Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares

In 16th-century New Spain, a new vigilante, Pantera, emerges using magic and swordplay to defy Spanish rule. Hidden behind a mask, she faces a choice when an ancient prophecy looms: reveal her identity or fight till the end. With a tragic destiny foreseen, Pantera’s true origins unleash a determination that transcends death.

You can get a copy of Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares on Amazon or Bookshop.

Sun of Blood and Ruin is one of the books selected in The 2024 Winter Reading Guide and The 2024 Winter Reading Minimalist List.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

During World War I, Laura Iven, a combat nurse, searches for her brother Freddie, who is believed to be dead in the trenches. However, mysterious signs suggest otherwise. As Laura digs deeper, she uncovers haunting secrets in Belgium, leading to a journey of truth and redemption amidst the chaos of war.

You can get a copy of The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

When Moscow resurrects the mammoth, more is needed than just DNA. Dr. Damira, an expert in elephant behavior, has her consciousness merged with a mammoth to protect them from poachers. Can she save the species from a new extinction, or will Moscow’s hidden agenda prevail?

You can get a copy of The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler on Amazon or Bookshop.

Twice Lived by Joma West

A troubled teen, torn between two families and two lives, must confront the loss of half their world. Canna and Lily, the same person in parallel worlds, struggle with their split psyche that forces them to shift between lives. As they face their final shift, they must prepare both families for their disappearance forever in “Twice Lived,” a novel exploring family, friendships, loss, acceptance, and the randomness of life.

You can get a copy of Twice Lived by Joma West on Amazon or Bookshop.

P.S. Click here to listen to my interview with Joma on my podcast, The Reader’s Couch.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

Cassie Andrews, a New York City bookstore worker, inherits the mysterious Book of Doors after the death of a beloved customer. This enchanted book, promising that any door is every door, leads her into a world of rare volumes and a dangerous quest to protect them from evil forces. With the help of a peculiar librarian named Drummond Fox, Cassie must navigate a treacherous path to safeguard the powerful books from those who seek to exploit their secrets.

You can get a copy of The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Projections S. E. Porter

Love endures, but so does rejection in this dark historical fantasy. A tale of vengeance, obsession, and unrequited love unfolds as a young woman seeks justice against a sorcerer who couldn’t have her. Sarah Porter’s adult debut weaves a gothic journey through strange worlds, exploring themes of misogyny and the dark side of love.

You can get a copy of The Projections S. E. Porter on Amazon or Bookshop.

Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner

Return to the world of Godkiller in this thrilling sequel as gods forbidden in Middren start to stir, hinting at war. Godkiller Kissen’s sacrifice to defeat the fire god Hseth is threatened by Hseth’s return with greater power. Inara and Skedi seek the truth about their bond, while Elogast faces a harrowing task. Secrets emerge that could shape the impending war as alliances shift and dangers escalate.

You can get a copy of Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner on Amazon or Bookshop.

P.S. Click here to listen to my interview with Hannah on my podcast The Reader’s Couch. We have a spoiler-free chat about book one, Godkiller, and she also talks about book two, Sunbringer, briefly.

A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene

Set in a world of perilous magic and moonlit forests, this romantic fantasy follows a changeling, Fia, on a mission to save her cursed sister from a dangerous fae lord. With the help of her childhood friend, Prince Rogan, Fia navigates through a realm where illusions are deadly and unexpected attractions arise. As she questions her mission and unravels secrets, Fia races against time to break her sister’s curse and protect all she holds dear.

You can get a copy of A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai

Hadeer Elsbai concludes her Alamaxa Duology with a tale of magic, war, betrayal, sisterhood, and love in The Daughters of Izdihar. Amid political turmoil and elemental magic, Nehal and Giorgina must reunite to rally against the Zirani threat. Facing challenges and insurgents, they fight for Alamaxa with magic and blood.

You can get a copy of The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai on Amazon or Bookshop.

Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis

This sci-fi novel follows Carl, the dedicated manager of the Grand Abeona Hotel, a luxurious space hotel with mysteries aplenty. As secrets unravel and intrigues surface, Carl must navigate through a web of enigmas while deciding when to release his hold on the only home he’s ever known.

You can get a copy of Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley

A captivating queer sci-fi novel follows the unexpected marriage between a Mars politician and an Earth refugee, blending politics, romance, and intrigue on the terraformed colony of Tharsis. As their relationship deepens, they face political turmoil and a looming threat, testing their resolve and loyalty in a divided society.

You can get a copy of The Mars House by Natasha Pulley on Amazon or Bookshop.

A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke

Aubry Tourvel discovers a curse that forces her to keep moving to stay alive. Her journey spans the globe, from the Calashino Sand Sea to the Himalayas, seeking a place to call home while learning the true meaning of survival and life. A Short Walk Through a Wide World is a captivating tale of endurance, hope, and the quest for belonging.

You can get a copy of A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke on Amazon or Bookshop.

A Short Walk Through a Wide World is one of the books selected in The Ultimate 2024 Spring Reading Guide and The 2024 Spring Reading Minimalist List: Best Books to Read.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Luzia Cotado, a servant in Madrid, discovers her talent for miracles, caught between her mistress’s demands and a dangerous intrigue involving Spain’s disgraced king’s secretary. As she navigates a world of magic and deception, her Jewish heritage puts her at risk of the Inquisition. With wit and help from Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar, she strives to survive the perilous circumstances.

You can get a copy of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo on Amazon or Bookshop.

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

A captivating tale set in an underwater world featuring magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance. As E. and Henerey delve into a deep mystery, their correspondence leads to unexpected events, leaving their siblings to uncover the truth. This immersive and heartfelt story explores the limits of imagination in a magical sea realm.

You can get a copy of A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall on Amazon or Bookshop.