Birth of a Dynasty by Chinaza Bado is a fantastic start to an epic fantasy series set in a remarkable African-inspired world. The prologue was excellent, and I was instantly hooked (in fact, I ended up reading the whole book in less than 24 hours).
A Song in the Storm by Riley Knight is a bold, multi-POV epic with rich world-building, layered politics, a touch of romance, and a story that rewards patience. It kept me guessing the entire time—and I loved watching all the threads come together. If you’re into fantasy that doesn’t spoon-feed you but absolutely delivers, pick this one up.
The Mender’s Curse is everything I want in a classic fantasy—magic, rebellion, an epic quest, and a cast of characters I actually care about. The world is wonderfully immersive without being overwhelming, and the story hits that perfect balance between action, heart, and quiet moments of healing and development.
Illusion of Stars wrecked me in the best way. I went in expecting a fantasy with some romance (which it totally delivers), but I didn’t expect it to hit so hard emotionally. The way Sarah Marie Page writes about self-worth, grief, and uncertainty? Just… wow. It’s raw and real in a way that sneaks up on you.
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.
Bottom line: If you love fantasy romance with badass heroines, cinnamon roll MMCs who can still wreck people, and a story that keeps you glued to the pages, read this ASAP. And if anyone knows how long I have to wait for book two, please tell me so I can emotionally prepare.
November’s rolling in, and so are the new book releases that’ll keep you warm when you refuse to leave your blanket burrito. From thrilling mysteries to epic fantasies, here’s your guide to November 2024’s must-reads. Get cozy, because your TBR is about to grow—again.
Who else loves books that make them want to wear turtlenecks, solve a murder, and brood in a library for hours? Here’s a list of dark academia reads to fuel your mysterious intellectual vibe!
Within the Embers is a great continuation of T.A. Reilly’s Scattered Destinies series. Its mix of magic, high stakes, romance, and time travel, combined with a badass, relatable female main character; a swoonworthy male main character; and a cliffhanger that leaves you craving the next book, will appeal to fans of fantasy series like ACOTAR, TOG, and The Empyrean.
September saw me finishing up the copyedit for an upcoming release (Addictive Contact!), reading a few more books of a historical romance series, and getting through half a dozen ARCs. My ratings were kind of all over the place this month, though there were a few standout novels I really loved!
Oath of Betrayal, book 1 of Olena Nikitin’s new The Cursed Bonds duology, is a stunning entry into high fantasy, brimming with epic world-building, a unique magic system, and Nikitin’s signature fascinating blend of Slavic mythology.
Conquist by Dirk Strasser is an immersive historical fantasy that takes readers into 16th-century Peru during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, blending real events or details with a gripping, imaginative story. If you’re looking for a book that’s not only exciting but also makes you reflect on the nature of conquest—both external and internal—Conquist is well worth the read.
