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Book cover of Legends & Lattes

jeff3

From Jeff's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Unknown Author Why Jeff loves this book

Seeing the "other side" of adventurers, when the main characters have grown weary of battling monsters, fetch quests and escort missions, the sleeping on the cold hard ground and just want a change of pace in their life. What is an adventurer to do when they retire the adventuring life? They open up a business of course!
The trials and tribulations of starting a business, especially one no one has heard of in a new town and seeing the world from the eyes of a shop keeper who has hung her sword up (quite literally) over the bar, instead of from the battlefield.

By Travis Baldree ,

Why should I read it?

28 authors picked Legends & Lattes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

High fantasy, low stakes - with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream - for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can't go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune's shady underbelly could make it all…


Book cover of The Beast Within Me

Lyra R. Saenz Author Of Scherzo

From Lyra's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Lyra's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Lyra R. Saenz Why Lyra loves this book

The Best Within Me is an emotional rollercoaster.

A woman running from her nature as a werewolf has to confront the fear she has of herself and choose whether to be with the human she has wanted to marry for several years or if she wants to throw that normal life away to be with the handsome hunk of a werewolf she meets while on the run.

I love this story because it isn't just a romance novel. There's blood and gore, murder and mayhem. It's an illustration of what women go through when the standards of society view them as pretty pictures rather than living, breathing flames that can and will burn you should you try to put her out.

By Beau Lake ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Beast Within Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The pack's roots are buried beneath the dunes...
Ama Chilton is the matriarch of the Wharton wolves: unfathomably old and impossibly strong. But, she wasn't always Angus' packrat granny with a penchant for muumuus.
After the bloody end of both World War II and her relationship, Ama Chilton abandons the Big Apple in search of what she's never had: a wolfpack, a family.
Wharton-and the Cove Motel-was just supposed to be a rest stop on her journey south. That is, until she meets Rafe, a handsome Alpha. Rafe has just returned from the Pacific Theater, and is haunted by what…


Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Book cover of Spirits Abroad: Stories

Dale Stromberg Author Of Melancholic Parables: Being for the Antiselving Reader

From my list on little stories that link to tell big stories.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I drafted the pieces which eventually comprised Melancholic Parables, I had no plan. Only upon arranging them into a collection did I discover that, surprisingly, they shared emotional moods and thematic elements. In other words, I had stumbled into a linked collection. Writing a single big story is no small feat, as is writing small stories which each intrigue and delight in their own right—but to create and arrange multiple small stories so that they aggregate into a big story, one greater than the sum of its parts (in ways sometimes counterintuitive, sometimes virtuosic) is a special storytelling skill which I think these five authors’ work exemplifies.

Dale's book list on little stories that link to tell big stories

Dale Stromberg Why Dale loves this book

As an immigrant to Malaysia, I can attest that the delightful stories in this collection are electric with Malaysian spirit.

The magic in these tales is literally magic, sometimes whimsical, sometimes discomfiting, imbued with warm and ironic wit. The throughline linking the stories is that they focus either on experiences of the uncanny in Malaysia, or the uncanny experiences of Malaysians abroad.

The included story “If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again” won a Hugo award, but my personal favourite may be “The Terra-cotta Bride.”

By Zen Cho ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Spirits Abroad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the LA Times/Ray Bradbury Prize

Nineteen sparkling stories that weave between the lands of the living and the lands of the dead. Spirits Abroad is an expanded edition of Zen Cho's Crawford Award winning debut collection with nine added stories including Hugo Award winner "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again." A Datin recalls her romance with an orang bunian. A teenage pontianak struggles to balance homework, bossy aunties, first love, and eating people. An earth spirit gets entangled in protracted negotiations with an annoying landlord, and Chang E spins off into outer space, the ultimate…


Book cover of Pantomime

clare1

From Clare's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Unknown Author Why Clare loves this book

I think found family might be my favourite trope of all! Pantomime has it in spades, along with a fascinating setting and an absolutely unique character in Micah. Great queer rep, of course, and a really interesting story.

By L. R. Lam ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Pantomime as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

'A VIBRANT TALE' LEIGH BARDUGO ON DRAGONFALL

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Dragonfall comes the first in a gaslamp fantasy trilogy about a circus aerialist's quest to escape his past and decipher the magical prophecy that will shape his future.

🎪 In a land of lost wonders, the past is stirring once more . . . 🎪

When Micah runs away from a debutante's life at home and joins the circus, he harbours two secrets. One: he was born between male and female. And two: he may have powers last seen in mysterious beings from an almost-forgotten age.…


Book cover of Emma and the Love Spell

Erin Becker Author Of Crushing It

From my list on LGBTQ+ romance for middle school readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love writing stories for young people in that “in-between” age: age 12, 13, and 14, when kids are figuring out who they are and who they want to become. For many young people, crushes are a huge part of this coming-of-age process—I know they were for me! When I was this age, there weren’t many books that explored crushes and the first romance for LGBTQ+ kids. I’m thrilled to be part of a wave of authors writing these stories now. And I’m so excited for a future where we have a wealth of books about the joy, heartbreak, and humor of all kinds of young love.

Erin's book list on LGBTQ+ romance for middle school readers

Erin Becker Why Erin loves this book

I really enjoyed this fast-paced story, which features the perfect combination of relatable, everyday themes and a magical twist. I had fun watching the suspense build as Emma uses her secret powers to try to keep her best friend from having to move away.

Things quickly spiral out of control—and Emma ends up having to reveal more secrets than she planned. The story cleverly explores the experience of feeling different from everyone around you, whether that’s being a young girl with a crush on another girl, or an adoptee who doesn’t look like their parents, or secretly being a witch. While Emma wrestles with all of this, the story doesn’t lose its lighthearted feeling.

By Meredith Ireland ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Emma and the Love Spell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Witchlings meets The Parent Trap in this contemporary fantasy about a girl who tries to use her fickle witchy powers to keep her best friend (and secret crush!) from moving away.

Twelve-year-old, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has a problem. Two problems. Okay, three:

1. She has a crush on her best friend, Avangeline, that she hasn't been able to share
2. Avangeline now has to move out of their town because her parents are getting a divorce
3. Oh, and Emma is a secret witch who can't really control her powers

It's a complicated summer between sixth and seventh…


Book cover of So This Is Ever After

Jess L. M. Anderson Author Of Mercy's Light

From Jess' 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jess' 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jess L. M. Anderson Why Jess loves this book

This book had me wanting to smack these idiots. During my read through I repeatedly begged with them to kiss, stop being oblivious, and that they needed to stop being so dramatic. 5 stars. A great breath of fresh air and break from the heavier novels on my TBR this year.

By F.T. Lukens ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked So This Is Ever After as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

Carry On meets Arthurian legend in this funny, subversive young adult fantasy about what happens after the chosen one wins the kingdom and has to get married to keep it...and to stay alive.

Arek hadn't thought much about what would happen after he completed the prophecy that said he was destined to save the Kingdom of Ere from its evil ruler. So now that he's finally managed to (somewhat clumsily) behead the evil king (turns out magical swords yanked from bogs don't come pre-sharpened), he and his rag-tag group of quest companions are at a bit of a loss for…


Book cover of Domesticated Magic

Domesticated Magic by Wendy Palmer,

Mateo Taurasi and his family fled their island home when their people turned to sorcery. Mateo’s own magic is tame but it’s still banned in the Vaeringan Empire...and his family still use it every day in their cosy teahouse. The last thing they need is an Imperial barging in to…

Book cover of The Women Could Fly

Jordan Rosenfeld Author Of Fallout

From my list on subversive women standing up to powerful men.

Why am I passionate about this?

Reading was my one true refuge in a childhood marked by uncertainty and chaos, which was also my gateway to writing; I wanted to create the kinds of stories that also saved me, and I found the novel to be my form. Fortunately, I grew up a feral GenXer in Northern California in the 70s and 80s, before computers and video games were handheld, with plenty of time to dream. I was drawn to fierce and outspoken characters, girls and women standing up against powerful forces, and parallel or alternate realities where bad guys are beaten. I hope you’ll find power and inspiration in the badass protagonist of these books! 

Jordan's book list on subversive women standing up to powerful men

Jordan Rosenfeld Why Jordan loves this book

Witches and women and underground societies? Yes, please! I love this book, which explores the idea that the very qualities that often make women so special—their sensitivity, empathy and ability to connect to nature and others—is often seen as a threat by men in power.

Disagreeable, independent, outspoken women have long been called witches—what would it look like if they actually were? That kept me reading until my eyes were red and sandy and rooted for the protagonist who fears her own power as much as she craves it.

By Megan Giddings ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Women Could Fly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'For fans of Margaret Atwood' Elle
'Thoughtful...wry, magical' Guardian
'brimming with wonder' Raven Leilani, author of Luster

Josephine Thomas has heard every conceivable theory about her mother's disappearance. That she was kidnapped. Murdered. That she took on a new identity to start a new family. That she was a witch. This is the most worrying charge because in a world where witches are real, peculiar behaviour raises suspicions and a woman-especially a Black woman - can find herself on trial for witchcraft.

But fourteen years have passed since her mother's disappearance, and now Jo is finally ready to let go…


Book cover of Girls of Paper and Fire

Robyn Dabney Author Of The Ascenditure

From my list on women who challenge the patriarchy.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up as a total tomboy in the early 90s, I naturally gravitated toward traditionally male-dominated sports, jobs, and hobbies throughout my life. Despite encountering instances of sexual harassment and sexism along the way, I had strong role models and books with fierce main characters to turn to for support. I have always been passionate about women claiming their power, which is why I love writing about and reading stories that center on this theme.

Robyn's book list on women who challenge the patriarchy

Robyn Dabney Why Robyn loves this book

I loved how this book portrayed women supporting each other instead of succumbing to hatred and jealousy. The book handled so many delicate topics beautifully. I wish I had the space to share them all.

One such element was the nuanced portrayal of women’s responses to sexual abuse, highlighting the complexities of victimhood and power dynamics. The entire story is profound, thought-provoking, and a must-read for those seeking YA feminist literature. 

By Natasha Ngan ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Girls of Paper and Fire as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

The mesmerising New York Times bestseller!

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honour they could hope for . . . and the most demeaning. This year, there's a ninth.

And instead of paper, she's made of fire.

'A timely reminder that, in the right hands, the fantasy genre has things to say about injustice and abuse of power in the real world' Guardian

Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by…


Book cover of The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps

Polly Schattel Author Of The Occultists

From my list on modern fantasy for people who dislike modern fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Polly Schattel, and I’m a novelist, screenwriter, and film director. I wrote and directed the films Sinkhole, Alison, and Quiet River, and my written work includes The Occultists, Shadowdays, and the novella 8:59:29. I grew up loving fantasy—Tolkien, Moorcock, Zelazny—but phased out of it somewhat when I discovered writers like Raymond Carver, EL Doctorow, and Denis Johnson. Their books seemed more adult and more complex, not to mention the prose itself was absolutely transporting. In comparison, the fantasy I’d read often felt quite rushed and thin, with get-it-done prose. I drifted away from genre fiction a bit, but dove back to it with my first novel, the historical dark fantasy The Occultists.

Polly's book list on modern fantasy for people who dislike modern fantasy

Polly Schattel Why Polly loves this book

The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps, Wilson’s debut work, is another wonder among wonders.

It feels like an epic fantasy, but instead of following more Viking-blonde heroes with their magical swords, we’re following hired mercenaries to escort a caravan through dangerous lands.

And instead of the usual fantasy worlds descended from the Western European Middle Ages, we’re in one influenced by re-colonial Africa.

There are magical jungles and magical tigers, and violence and death, and an LGBT love story between smart, dedicated men.

It’s a character study worthy of a literary novel, but the love of words, and the masterful inclusion of various dialects, particularly a kind of medieval hip-hop slang, makes this a truly fascinating read.

By Kai Ashante Wilson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of Wired's Twenty-Five All-Time Favorite Books

Critically acclaimed author Kai Ashante Wilson makes his commercial debut with this striking, wondrous tale of gods and mortals, magic and steel, and life and death that will reshape how you look at sword and sorcery.

Since leaving his homeland, the earthbound demigod Demane has been labeled a sorcerer. With his ancestors' artifacts in hand, the Sorcerer follows the Captain, a beautiful man with song for a voice and hair that drinks the sunlight.

The two of them are the descendants of the gods who abandoned the Earth for Heaven, and they will…


Book cover of The Midnight Man

The Midnight Man by Kevin Klehr,

Disappointed with life and his faltering relationship, forty-nine-year-old Stan is charmed when he meets a younger man named Asher—in his dreams. Asher grants Stan an irresistible gift: the chance to be five years younger every time they meet. As their connection deepens, Stan knows he can’t live in Asher’s dreamworld,…

Book cover of White Trash Warlock

Amara Mae Author Of Pack of Secrets

From my list on urban fantasy with kick-ass world building.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a bit of an anomaly in the author world because I didn’t find my passion for reading until I was a newly married adult. My husband, who is the coolest geek ever, introduced me to the DragonLance Chronicles, opening my eyes to the wonder that is the fantasy genre and turning me into an insatiable reader. It’s taken more than ten years to craft my own urban fantasy world, outline my first 6-book series in the world, and write the first book, but none of that would have been possible without the urban fantasy trailblazers listed above. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have! 

Amara's book list on urban fantasy with kick-ass world building

Amara Mae Why Amara loves this book

Although White Trash Warlock has fantastic world building and a fresh, unique take on supernatural people and creatures, it was the feels in this book that did it for me. I love a wounded protagonist, and the way Adam fights to live life on his own terms while still helping the family that doesn’t support his sexuality or his magic tugs on all my heartstrings. 

By David R. Slayton ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked White Trash Warlock as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Finalist for the Colorado Book Award

Reading the West Book Award Nominee for Debut Fiction

“The complex world-building, well-shaded depictions of poverty, emotional nuance, and thrilling action sequences make this stand out. Slayton is sure to win plenty of fans.”--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on White Trash Warlock

Not all magicians go to schools of magic.

Adam Binder has the Sight. It’s a power that runs in his bloodline: the ability to see beyond this world and into another, a realm of magic populated by elves, gnomes, and spirits of every kind. But for much of Adam’s life, that power has…