Best Of

Starred titles reviewed in our May 2023 print issue, spanning mystery and suspense, SF/fantasy, romance, and more.

This sweetly angsty novel about two people finding themselves and figuring out a way forward together will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading opposites-attract romances with found family subplots. Fans of the author’s books will absolutely not want to miss this one.

The SFF highlight from the May issue is a new novella that presents a future where artificial intelligences fight for equal rights and off-planet colonies agitate for independence, as seen through the eyes of the sarcastic, independent AI Scorn. Perfect for “Murderbot” fans. 

Borgos writes a compelling story with two timelines and elements of mystery, espionage, and history. This riveting debut has traces of Craig Johnson’s novels, with the personal nuclear fallout in Betty Webb’s Desert Wind.

Bear’s feminist reimagining of Greek myth allows Medusa’s forgotten fellow Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale, to powerfully reclaim their voices and individuality. A must-read for Greek mythology fans seeking new depth in their tales and those who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s Circe or Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls. 

Set against the backdrop of gorgeous international locales, this slow-burn rom-com will appeal to fans of travel and social media story lines as well as the forced-proximity trope. Pair with Love and Other Flight Delays by Denise Williams. 

Cosby, the multi-award-winning author of Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, has a unique, powerful voice for social justice and racism. His compelling writing will have readers rooting for his latest unforgettable, flawed hero.

Books about growing a garden, cooking with fruit, crafting and making, and wayfinding through an anxious age feature in this spring edition of LJ’s Life+Style section.

Starred titles reviewed in our April 2023 print issue, spanning mystery and suspense, SF/fantasy, romance, and more.