Related
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
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.
This practical, concise introduction for those living in cities or towns will provide some cornerstone prepping ideas and tips but is by no means a comprehensive guide.
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.
This a rich and engaging space for collective healing, integrity, and social commentary on the reasons why structural hurdles must be removed for racial justice to ever be achieved.
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).
Readers should not expect academic rigor; instead they’ll find wide-ranging specialized material on the disparate emerging field of multilingual sf from the Arab and Islamic worlds.
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
The Book of Minds: How To Understand Ourselves and Other Beings, from Animals to AI to Aliens
This extensive tome will be a must-read for those with a keen interest in psychology, philosophy, and cognitive science, and for those who want to embark on a deep dive into the significance of the mind.
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.
PREMIUM
Fen, Bog and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis
Fans of Proulx’s fiction, even those with marginal interest in peatlands, will be intrigued by the snippets of memoir and the habits of a writer’s mind that this collection reveals.
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.
Two stories interweave, collide, and ripple for more than 40 years, and Johnson’s thorough, diligent research and brisk storytelling make this narrative compelling for those seeking thrills or truths. Recommended for readers interested in environmental or racial justice and the power of activism.
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.
This is a useful resource, but everything in it is also available at no cost on U.S. government websites.
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
An Inconvenient Apocalypse: Environmental Collapse, Climate Crisis, and the Fate of Humanity
Jackson and Jensen cut through pervasive denial about humanity’s destiny in a more hostile environment. As in an effective seminar, they posit a situation and then raise questions that will resonate with readers.
Readers interested in biodiversity, the environment, or ecology will enjoy this fascinating work. Readers advisory: for accounts of current innovative projects underway to preserve or restore biodiversity, check out Kinari Webb’s Guardians of the Trees and Hannah Lewis’s Mini-Forest Revolution.
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.
The latest memoir by fierce and fabulous Lewis easily switches between moving confessionals and fiery calls to eradicate oppression.
Although there are not enough anecdotes from desert mothers and fathers to fully appreciate them, Arndt’s book (citing Anglican, Orthodox, and Catholic sources) succeeds in showing that they were not some curious aberration but a genuine response that has repeated itself throughout Church history.
In Koethe’s relaxed, prose-like style, long sentences meander until his thoughts, taking a philosophical turn, dead end in a reverberant image or a metaphor like the enigmatic smile in “Daddy,” one of the best poems in this striking collection.
Woven with perspective, melded by dual languages and countries, attuned to sense and place, this generously alive collection--sin censura ni vergüenza--will delight both devoted fans and those who may not often read poetry.
Business readers will admire Lowe’s acumen and the bite-sized takeaways at the end of each chapter. Media consumers will appreciate Lowe’s insider history of game-changing film companies.
PREMIUM
Before Island Is Volcano
The anti-imperialist theme, reminiscent of Neruda’s Canto general, will be especially appealing to Latinx readers in general and to the Borinquen community in particular.
Beethoven is said to have said “Art demands of us that we shall not stand still,” and Kramer here effectively demonstrates that similar demands apply to musical analysis and revelation. Recommended for scholars of classical music.
Amid the current culture war with its battles over public school boards, curricula, and libraries, this accessible, thoroughly documented, and well-reasoned work is essential reading for all interested in truly understanding America’s past and the systemic distortions to repress and restrict the historical narrative with an insidious ideology.
Stashower was born in Cleveland, and his personal connection to the city breathes life into this well-researched and chilling account.
A deeply personal account of a unique life and the bravery it takes to be the person one is meant to be.
PREMIUM
Animals Under the Swastika
The ultimate value of this work is in establishing how, as the author says, “deeply dangerous ideas were anchored even in areas of life supposedly not affected by ideology.” Recommended for academic libraries with a focus on history.
Disruptive, tender, and beautiful, this book is a reversal of women’s apologies and a demand for more
This is a fantastic and enjoyable book tracing 100 years of work and struggle for women’s equality. A great book for general readers and a must read for anyone interested in women’s and American political history.
Bee’s memoir is experimental in form but will appeal to a variety of reader, challenging singular beliefs of what it means to be a daughter, sister, lover, wife, lawyer, and mother.
Like domestic advisor Stuart Eizenstat’s President Carter, this offering is similarly suitable for public and academic libraries, general readers, and historians.
This first-rate book will appeal to anyone interested in feminism, women and gender studies, or criminal justice.
PREMIUM
The Time Left Between Us
DeFonzo worked for more than a decade to preserve Del’s past and the historical context. Hers is a deeply personal venture but also one of significant importance now and for all future generations to learn from. Recommended to readers of World War II nonfiction, history, and family memoirs.
Maraniss’s book is the most comprehensive Thorpe biography to date (being nearly 200 well-cited pages longer than Kate Buford’s 2010 biography Native American Son). Beyond bringing Thorpe to life, Maraniss also delves heavily into issues of race and culture.
This is a good recommendation for those who like to read about family dynasties, the mid-century modern New York art world, or people who have a lasting fifteen minutes of fame.
Sure to be a popular read for lovers and practitioners of music of all kinds. A must-have for public and academic libraries, especially at conservatories.
Readers looking for life-coaching advice, admonition, affirmation, inspiration, and encouragement will find it here. The text also contributes general knowledge about Hinduism and Indian culture.
Worsley’s thoughtful and generous contribution to the Christie biographical canon will be welcomed and enjoyed by Agatha Christie fans.
The conversation of how to navigate the tension of what it means to be Christian and to live in the world is not new. However, this thought-provoking volume asks readers to reconsider their assumptions and offers fresh challenges in this discussion. Best for religious, church, and community organizations.
This simplistic and unsatisfying book is most disappointing for what it chooses to ignore: the awesome and inexplicable mystery of Job as a text and the even greater mystery of redemptive suffering. Recommended for Bible study groups and seminary libraries.
Lay readers will appreciate the vignettes on courage, culture, and the intricacies of the Japanese language.
PREMIUM
Realigners: Partisan Hacks, Political Visionaries, and the Struggle To Rule American Democracy
A composite biography of political influencers since 1776, this book will deepen readers’ understanding of the American democratic process.
The authors note that their research was limited by pandemic travel restrictions and the dearth of written sources available in the United States. That said, this is an excellent, approachable resource on Cuban history told through the complexities of a beloved food item. Highly recommended for foodies and history buffs.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
