. “C’mon.

What are you afraid of?”

The crowd around us grows. I look over at my best friend, Joanne, who sits in our shaded spot reading Summer Hero, volume two of the manga series Kurahashi. I haven’t had a chance to read that one yet. I always get the manga after Joanne finishes, and then we dissect every little detail in the story. Joanne shields her eyes now and gives me a timid wave.

“Fine, but I’m only doing this to teach you a lesson,” Beto finally says.

Teach me a lesson? Even Ramón laughs at this statement. Beto hasn’t been around my house much, nor around me. He doesn’t understand that I’m like a shark: relentless. When I was seven, I sold chicles to the kids in my class until another mom told my mom. At ten years old, I found a way to teach kids curse words in different languages. A dollar a curse word. That lasted for a couple of weeks. Now that I’m twelve, I understand the importance of using my skills. I’m fast. I can beat anyone in this pool if I set my mind to it.

Sheila tries to be the timer. No way. I don’t trust her. Besides, it’s not a good look for family to be involved in business. Instead, I hand the honors to a boy with shaggy curly curls covering most of his face. He parts his hair away from his big eyes. Good. He’ll do.

“On your mark,” Shaggy Boy says.

Kids slap my shoulders. Girls giggle. Some of them think I’m cool to do this. Others think I’m too much. I’m not doing this to please anyone. I’m doing it because I can beat Beto.

I pull down my goggles.

“Get set.”

One more glance at Beto. He’s laughing. He thinks this is a joke. I’m going to win.

“Go!”

I propel my legs against the wall and shoot out like a rocket. The start is the most important part of any race. I glide underwater for as long as I can until I have to break the surface for air. Professional swimmers always do that. One quick gulp of air and I turn to Beto. He’s up ahead, but not by much.

Okay, time to catch up.

My arms are like octopus tentacles, stretching as far as they can. I scoop up water and direct it behind me. I kick my legs hard. Every stroke is important.

In this pool, I’m a swordfish. I’m a mermaid. I’m an underwater speed demon. And this demon is about to take Beto down. Too bad, so sad.

A quick look. Beto is slowing down. He’s about to get beat by this twelve-year-old. Where has his training from water polo gone? He finally notices me. We are neck to neck. I bet anything there’s fear in Beto’s eyes. I dig deep and find the last burst of energy to seal this deal.

And boom!

I tap the end of the pool. Beto pulls in seconds later. The crowd around me cheers. I never get tired of this, the part when I’m victorious, when I’m able to prove the haters wrong. “Never underestimate the power of a Latina”—that’s what Mom always says. Dudes are always trying.

Poor Beto. He’s breathless, practically hyperventilating.

“I won!” I jump out of the water and point to my empty palm. “Pay me!”

“No way,” Beto says, pushing my hand away. He’s barely able to form words. “I’m not paying you.”

“Pay me! I beat you.” I don’t like where this is going. If you lose, you have to be a good sport. Besides, this is business. “Everyone here is my witness. I beat you fair and square.”

Beto tries to brush me off. The crowd eggs him on. They call him weak. How could you let a kid beat you? You let a girl win. I don’t care if he’s in his feelings right now. I won without any tricks. It was just me in the water.

“You owe me ten bucks,” I say. “Give me my money.”

Beto and my brother walk over to where Sheila and her friends hang out. They try to ignore me. I will not let up. Beto can’t renege on this deal.

“I’m not leaving until I get my payment.” I stand in the middle of their group, right on some girl’s towel. I’m a Taurus, and we’re known for our willingness to get into people’s faces. I will not move from this spot until Beto places some crisp bills on my hand. The girls complain about me standing on their towel. Beto pleads to my brother.

“That’s enough, Nat,” Ramón says. Not even my own blood is willing to back me up. Honestly, what’s the point of having brothers when they won’t stand up for what’s right?

“Go play with your friends,” he says.

“No,” I say.

If Ramón won’t help me, then I’ll have to get ugly. I jump on Beto. “You owe me.”

Beto doesn’t know what to do. He knows well enough not to hit me, but he also doesn’t want his eyes scratched out. So there is a whole lot of awkward wrestling going on.

“Give me my money!” I yell. Beto is obviously stronger, but like I said, I’m a shark. I will not stop.

“You have an interesting sister,” I overhear a girl say to Ramón.

I peel myself off Beto and turn to face the girl. “Well, you have an interesting face,” I yell. If she wants in on this, I will gladly include her. Before I can jump her, my brother pushes me away from the group.

“Go away, Nat.” Ramón has Mom’s face. The serious, not-in-the-mood-for-this face. I head to Joanne, who places an arm around my shoulder.

“I can’t believe it!” I say. I’m so angry.

“You can’t win them all,” Joanne says. She tries her best to protect her manga from getting wet.

“Of course I can,” I say. “Mom says if I work hard enough, I can do and be whatever I want. Beating Beto was just a tiny part of today’s goal. Besides, if I don’t get paid, then everyone else will think they can do the same. Know what I mean?”

Joanne gives a slight nod.

“Sure, but there will be other chances to make money,” she says.

I love Joanne, but honestly, I wish she could see things from my point of view. Joanne doesn’t like confrontation, which is funny because confrontation is basically how we met. It was in first grade at Sagrado Corazón Elementary School. A sweaty boy in our class kept pulling Joanne’s hair. The teacher did nothing. Instead, Ms. Castro said this weird thing to Joanne, like, “He probably likes you.” I couldn’t stop thinking how Mom says, “Your body, your permission.” So when the boy decided to touch Joanne’s hair, I grabbed his hair and wouldn’t let go. Mom was called in. The incident brought a quick end to my Catholic school days. It was worth it.

Joanne eventually ended up in the same middle school as me, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I’m always ready to defend us no matter what, while Joanne would rather hide behind a book and wait things out. Somehow, the relationship works.

“We don’t need Beto,” Joanne says. “We have more than enough money.”

It’s true. I’m saving money so we can go to the big anime con on October 30. For the past two years, Joanne and I have attended and cosplayed our favorite characters. Because Joanne’s parents don’t believe in spending money on “dumb” stuff, I save enough for both of our badges.

“I want to make sure we can buy cool manga at the con,” I say. “Beto’s going to pay. I just have to figure out how.”

“Oh, here you go.” Joanne digs through her tote and pulls out a brown paper bag. She hands the bag to me.

“Yes! You remembered!” I give Joanne a side hug and quickly pull out the latest issue of Vogue. Although my fingers are dry, I still wipe them off on the towel, just in case. Manga is really Joanne’s scene. I just like the cosplay because I get to wear really awesome costumes and makeup, which Mom only allows for the con. Mom thinks girls don’t need to wear makeup to feel empowered. It’s the reason why I hide the Vogue and Elle magazines I ask Joanne to buy for me. Mom hates those things. She thinks they add to self-esteem issues and a “distorted view of the body.”

I get what she means. I do. I just wish Mom could be more understanding. Every time I try to state why I love makeup and fashion, she shuts me down with big words and statistics. She’s really good at winning arguments. It’s hard living in a house where you have to outsmart the smartest woman on earth. I really just like the pictures.

I can’t wait to go through this issue. I’m starting to feel a little bit better. Joanne returns to her reading, and I try my best to concentrate on the fashion candy before me. I hear Beto’s cackle. He needs to pay. It’s not over until I say it is.

Christian, the pool manager, interrupts my scheming. “Everyone, we have a special treat today. The city’s only Black-owned synchronized swimming team is here to give a short demonstration.”

“Synchronized swimming,” I say loudly. “What’s that?’

“Just you wait,” Christian says.

The pool-goers are reluctant to get out of the deep end, but they eventually do. A group of six swimmers wearing matching electric-blue swimsuits march across the deck like soldiers. The swimmers are all different shapes and sizes. They look older, like high schoolers, but there’s one who looks about my age.

Christian gives a thumbs-up, and music starts to play. It’s Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.” Then the swimmers do the wildest thing: They jump into the water and start to dance. Actually dance. Hands up in the air. Wrists snapping. One swimmer lifts another by the waist. The swimmer who is lifted waves to the crowd like no big deal. There are more twirls and leg lifts and all kinds of cool movements timed to the song. I can’t believe it!

The crowd claps and sings along. The swimmers all go underwater and kick their legs straight up at the same time. Heads turn to the left, then to the right. The music reaches its climax and the swimmers dive deep into the water. There’s no sign of them. It seems like we are all holding our breath in anticipation. I know I am. Then she pops up. A sole swimmer, standing on the shoulders of another. She’s the one who looks like my age, and here she is being lifted straight up high. As if that’s not amazing enough, she smiles before doing a flip in the air. A FLIP!

In all my twelve years of life, I’ve never seen anything like this. Ever.

“Wow,” I say.

“Wow,” Joanne says.

The swimmers pull themselves out of the pool and then stick their hands up at the same time and wave. One of them addresses the crowd.

“Hi, my name is Yvette, and I am part of the L.A. Mermaids, an artistic synchronized swimming team, but you might know the sport as synchronized swimming. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dance in the water, we will be holding our first general meeting next week. You don’t need experience. You just need to have basic swimming skills. There will be flyers up on the bulletin board with a number to call if you have any questions. I hope to see you there.”

Synchronized swimming team. How cool is that?

“That was amazing,” I say. “Yeah,” Joanne says. “It probably costs lots of money.”

Maybe it does. Maybe it doesn’t. I’m here to be the center of attention. To be strong and beautiful and graceful. To be lifted up to the sky. You probably have to be so fit to do the things they did. Imagine dancing in the water.

Before I head home, I make sure to grab a flyer.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Barely Floating’ by Lilliam Rivera appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The best summary of this book is that it is a collection of amazing stories: princesses warring in space, the devastation of climate-change, haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off of the coast of the Caribbean. When you break down the borders and barriers of these fantastical and science filled realms, you’ll find that stories are truly universal.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but each and every story in this anthology had a warmth to it that I can’t possibly put into proper words. Maybe it’s because I identified with each character, or something resonated within me to the point that I loved every story…but there’s no doubt that people will fall in love with these stories as I did. For this review, I will focus on the stories that I loved the most. The first of these stories was The First Day of Us by David Bowles. It’s undoubtedly romantic, with a novio, novia, and novie. I was hooked by the confidence of the narrator, and the space world they were in. It genuinely felt like it could have been expanded into a full story. Many of these tales felt the same way to me.

This is Our Manifesto is a story full of grit and of teenage rebels who refuse to back down in the face of people who would put them down. This story is poetic and full of righteous anger that will fill readers with the fury of the children who refused to let their voices die. Who plotted their freedom after they were imprisoned. It’s incredible, and such an elaborate world is built in only a few pages. I LOVED the ending.

Immediately following this story I fell right into Circe Moskowitz’s Creatures of Kings. It’s a story of a mother and daughter that death won’t take, and about what it takes to become a king. It’s powerful and if death is triggering for you, approach this with caution. It’s a story that’s very honest and blew me away.

Moonglow by Sara Faring is fraught with growing and needling tension. It builds into a phenomenal ending that will leave readers shivering. This could be the beginning to a historical horror film, and it would be one that I’d watch with the lights on. At the same time, the love of a mother shines through and through.

Tame the Wicked Night by Zoraida Cordova is the longest of the tales in this anthology, and is a gorgeous finale to the whole anthology. It’s a story full of tension and romance, where a young man seeking the love of his life is challenged to bring back something that is sure to cause his death, but in the darkness finds so much more. It’s so imaginative and lovely, and the ending is perfect for the way the story unfolds.

With the tales in this anthology being so short, I am deliberately vague to avoid spoilers. However, I urge everyone to pick up a copy of this book. For the sake of brevity I picked the tales that I loved the most, but I could spend pages upon pages telling you the delights of each and every story in this book. Each author brings in a unique perspective on life, whether it’s reimagining what the world looks like in the not so distant future, or the fantasy lands that tantalise, delight, and beguile readers to return time and again.

This anthology is a 10/10 for me. Add it to your reading list, and if you find a favourite story, make sure to pick up the author’s other book(s). You never know when you’ll find a new favourite story.

Reclaim The Stars is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Reclaim The Stars? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Seventeen fantasy and science fiction short stories from leading voices in the Latin American diaspora!

Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. From princesses warring in space, to the all too-near devastation of climate change, to haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off the coast of the Caribbean. This is science fiction and fantasy that breaks borders and realms, and proves that stories are truly universal.

Authors include Daniel José Older, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Mark Oshiro, Romina Garber, David Bowles, Lilliam Rivera, Claribel Ortega, Isabel Ibañez, Sara Faring, Maya Motayne, Nina Moreno, Vita Ayala, J.C. Cervantes, Circe Moskowitz, Linda Nieves Pérez, and Zoraida Córdova.

The post Review: Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

After the last two years, readers are thoroughly enjoying jumping into a fantasy or sci-fi novel to escape the world, so 2022 holds many exciting books to look forward to! From new releases from the likes of Seanan McGuire, Tara Sim, John Scalzi, Jennifer Saint, Jonathan Maberry, and more, to those releasing their debut novel, there’s really something for everyone within this round up!

Read on to discover fantasy and sci-fi books releasing between the months of January and June and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them!

JANUARY

Engines of Empire by R. S. Ford
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This epic fantasy tells the tales of clashing Guilds, magic-fueled machines, intrigue and revolution—and the one family that stands between an empire’s salvation or destruction.

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
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For fans of Cloud Atlas and Station Eleven––Follow a cast of intricately linked characters over hundreds of years as humanity struggles to rebuild itself in the aftermath of a climate plague

Seven Mercies by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May
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The second book in a feminist space opera duology that follows the team of seven rebels who will free the galaxy from the ruthless Tholosian Empire–or die trying.

The Amber Crown by Jacey Bedford
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In this new epic fantasy, three societal outcasts must work together to fulfill the orders of a dead king’s ghost or risk their nation falling to a tyrant

Where The Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
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Welcome to the Whitethorn Institute. The first step is always admitting you need help, and you’ve already taken that step by requesting a transfer into our company.

Servant Mage by Kate Elliott
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In Kate Elliott’s Servant Mage, a lowly fire mage finds herself entangled in an empire-spanning conspiracy on her way to discovering her true power.

Obsidian by Sarah J. Daley
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Defying those who think her an abomination, Shade wears her tattoos openly and carries obsidian blades at her hips. For years, she has protected the outcast clans who wander the blighted Wastes, but the land is growing more unstable and her blades are no longer enough.

The Starless Crown by James Rollins
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An alliance embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the distant past and save their world in this captivating, deeply visionary adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling thriller-master James Rollins.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
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A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e , in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm and sets her on a dangerous path—where choices come with deadly consequences, and she risks losing more than her heart.

Battle of the Linguist Mages by Scotto Moore
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In modern day Los Angeles, a shadowy faction led by the Governor of California develops the arcane art of combat linguistics, planting the seeds of a future totalitarian empire in Scotto Moore’s Battle of the Linguist Mages.

Light Years From Home by Mike Chen
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The perfect combination of action, imagination and heart, Light Years from Home is a touching drama about a challenge as difficult as saving the galaxy: making peace with your family…and yourself.

The Unfamiliar Garden by Benjamin Percy
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FEBRUARY

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
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House of Earth and Blood meets The Witch’s Heart in Rebecca Ross’s brilliant first adult fantasy, set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan.

Last Exit by Max Gladstone
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Fresh from winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards, Max Gladstone weaves elements of American myth—the muscle car, the open road, the white-hatted cowboy—into Last Exit, a deeply emotional tale where his characters must find their own truths if they are to survive.

Clean Air by Sarah Blake
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Suspenseful and startling, but also written with a wry, observant humor, Clean Air is the second novel from poet Sarah Blake, author of the award-winning literary debut Naamah. It will appeal to readers of The Need, The Leftovers, and Fever Dream as it probes motherhood, grief, control, and choice.

Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman
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A whirlwind romance between an eccentric archivist and a grieving widow explores what it means to be at home in your own body in this clever, humorous, and heartfelt novel.

Scorpica: The Five Queendoms by G.R. Macallister
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A centuries-long peace is shattered in a matriarchal society when a decade passes without a single girl being born in this sweeping epic fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Circe.

The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart
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At once a dazzlingly time-twisting murder mystery and a story about grief, memory, and what it means to—literally—come face-to-face with our ghosts, The Paradox Hotel is another unforgettable speculative thrill ride from acclaimed author Rob Hart.

The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
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From a major new debut author in epic fantasy comes the first book in a trilogy where action, intrigue, and magic collide. The Justice of Kings introduces an unforgettable protagonist destined to become a fantasy icon: Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice, who is a detective, judge, and executioner all in one. But these are dangerous times to be a Justice…. 

Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
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Titanic meets The Shining in S.A. Barnes’ Dead Silence, a SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn’t yet ended.

Redwood and Wildfire by Andrea Hairston
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Andrea Hairston’s alternate history adventure, Redwood and Wildfire, is the winner of the Otherwise Award and the Carl Brandon Kindred Award.

Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space
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Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. Authors include Daniel José Older, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Mark Oshiro, Romina Garber, David Bowles, Lilliam Rivera, Claribel Ortega, Isabel Ibañez, Sara Faring, Maya Motayne, Nina Moreno, Vita Ayala, J.C. Cervantes, Circe Moskowitz, Linda Nieves Pérez, and Zoraida Córdova. 

Hunt the Stars by Jessie Mihalik
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The critically acclaimed author of Polaris Rising takes readers on an exciting journey with the start of her brand-new series about a female bounty hunter and the man who is her sworn enemy.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
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The Martian meets Dark Matter in Edward Ashton’s high concept science fiction thriller, in which Mickey7, an “expendable,” refuses to let his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place.

MARCH

The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Mueller
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Sara A. Mueller’s The Bone Orchard is a fascinating whodunit set in a lush, gothic world of secrets and magic–where a dying emperor charges his favorite concubine with solving his own murder, and preventing the culprit, which undoubtedly is one of his three terrible sons, from taking control of an empire.

The City of Dusk by Tara Sim
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Set in a gorgeous world of bone and shadow magic, of vengeful gods and defiant chosen ones, The City of Dusk is the first in a dark epic fantasy trilogy that follows the four heirs of four noble houses—each gifted with a divine power—as they form a tenuous alliance to keep their kingdom from descending into a realm-shattering war.

The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories: A Collection of Chinese Science Fiction and Fantasy in Translation
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From an award-winning team of authors, editors, and translators comes a groundbreaking short story collection that explores the expanse of Chinese science fiction and fantasy.

Comeuppance Served Cold by Marion Deeds
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A respected magus and city leader intent on criminalizing Seattle’s most vulnerable magickers hires a young woman as a lady’s companion to curb his rebellious daughter’s outrageous behavior.

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
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Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
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From the critically acclaimed author of The Book of M, a highly imaginative thriller about a young woman who discovers that a strange map in her deceased father’s belongings holds an incredible, deadly secret—one that will lead her on an extraordinary adventure and to the truth about her family’s dark history. 

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
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The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi’s first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy.

Kundo Wakes Up by Saad Hossain
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In this standalone follow-up to the fan favorite The Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday Saad Z. Hossain continues to mix futurism with fable, and shows how strange our lives might become.

Until the Last of Me by Sylvain Neuvel
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A darkly satirical thriller, as seen through the eyes of the women who sacrifice all to make progress possible and the men who are determined to stop them.

Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli
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Haunting and romantic, Kristen Ciccarelli’s Edgewood is an exciting novel from a bold, unforgettable voice in fantasy.

Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
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In the aftermath of World War I, a naive woman is swept into a glittering world filled with dark magic, romance, and murder in this lush and decadent debut.

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book four in her Blood and Ash series.

APRIL

God of Neverland by Gama Ray Martinez
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In this magical re-imagining of J. M. Barrie’s classic tale, Michael Darling—the youngest of the Darling siblings and former Lost Boy, now all grown up—must return to the life he left behind to save Neverland from the brink of collapse and keep humanity safe from magical and mythological threats, as well as answer the ultimate question: Where is Peter Pan?

In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power
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Twins imbued with incredible magic and near-immortality will do anything to keep their family safe—even if it tears the siblings apart—in the first book of a mythic epic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls.

The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport
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Blending fantasy and science fiction, N. E. Davenport’s fast-paced, action-packed debut kicks off a duology of loyalty and rebellion, in which a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior.

Aspects by John M. Ford
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In the years before his unexpected death, John M. Ford wrote a novel of fantasy and magic unlike any other. Politics and abdicated kings, swords and sorcerous machine guns, divination and ancient empires―finally, Aspects is here.

Spear by Nicola Griffith
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The legendary author of Hild returns with an unforgettable hero and a queer Arthurian masterpiece for the modern era. Nicola Griffith’s Spear is a spellbinding vision of the Camelot we’ve longed for, a Camelot that belongs to us all.

Flint and Mirror by John Crowley
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From award-winning author John Crowley comes a novel that masterfully blends history and magic in Flint and Mirror.

Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
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Return to The Meridian with New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s sequel to the most critically hailed epic fantasy of 2020 Black Sun—finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Lambda, and Locus awards.

The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons
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The Discord of Gods marks the epic conclusion to Jenn Lyons’s Chorus of Dragons series, closing out the saga that began with The Ruin of Kings, for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss.

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe
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In The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, activist, and worldwide superstar Janelle Monáe brings to the written page the Afrofuturistic world of one of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality, and love—become tangled with future possibilities of memory and time in such a totalitarian landscape…and what the costs might be when trying to unravel and weave them into freedoms.

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
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With her signature mix of the grim and the delightful, award-winning author T. Kingfisher takes the old bones of fantasy and fairytale and makes them into something entirely new in this enchanting adventure.

Saint Death’s Daughter by C.S.E. Cooney
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Perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Saint Death’s Daughter is the first novel in a new trilogy about love, coming-of-age and strangeness.

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
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A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana, weaving a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak—of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

MAY

Elektra by Jennifer Saint
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A spellbinding reimagining of the story of Elektra, one of Greek mythology’s most infamous heroines, from Jennifer Saint, the author of the beloved international bestseller, Ariadne.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
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Two warriors shepherd an ancient god across a broken land to end the tyrannical reign of a royal family in this new epic fantasy from the author of The Vanished Birds.

Kagen the Damned by Jonathan Maberry
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The Witcher meets Game of Thrones in New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry’s brilliant new fantasy series, Kagen the Damned.

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire
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From New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire, Seasonal Fears is the extraordinary companion novel to Middlegame.

Under Fortunate Stars by Ren Hutchings
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Under Fortunate Stars is a modern, progressive homage to classic space opera stories, with flawed heroes and time travel.

All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
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Returning triumphantly to the brilliantly evoked near-Renaissance world of A Brightness Long Ago and Children of Earth and Sky, international bestselling author Guy Gavriel Kay deploys his signature ‘quarter turn to the fantastic’ to tell a story of vengeance, power, and love.  

The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero
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With spellbinding verse prose, R.M. Romero channels the spirit of myth into a brilliantly original tale, inspired by her experiences restoring Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe.

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
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Heroic Hearts edited by Jim Butcher & Kerrie Hughes
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An all-star urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Kelley Armstrong, and more . . .

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
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Inspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights, The Stardust Thief weaves the gripping tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince, and a dangerous quest across the desert to find a legendary, magical lamp.

Second Spear by Kerstin Hall
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Kerstin Hall’s Second Spear is the thrilling follow-up to the Nommo Award finalist, The Border Keeper.

A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair
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Become enchanted by the fantasy world of gods and mortals in bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair’s reimagined New Greece. Readers are “hopelessly addicted” to the story of Hades and Persephone told from Hades’s point of view.

JUNE

Rise of the Snake Goddess by Jenny Elder Moke
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Samantha Knox is back for another adventure in this 1920s female-driven mystery-adventure series!

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
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From highly acclaimed bestselling author Ava Reid comes a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, set in another time and place within the world of The Wolf and the Woodsman, where a young witch seeks to discover her identity and escape the domination of her wizard father, perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Catherynne M. Valente.

For the Throne by Hannah F. Whitten
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Red’s sister Neve is trapped in a mysterious land of twisted roots, lost gods, and mountains made of bone, and the only clues to her rescue are a magic mirror and a dark prince who wants to bring the whole thing crumbling down. 

In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan
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From Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage, comes In the Shadow of Lightning, a brand-new epic fantasy where magic is a finite resource—and it’s running out.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
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In a fantastical version of New Orleans where music is magic, a battle for the city’s soul brews between two young mages, a vengeful wraith, and one powerful song in this vibrant and imaginative debut. 

A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
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A Mirror Mended is the next installment in USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s Fractured Fables series.

Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
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A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
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The Goblin Emperor meets “Magnificent Century” in Alexandra Rowland’s A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.

Wrath Goddess Sing by Maya Deane
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Drawing on ancient texts and modern archeology to reveal the trans woman’s story hidden underneath the well-known myths of The Iliad, Maya Deane’s Wrath Goddess Sing weaves a compelling, pitilessly beautiful vision of Achilles’ vanished world, perfect for fans of Song of Achilles and the Inheritance trilogy.

Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
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Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

The City Inside by Samit Basu
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The City Inside, a near-future epic by the internationally celebrated Samit Basu, pulls no punches as it comes for your anxieties about society, government, the environment, and our world at large—yet never loses sight of the hopeful potential of the future.

Locklands by Robert Jackson Bennett
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A god wages war—using all of humanity as its pawns—in the unforgettable conclusion to the Founders trilogy.

What 2022 fantasy and sci-fi book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Devour In 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales is a sparkling anthology that invites you to fall in love with romantic tropes, old and new, beloved and unfamiliar to you. With fifteen short stories by a star-studded group of fantastic authors, this one’s a must buy for any romance lover—and the perfect gift this holiday season!

The authors truly went all out in this anthology—there are beloved tropes that I bet no one can say no to: Laura Silverman, for example, offers a wonderful take on the fake dating trope in her story “The Passover Date” that’s set during a Jewish family’s celebration of Seder. Not your cup of tea? Then perhaps Amy Spalding’s take on the Mistaken Identity trope or Mason Deaver’s tale of “there’s only one bed” might just be the perfect fit for you. And if those aren’t the ones that make you fall head over heels, I can guarantee that you’ll find something to love in the stories dedicated to secret royalty, mutual pining, or even a love that transcend space and time! From hilarious to sweet and emotionally impactful, these fifteen stories highlight some of the best romance tropes that we all love for good reason. Truly, there’s such a variety (and diversity!) that absolutely enamoured me.

There’s also an astounding amount of depth to these short stories I wasn’t prepared for. It’s hard to make you ache, fear and cheer for your characters in such a short amount of time, but safe to say, these authors delivered! Additionally, beyond the romance themselves there’s also so much more to be discovered. Julian Winters, for example, offers an insightful discussion on what (or who) decides what makes a villain in his story “What Makes Us Heroes.”

While my favourite was Blake’s rendition of The Grumpy and the Sunshine One (another sapphic story!), I truly feel like there’s something for everyone in here. What surprised me perhaps the most—but really shouldn’t have—was how some stories were so good, they actually converted me to picking up certain tropes in the future that I wasn’t on board with prior to reading this anthology. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romance (it usually goes against my “resent and remember” approach to life) but Podos—who also co-edited this lovely anthology—delivered such a sweet, sapphic, summery depiction of it in “Disaster” that I’m now itching to get my hands on more tales that give lovers a second chance at a happily ever after.

Bottom line, whether you’re going to pick this up with a certain trope (or author) in mind, be ready to fall foolishly in love with a trope you normally wouldn’t seek out on your own!

Celebrating romance in all its forms and proving that no one can sweep you off your feet quite like fictional characters, Fools in Love is an enchanting, genre-bending anthology that will have you falling in love with romantic tropes all over again!

Fools in Love is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, as of December 7th 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Join fifteen bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they reimagine some of the most popular tropes in the romance genre.

Fake relationships. Enemies to lovers. Love triangles and best friends, mistaken identities and missed connections. This collection of genre-bending and original stories celebrates how love always finds a way, featuring powerful flora, a superhero and his nemesis, a fantastical sled race through snow-capped mountains, a golf tournament, the wrong ride-share, and even the end of the world. With stories written by Rebecca Barrow, Ashley Herring Blake, Gloria Chao, Mason Deaver, Sara Farizan, Claire Kann, Malinda Lo, Hannah Moskowitz, Natasha Ngan, Rebecca Podos, Lilliam Rivera, Laura Silverman, Amy Spalding, Rebecca Kim Wells, and Julian Winters this collection is sure to sweep you off your feet.

The post Review: ‘Fools in Love: Fresh Twists on Romantic Tales’, edited by Rebecca Podos and Ashley Herring Blake appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Without further ado, here are some incredible books that made me feel nothing but #PuertoRicanPride.

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

Eury is a girl who’s haunted by the events of Hurricane María. Not only that, she’s also being persecuted by an evil being called Ato. After moving to the Bronx, she meets Pheus. He’s a bachata singer whose voice can captivate absolutely anyone, although he only has eyes for Eury.

Never Look Back isn’t just a love story, even though it’s certainly an important part of the plot. This book details that tragedy that befell Puerto Rico after the events of Hurricane María, a major catastrophic event that forever changed our lives. It also touches the themes of faith and trust while highlighting the importance of asking for help with mental illnesses. Lilliam Rivera does a wonderful job with character development, and Eury’s journey is one that makes me teary-eyed whenever I think about it. A retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice like you’ve never read before!

Memorias de una Despitá by Dori Lozada

This book is a collection of drawings based on the author’s own experiences, and she showcases them in such a way that anyone can relate to them.  

Dori shares experiences of her childhood, the struggles of becoming an adult, and the importance of always having snacks handy. This book is an absolute joy and I find myself constantly flipping through the pages and laughing at the drawings. Memorias de una Despitá is completely in Spanish though, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of buying it!

Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz

Dragons and tournaments and mysteries…oh my! Lana Torres wants nothing more than to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming Blazewrath World Cup. After all, she’s always liked dragons way more than she liked people (can we blame her though?). Her dreams are put on hold, however, when a dragon who’s cursed into human form begins to wreak havoc. Armed with pure determination and fire in her veins, Lana will stop at nothing to ensure the Cup isn’t jeopardized.

Blazewrath Games is full of action, heart, and insanely wicked dragons!

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Jasmine Lin Rodriguez is working towards becoming a leading lady. She’s spent most of her career working on soap operas, so when she gets the opportunity to work on a bilingual romcom, she’s determined to let nothing get in the way. Meanwhile, Ashton is a well-known telenovela star. He’s proud of all he’s accomplished, but his dream is to get noticed by Hollywood agents and become part of mainstream media. These actors agree to rehearse in private, after all, both of their careers are currently on the line. But the blossoming romance between Jasmine and Ashton definitely gives off telenovela vibes. I’ve been obsessed with telenovelas ever since I was old enough to binge watch them with my grandma, so this book was an absolute joy to read. I also love how the author dealt with PTSD, attachment issues, and insecurity while also bringing some of the drama that telenovelas are known for.

Ellas by Enery López-Navarrete, Mariola Rosario Padró & Laura Rexach-Olivencia

For the longest time, history has erased the accomplishment of women and that’s a fact. I admit that my knowledge of Puerto Rican women who shook history was slim to none. It’s not something we’re really taught in school, although there’s the exception of a few writers who make the cut when it comes to education. That’s why Ellas is such a powerful book that deserves more recognition. A wonderful collection of women, from STEM to Hollywood, who made their mark on our culture. Accompanied by illustrations from the talented Mya Pagán, this bilingual book is perfect to learn about powerful women and the marks they left in Puerto Rican history.

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

The post #PuertoRicanPride: Five Books You Need To Check Out appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We had the pleasure of chatting to author Lilliam Rivera about her new novel Never Look Back, book recommendations, writing, and more!

Hi, Lilliam! Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi! I am a writer and children’s book author. I’ve written young adult books, middle grade, graphic novels, and personal essays. My latest young adult novel is Never Look Back, a retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice set in New York with Afro-Latinx characters. I love this novel and I can’t wait to share it with readers.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

I discovered my love for writing at a young age when my mother would take us to the local library. I loved reading and writing became my way of dealing with challenging events in my life. I was lucky in that my High School English teacher saw more than just shyness and insisted I join the school newspaper. Journalism was my first step into writing with the last five years spent writing fiction.

With the current state of the world, what are you both doing to cope with the changes we’ve had to make to our day-to-day?

It’s a whole lot! I have two daughters and both are doing virtual schooling. I’m focused on making sure their needs are being met while sneaking in moments when I can write. I’m lucky, I can handle most things but this is still a challenge. I’m just trying my best not to drown in negative thinking and find hope in the day to day. Connecting with friends and family helps. Finding joy every day.

Never Look Back is out today! If it could only be described in five words, what would they be?

Afro-Latino Love Wins Against Trauma

What inspired Never Look Back?

I was inspired to write Never Look Back by two things: Hurricane Maria landed in Puerto Rico in 2017 affecting my family. I felt rage and hopelessness while witnessing how our current government refused to help those in need. My way of coping is through writing so I needed to find a way to write about it. I used the structure of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice to write about generational pain and love. The second thing that inspired the novel was the 1959 film Black Orpheus. In the film the Greek myth is set in Brazil during Carnival. I was obsessed with this film and it is how I learned about the myth. Never Look Back is a literary young adult remix that canters Brown and Black love and Caribbean folktale.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing?

Never Look Back is written in alternating point of views. I found writing Pheus’ POV easier. He’s a wannabe bachata singer who believes his gift is really used for wooing girls and that’s it. But Eury is tormented by what she witnessed before and after Hurricane Maria while also being haunted by an angry spirit. Eury’s story became way more personal than I expected and hence harder to write. Writing about mental illness and how the Latinx community sometimes fails to seek professional help was hard.

What do you hope readers will take away from Never Look Back?

I hope readers will immerse themselves in the journey Pheus and Eury partake. I also hope they are scared a little, get into the New York and Caribbean history I injected throughout the novel, and fall in love with them as much as I fell in love writing this story.

Your first novel published in 2017. What have you learned since then when it comes to writing and publishing?

I’ve learned that there is the art of writing and then there is the publishing side. I’m getting better at both.

What’s next for you?

I have a young adult novel I just finished writing that will hopefully be out next year. I can’t really share much about it but I will share it is set in Los Angeles. I also have a couple of other books I can’t share information on yet but it’s going to be so much fun when I can.

Lastly, what are you currently reading, and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I’m currently reading Mark Oshiro’s Each of Us A Desert. I loved their first novel and I’m falling for their beautiful prose again.

Will you be picking up Never Look Back? Tell us in the comments below!

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