Children’s Books

Starting with the littlest readers, here are some children’s books sure to captivate your kiddo with enchanting illustrations and thought-provoking themes:

Gwei the Hungry Ghost written by Emeline Lee; illustrated by Basia Tran

With Chinese folklore, mouthwateringly vivid food, and a thoughtful exploration of loneliness and the power of community, Gwei the Hungry Ghost is the perfect read for foodies longing to explore the Hungry Ghost Festival alongside the sweetest ghost friends.

Mr. Chow’s Night Market written by Emily Sun Li; illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng 

Powerful, welcoming, and heartwarming, Mr. Chow’s Night Market celebrates the joy and power of community, creativity, being yourself, and trying new things, highlighting the importance of collaboration and asking for help when you need it amidst the backdrop of Taiwan’s first night market.

Music of the Bells written by Anitha Rao-Robinson; illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Vibrant and empowering, Music of the Bells beautifully highlights the power of movement and dance, introducing readers to Kathak (a classical Indian dance form) and exploring dance as a storytelling medium.

Where Do Stories Live? by Meenal Patel

Where Do Stories Live? enchants as it brilliantly emphasizes the power of stories and the myriad ways in which they are born through beautifully peaceful, calming illustrations. 

Middle-Grade Books

For middle-grade readers, here are some sweeping stories with magic and adventure galore:

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Brimming with Hindu mythology, found family, and a hilarious cast, Aru Shah and the End of Time is the cinematic first book in the Pandava series. 

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

With Korean mythology, fox-magic, and gripping action, Dragon Pearl is an unputdownable space opera.

Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword by Henry Lien 

Joyful, playful, and fierce, Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword is a delightful fantasy that blends martial arts and figure skating. 

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel by Kara Bodegón-Hikino 

Filipino folklore, an action-packed journey perfect for fans of Pokémon games, and heartwarming friendship await readers in Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel.

Young Adult (YA) Books

For YA readers, here are some irresistible reads with everything from horror to fantasy to romance to game-show shenanigans:

A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen 

Heartfelt, sweet, and scrumptious, A Bánh Mì for Two is a sapphic romance set in Vietnam featuring street food, family, and friendship.

Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim 

Celestial Banquet is a riveting, delicious fantasy with Chinese and Southeast Asian folklore and a propulsive, vicious cooking competition.  

Coming Out Perfect by Richard Mercado

Coming Out Perfect beautifully explores Filipino culture and the weight of familial expectations, fitting in, and coming out, offering a welcoming and uplifting graphic novel. 

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee 

With sea-swept imagery, a compelling murder mystery, and a dash of romance, Heiress of Nowhere delivers an immersive historical mystery set on Orcas Island, Washington, in 1918.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

Evocative and immersive, I Am Not Jessica Chen thoughtfully presents themes of burnout, imposter syndrome, and love against a dark academia backdrop.

Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Just Between Us is an addictive, fierce, and romantic YA graphic novel with a swoon-worthy sapphic romance and figure skating.

Midnights with You by Clare Osongco

With a tender romance, late-night driving lessons, and a powerful exploration of family trauma, Midnights with You is an emotional, romantic contemporary novel.

Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon

Featuring an action-packed wilderness game show, a witty cast of characters, and an adorable romance, Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted is an addictive, cinematic contemporary novel.

Strike the Zither by Joan He

Strike the Zither is a fierce retelling of the Chinese classic The Three Kingdoms, filled with political intrigue and star-crossed lovers.

That Which Feeds Us by Keala Kendall 

Haunting, propulsive, and raw, That Which Feeds Us is a horror-infused thriller with sisterhood and sapphic love that celebrates and honors Hawaiian culture, history, folklore, and resilience.

The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

The Fox Maidens is a sweeping graphic novel set in 16^th-century Korea with a sapphic romance and Korean mythology.

The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker 

Immersive, gritty, and magical, The Keeper of Night brilliantly weaves Japanese folklore into a gripping adventure that takes readers to London, Japan, and the Japanese underworld.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

Medical-inspired magic and a Vietnam-inspired world unite in The Last Bloodcarver, a lush and mystery-infused fantasy.

The Last Tiger by Julia and Brad Riew

Inspired by true stories from the authors’ grandparents’ love story, The Last Tiger is a powerful, romantic, and adventurous tale with hope, high stakes, and magic.

Zhara by S. Jae-Jones

Zhara is a witty, creative, and addictive fantasy with East Asian mythology, found family, and a pinch of Cinderella.

Adult Books

For adult readers, here are some books to satisfy your literary cravings, from mythology to monsters to magic to mystery:

A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang by Lee Onhwa

Magical, cozy, and emotional, A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang serves up a heartfelt and compelling story set in an enchanted bakery.

Aunt Tigress by Emily Yu-Xuan Qin

Splendidly strange and wonderfully haunting, Aunt Tigress is a compelling urban fantasy with sapphic love inspired by Chinese and First Nation mythology.

Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil

Vibrant and propulsive, Black Salt Queen captivates with its Filipino-inspired world, powerful cast, and political intrigue.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a spellbinding, romantic fantasy with Chinese mythology and lush prose.

Local Heavens by K.M. Fajardo

Set in New York City, 2075, Local Heavens delivers an addictive reimagining of The Great Gatsby, filled with cyberpunk technology, queer love, lyrical prose, and a Filipino American Nick Carraway.

Red City by Marie Lu

Vicious, dark, and magical, Red City presents an alternate Los Angeles with alchemy and star-crossed love.

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung 

A cinematic standalone featuring Chinese culture, a powerful mother-daughter bond, and political intrigue, The Last Mandarin is a gripping thriller from start to finish.

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg 

Adventure, love, and Thai mythology meet in The Last Phi Hunter, a witty and action-packed fantasy debut.

The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li

A twisty and haunting gothic thriller, The Manor of Dreams delivers a compelling concoction of sapphic love, family drama, mystery, and a haunted garden.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

The Poet Empress is a lush, immersive, and vicious fantasy with court politics, magic, and Chinese mythology.

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei 

The Stardust Grail delivers an innovative and unputdownable adventure with a treasure hunt, found family, and riveting heist.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard 

Brimming with Indian mythology, hilarious characters, and swoon-worthy romance, The Starlight Heir is a sweeping romantasy.

The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

The Subtle Art of Folding Space delivers a heartfelt, propulsive, and creative sci-fi novel with delicious dim sum, generational trauma, and physics.

These are just some of the countless incredible books waiting to join your TBR list this AANHPI Heritage Month! Many are out now, and some release later this year, making it the perfect time to preorder to continue the celebration and amplify AANHPI stories throughout 2026. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month, and happy reading!

The post 36 Books To Add To Your AANHPI Heritage Month TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about trading in your day job for a bullwhip and fedora? Well, you’re in excellent company!

At some point, we’ve all imagined ourselves as the legendary Indiana Jones—plunging into abandoned temples, outwitting cunning booby traps, and liberating priceless treasures from their dusty resting places. But what if we told you that these globetrotting archaeological adventures are just a page-turn away?

Get that iconic fedora ready, because we’ve rounded up the best YA books like Indiana Jones that’ll have you channelling your inner Indy faster than you can say “It belongs in a museum!”

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Out of all the Indiana Jones-inspired books on this list, Silver in the Bone is the one we’re the most excited about.

In a world steeped in Arthurian legend, Tamsin Lark starts a perilous quest to locate a fabled ring and rescue her cursed brother. With rival sorceresses, deadly secrets, and a race against time, Tamsin must forge unlikely alliances to secure her family’s future in this adrenaline-fueled series opener.

The Last Crusade meets The Last of Us in this YA urban fantasy from the bestselling author of The Darkest Minds and Lore.

FOR FANS OF: Mythology inspired books, complex sibling dynamics, YA books like Tomb Raider

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

Pitched as a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty retelling, The Bone Spindle follows a bookish treasure hunter and an ax-wielding warrior who must join forces to break a century-old curse on a sleeping prince. Dark magic, witch hunters, and bad exes combine in this YA book like Indiana Jones perfect for anyone who loved Cinderella is Dead.

FOR FANS OF: LGBT fairytale retellings, Lara Croft, YA treasure hunting books

Read our book review of The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder for the full scoop.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

It’s Rick Riordan—need we say more? But just in case we actually do…

In The Kane Chronicles, two siblings must unlock their hidden magical powers, battle ancient Egyptian gods, and embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the world. It mixes Percy Jackson with The Raiders of the Lost Arc for a pyramid-sized twist!

With over 300,000 reviews on Goodreads, it’s safe to say that The Red Pyramid is one of the best Indiana Jones read-alikes on this list.

FOR FANS OF: The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Percy Jackson, YA archaeology books

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke

Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven cryptology adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, historic relics, and heart-stopping action.

From the author behind Hood comes a YA archaeology book set in the green hills of Dublin, where a reluctant bookseller and her childhood crush must decipher an ancient journal to prevent the resurrection of an evil queen.

FOR FANS OF: Books like National Treasure, novels set in Ireland, Celtic folklore, YA cryptology books.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Looking for a YA book that’s like Tomb Raider? Meet your next Lara Croft in The Lady Rogue!

When Theodora’s treasure-hunting dream takes a turn for the worst, she must team up with her ex-boyfriend to rescue her missing father and unearth a legendary ring tied to Dracula.

From the author of Always Jane, Chasing Lucky, and Serious Moonlight, comes an action-pulp romance book like Raiders of the Lost Arc set in Gothic Romania.

FOR FANS OF: Dracula, novels set in Romania, second chance romances, Marion Ravenwood

Read our book review of The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennet for the full scoop.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

In the spellbinding world of 19th-century Paris, a diverse group of talented misfits comes together to infiltrate high society’s glittering façade and unlock ancient secrets. What they find might change the course of history—but only if they can stay alive.

Six of Crows meets Dan Brown in Roshani Chokshi’s beloved historical fantasy series that gives Indy a run for his money.

FOR FANS OF: Novels set in Paris, diverse Indiana Jones books, Ocean’s Eleven

Read our book review of The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi for the full scoop.

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Looking for adventure books like Uncharted but with the romance of The Mummy? Join Clio Havel on a research expedition alongside her estranged father as they uncover a sunken treasure off the coast of Italy.

Filled with ancient historical secrets, a budding summer romance, and gripping archaeological mysteries, Maureen Johnson is no doubt the master of thrilling beach reads.

FOR FANS OF: YA treasure hunting books, Nathan Drake, Atlantis

Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones…IN SPACE.

In this high-octane space opera from the bestselling author duo of The Other Side of the Sky, comes a story of two unlikely explorers who must rely on each other to decipher a distant planet’s secrets. Brace yourself for booby-trapped alien temples, dangerous artifact scavengers, and a sizzling romance.

FOR FANS OF: Doctor Who, YA archaeology books, Aurora Rising, The Mandalorian

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Theodosia Throckmorton is far from ordinary—she’s the daughter of a museum curator, entrusted with forgotten Egyptian magic. But when her mother brings back the cursed Heart of Egypt, Theo must harness all her ancient knowledge to prevent a catastrophic war that could crumble the British Empire and threaten her very existence.

FOR FANS OF: Books like The Mummy, Egyptian mythology, Sallah from Raiders of the Lost Arc

Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen

Step aside, Harrison Ford. There’s a new Indiana Jones in town, and his name is Tennessee Russo.

When his life unravels after a painful breakup, seventeen-year-old Tennessee has two choices: wallow in misery or go to Greece with his archaeologist dad. Joining his father’s quest for the Rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, Tennessee navigates ancient ruins, unravels mysteries, and explores a hidden chapter of queer history.

FOR FANS OF: Queer books like Indiana Jones, Camp, novels set in Greece

Read our book review of Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen for the full scoop.

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. With mythical creatures, enchanting romance, and exotic locales, this young adult book like Indiana Jones is a treasure trove of pulp-action adventure.

FOR FANS OF: The Temple of Doom, Hindu mythology, paranormal romance

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Dubbed The Mummy meets Death on the Nile, this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt is filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

If you enjoyed Isabel Ibañez’s Together We Burn and Woven in Moonlight, then you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for this upcoming YA book like Indiana Jones.

FOR FANS OF: Rivals-to-lovers romance, Egyptian mythology, Rebecca Ross, Agatha Christie mysteries

BONUS: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Snakes…Why did it have to be snakes?

As we conclude our journey through these Indiana Jones-inspired YA books, one thing becomes clear:

The spirit of exploration and the quest for the unknown are timeless.

So whether you’re running away from a giant boulder or just navigating daily life, these novels remind us that the best treasure can be found within the pages of a good book.

Now over to you:

In the comments, share one young adult book like Indiana Jones from this list that you’ve already read and one that you just added to your TBR!

The post 12 YA Books Like Indiana Jones to Read After Watching The Dial of Destiny appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Roshani! Welcome back! How has the past couple of years been since we last spoke?

Thank you for having me again! The past couple years have been a blur of chaos and joy. Most notably, I am now extremely sleep deprived thanks to the arrival of a little kraken.

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

The moment I could write, I wanted to make things up. The idea that you could live outside yourself or take what you saw around you and refashion it into something else was intoxicating.

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine was on my summer reading list as a kid and I was obsessed. I couldn’t believe that this is what someone could do with a fairytale. It felt like being granted admission to a new realm entirely. It made me want to play with those ancient stories too. A book I can’t stop thinking about is A Natural History of The Senses by Diane Ackerman. It’s a beautiful work of non-fiction with sensuous, lyrical insights.

Your latest novel, The Spirit Glass, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Spookier than you might imagine.

What can readers expect?

Oof. Always a difficult thing to answer, but I can share what I hope readers take away from the novel. I hope they find that it has just as much heart and humor as the ARU SHAH series. I hope they recognize that it is more solemn, more spooky and perhaps more sad than the children’s books I’ve written in the past. I hope they find themselves pleasantly haunted.

Where did the inspiration for The Spirit Glass come from?

From my bedtime stories, many of which were rather harrowing and involved legless monsters and the dangers of sleeping with one’s window cracked open a little too wide.

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

I have a soft spot for monsters. Sometimes that means finding out what made them monstrous in the first place. Most often, it means turning the expectation of a monster on its head. For example, I’m always tickled by the idea of a dragon jealously guarding its treasure hoard…and then after awhile feeling affronted that no one has bothered to try and take their treasure. Don’t they think it’s worth stealing? Why wouldn’t someone risk their lives for such riches? HOW DARE!!

What’s next for you?

I’m in the mood to follow a group of characters for more than one book. Of late, the only thing I know about it is that somewhere in the book there’s a pair of vultures named Pomp and Circumstance. Not much of a start, but I’ve gotten by on less.

Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

I could recommend THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI by S.A. Chakraborty until the cows come home.

Will you be picking up The Spirit Glass? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Roshani Chokshi, Author of ‘The Spirit Glass’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

2023 is here, so get ready to be amazed by the incredible books heading your way! In this round up, we take a look at an array of highly anticipated books releasing between the months of January and June from authors such as Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, Jesse Q. Sutanto, Harlan Coben, Emily Henry, Rachel Lynn Solomon, Kalynn Bayron, and many more plus some dazzling debuts.

You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other January to June 2023 lists, including 2023 Romance, 2023 Young Adult, 2023 Middle Grade, and 2023 Queer Books!

Looking for our July to December picks? Check them out here!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below what books you are looking forward to!

JANUARY

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
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Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is a thrilling novel about friendship, secrets, betrayal, and lies – and having the courage to face the past.

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
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This sweet, enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com filled with Chinese astrology will undoubtedly prove to be a perfect match with readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Helena Hunting.

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
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New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a thrilling new novel that explores the way your past—and your family—can haunt you like nothing else.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Brown Sisters trilogy, comes a laugh-out-loud story about a quirky content creator and a clean-cut athlete testing their abilities to survive the great outdoors—and each other.

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
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Wealth. Power. Murder. Magic. The Ivy League is going straight to hell in the sequel to the smash New York Times bestseller Ninth House from #1 bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Begin Again by Emma Lord
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Filled with a friend group that feels like family, an empowering journey of finding your own way, and a Just Kiss Already! romance, Emma Lord’s Begin Again is an unforgettable YA novel of love and starting again.

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
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A romance novel–obsessed social media influencer revisits her exes on her hunt for true love in this romantic comedy from the author of Set On You.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
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Return to the opulent world of Elfhame, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and dangerous desires, with this first book of a captivating new duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black. 

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
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Fans of Abby Jimenez and Meryl Wilsner will fall in love with this hilarious and refreshingly authentic novel about second chances, pugs, and finding the perfect muse . . .

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
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From the macabre mind of a Bram Stoker Award-nominated author, this heart-pounding novel of horror and psychological suspense takes a ghost hunting reality TV crew into a world they could never have imagined.

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
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The Hate U Give meets One of Us Is Lying in Nick Brooks’s Promise Boys, a trailblazing, blockbuster YA mystery about three teen boys of color who must investigate their principal’s murder to clear their own names―for fans of Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Karen McManus.

Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen
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About a Boy meets What We Do In The Shadows in the next fun genre-mashup from Mike Chen, featuring a punk-rock vampire learning to connect to the world again when her surly teenaged grand-nephew needs her, and her music, to get him through a tough time.

FEBRUARY

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
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Intricate and epic, Samantha Shannon sweeps readers back to the world of A Priory of the Orange Tree, showing us a course of events that shaped it for generations to come.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TikTok favorite Tessa Bailey comes a steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn…

The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood
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Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version—his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda—but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.

The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan
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The House Guest is another diabolical cat-and-mouse thriller from USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan―but which character is the cat, and which character is the mouse?

The Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry
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In the early 1900s, a young woman is caught between two worlds in H. G. Parry’s spellbinding tale of miracles, magic, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
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In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
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The Haunting of Hill House meets Sadie in this evocative and mind-bending psychological thriller following two teen girls navigating the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart.

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
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In the riveting new novel from the author of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist The Great Believers, a woman must reckon with her past when new details surface about a tragedy at her elite New England boarding school.

Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot
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Two restaurant critics learn their opposing tastes might make for a five-star relationship in the next foodie romantic comedy from the author of Sadie on a Plate.

Seven Faceless Saints by M. K. Lobb
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Discover what’s lurking in the shadows in this dark fantasy debut with a murder-mystery twist, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kerri Maniscalco.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
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A sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales—the breathtaking adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi.

Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
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In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex’s Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

MARCH

The Foxglove King by Hannah F. Whitten
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In this lush, romantic epic fantasy series from a New York Times bestselling author, a young woman’s secret power to raise the dead plunges her into the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King’s royal court.

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf
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For fans of Ikegna and A Tale Dark and Grimm comes a story of a brave heroine, a beguiling villain, fantastical worlds, magical adventures, and a journey that will remind you that hope, friendship, and love endures all.

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
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Two people make a wager on who can find love first, not realizing what they should be betting on is each other, in this new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Wrong Number.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
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For fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.

Chaos & Flame by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland
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From New York Times bestselling author Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton comes the first book in a ferocious YA fantasy duology featuring ancient magic, warring factions, and a romance between the two people in the world with the most cause to hate one another.

Jane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards
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This powerful reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
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A lonely shopkeeper takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way in this captivating mystery by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
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Shannon Chakraborty, the bestselling author of The City of Brass, spins a new trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas in this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, in one woman’s determined quest to seize a final chance at glory—and write her own legend.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
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A “wildly surprising, entertaining” (Jodi Picoult) novel featuring a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law, full of tremendous heart, wit, and wisdom from the USA Today bestselling author of The Invisible Husband of Frick Island.

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
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A teen boy tries to discover the reason behind his best friend’s disappearance―and the arrival of a mysterious and magnetic stranger―in misty Victorian London, in Kalynn Bayron’s My Dear Henry, a gothic YA remix of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, sixth in the Remixed Classics series.

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
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An innocent father serving life for the murder of his own son receives evidence that his child may still be alive, and must break out of prison to find out the truth in #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben’s latest breathtaking thriller.

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
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A haunting Southern Gothic from an award-winning master of suspense, A House With Good Bones explores the dark, twisted roots lurking just beneath the veneer of a perfect home and family.

APRIL

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
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Terry J. Benton-Walker’s contemporary fantasy debut, Blood Debts, is “an extravaganza from start to finish” (Chloe Gong) with powerful magical families, intergenerational curses, and deadly drama in New Orleans.

In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune
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New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Happy Place by Emily Henry
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A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
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From the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls and “master of suspense, Megan Miranda”, a thrilling mystery about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the tenth anniversary of a tragic accident—only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy.

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly
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Two former female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II—an extraordinary novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
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A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

The Thick and the Lean by Chana Porter
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In Lambda Award finalist Chana Porter’s highly anticipated new novel, an aspiring chef, a cyberthief, and a kitchen maid each break free of a society that wants to constrain them.

Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli
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An impulsive decision to join an Alaskan cruise getaway brings the chance for an onboard romance in this new enemies-to-lovers romance from the author of A Holly Jolly Diwali.

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
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A thrillingly told queer space opera about the wreckage of war, the family you find, and who you must become when every choice is stripped from you, Some Desperate Glory is Astounding Award Winner and Crawford Award Finalist Emily Tesh’s highly anticipated debut novel.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
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A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match from “a true talent” (Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
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A comedy writer thinks she’s sworn off love, until a dreamy pop star flips the script on all her assumptions—a hilarious, observant, and deeply tender novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Eligible, Rodham, and Prep.

MAY

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
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Inspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history―or tear it apart.

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
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A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s—and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn’t what it seems.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
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A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance from the author of The Cheat Sheet and When in Rome.

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
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Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series that spans gangsters’ dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files.

Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon
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Utterly original and wildly entertaining, with a protagonist whose life is a total mess, Killing Me is the laugh-out-loud funny thriller that we never knew we needed.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
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A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decades-long friendships and promises—especially to ourselves—by the bestselling and celebrated author of The Guncle.

Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
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Of Light and Shadow is a novel about magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal―the story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways.

The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop
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Joining a post #MeToo discourse, The Girls of Summer grapples with themes of power, sex, and consent, as it explores the complicated nature of memory and trauma––and what it takes to reframe, and reclaim, your own story.

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore and Elliott McLemore
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Two enemy kingdoms are forced to work together to break a curse in this lush YA fantasy, featuring a transgender prince and a bigender dama/assassin in the lead roles.

Dragonfall by Laura Lam
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Long-banished dragons, revered as gods, return to the mortal realm in the first in this magical new epic fantasy trilogy from a bestselling author

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
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Sparks fly when a romance novelist and a documentary filmmaker join forces to craft the perfect Hollywood love story and take both of their careers to the next level—but only if they can keep the chemistry between them from taking the whole thing off script—from the New York Times bestselling authors of The Soulmate Equation and The Unhoneymooners.

JUNE

Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool
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In this romantic, edge-of-your-seat YA fantasy/mystery, cursebreaker Marlow Briggs reluctantly pretends to be in love with a powerful noble to gain entry into an illustrious―and deadly―society that holds clues to her mother’s disappearance. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars, These Violent Delights, and Chain of Iron.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager
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Bestselling author Riley Sager returns with a Gothic chiller about a young caregiver assigned to work for a woman accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre decades earlier.

Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier
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Set in the glamorous, competitive world of showjumping, a novel about the girls who ride, their cutthroat mothers, and a suspicious death at a horse show…from the author of Good Rich People

Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with the hilarious follow-up to Secretly Yours, in which a down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can’t stand… only to discover there’s a fine line between love and hate.

Maddalena and the Dark by Julia Fine
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For fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Mexican Gothic, a novel set in 18th-century Venice at a prestigious music school, about two girls drawn together by a dangerous wager

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

What Remains by Wendy Walker
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Detective Elise Sutton is drawn to cold cases. Each crime is a puzzle to solve, pulled from the past. Steeped in guilt, and on a leave of absence from work, she’s numb, even to her husband and daughters, until she connects with Wade Austin, the tall man whose life she saved. But Elise soon realizes that he isn’t who he says he is. 

Where Echoes Die by Courtney Gould
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Two sisters travel to an isolated Arizona town to investigate its connection to their mother’s death, but uncover more than they bargained for in this supernatural thriller from the author of The Dead and the Dark.

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding
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The bestselling author of The Party returns with a deliciously twisted story of friendship, retribution, and betrayal about a homeless woman fleeing a dangerous past—and the wealthy society wife she saves from drowning, who pulls her into a dark web of secrets and lies.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
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At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
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If you knew how dark tomorrow would be, what would you do with today? The First Bright Thing is a spellbinding debut for fans of The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue.

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
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In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

What 2023 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2023 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Before I start in on the summary, please be aware that this is a sequel review. If you’re looking to read The Gilded Wolves (which I HIGHLY encourage), I have that review up as well, but scroll away from this one so you don’t inadvertently spoil yourself for the first book!

Let’s get started! So, if you’ve read The Gilded Wolves, we last left  Séverin and the team having just defeated the Fallen house. However, it came at a terrible loss that has fractured the group and haunts each one of them. Desperate to fix the situation, Séverin begins a hunt for an artifact rumoured to grant the possessor the power of God. They go from Paris to the icy heart of Russia where they find themselves stalked by icy animal predators lurking in dark palace shadows. They’ll find broken goddesses with deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders that make them question whether the myth might actually be a reality after all. As they delve deeper, their own secrets they thought were hidden will surface and they’ll discover new things about themselves that will lead them to paths they never thought possible.

There’s so much ground to cover in this review, and I honestly don’t have enough words to get through it all…but I’ll certainly try. The second part of The Gilded Wolves trilogy begins in a very somber and almost desperate state. Everyone is still reeling from Tristan’s death, and Séverin is having some trouble reconciling some new found secrets that he wasn’t intended to find out. I feel that this story begins and ends very similarly. Everyone is feeling lost, vulnerable, and angry. If there was an emotion that was incredibly palpable in this story, it’s that anger. It permeates the words of this story and makes you just as angry as the characters. They’re still so incredibly relatable, and you long for the innocence before all of this madness happened to them.

In terms of character development, all I have to say is WOW. There’s so much being explored in this second book, that I wouldn’t have minded for it to be longer just so we could get even deeper into it. Of course, Séverin has the most turmoil in his soul and his decision on what seems to be a solution will make readers groan. My heart personally went out to Laila and Zofia! Their inner turmoils are heart-breaking, and every time I read their chapters my heart broke just a little more for them. They’re so used to shouldering a burden rather than ask for help, that it crushes their spirits. Enrique and Hypnos. There’s so much to unravel there, and it just goes so well with the overall themes of the book.

The romance in this book continues to beguile, but will also cause readers quite a lot of stress in this book. There’s also an exploration of being open about sexuality vs. keeping it a secret, and what it means for certain characters. There’s also the prioritisation of family vs. a love interest, and responsibility vs. love as well that are taking place. They are certainly painful, and I felt like they were also relatable.

Roshani recently posted on Goodreads and talked about this book being painful for her to write, and I can feel that as a reader. This isn’t a light frolic through a meadow of a book. It delves into parts of history that aren’t quite as spoken about, and it’s not pretty or neat or comfortable.The substance that she has managed to put in between the pages of this book is very real and very painful to read. The experiences that she shares about each of these characters is cultivated so carefully and so well. Because of spoilers, I don’t want to get too much into it, and while I usually put in trigger warnings and content warnings in books…I won’t for this one. I think that this is a book that you should read and be uncomfortable with what you see because it will make you question and look within yourself.

While there is more of a grim note to this book, there are flashes of humour that tie this book together very well for me. While the story progresses at a fast pace, there’s plenty of time to get acquainted with the surroundings, and I stand by my statement that no one does imagery like Roshani Chokshi. However, unlike the way that it dripped off the page in a sensual way in The Gilded Wolves, it instead has a glass-like quality that is fragile, and holding it the wrong way might shatter everything.

10/10, no question. Get it on your list! Pre-order, request it from your library! Whatever you need to do to read it. And if you’ve read it, please shout at me in the comments how you feel after that ending! Did it wreck you as badly as it did me?!

The Silvered Serpents is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 22nd 2020.

Will you be picking up The Silvered Serpents? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

They are each other’s fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost ― one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumoured to grant its possessor the power of God.

Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all.

As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.

A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job.

The post Review: The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

According to Chokshi, the story is loosely inspired by the Irish story of Diarmuid and Gráinne. Imelda and Ambrose rule a land called Love’s Keep, which is ironic considering they have lost the one thing they need to sustain the kingdom, their love for each other. A year and a day ago, Ambrose traded their love to a witch in exchange for Imelda’s life. When the same witch offers them a quest and tells them that if they succeed she will give them what they desire the most, Imelda and Ambrose promptly accept. Imelda wants to be free, Ambrose wants a kingdom he can rule completely in his own way, without having to seek anyone’s approval. But on their journey, as they encounter a talking cloak who thinks he’s a horse, cannibals, honey badgers, and cursed tourist destinations, they rediscover each other, and begin to wonder if they really want to be free of one another after all.

From the synopsis, you can guess that the setup is, in fact, pretty basic; but Chokshi manages to put her own contemporary spin on an age old fairytale. The story benefits from her trademark hilarious and charming storytelling- a deft fusion of a sometimes sarcastic and sometimes goofy sense of humour and typical classic fairy-tale traditions and trappings. Think something like Disney’s Tangled, but for older teenagers and adults.

The core love story is also not something we haven’t seen before, but it’s delightful nonetheless. Stubborn, eccentric Imelda and reserved, severe Ambrose are opposites attracted to each other, their relationship is built on plenty of tropes. However, the predictability of the turns Imelda and Ambrose’s relationship takes never gets boring, instead it’s comfortably familiar like that book you love to reread again and again and feel the same joy every time, despite having memorised every twist and every turn by heart.

When it comes to the narration, Once More Upon a Time isn’t perfect, but it’s fun and enjoyable. The plot is pretty straightforward and the story never gets overwhelming or hard to follow, this is something you can just sit back and enjoy. The glee in each narrator’s voice comes through and the joy is infectious, I found myself smiling the entire time I listened to the book.

Overall, Once More Upon a Time is a simple, cute story of second chances that fits perfectly into the Disney movie formula. If you are on the lookout for an engaging, little story that will lift you up- especially in these troubling times- I’ll urge you to give this one a listen. Go into this novella as someone just looking for a good time, and that’s exactly what you’ll get out of it.

Once More Upon a Time is available on Audible.

Will you be checking out Once More Upon a Time? Tell us in the comments below! 

Synopsis | Goodreads

A dazzling fairy tale about falling in love again by the New York Times best-selling author of The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves.

Once upon a time, there was a king and queen in a land called Love’s Keep who once loved one another, but alas, no more. Without love, they were doomed to be ousted from their kingdom at the end of a year and a day.

A year and a day passed.

This is where their story starts.

Imelda and Ambrose can’t remember why they got married. A year and a day ago, Ambrose consulted a witch, trading their love to save Imelda’s life – and they’ve been stuck with one another ever since. When that same witch pays them a visit on the day they lose their kingdom, she promises to make their deepest wishes come true in exchange for a simple favor and a short journey. With nothing left to lose, Imelda and Ambrose agree. But, over the course of their enchanted road trip peppered with a delirious cloak, cannibals, and at least one honey badger, something magical happens…little by little, step by step, they regain what they had forgotten.

They remember why they fell in love.

When the end of their journey nears and they confront parting ways forever, a new decision faces them. Will Imelda and Ambrose choose their deepest wishes, or will they choose each other – again?

The post Review: Once More Upon A Time by Roshani Chokshi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

One of the best things that has happened in the bookish world over the past couple of years is the boom in diverse fantasy and I am so here for it! As a huge supporter of #weneeddiversebooks, I’m here to shake you hard, call upon you gently, and shove these books in your face in an attempt to make you read these wonderfully diverse YA fantasy novels!

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in an alternate 1800s Paris, The Gilded Wolves features a complex magic system and an incredible history! The writing is delectable and readers will be a nervous trainwreck throughout the whirlwind of robberies, heists, and constant danger. Doesn’t that sound fun?

Still unconvinced? Well the book also features a group of disaster children who come together to be an adorable but found family. Bonus point is there is diversity here, there, and everywhere. There is an Indian dancer with a hidden ability, an autistic Jewish prodigy with ambitions of her own, a chaotic bisexual Slytherin, and a Filipino/Spanish bisexual history geek. Can you hear my heart explode with happiness?

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
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There are badass females, wonderfully written female friendships, dialogues with 300% sass, and action scenes that will make the reader jump around!

Leigh Bardugo being an absolute queen can write so much diversity into a single book and not have it feel like diversity for the sake of ticking the boxes. The Amazonians themselves are so wonderfully diverse. Then there’s Alia who has a Greek father and an African-American mother, Nim has Indian roots and is bi, and Theo is a nerdy Mediterranean guy who is just so endearing.

As the rule is with any Bardugo book, this book will make you laugh, cry, and all the while root for the lovely band of misfits.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
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Mooncakes is a perfect mix of magic, witchcraft, casual diversity, warm fuzzy feels, and adorable art. Books with modern witches are the aesthetic the whole of Tumblr is screaming for. The lovely graphic novel delivers all that and more; the cherry on the top being the beautiful art.

The main character Nova is Chinese-American, queer, and lives with her badass and super sweet grandmothers who are a couple. And they’re a family of witches! They run a bookshop that also sells witchcraft books. There are books that bite, archdemons, spell inventing, cute spirits in the forest, and more!

Tam is Nova’s non-binary Chinese-American crush from her childhood and they’re just super adorable and cute. Also Nova has a hearing disability and wears hearing aids and I loved how the book acknowledges the trouble she has with them.

Witches of Ash and Ruin by E. Latimer
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Here is another book with modern witches, but one that is a lot darker than Mooncakes. An urban fantasy with Celtic mythology, it mainly follows Dayna who suffers from somatic OCD as a result of being outed as bisexual in her conservative Irish town where her father is the Reverend.

Buying potion ingredients after school, discussing schoolwork while brewing potions, wearing good luck charms to school; the modern witch aesthetic speaks to my soul.

The story deals with a lot of different friendships and relationships; both good and bad and it has multiple morally grey characters making the character dynamics all the more interesting. It is a super diverse and witchy book replete with badass females, found families, and a fair share of mythology.

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
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Once again we have another witchy novel, this time with brujas, Deadthday celebrations, and magical lands between the dead and the living. Most, if not all, characters are PoC plus we have a bisexual protagonist and a lesbian main character.

There are so many characters in the story and each had their own voice, you could never mistake one for another. The imagery is beautiful and the world building is on point. The world of Labyrinth Lost is so interesting and complex that you’d get sucked in at page one, right off the bat.

It’s a well written wonderfully diverse story with memorable characters who’ll stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. If you love adventures across new realms and enjoy reading about sassy and interesting characters, this book is for you.

Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fun fact – the author, Corinne Duyvis, is the one who first came up with the term and the hashtag #OwnVoices on Twitter!

This book deserves applause for the beautifully diverse characters the author has created. There is so much racial, sexual, and ethnic diversity in this book, but this is not an “issue” book. This is a book with well-written characters who just happen to be wonderfully diverse.

Amara, the female protagonist is mute (due to having her tongue removed as a child). Nolan, the male protagonist, has a prosthetic leg and suffers from ‘seizures’ when he is sucked into Amara’s world. They are uniquely bound to each other despite living in two different worlds. The plot is about how they deal with this connection while also handling their respective problems in their own worlds.

Unique, diverse, and engaging, it’s a standalone that’s not to be missed.

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is an urban fantasy about an artist finding out about her family’s magical history and trying to understand her powers. The best part of the book is undoubtedly the magic using which art can be brought to life.

Sierra Santiago finds the street art around her locality fading and moving, making her dig a little deeper into what happened to her grandfather all those years ago before he became almost comatose. There is Caribbean magic, Spanish customs, and all the diversity that comes with being in a cosmopolitan Brooklyn.

The book is fast-paced; like breakneck fast and the plot jumpstarts from literally the first line. It’s a solid first book introducing us to a diverse cast of characters, a wonderful magic system, and leaves readers asking for more.

Elysium Girls by Kate Pentecost
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A walled city surrounded by the desert of sand and steel, watched by Life and Death. That would be an underrated and simplistic way of describing it. Elysium is the city the two sisters, Life and Death are betting over. They are betting over it’s survival in the harshest conditions trying to tip the scales in their favour by using their wildcard.

Author Kate Pentecost plays with tropes, teases us with the idea of cliche tropes but before we can groan about it, she reinvents the whole trope and gives us something unique. There is Sal, the orphaned main character who is something of an outsider within Elysium. There is Asa, the demon in human form, something of a chosen one, a wildcard who appears pretty much out of nowhere at the Elysium. There is so much chance this could have been “orphan girl meets mysterious stranger boy and goes lovey eyed”. Readers almost expect that to happen but the brilliant story teller that is Pentecost turns it all around and if you want to know exactly what she does; READ. THE. BOOK.

Scavenge The Stars by Tara Sim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Scavenge The Stars is a genderbent retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo! The protagonist Amaya is Indian and has been sold into servitude on a debtor ship but, when she accidentally rescues a stranger, she becomes entangled in a dark mystery; one that might just help her exact revenge for the way her family was wronged. The other protagonist, our hot mess Cayo is East Asian and as the author mentions in her mood board on Twitter; a chaotic bisexual.

Tara Sim takes a classic story and turns it into something altogether new. Scavenge the Stars may be a story of revenge, but it deals with so much more. If you love diverse characters, flawed protagonists, endearing secondary characters, and a dash of political intrigue, this is the book for you.

Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A retelling of both the age old fairytale Red Shoes and the very real historical epidemic of 1518’s dancing plague, this is a super unique and utterly enchanting story of prejudice, knowing your roots, and friendships.

The story switches between Strasbourg in 1518 and the current day, exactly five centuries later. In 1518, Lavinia and her little family fall under the suspicion of having caused the dancing plague and in the current day Rosella Oliva is stuck with red shoes that make her dance and won’t come off her feet.

As with all of Anna-Marie McLemore’s books, this too is beautifully diverse in every which way. Rosella and Emil in current day are dealing with their family histories and Romani culture in their own way while Lavinia and Alifair and dealing with being Romani and queer in 1518. The story deals with a lot – racism, oppression, and seclusion of those whom the society deems as “other”, but it also deals with staying true to who you are and standing up against a society that tries to erase you.

Have you read any of these books? Any diverse fantasy reads you would recommend? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Diverse YA Fantasy Books That You Should Read appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Sleeper has risen, and a great war between the devas and the demons is almost upon the Otherworld. In the midst of it all, Aru Shah, her Pandava sisters Mini and Brynne, and their friend ‘Pandava-adjacent’ Aiden have been sent on a rescue mission to protect a clairvoyant and her sister who are being held captive by the Sleeper. They succeed in their mission, and the twin sisters turn out to be the last two Pandava sisters. As the Otherworld prepares for the Holi celebrations, the Pandavas find out that the wish-granting tree Kalpavriksha is missing. Aru believes if they can reach it before the Sleeper, they can prevent the war by making a wish. Now the Pandavas have only five days to retrieve the Kalpavriksha, with the Sleeper’s army already after them.

The stakes are raised higher than ever as Aru and her friends take a perilous journey to look for clues that will lead them to the Kalpavriksha. Aru has come a long way from being the girl who accidentally released the Sleeper, she has grown and changed with time; but now we see Aru struggling with her place in the group and her responsibilities once again as for the first time, she really begins to think about right and wrong and whether she should be fighting for the devas or not.

“More than anything, she wanted the world to be uncomplicated, for right and wrong to be as easily divided as the black and white sections of an Oreo. But the world was not a cookie. And sometimes right and wrong was nothing more than a frame held up to the eye, the view always changing depending on who held it.”

As our heroes make their way to the tree, we get glimpses deep into the Sleeper’s past and begin to understand his motives. The malicious monster who wants nothing more than to wage a war against the devas and destroy them completely used to be a man who was prepared to go to any extent to protect his wife and his daughter. We get to see the events that led to his ruin, the choices he made and his reasons, and then the aftermath, the consequences his daughter is left facing. If you like villain origin stories, you’ll love this book.

Chokshi’s writing is bright and beautiful and crackling with wit, it’s nothing short of magical. She blends Hindu mythology and folklore into a contemporary setting in a way that seems effortless; the Hindu culture is richly rendered, and I love how she is able to pull the reader deep into the mythological tales without ever being obvious or preachy about it. The pacing is superb, and Chokshi knows just where to end a chapter to keep the reader turning pages, fully engrossed in the story. She masterfully uses humour to balance out the sombre themes discussed in the book; The tone of the narrative is mostly kept light and exhilarating, with hilarious chapter titles and pop culture references sprinkled throughout.

Chokshi excels at characterisation too. Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes has quite a huge cast of characters, with seven tweens taking the lead, and they’re all equally well-rounded; each of them has a distinct and radiant character arc. There’s something very familiar about all the characters, especially the kids; they feel like people you’ve known all your life. The kids all carry various emotional baggage, from absentee parents and not conforming to familial expectations, to relatives that want to kill them (as Aru says ‘…having one of your relatives want to put your head on a stake was par for the course in mythology’). As they gradually learn to trust each other and hold each other up, readers of all ages will find themselves rooting for these kids. There’s also a subtle and sweet romance slowly building up as the story progresses, and it’s a ship that will win your heart over!

To sum it all up, Aru Shah and the Tree of wishes makes you feel a wide range of emotions- it almost reduces you to tears quite a few times (I know I ugly cried), it makes you laugh until your stomach aches, but as it ends on an emotional and ruminative note, it also makes you pause and wonder. So basically, this one’s going to hit hard, folks and it’s going to be painful if you’re as dedicated to Aru’s story as I am. But go ahead and add this book, as well as the previous two Pandava books to your TBR anyway, because trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the experience of being fully immersed in Aru’s glorious world!

I’ll leave you with some reasons to read this book and the Aru Shah series in general, just in case you still remain unconvinced:

• Aru and her sisters share a super strong bond, and all five of the Pandavas are utter badasses!
• Cool (and not so cool) medical facts, courtesy of Mini.
• Aiden Acharya. That boy, the reincarnation of Draupadi, wife of all five Pandava brothers, is a sweetheart, even when he’s being sarcastic! He will make a place for himself in your list of favourite book characters in no time!
• A mindblowingly adorable ship that develops over several books! If you’re a fan of the friends-to-lovers dynamic, you’re in for a treat!
• Birds! Murder birds, lover birds, cocky birds (aren’t they all) and your regular, harmless birds too, I guess. Lots and lots of birds!
• These kids are disaster cinnamon rolls, and as soon as you meet them, you’ll be ready to adopt them all!

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore!

Will you be picking up Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.

During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.

Careful what you wish for, Aru . . .

The post Review: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes
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Complete with a prophecy, a quest to save the world, plenty of monsters, supernaturals, demigods, and negligent godly parents, The Storm Runner is an absolute treat! (Fun fact: the Maya have a goddess of chocolate called IxCacao who makes an appearance in the book!)

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
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It’s no news that Rick Riordan is the king of this particular genre as Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the reason most of us learned about Greek mythology after all,  so of course this list features his books. The Magnus Chase series is his take on the vast world of Norse mythology; all three of these books are hilarious and keep you hooked from the first page to the last, include a diverse set of characters, and in typical Riordan fashion, they also carry some very important messages and make you think.

Circe by Madeline Miller
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Circe is mesmerising and devastating at once. It’s above all a story of a woman who learns to claim the power wrongly taken from her. Circe is a glorious heroine, and Miller’s captivating storytelling gives her the ballad she deserves.

A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi
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Technically a companion novel to Chokshi’s The Star-Touched Queen, this can be          read as a standalone. Chokshi is a uniquely talented author; her lush, immersive prose and her intricate and vivid worldbuilding transport the reader into the world of her creation right from the beginning. The characters are flawed and lovable, the romance is well developed and convincing. In conclusion, read it!

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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Maya mythology merged with a Hades/Persephone-esque love story set in the Jazz Age, need anything more be said?

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia 
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Mbalia weaves West African and African-American legends together in a brilliant and wholesome way in his debut novel. Tristan is one of those unique protagonists who wanted nothing to do with valour and yet learned to be a hero the hard way; he is going to stay in your heart for a long time.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
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The Kane Chronicles has diverse characters, Egyptian gods and goddesses, an albino crocodile, a weird cat named Muffin, creatures made of clay who can wreak havoc, a secret magical society, and a baboon who’s a basketball champion and only eats food that ends in -o! Just go ahead and read these books, you know you want to.

The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
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Steeped in gorgeous Bengali folklores, The Serpent’s Secret consists of an all Indian cast and portrays Bengali culture (and Indian culture in general) remarkably well. DasGupta gives her protagonist a strong voice, making this an empowering book for brown kids and adults around the world.

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
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A Native American urban fantasy in a dystopian setting, Trail of Lightning is a delicious crossover of the fantasy fiction and science fiction genres that will compel you to finish the whole book in one sitting.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F. C. Yee
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Yee’s flowy storytelling seamlessly blends Chinese folklore into a contemporary setting in this action packed adventure story. Also, the romance involves well fleshed out characters who truly make a power couple!

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

The post 10 Fantastic Mythology-Inspired Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hello Roshani! First of all, I want to thank you for creating stories based on Indian mythology! As an Indian, it’s incredible to see our mythology and culture at the forefront of so many novels! What initially inspired you to start writing stories that draw from Hindu myths?

Thank you so much!!

My initial inspiration was my grandmother. I was fortunate to grow up in a family filled with gifted storytellers. My mom, who is Filipina, told us ghost stories and monstrous tales. My Ba, who is Indian, told us tales about the gods and demigods. I rarely saw books that dealt with those cultures growing up. If I did, they were very heavy issue books based on diasporic struggles, and while those stories are necessary and wonderful, I wanted something that more fully engaged with my heritage’s magic. So I started writing stories where those myths became a lens. I realize that sounds somewhat intelligent, so I’ll be frank: I WROTE A LOT OF FANFICTION WITH HINDU AND FILIPINO ELEMENTS. And then I realized I could tell my own story.

Your newest novel, Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes released on April 7th. Could you tell us a bit about what we can expect?

Birds. Lots, and lots, of birds. And more gods of course, and demons…I’m being purposely vague because this is the story where we get a lot more insight and backstory into a character who has completely ensorcelled my imagination.

Why did you choose to write the reincarnated Pandavas as sisters instead of brothers?

Part of me was just sick of boys getting all the adventures, and the other part was deeply annoyed with the treatment of women in Hindu myths. So often, their POV isn’t explored or they’re randomly demonized and punished for the mistakes of the men who came before them. Turning the Pandava brothers into sisters was my way of reclaiming that space and trying to re-engage with the perspectives of female characters who so often got erased. Last, one of my favourite shows growing up was Sailor Moon! I loved the idea of celebrating found family/sisterhood and color-coded powers because who doesn’t love a good aesthetic.

Was there a certain character or a scene you enjoyed writing the most?

My favourite scene in the first book is the girls’ exchange with the Palace of Illusions. When we first moved to Georgia, I missed our old house and wondered if it missed us too.

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes takes place during the Holi celebrations. What is your favourite Hindu festival?

Navratri! My dad’s family is Gujarati, and I love going to garba and dancing late into the night!

One of the things I love most about the Pandava series is the bond the Pandava sisters share, is it inspired by your own relationship with your siblings?

Thank you! Yes, it’s a celebration of both my relationship with my brother and sister, and also the wonderful female friendships I’ve made over the years J

In combat, Aru electrocutes her enemies with the help of Vajra. What would your weapon of choice be if you were to face the Sleeper yourself?

I’ve always loved the idea of wielding water and icing over my enemies with the force of my frigid fury lol.

You chose to portray Shakuni and Surpanakha- both villains from the Indian epics The Mahabharata and The Ramayana– in a rather unconventional way in the two previous Aru Shah books. What made you want to present them in a completely different light?

Truthfully, I felt really bad for them. In some versions of the text, Shakuni went down a path of revenge out of love for his sister and wanting to protect her and avenge her honor. In some tales, he’s the only one left of his family and carrying an immense pressure. I wanted to know what that would look like now, and what are the consequences of that love. It gets even more explored in Book 3, and though it hurt to write, it made sense to me. As for Surpanakha, she had my pity more than my anger. I thought she was treated terribly in the myths and her side never got to be explored. To me, revisiting these myths means playing with the unclaimed spaces, parts of the story where no one explains someone else’s POV.

Your favourite story from the Hindu myths?

Savitri & Satyavan J Girl outwitting death? Yes yes yes.

A while ago, you announced an audio novella you wrote for Audible Originals on your Instagram. Could you tell us a little more about it? What has that experience been like?

Yes! It’s called “ONCE MORE UPON A TIME” and is about a married couple who had to sacrifice their love for each other, but ends up getting forced together on an enchanted road trip which may reawaken or rediscover feelings that were lost. It’s a kinda tragic set up that I wanted to make lighter, and is loosely inspired by the Irish tale of Diarmuid and Grainne. My version has cannibals, a honey badger, a talking cloak and a whole lotta second chance chemistry, and I can’t wait for people to give it a listen!! The experience has been a joy so far. Audible has been really collaborative with me, and it’s taught me so much about a different way of writing.

Speaking of Instagram, your feed is absolutely stunning, and I especially love seeing glimpses of Teddy! How is he doing?

Ah, hooray! I really enjoy obsessing over photos. On the one hand, social media is a place where we present a curated version of our lives, but it also a way to curate an experience for yourself. It lets me recast/refocus on memories and feels like storytelling. Teddy The Bread cat is exceptionally fluffy. So far, in the course of trying to respond to these wonderfully thought out questions, he has tried to eat the laptop not once, not twice, but SEVEN times. The cat is possibly broken. Must check warranty.

Finally, do you have any quarantine book recommendations for us?

Ooooh yes.

For the HOLY WTF DID I JUST READ experience (for readers 18+), I suggest VERITY by Colleen Hoover. For beautiful historical nonfiction, check out FALLEN GLORY by James Crawford. For a lovely feel-good regency romance, BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE by Evie Dunmore. For a delicious sci-fi thriller, RECURSION or DARK MATTER by Blake Crouch. For National Treasure without Nicholas Cage, THE GILDED WOLVES by yours truly, and, for Sailor Moon with an Indian flair…I hope you enjoy Aru Shah and The End of Time!

Will you be picking up Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Roshani Chokshi, Author of ‘Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.