What is the summer reading challenge? 

How do I sign up? 

How do I earn points? 

How do I earn bonus points?

What are the prizes? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The summer reading challenge is a chance to read YA and NA sci-fi and fantasy books from your own TBR and earn points for yourself and your house team. There will be fun games, author visits, and freebies along the way. At the end of the summer, we will announce the winners and let them choose prizes.

This year, the challenge will run from

June 1st – August 31st

How Do I Sign Up?

We thought you'd never ask! You can sign-up here: https://forms.gle/av3poC63egvQ9ExT8

There is no deadline. You can join at any point throughout the summer. Once you fill out the form, we'll sort you into your house! Look out for an email and a tag on Facebook.

How Do I Score Points?

Read a YA or NA Sci-Fi or Fantasy book, leave a review in the appropriate group, and earn points. 1 Read, 1 Review = 1 Point

Which books count?

• Books must be YA or NA sci-fi/fantasy. (Please note this does not include horror. It is shelved separately. Grimdark fantasy does count.)

• Books must be 200+ pages. You can also combine shorter works into a single post to reach your point threshold.

• Books should be reviewed in the appropriate group. YA books in YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts. NA books in NA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts. Please help us keep the YA group a safe space for younger readers. (Team captains will tally your points from both groups on one master spreadsheet, so feel free to read both types of books for the challenge.)

Any other details I need to remember?

• Use your team hashtag on every post.

• Make sure your review contains a minimum of 3 sentences. It doesn't need to be Shakespearean. Simple is a-okay! (Example: I loved this book and can't wait for the next! Perfect for fans of sword and sorcery. I can't get over that brutal cliffhanger though...)

• You can combine reviews into one post, but each book still needs to have a minimum 3 sentence review.

How Do I Score Bonus points?

More on both of these in detail below.

• Underhyped Bonus

• Theme Bonus

Underhyped Bonus

Read a book with less than 500 ratings on Amazon, and you get one bonus point! No limit. Read as many as you like.

Theme Bonus

For each bonus theme you read, you get one extra point. If you complete 10+ themes, you get an additional ten bonus points. Be sure to add #themeread and tells us the theme at the bottom of your review, so your team captains are sure to count your extra point(s).

FAQ: You can only get one theme point per book. No double dipping. You can only earn a theme point once. No repeats.

1. Emotional Damage (made you emotional/cry) #emotionaldamage

2. Twisted (a book where a trope is twisted) #twisted

3. Squad Goals (fantastic teams, friends, family, found family) #squadgoals

4. Fairy Tale (a book with a fairy tale retelling or theme) #fairytalefind

5. Comfort (cozy, comforting reads or a re-read of a favorite) #comfortreads

6. Avoidance (something that’s been on your TBR for a long time) #avoidance

7. Blind Date (a book recommended to you by another YA SFF member) #blinddate

8. Chonky (longer than 400 pages) #chonky

9. Ship It (a book with your favorite romance trope) #shipit

10. Judge a Book By Its Cover (beautiful cover) #eyecandy

11. Name Game (a book where a character shares your name) #whatsinaname

12. Diverse (POC, LGBT+, neurodivergence, disability rep, etc.) #diverse

13. Teamwork (a book from a multi-author series or an anthology) #teamwork

14. Ongoing (a book from an incomplete series) #moretocome

15. Cliffhanger (a book that ends in a cliffhanger) #cliffhanger

What Are the Prizes?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book YA?

One of the most common questions we receives is… "Is this book YA?" Sometimes, it's hard to decide. YA is a big, beautiful, and ever-evolving space! We (the mod team) want to be sure we are consistent in awarding reading challenge points and removing non-YA posts. We also want the YA group to remain YA focused. So, we've decided to follow the publisher's classification.

IF A BOOK MEETS ANY OF THE FOUR CRITERIA BELOW, WE CONSIDER IT YA (UNLESS IT SAYS 18+ UNDER AGE RANGE).

1. Amazon Subtitle - If YA or Young Adult is written in the subtitle, the book is YA.

2. Amazon Blurb - If YA or Young Adult is written in the blurb, the book is YA.

3. Amazon Categories - If Teen & Young Adult is one of the categories, the book is YA.

4. Amazon Reading Age or Grade Levels - Amazon considers 13-17 to be the age bracket for YA. If the given age range falls anywhere in this spectrum (16+, 14-16, etc), the book is YA. If the grade levels fall between 7 - 12, the book is YA.

If a book's age range is set to 18+, the book is NOT YA even if it meets other criteria.

Are NA books allowed?

Yes! This year all NA (new adult) books are allowed. Please remember to leave those reviews in NA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts. Your points will count toward your overall total exactly the same as YA books.

What is New Adult (NA)?

• The term "new adult" wasn't coined until 2009, so this is a rapidly emerging new space! We'll likely see many changes as it continues to grow and evolve.

• Usually the protagonist is between the ages of 18 - 25

• Romance may include higher steam levels than YA, including on-page sex scenes

• May include more explicit language

• May include graphic violence

COMMON ELEMENTS IN NEW ADULT BOOKS:

• College Students

• New Marriages/Engagements

• Navigating Relationships

• Living with Roommates

• Starting Careers

• In a fantasy setting, some of these thing may look a little different, like a paranormal academy for twenty-somethings, a stolen fae bride, a mortal moving in with a vampire, or a grim reaper being called to their first job.

HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE FOR THE CHALLENGE?

• Books must be sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopian. MCs should be in their late teens or 20s (unless they're a vampire haha). Not erotica.

• When in doubt, ask your team captains.

• Need a rec? Check out our NA Nook here on the blog ask the readers at NA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts for their favorites.

Does This Count?

Do rereads count? Yes.

Do audiobooks count? Yes.

Do ARCs count? Yes.

Do light novels count? Yes.

Do graphic novels or manga count? No.

Does horror count? No.

Does Wattpad count? No.

Does fanfiction count? No.

What is the difference between a light novel and manga?

Light novels are novels from Japan that have a few images in the novel but are actual novels and counts for this challenge. Manga is a Japanese graphic novel/comic that is not a novel and does not count for this challenge.

Happy Reading!

March is here already, somehow! Here are six new releases you need in your life.

A Journey to Power, by Marie-Helene Lebeault

Releases: 1st March

In the land of Eldevon, a group of 13-year-old witches and dragons join forces to prevent the kidnapping of magical children by an enemy kingdom. While attending a magical academy, they go on several quests to prepare for their sacred duty: defending their kingdom.

There's also a boxed set releasing 1st March! Check it out here.

Smoke and Light, by Kristin Ardis

Releases 5th March

The key to a war-torn kingdom’s future lies within the princess' forgotten past. Answers may hide in the forests beyond the gates, but the secrets lurking in the shadows could cost Khara and her kingdom everything. Smoke and Light is an upper YA romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone and Shatter Me!

The Sea Witch's Debt, by Aisha Uroooj

Releases 7th March

Ursula would go to any lengths to gain power, no matter the cost. However, when a handsome general comes into her life, she finds herself behaving differently. Has Ursula truly changed her ways, or is she only fooling herself?

Sorcery and Stagecraft, by Kristin L. Hamblin

Releases 14th March

Sorcery and Stagecraft is a young adult no-spice romantic fantasy about a girl who discovers she has the power to open portals to other worlds. Unfortunately for everyone, her actions set off a pophecy long foretold to be the doom of all worlds. Can a troupe actor, a fae, and a mage apprentice save them all?

Shadows of Orion, by Marie-Helene Lebeault

Releases 15th March

In a universe where alliances spell survival, the cadets face their greatest challenge yet - thwarting a cosmic disaster in the Orion sector. Embark on an interstellar journey with the cadets as they confront a dire threat in the Orion sector.

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice, by Callie Thomas

Releases 22nd March

If she can remove the monster’s mask, she will earn her freedom…but failure will cost her life.

This article was written by Becky James

Becky James is the author of The King's Swordsman series and the Dark Tides series; based in the UK, she has a deep love of the British countryside, canals, and all things fantasy; she devours anything that has magic, swords, good friends and good times.

https://www.beckyjamesauthor.co.uk/ 

What are Kickstarters? Well, Kickstarter is a crowd-funding platform for creatives. Creators pull together project costs all the time, and writers are no exception. Every book costs time and money in terms of editing costs, cover art and purchasing the ISBN, which we don't mind, but there's often very little budget for the cool extras we long to stretch to like chapter header images and character art.

By Kickstarting a project, the creator can bring you the same great project made BETTER. As the Kickstarter progresses, creators often have an initial funding goal (the amount needed to push go on the project) and then stretch goals, for those juicy extras. Commissioning character art, more editions, better looking paperbacks and hardbacks... the list is endless.

But not only that, Kickstarter lets me get close to the creatives and lets me buy not just a book (like from any retailer), but all the cool extras. Signed paperbacks, sprayed edges, superb swag, I'm in bookish heaven! Creators put together their own packages, their own book boxes, if you will. And they can offer more than just physical rewards too, I've seen a short story in your favourite universe written just for you on offer!

A lot of these have limited edition or special edition runs, so when they are gone, they are GONE. Each entry here has a handy-dandy button to take you right to the campaign, so you can click "Notify me on launch." It's a free way to support these authors, as a follow costs nothing, and also makes sure you are the first to know when the campaigns go live!

How to be a Good Villain

This fabulously funny Kickstarter has it all - Special editions for a villain gets the guy, enemies to lovers slow-burn romance with fake dating, magic, and a dash of mayhem.

Running: Jan 15-Feb 29

Why I'm excited: Dalton's campaign is amazing and her updates are just the best. Go and check them out, it's a taste of what the book will be like!

Ivy and Bone

Ivy & Bone Luxe Hardcovers: Hades and Persephone, dark magic, witches, and a spicy fantasy romance—with stenciled edges and gold foil covers!

Running: March 1-16

Why I'm excited: I love me a Hades and Persephone retelling and these covers are just so lush!

Realm of Midnight

There's a bit of everything here - Fantasy romance, paranormal romance, reverse harem and fairytale retellings in four collector's edition hardcovers. If you can't choose between them, then this one is for you!

Running: until February 20th

Why I'm excited: Because I cannot choose and these look like deliciously steamy stories! Yes please!

Chronicles of the Dawnblade: epic fantasy adventure

Action packed and often funny progression fantasy novel series featuring one extremely reluctant hero - signed copies and more!

Running: Until February 15th

Why I'm excited: I love Nicholas' adventures and misadventures and I cannot wait for the next installment!

Fae and Crystal Thorns: Deluxe Signed Fantasy Hardcover

Signed dual omnibus hardcovers with foiled cases and sprayed edges. This complete fantasy series has adventure, romance, and magic!

Runs March 14 - April 5

Why I'm excited: I. Love. This. So much. I need it on my shelves, tout suite.

Dark Tides

Dive into dark tides, fae fantasy romance twisted with Scottish and Welsh legends. Choose either steamy and sweet editions to collect!

Runs: February 26th to March 9th.

Why I'm excited: Well, because it's mine ;) What I think is exciting and different is that there will be two versions to collect: sweet or steamy. Same great story, just that one is fade to black. Do you love star-crossed love stories with adventure and action? Mystery and myths spanning generations? Celtic legends brought to life in a new way by a USA Today Bestselling Author? And you want it swoony and sweet OR hot and spicy, and want to enjoy the story the way YOU like?

Then this campaign is for you!

The Erlingue Trilogy

Get ready for royal rivalries, wizened wizards, siblings teaming up against sinister magic, and an unimaginable darkness rising. The Erlingue trilogy is a complete YA epic fantasy series now with brand new artwork and luxury book boxes.

Why I'm excited: Um, book boxes? Yes please, sign me up!

In conclusion, I love directly supporting the creators making things that I love, and this platform has helped me get closer to them and the stories I love. How about you? Have you backed any Kickstarters? Which ones, and how excited are you for these? Be warned: Kickstarter is addictive! JoIn me!

This article was written by Becky James

Becky James is the author of The King's Swordsman series and the Dark Tides series; based in the UK, she has a deep love of the British countryside, canals, and all things fantasy; she devours anything that has magic, swords, good friends and good times.

https://www.beckyjamesauthor.co.uk/

Happy New Year to everyone!

What are your 2024 reading goals? Did you happen to make a book-related New Year's resolution?

Is your TBR ready for this?? I present YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts official list of 2024's Most Anticipated New Releases!

This list is split into two categories:

• Young Adult books

• New Adult books

Most Anticipated YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books of 2024

Curse and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 4) by Kay L Moody

Release Date: January 9

The battle for the land has only just begun in Curse & Crystal Thorns, the magical and adventurous 4th book in the Fae and Crystal Thorns series.

The king may be vile but finding him is their only chance to save the court.

Chloe embraces Faerie as her home and is more determined than ever to save it from defeat. After discovering and using balance shards to create their own magic, the enemy mortals threaten to take over Crystalfall.

Chloe and Quintus must find a way to stop them. Their greatest obstacle is repairing their own broken bond, so that Quintus’s magic can be restored. Being forced to spend time together is difficult when they’re still angry with each other.

It doesn’t help that they must find a king, who is not virtuous or kind, but he is still their only hope. Without him, the court will be lost forever.

The Court of Crystalfall is made of glittering jewels, and with magic flowing through it once again, it’s more beautiful than ever. But Chloe and Quintus must act quickly to save it, or all will be lost.

A Storm Rises (Bloodlines Legacy Book 1) by Rose Garcia

Release Date: January 13

A Royal Hunt

A Hidden Prophecy

A Destiny Unveiled

Fae Princess Avalynn Stromm is next in line for the throne and will one day rule all of Faevenly. But instead of fussing over ballgowns and suffering through palace politics, she’d rather be out exploring and hunting. Or, better yet, competing in the highly desired Summit Range Hunt alongside the realm’s greatest warriors.

Mateo Vela is a lowborn half-fae living in the dreaded Sublands. He longs for a better life where his family doesn't have to struggle for necessities. So when the High King of Faevenly opens his prestigious hunt to competitors from his province, he has his chance to change his fate at last. But whether that destiny ends in glory or death is yet to be seen.

Before the hunt even begins, whisperings of prophecy and revenge begin to circulate, and Avalynn and Mateo are at the center of it. And when they are thrust into the dangerous hunt, they’d just as soon have each other’s heads than work together…until they are threatened by another challenger and discover there's much more at stake than crossing the finish line first.

Secrets emerge, long-buried rivalries resurface, and Avalynn and Mateo must form an unlikely alliance if they are to make it out of the hunt alive. Not to mention the undeniable pull growing between them neither one saw coming.

Utopia by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Release Date: January 15

A Clean YA Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Adventure

Three extraordinary teenagers, each an outcast in their worlds, unite to reshape the destiny of a utopian society. Ryn, who couldn't adapt to life under the sea, Eira, born above the clouds but unable to breathe the thin air, and Aiden, rejected by the subterranean civilization, embarks on a thrilling journey to Vancouver's utopia. They'll challenge the elders, confront hidden truths, and discover the power of unity in a fast-paced young adult sci-fi adventure that explores the boundaries of human resilience, and the promise of a better world.

Utopia is a What Happens Next? novel developed from the Under the Ice short story.

Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets (Fae Thieves and Crowns Book 2) by Joanna Reeder

Release Date: January 25

Amberle is deep in the competition for Prince Rion’s heart and the crown. And now that Faerie knows her connection to the crown prince, they want to see more of the two of them together.

But can Amberle keep her cover hidden while appeasing the crowds? And will she ever learn enough information to free her father?

Or will Amberle’s secrets catch up to her? And will her heart become an unanticipated casualty too?

Ariadre and the Legend of the Fire Rose by Kristi A. Cole

Release Date: January 27

Ariadre never expected that the last thing her mother would ever say to her would lead her to a mysterious manor in the middle of the woods. Desperate and alone, she finds herself at the mercy of the people that live there.

She quickly learns that it is not just any manor. It is a school for girl that teaches weaponry.

With nowhere else to go, Ariadre decides to enroll in the school. But as time goes on, a darkness creeps in from the forest. People are disappearing without a trace, vicious animal packs are growing, and strange markings are appearing on the trees.

As Ariadre tries to figure out why these things are happening, she discovers that the manor is hiding something- a legendary rose of fire. And when she finds it just days after her sixteenth birthday, she is surprised when its flames don't burn her. Instead, the rose leaves her forever changed and with more questions than answers....

Can Ariadre unravel the secrets of the manor and find the source of the darkness? And can she unlock the power of the fire rose and save her friends before its too late?

Frost Gate: A Retelling of Snow White (Faerie Tale Romances) by Hanna Sandvig

Release Date: January 28

Mirror mirror made of gold,

Here's the story you were never told . . .

I've always suspected some sort of mystery surrounding my adoption—I mean, who doesn't remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at my door yelling that I'm a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill me? That I didn't see coming.

It's hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on your doorstep, so I grab my sword, my cookbook, and my seven chickens (yes, you heard me right), and follow him to Faerie. I'm all for not being eaten by wolves. I'm less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think I'm the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. I'm not powerful or magical, even if my baking skills are legendary.

But the longer I stay in Faerie, the more I want to help its people. And the more time I spend with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more I want to convince him that he's who I need by my side while I do. He'd do anything to protect me, but it's my heart he's putting in danger.

Do I have what it takes to go from baking pies to saving kingdoms? Who will take care of the chickens if I fail?

The Way of Water (Water Witch: A Romantic Fantasy Adventure Book 2) by Toni Cabell

Release Date: February 13

The desert kingdom of Toresz is a dangerous place if you're a woman with a witchy skill—or a man in love with the wrong kind of woman.

When an unexpected guest arrives at the palace with an old claim for the new King of Toresz, Rhees and Solace face a heart-wrenching decision.

Visitors from every land and province are traveling to Toresz for the new king’s coronation. Crown Princess MaudeLyn of Censarra arrives early. A day early, in fact. Forcing her way into the dress rehearsal, she delivers shocking news: according to the arcane laws governing royal marriage and succession, Rhees and the princess are betrothed!

Solace and Rhees part on bitter terms. Homeless and heartsick, Solace begins the arduous journey back to her father’s house. Yet at every stop along the way, the people hail her as the Water Witch Queen.

But when tragedy strikes, and Rhees needs her one last time, will Solace stay and fight for her adopted homeland and their new king?

The Prisoner's Throne (The Stolen Heir) by Holly Black

Release Date: March 5

Prince Oak is paying for his betrayal. Imprisoned in the icy north and bound to the will of a monstrous new queen, he must rely on charm and calculation to survive. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude willing to use any means necessary to retrieve their stolen heir, Oak will have to decide whether to attempt regaining the trust of the girl he’s always loved or to remain loyal to Elfhame and hand over the means to end her reign—even if it means ending Wren, too.



With a new war looming on the horizon and treachery lurking in every corner, neither Oak’s guile nor his wit will be enough to keep everyone he loves alive. It’s just a question of whom he will doom.

Smoke and Light (Rulers and Rebels Book 1) by Kristin Ardis

Release Date: March 5

A kingdom at war.A search for missing memories.And a tangled web of love, loss, loyalty, and lies.

After months of recovery, Khara Laveya is desperate to leave the medical wing and restore the memories she lost in a brutal rebel attack. Her responsibility to her kingdom as future Sovereigna is a looming distraction from reclaiming them.

Torn between duty and desperation, Khara is haunted by a mysterious grove that calls to her in her dreams. Finding the grove may lead to her missing memories, but venturing beyond the city walls is an act of treason. Worse, it risks another encounter with the ruthless rebel forces.

To enter the forest could mean death … or something far more sinister.

The secrets lurking in the shadows could destroy the life Khara has sacrificed so much to rebuild and unravel the kingdom itself.

The Sea Witch’s Debt by Aisha Urooj

Release Date: March 7

Prequel to the Stone Mermaid. Read the story of Ursula, King Brutus, Vladimir, and others, set a thousand years before the sequel

The Thief's Keeper (An Enemy's Keeper Prequel): A Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Medieval Adventure

Release Date: March 22

A runaway thrall. A clever thief. Together, two orphans will defy destiny or fall trying.

In the aftermath of a rebellion against William the Conqueror, northern England lies in ruins, its people scattered and starved.

Aelfric, a 14-year-old thrall, flees from his master and breaks into a cache of stolen laundry. The thief? Aliwyn, a girl his age ostracized for being "cursed."

Forced to cover each other's secrets, Aelfric and Aliwyn form an unlikely friendship...and perhaps something more. They embark on a treacherous journey to Beverly Minster, where Aliwyn believes she'll find the cure for her mysterious condition.

But time is running out. Aelfric's master is on the hunt, and the shadows of death loom ever closer for Aliwyn. Will they find the courage to press on and defy fate, or will their journey end in capture and ruin?

The Archivist and the Knife (Phoenix Empress Book 1) by Clarissa Gosling

Release Date: March 27

Refusing to accept a position under her childhood rival, Samira opts instead to leave the Tindersands Family and take on the role of Imperial Archivist. Thrown out of her home for her betrayal, she must learn more about the role she chose in anger. What had once been an important position, has languished in the decades the Phoenix throne has lain empty.

Tajamar can't understand why she would throw away all she's worked towards because he was chosen first. The golden boy of the Tindersands Family, Samira is the only person to ever challenge him or get on his nerves. Happy the thorn in his side has left, he looks forward to enjoying the favour of his new position.

Meanwhile, servants turn up missing their shadows, ignored by the five families battling each other for supremacy in their Council. The empty throne looms as the prize over them all. Both Samira and Tajamar hunt for an explanation. Can they trust each other for long enough to bring the truth to light?

Exploring the hidden archives, Samira must draw on all her skills to weave a way between the familial politics, crystal magic, and uncertain alliances. Finding herself at the centre of a conspiracy, she must call on friends and enemies to help save the Empire. Before stories that should never have been forgotten repeat themselves.

Do You Know The Muffin Scam? (Once Upon A Rhyme Book 4) by Abigail Manning

Release Date: April 9

What if Drury Lane sold more than just muffins…?

A Once Upon A Rhyme Novella

Mary Lane remembers nothing of her childhood after being found by her adoptive parents, but she’s perfectly content with the life she stumbled into. Every day, she works in her family’s beloved bakery, selling muffins, scones, pound cakes, and, of course, illegal magic stones...

Selling unrefined magic stones is a risky business when you’re not connected to the inner circles of the black market, but the Lane’s Bakery has never had trouble going unnoticed. Their only problem is being too good at going unnoticed, leaving them struggling to maintain the little business they have left. Determined to protect her family’s livelihood, Mary realizes there’s one way to put their bakery business back on the map: connect it to the black market.

The crime lords running the elusive black market could easily support their business and protect them from outside investigation, but how does one sell themselves to an invisible buyer? As Mary hunts for a crack in their walls, an old, distractingly handsome customer makes a reappearance to offer his assistance. Mary would have been thrilled to have her past crush offer his aid, except she’s rather certain he has ulterior motives... Though he is pretty cute.

Will Mary be able to salvage their muffin scam? Or will this handsome new helper get her burned?

Third Name's a Charm: Tales of Trios and Triple Threats (What's in a Name?)

Release Date: April 14

All good things come in threes.

Once upon a time, a group of authors accepted the challenge from a fairy tale name generator. Not just once or twice, but thrice! Volume three of these quirky stories is a collection stories featuring trios and triple threats.

In this clean YA anthology, follow the fates of three IVF-manufactured (oops, sorry, potion-begotten) triplet princesses, be enlisted as the third lucky bodyguard to stave off monsters, see if the third wand works wonders for an unlucky mage, try to discover the true name of a unicorn prince, discover why the magical artefacts come in threes and climb towers with thieves to step into abductions of well-known fairytale characters.

Don’t forget, with the rule of three, there are always exceptions. Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and maybe you’ll be thrice enchanted.

All proceeds donated to a charity in support of reading and literacy.

The Lost Princess by Joy Lewis

Release Date: April 24

Tagline: What if the prince cursed Sleeping Beauty? What if the villain got the girl instead?

Tropes: retelling, anti-hero love interest, touch her and die, disability rep, opposites attract

Song of Siege and Shadows (Book 1 in the Karaphyllon Chronicles) by Claudia Klein

COVER REVEAL!

Release Date: May 2024

Gwynneth is a female Elvish blacksmith, happy to work for her living, no need to marry a male Elf for protection.

When a potential suitor comes knocking at her door, her world shatters. She never intended to marry.

The threat of a dark power running rampant in their world doesn't help matters either.

As the Elves prepare for a siege, Gwynneth must decide whether she will flee the city, as her potential suitor wishes, or if she'll stand her ground and fight alongside the other Elf warriors." Tropes: Elves, arranged marriage, forced betrothal, sweet, slow-burn romance, epic fantasy romantasy, evil overlords, light magic.

Infinite Night by Christina Davis

Release Date: May 8

Infinite Night, the exciting conclusion to the Da'Valia Trilogy. Neva Roberts has embraced her true nature and overcome suffocating guilt from her past, but with war coming to her homeland, will she learn to accept her destiny in time to protect those she loves? Key points - morally gray FMC, chosen one, slow burn, friends to lovers, sacrifice.

Enchanted Skies: Enchanted Series, Book 4

Release Date: May 24

High-flying adventure, magical mayhem, and new horizons are in the air.

Take to the stormy skies on the backs of dragons or the ancient thunderbirds. In this clean fantasy anthology, you’ll soar into fantastic realms and meet creatures drawn from myth and legend. A hippogriff, Pegasus, harpies, and so much more.

Inspired by tales from around the world, these short stories will propel you into adventures of murder, mystery, and vengeance. These award-winning, bestselling, and emerging authors will lift and inspire you and leave you wishing you had wings of your own.

Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & The Olympians series and Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology will adore this collection, where every encounter is a battle for survival and a test of wills.

All profits from this anthology will go to the Red Cross to support hurricane relief.

Most Anticipated NA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books of 2024

The Night Market: A Standalone Forbidden Fae Fantasy Romance (A Bound By Ravens Novel) by Jesikah Sundin

Release Date: January 15

A mortal seer enslaved by a traveling faerie market.

A Raven shifter forced into marriage to save his Caravan tribe.

And a future not even the cards could predict . . .

Some children dream of running away to join the Night Market. I did so to escape a nightmare.

Still, being forced into an overheated tent to read fortunes until sunrise has its trials—naturally. But when he visits me, I suffer for entirely different reasons.

Stars above, Rhylen Lonan is the most beautiful faerie I’ve ever known. A Raven shifter with long black hair, dark purple eyes, and magic that stirs my own. Each Night Market, in exchange for a generous slice of cake and a delicious morsel of gossip, I read him three cards. And before the gates open, he breaks my heart with the same question.

“Does my mate love me back?”

Every time, I'm taunted with visions of Rhylen in love . . . with her. His mate. Until tonight’s reading, that is, when Fate takes a sudden dark turn. I see a devastating fire. He will be forced to marry to save his tribe or face banishment. She will be hunted by other fae in a wedding game.

I do not see her face. I never have. Nor do I know her name.

But as Rhylen’s destiny continues to grip my Sight, I start to suspect it's me. That I have always been his forbidden future. And I don’t know what terrifies me most—that I might be his downfall or that he might be mine.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde Series Book 2) by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: January 16

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore, and has catalogued many secrets of the Hidden Folk in her encyclopaedia with her infuriatingly charming fellow scholar, Wendell Bambleby, by her side.

But Bambleby is more than just a brilliant and unbearably handsome scholar. He's an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, in search of a door back to his realm.

By lucky happenstance, Emily's new project, a map of the realms of faerie, will take them on an adventure to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby's realm, and the key to freeing him from his family's dark plans.

But with new friendships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: January 30

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.

Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

The Love Cure : New Adult Vampire Paranormal Romance by Dawn Brazil

Release Date: February 14

Blood makes her a vampire. Love makes him deadly.

Eighteen-year-old Cherish Armitage's father and brother die in an accident when she is 13. Her best friend, Joshua, helps her pull through the tough times. Five years later, she’s in a horrible collision that kills her mother and her sister and leaves her incapacitated for months. When she awakens, she is imbued with the knowledge of her ancestors.

They’ve made one thing clear: her family's deaths were no accident, and she’s expected to exact revenge for them all. She's the solitary survivor of her bloodline, and shockingly, she's revealed as a vampire—a truth her family kept hidden from her.

Joshua is off limits because he’s in a relationship with their other best friend, but she still throbs in places she’s not supposed to whenever he’s near. Being thrust into living quarters with him only adds to her confusing predicament.

Centuries ago, her family was cursed. Anyone who falls in love dies.

She’s accosted by people she knows and strangers and they demand she surrenders a formula. Those same people die when they don’t get what they want because she has no clue what the formula is.

Trying to quell her growing feelings for Josh while sucking down enough blood that her ever-present ancestors are pleased, but not so much that she turns into an aggressive, hormone-raging vampire, again, is proving near impossible. But if she doesn’t uncover the person responsible for her family’s deaths, her ancestors will make her life worse than the hell it already is. And if she doesn’t give up this formula, someone she cares about will die. And if her heart doesn’t stop wishing for Josh, none of the rest will matter because the love curse will kill her.

The Wolf's Bride by R.L. Medina

Release Date: February 26

Tagline: A feisty witch. An outcasted shifter. A curse that brings them together.

Tropes: rivals to lovers, forced proximity, touch him and die

Passage: A Spicy New Adult Dystopian Romance (Thalassic Series Book 5) by Liz Shipton

Release Date: March 1

Paso a Paso. Step by step.

On the surface, Sargo’s path seems clear: get to Bird. Infiltrate the Exiters. Bring them to justice.

But the way forward could not be more confusing.

Before he can even think about finding Bird, Zenith has to locate the Exiters. And before he can infiltrate them as a spy, Sargo needs to complete training to hold his own in such a precarious situation. Navigating his feelings for Bird, his feelings for Johnny, and his newly liberated identity while simultaneously training to infiltrate the Exiters seems like an impossible task.

Once he does make it inside, the deeper he gets into the organization, the more their rhetoric starts to make sense. Is he falling for their propaganda? Or is Bird right? Are the Exiters humanity’s only hope?

Heart of a Valkyrie (The Vinland to Valhalla Saga Book 1) by Melanie Karsak

Release Date: March 5

Born hearing the call of Valkyries.

Torn between the past and the future.

Destined for a life of adventure.

Greenland, 983 – Freydis was born into a world of conflict. The illegitimate daughter of Eirik the Red and a Norse priestess, Freydis is adored by her heathen father and despised by his lawful, Christian wife. Able to see visions and hear the Valkyries, Freydis is cursed by the zealots of the new faith. Trapped between two worlds, Freydis must chart her own path.

Fleeing to the last heathen stronghold in Greenland, Freydis embraces the old ways. Her heart is quickly lost when she meets the warrior gothi Thorvard. Yet their happiness is soon threatened. To protect Greenland, Eirik’s wife arranges for Freydis to wed a Christian king.

When Leif Eirikson, Freydis’s eldest brother, returns to Greenland with tales of a new land covered in lush meadows, thick, green forests, and fields of grapes, Freydis sees her chance. She will have to navigate the treacherous waters of love, loyalty, and faith to survive.

A Cursed Son (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom Book 1) by Day Leitao

Release Date: March 6

In her dreams, he envelops her in love. In real life, he imprisons her in ice.

Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer.

As a royal decoy, trained to replace the Krastel princess even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love?

And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth.

But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince. Banished for heinous crimes and armed with powerful stolen relics, he’s a wielder of mighty magic and can even infiltrate minds.

It turns out that he is the man in her dreams.

And this is about to get very, very awkward.

A Cursed Son is a fun, sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy for fans of fae, elemental magic, arranged marriage, forced proximity, snarky banter, and dream connection, perfect for fans of enemies to lovers ships such as Reylo, Zutara and Darklina.

Oak & Ember: A Hades and Persephone Romance (Ivy & Bone Book 3) by R.L. Perez

Release Date: March 9

For years, Pandora has sought her revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.

Under the guise of a goddess sent to help, she arrives in Elysium to work with the other deities to stop the box's dark magic from spreading. But it's all a ruse… In truth, she is planting seeds of destruction that will bring Elysium to its knees.

Her ultimate goal is to take down Apollo, the one who cursed her and doomed her to a life of misery. Nothing will stop her—not even his handsome apprentice, Sol.

But when Pandora must work alongside Sol to keep up appearances, she finds the sun god as infuriating as he is seductive, and she falls victim to his charms. As her plan unfolds, she begins to doubt what she truly wants. Bringing down Elysium would mean the end of all gods—even Sol.

Can she fulfill the task she has spent her entire existence planning? Or will her loyalties shift in favor of the gods she is meant to despise?

Oak & Ember is Book 3 of the Ivy & Bone series, a Hades and Persephone retelling with a twist, full of steamy romance, dark paranormal themes, and allusions to Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and A Touch of Darkness.

A Game of Love and Betrayal: an Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance (The Choosing Chronicles Book 1) by Elayna R. Gallea

Release Date: March 13

He requires a wife. She needs to kill him. All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.

What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife?

Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course.

Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is simple: date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.”

Unfortunately, it will not be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women are competing in the Choosing, each searching for their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have made their choice.

Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love.

A Game of Love and Betrayal is the first book in The Choosing Chronicles, a captivating enemies-to-lovers, new adult urban high fantasy romance.

Of Land and Pain: A Little Red Riding Hood New Adult Retelling by Sharlene Healy

The rules to stay alive are simple. Don't go into the Darkgrove Forest. Keep your head down. Don't talk to strangers. When Grandmother falls sick, I cast these rules to the side and venture into the forest. Cian, a devilishly handsome man I just met, guides me. I shouldn't have. A single bite was all it took to turn me into a werewolf. Now, our worlds collide, leaving mine in ruins. Now, my...

The rules to stay alive are simple. Don't go into the Darkgrove Forest. Keep your head down. Don't talk to strangers.

When Grandmother falls sick, I cast these rules to the side and venture into the forest. Cian, a devilishly handsome man I just met, guides me.

I shouldn't have.

A single bite was all it took to turn me into a werewolf. Now, our worlds collide, leaving mine in ruins.

Now, my existence gives rise to an ancient enemy, who intends to destroy all werewolves in Arcanoria. If I want to defeat it, I have to stop running from who I am and who I'm destined to be with. If I don't, the darkness will engulf us all.

Exiles on Earth by Bea Tama

Enemies Ever After: Fairy Tale Retelling Romantasy Series

Release Date: Summer 2024

"Enemies Ever After" is a collection of standalone fantasy romance short novels featuring enemies-to-lovers fairy tale retellings with a touch of steam. The collection is written by an incredible group of bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors.

Calling all Romantasy Readers! Do you love classic fairy tales with a unique twist? Are you a fan of enemies to lovers and happy ever afters with a bit of spice? ❤️‍

Enter a realm where enemies become lovers, and destinies entwine in a breathtaking dance of passion and enchantment. The lines between good and evil blur, and true love emerges in the most unexpected places. These spellbinding stories will weave desire, danger and magic into the fabric of classic fairytales and take you on an enchanted journey you won't want to end.

If you love new twists on familiar stories with slow burn romances and adversaries that become allies, these fairytale retellings will be all you've ever wished for.

What upcoming young adult/new adult books are you excited about this 2024? Leave a comment below and let us know!

This article was written by S. R. Breaker.

S. R. Breaker is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fast-paced, offbeat YA/NA fantasy romance books. She lives in New Zealand with her husband and two kids. Suburban mum by day and author by night, she loves to live vicariously through her characters. They don’t have to vacuum all day long and are almost always guaranteed to survive any fantastical or thrilling incidents, no matter how treacherous she writes them.

With the 12 days of Christmas and all that, twelve is the perfect bookish number for this holiday season. I hope the weather is lovely and cosy where you are, perfect book snuggling weather, but if it's too cold, we have some New Adult releases to help heat things up.

YA Releases

NA Releases

Young Adult December Releases

A Sea of Golden Chains by Callie Thomas

Release date December 1st, 2023

A failed ransom sends Marigold overboard into the turquoise waters, death’s grip too tight to escape. As she sinks into the darkness, her screams echo into a bewitching song, luring a handsome merman to her rescue. Now the ancient magic that saved her chains them together, their destinies and hearts entwined forever.

Wrath and Wraiths by Andrew Claydon

Release date December 4th, 2023

There are only so many times you can upset someone's schemes before they've had enough. Nicolas and his companions are about to find out how terrible wrath can be in the fourth instalment of this epic fantasy series!

I ADORE this series so much, with plenty of found family, adventure and humor, 10/10 recommend!

A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford

Release date December 5th, 2023

Twins Calla and Briar are wolves… but no one is supposed to know that. They’ve spent their lives in hiding, hoping to keep their true identity a secret and hoping to hide away from the evil sorceress who destroyed their kingdom. But when Briar is attacked with a sleeping curse, Calla must come out of hiding and set off on a quest across the realm to save her sister.

This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede

Release date December 5th, 2023

When the gods make the rules, the players must choose: sacrifice their love to save the world ... or choose love and let it burn? This Cursed Light is the heart-pounding sequel to This Vicious Grace - perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber, Leigh Bardugo and Kerri Maniscalco.

Weight of the Crown by Jennifer Willcock

Release date December 10th, 2023

He’s the new king, but someone else wants the throne. Can he protect his kingdom and those he loves?

Loving this cover! Cannot wait to unwrap and see what's inside.

Time Guild by A.M. Scott

Release date December 12th, 2023

When a shady faction in Gov Human decides to take matters into their own hands, Saree, Ruhger and Lightwave’s crew must run for their lives—and the lives of their future children. The adventures of Lightwave Fold Transport continue!

Ghosts of the Crusade by Janna Ruth

Release date December 15th, 2023

Lies, deception, and betrayal — if you thought the living were bad, wait until you meet the dead. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, travel to Paris today to embark on your catacombs adventure.

Believing in the Shifter by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Release date December 25th, 2023

As Kayla and Connor's love blossoms amid the wonders of Santa's mission to deliver hope, they face a choice that could reshape their destiny: revealing the secret world to their families. Can their love withstand a world of enchantment and secrecy?

Could this get any cuter??? Seriously. I'm smashing that preorder button.

New Adult December Releases

Tears of Salt by Sierra Knoxly

Release date December 1st, 2023

The stranger from my hot dreams just appeared at the academy. This ocean monster is here to claim me, and he's still deciding if my three boyfriends live... or die.

I love this series so much! If you love to fall in love, these characters are fantastic guys to do it with (wink), and the slow-burn reverse harem with plenty of polyam love and found family is perfection.

Of Curses and Moonlight

Release date December 5th, 2023

Cursed to live as a swan during the day, Odette is held captive by the powerful sorcerer, Rothbart. She’s determined to do whatever it takes to gain her freedom. But there is a part of her that can't resist the hate-filled desire in the sorcerer's eyes.

This sounds so deliciously dark. Yummy!

Tears of Fire by Sierra Knoxly

Release date December 30th, 2023

The nine-tailed fox wants to suck on my soul like I'm a living juice box, and if that wasn't enough, the rebels against the empire are winning the war. Love ought to be enough to get us through, but war always requires sacrifice. And this time, that sacrifice is me.

Have I told you how much I love this series? Yes? Well, I do, and this installment is literally fire. You will LOVE what happens in it. And look! A boyfriend made it onto the cover! <3

The Answer in Autumn by Kacey Lee and Becky Tama

Release date December 30th, 2023

So this one is releasing in December, but the preorders have fallen through :( Support these scrappy new RH authors by grabbing the first in series, free in KU!

What would you do for $100,000?

All I was supposed to do was break into a house and steal a key. Easy enough considering it's the mansion I'm paid to guard.

Now I find myself on the run from four powerful, deadly, and god-like men. No... seriously... they're the embodiments the four seasons- Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. And they may just be the most beautiful men I have ever seen.

I think I've bested them and am in the clear. That is, until I go through one of the doors in the house and somehow wind up on the other side of the world?

This article was written by Becky James, currently running a Kickstarter for Bea Tama - support a sci-fi romance that's"out of this world" today!

Becky James is the author of The King's Swordsman series and the Dark Tides series. Based in the UK, she has a deep love of the British countryside, canals, and all things fantasy; she devours anything that has magic, swords, good friends and good times.

I happened upon this audiobook in my library's "available now" queue. I recognized Tom Felton (you may know him better as Draco). I picked it up on a whim with low expectations. I was immediately delighted that the actor himself was doing the narration.

The book isn't one of those tell-alls where the actor drags everyone else through the mud. Felton is practically a Hufflepuff here He has so many nice things to say about the other cast members. It was a lot of fun to see all the tidbits, like Dumbledore's penchant for driving himself to set in luxe cars and how Snape planted a fart machine in Harry's sleeping bag in Prisoner of Azkaban.

If you're a Dramione fan, you'll love the intro written by Emma Watson (Hermione). I'll give you a minute to swoon.

I think my favorite part of the book was the look into how exactly they get such amazing performances from children. Apparently, Christopher Columbus tried to keep the set fun. He also tried to cast children similar to their roles. Wait until you hear how Emma Watson and Tom Felton meet. It's positively a Draco/Hermione moment. She's curious, and he's snide. Columbus also tried to get authentic reactions from the children on set. For instance, rather than telling them to look astonished when they walked into the Great Hall for the first time, he just created a fantastic set and refused to let any child onto it until the moment they were rolling. Their looks of wonder were totally real!

We also learn about Felton's family and his life post-Potter. He has some very real struggles and a rock bottom that changes his life.

Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable listen. Beyond the Wand was filled with self deprecating humor and fantastic tidbits about Felton's life, the cast, filming, and fandom.

These are the latest new fantasy releases we are pre-ordering or adding to cart the second they come out. Which ones are on your TBR, and have you found more to entice you?

This post is separated into Young Adult fantasy and New Adult fantasy listicles so you can zoom to the section you prefer. Now settle in and let's get clicking!

Young Adult November Releases

New Adult November Releases

Young Adult Fantasy Releases

Paz by Liz Shipton

Release date November 1st, 2023

It's been a year since Sargo carried Bird out of Zenith headquarters, soaked in her blood. Since then, life has been how he likes it: stable. Orderly. Everything in its place. But the cracks are beginning to show...

I read the NA version so I know what a treat you will get in the YA edition. It's one heck of a fast ride from a post climate change Earth to multiple different versions in the multiverse, looking for Paz's erstwhile girlfriend who may not want to be found. If you're a fan of Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart and Allegra Pescatore's NaCl, you will love this series!

Check out NA version here.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Release date November 7, 2023

When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn't always what we seek.

Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree's Bookshops & Bonedust takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and secondhand books.

I adored Legends and Lattes and cannot wait to re-enter the world again for a second cup! And the fact that this is a bookstore, SWOON! Sign me up.

The Silver Prince by Lyndsey Hall

Release date November 10th, 2023

A soldier who conjures shadows. A princess cursed to dance. A mystery none can solve.

We love Hall's stories and this will be no exception. I love The Twelve Dancing Princesses and cannot wait for this retelling of it.

This is part of a multi-author series, each with sweet romance and HEA. Check out the rest of the series too and find a new favorite retelling of a classic.

Tales of the Mirrors by Sky Sommers

Release date November 14th, 2023

What if all mirrors were portals and wishes were like curses? If you're a fan of Roald Dahl and Sarah Pinborough's twisted tales, this set of five fairytale retellings should be up your alley.

Continuing the retellings is Sommers latest release, a set of short stories. If you're new to Sommers, this is a great way to try out her fresh style.

Defiant by Brandon Sanderson

Release date November 21, 2023

Spensa's team, Skyward Flight, was able to hold Winzik off, and even collect allies to help with the cause, but it's only a matter of time until humanity--and the rest of the galaxy--falls.

Sanderson never disappoints and there are high hopes for the finale of the Skyward. Can I just say, I love how all of Sanderson's worlds are connected? Love me a multiverse and Cosmere situation type deal.

New Adult Fantasy Releases

Paz by Liz Shipton - New Adult Edition

Release date November 1st, 2023

It's been a year since Sargo carried Bird out of Zenith headquarters, soaked in her blood. Since then, life has been stable, but the cracks are beginning to show. Political tension crackles beneath the city's surface, and Sargo is convinced that Bird is hiding things from him. And then there's this wall he cannot stop dreaming about...

No, you're not experiencing a glitch in the Matrix, it's just that Shipton has released an NA version as well. I wish more authors would do this because sometimes I want sweet and clean and sometimes I want ALLLL the spice, and I hate having to choose! Shipton does not disappoint in this installment, all the thrills of the YA version with extra scenes that add to the characterisation. Chef's kiss perfection and a lesson in how to do it!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Release date November 7, 2023

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

This has to be the most highly anticipated fantasy book of the year. After the dragon-back ride of Fourth Wing, I cannot wait to get my grabby hands on this book and no doubt I'll read it in one sitting.

While you're impatiently waiting for the 7th, why not cure your book hangover from Fourth Wing with these similar recommended reads?

Reunion by Dani Hoots

Release date November14th, 2023

A swashbuckling upper NA LGBTQ+ sci-fi western you don't want to miss! Follow Ellie and her friends as they venture through the mountains—escaping danger once again; however, is this place much safer?

This series has the most aaaaaamazing covers. Expect lots of wintery action in book 4 of this swashbuckling series.

System Collapse by Martha Wells

Releases November 14, 2023

Everyone's favorite lethal SecUnit is back in the next installment in Martha Wells's New York Times bestselling Murderbot Diaries series.

Am I making it worse? I think I'm making it worse.

Murderbot has one of the best character voices out there, so of course I am one-clicking this baby into my cart. There's something about taking down corporations that speaks to me...

The Goblin's Bride by R. L. Medina

Release day November 25th, 2023

A grumpy goblin. A witch with baking magic. A recipe that brings them together.

What more can you ask for? This one is so hot off the press it doesn't even have a cover yet. I still can't wait to get my goblin hands on it!

This article was written by Becky James

Becky James is the author of The King's Swordsman series and the Dark Tides series. Based in the UK, she has a deep love of the British countryside, canals, and all things fantasy; she devours anything that has magic, swords, good friends and good times.

https://www.beckyjamesauthor.co.uk/

#1 Howl's Moving Castle

One of my all-time favorites! It has wizards, witches, and whimsy. (Check out the new UK covers on my photo above, total fangirl moment for me!)

#2 Darkest Part of the Forest

I love all of Holly Black's work that I've read so far! A forest on the edge of town, stories of monsters and fae, and a glass coffin.

#3 Sea Witch

I found this one haunting and atmospheric. Bonfires, witches, and a friend that may or may not be truly gone.

#4 Demon's Kiss

FREE! Magic, powerful blood, demons and Nephilim, romance.

#5 Hocus Pocus: Illustrated

For all you Hocus Pocus lovers! I had no idea this book existed until I started researching this list.

#6 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Special edition with paper pop outs and art! Witches and wizards, a whomping willow, family secrets, and paranormal creatures.

#7 A Study in Drowning

On my TBR. The cover is so cool. Dark academia. Sounds atmospheric.

#8 Matchmaker and the Coven

FREE! This one is mine. It reads younger YA, so it's a cute, cozy read you can share with your kids, nieces/nephews, puppy. A meddling teen witch, a seer, a nymph, and a coffee shop.

#9 A Wrinkle in Time

Another of my all-time favorites! A dark and stormy night, witches, a cozy attic bedroom with a dog to warm your feet.

#10 A Dark and Lovely Devastation

Faeries, fated mates, and Irish lore. An anti-hero MC that has some dark power rising inside her, and maybe a little bit of possession to spice it up. Takes place in October. (New Adult)

#11 Gilded

One of the most recommended in this year's Pumpkin Book Challenge. Ghosts, fall festivals, The Erlking.

#12 Welcome to the Fae Cafe

On my TBR! Cozy fall vibes. Plus fae. I'm in.

#13 Splintered

Alice in Wonderland fans in the house? Madness, dark fae, goth vibes, magic.

This article was written by E.V. Everest.

E.V. Everest is a YA fantasy and sci-fi author, best known for her Shadows & Starlight series. Check out more of her work by clicking any of the book covers below.

Happy Spooky Season everyone! Hopefully by now you've got your fall TBR completely in line and you're making a hefty dent by diligently reading a book a week from it and not buying any other books until Christmas.

Obviously, I'm kidding. Who even does that?

While we're on the subject of never-ending TBRs, here are some brand-spanking new releases to add to yours. You're welcome!

The Thief of Souls (Dark Tides Book 3) - October 1st

The third installment in the Dark Tides series, co-authored by USA Today Best-Selling authors Becky James and Becky Tama is a four-character POV fantasy tale with a morally-grey antihero, shapeshifting, secret identities, and control play.

After seven years, Rory is finally closing in on the evil God who stole his love, Darla. But in order to get close enough to rescue her, he'll have to go undercover as the God's assistant. Can he lie convincingly enough to fool a God?

Courage of the Traveler (Traveler Series Book 3) - October 2nd

Toni Binns' third installment of the Traveler series is a thrilling race-against-the-clock that sees MC Betha and her crew fighting their way home from the Mountain Hold against demons and a demon king. Can they stop the evil king before he takes over?

Reign of the Dragon Heir (Dragons of Arcadia Book 2) - October 3rd

This is book 2 in S.R. Breaker's new fantasy romance series, perfect for fans of "Throne of Glass" and "Shadow and Bone." It's a slow-burn, fade-to-black forced proximity romance featuring a fake engagement, hidden romance, a cinnamon roll hero and wannabe enemies-to-lovers. What else? Oh yeah. DRAGONS.

One Dark Night: A Ravenquill Anthology - October 3rd

This heart-stopping collection of short stories features works by J. Ann Curtis, Jordan Wallace, Laura M. Drake, Lenore Stutznegger, Rebecca Yockey, Rose Kemsley and Katherine Dickerson and it's a must-read if you're looking for something spooky for your fall reading. Murder, mystery, outer space, folklore, zombies...these stories run the gambit and will keep you on your toes long after dark!

To Reforge a Destiny (Red Woods Book 2) -October 7th

This medieval fantasy romance from Claire Butler is book 2 in the Red Woods duology. It's a spicy fast-paced adventure for fans of Adrienne Young, Renne Ahdieh and Danielle Jensen, featuring enemies to lovers to enemies, blood magic, revenge, redemption arcs, touch her and die, who did this to you, one horse, multiple POVs, epic battle scenes, and a wood that fights back (!)

Trigger warnings: explicit sexual scenes, mature language, sexual assault, and violence.

A Dark and Lovely Devastation - October 17th

Formerly published as a Kindle Vella series, J. Ann Curtis' standalone fae tale is a steamy, slow burn royalty romance perfect for fans of the Bridge Kingdoms and Bride of the Shadow King. It features fated mates, he falls first, Irish lore, and forgotten love.

Chels avoids faeries after a traumatic incident left her scarred. But when the fae king comes for her to claim her as his bride, Chels must choose between saving herself and saving the faerie realm. Who can she turn to when she can't even trust her own heart?

The Midnight Prince: A Cinderella Retelling - October 27th

Angie Grigalianus' fairy-tale retelling is a standalone, but actually part of a larger, twelve-book series called Once Upon a Prince, featuring fairy-tale retellings from numerous authors. In it, a bitter but swoony fey prince fights for his happily ever after with the girl he's loved for years.

It's a clean romance featuring friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, second chance romance, touch her and die, masquerade balls, morally gray soldiery types, fairy tale retellings, and grumpy/sunshine.

This post was written by Liz Shipton.

Liz is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She's currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into YA and NA sci-fantasy books.

You can find the NA editions of her debut dystopian series Thalassic free in KU, or get the YA versions at her website lizshipton.com

Please enjoy this excerpt from "Reign of the Dragon Heir" by S. R. Breaker. The second book in a new and exciting NA fantasy series "The Dragons of Arcadia."

Here's the description:

✨ "She must marry to save all the realms. He must marry her to uncover an evil plot. Will their fake match find truth before the world ends in oblivion?" ✨

Wilhelmina of the Second House of Dragoncrest, Guardians to the mystical land of Arcadia, needs to get married. Except everyone she betroths keeps winding up dead.

Four years after the rightful Dragon Heir returns, a union is prophesied as the only way to heal the land ravaged by the Curse of the Spheres.

Resigned with her charge, Mina ends up on a wayward mission that brings about a chance encounter in the desert. Will the impossibly handsome, not-charming-at-all stranger she meets change her fate?

Estranged Fae warrior, Callan of the Priori clan has been running from his past. A drifter rogue for hire across the realms, he never expected accidentally rescuing an enchanting but stubborn dragon would lead him to a reunion with an old friend who happens to be the new queen of Dragoncrest.

And the queen needs a favor. Callan must pretend to be betrothed to the dragon princess, thus making him the next target for murder.

Can they uncover the nefarious forces determined to once more destabilize the realms before the reign of the Dragon Heir ends in peril?

Reign of the Dragon Heir has:

❤️‍slow-burn

❤️‍forced proximity

❤️‍fake arranged marriage

❤️‍forbidden romance

❤️‍only one bed

❤️‍cinnamon roll hero

❤️‍wannabe enemies-to-lovers

❤️‍low steam/FTB

❤️‍HEA

A thrilling, slow-burn, tension-filled, fake arranged marriage fantasy romance. Perfect for fans of "Throne of Glass" and "Shadow and Bone."

***

Chapter One

Callan really shouldn’t be spending any length of time in this marketplace at all. It was too big of a risk that he could be spotted by the desert hunters.

Except he couldn’t make his feet walk in the other direction.

He had sensed an unusual aura about in the place.

Rare. Dangerous.

Disguised as running his fingers through his unkempt dark hair, he cast another cautious glance around.

He could already easily identify the several henchmen for the brute warlord Marken, a notorious human he’d heard more or less controlled this area. In as much as they tried to blend in with the townsfolk, every one of Marken’s goons bore the distinctive mark of the scorpion on the side of their neck.

Could the strange aura be coming from them?

Perhaps Marken’s goons had stolen something powerful again. He’d heard of the havoc wreaked last year when they had acquired a bespelled jewel in an attempt to control the waters of the continent. Their mishandling of the artifact almost plunged the entire south east into an endless flood.

Not that anybody could stop them.

There had once been rejoicing across the land when the Spheres were brought down.

But eventually, conflict arose, with human and Fae lords alike feuding amongst themselves, vying for control over territories and resources.

Many even feared that the fragile peace across the land would shatter at any moment and plunge Arcadia into a devastating war.

Tensions running high, it permeated everything like a thick cloud of foreboding waiting to explode.

For the most part, Callan had stayed out of everyone’s business. He didn’t care who he worked for as long as they paid him.

The sun glinting off something shiny struck his eye. Squinting momentarily, he turned to look, and as if on cue, the marketplace crowd parted.

Across the way, the metal accents on a female human’s leather vest had caught the light for a second.

Callan couldn’t see her face but she wore an old horsehair cape hood over her head, moleskin pants over worn leather boots. She struck him as any common peasant girl, but when she reached up to adjust her hood as she wandered along the street, her cape shifted, showing a glimpse of a peculiarly ornate pattern on her tunic.

The mere way she moved was oddly mesmerizing. Her cape swished with her every confident step, the subtle sway of her hips as though she was calling attention to herself—consciously or unconsciously.

Pausing at a particular stall, the girl suddenly seemed hesitant as she lowered her head, then turning with another swish of her cape, she walked away again.

But Callan’s sharp eyes caught it.

The girl had swiped something from the shop.

She was a thief.

And not a very good one.

The stall keeper’s watcher was as eagle-eyed as Callan and, all at once, a burly beast of a man had launched from the back to follow at her heels.

Already groaning to himself, Callan moved to pursue. He was probably going to regret this. He knew better than to get involved in petty thievery matters. But he also knew that particular stall was a front for one of the Marken’s underhanded dealings.

This was not the girl’s lucky day at all.

With a muted scuff, Callan scaled up the side of a clump of adobe buildings and crouched near a roof’s edge to monitor the situation from above as the big goon easily caught up with the girl.

When the man grabbed her arm, her voice quivered in fear.

“I didn’t mean to. I’ll give it back!”

She put up a fight, struggling to get free, but the goon heaved her across the ground and she sprawled back with a squeak.

Her attempt to scramble away scratched at the ground as the big goon’s shadow hovered menacingly over her.

But before the man could step closer, Callan pushed off the rooftop, landing him right between the two of them with a heavy thud and a cloud of unsettled dust.

Even with his gaze still on the ground as he faced the big goon, Callan’s drawl was already tinged with annoyance. “Why are you wasting everyone’s time?”

The big goon spat out. “This is none of your business, dirty elf,” he sneered. “Leave now or my men and I will have to send you back to the Fae lands in a box.”

Callan slid his steely gaze up to meet the brute’s black eyes just as two other giant goons with matching scorpion marks on their necks arrived to flank him.

With much yelling and bustling, the rest of the marketplace vendors and customers began to clear out. They knew their businesses would not fare well once Marken’s goons acquired a target. Carts and tables scraped the ground, money boxes slapped closed, and trinkets clinked as they were put away.

Slapping his associate’s shoulder, the big goon chuckled in airy self-assuredness.

One corner of Callan’s mouth merely curved up in amusement and the goon’s expression transformed into a snarl.

“Oh, do you think it’s funny?” he barked. “Let’s see how funny you’ll think it is when we smash your face in—”

He wasn’t even done pontificating when one of the other thugs let out a yell, rushing at Callan to throw a wild punch.

With a quick spin, Callan landed a strike of his own, knocking the thug down just as another rushed forward, his fists swinging. Callan parried his blows, striking in retaliation, making the thug stumble back.

His face pulling tight with determination, the first big goon let out a displeased roar that echoed against the columns of the temple ruins before he launched himself.

Callan held his ground against an onslaught of heavy punches before delivering a blow that sent the goon sprawling to the ground, tumbling over the others, pushing and groaning in their small heap.

Panting and scowling, the big goon wiped blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His black glower bore through Callan before he met the gazes of the two others. Then he signaled with his chin and the three of them scampered away, albeit loudly muttering curses and seemingly empty threats.

Callan watched the goons retreat in satisfaction.

Too easy. He huffed in satisfaction before turning to tower over the girl who was still sitting on the ground.

But her tipped-up face was red with molten fury. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Callan flinched at her unexpected response. He couldn’t help the pointed incredulity in his tone as he sneered back. “What the hell was I doing? I was rescuing you.”

“You idiot!”

Her shrill voice set his blood boiling instantly. He shot her a dark glare. “Who are you calling an idiot?”

She let out a loud groan of complaint as she jumped back to her feet, spry as anything. “I didn’t need to be rescued. Now you’ve ruined everything!” Her complaint carried well over the whispered swirling of sand about the stalls and shops that had emptied in minutes.

Callan gave the girl a measuring look as she dusted off her clothes. With the hood of her cape having fallen about her neck, her messy, long brown hair fell over her eyes which were just as muddy brown set against her plain features.

“What exactly did I ruin?”

The girl blew out a frustrated breath. “I needed to get into their stupid lair to get back my—” Blinking in alert, she stopped short of her outburst. Her tone evened out as she went on in an almost nonchalant manner. “Just something… A little treasure I’ve been tracking for four years and I’ve only just found it.” She pointed across the empty desert. “It’s stashed away in Marken’s hidden, fortified lair and now you’ve ruined my only chance to get it back.”

A bold plan, he had to admit. This strange peasant girl had been willing to take on Marken’s notorious goons all by herself.

Callan had caught the flicker in her determined gaze upon mention of the object’s value, and despite himself, a shard of guilt poked at his conscience. But he frowned when her calculating, steely gaze met his once again. He could tell she was already scheming something.

Was she going to ask for his help?

She was probably crazy. He would have to be just as crazy to get involved with these dealings. Especially given he was in the middle of completing a job.

Furrowing his eyebrows, he almost flinched at the ridiculous notion. “I’m not going to help you.”

The girl didn’t seem too keen on the idea either. In fact, the wrinkle of derision on her nose indicated everything otherwise. But Callan could tell her wheels were still spinning.

“Then I bid you supply me a better option,” she demanded. Her pointed statement firm, it seemingly gave off a hint as though she was accustomed to always getting her way.

Callan nearly scoffed at her overtly audacious presumption but his response died on his lips. His jaw clenched as he glanced up past the girl’s shoulder.

Noticing his tension, the girl turned to look. “What?”

Abandoned flags of fancier but just as empty stalls danced about with the wind along the circuitous, narrow path that cut through the length of the marketplace as an ominous mirage appeared in the distance.

The dense fog growing closer, a prickly sensation crawled up the back of Callan’s neck in dreaded recognition.

It was no simple trick of light.

He clenched his jaw again as an unswerving mob of Marken’s evil thugs emerged as though out of nowhere.

Their figures shimmered like a heat haze, the air thickening with shuffling footsteps and jangling of crude weapons, menacing bloodlust permeating the very air itself as their mere presence sucked what little life there was from the surrounds.

When he spun around, a mob just as large and foreboding had the entire other way blocked.

Callan cracked his neck in aggravation. Not meeting the girl’s gaze, he adjusted his stance. His prompt was a low rumble. “Can you fight?”

Her voice was hollow. “Not like this.”

He took a determined step before her. “Stay behind me.”

***

"Reign of the Dragon Heir" releases TODAY, October 3rd. Available everywhere in e-book and paperback formats.

CW: Teen-friendly NA. Mild/deity swearing.

This article was written by S. R. Breaker.

S. R. Breaker is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fast-paced, offbeat YA/NA fantasy romance books. She lives in New Zealand with her husband and two kids. Suburban mum by day and author by night, she loves to live vicariously through her characters. They don’t have to vacuum all day long and are almost always guaranteed to survive any fantastical or thrilling incidents, no matter how treacherous she writes them.

Looking for something a little different to end your summer reading with?

Do you love

• spice

• enemies to lovers

• snarky banter

• villain origin stories (where the villain also gets the girl!)

• morally gray characters (like, all of them?)

• forbidden love

• touch her and die

• pirates

• badass women

• high-stakes adventure

• dystopian worlds

Then I may have something for you...

Jameson Briggs grew up in a savage world.

A survivor of the pandemic. An orphan at twelve. A brilliant poet, bullied for his words. A cutthroat pirate, ruthlessly hunted.

But when a disastrous shipwreck leaves him stranded in a foreign city, Jameson finds himself starting over in a world that is savage in a whole new way. Political maneuvering. Deception. Wealth. Beautiful women.

Beautiful, dangerous women.

As his world spirals and he is drawn deeper into the city's web of lies and corruption, Jameson must decide: will he rise above it?

Or will he become a savage?

This is a standalone origin story for the villain in my debut New Adult dystopian series, Thalassic. It features a forbidden-love romance between a morally gray pirate and an equally morally gray rich-man's daughter.

You do not need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book! In fact, this book makes a great entry point into the world!

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains cheating. This guy is a villain. He is morally gray (and it is a pretty dark shade of gray.) There is also a fair bit of violence, some of it against whales.

Learn more at lizshipton.com or pre-order now from Amazon.

You can also follow @lizshiptonauthor on Tik Tok, Facebook, or Instagram for updates!

This post was written by Liz Shipton.

Liz is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She's currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into YA and NA sci-fantasy books.

You can find the NA editions of her debut dystopian series Thalassic free in KU, or get the YA versions at her website lizshipton.com

Is it pumpkin spice season yet again?

As the weather cools down, it's time to find some NEW fantastic young adult reads to cozy up under a warm blanket with. (Then again, it's always a good time for that! Lol.)

Escape to far off worlds, thrilling adventures, and maybe find something sweet too, with our rundown of these 8 sci-fi and fantasy September New Releases list of young adult books (and maybe you'll also catch a special EXCLUSIVE surprise below!)

Just to keep it interesting, I'll start from the end of the month.

September 29th

Jacklyn and the Twisted Beanstalk: A Jack and the Beanstalk Retelling (Autumn Fairy Tales) by Callie Thomas

She has stolen from the king and now must suffer the consequences. He’s an honor-bound guard, forced to uphold the law. Can she wish her way out of this disaster, or will their budding romance wilt before it even has a chance to blossom?

Jacklyn is tired of the injustice and mistreatment of her fellow farmers in the Kingdom of Cadell. After a rash decision nearly banishes her and her family, she does the unthinkable and trades a rare pumpkin for a sack of magic beans. Despite knowing magic is outlawed, she plants them anyway, hoping the beans will grant her heart’s desire.

But magic is unpredictable, and the beans of transformation were more than what she had bargained for, twisting her wish into a nightmare when her best friend Gillian becomes tangled in the vines of ancient magic. Desperate to save him, Jacklyn must climb the beanstalk, search the forbidden tower for a lost item, and return it to the mysterious woman who traded her the beans.

Time is ticking and she doesn’t have a moment to lose. Can Jacklyn complete her quest before the end of the Harvest Ball, when the blood moon rises and kills everything planted in the soil—including her beloved Gillian? Or will the magic destroy her only hope at a happily ever after?

“Jacklyn and the Twisted Beanstalk” is a part of the “Autumn Fairy Tales”, a collection of eight cozy retellings of your favorite fairy tales. Each book can be enjoyed in any order, so snuggle under your favorite blanket and get ready to “fall” in love with the romance, pumpkin spice, and everything nice of these sweet and clean novellas!

September 25th

The Quest for the Kraken's Ink (Defenders of the Realm Book 4) by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Dive into a world where mermaids, krakens, and powerful students collide in a battle for survival. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, witness the extraordinary journey of friendship and sacrifice in "The Quest for the Kraken’s Ink." Will they overcome their differences and find a way to forge peace, or will chaos and destruction consume the underwater city?

As the students settle into the sea base camp, they must learn to survive the harsh winter and master their magical abilities. But tensions rise when a hunting accident involving Vera, Jalena, Icarus, and Xena keeps Wickham occupied. Kaia befriends the mermaids, except for Raven, who elicits fear from them, creating a rift between Kaia and Penelope.

Amidst the turmoil, the mermaid village is attacked by krakens, forcing them to seek refuge with the students. With supplies dwindling and krakens menacingly approaching, the students must adapt, balancing their own needs with the mermaids' demands. A power struggle ensues until Penelope and Raven reveal their destined connection, prompting a choice between unity and exclusion.

But when their winter supplies are mysteriously destroyed, the group is thrust into an underwater city, trapped between vengeful mermaids and relentless krakens. Imprisoned and accused of conspiring with the krakens, the students must unravel the truth about the mistreatment of these intelligent creatures. With unexpected allies and newfound abilities, they devise a plan to communicate and negotiate peace.

In a daring escape, secrets are revealed as Raven and Penelope discover their unique underwater capabilities. With the help of Kaia, Wickham, and Herja, a dialogue between mermaids and krakens is established, paving the way for a remarkable trade agreement. Grateful for their assistance, the krakens provide ink for the witches' spell books, yet Raven's journey is far from over.

Prepare for an enthralling conclusion as the students embark on new quests, deepening their bonds and unraveling the sea's mysteries. The Quest for the Kraken’s Ink is an enchanting tale that captivates your imagination and leaves you yearning for more. Dive into this immersive world and discover the power of trust, compassion, and the enduring strength of friendship.

The Quest for the Kraken’s Ink is the fourth book in the Defenders of the Realm series.

September 21st

Fated Sworn (Fated Born Book 3) by Kristin L Hamblin

He’s a thief. She’s a queen. Fate will make or break them.

Trapped in a gang he cannot escape, Bastien struggles to help his friend work off mounting debt. But no amount of good deeds can erase the sins of Bastien’s past—or change his future. It’s just him and a meaningless life of barely keeping ahead of his bad choices and even worse luck.

That is, until he sees her.

With the kingdom back under her rule, Faelyn must do everything in her power to keep it from falling into enemy hands. Even if that means marrying a hateful foreign prince. When a street thief crosses her path, emotions long dormant stir within her. But a queen cannot marry a commoner, and following her heart carries dire consequences.

Theirs is a love that spans lifetimes, but Fate has not been kind. If Bastien and Faelyn can’t trust they are worthy of that love, more than just lives will be lost. The fate of the world is in their hands.

FATED SWORN is the highly anticipated third book in the upper young adult fantasy series, Fated Born, full of heart-wrenching character growth, magical twists, and forbidden romance. The books are best read in order.

September 20th

Prince Charming (Fantasy Romance Book 4) by Aisha Urooj

Ash Charming’s life was anything but charming. He often felt like his name: Ash. Destined to be nothing. Forsaken to be no one. But a small voice in his head told him otherwise. The voice belonged to his late father, the greatest artist his small town had ever known.

His father’s art had the touch of fae magic, or so they said. When he died in an unfortunate accident, all magic died in Ash’s world. He was dumped into the cruel hands of his uncle.

Was Ash destined for a life of misery, insults, and destitution, or did fate have something else in store for him?

When the princess is kidnapped and taken to the fae realm, only Ash knows the way, as he discovers it in the sketchbook of his late father. What will Ash find once he gets there?

Destinies cannot be stolen, or in Ash’s case, cannot be avoided. Greatness awaits young Ash Charming, whether he is ready for it or not.

September 19th

Alliance: The Societies Book 2 by Sydney Reames

Friends In Danger. Family At Risk. Worlds Set To Fall.

Kena thought Assimilating to one of the Societies’ seven planets and finding a way to save the Earthers who couldn’t was the extent of her problems. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

The villainous Spear group has come out of the shadows and taken over the Hub, the space station that controls travel between all the Societal worlds. They’ve pledged to wage war and exact control over all the planets. Kena doesn’t even know who’s leading them, yet finds herself thrust unwillingly into a leadership role of her own. Add to that the complication of discovering she is Connected to Fell, with no time to explore her new romance with the forest walker.

Kena and her friends manage to return to the Hub, but defeating the Spear and rescuing their victims proves riskier and more complicated than predicted. Kena develops a new and frightening ability that could save them all, but it comes with a cost.

Will she disregard her principles to save those she cares about, or find a way to use her incredible power honorably without dooming them all?

September 18th

Savage by Liz Shipton

Poet. Pirate. Pariah.

Jameson Briggs grew up in a savage world.

A survivor of the pandemic. An orphan at twelve. A brilliant poet, bullied for his words. A cutthroat pirate, ruthlessly hunted.

But when a disastrous shipwreck leaves him stranded in a foreign city, Jameson finds himself starting over in a world that is savage in a whole new way. Political maneuvering. Deception. Wealth. Beautiful girls.

Beautiful, dangerous girls.

As his world spirals and he is drawn deeper into the city's web of lies and corruption, Jameson must decide: will he rise above it?

Or will he become a savage?

September 15th

Royal Spy Institute 1: The Crown Heist (A Young Adult Fantasy) by Elise Hennessy

It was supposed to be a simple heist.

When I trip a magical trap at the end of a routine theft, I’m left to take the fall. Instead of losing my hand, I receive a visit from the headmaster of the local reform school, who makes an offer I can’t refuse: to enroll in the Radcliffe-Stone Institute for Troubled Youth.

I choose to follow him to RSI and don the uniform. Everyone knows an RSI kid from the emblem on our clothes, but they don’t realize the secrets that the school’s four walls hide. The dregs of our society go in and no one questions what happens after the doors close behind us, but I find out firsthand.

RSI is simply a front for the identification and recruitment of spies from a young age and I’m a prime candidate, as long as I can overcome my anxiety and train up a crew from my peers.

We couldn’t be more different: a thief, a geek, a fighter, a wildcard, and a gossip. But when my failed heist comes to haunt me, I’ll need their help more than ever.

The Herald Spy meets Six of Crows in this YA fantasy series in which a former thief uses her skills to become a spy. If you like clever heroines, strong friendships, and found family, then you’ll love Royal Spy Institute!

✨ COVER REVEAL EXCLUSIVE ✨

Here's something SPECIAL! The gorgeous cover of S. R. Breaker's next fantasy romance reveals TODAY! You're one of the first ones to see it. Do you love dragons too?? We gotchu!

Releasing October 3rd

Reign of the Dragon Heir: an enemies-to-lovers epic fantasy romance (The Dragons of Arcadia Book 2) by S. R. Breaker

She must marry to save all the realms. He must marry her to uncover an evil plot. Will their fake match find truth before the world ends in oblivion?

Wilhelmina of the Second House of Dragoncrest, Guardians to the mystical land of Arcadia, needs to get married. Except everyone she betroths keeps winding up dead.

Four years after the rightful Dragon Heir returns, a union is prophesied as the only way to heal the land ravaged by the Curse of the Spheres.

Resigned with her charge, Mina ends up on a wayward mission that brings about a chance encounter in the desert. Will the impossibly handsome, not-charming-at-all stranger she meets change her fate?

Estranged Fae warrior, Callan of the Priori clan has been running from his past. A drifter rogue for hire across the realms, he never expected accidentally rescuing an enchanting but stubborn dragon would lead him to a reunion with an old friend who happens to be the new queen of Dragoncrest.

And the queen needs a favor. Callan must pretend to be betrothed to the dragon princess, thus making him the next target for murder.

Can they uncover the nefarious forces determined to once more destabilize the realms before the reign of the Dragon Heir ends in peril?

A thrilling, slow-burn, tension-filled, fake arranged marriage fantasy romance. Perfect for fans of "Throne of Glass" and "Shadow and Bone."

Note: This is an Upper YA/teen-friendly NA fade-to-black fantasy romance.

What upcoming young adult books are you excited about this fall? Leave a comment below and let us know!

This article was written by S. R. Breaker.

S. R. Breaker is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fast-paced, offbeat YA/NA fantasy romance books. She lives in New Zealand with her husband and two kids. Suburban mum by day and author by night, she loves to live vicariously through her characters. They don’t have to vacuum all day long and are almost always guaranteed to survive any fantastical or thrilling incidents, no matter how treacherous she writes them.

Ready for some new releases that are spicier than your PSL?

It's officially fall! And thank Gods because I am seriously so ready for an excuse to stay inside, drink tea, and do nothing but read for the next six months. (Okay, and obviously we all still have to go to work, take care of our kids blah blah blah, but come on! Let's fantasize for a moment!)

These new adult new releases are the perfect reads to cozy up with this season. Let's dive in and get to know them.

Savage (September 18th)

"I'd rather be a savage with you than be civilized alone."

This is a standalone villain's origin story for the New Adult dystopian series Thalassic. It's a high-stakes spicy adventure featuring a romance between a morally gray shipwrecked pirate and a rich man's daughter with a mysterious past. If you like snarky banter, fast-paced action, diversity rep, and plot twists, this one is for you.

(You don't need to read the rest of the series to read this book!)

Trigger warning: people cheat on each other in this book. There is also violence, some of it against whales.

Team-Building for Friendly Hellhounds (September 21st)

Two hellhounds walk into a team-building exercise...

USA Today Best-Selling author Laura Greenwood has another installment in her light-hearted sweet shifter romance series Obscure Academy. It features a chance meeting between two hellhounds on a team-building weekend that grows into more. If you're looking for upbeat paranormal romance with a guaranteed happy ending, check out this series.

Birth of Resilience (September 21st)

Betrayal strikes deep in bonds forged in friendship and loyalty.

Book two in Stefanie Chu's Knights of the Alliance series is a pulse-pounding speculative fantasy full of mystery, suspense, and epic world building. Featuring a romantic duo whose loyalty to one another is put to the test when secrets about the past are revealed, this book will keep you guessing until the very end!

Flames Like Darkness (September 30th)

Her flames consume. His shadows devour.

This standalone romantasy from Belle Manuel and Angelina J. Streffort is perfect for fans of Blood Heir and Throne of Glass. A dual-POV romance between the heiress to a city who is mistakenly kidnapped and strikes a fateful bargain with her kidnapper. If you're into thrilling fae romance, definitely check this one out.

This article was written by Liz Shipton

Liz is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She's currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into YA and NA sci-fantasy books.

You can find the NA editions of her debut dystopian series Thalassic free in KU, or get the YA versions at her website lizshipton.com

Are you ready for the cover reveal for all ten books?!

“Enemies Ever After” is a collection of standalone short novels featuring enemies-to-lovers fairy tale retellings with happily ever afters and a touch of steam.

Each book is written by a different author but features the same theme. The series is written by: E.V. Everest, Krysta Fox, R.L. Perez, S. L. Breaker, J. Ann Curtis, Jo Holloway, Rebecca L. Garcia, Riley Hunt, Sharlene Healy, B. Luna Covello

✨It's cover reveal time!✨

VEILED IN STARS AND SILVER by J. Ann Curtis, a retelling of Peter Pan, where Wendy embarks on a desperate quest to save her brothers and finds an unlikely ally in the dread pirate Hook...

KISSED BY SONGS OF LILIES by E. V. Everest, a retelling of The Frog Prince, where a princess makes a foolish bargain with a frog and ends up an accidental bride to a Fae prince...

BORN OF BLOOD AND THORNS by Riley Hunt, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where a half-vampire princess flees from a wolf pack but runs right into the clutches of a dragon...

HUNTED BY WOLVES AND SHADOW by Jo Holloway, a retelling of Red Riding Hood, where an unsuspecting witch finds herself trapped together with the wolf who killed grandma…

CARVED IN ICE AND GLASS by R.L. Perez, a retelling of Snow White, where a scorned princess makes a tricky bargain, and a hunter falls in love with his prey...

HIDDEN BY FATE AND MASKS by Krysta Fox, a retelling of Cinderella, where a lost princess must ally with her sworn enemy to save two kingdoms and take back her stolen crown...

BOUND BY WISHES AND RUIN by B. Luna Covello, a retelling of Aladdin, where a daughter of the desert is compelled to strike a deal with an enslaved genie who just might be her destined soulmate...

TRAPPED BY CLOCKS AND HEARTS by S. L. Breaker, a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, where a notorious assassin for the Queen of Hearts captures the heart of a mysterious girl with no memory...

CURSED BY SEAS AND DARKNESS by Sharlene Healy, a retelling of The Little Mermaid, where a mermaid princess is forced to team up with her greatest enemy—a human water mage...

SPELLED BY TRUTH AND TRESSES by Rebecca L Garcia, a retelling of Rapunzel, where the curse of a deadly kiss means she can never find love, until a powerful warlock takes her captive...

Learn more at www.enemieseverafter.com and preorder today. You can also follow us on Kickstarter for early release luxe hardcover editions with slipcase and character art.

Witches, magic, wizards, Martians, curses, secrets, romance—this list contains all the fantasy and sci-fi new young adult reads you'll need to fill out your monthly TBR!

Check out the August 2023 titles (organized by release date):

August 1st

Bring Me Your Midnight

by Rachel Griffin

Tana Fairchild's fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor's son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat.

Tana's coven has appeased those who fear their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe.

Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana's power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive.

As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara

by S. Jae-Jones Magic flickers. Love flames. Chaos reigns. Magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms. Magicians are called an abomination, and blamed for the plague of monsters that razed the land twenty years before. Jin Zhara already had enough to worry about—appeasing her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her own magical gifts under control—without having to deal with rumors of monsters re-emerging in the marsh. But when a chance encounter with an easily flustered young man named Han brings her into contact with a secret magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn, Zhara realizes there may be more to these rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and transforming them into monsters, and the Guardians of Dawn believe a demon is responsible. In order to restore harmony and bring peace to the world, Zhara must discover the elemental warrior within, lest the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.

August 15th

The Wizard (Erlingue Book 3)

by Claudia Klein

A warrior queen, desperately trying to rule two kingdoms at once...

A wizard, newly trained in magic and eager to use his powers for justice...

A hidden darkness, ready to burst upon the world...

Kat and Thomas are preparing to travel to a tournament in a neighboring country when Kat receives a mysterious visitor. She welcomes him at first, then slowly realizes he's not all that he seems.

Despite here doubts, she invites him to travel to the tournament with them. It's an event no one wants to miss.

When trouble strikes at the tournament, it's up to Kat's mysterious visitor, a newly trained wizard to save the day.

But does he have what it takes to fight the darkness?

Mindbound: A Starstruck Novel

by Brenda Hiatt

A harrowing choice. When the vicious tyrant who killed her family escapes from a Martian prison, young Sovereign Emileia must delve into his twisted mind to stop him from wreaking havoc on her people. But is she strong enough to resist the pull of the dark side? Young Sovereign Emileia is increasingly overwhelmed by mounting pressures and responsibilities both on Earth and Mars. On her 17th birthday, she gets a double dose of bad news. Her Regent on Mars has suffered an unexpected complication during what should have been a routine procedure. Then, before she can even blow out her birthday candles, she learns that Faxon, the murderous ex-dictator who killed her family, has escaped from a Martian prison and has yet to be found. Coincidence? Almost certainly not! Though she’s currently millions of miles away on Earth, the Sovereign, known to her friends as M, is determined to do something to help her people on Mars…especially when Faxon starts making threats and wreaking havoc. She comes up with a plan to stop him and feels obligated to carry it through despite dire warnings from her soulmate Rigel and her best friends.

August 18th

A Tangle of Fate (When Wishes Bleed Book 3)

by Casey L. Bond

Two Hearts. One Curse.

Once upon a time, in anger and desperation, a witch cursed Fate. It was not without consequence…

“Some things once damaged, cannot be made whole again. I fear I am one of those things.”

Cursed at birth, Mirren has grown up watching her loved ones suffer with worry, wondering when Death will come for her. Just as she begins to stretch her wings and seek out the future she never thought she’d have by accepting the honor of becoming Cauldron City’s emissary to the Kingdom of Nautilus, the curse takes root and her heart begins to falter…

In a moment of righteous fury, Mirren binds Fate into human flesh so that he will feel what it is to live and love and have it all ripped away. To know pain so deep, nothing and no one can ease it.

She assumes her magic, like her heart, is too weak to do as she commands until the night Fate finds her, rage simmering in his dark eyes as he demands she break her spell. He claims he never knew she existed, proposing that someone or something hid her from his sight, then vows to uncover who is truly responsible for her misery and make them pay for every second. In return, all she must do is unbind him.

If only she knew how…If only her heart wasn’t failing…

Their futures are uncertain, their presents interwoven. When Mirren tries to break the binding curse, she nearly dies, and Fate without his full power is unable to heal her. He must find a way to keep her heart beating, and she must find a way to break the spell. Not all curses die with their makers; some become eternal. The repercussions, should Fate be forever bound, are unspeakable.

August 22nd

Foxglove (Belladonna Book 2)

by Adalyn Grace A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous palace nearby. He's hell-bent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost. Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from wrongful imprisonment if the girls will entertain Fate’s presence. But the more time they spend with him, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide whom they can trust as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

August 28th

A Summer of Courage (Defenders of the Realm)

by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

As they prepare for their journey to the mystical Silver Springs, Wickham's nervousness grows. Amidst the excitement, his family arrives, bringing immense joy to his heart. But something seems different about his brothers, while Tara can't stop talking about it all.

Herja, uncertain about her role with Wickham's family, distances herself from the welcoming ceremonies. Unexpectedly, she encounters King Lantos, the dragon king, who shows her kindness and warmth. Their conversation makes her question her path towards becoming queen.

As the pair set off, Wickham's worry intensifies, leading him and Herja to trail the children for their safety. They keep a watchful eye, maintaining a distance to ensure their well-being.

Together, they face danger and help others, strengthening their bond. Amidst uncertainty about their future, they share their dreams and aspirations. Herja discovers her passion for education and helping others understand neurodivergence, while Wickham supports her wholeheartedly.

Their journey concludes with a heartfelt realization, as Wickham seeks clarity about their relationship. Herja reciprocates his feelings, solidifying their commitment to face any challenges together.

August 29th

A Tall Dark Trouble

by Vanessa Montalban

In contemporary Miami, twins Delfi and Lela are haunted by a family curse that poisons any chance at romantic love. It’s no wonder their mother forbids them from getting involved with magic. When Lela and Delfi receive premonitions of a mysterious killer targeting brujas, however, the sisters must embrace their emerging powers to save innocent lives. Teaming up with their best friend Ethan and brooding detective-in-training Andres, Delfi and Lela set out to catch a murderer on a dangerous hunt that will force them to confront the dark secrets of their family’s past.

Meanwhile, in 1980s Cuba, Anita de Armas whispers to the spirits for mercy—not for herself, but for the victims of her mother’s cult. She’s desperate to rid herself of her power, which manifests as inky shadows and an ability to speak to the dead. As political tensions rise and Anita’s cult initiation draws near, she must make a decision that could change not only her fate, but the fate of the nation.

House of Marionne

by J. Elle

BURY YOUR SECRET OR DIE FOR IT.

Seventeen-year-old Quell has lived her entire life on the run. She and her mother have fled from city to city, in order to hide the deadly magic that flows through Quell’s veins.

Until someone discovers her dark secret.

To hide from the assassin hunting her, and keep her mother out of harm’s way, Quell reluctantly inducts into a debutante society of magical social elites called the Order that she never knew existed. If she can pass their three rites of membership, mastering their proper form of magic, she’ll be able to secretly bury her forbidden magic forever.

If caught, she will be killed.

But becoming the perfect debutante is a lot harder than Quell imagined, especially when there’s more than tutoring happening with Jordan, her brooding mentor and— assassin in training.

When Quell uncovers the deadly lengths the Order will go to defend its wealth and power, she’s forced to choose: embrace the dark magic she’s been running from her entire life or risk losing everything, and everyone, she’s grown to love.

Still, she fears the most formidable monster she’ll have to face is the one inside.

This article was written by Allison Rose.

Allison Rose writes YA fantasy featuring magic and otherworldly beings. Her current series feature a truly unique world of Faerie. Click the covers below to check them out.

Hey friends! There aren't a ton of New Adult releases happening this month, but the ones that are happening are awesome!

Get comfy on the beach or in your back yard, crack open a cold drink and while away a hot, sunny day with one of these new reads.

Long Live: An Elemental Magic Fantasy Romance (August 1)

Since losing her mom and the man she loved, all Isla Belthare wants is peace and quiet. But when an attack on her family forces her to travel to the Aataran mountains, she crosses paths with a powerful elemental being.

When Isla discovers her fate may be entwined in an epic battle against a dark, unknown force, she must choose between protecting her family and sacrificing it all to stop the deadly enemy.

If you like no-spice romance, elemental magic, multiple POV, forced proximity, found family, and anxiety rep, you'll love this book.

A Dance of Blood and Destiny (August 8)

Eighteen-year-old Princess Kaia is done bending to the will of her overbearing mother. She'd rather be open about her love for her forbidden vampire boyfriend than be forced to marry an elven prince.

When Kaia learns the information about her missing father might be found at the Eldritch Trials on the island of Elderton, she enters the deadly games hoping to learn the truth about her father and prove herself a worthy queen.

You'll find forbidden love, African mythology-inspired fae, dragons and a mystery plot in this fantasy tale.

Bound by Honey (August 11)

Sage thought working in a magical library would be a fairytale, but when The Charming Four come around, chaos ensues. With her gargoyle coworker Freddy, Sage must decide whether to get involved with cursed prince Finn's quest for a cure.

If you're into low-stakes enemies to lovers romance with a grumpy prince, sass, charm, and plenty of magic, and are a fan of books like That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, this book is for you.

This article was written by Liz Shipton

Liz is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She's currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into YA and NA sci-fantasy books.

You can find the NA editions of her debut dystopian series Thalassic free in KU, or get the YA versions at her website lizshipton.com

I had so much fun reading this one! Ironically, I read it in July, and it was my favorite book of the summer reading challenge.

Book Review of The Afterlife of Holly Chase

What's the book about?

This one is so high concept, and I was immediately intrigued.

Holly Chase is a scrooge. She was visited by the ghosts of past, present, and future, BUT she refused to change and died shortly after. Now, she is forced to serve as the Ghost of Christmas Past.

What I Loved

I had so much fun with the Charles Dickens references. The characters who work at Project Scrooge are all given code names by their mysterious boss, including Havisham (the main character), Copperfield, and Dorrit. If you're familiar with Dicken's work, you'll get some delicious clues about characters and plot points.

Holly is entitled, rich, rude, and a bit famous. Her dad is a Hollywood director. The entire story is told from her perspective. She also has a difficult past and like all scrooges, a Marley (a bad mentor who has died). At first, she's a bit hard to read, like a stereotype of a Valley Girl. But as the story unfolds, she changes... slowly and believably. Project Scrooge strips her wealth and status. As the Ghost of Christmas Past, her mission all year long is to help her team redeem a scrooge.

This year's scrooge is unusual. Like Holly, he is very young, only a teenager. Their backgrounds are similar. She wants to break the rules. She wants to meet him. Cue the love story I never asked for but became immediately invested in. The slow build and flirty banter is very well done.

What I Didn't Love

The ending wrap-up felt a little rushed. I wanted more of this world. I wanted more explanation of the history of Project Scrooge and the past scrooges. I wanted more romance. If you need a firm HEA romance, this book might not be for you.

Just in case Cynthia Hand ever reads this review, I wish this book was a series. I'd love to read this story from a different POV. I'd also love to read more stories about other scrooges.

This article was written by E.V. Everest.

E.V. Everest is a YA fantasy and sci-fi author, best known for her Shadows & Starlight series. Travel to a glittering, dangerous world with political alliances and ballgowns, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Cinder. Check out the series by clicking the book cover below.

My lack of willpower is not entirely to blame. Bookstores are dangerous places, after all―shelves upon shelves of books whispering for you to trade a few dollars for the privilege of bringing them home where they can join the rest of your unread collection.

But the beauty of a shelf of books with pristine spines is far from the only advantage to having a hoard of books.

There is a certain sensibility to having extra books on hand at all times. A bad day may spark the need for a fantasy adventure. Or, I may be too tired for fantasy and need a sweet little romance to fill my evening. It is my duty as book lover to be prepared for whatever reading mood may strike.

It’s an important part of the readers’ code of conduct. Such things must not be ignored.

Besides, I need a shelf of unread fantasy books. It’s a simple practicality.

Just like my shelf of dystopian books and my shelf of random reads.

A healthy supply of books is a basic necessity.

But what about the long haulers? The books on the TBR pile that have been there for so long they’ve been passed over for reading dozens of times. Or worse, the book all your friends think you’ll love and have thoughtfully gifted you over the years, leaving you multiple copies of the same book on your TBR pile. Copies you have to hide when company comes over so no one will ever know you own four copies of The Night Circus and have never actually managed to read the book.

Have we deprived other readers of joy by hoarding unread books for years?

Do these long-neglected books deserve our apologies?

Or have we given those books a place of ultimate honor in the TBR stack?

They are the anchor books. The greeters of all new arrivals to the shelf.

Welcome. You may be here for years. She often forgets to dust. Be careful! The black cat has been known to viciously bite book spines.

Anchor books never abandon their post, neither to be read nor sent to the great little free library in the sky.

Anchor books are proof that hope never fades.

One day, I will read The Night Circus.

Anchor books are proof that love outweighs practicality.

This book needs a good home. I will love it and place it among my hoard of treasures, even if that means buying a sixth bookcase I have no room for.

Anchor books make cross country moves with us. They survive the dreaded rearranging of the bookshelves when we decide everything must be organized by color―no, size―no…author name.

Though they may forever remain unread, their place in the TBR pile is not unimportant. These long haulers are to be treasured as the elders of the TBR.

So next time you visit your shelf to choose your new read, take a moment to appreciate the permanent residents of your TBR stack. Thank them for the comforting stability of their presence, give them a nice pat on the spine, and don’t forget to offer them a wistful look as you choose a different book to begin.

This article was written by Megan O'Russell.

Megan O'Russell writes YA fantasy and dystopian novels that invite readers to escape into adventure. Whether you're looking to discover fantastic worlds with unlikely heroes or simply yearn for a humorous jaunt through a magical Manhattan, you'll find it all in Megan's twenty-nine novels spanning eight series. Click the covers below to learn more.

Omgosh. So many emotions from finishing this book.. ✨ Dark fantasy, scorching romance, politics, betrayal...

Be warned: "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, a New Adult dark fantasy, is not for the faint of heart. They really should emblazon that content warning somewhere obvious, perhaps at the bottom of the blurb, and like, not buried after the Table of Contents, where it promises:

"Includes war, battle, hand-to-hand combat, perilous situations, blood, intense violence, brutal injuries, death, poisoning, graphic language, and sexual activities that are shown on page."

And it definitely does NOT disappoint.

An instant TikTok sensation, there are many debatable good/bad aspects of this book.

Some people thought the swearing was gratuitous. The value of life was definitely cheap. The audiobook quality was perhaps not the best. And I, like many others, didn't realize this book was SUPER chonky (646 pages!) and it's highly likely I'll never do that again. (Haha.)

BUT apparently I will happily ignore ALL the bad stuff as long you can give me scorching romance and enemies-to-lovers tension like this.

If you have an emotional hangover after reading this book, I don't blame you. In fact, I 100% sympathize. So I've hunted down these fabulous reads with the same totally addictive major story elements from Fourth Wing.

• dragons, shifting or riding or both

• enemies-to-lovers (or wannabe enemies-to-lovers!)

• chosen one

• politics/intrigue/corruption

• war/battle school/academy

• disabled/disadvantaged MC

Without any further ado, I bring to you 13 fantastic books to cure your hangover after reading "Fourth Wing", or its official title, "Fourth Wing: TikTok's newest fantasy romance obsession."

Note: This list is a mix of mostly Young Adult, some Upper YA/low-steam New Adult, and a couple of steamy New Adult, as will be noted with the descriptions.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Set in a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called The Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

She turns to the future in a world that’s falling apart.

For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead….

Stoking The Embers (The Dragon Duels Book 1) by Laura Greenwood

Dragons, politics/corruption, war school/academy in a dystopian society.

Two hundred and fifty people go into the Dragon Duels. One in fifteen come out.

When Raine finds herself part of the quarterly Dragon Duels, she has to do everything she can to survive without losing herself in the process. Teaming up with a volunteer from the White Towers is the last thing she thought she'd do, but Cobalt has the information she needs to live to win, and she isn't about to let that slip through her fingers.

Escaping from the dragons is only half the battle - does she have what it takes to win the rest?

Enchanting the Dragon Lord: Kingdoms of Lore Book Three by Alisha Klapheke

An enemy princess. A cursed prince. A kiss of flame.

When artifact-hunting princess Brielle discovers a rune stone, she unwittingly calls forth a wild dragon bent on destruction. She's ready to slay the beast up until the moment he shifts into a gorgeous man with tortured eyes.

Dorin has no idea what he did wrong, but there is no doubt he is cursed. For the last month every morning he wakes covered in blood with no memory of the night. He fears the worst... And now he's trapped.

Brielle has until dawn to get Dorin out of her father's castle, or heads will roll. Can she outsmart her father's assassins and save the cursed prince?

Or will their forbidden love burn them both to the ground?

Upper YA/teen-friendly NA.

Curse of the Dragon Heir by S. R. Breaker

A headstrong Fae mage accidentally sets a mysterious evil demon free but he may be the key to unlocking her powers…

Second-born of the High Fae mage family of the Priori clan of Arcadia, Soleia was only expected to do certain things. Mind her dull familial duties. Undergo training to master portal summoning, the rarest form of casting among her people. Free a dangerous demon from a fifty-year-old curse and release him into their village -- well, that was an accident!

If only the Priori elders' solution wasn't to bind the evil demon to her to ensure everyone's safety. If only Soleia hadn't been lying about actually having any powers all these years. If only the gorgeous demon's intense gold-red gaze didn't send delicious shivers up her spine.

Soleia can no longer escape her fate. She has to harness her magic, keep the cursed demon at bay, and somehow keep her secret.

But the demon has secrets too. And while Soleia discovers that he is much more than he seems, a decades-long conflict for the fate of Arcadia comes to light. It could also be the key to unlocking her powers...

Upper YA/teen-friendly NA.

Dragons' Daughter (The Wordmage's Tales) by Astrid V.J.

Shifting dragons, a disadvantaged MC, wannabe clean enemies-to-lovers in a dystopian society.

Life in Aeco City is hard. No one knows this better than Fernanda, the orphaned half-elf. After seeing her parents killed by humans and shunned by the elves, she is left to the bitterest of existences. But even the hardiest of pickpockets and shoplifters must have a refuge, and Fernanda’s is at the heart of the city, in a location where she must always stay hidden for if she were ever discovered, she would be put to death. One night, Fernanda faces off a pair of thieves wanting to make away with the consecrated jewels of her sanctuary. Can she stand by and watch as they plunder the last haven she has?

Xavier has been trying to find a way back to Fernanda. Since he left the sanctuary, all he can think about is the “family” he was forced to leave behind. After years of trying, he finally has an opportunity to get back inside and get Fernanda out of danger, but to make it happen, he has to lie to a friend—a lie that risks bringing death in its wake.

Bound By Dragons: A Standalone Fantasy Romance by Alisha Klapheke

I was born to ride dragons and no one can steal my fate...

All half-Fae Tahlia ever wanted was to become a Mist Knight, a dragon riding warrior defending the kingdom's wild north coast. Sadly, she never had the right blood, the right ancestors, the right anything. But when an opportunity to take her employer's place arises, she's willing to risk death by fire and sneak into the tournament that will name the next Mist Knight.

Second in command of the Mist Knights, full-blooded Fae noble Marius prides himself on living a strictly disciplined life. He has his plan: Wed the commander's daughter. Rise to his father-in-law's role when the time is right. But he never saw Tahlia coming...

Tahlia is determined to burn her way into the Mist Knights' world and take that handsome Marius along for the ride.

Upper YA/steamy NA. Please check content warnings.

The Fair Queen: An Enemies to Lovers YA Fantasy (The Fair Chronicles Book 1) by Lyndsey Hall

Enemies-to-lovers romance, betrayal, politics, intrigue galore set amidst war.

Aria is bored of her small town and dreams of a life filled with excitement and adventure. Until an eye-opening encounter at the summer fair sees her ripped from her normal life and thrown into a nightmare.

Dragged through the Veil into the Fair Realm by a strange, silver-eyed boy and his band of fairy soldiers, Aria discovers she is the legendary Fair Queen, the subject of a prophecy that promises to bring an end to the centuries-long conflict between the Five Kingdoms.

With terrifying creatures on their heels, and a tyrannical king who will stop at nothing to prevent the prophecy from coming true, Aria will have to rely on her wits if she’s to escape the Fair Realm with her life.

But can she resist the charms of her dark and mysterious captor, or will the fae prince steal her heart?

Songs of the Piper: The Complete Series by Alice Ivinya

Dragons, clean enemies-to-lovers, war games, politics, with a disabled MC.

Adelaide is the only person unable to hear the Pied Piper’s music, and so the only one immune to his spell.

Now she and her blind friend must risk everything to free the children trapped in an eternal dance. But to rescue them she must face the Heartless Queen, who will do anything to keep them, and survive her twisted games.

Adelaide finds she has no choice but to trust the man she should hate and hope he is not playing games of his own.

If she fails, the children will be lost forever.

Where Shadows Lie (The Last Gift: Arc One Book 1) by Allegra Pescatore

Disabled since childhood, Elenor was content to live in her brother’s shadow, besting her cousins at cards and sneaking her girlfriend into her room at night. Now she’s next in line for the throne and beset on all sides by factions out for blood. With time ticking down until someone manages to kill her too, Elenor will be forced to choose between accepting her father’s despotic rule or risking everything for her late brother’s lofty ideals.

Meanwhile, from the rainy streets of Lirin to the scorching dunes of the Mondaer Desert, the death of the Chosen One has inadvertently broken a chain of events five centuries in the making. Ancient forces move in the shadows, calling in debts and striking deals. A monster with a thousand faces fingers his knife, ready to kill, and a pair of fugitives run for their lives, unaware of the danger they carry with them.

Upper YA/steamy NA. Please check content warnings.

Salt: A New Adult Dystopian Romance by Liz Shipton

Disabled FMC, secret government plot in a dystopian society, snarky banter, and plenty of spice.

Bird Howsley is a drunken sailor with a knack for making bad decisions.

Unfortunately, she lives in a brutal dystopian water world where survival depends on being a strong sailor and making smart choices.

Bird has one lifeline: her level-headed sailing teacher, Sargo Paz. He's a second-generation immigrant working hard to prove himself, and for reasons Bird can't fathom, he seems to like her.

But when a cryptic message from her dead brother sets Bird on a mission to find answers about her past, one reckless act puts her and Sargo in the crosshairs of a dangerous underground organization that wants them dead.

Forced to flee their hometown, they sail into the Salt—where close proximity and harrowing seas stir up turbulent feelings, and they discover that the organization they’re running from runs deeper than they know…

Upper YA/steamy NA. Please check content warnings.

Sowing (The Purification Era Book 1) by Angie Grigaliunas

Gritty, rebellion, low spice enemies-to-lovers, secrets, and political intrigue.

For Ariliah, life under the militarized Hulcondans is one of order and safety. Despite the soldiers’ ruthless policies, she trusts their judgment. They alone provide protection from the enemies lurking beyond the city wall.

For her older sister, Rabreah, every glance from a Hulcondan is a threat. Though even a whisper against them is treason worthy of death, Rabreah is determined to end their tyranny. Joining an underground resistance is her only hope – until she realizes she doesn’t know the people she’s aligned herself with at all. Unsure who to trust but unable to back out, she must work alongside the attractive yet infuriating rebel leader who reminds her far too much of the soldiers she hates.

But with subversive posters appearing throughout the city and people dying on the blade of an unknown assailant, the sisters’ world begins to crumble.

And as the line between friend and enemy blurs, both girls must face the truth: everything is about to change.

Upper YA. Please check content warnings and triggers.

Then I highly recommend you read this one:

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Spensa's world has been under attack for hundreds of years. An alien race called the Krell leads onslaught after onslaught from the sky in a never-ending campaign to destroy humankind. Humanity's only defense is to take to their ships and fight the enemy in the skies. Pilots have become the heroes of what's left of the human race.

Spensa has always dreamed of being one of them; of soaring above Earth and proving her bravery. But her fate is intertwined with her father's - a pilot who was killed years ago when he abruptly deserted his team, placing Spensa's chances of attending flight school somewhere between slim and none.

No one will let Spensa forget what her father did, but she is still determined to fly. And the Krell just made that a possibility. They've doubled their fleet, making Spensa's world twice as dangerous . . . but their desperation to survive might just take her skyward . . .

I honestly can't get over how similar the plot of "Skyward" is to "Fourth Wing" (minus the spice, of course) but maybe that's just me. Lol.

So have you cured your Fourth Wing hangover yet? Let us know in the comments if you found any other books that help!

This article was written by S. R. Breaker.

S. R. Breaker is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fast-paced, offbeat YA/NA fantasy romance books. She lives in New Zealand with her husband and two kids. Suburban mum by day and author by night, she loves to live vicariously through her characters. They don’t have to vacuum all day long and are almost always guaranteed to survive any fantastical or thrilling incidents, no matter how treacherous she writes them.

Hey friends! It's that time again: time to learn about all the spicy/fun new adult new releases that are coming our way this month!

This month's releases are as hot as the weather outside, so let's waste no time and dive right into them (and then maybe go take a looooong cold shower to cool off!)

Vampires in Wonderland Box Set (July 6)

The complete Vampires in Wonderland Series in one collection full of dark fantasy and romance. This NA box set includes Maddie, Chess, Knave, and the prequel short story Rav.

Tensions rise when the Queen of Hearts threatens to take down Maddie and Noah's sisters, putting both their worlds in peril. They must combine their strengths to bring their enemy to her knees and protect their hearts … or risk losing them.

If you love spicy romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, hot vampire males, and strong female leads, then you won't want to miss this box set.

Call of the Traveler (July 9)

Betha is still mourning the loss of her mother when a war council meeting takes a jarring turn. A terrified gargoyle appears, begging for help in his realm where angels and demons are battling while innocent lives are caught in the crossfire.

You'll find found family tropes in this portal fantasy.

Bound by Ravens (July 14)

All I had to do was steal a ring from a mainland witch for the Thieves’ Guild that owned me. Easy enough, right? The reward would bring me closer to earning my freedom. And stars above, I wanted off this floating luxury island.

But then he showed up, a cocky thief from a rival guild, and ruined all my plans.

This new adult romantasy features a medium burn romance between rival thieves to lovers, along with forced proximity, who did this to you, grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, and fated mates tropes.

Fight for Darkness (July 18)

Technical knockouts are MMA fighter Kane Macleod’s trademark move. His match tonight proved that point again. He has two more fights, then he’ll leave the cage for good. But first, he needs to see that his mother and sister are set for life.

This first-in-series features a badass FMC and tortured MMC, and is a dark urban fantasy with witches and dragons. Trigger warnings: rape in a character's past, PTSD, violence.

Within Immortal Beasts (July 18)

There’s something wrong with the werewolves. Turning rogue without rhyme or reason, immortal predators are stalking human prey. If the outbreak of violence continues, their hidden society risks exposure to humankind.

This third-in-series features an alpha male and underdog heroine as fated mates. Trigger warnings: The heroine comes from an abusive relationship.

Slaying the Shadow Prince (July 20)

Drue Emmerson, noblewoman-turned-ranger, wants one thing: vengeance. With her family slain by the vicious shadow wraiths, she’s determined to defend her fallen kingdom. And that means carving out the hearts of every dark creature she can find.

If you like fiery heroines and tortured heroes, as well as forced proximity, found family and touch-her-and-you-die vibes, you will devour this sexy, addictive fantasy romance.

The Fae's Bride (July 24)

Alessia has more to worry about than the handsome new count everyone is fawning over. Mama's health is declining, the villa needs repairs, and then there are her four sisters who always seem to be either in trouble or causing it.

With his Fae blood, Massimo never expected to inherit the title of count, nor the lands that accompanied it, and he certainly never expected to fall for the town's quirky witch—especially when she clearly wants nothing to do with him.

Within this gaslamp fantasy realm, you’ll find witches, fae, warlocks, house elves, he falls first, forced proximity/star-crossed romance and more.

All That Glitters is Not Gold (July 25)

Fifteen centuries before the catastrophic and world-altering event known as the Sundering, the Realm of the Sun is ruled by the mighty Fae kingdom of Valenhaar, where humans are enslaved and killed for sport.

At her coronation, an ominous prophecy is uttered about Crown Princess Janella, signaling a time of change and upheaval. A series of events puts her in close proximity with a human servant who possesses a dark secret.

If you love enemies to lovers, tragic romance, forced proximity, chosen one, and Fae vs human tropes, you'll love this standalone fantasy book.

This article was written by Liz Shipton

Liz is a freelance writer, indie author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She's currently sailing around the world with her boyfriend and her dog, turning her real-life adventures into YA and NA sci-fantasy books.

You can find both YA and NA editions of her debut dystopian series Thalassic free in KU.