About The Witch Queen: Pay the price of blood and snow: Snow White’s wicked queen rises to her destiny in the second book of a queer, witchy duology that’s hailed as “an alluring, vengeful origin story that brings tremendous dimension to the classic fairy tale” (Chloe Gong)—from the author of Malice. Releases August 11th 2026.

For as long as I can remember, my favorite character in any story has been the villain. Can you blame me? Sleeping princesses and epic quests to save humanity are boring. Villains, on the other hand, have much more fun—not to mention better wardrobes.

Which is why it’s always annoyed me that villains rarely get to leave their evil lairs long enough to tell their side of the story. Female villains, in particular, are often depicted as being youth-obsessed, baby-snatching (or cursing) homewreckers. Don’t get me wrong—I’m here for a petty grudge (I might actually be part crow), but don’t they deserve to have their say?

In my latest book, The Witch Queen, Snow White’s iconic villainess finally gets her chance to explain her version of events. Was she the jealous woman fixated on murdering her stepdaughter? Or did she have a good reason for poisoning the apple? You’ll have to find out for yourself. In the meantime, here are five novels that feature multi-faceted female villains worth rooting for.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

If you support women’s wrongs, this book is for you. A delicious mix of southern gothic thriller, Succession-style inheritance games, and debutantes behaving badly, Hawkins delivers a fantastic story about woman who isn’t afraid to take what she wants.

At her prime, Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Millar Kenmore was one of the richest and most sought-after women in North Carolina. And one who just happened to leave a string of dead husbands in her wake. Coincidence, naturally.

Upon her own death, Ruby bequeaths her entire estate and fortune to her adopted son, Camden. But when Camden and his wife, Jules (who is hiding her own dark past), return to Ruby’s estate, they find more than a lavish mansion. The discovery of Ruby’s hidden letters unearths secrets that should have stayed buried forever. Camden and Jules must decide who Ruby really was—and if staying in the family is worth the cost.

This book was pure fun and I loved Ruby’s utterly unapologetic voice. Did she do some “bad” things? Maybe. But she also blazed fearlessly through a world built to cage her. Whether you condone Ruby’s actions or not, Hawkins has certainly crafted a novel which explores the lies—or truths—we tell ourselves in order to survive.

All’s Well by Mona Awad

You may already know Awad from her horror masterpiece, Bunny. This sister novel, All’s Well is just as unhinged and features a dazzling exploration of a hero’s descent into villainy.

The story follows Miranda, a former actress who suffers a debilitating accident during a performance of Macbeth. Years later, Miranda is still spiraling from the incident. Her acting career (and relationship) is over, she’s living with chronic pain (which no one believes is real), and she’s stuck running the theatre department at a failing arts school.

But things start to turn around for Miranda after she meets three mysterious men who might hold the key to a glittering new life. At first, that’s exactly what Miranda gets. Her pain suddenly vanishes, her mutinous students fall in line, and Miranda wreaks her vengeance on everyone who wronged her. But Miranda’s success comes with a cost. As events begin to spiral out of control, Miranda must decide how far she’s willing to go to be the star of her own show.  

Like much of Awad’s other works, this book is a feverish mix of supernatural, horror, and comedy (I’m still cackling at Puffy Nips). But what I enjoyed most about the book was following Miranda down the rabbit-hole of corruption. Given her excruciating pain and disastrous personal life, no one can really blame Miranda for wanting to restore her career and vanquish her enemies. But how far is too far? I’m still not sure I know—and I loved that.  

Diavola by Jennifer Marie Thorne

We’ve all heard that we’re the villains in someone else’s story, right? Well, what if that “someone” was your own family?

Thorne’s novel takes a classic haunted house narrative and drops it in the most dysfunctional family vacation you can imagine. Anna Pace is well aware of her status as the black sheep in the Pace clan. She’s not as successful as her siblings, she’s single, and everyone seems to be holding their breath, waiting her for next screw-up.

When the Pace family rents a villa in Monteperso, Italy, Anna vows to lay low and survive the week without incident. But the family drama sparks immediately, with Anna—predictably—at its center. And the passive-aggressive digs are nothing compared to the strange happenings in the house itself. Strange noises echo in the night, shadows follow Anna’s every step, and even the villagers try to warn the family to leave. As Anna investigates the history of the villa—which may be haunted by the ghost of a vengeful 15^th century Italian socialite—her family becomes increasingly unhinged and blames the mysterious circumstances on Anna herself. By the end of the novel, Anna isn’t sure if they will survive the trip—or even if she wants them to.

To be fair, Anna isn’t necessarily a villain here, but she’s certainly made out to be one by the rest of hertoxic family, which made for an interesting perspective. What do you do when you’re unwilling cast in a role? Perhaps being a villain just means choosing yourself.

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

What if Cinderella was kind of a brat? Hochhauser executes this premise perfectly in her reinvention of Cinderella’s supposedly wicked stepmother.
 
Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is in a bind. Her first marriage (a love match) ended in tragedy. Her second—which was supposed to grant her financial and social security—left her destitute and powerless. Now, living in a (literally) crumbling manor, Ethel must find a way to support herself and her daughters—including her stepdaughter, Elin, who refuses to lift a finger to help the family and openly despises Ethel. 

When a royal ball is announced, Ethel hopes the opportunity will rescue her family from ruin. But Elin swoops in, scheming to secure her own engagement with the prince and leave her stepsisters—along with Ethel—destitute. As the royal wedding draws nearer, however, Ethel discovers disastrous secrets that will doom Elin. She must decide to whether to intervene on Elin’s behalf, or to let her ungrateful stepdaughter get what she deserves.  

What made this book sing for me was how much it was rooted in reality. Was Cinderella’s stepmother a scheming fortune-hunter? Or was she just willing to do what it took for her own—and her daughters’—survival? With her grit, resourcefulness, and determination, Ethel is an achingly real person. And that humanity is what makes for an excellent villain.

Manor of Dreams by Christina Li

Part old Hollywood, part haunted house, all drama—Li’s novel is a masterful examination of generational trauma and the lengths we go to protect our own stories.
 
When Vivian Yin—the first Chinese actress to win an Oscar—dies, her daughters expect to inherit their mother’s crumbling estate. But in a surprise power move from beyond the grave, Vivian leaves the house to another family, one whom the Yin children haven’t heard from in years.

Refusing to give up their claim on the inheritance, both families move into the house, each scheming to kick the other out. But as the days pass, the walls of the estate start to close in, and its inhabitants begin to worry that they’re not alone. As paranoia rises, so do Vivian’s secrets—as well as those of the house itself. Soon, it may be too late to leave at all.

Li’s strength in this novel is the depth of the characters—each is selfish and bent on achieving their own ends, but also undeniably relatable. Vivian’s narrative is especially compelling. By the end, you’ll wonder who the real villain really is—or whether everyone carries some darkness in their heart.

The post Mirror, Mirror on the Wall—Who’s My Favorite Villain of Them All? appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

FOLKLORE

Folklore retellings are undeniably spellbinding, often blending whimsy with magical beings and a twisty bargain or two… 

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

With a captivating cast of characters, addictive romance, and an action-packed plot, A Curse So Dark and Lonely delivers a delightful YA retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.”

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

A Sorceress Comes to Call enchants as it reimagines the Brothers Grimm’s “Goose Girl,” blending forbidden magic, secrets, and murder in an irresistible Gothic atmosphere.

Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo

Cozy with a tinge of darkness and filled with fae, curses, and sapphic love, Call Forth a Fox reimagines the story of “Snow-White and Rose-Red.”

Cinder House by Freya Marske

Cinder House is a “Cinderella” retelling brimming with haunting, magical world-building; an addictive queer romance; and a creative, propulsive plot that presents a fresh interpretation of Cinderella’s story while delivering delightful familiarity.

Gilded by Marissa Meyer

Gilded is a YA “Rumpelstiltskin” retelling filled with a tender romance, a haunted castle, wonderfully creepy beasts, and a dark yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the feeling of curling up in a blanket, a fire crackling beside you as a storm thunders outside. 

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

In Hemlock & Silver, Kingfisher’s darkly enchanting prosepresents Snow White’s story through the gaze of a healer named Anja, adding even more adventure, poison, magic, love, and wit to the tale.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Ghosts, mystery, sisterhood, secrets, and horror fill the captivating Gothic atmosphere of House of Salt and Sorrows, presenting a new take on “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Lady Tremaine explores Cinderella’s story from the “evil” stepmother’s point of view, revealing a whole new side of the story—one of motherhood, survival, glamor, decay, and love.

No Better Than Beasts by Z.R. Ellor

No Better Than Beasts reimagines the Nutcracker story with whimsical world-building and a twisty, addictive plot.

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

The Bone Spindle reimagines “Sleeping Beauty”with an Indiana Jones twist, delivering a cinematic YA fantasy of love, adventure, and found family.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a whimsical YA retelling of “The Tale of Shim Cheong” filled with mythical creatures and vivid world-building perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli.

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

Murder, mystery, magic, mythology, and monsters unite to retell the tale of Bluebeard in The House Saphir.

Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods

Combining “Cinderella” and “The Little Mermaid,” Woods creates a thoroughly spellbinding story of love, magic, seduction, secrets, and history in Upon a Starlit Tide, set in Saint-Malo, Brittany, in 1758.

CLASSICS

Retellings of classics delight as they explore old, beloved stories through modern lenses. Whether you’re new to classics or an avid reader of them, these retellings are the perfect way to introduce yourself to these timeless tales or revisit an old favorite.

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga

For She Is Wrath is a fierce and addictive Pakistani YA retelling of The Count of Monte Cristowith action, romance, and female friendship.

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

With a haunting, Gothic atmosphere; sapphic love story; and captivating horror and history, Hungerstone delivers a thrilling retelling of Carmilla.

Local Heavens by K.M. Fajardo

The Great Gatsby emerges with a cyberpunk twist in Local Heavens, featuring queer dystopian romances, tech-modified bodies, and a Filipino American Nick Carraway.

One for All by Lillie Lainoff

Sword fighting, sisterhood, secrets, and self-love abound in One for All, a gender-bent YA retelling of The Three Musketeers following a fierce heroine with a chronic illness. 

Sing the Night by Megan Jauregui Eccles

Sing the Night is a sweeping retelling of The Phantom of the Operathat brims with vivid imagery, magic, and music. 

Strike the Zither by Joan He

Strike the Zither is a cinematic YA reimagining of the Chinese novel The Three Kingdoms,filled with political intrigue, found family, and a gripping love story.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

Haunting and romantic, Within These Wicked Walls is an unputdownable Ethiopian-inspired YA retelling of Jane Eyre. 

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology retellings often feel nostalgic as I’m transported back to the plotlines, drama, magic, and chaos of the Greek mythology tales I adored as a child. If you haven’t yet dove into the treasure trove that is Greek mythology, never fear—these retellings are perfect for new and old fans alike:

Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews

Daughter of Sparta is an action-packed, fierce, and empowering YA reimagining of the story of Apollo and Daphne. 

Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a fierce and addictive YA retelling of Hades and Persephone’s story, brimming with banter, fake dating, and a compelling cast of characters. 

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray

Exploring sisterhood, love, power, and feminine rage, I, Medusa is a lush retelling of the story of Medusa featuring a Black protagonist.

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett

The Witch of Colchis retells the story of Medea with feminine rage, magic, and action.

Arthurian Legend

While I adore Arthurian legend, its portrayal of women is frequently less than favorable. Morgan le Fay often appears as a villainous crone, and Queen Guinevere’s character is usually passive and underdeveloped. Thus, I was beyond delighted when I discovered these retellings of Arthurian legend that shine a light on the power of women:

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn powerfully reimagines King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, presenting a YA dark academia novel with magic that powerfully explores racism and grief.

Morgan is My Name by Sophie Keetch

Morgan is My Name reimagines the early life of Morgan le Fay, highlighting her strength and presenting her tale with atmospheric world-building, lyrical prose, and political intrigue.

The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty

The Once and Future Queen reimagines Queen Guinevere’s story with a cozy, adventurous, darkly magical atmosphere and a captivating cast of characters, including the spunky and fierce new Guinevere, Vera.

Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s works brim with wit, drama, and even magic. His tragedies and his comedies are equally sweeping, and these retellings beautifully capture the exhilaration of reading (or watching) a Shakespearean play:

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Lady Macbeth retells the story of Lady Macbeth, presenting a Gothic atmosphere; Scottish folklore; themes of power, patriarchy, and revenge; and a compelling main character who redefines what it means to be a witch.

Salt & Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho

Heart-warming, mouth-watering, and swoon-worthy, Salt & Sugar reimagines Romeo & Juliet in present-day Brazil. 

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye

Romantic, bingeable, and emotional, The Hundred Loves of Juliet retells Romeo & Juliet with a modern, magical twist. 

The post 30 Must-Read Retellings To Add To Your TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hochhauser’s vibrant world-building is so immersive that you will likely find yourself surprised when you suddenly realise that you are, indeed, reading, rather than watching the lush, cinematic masterpiece. Hochhauser beautifully describes both opulence and decay, as Etheldreda’s manor hall, although grand from the outside, crumbles within, reflecting how her façade is cracking under the pressures of motherhood, misfortune, and survival.

Etheldreda is certainly the star of the show, but the rest of the cast is just as vivid and well-developed, each character presented with a special twist. Cinderella is more defiant and haughtier than you might expect, and there is more to her prince than meets the eye. Cinderella’s stepsisters are unlikeable in most renditions of the tale, but in Lady Tremaine, Rosie and Matilda delight each time they grace the page.

Hochhauser thoughtfully explores animal bonds through Etheldreda’s connection to her peregrine falcon, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the addictive, enthralling love story between Etheldreda and…well, I won’t spoil who, but their tension and chemistry are *chef’s kiss.

Lady Tremaine’s originally “evil” character is presented with a new perspective—one that’s thoughtful, compelling, and delightfully surprising. Lady Tremaine isn’t a mere retelling; it is an emotional exploration of womanhood. Hochhauser highlights the pain (and often exploitation) that comes with being a woman: little girls are forced to grow up too fast, and women must combat violence and fight to survive, both in marriage and in the trials the world throws at them.

Widowed twice, Etheldreda’s story is one of survival, as she’s forced to maintain a ruse of ease and care for herself, her manor, and her daughters in a world that favours men and wealth. As Lady Tremaine highlights the strength of womankind, it simultaneously emphasises the power of motherhood and the determination of a mother to protect and provide for her children. Etheldreda would do anything for her daughters, and the loving ferocity of a mother’s bond shines through as she strives to secure marriages for them.

The heart and key elements of the Cinderella story are preserved while revealing a whole new side in refreshing and exhilarating ways. Threaded throughout are many twists, secrets, and powerful revelations. With a whirlwind of a plot that ends on a beautiful note and sharp pacing that leaves room to bask in the world while having you flying through the pages, Lady Tremaine is unputdownable from start to finish. I cannot recommend it enough! (But please check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the story covers sensitive topics).

Oh, and we must take a moment to appreciate Bessie Carter’s brilliant performance in the audiobook of Lady Tremaine. With excellent accents and a soothing yet engaging voice, her narration was enchanting. She beautifully captured the novel’s atmosphere and emotion. I highly recommend the audiobook!

Lady Tremaine is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 3rd 2026.

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

Synopsis

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters―only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

The post Review: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

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

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

JANUARY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Starseekers by Nicole Glover

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

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

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

Way of the Walker by Salinee Goldenberg

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

City of Others by Jared Poon

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

Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez

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

Enchanting The Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis

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

We Who Have No Gods by Liza Anderson

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

Godstorm by Solitaire Townsend

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

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

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

Ballad of the Bone Road by A.C. Wise

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

The Twice-Wanted Witch by Katie Hallahan

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

The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao

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

FEBRUARY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze

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

Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson

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

Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

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

A Day of Breath by Darby Cox

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

The Gods Must Burn by T.R. Moore

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

The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan

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

Half City by Kate Golden

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

The Apple and the Pearl by Rym Kechacha

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

Nightshade and Oak by Molly O’Neill

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

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer

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

The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox by Katrina Kwan

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

The Misheard World by Aliya Whiteley

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

MARCH 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The First Step by Tao Wong

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

The Ascension of Souls by Bronte-Marie Wesson

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

Innamorata by Ava Reid

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

Voidverse by Damien Ober

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

The Fountain by Casey Scieszka

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

The Fox and the Devil by Kiersten White

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

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel by Elizabeth Everett

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

The Book of Fallen Leaves by A.S. Tamaki

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

Aicha by Soraya Bouazzaoui

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

No Man’s Land by Richard K. Morgan

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

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

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A breathtaking reimagining of Cinderella, as told through the eyes of its iconic “evil” stepmother, revealing a propulsive love story about the lengths a mother will go to for her children.

The Library of Amorlin by Kalyn Josephson

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

APRIL 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

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

An Arcane Study of Stars by Sydney J. Shields

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

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

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

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune

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

The Tricky Business of Faerie Bargains by Reena McCarty

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A former changeling must return to the land of the Fae to right a bargain that’s gone terribly wrong in this delightful cozy fantasy debut packed full of charm, adventure, romance and heart.

Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe

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A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.

Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens

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A reclusive witch who fled the burden of her bloodline rises to be the greatest among them in this lush and haunting fantasy debut.

The Language of Liars by S. L. Huang

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

The Photonic Effect by Mike Chen

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A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen.

The Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey

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

The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva

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Arrival meets Wild Dark Shore in this captivating novel that follows a family over fifty years—a bold and compassionate exploration of the universe around us and what it truly means to be human.

What We Are Seeking by Cameron Reed

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From Cameron Reed, the acclaimed author of The Fortunate Fall, comes a soaring novel of queer hope and transformation, perfect for readers of Ann Leckie and Amal El-Mohtar.

MAY 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee

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

The Franchise by Thomas Elrod

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

Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth

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An epic, romantic dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor’s Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth.

Mortedant’s Peril by RJ Barker

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

Absence by Andrew Dana Hudson

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

Palaces of the Crow by Ray Nayler

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

Magician by Tracy Lynne Oliver

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A dark magic debut novel featuring the Boy who becomes the Magician and the villainous Mother whose sadism might end it all—for fans of Our Share of Night and The Changeling.

A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost

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

The Tapestry of Fate by Shannon Chakraborty

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

Platform Decay by Martha Wells

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Everyone’s favorite lethal SecUnit is back in the next installment of Martha Wells’ bestselling and award-winning Murderbot Diaries series.

The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean

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

Death’s Daughter by S.A. Barnes

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

JUNE 2026 FANTASY & SCI-FI BOOKS

Heaven’s Graveyard by Grace Curtis

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From the Sunday Times-bestselling author of Floating Hotel and Idolfire comes a science fantasy tale of history and myth, magic and mystery, perfect for fans of Shelley Parker-Chan and A. K. Larkwood.

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden

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

Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian

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

Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim

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

The Winged Game by Sophie Kim

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

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson

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A witch and her young ward discover a magical, walking house and learn the true meaning of home in this cozy, enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jaleigh Johnson.

A Dance of Burning Blades by M. H. Ayinde

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

The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang

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A marine biologist makes the discovery of a lifetime when called to rescue the inhabitants of a small Maine island being menaced by a giant, glowing jellyfish in this richly imagined, wholly original debut.

Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer

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From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.

The Traveler by Joseph Eckert

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The Traveler is the story of a reluctant time-traveler and his son, and the bond between them that even millennia cannot break. An adventure full of heartbreak, hope, and futures beyond imagination.

The Sixth Nik by Daniel Kraus

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A startling hybrid of the Alien franchise and Ender’s Game, The Sixth Nik is the first sci-fi novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Whalefall and Angel Down.

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K England

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

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

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