Must-Have Monday is a feature highlighting which of the coming week’s new releases I’m excited for. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all books being published that week; only those I’m interested in out of those I’m aware of! The focus is diverse SFF, but other genres sneak in occasionally too.
This will be the last Must-Have Monday of 2023 – I won’t be doing one next week, since it would be going up on Christmas Day and that just seems a bit silly. I do have one book to feature from next week, though!
I hope you’ve all enjoyed this year’s Must-Have Mondays – and I know I’m looking forward to next year’s!
(Books are listed in order of pub date, then Adult SFF, Adult Other, YA SFF, YA Other, MG SFF.)
Genres: Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: M/M
Published on: 18th December 2023
Goodreads
Lots of people have demons, but they’re not usually literal.
Heaven and Hell are warring on Earth, and Ander Castillo is stuck in the middle. Ever since demons broke through the gates of Hell and decimated humanity, Ander, along with other “blends”—humans with angelic blood—has been hiding in Gardners, one of the few remaining sanctuaries. The decrepit city is watched over by strange, distant angels, who protect its residents but offer no advice or comfort.
Leaving Gardners is a death sentence, but love drives Ander to attempt the impossible and set out beyond the walls to find the foster brother he lost long ago. Yet Ander’s no true angel, and a few feathers on his neck can’t save him from the monsters running wild over Earth. Soon enough he faces an impossible choice: a vicious death or making a deal that will tie him to a bloodthirsty demon. Forever.
Everything is not as it seems, though. Ander’s left wondering if evil can wear an angel’s face or love can hide in a demon’s luminous eyes. As he and his new deal-bound “partner” are drawn into the affairs of entities far beyond them, Ander’s strength and resolve are tested, and only love and loyalty will give him a chance at a future worth living.
I am intrigued! Stories with angels and demons (and beings inbetween) often don’t quite fit my taste, but I’m always hoping – and, ‘feathers on his neck’??? Plus, my heart’s already melting at the thought of a quest to rescue a foster sibling. How often do we get to see that? MORE FOSTER/ADOPTED SIBLING LOVE, PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
Genres: Fantasy, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: Autistic MCs, queer MCs, queer autistic MCs
Published on: 19th December 2023
Goodreads
This collection of short stories and poems by Ada Hoffmann traverses extraordinary universes packed with faeries, cyborgs, talking otters, punitive gods, lovestruck sea creatures, fossil hunters, extraterrestrials, and much more. Exploring themes of love and self-existence, community and otherness, and perseverance, Resurrections is a wondrous blend of genres and literary forms.
In “Jenny’s House,” a young girl brings a slimy souvenir from a playdate gone wrong to show-and-tell. “Variations on a Theme from Turandot” is the story of a devout slave’s struggle with a stubborn, ruthless princess, replayed as an epic opera every night. In “Transitional Chords,” an unmotivated conservatory student finally connects with music when he falls victim to an otherworldly voice. “Harmony Amid the Stars” chronicles a spaceship’s inhabitants’ descent into madness through a cleaning lady’s diary. “I Sing Against the Silent Sun” is about the unbreakable bond between a fugitive and his ship’s AI.
Each universe contains an intricately crafted history, cast of characters, places, and paradoxes. From layered magical realms to beauty supply storerooms, Hoffmann brings often-overlooked characters and perspectives to life and lets their unfettered reality expand our imaginations. Resurrections is a glimpse into the spectrum of human existence, flitting from world to world in Hoffmann’s spectacular style.
A collection of SFF short stories and poems from one of my favourite authors! I admit I didn’t enjoy most of them, but there were enough that I loved that I still think it’s worth a read.
Genres: Fantasy
Representation: Wheelchair-bound MC
Published on: 24th December 2023
Goodreads
Enter the school of sorcery where a girl with a fragile heart discovers the power of an unbreakable bond.
In a life where the fragility of existence is a constant companion, Helen seeks solace in the pages of books, using them as a shield against the ticking time bomb of her weak heart. Little does she know that the world of witchcraft has plans of its own.
Transported to the mysterious Graswangtal School, whispered to be brimming with magical secrets, Helen's reality takes an unforeseen twist. Along this extraordinary journey, she crosses paths with Philip, a kindred spirit who becomes her guiding light in a world filled with wonder and uncertainty.
Amidst ancient spells, moonlit dances, and the allure of forbidden knowledge that bestows godlike powers, their bond deepens. The universe they craft together is one of passion, empathy, and an everlasting love that defies all odds.
Discover hope in their remarkable journey, witness the enchantment of their connection, and experience a love that dances to the rhythm of their heartbeats. Embark on an epic saga that hints at adventures yet to unfold.
Let the magic of love and witchcraft guide your heart...
If you're a fan of magical adventures, deep friendships, and heartwarming tales of love, A Little Heart is a great read that will captivate your imagination and leave you believing in the extraordinary magic of the human heart.
Get your copy today and immerse yourself in a world where sorcery and love collide, and where destiny is written in the most unexpected ways.
A new magic school story! With, judging from the cover, A MAIN CHARACTER IN A WHEELCHAIR! Oh my actual gods?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a magic school story that even included anyone with a disability, never mind featuring one! And this sounds so lovely and sweet. Definitely trying it out!
Genres: Sci Fi
Published on: 31st December 2023
Goodreads
Return to the Universe of the ARCANA IMPERII with a collection of novellas from Miles Cameron.
Following the events of ARTIFACT SPACE, the galaxy continues to change and expand. Frontiers are challenged and what was once a safe space becomes contested, hostile, and unpredictable.
From normal people caught up in the unstoppable machinations of politics and war, to spies faced with making the ultimate sacrifice for their nations, these stories follow the DHC as it faces a challenge to everything it holds dear - human rights, fairness and equality. When a rogue system questions their values and power, how can they stay true to their beliefs and protect their citizens?
And what are these rumours about new aliens lurking beyond the edges of known space?
I adored the first book in this series, Artifact Space, and I’ve been so impatient for Cameron to wrap up his Age of Bronze trilogy (for that I’m enjoying that too!) and get back to this setting already! But this collection should help keep me going until we get book two next August. Besides, I love this setting so much, it’ll be great to get to see more parts of it than we could just following Nbaro, the MC of the series!
Belated Features!
I didn’t do a Must-Have Monday post last week because I wasn’t aware of any releases I was interested in – but I found out afterwards that there was one. I missed it! So I want to feature it now, and while I’m at it, feature a book I didn’t hear about until after it was released (and am currently reading and enjoying!) because I think both of these are books to pay attention to!
Genres: Fantasy, Sci Fi
Published on: 12th December 2023
Goodreads
A desperate trek through the icy canyons of Mars, a doll-sized family with giant-sized opinions, a defiant princess whose fate must remain a secret… Welcome to the wild, colorful, and ever-blossoming landscapes of the Ukrainian imagination. Embroidered Worlds presents a bold glimpse into fantastic storytelling throughout Ukrainian culture, from science fiction, fantasy, and horror to slipstream, fairy tales, and more.
This collection gathers 30 short stories from writers living in wartime Ukraine, their work translated into English for the very first time, as well as from international authors of Ukrainian heritage. Come, now, and experience the magic, the terror, and the wonder-filled surprises of the worlds they’ve brought to life.
I think the ebook may have released earlier, but the paper edition of Embroidered Worlds came out last week, and I missed it! But it’s very much the kind of book I’m here to feature, so…here it is!
Genres: Science Fantasy
Representation: African-coded/inspired cast and setting
Published on: 19th November 2023
Goodreads
WELCOME TO THE SAUÚTIVERSE
“The Sauútiverse project...aims to rival other popular science-fantasy properties, such as George R.R. Martin’s Wild Cards universe, with a grounding in African culture and a depth of imagination...this feels like the start of something monumental.”
—Publishers WeeklyContributors include: Nebula Award winner Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, World Fantasy Award nominee Eugen Bacon, NYT bestselling author Tobias S. Buckell, Caine Prize nominee T.L. Huchu, Adelehin Ijasan, Stephen Embleton, Akintoba Kalejaye, Cheryl S. Ntumy, Xan Van Rooyen, Dare Segun Falowo, Eye Kay Nwaogu, J. Umeh, and Somto Ihezue. With a foreword by Fabrice Guerrier, Founder of Syllble Studios.
Mothersound is the first anthology of stories set in this fictional shared world based on a blend of African cultural worldviews. Edited by Locus award nominated editor Wole Talabi with contributions from around the African continent and diaspora, Sauúti is filled with wonder, mystery, and magic.
African-based intergalactic worldbuilding
Space travel
Humanoid and non-humanoid creatures
Artificial intelligence
Intricate magic system based on sound, oral traditions, and music
I missed this one when it first came out (which: HOW?!) but once I heard of it, I had to have it. I’m neck-deep in the Sauútiverse right now, and I am enchanted. I’ve not finished this book yet, but if you’re looking for incredible worldbuilding, and science fantasy inspired by African traditions…then my GODS is this for you!!!
Will you be reading any of these? Let me know!
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