Set in 16th c. Spain during the Inquisition, Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar is all about danger, superstition, and hidden power in a world where being different can be deadly. If you’re into historical fantasy with high stakes, complex characters, and a dash of danger, you’ll be hooked.
George Orwell’s 1984 remains one of the most chillingly prophetic novels ever written—a stark warning about the dangers of authoritarianism, the manipulation of truth, and the erasure of history. More than 75 years after its publication, its themes feel eerily relevant, a testament to Orwell’s unsettling foresight.
Lara Bronson’s The Time Tournament kicks off the Order of the Dragon series with a mix of time travel (love!), witches, dragon shifters, and a battle to the death, all set against the backdrop of real historical events in Eastern Europe. The premise is fascinating, blending fantasy with historical fiction, and I’m left curious and eager to grab the next book.
Nicola Lagioia’s The City of the Living is a literary true crime novel based on a 2016 murder with seemingly no motivation. An interesting story, I appreciated the lens that this case, and Rome, was viewed and analyzed through. This book is unique in the way the author interprets the concrete and the abstract—a tough thing to approach and balance, even more so given the context of real, and horrifying, events such as true crime . . . most especially a reprehensible murder.
Cursed by Gold by Jamie Dalton offers a refreshing spin on familiar fairy tale elements, blending the untouchable curse of King Midas with the darker undertones of a thief’s desperate mission. When Scarlet, our Cinderella, tries to steal a necklace and ends up crossing paths with the cursed king, Remme, things get interesting . . .
Do the ends justify the means? Book 1 of the Flesh & False Gods series, Immortal Longings, by Chloe Gong takes you on a gritty, high-stakes journey through the twin cities of San-Er, where body-jumping assassins and exiled aristocrats battle for power and survival. This Antony and Cleopatra retelling weaves themes of power, loyalty, and deception with a narrative that challenges conventional ideas about identity and consent.
Not in a long time has the latter part of a story so thoroughly changed my mind on a book—or at least on the rating I was expecting to give it. To be honest, from the beginning, Dakota Monroe’s Shadows of the Crown, gave me very strong Throne of Glass vibes (a series which I love), but not in a way I was necessarily enjoying …
Reuven Fenton’s Goyhood is a funny, poignant tale of estranged brothers Mayer and David navigating a spiritual identity crisis. After discovering he’s not Jewish, Mayer embarks on a chaotic road trip through the Deep South with his brother, a one-eyed dog, and an Instagram influencer. A heartfelt journey of self-discovery ensues.
Shadows Within the Fire: Volume I by Megan L. Adams ensnares you in a world of dark magic and redemption, where Evren, a young fae, and Delrik, the enigmatic Hunter, navigate trust and love amidst turmoil. With alternating perspectives and a slow-burning romance, the tale promises an immersive journey through intricate family dynamics and betrayals.
Book 1 of the Wilderise series, The Good and the Green by Amy Yorke offers a cozy fantasy with a romantic touch and cottagecore ambiance. Set in a magical land, the story follows Alison Lennox navigating newfound property, a charming town with a vine problem, and the enigmatic Keir Ainsley. Despite a slow start, the narrative gains momentum, revealing a delightful charm reminiscent of a Gregorian historical romance novel.
Mother of Pearl by Blanka H. Madow follows Valeri, who discovers her ancestral power after being separated from her sister in a foreign land. The book offers descriptive world-building; slow, but promising, character development; and evocative writing with morally grey themes. The story leaves readers wanting more and holds great potential for the series.
