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PREMIUM
The Art of Prophecy
Chu’s (The Fall of Io) wry prose and characters are a delightful counterpoint to the physical and emotional demands undertaken by Jian and his allies, while the subplots build a vast panoramic view of this incredible world in the first of a new series.
This epic fantasy about a crew of misfits with just a touch of magic and heartbreaking backstories is a rollicking good time of a read. Readers who fell for Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief are going to be head over heels for Koboldt’s latest.
PREMIUM
Aftermath
This will be popular with fans of Burton’s acting and readers who like their dystopian novels to end on a slightly hopeful note.
Suri’s second volume of the “Burning Kingdoms” trilogy (after The Jasmine Throne) continues an epic tale of love: for family, for power, for country.
PREMIUM
Ghost Eaters
With similarities to the horror movies Flatliners and Bodies Bodies Bodies, minus the humor, Chapman’s story comes to a head as readers begin to understand that Ghost has so much more of a morbid meaning in this enthralling addiction horror tale.
PREMIUM
Dark Earth
Stott’s engaging story, conjured from a real-life archaeological find, casts light on a little-known time in the early European Dark Ages.
PREMIUM
The Foulest Things
A fascinating mystery for readers who enjoyed Eva Jurczyk’s The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
PREMIUM
Face
With its slower pace and the many concepts it introduces and leaves unresolved, West’s debut novel will appeal to readers who appreciate philosophical fiction and fans of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies” and “Impostors” series.
PREMIUM
The Sweet Remnants of Summer
Hand this title to those looking for a more contemplative approach to their mysteries, without any violence or gore.
PREMIUM
This Place That Place
Without a traditional plot, there is a story, and a touching love story at that, underlying a frank and painful look at what opposing governments and ideologies do to individuals.
The first “Witches’ Brew” mystery is a compelling debut with a mature amateur sleuth, a solid supporting cast, and a cat to rival Miranda James’s Diesel. For readers who enjoy the paranormal elements in Juliet Blackwell’s and Bree Baker’s cozies.
PREMIUM
Eyes Turned Skyward
Readers seeking a nuanced portrayal of mother-daughter dynamics as well as a soaring portrait of courageous women during wartime will find much to love in Dillon’s (The Happiest Girl in the World) latest.
In lush language, Wiggins evokes a keen sense of history and its life altering effects, a righteous frustration with government deception, and faith in the power of love to quench one’s deepest thirsts.
A fascinating debut with shades of gothic fantasy and contemporary thriller, wrapped in a narrative full of vivid and detailed characters and worldbuilding, and an unusual premise.
PREMIUM
Delphi
Pollard’s deft inclusion of all the pandemic’s practical and political challenges--masks, vaccines, social distancing, the strain on shared home WiFi networks, long separations from aging parents, the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and January 6--is wrapped in the inventive framework of prophecies. Irresistible and also oddly reassuring for all who have come through (so far) to the other side of COVID’s miseries.
PREMIUM
A Ghost in Shining Armor
Readers looking for character introspection and growth may enjoy this one from Beharrie (And They Lived Happily Ever After), but most will find it disappointing.
True to its title, Wong’s overarching account of one family’s business is told with beautiful imagery but reveals individual pieces that show how things are not what they appear to be. This story of people, culture, and lifestyles will be appreciated by readers who enjoy novels involving families and their secrets, like Celeste Ng’s Something I Never Told You and Jean Kwok’s Searching for Sylvie Lee.
PREMIUM
Nuclear Family
Han successfully depicts the love binding the Cho family and the struggles they face, and themes of unity, assimilation, and acceptance run deep, whether it be for the country of Korea, the people of Hawai‘i, or humankind more generally. Filled with campy humor, Han’s novel will be appreciated by readers looking for a light, fun, yet meaningful read.
Mesa’s debut mixes a bit of Mexican folktale, a chunk of magical realism, and tons of period detail into a page-turning urban fantasy that takes the glitter of Boardwalk Empire and combines it with a story of found family, mob violence, and romance.
Readers will be captivated by the atmospheric settings, the witty dialogue, and the well-developed, adorably quirky characters in this stand-alone novel from queer Jewish novelist Parrish (The Lights on Knockbridge Lane).
PREMIUM
Would You Rather
Ashley (Home Sweet Mess) picks two tropes that can’t miss (marriage of convenience and friends-to-lovers), throws in a bit of sweet and a dash of steam, and mixes it all together to make a love story readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Blisteringly intelligent, bursting with profound feeling, and host to some of the most complex, necessary characters in recent memory.
PREMIUM
Much Ado About Dukes
Though she is not as big a name as Sarah MacLean or Evie Dunmore, Devon is writing in the same space. She is particularly good when detailing the interactions of the secondary characters and building to an ending readers will adore.
PREMIUM
Eternal Graffiti
Skip this one and hope that the author returns to the pared down, more skillful style of his previous work.
PREMIUM
To Catch a Raven
Jenkins’s latest title in the “Women Who Dare” series (following Wild Rain) is steeped in an understanding of the social structures of 19th-century Boston and New Orleans, has complex and emotionally intelligent characters, and steamy scenes. Readers craving historical detail and a bold, brave heroine should put this at the top of their check-out list.
PREMIUM
High Times in the Low Parliament
Readers who like their political fantasies and power trips to go down with a spoonful of sugar will eat this up.
A revelatory work, full of a young man’s questioning and told in a distinctive voice, this contemplation of identity, culture, and race in the United States today is highly recommended.
Marais’s (If You Want to Make God Laugh) latest is a quirky Golden Girls with wands that explores women’s empowerment, friendship, and loyalty and addresses racial equality, identity, and gender fluidity. A timely, fun modern-day fable about women who refuse to conform.
PREMIUM
Calling for a Blanket Dance
Another noteworthy debut in what feels like an ongoing renaissance of Indigenous peoples’ literature, both reflecting this lineage and introducing an exciting, fresh new voice to the choir.
PREMIUM
Whisper Room
Kies’s sequel to the Sue Grafton Award nominee Shadow Hill is a compelling story for readers who want to follow investigative reporters into the crime scenes.
Krueger, a Lefty Award winner for Lightning Strike, is one of those rare authors who combines intricately plotted, issue-oriented stories with mysticism and action. A must for fans of beautifully written crime fiction.
With a fluid writing style and a plot that moves along quickly, Acampora’s absorbing new work is an excellent choice for book discussion groups. Highly recommended.
In Bannen’s (Soulswift) adult debut, the roller coaster of Mercy and Hart’s journey is full of sizzle and emotional turmoil, as well as plenty of sci-fi adventure and humor. Readers will be captivated by the land of Tanria and will want to stay connected with these characters long after the book ends.
PREMIUM
Christmas at the Ranch
Despite an interesting love triangle and forced-proximity premise, this romance from Hughes (A Magical New York Christmas) falls flat.
Frank, acidulous, surprisingly twisty, and blazing with desire that’s often dangerous or misplaced; just the sort of uneasy reading that Taddeo always delivers.
PREMIUM
The Housekeeper
Recommended for fans of women-led suspense novels such as Mary Kubica’s The Other Mrs. and Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game.
PREMIUM
The Falcon’s Eyes
This is a long but engaging book. The time period is well researched, and Stanfill’s narrative remains true to the customs. Will appeal to fans of Philippa Gregory and Hilary Mantel.
PREMIUM
Runaway Groomsman
The supporting characters give this slow-burn romance from Quinn (The Reunion) a healthy dose of humor and heart and make this story one to include in all romance collections.
PREMIUM
Duke Most Wicked
Bell’s latest book features a hero with an impressive redemptive arc and a heroine who believes in him. Perfect for readers who binged Bridgerton.
Perfect for a single-sitting read, Glass’s thriller (the first in a planned series) is an adrenaline-fueled tour of clandestine London. What’s next for Emma Makepeace? More, please.
PREMIUM
The Deal Goes Down
There’s enough action in this thoroughly enjoyable comedy of errors to please the most discriminating reader, but it’s the humor that captures. For fans of crime capers and Donald Westlake’s “Dortmunder” tales.
Adrenaline-filled with plenty of shocking moments, the latest from master of horror Jones is an intense, highly entertaining, and deeply personal novel.
Family drama has never been so much fun. Fans of Maria Semple, Jennifer Weiner, and Laurie Gelman will enjoy Prusa’s debut.
PREMIUM
The Midcoast
Worlds collide in this personal tragedy fueled by perceptions of class difference as a man is destroyed by his love for a woman he perceives as “above” him socially and his desire to give her everything in order not to lose her.
PREMIUM
Die Around Sundown
Convoluted and contrived at times, but the novel’s historical aspects and police detective will intrigue fans of World War II mysteries.
Muir’s third entry in “The Locked Tomb” series (after Harrow the Ninth) is as immersive and original as its predecessors.
PREMIUM
The Hookup Plan
Rochon wraps up her “Boyfriend Project” series (following previous installment The Dating Playbook) with this engaging enemies-to-lovers romance. A fulfilling end to a strong trilogy.
PREMIUM
With Neighbors Like This
An excellent read and a surefire hit for those looking to beat the heat this summer.
PREMIUM
Lost Souls of Leningrad
Like the novels of Helen Dunmore, David Benioff, and others, Parry’s work covers appalling agonies. There is an O. Henry quality in the revelation of an amazing connection among the characters. Readers of Ruta Sepetys’s Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea will enjoy the action focused on the teenager.
PREMIUM
The Reservoir
Inspired by Duchovny’s self-reflection while sequestered in his own aerie above Central Park at the height of the pandemic, this work is provocative, challenging, and not without its moments of dark humor.
Fans of Golden Age mysteries like Dorothy Sayers’s Gaudy Night will love the book’s Oxford setting, while readers of trendy dark academia suspense novels, in the manner of Alex Michaelides’s The Maidens, will feel right at home. Top-drawer entertainment from a modern master of mystery.
The delicately interwoven complexity of the story, along with the loving portrait of Firuz and their found family, makes Jamnia’s fantasy puzzler a delight to read. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Katherine Addison’s The Witness for the Dead.
PREMIUM
The Boy with the Bookstore
Smith (On Location) provides characters with well-developed family backstories, albeit with a main character who’s a little too good to be true.
Matthews’s second installment in the “Belles of London” series (following The Siren of Sussex) combines deception, risk, and a resourceful heroine to create an intoxicating, suspenseful romance. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Blame Game
As the “he said/she said” roller-coaster plunges to a shocking finale, readers may wish for a bit more backstory on ancillary characters and their motivations. However, aficionados of Jones’s work will find this tantalizing psychological fare worth their time.
PREMIUM
Dance with the Devil
Rocha has crafted a solid ending for the arcs of Nina, Maya, and Dani, but still leaves room to continue with some of the secondary characters.
Roth’s (Chosen Ones) latest is highly recommended for readers of dystopian fiction, lovers of Philip K. Dick’s thought-police science fiction, and anyone who wants to see how far “If you see something, say something” can be led astray.
PREMIUM
Fault Tolerance
An unusual combination of National Treasure and Star Trek in which a space crew races across a universe filled with an array of different beings.
PREMIUM
Season of Love
This steamy contemporary f/f romance features likable flawed characters with rich, realistic backstories. Secondary characters are equally developed and highly entertaining, and the overall love story is by turns heartbreaking and delightful. Recommended for general purchase.
PREMIUM
Ruby Fever
This paranormal is a fun read full of magical battles and intrigue that keeps the action coming.
PREMIUM
Billie Starr’s Book of Sorries
Kennedy’s second novel (after Edgar-nominated Tornado Weather) adeptly delves into the intricacies of interpersonal relationships within small-town life, much like Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge.
PREMIUM
The Bachelor and the Bride
Eden’s fourth gripping Victorian “Dread Penny Society” romance (following The Merchant and the Rogue) centers on a heroine’s unrequited love with lots of twists and turns before the hero recognizes his true feelings. The series is best read in sequence, as each novel builds on prior installments.
PREMIUM
How the Wallflower Was Won
Leigh’s second “Last Chance Scoundrels” Regency romance (following The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes) takes a classic marriage of convenience plot and enhances it with a likable couple who clearly care deeply for one another. Recommended for fans of emotion-driven historical romances.
PREMIUM
Life Ceremony: Stories
Though a few stories could have been better developed, Murata’s premises are always eye-opening, and the result will intrigue and satisfy readers of literary and speculative fiction alike.
PREMIUM
Miss Aldridge Regrets
With vividly drawn characters, this exciting blend of murder mystery and historical romance is hard to put down once one starts reading.
PREMIUM
Treasure State
Readers needn’t be familiar with the series to appreciate this fast-paced mystery that pits betrayal, anger, and hate against hope and longing as it examines the lasting effect of a community used and abandoned after making a fortune for the titans of the copper mining industry. Will appeal to fans of Bryan Gruley, Lisa Sandlin, and Tim Johnston.
PREMIUM
Let No One Sleep
Readers are forced to suspend disbelief, as they, like the protagonist, are drawn into Lucía’s alternate world and are at times unsure which one is veridical. Millás’s character portrayals, especially of Lucía, are masterly, but the disjointed episodic narration and extraneous elements leave a loose end or two. A disquieting fantasy of the Kafkian variety that’s both unsettling and absurd.
PREMIUM
Night of the Living Rez
Talty’s debut story collection is a wonderfully understated work with sneaky emotional force, anchored by a memorable main character and the author’s keen understanding of childhoods that have been marked by instability.
A broodingly beautiful collection made more poignant by the author’s untimely death in 2019; not just for those interested in the Armenian American experience.
A provocative and welcomingly unpredictable work, taking readers to deeply humane places and through moving considerations that similar works rarely visit.
PREMIUM
Touch
Olafsson’s treatment of the vast cultural chasm between Icelander Kristófer, and Miko, shaped by the bombing of Hiroshima shortly before she was born, brings suspense and heartache to the reader.
PREMIUM
Pina
Relentless and powerful in its depiction of violence and brutality within Pina’s family and the Tahitian community at large.
PREMIUM
One Chance Only
A strong choice for readers who appreciate second-chance stories. The legal plot is an interesting side story, but the highlight is the romance and the interconnected web of family and friends.
This is historical fiction as it is meant to be told: a glimpse (based on true events) through the eyes of people caught up in the maelstrom of world events beyond their control.
PREMIUM
The Hollow Kind
Davidson (The Boatman’s Daughter) crafts an intricate supernatural story about a family’s history that will leave readers shaken. However, they will have to wade through the novel’s extreme level of detail to reach the conclusion.
Mills (Trace of Doubt) delivers another action-packed novel that offers intrigue and an adventurous ride. Recommend to fans of Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, and Carrie Stuart Parks.
PREMIUM
Babel; or, The Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution
Kuang is a refreshing and essential voice in fiction, and her latest will have wide appeal.
PREMIUM
Everything for You
Carefully deployed tropes abound in this warm-hearted grumpy/sunshine age-gap romance between a cynical, orphaned soccer player at the end of his career and a fit young upstart with a big happy family.
PREMIUM
Small Town, Big Magic
This first series entry from Beck (the pseudonym of Nicole Helm and Caitlin Crews/Megan Crane) introduces a great circle of friends and lovers, while bringing adventure, mystery, and heart along with small-town charm.
PREMIUM
Aphrodite and the Duke
Though this is a fairly enjoyable read, it lacks enough character development for readers to care about the remaining story once the couple make amends.
Owens’s spectacular debut is beautifully written and a fun read. Fans of Suzanne Park’s So We Meet Again and Katie Delahanty’s “Brightside” series will have a hard time not consuming it in one sitting.
This first installment in a planned series from Barry (Bound for Glory, writing as Tess LeSue) will leave fans ready for a return trip to Buck’s Creek.
Zevin creates beautifully flawed characters often caught between the real and gaming worlds, which are cleverly juxtaposed to highlight their similarities and differences. Both readers of love stories and gamers will enjoy. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Bronze Drum
Nguyen’s beautifully written novel will be an eye-opener to people who don’t know the turbulent history of the Lac Viet and the Han. Readers who remember the Vietnam War, and the part the United States played in it, might come away with a better understanding of the region and its people.
PREMIUM
Just Another Love Song
Winfrey’s (Very Sincerely Yours) sweet, low-heat read, with endearing and humorous characters and small-town setting, will appeal to fans of Candis Terry and Victoria James.
PREMIUM
The Summer We Buried
Narrator Emily Ellet adds to Gehrman’s atmospheric novel with an urgent performance that also captures the wistfulness of someone looking back on their youth. Each twist and turn will leave listeners on edge until the shocking conclusion.
PREMIUM
The Diamond Eye
Highly recommended. Quinn explores a largely unknown piece of World War II history.
Listeners will cheer Jane along as they bite their nails throughout this relentless novel. Highly recommended.
Hoen has achieved something special with her debut novel, which satirizes start-up culture’s relentless quest for optimization and also engages listeners with a love story between two charming characters. Recommend to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Madeleine Henry.
PREMIUM
The Books of Jacob
Demand will be high for Croft’s translation of Nobel Laureate Tokarczuk’s masterpiece, which rewards a close reading in print or a distraction-free listen.
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