Books I've read & think you should too:

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Adult, Literary Fiction)

Fav fav fav fav fav!!!! The Ministry of Time is a perfect balance of well-researched history and science fiction that somehow manages to tell an invaluable, heartfelt story about our present circumstances. Readers will be come for the time-travel, but stay for the sincerity and warmth each character brings to the page. Kaliane Bradley has given readers a truly memorable gift with this book. ALSO HE CALLS HER "LITTLE CAT" *sobs into pillow*

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne (Adult, Cozy Romantasy)

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea has the comforting feel of our favorite cozy fantasies and a small dash of high-stakes adventures all steeped in a loving queer romance. This book is like a warm hug—perfect for the seasoned low-fantasy fan or those looking to get into the genre.

Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor (Adult, Literary Fiction)

Holy crap this book surprised the heck out of me. Whale Fall is a meticulous character study of a young girl stuck in the liminal space between fiercely loving what you have and wanting for more. It's beautiful and subtle, yet overwhelmingly emotional. It held me rapt at every page turn.

Woodworm by Layla Martinez (Adult, Translated Fiction)

Wow wow wow, this book is intense for so many reasons. Woodworm is one of those books that digs itself a home under your skin. The story of four generations of women and the ghosts–both literal and figurative–they live with, Woodworm tackles violence, generational trauma, and a feminine rage so deep it rots in your core.

Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams (Teen, Fantasy)

This book is everything! I'm a sucker for a good magic school and Blood at the Root is now one of my favorite new entries into the genre. Williams delivers a found-family story with a Black boy front and center that's full of emotional depth but doesn't compromise on joy. It grabbed hold of my heart on the very first page and never let it go.

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Books I really, really want to read:

Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis (Adult, Fantasy)

"A sharp-witted, debut high fantasy farce featuring killer moat squid, toxic masculinity, evil wizards and a garlic festival"... Say no more, you had me at killer squid and garlic festival!

Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields (Adult, Cozy Romantasy)

"The Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn’t believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all."

This just sounds adorable!!!

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick (Adult, Romantasy)

"Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone, this lush and enchanting enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair."

Look, it's been too long since I was obsessed with a romantasy series...

Swiped by L.M. Chilton (Adult, Thriller)

"A clever and darkly hilarious thriller/romantic comedy about a young woman who must unmask a serial killer that everything thinks is her, all before her best friend’s wedding"

I don't usually go for thrillers, but one of the blurbs described this as Bridget Jones in Scream, so I'm going to give this a shot for sure!

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton (Adult, Mystery)

"From the bestselling author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water comes an inventive, high-concept murder mystery set on an isolated island where an astonishing murder triggers a world-ending phenomenon that can only be stopped if the killer is found."

I just said I don't like thrillers, but I would follow Suart Turton to the end of the world (pun not intended). BTW, he's literally the nicest person I have ever met.

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (Adult, Fantasy)

"When Among Crows is swift and striking, drawing from the deep well of Slavic folklore and asking if redemption and atonement can be found in embracing what we most fear."

Is 2024 the year of Slavic fantasy??? But also, I feel like we've been waiting on this book for years!!

The Z Word by Lindsay King Miller (Adult, Horror)

"Packed with action, humor, sex, and big gay feelings, The Z Word is the queer Zombieland you didn’t know you needed."

My husband has already read this and he said it's "a perfect blend of zombie apocalypse, anti-capitalism, and a spicy queer romance!" so... okay!

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Honorable Mentions:

• The Last Rhee Witch by Jenna Lee-Yun
• The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood (Read)
• The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond (Read)
• Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
• The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon