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.
SEVENTEEN books this week!
(Books are listed in order of pub date, then Adult SFF, Adult Other, YA SFF, YA Other, MG SFF.)
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Desi sapphic MCs
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri’s acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart–stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdoms—even if it means they must destroy each other.
Malini has claimed her rightful throne as the empress of Parijatdvipa, just as the nameless gods prophesied. Now, in order to gain the support of the priesthood who remain loyal to the fallen emperor, she must consider a terrible Claim her throne and burn in order to seal her legacy—or find another willing to take her place on the pyre.
Priya has survived the deathless waters and now their magic runs in her veins. But a mysterious yaksa with flowering eyes and a mouth of thorns lies beneath the waters. The yaksa promises protection for Ahiranya. But in exchange, she needs a sacrifice. And she's chosen Priya as the one to offer it.
Two women once entwined by fate now stand against each other. But when an ancient enemy rises to threaten their world, Priya and Malini will find themselves fighting together once more – to prevent their kingdoms, and their futures, from burning to ash.
Praise for the Burning Kingdoms Trilogy“Will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of epic fantasy for years to come.” —Booklist, starred review
“Alluring, action-packed, and gut-wrenching.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“More than lives up to the hype with its rich and expansive world, compelling characters, cool magic system and Suri’s excellent writing.” —BookPage, starred review
THE FINALE OF THE BURNING KINGDOM TRILOGY IS HERE!!! Almost. So close! Genuinely have no idea how Suri is going to wrap up this series, but I’m excited to find out!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Secondary World Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: F/F/F/F
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
The story of four women who set out to uncover the secret origins of an intricate, magical city—and to change its fate.
Istehar Sha'an, whose unique powers allow her to communicate with trees and books, has led her community of refugee forest people to a remarkable place. In the archipelago-city of Moonstone, the Sha'an people find themselves in an extraordinary, multicultural metropolis that houses the the world's all-encompassing repository of wisdom. But in their search for a new home, the refugees soon garner the suspicion of Moonstone's locals, who forbid their magical practices. And when a hostile prince makes a bid to inherit the city's rule from his father, Istehar and her people realize they may be faced with exile—or worse.
Meanwhile, Istehar has married three wives of Moonstone—a brave warrior librarian, a subtle-minded former concubine, and a tenacious apothecary who has spent years trying to solve her parents' murder. Driven by magical intuition and guided by a mysterious book, Istehar and her wives embark on a journey that will transform not only their lives, but the city of Moonstone itself.
I have been promised book-magic and a four-way sapphic marriage, so of course I’m showing up for this!
You can read an excerpt here!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy
Representation: Black MC
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Ghostalker and magician Ropa Moyo returns in this spellbinding fourth instalment of the Edinburgh Nights series by T. L. Huchu.
’Alluring . . . hints of sophisticated academic magic will draw you in'- Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six on The Library of the Dead
Ghoststalker Ropa Moyo learns a shocking truth about her family. But after she confronts her grandmother with the revelation, Gran is murdered and Ropa is now the prime suspect on top of dealing with her loss.
Ropa races to uncover the real murderer, and soon finds a connection to an old magical cult. They are trying to take control of Scotland by resurrecting an army of the dead, led by a dark lord. She'll have to use all her magic and hard-won skills in her biggest challenge yet.
Praise for the Edinburgh Nights series
'Fast-moving and entertaining . . . Stupendously engaging'- Ben Aaronovitch, author of the Rivers of London series
'I highly recommend The Library of the Dead'- Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
The fourth book in the Edinburgh Nights series makes it to the US this week! I wouldn’t recommend starting here, if you’re not familiar with the series, but I have high hopes for this one!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bisexual Desi MC, F/F
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Twenty-year-old Noor has been hiding her magic and biding her time in the spice markets of 1812 Tajoura as she and her neighbours wait for the ravenous British Empire to sail into their homeport, cannons blazing. But when the HMS Victory arrives, so does the chance of a lifetime to join a found family in the Yemeni resistance. Noor finds herself caught up in the fight against the Empire's battle mages and Rami, the dark prince who leads them.
In a case of mistaken identity, Noor heals Rami before a decisive battle. She sees the good in him, and her heart is torn.
Noor’s new friend Razan—a brilliant and beautiful inventor for the resistance—has no such qualms. She hates Rami for his role in the raid that killed her parents. Razan has found a way to harness Noor's power to defeat the British, and the two women grow ever closer. On a perilous camel ride to the coffee roasting city of Mocha, Rami strikes, kidnapping Noor and taking her back to his cruel master on the HMS Victory.
In order to survive, Noor will need to call on everything she learned in the spice markets and the Yemeni resistance.
Rebels, mages, lovers. With the final battle looming and the resistance struggling without her, Noor must keep her eye on the prize: saving Yemen from the British Empire. If she can keep Razan in her bed and save Rami from the Empire, she will have the future she's always dreamed of. But first, Noor has to survive the storms to come.
Readers Rave about Jo Carthage’s debut novel, Nuclear Sunrise:
“It’s heart-wrenching and romantic and fun, and it’s well worth a read.”—Amy Moore, Mythopoeic Society newsletter, MythPrint.“Layers and Layers of Chewy Goodness”—History Through Fiction, independent press
I’ve not been able to find out much about this, but the premise definitely has my attention!
You can read an excerpt at the publisher page!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: MLM MC
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
He accidentally cursed himself...
When the consequences get him exiled to the land he helped terrorize, can this evil wizard find redemption... and love?
Orpheus can't believe it's come to this. After helping his childhood friend conquer the realm by raising an army of hell-beasts, the befuddled dark sorcerer finds himself banished when the price of his magic endangers the palace. Isolated and betrayed, the feared spellcaster isn't exactly thrilled when his irritating and handsome rival keeps stepping between him and certain doom.
Ill at ease in the barren wasteland his powers created, Orpheus slowly warms to the charismatic ex-general's relentless overtures. But as his feelings grow more intense, the former villain struggles with an inconvenient calling towards heroism.
Will dabbling in good deeds get him killed or open the doors to happily ever after?
The Crack at the Heart of Everything is the charmingly swoon-worthy first book in an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy series. If you like character-driven stories, snarky humor, and well-earned redemption arcs, then you'll adore Fiona Fenn's unexpected hero's journey.
I’ve been hearing good things about this one, especially about the redemption arc. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Queer MCs
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
After four decades of peace, the dreaded War of Night threatens to resurface, casting a dark shadow over the lands of the Khorric Federation. In a land where magic is practiced casually by most, and perfected by professionals, whispers of a renewal of the old conflict sends ripples of unease through the city of Highston, igniting old grudges and unsettling the delicate balance of power.
Caught in the midst of this upheaval are Jesse, a Street Rat poised to join a notorious criminal Bright Guild, and Symon, a humble blacksmith's apprentice determined to preserve his family's legacy. As the sinister Manticore Guild sets its sights on them and relentless Investurant assassins close in, Jesse and Symon must navigate a treacherous landscape where danger lurks at every turn.
Magic will bring them together. Danger will forge them as friends. United by their common struggle to survive, Jesse and Symon must confront their deepest fears and unlock the true extent of their powers to stand against the encroaching darkness.
In War of Night, the debut installment of "The Manticore's Shadow" series, Jesse and Symon are swept away on an epic adventure filled with magic, mystery, and enduring resilience. As the shadows of war descend once more, Jesse and Symon must rise to the challenge and confront the darkest depths of their own destinies to emerge victorious against all odds.
SERIES Information
The middle class meets a lack of class when street thief Jesse encounters blacksmith apprentice Symon on the streets of Highston. Jesse's criminal cohorts intersect with Symon's political enemies as the two youths turn to each other in their hopes of navigating a maze of betrayal and lies towards a brighter future.This fresh take on epic fantasy storytelling strives to bridge the gap between the old and new, bringing a modern fantasy voice to the classic world building of days past. A bold new world and concepts, blended with traditional elements.
Another one I haven’t been able to find much about, but how often do we see manticores?! That alone would be enough to get my attention, honestly – but also promising me queer epic fantasy? I’m listening…
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy
Representation: Major Dead character
Published on: 15th October 2024
Goodreads
A mortal sorcerer sets out to defy the dark magic of an ancient race awakening to wage war on mortals in an epic fantasy of adventure and love by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler.
Millennia ago, a magical race called the Aesir found a new home on a distant world. Attracted to the cold during an ice age, they hibernated for hundreds of years at a time. With each awakening, however, they saw their world changed by ever-evolving mortals, encroaching on their territory and way of life. Two civilizations with opposing magic poised to clash, over and over. Now, the Aesir are awakening to wage a new war—this time to exterminate their enemy once and for all.
Robinson Hawksley is an elocutionist at the Invisible College who has perfected a way of teaching speech that relies on harnessing the intelligences that create magic to train the sorcerers. The world needs more sorcerers to protect against the looming Aesir threat, and Robinson’s newest charge is McKenna Foster, a barrister’s daughter rendered deaf after a bout with a plague unleashed by the Aesir. As progress develops between them and they grow ever closer, there also comes a strange connection to the Aesir—one that crosses the boundaries of time itself and the unfathomable mysteries of the Unseen Powers.
Emerging from their icy fortresses, the Aesir begin their bombardment. Can Robinson and McKenna, brought together by magic, stop an endless war with powers even they have yet to fully understand?
I’ve never read anything by Jeff Wheeler before, but this is pretty intriguing. Crossing my fingers that McKenna is a POV character.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Sci Fi
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
When you plant the seeds of bicycle revolution, you never know what the future will grow.
These 12 stories form a splendid garden of potential futures, from the speculative to the surreal--all powered by bicycles, grounded in feminism, and blossoming with creativity. In these pages you'll find activist trees, magical flowers, feminist fairy tales, climate parables, photosynthesizing human-bicycle cyborgs, revolutionary elves, dazzling space gardens, green witchcraft, and more to delight your imagination. Lovers of cli-fi, solarpunk, hopepunk, and feminist bicycle science fiction will all find something to love here. You'll never see the streets, or plants, around you the same way again.
Featuring stories by Kathryn Reilly, Marta Pelrine-Bacon, Cass Wilkinson Saldaña, Amanda McNeil, Ella P. Francis, Lisa Timpf, Bee Toothman, Kelley Tai, Jennifer Lee Rossman, J.D. Harlock, Kathryn Reese, and Joe Biel.
I have no idea why I’ve been seeing more bicycle-themed collections the last few years, but I’m not complaining! This sounds charming, and I could do with something optimistic to read just now.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Bisexual MC, pansexual genderfluid love interest
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
I locked away my magic and ran from home for a good reason. So why am I ready to undo everything when my demon ex finally tracks me down?
You can’t outrun your demons—McKenna Ellerbeck knows this all too well. She’s been running from literal demons for a decade, one that will stop at nothing to take McKenna’s magic for their own and one that shattered her heart by grasping for dark power. After a horrible run-in with hellhounds on the streets of Paris, McKenna is ready to hide again when she’s confronted by her ex, the Archdemon of Desire Remiel Blake.
Remi, the sexiest of gender-shifting demons, calls in an old debt that McKenna owes her, though unlike other deals the terms of fulfillment are all she needs to do is return to her hometown of Arcadia Commons, Massachusetts, for seven days.
Disgruntled and disguised at her own insistence, McKenna returns home to the magical community, intent on simply staying in her hotel room watching pay-per-view. But with her high school reunion conveniently happening in the same hotel she’s staying at—the one owned by her ex-boyfriend Bastien Lemaire—and her brother mysteriously picking fights with the town’s most prominent witch family, she finds she can’t stay away for long and decides it’s finally time to face her past and the witches, werewolves, demons, and friends she left behind.
If you miss Supernatural, True Blood, or Buffy, you'll love this sexy and magical contemporary fantasy from a marvelous new voice in fiction, Katie Hallahan!
Yay for genderfluid demons! I’ll be interested in hearing what the Buffy/Supernatural fans think of this one, after those comps.
Genres: Adult, Science Fantasy
Representation: Autistic MC
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Luxorian is a dragon without a rider, and that's a problem.
Since ancient times, dragons and riders have worked together to travel the galaxy, which means Luxorian is out of a job. Their rider abandoned them, leaving them with no void rig, no crew, and a whole lot of bitterness.
When Finder-X239, a bot who constantly talks around the truth, offers them a rig and a suspiciously well-paid materials collection contract, Lux has to accept.
But that means assembling a crew, fast, from desperate folk in their backwater spaceport town, including the humans they turned down as replacement riders. And with no rider to be their voice among the crew, the only person who can run this rig is...well...Lux.
Exploring the galaxy rim, Lux and their crew must face hostile wildlife, dangerous weather, and the vast, rig-eating void horrors that hunt through space.
But harder still, Lux must somehow gain the loyalty of the crew even though they are unwilling to give their trust in return. Not all wounds come by way of a claw or fist...
It’s literally called Space Dragons! What more could I ask for???
Genres: Adult, Sci Fi
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Charlie and Parker are punks by night, biohackers by day, living in the stuttering decay of near-future climate-collapse London.
They pay for the beer they don't steal with money from their sketchy astronomy site Zodiac Code, while Charlie's bio-bespoke augments equip the criminals, punks, and eco-warriors of London. They have to deal with disgruntled clients, scene kids who don't dig their band, and a city that's run by corporates and criminals. Their world is split into three factions: Green – who are still trying to save the world; Blue – who try to profit while they can, and Black – who see no hope left.When a group of extremist Green activists hire them for a series of jobs ranging from robbery to murder, Charlie – who struggles to feel anything except Black – wants to walk away. But Parker still believes they can make a difference, and urges her to accept.
As they enter an escalating biological arms race against faceless corporations, amoral biohackers, and criminal cyberpunks, Charlie will have to choose what she believes in. Is there still hope, and does she have a right to grab it?
I think whether I enjoy this one will depend on how bleak it is – hopefully not very?
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
The Devil has escaped Hell, and she’s a four-year-old girl.
God has left this reality, and his final command to Haniel and Michael is to keep their little sister out of trouble. Lucy has been locked behind the play gates of Hell for millennia, punishment for her mischief and miracles gone wrong, but when the angel brothers pop down to collect her, she is gone.
They don’t know it yet, but their little sister is up on Earth with Ms Makewell, a kindergarten teacher of twenty years. The new girl in her class claims to be the Devil, the morning star, the brightest of all angels, and although Ms Makewell has never had a student quite like her, she knows the truth. Lucy is just a little girl in dire need of attention.
But if the lonely Devil wants to make friends, stay on Earth, and not have her brothers lock her back in Hell, she must learn how to control the power in her wings and what it means to be a good angel.
Little Miss Morning Star is the debut novel by Ashley Anthony. A cosy, contemporary fantasy for adults who remember what it was like to want to make friends.
I mean…I’m always interested in weird takes on Lucifer, and this certainly sounds like one!
Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy, Queer Protagonists, YA
Representation: Black bisexual MC
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Monsters and mortals, rejoice! Acheron is back . . .
Though Laure has tried to close the lid on her ballet shoes and the feelings she once held for dance since the Palais Garnier incident two months ago, Laure is spinning out. Between partying, drinking, and avoiding anything and, well, everyone, she has no time to be anything but a monster. But when Laure stumbles across a mysterious dead body during one of her nights out, she’s forced to notice the cracks stretching beyond herself.
Below the streets of Paris, Elysium is dying, and Acheron and Lethe’s influence is spilling into the streets like a blight. Laure isn’t the only of Elysium’s beasts to rise from the ruins of Palais Garnier, and someone is mobilizing an army of monsters with plans greater than Laure, Andor, and Keturah could have ever guessed. While Laure is warring between her wants and Acheron’s ever-demanding appetite, she and her circle of monsters are left to reckon with a not-so-simple how do you save yourself from oblivion?
Jamison Shea's sharp and unflinching voice will bring readers to terrifying new heights in this vicious sequel to the "relentlessly gory and almost euphoric in its embrace of the horrific" (NPR) I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me.
I adored the first book in this series, and am BEYOND eager to get back to these characters!
Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy, Queer Protagonists, YA
Representation: Sapphic MCs
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
There are rules for Voynich Always carry a whistle. Never go alone. Always come home before dark. And if anyone calls your name, don't answer. Because everyone who wanders from the path is never seen again.
Except for Riley Walcott.
Riley knows better than to stray from the trail in the woods behind her uncle Toby's house. But her little sister Sam breaks the rules in pursuit of a local legend, so Riley chases after her and discovers a knife-wielding figure and a waiting grave.
Madelyn lives deep in the forest. Subject to her mother's strict rules, she's forbidden from leaving home or using her magic--but one night, she risks everything to help a stranger who's lost in the woods.
Riley is murdered in a strange ritual, Madelyn uses her magic to resurrect her, and their lives are immediately entwined in the gnarled history of Voynich Woods. Riley, who feels trapped in her small town but too afraid to leave, was never a believer, but now the evidence is taking root under her skin. Madelyn has the scars to prove how terrible magic can be, and longs for a life beyond her mother's grasp. As the legends become all too real, Riley and Madelyn must confront their deepest fears to uncover the truth about Voynich Woods.
That is a cover for sure! Does have me hopeful that this one will be properly dark instead of pretend-dark, though.
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Published on: 12th March 2024
Goodreads
A dark, lyrical fantasy blending the world of the Fae with the stories mothers tell to keep their daughters safe - and the consequences of disregarding the truth, no matter how sinister.
Gemma lives with her mother in an isolated antique shop in Michigan, near a small patch of woods that conceals an enchanted gateway to fairyland. She knows she's not supposed to go into the woods - her mother Virginia has warned her multiple times about the monsters that lurk there - and yet defiantly, curiously, she goes anyway.
Virginia understands her daughter's defiance. She knows the lure of the woods all too well. Her own mother warned her about the monsters that resided there, and she also did not listen. Until a witch cursed her true love, Ash - Gemma's father - into the form of a beast in the days before Gemma's birth. And if Virginia cannot break the curse before her daughter turns fifteen, Ash will eat Virginia's heart and Gemma will belong to the witch. So Virginia will do whatever she can to protect her daughter - even if it means stealing Gemma's memories away.
But everything changes when Gemma inadvertently gets too close to the truth, and the witch steals Virginia away instead. Now it is up to Gemma to venture deep into Fae lands to try and rescue her mother and break the curse.
Told in alternating viewpoints between Gemma and Virginia, this lyrical novel is not only a tale of a girl's fantastical quest through a darkly magical fairyland, but also an examination of the complex bonds of love and resentment that lie between parents and their children.
I really like the sound of this one – I don’t come across a lot of parent/child stories, but it’s something I’d like to see more of. Very curious about what the dynamic will be like!
Genres: Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, YA
Published on: 12th November 2024
Goodreads
Vengeance awaits in the follow up to the epic, award-winning, New York Times bestselling Inkheart trilogy by internationally acclaimed author Cornelia Funke.
Five years have passed since the events of Inkdeath. At last, peace reigns in Ombra where Meggie, Mo, Dustfinger and all the other residents lead a happy, carefree life. But it has been a different story for Orpheus, who after fleeing to the north, has spent his days living a meager and deprived existence fueled only by his thirst for revenge against Dustfinger and all those who betrayed him.
Now Orpheus is willing to use any means necessary to take revenge. Even the darkest spell the ink world has to offer.
When Dustfinger’s deepest fears come true, he’ll have to figure out whether the words still obey him. Or is he the one who should be afraid of the pictures this time…
It’s the US release of the next lnkheart book!!! IF YOU’RE NOT EXCITED YOU’RE LYING!!!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fantasy
Published on: 16th November 2024
Goodreads
Genevieve murmured, ‘We used to be formidable.’
‘You still are,’ said Oliver. ‘You’ve always been.’One year ago, Genevieve McAvey was happily married, surrounded by friends and family, and a premiere member of the renowned Myriad team, using her rare pyrokinetic Art to wrangle rogue Artisans and other dangerous criminals.
Now it’s the summer of the Great Stink and she’s widowed, deeply grieving, heavily pregnant, and barely able to hold on to a single thought or summon any memories of her past happy life. Her mind is full of a fog that prevents her from asking the most basic of questions.
Questions like: Why did her beloved cousins lie to her face when they told her Reuben McAvey was dead? Why has he returned now, just as she is about to undergo her travail? Why has he gifted her a mysterious box that can only be opened by that other Artisan she thought was dead? Why did he abscond with an ancient Art-stealing knife in the first place? Why, exactly, does he think it’s a good idea to annoy an extremely gravid fire-wielder with an ever-shortening temper?
And why, why, does she think she might remember seeing her dear friend Oliver naked?
Genevieve can only face the threats in her present if she can unlock the secrets of her forgotten past. But more than a few surprises lie in wait…
So far every Palmer book has wowed me more than the last, and I am DELIGHTED to be returning to her Artisan setting! Excuse me while I quickly reread book one to refresh myself on all the details!
Will you be reading any of these? Did I miss any releases you think I should know about? Let me know!
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