Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez

A sunny, emotional new adult (NA) contemporary romance set in small-town Rhode Island with a friends-to-lovers romance, slice-of-life narration, and thoughtful exploration of burnout.

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen

A sweet, welcoming young adult (YA) contemporary romcom set in Los Angeles that’s a love letter to books, cats, libraries, and Southern California.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

A thrilling, fierce YA fantasy romance with pirates, enemies-to-lovers tension, and found family.

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

A sexy, compelling contemporary romance with sapphic love, immersive settings, and, of course, flirting lessons.

Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos 

A riveting, achingly beautiful YA contemporary romance infused with sapphic love, found family, and nods to Fast & Furious.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

A playful, uplifting YA medieval rom-com inspired by Arthurian legend, brimming with queer love and witty banter.

If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey 

A tender, atmospheric YA contemporary romance set in small-town Oregon with mystery, summer adventures, and a paranormal love story.

Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst

A magical, exhilarating cozy fantasy romance with music, a sea serpent, sweet treats, sailing, and found family.

Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon 

A campy, vibrant YA contemporary romance following a wilderness game show with rivals-to-lovers tension and reality TV drama.

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

A hilarious, witty contemporary romcom with a fake-dating romance, creative plot, and beautiful exploration of family and friendship.

These Kindred Hearts edited by Shari B. Pennant 

An enchanting, heartfelt YA fantasy romance anthology brimming with pulse-pounding action, touching love stories, diverse characters, and clever magic systems.

The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill 

A sweeping, tender queer contemporary romance set in a Cape Cod cottage with a magical twist.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther 

A joyful, vivid YA contemporary romance set at Martha’s Vineyard following a propulsive game of assassin during a summer wedding.

The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett 

An adventurous, cinematic NA contemporary romance set in small-town Michigan with childhood friends-to-lovers yearning, perfect for fans of National Treasure.

This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede 

An atmospheric, captivating YA fantasy romance set in an Italy-inspired world with a bodyguard romance, hilarious cast, and lethal magic.

Tropesick by Lauren Okie 

A twisty, laugh-out-loud funny contemporary romance with an emotional core that presents fan-favorite romance tropes with heartwarming and heart-wrenching flair.

From small-town adventures to big-city jaunts, harrowing high-seas quests to heartwarming sun-soaked shenanigans, these sixteen captivating romances will bring fun, joy, and love to your summer TBR. Happy reading!

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

The post 16 Swoonworthy Summer Romance Reads appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Tricia! Your latest novel, What Fury Brings, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Kidnapping, Revenge, Seduction, Action, HEA

What can readers expect?

Readers can expect a three-chili-pepper experience! More seriously though, this book is full of political intrigue and scheming, a romance between two doms in the bedroom, and worldbuilding that is rife with rage and revenge.

Where did the inspiration for What Fury Brings come from?

While I was visiting the Louvre, I learned about The Abduction of the Sabine Women. Allegedly, there was a time in early Roman history where the Romans were running low on women, so they took them from their neighbors. Immediately, I thought this would be vastly entertaining if I gender-swapped the idea.

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

I loved writing Olerra. She’s a plus-sized warrior princess who is confident and daring. She has a big heart, a deep emotional intelligence, and a mind good for scheming. There is nothing I want more than to read about big women who are confident and comfortable in their bodies. We need to normalize seeing all body types in the media we consume.

Can you tell us about your worldbuilding process for What Fury Brings?

It’s about asking myself questions until I find the right answers. I knew I wanted to create a society in which women kidnap husbands. I knew there needed to be a shortage of men. I knew I wanted to write a matriarchal society. With these concepts serving as a foundation, I created a world in which the noblemen of this kingdom tried to overthrow their matriarchal opressors. They lost and paid with their lives and those of their sons. As a result, there are no men of marriageable age in this kingdom. The women kidnap men from neighboring kingdoms if they want husbands.

I also knew I wanted to make a commentary on gender roles, so I wrote an enemy kingdom that reflects the history of our world in its treatment of women—a complete reversal of my matriarchal kingdom. By having my main character kidnap a prince from this kingdom, I was able to show a complete culture clash and address the horrors of our own world.

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

It was difficult to start writing this book because I’d never written anything for adults before. I kept dealing with extreme imposter syndrome—as though I had no business leaving my YA lane. I kept telling myself that if I didn’t write this story, no one else will. Thankfully, I was able to find a rhythm after the rocky beginning.

This is your adult debut! Were there any changes in your approach to writing What Fury Brings?

The biggest change is pivoting in how I think about characters. Rather than a coming-of-age narrative in which teens discover who they are, my adult protagonists have their already-set ideals challenged and have to rethink what they’ve always believed.

I was also able to let loose when it came to how graphic my scenes were.

What’s next for you?

I’m happy to share that I’m working on my second dark adult romantasy. It hasn’t been announced yet, so I’ll just say that it takes place in the same world as What Fury Brings but features a new couple.

Lastly, what 2026 books do you have your eye on?

I’m dying for the next book in Brigid Kemmerer’s Braided Fate series. I’m also really looking forward to Elizabeth May’s The Wolf and the Crown of Blood. Both are favorite authors of mine! I’m so excited to read more of their work for adult audiences.

Will you be picking up What Fury Brings? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Tricia Levenseller, Author of ‘What Fury Brings’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover some of our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any!

The House of Quiet by Kiersten White

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide comes a dark fantasy about a girl who will risk everything—posing as a maid, confronting powerful enemies, and unraveling deadly secrets—all to save her missing sister from the enigmatic House of Quiet.

It Had to Be Him by Adib Khorram

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Heartstopper meets Eat Pray Love in this swoony, spicy, second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Adib Khorram about two former classmates unexpectedly reuniting in Italy.

Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is back with a Frankenstein-tinged horror romance, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of body horror, family secrets, grief and loss and love.

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Janice Hallett, “the new queen of crime” (Electric Literature), returns with a fresh, edge-of-your-seat mystery that takes place at a pub’s weekly trivia night, revealed through quiz categories, phone messages, and email correspondence.

Night & Day edited by Ellen Datlow

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A horror anthology edited by the genre’s greatest, Ellen Datlow, with one side featuring stories about what haunts the night while the other side showcases the terrors that can exist in the light of day in this new addition to the Saga Doubles series.

Soul Searching by Lyla Sage

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series returns with a brand-new story, featuring a small-town upholsterer in need of a fresh start, a photographer whose life has come to a screeching halt . . . and the supernatural forces that bring them together.

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The unmissable new mystery in the Thursday Murder Club series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Osman, now streaming on Netflix.

The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The Second Death of Locke is a devastatingly romantic epic fantasy about the undying bond between a knight and their mage, perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig and Alix E. Harrow.

House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Solving her best friend’s murder means infiltrating a secret society, resisting a forbidden love, and running from a vengeful ghost in this sophomore novel by the author of Together We Rot.

You Are The Detective by Maureen Johnson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
November 1933. London. Seven people receive mysterious letters. Someone knows their terrible secrets. They are summoned to a posh townhouse where one is stabbed right in front of the others, but somehow no one saw a thing. Can you help Scotland Yard solve the mystery?

A Blood as Bright as the Moon by Andrea Morstabilini

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A vampire, desperately torn between worlds, is hunted down by a secret society bent on his destruction, in this timeless and unsettling queer gothic horror, perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.

Lady Like by Mackenzi Lee

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Two women set their sights on marrying the same duke, but instead of becoming enemies, they find themselves falling in love—though not with him.

When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A simmering psychological thriller about a dead teacher at an elite boarding school, the students who had every reason to want her gone, and the tangled web of rivalry and romance concealing the truth—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places.

The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Kosoko Jackson comes his adult speculative debut, a stand-alone novel blending time travel and globe-hopping adventure, art history, and dark fantasy about magical paintings and the lengths people will go to collect them, destroy them…or be destroyed.

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Alien meets Midsommar in this chilling debut adult novel from award-winning author Andrew Joseph White about identity, survival, and transformation amidst an alien invasion in rural West Virginia.

Hopelessly Teavoted by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
After the deaths of his parents, a witch returns to his spooky family manor and joins forces with his former crush when his parents’ spirits warn them of a sinister threat in this witty and lyrically unique rom-com in the vein of The Crescent Moon Tearoom andThe Ex Hex.

Seven Reasons To Murder Your Dinner Guests by KJ Whittle

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Told from the perspectives of each of the seven guests, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests is a spellbinding and mysterious exploration of mortality, begging the question: how would you live your life if you knew your number was up?

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
#1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

Old Money by Kelsey Miller

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
On the Fourth of July, a teenager dies at an exclusive country club. Twenty years later, her cousin returns to her hometown, seeking answers behind closed gates in this rich, atmospheric thriller for fans of Lucy Foley, Liz Moore and Ruth Ware.

A Mannequin for Christmas by Timothy Janovsky

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.

Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the acclaimed author of The Stardust Grail comes the epic tale of two sisters who sail across oceans to find their missing third sister―and Earth’s environmental salvation.

The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Stephen King meets Holly Jackson by way of We Were Liars in this action-packed story of queer horror from the acclaimed author of The Honeys!

What September books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 24 Anticipated Books Releasing In September 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Tricia! Welcome back! How has the past five years been since we last spoke for The Shadows Between Us?

Hello! Good to be here. I cannot believe the turns my career has taken in the last five years. From returning to my pirate and shadow worlds with new standalones (Vengeance of the Pirate Queen and The Darkness within Us) to writing my first adult book (What Fury Brings), it’s been a wild ride! I’ve had so much fun.

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

I was seventeen. I was typing out words for a story for the first time because I wanted to pursue a career as an editor. I thought writing the words myself and then editing them would be the best because my small town didn’t have any sort of publisher for me to access unedited words. It was completely by accident that I discovered I liked writing the words as well as editing them.

The Darkness Within Us is now out in paperback! For those who haven’t picked up the first installment, The Shadows Between Us, what can readers expect?

If you like morally gray protagonists, love interests who try to murder each other, gowns and balls, shadow magic, and lots of banter—then I think you’ll love these two standalones.

For those who have, what’s to come in The Darkness Within Us?

TDWU follows Alessandra’s older sister, Chrysantha, who has convinced the world she’s a vain simpleton. Really, she’s orchestrated her own marriage to a wealthy, dying duke so she can inherit everything when he dies: the money, the servants, the manor. But when an estranged “grandson” shows up to take everything from her, she’s not going down without a fight. It’s a battle of wits and wills as these two fight for it all while trying not to fall for each other.

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

I enjoyed writing Nico, a little boy who lives on the estate. I thought he brought a fun innocence to an otherwise darker tale. As for a scene I enjoyed writing, I’m really fond of the brothel scene.

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

Oh yes. About halfway through The Darkness within Us I was asked by my US publisher to write another pirate novel. I was so excited to tell a story that I’d had in my head since before Daughter of the Pirate King released. However, they wanted me to write the book now, which meant putting aside Darkness. So I paused halfway through the story and whipped out a pirate novel. The problem was that when I came back to writing Darkness, I struggled to pick up the threads of what I’d already started. The main problem was that in Vengeance of the Pirate Queen, I wrote a sweet cinnamon roll of a love interest (Kearan) and then when I tried to go back to writing Darkness, which very much features not a cinnamon roll love interest (Eryx), some of those softer traits snuck in. Eryx was meant to be a villain, and I wrote him way too nice.

Thankfully, my editor was very kind and patient with me. She explained where I went wrong, and I ended up rewriting the second half of the novel, basically from scratch. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I pushed through because I was so incredibly excited to start my next book, something brand new.

Your adult debut What Fury Brings hits shelves in September! Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming release?

Yes! It’s about a kingdom that has a shortage of men, so if women want husbands, they must kidnap them from neighboring kingdoms. Our main female character, Olerra, wants to be queen. In order to prove her worth, she decides she’s going to snatch a prince from the kingdom of their enemies. The problem is that she means to take the secondborn prince, who’s known for being docile, pretty, and easygoing. And she accidentally nabs the warrior crown prince who fights her every step of the way.

It’s a much darker story than any other I’ve done. The world I’ve written is a reflection of our own but genderswapped, meaning every horrible thing that’s ever happened to women over the course of history has actually happened to men. Men cannot hold property. Any money they earn belongs to their wives. Men are punished for infidelity, while women are not. In fact, many of them own large harems. Young boys can be married off as soon as they’re old enough to perform—just like girls were as soon as they started getting their periods. I don’t shy away from the ugliness of the past in this world. It’s mostly a backdrop to the romance, but I hope it brings some clarity to the rampant misogyny and sexism that still exists in our world—by witnessing it happening to men instead.

What’s next for you?

I have four books under contract! One hasn’t been announced yet, but I’ll say that it’s another dark adult romantasy! The other is a YA epic fantasy trilogy that’s about a fat princess, an orphaned nobody, and a gay ranger that must save their world from a magically-gifted serial killer.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

In the YA space, I recommend readers check out Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson. It’s about a thief who attempts a casino heist during a tournament in which she has to stake her biggest secret as collateral for entering—all while trying not to fall for young owner.

In the adult space, I devoured Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer. It’s a fantasy romance full of political intrigue and magic and so much heart. I fell for all three characters just as much as they fell in love with each other.

Will you be picking up The Darkness Within Us? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Tricia Levenseller, Author of ‘The Darkness Within Us’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Darkness Within Us is a companion novel to The Shadows Between Us, taking place in the same world but focusing on Alessandra’s sister Chrysantha Stathos. Please keep in mind there might be spoilers to the previous book, so tread carefully!

In securing her position as a duchess, she has successfully won the game she played her entire life. All she has to do is wait for the wealthy old man she’s married to pass on so she can inherit his money, titles, but above all else: her freedom. In an unfortunate twist of events, it seems her sister has upended her life by marrying the shadow king, and upon her husband’s death, a man claiming to be his grandson has come into the picture. There’s no way she’s going to let this man take what is rightfully hers, and she will do whatever it takes to get it.

I was so conflicted when I picked this book up, only because I adore Alessandra so much. However, I was intrigued by what would happen between these two sisters over the course of this book. I was pleasantly surprised by Chrysantha as everything we’ve gotten to know about her in the previous book has been a façade. What I loved most was that although she donned a mask of a vapid beauty, she was rather honest with her goals. She yearns for freedom and the ability to make her own decisions. I loved that we got to explore just exactly what that meant for her, and for those around her, with particular regard to her sister. Chrysantha’s interactions with Alessandra were some of my favourites because we got to tear away the issues that created their tension and see their relationship take a turn. As it turns out, when Chrysantha finally lets her walls down she’s also a bit of a romantic, yearning for the experience of romance without being tied down by a guy.

When Eryx Demos arrives, everything gets flipped upside down for Chrysantha, and an intricate chess game begins. Chrysantha is not willing to go back to the cage she was just freed from, and Eryx is hiding a dangerous secret that she’s desperate to exploit to prevent her from losing everything she worked for. Their interactions are fraught with pent up frustration, and quite a bit of attraction. Regardless of her attraction to the interloper of her rightfully won fortune, she is ruthless in her pursuit to dominate. Eryx has met his match, to be sure. Their romance is very much enemies to lovers I would say, and I devoured every bit of them I got to read.

By the time I finished this book, the one thing that I was sure of was that I didn’t know where the story would go next. If you’re looking for a book where the female protagonist is a damsel in distress, you’re looking in the wrong place. However, if you’re looking for a bit of a villainess who lives by the arrow of her own moral compass, you will likely love this book as well as The Shadows Between Us. The only thing that I feel people might not love is that the relationship between Alessandra and Chrysantha seemed a little unrealistic for the way that it was set up in the previous book. That could have been something that was developed over the course of the book and it was not.

Overall, this was an incredibly satisfying read that I hope you’ll definitely add to your TBR list! I’m so happy to have my copy sitting alongside The Shadows Between Us. Now I just need some bookish art of the characters to go along with it.

The Darkness Within Us is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Darkness Within Us? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Chrysantha Stathos has won.

By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has gathered important secrets, earned her father’s constant care, and become a wealthy duchess—all by age nineteen. Now, she is only one elderly, dying duke away from having all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.

Or so she thought.

Turns out her little sister somehow snatched the true victory away from her: Alessandra is wedding the Shadow King, the most powerful man in the world. Meanwhile, after the death of Chrysantha’s no-good, lecherous husband, a man claiming to be the duke’s estranged grandson turns up to inherit everything that should be hers.

Chrysantha is enraged. There is no way that she’s going to let some man take everything from her. Never mind that he’s extremely handsome and secretive and alluring with mysterious powers… No, Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.

The post Review: The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller, which is out November 7th!

You can’t be afraid of the dark when you’re the monster lurking in the shadows.

As an assassin working for the pirate queen, eighteen-year-old Sorinda is surprised when Alosa’s next task for her is not to kill a new target, but to captain a handpicked crew on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, her sailing master is twenty-year-old Kearan. He may be the best helmsman the pirate queen has, but Sorinda finds him a real pain in the arse. Sadly, there are few places on a ship to hide from an attentive man.

As the crew of the Vengeance faces dangerous waters and deadly sea creatures, they accidentally awaken the King of the Undersea, a being who can control the dead. Their rescue mission quickly turns into a fight to save the world, but first, Sorinda must save herself from becoming an undead queen.

Loading…

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Vengeance of the Pirate Queen’ by Tricia Levenseller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Blade of Secrets, the first book in Tricia Levenseller’s exciting new YA fantasy duology, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief begins a ‘dazzling’ (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other.

How to Mars by David Ebenbach
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What happens when your dream mission to Mars is a reality television nightmare? This debut science-fiction romp with heart follows the tradition of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, with a dash of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a hint of The Real World.

The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A deliciously gothic story of wishes and curses – a new dark fairy tale set against a Victorian backdrop full of lace and smoke.

The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and David Mitchell, a genre bending, time twisting alternative history that asks whether it’s worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved.

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rivers Solomon’s Sorrowland is a genre-bending work of Gothic fiction. Here, monsters aren’t just individuals, but entire nations. It is a searing, seminal book that marks the arrival of a bold, unignorable voice in American fiction.

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns to his popular alternate Cairo universe for his fantasy novel debut, A Master of Djinn.

Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One young woman faces down an all-powerful corporation in this all-too-near future science fiction debut that reads like a refreshing take on Ready Player One, with a heavy dose of Black Mirror.

Spells Trouble by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Sarah Pinsker comes a novel about one family and the technology that divides them.

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

The post May 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Please note there are mild spoilers through this review. Stop reading now if you don’t want to know anything!

As a long time fan of Tricia Levenseller’s novels, and a survivor of the epic hangover that came with reading The Shadows Between Us, I knew going into Blade of Secrets that it would be another amazing read. What I didn’t know was how much I needed this book in my life, and why every other person who has any hint of anxiety out there, should move this book to the top of their TBR, and meet Ziva and her ragtag gang of misfits, immediately!

Social anxiety representation in a fantasy novel? Oh, yes.
In a young adult fantasy novel, no less? Mmhmm, that’s right.
Actual authentic depictions of what anxiety is like for the main character?
Say what? I KNOW! FINALLY!

After what feels like forever and a few too many days, the YA fantasy genre has caught up and entered the realm of mental illness representation in a main character with Ziva. And by representation I don’t mean they skim over it, make light of it, or they suddenly lose all their fears midway through the book because someone made a snarky comment and they broke through their cocoon.

I mean, we’re with Ziva through her panic attacks and insomnia and see first hand how her anxiety not only impacts her daily life, but how she’s able to work through it. Not only that, but how she’s able to do something she loves, with the full support of her family. Full stop they’re not trying to change her at all. They accept her, no questions asked, no what ifs and I’ll be damned if it’s not one of the most refreshing family dynamics I’ve read in a book in a long while. Temra, Ziva’s sister, who’s pretty much the exact opposite of her in every way, is able to relate to and help Ziva cope with her fears without treating Ziva as though she should be encased in bubble wrap.

Does it seem like I’m stuck on this aspect of the book? Yeah? Well, good. Because it’s about freakin’ time we get to see that mix of magic and panic tossed in with the typical fantasy tropes we all love so dearly.

Speaking of those must haves in a fantasy novel… Blade of Secrets checked all the boxes I would expect a novel written by Levenseller to have with a reluctant heroine, witty banter between characters, a slow burn romance (not to mention that side romance that I can’t wait to see develop further in book two!), and all the adventure and sword fights a reader could ask for, plus how cool is it that Ziva forges magical swords? Can I have one too please? Promise I won’t use it for evil.

Moving on…

Despite the fresh take on the main character, and the high stakes to keep the blade Ziva forged from the evil warlord, I found a lot of the descriptions of cities and towns to be similar and bland in comparison to the attention to detail given to the cast of characters and their individual quirks. Petrick with his love of books, writing, and magical knowledge is my spirit animal. Temra is brave and feisty and doesn’t apologise for being perfectly capable of handling everything herself. If ever there was a sister you could wish for, she’s it. And then there’s Kellyn… Sigh… He’s got that arrogance that we all love in a hero, but here, instead of the usual snark and disregard for the heroine’s feelings, he’s sweet, and there’s no question about how much he cares, even when he doesn’t say as much. Swoon.

This fantasy world was on the safer side of things in comparison to previous novels Levenseller has written, which is by no means a bad thing as there is plenty going on to keep a reader turning the pages eagerly, but I do hope that the second book gives us more of an insight into how this world works, and why it is the way it is in regards to who’s able to use magic etc. That and I’d really like some more of that fan yourself steamy kissing, and all the angsty feels between side characters.

Even though the book ends on one heck of a cliff-hanger, like a, bring your climbing gear, because you’ll need it to keep you from falling into oblivion while you wait for book two, kinda cliffhanger, Blade of Secrets is a powerful story to behold, and one that is so needed in this day and age.

Thank you, Tricia Levenseller for writing a believable and relatable character I not only see aspects of myself in, as an adult, but for writing one that I wish I could have read over and over again when I was a teenager and thought I was alone with my anxiety. This book is a game-changer, and I can’t wait to see the impact it has on readers, and the industry as a whole.

Blade of Secrets is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 4th 2021.

Will you be picking up Blade of Secrets? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Eighteen-year-old Ziva prefers metal to people. She spends her days tucked away in her forge, safe from society and the anxiety it causes her, using her magical gift to craft unique weapons imbued with power.

Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims’ secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord’s intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.

Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world’s known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.

A teenage blacksmith with social anxiety accepts a commission from the wrong person and is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made.

The post Review: Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

2021 is absolutely jam-packed with fantasy and science fiction books that readers around the world are going to devour! Between the months of January and June, readers can expect magic, warring kingdoms, witches, magic, post-apocalyptic worlds, and so, so much more!

Read on to discover some of the January to June fantasy and sci-fi books we’re excited for and be sure to let us know in the comments what books you’re looking forward to!

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for Most Anticipated 2021 Books, 2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

JANUARY

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Darkly magical and intricately imagined, The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a rich and dazzling fantasy adventure in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord must unite to save their city.

The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess with a powerful and dangerous secret must find a way to save her country from ruthless invaders in this exciting debut fantasy, the first novel in a thrilling duology packed with heroism, treachery, magic, and war.

Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic fantasy featuring warrior priestesses and fickle gods at war, for readers of Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne.

The Stranger Times by C. K. McDonnell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

There are Dark Forces at work in our world (and in Manchester in particular) and so thank God The Stranger Times is on hand to report them. 

Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran’s ward.

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first book in a new environmental epic fantasy series set in a world where ships kept afloat by magical hearthfires sail an endless grass sea.

Brother Red by Adrian Selby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From one of the most exciting new voices in dark epic fantasy comes an intensely brutal and brilliantly cinematic novel: the story of a soldier torn between loyalty to her family and her quest to preserve a kingdom’s future.

Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Jeff Wheeler, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Kingfountain novels, comes an epic new series of warring kingdoms, deadly family rivalries, and fearless loyalty.

FEBRUARY

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ancillary Justice meets Red, White & Royal Blue in Everina Maxwell’s exciting debut.

The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.

The Black Coast by Mike Brooks
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic world-building at its finest, in an upcoming author’s fantasy debut. The Black Coast is the start of an unmissable series filled with war-dragons, armoured knights, sea-faring raiders, dangerous magic and crowd-pleasing battle scenes.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Award-winning author Aliette de Bodard returns with a powerful romantic fantasy that reads like The Goblin Emperor meets Howl’s Moving Castle in a pre-colonial Vietnamese-esque world. 

Game Changer by Neal Shusterman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.

Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters by Aimee Ogden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters has all the wonder and romance of a classic sci-fi novel, with the timelessness of a beloved fairy tale. 

A History of What Comes Next by Sylvain Neuvel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Showing that truth is stranger than fiction, Sylvain Neuvel weaves a sci-fi thriller reminiscent of Blake Crouch and Andy Weir, blending a fast moving, darkly satirical look at 1940s rocketry with an exploration of the amorality of progress and the nature of violence in A History of What Comes Next.

This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An #ownvoices debut YA fantasy, This Golden Flame is an epic adventure full of magic, rebellion, and finding where you truly belong.

MARCH

Dead Space by Kali Wallace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An investigator must solve a brutal murder on a claustrophobic asteroid mine in this tense science fiction thriller from the author of Salvation Day. 

The Councillor by E.J. Beaton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar’s quest to choose the next ruler of her kingdom amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination

Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Skyward Inn is Jamaica Inn by way of Ursula Le Guin, bringing the influences, too, of Angela Carter, Michel Faber and Jeff Vandermeer to create a fantastic story of love, belonging, and togetherness. Asking questions of ideas of the individual and the collective, of ownership and historical possession, and of the experience of being human, it is at once timeless and thoroughly of its time.

A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is the first book in a young adult, epic fantasy that’s a tale of competition, coming of age, distant lands, elemental magic, and romance. It’s perfect for fans of the Legend of Korra, Truthwitch, and A Sorcery of Thorns.

Machinehood by S.B. Divya
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the Hugo Award nominee S.B. Divya, Zero Dark Thirty meets The Social Network in this science fiction thriller about artificial intelligence, sentience, and labor rights in a near future dominated by the gig economy.

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.

Burning Girls and Other Stories by Veronica Schanoes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Burning Girls and Other Stories, Veronica Schanoes crosses borders and genres with stories of fierce women at the margins of society burning their way toward the center. This debut collection introduces readers to a fantasist in the vein of Karen Russell and Kelly Link, with a voice all her own.

We Shall Sing a Song Into the Deep by Andrew Kelly Stewart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Canticle for Leibowitz meets The Hunt for Red October in We Shall Sing a Song into the Deep, a lyrical and page-turning coming-of-age exploration of duty, belief, and the post-apocalypse from breakout newcomer Andrew Kelly Stewart.

APRIL

The ​Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her Blood and Ash series.

The Helm of Midnight by Marina J. Lostetter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A legendary serial killer stalks the streets of a fantastical city in The Helm of Midnight, the stunning first novel in a new trilogy from acclaimed author Marina Lostetter.

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An evocative combination of fantasy, history, and Jewish folklore, The Light of the Midnight Stars is fairytale-inspired novel from the author of The Sisters of the Winter Wood.

The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Expanse meets Game of Thrones in J. S. Dewes’ fast-paced, sf adventure The Last Watch, where a handful of soldiers stand between humanity and annihilation.

The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes an incisive, action-packed tale that explores big questions about technology, grief, love, and humanity.

The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world where a virus stalks our male population, The End of Men is an electrifying and unforgettable debut from a remarkable new talent that asks: what would our world truly look like without men?

Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries, #6) by Martha Wells
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling security droid with a heart (though it wouldn’t admit it!) is back in Fugitive Telemetry, a new standalone adventure!

Unity by Elly Bangs
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Evoking the grittiness of Mad Max and the idealism of Sense8, this absorbing sci-fi debut is a dynamic vision of the fluidity of identity. With Unity, breakout author Elly Bangs has created a prescient, moving, and unforgettable adventure that expands upon human consciousness and its possibilities.

MAY

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne forges a new epic, outside the traditional narratives of heroism and glory that leave no room for women.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Blade of Secrets, the first book in Tricia Levenseller’s exciting new YA fantasy duology, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made. 

How to Mars by David Ebenbach
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What happens when your dream mission to Mars is a reality television nightmare? This debut science-fiction romp with heart follows the tradition of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, with a dash of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a hint of The Real World.

Spells Trouble by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rivers Solomon’s Sorrowland is a genre-bending work of Gothic fiction. Here, monsters aren’t just individuals, but entire nations. It is a searing, seminal book that marks the arrival of a bold, unignorable voice in American fiction

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief begins a ‘dazzling’ (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other. 

The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and David Mitchell, a genre bending, time twisting alternative history that asks whether it’s worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved. 

JUNE

Star Eater by Kerstin Hall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A phantasmagorical indictment of hereditary power, Star Eatertakes readers deep into a perilous and uncanny world where even the most powerful women are forced to choose what sacrifices they will make, so that they might have any choice at all.

The Tangleroot Palace: Stories by Marjorie Liu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestseller and Hugo, British Fantasy, Romantic Times, and Eisner award-winning author of the graphic novel, Monstress, Marjorie Liu leads you deep into the heart of the tangled woods. In her long-awaited debut story collection, dark, lush, and spellbinding short fiction you will find unexpected detours, dangerous magic, and even more dangerous women.

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Practical Magic meets Twister in this debut contemporary fantasy standalone about heartbreaking power, the terror of our collapsing atmosphere, and the ways we unknowingly change our fate.

The All-Consuming World by Cassandra Khaw
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cassandra Khaw’s debut novel is a page-turning exploration of humans and machines that is perfect for readers of Ann Leckie, Ursula Le Guin, and Kameron Hurley.

The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Benjamin Percy comes an explosive, breakout speculative thriller in which a powerful new metal arrives on Earth in the wake of a meteor shower, triggering a massive new “gold rush” in the Midwest and turning life as we know it on its head. The first of a cycle of novels set in a shared universe.

The Coward by Stephen Aryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Who will take up the mantle and slay the evil in the Frozen North, saving all from death and destruction? Not Kell Kressia, he’s done his part…

Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first volume in the new swashbuckling fantasy series by the bestselling author of The Greatcoats.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they’re fighting for a common purpose–and falling for each other–in Zoe Hana Mikuta’s high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu’s Legend series.

What 2021 fantasy and sci-fi books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 48 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller (326 pages)

A great read for those who want to embrace their inner Slytherin. The Shadows Between Us tells the story of the devious Alessandra and her carefully-plotted rise to power. Overlooked and neglected by her family, Alessandra sets her eye on the Shadow King, intent on wooing him, killing him, then claiming his kingdom for her own. The author does a fantastic job of completely inverting classic YA tropes, all while keeping the storyline fresh and fun.

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters (544 pages)

At over 500 pages, The Rage of Dragons is hardly a short read. However, the storytelling is extremely fast-paced, and once the plot gets going, you’ll find yourself hurtling along at a breakneck speed. Brimming with painful betrayals, breathtaking fight scenes, and illustrious lore, The Rage of Dragons will snatch your attention and hold it hostage all the way to the end. Plus, the sequel, The Fires of Vengeance, recently released on November 10th 2020!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (320 pages)

If you’re looking for a light and zippy read, The Wedding Date is the perfect book to pick up. What starts out as two strangers getting stuck in a broken elevator quickly turns into a faux relationship, then rapidly spirals out of control. Full of adorable hijinks and a quirky ensemble cast, The Wedding Date is a quick fun read to get you to your 2020 goal.

Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth by Rick Remender, Wes Craig (160 pages)

In the mood for something a bit darker? Deadly Class is an amazingly fast-paced comic series that follows Marcus, a teenager who has been scouted by an elite private school after burning his orphanage to the ground. Think Hogwarts…but for killers. His classmates are the children of crime lords (think the mafia, the yakuza, the KBG). In a place where having no affiliation can put a very literal target on your back, Marcus must learn to navigate the dangerous waters of his new home, all while figuring out how to pass Dismemberment 101.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (306 pages)

While Long Way Down may be a quick read, it’s by no means an easy one. Jason Reynolds is a master of written verse, and his tale of a young Will reeling from the murder of his older brother will pull all sorts of heartstrings. Diving deep into the intersection of family, loyalty, vengeance, and oppression, this book will take you down the painful path of internal reconciliation. A graphic novel version of Long Way Down has also been recently released.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (218 pages)

A timeless childhood classic, A Wrinkle of Time serves as many readers’ gateway into science fiction. Written for children, but appealing to all ages, the story follows socially awkward Meg Murray and her genius kid brother on a whirlwind chase across galaxies to save their missing scientist father. Accompanied by a crew of otherworldly guides and a popular classmate, the group uncovers a treacherous plot to overthrow the universe. Despite its small size, A Wrinkle in Time contains immensely complex narratives and an immersive fantastical experience.

Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi (176 pages)

Riot Baby is a masterpiece of a novella that follows two siblings, Ella and Kev, both bestowed with mysterious powers, in a world defined by systemic and brutal racism. The story intertwines fantasy elements alongside stark commentary of an all too familiar oppressive society. When Kev is wrongfully incarcerated, Ella will stop at nothing to bring him justice – even if that means bringing the entire world down around her. Brimming with magical realism and profound imagery, Riot Baby offers a startlingly profound view into the fierce battle that precedes a dystopian world.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer (222 pages)

If you’ve ever wondered how The Evil Queen in every fairytale ends up so…evil, Fairest will show you exactly what went down. A quick novella companion to the Lunar Chronicles series, the story provides insight into the turbulent childhood of a young royal and the struggles that warped her into an evil queen. Fairest can be read as a standalone or as a part of the full Lunar Chronicles series (P.S. if you enjoy a good evil queen backstory, also check out Heartless by Marissa Meyer which dives into the Queen of Hearts backstory).

The Deep by Rivers Solomon (166 pages)

This poetic novella tells the riveting history of an ocean society descended from drowned African slave women, pushed overboard to their deaths during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. These women did not drown, but instead transformed into a race of merpeople residing in the deep. With memories far too painful and traumatic to bear, members of the society rely on a single historian to bear the burden of their past, a task assigned to Yetu, the youngest to ever receive the hold. With the generational pain being too much to bear, Yetu escapes to the surface, only to discover the truth about her people’s past along with the promise of their future.

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James (352 pages)

A quick read, but a truly spectacular one, The Quiet at the End of the World brings a fresh take to the apocalypse genre. Instead of the world ending in violent chaos, this particular apocalypse story depicts how a worldwide phenomenon causing global infertility has gently brought about the end of humanity. Lowrie and Shen are the last two children on Earth, and spend their days living among a small elderly community. A truly profound look at the mental state of humanity when faced with its demise, The Quiet at the End of the World is a quick, gentle, and introspective read.

Wishing all readers the best of luck in finishing your 2020 reading goal.

Which books will you be speeding through to meet your goal? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Fast-Paced Books To Help Reach Your 2020 Reading Goal appeared first on The Nerd Daily.