Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli (Storm Breaker book 1)

“For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.” - taken from Goodreads.

This book has all of the things that I am looking for in a great story and is the perfect mashup of The Hunger Games and Divergent. Poet is hiding a secret that will get her killed if it is discovered. Determined to get out from under her father’s control, she soon discovers that her choices have far reaching consequences that she never imagined. When the mysterious outsider Rook becomes the one person she thinks she can trust, turns out to be hiding secrets of his own, Poet makes the decision that she hopes will save her life. With plenty of romance, mystery, and intrigue, readers will be left waiting on the next book after a true cliffhanger ending.  Definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year!

Book two is expected to be out on Sept. 1, 2026.

Visit Nisha J. Tuli’s website.

The Beasts We Raise by D.L. Taylor (The Broken Citadel book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Beasts We Bury, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Newly-appointed Prime Mancella is desperate to keep the peace within her realm and within herself. Having recently acquired the power to physically split into separate versions of herself, her identity is beginning to fracture―along with her land, which is on the brink of war. The only semblance of normalcy in her life is her budding romance with thief-turned-confidant, Silver. . . at least until the mysterious Prime Reltas arrives at her doorstep asking, or rather demanding, her hand in marriage.

If Mance wants to avoid a fight that will devastate her realm, she’ll have to consider the proposal. Even if it destroys Silver. But Mance isn't ready to give up just yet. Desperate to free herself from the betrothal, Mance must seek allyship from other Primes and learn to control her new magic. If she fails, her decision to refuse Reltas's proposal will implode the delicate state of affairs across the realms, setting off a catastrophic war―and shatter two hearts in the process.” - taken from Goodreads.

Even though this is the second and final book in the duology, this book reads like a separate story in which you already know all of the characters. This volume contains the POV of both Silver and Mance, as well as four different personalities that Mance can split off with the magic she claimed from her cousin. It is a race against time for everyone as Mance tries to keep from an arranged marriage as well as keep peace between the other Primes. A great ending to the story.

Visit D.L. Taylor’s website.

His Mortal Demise by Vanessa Le (The Last Bloodcarver book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Last Bloodcarver, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Kochin is a heartsooth -- a rare being with the ability to heal any wound. Any wound, that is, except death.

Intent on defying nature and bringing Nhika back to life, Kochin keeps her body in a life-preserving casket and waits for a miracle. Stricken with grief and descending into madness, Kochin realizes the answer to his desperate quest can only lie in one place: Yarong, the lush yet battle-ridden island the first heartsooths called home.

Months later, Nhika wakes in a familiar manor-house, with Kochin nowhere to be found. As she traces his footsteps across Theumas, she discovers the haunting path he walked to bring her back, and a world changed by war.

When Kochin discovers the true and grisly way to resurrect a person from the grave, he must decide exactly how much he is willing to sacrifice, in order to reunite with the woman he loves…” - taken from Goodreads.

Told between Kochin six months ago and Nhika in the present time, this story was slow to wrap up until the end.

Visit Vanessa Le’s website.

The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor (The Broken Citadel book 1)

 

SPOILER ALERT/WARNING!The main character is forced to kill animals against her will. Be prepared.

“Will he steal her heart... or her chance at the throne?

Daughter and heir to the throne, Mancella Cliff yearns for a life without bloodshed. But as a child, she emerged from the Broken Citadel with the power to summon animals—only after killing them with her bare hands. Her magic is a constant reminder of the horrors her father, the ruler of the realm, has forced upon her to strengthen their power.

Silver is a charming thief struggling to survive in a world torn apart by Mancella’s father’s reign. When a mysterious benefactor recruits him for the heist of a lifetime, a chance to rob the castle, Silver relishes the opportunity for a real future—and revenge. But he'll have to manipulate Mance and earn her trust to pull it off.

As the deception and carnage mount, Mance must find a way to save her realm without becoming the ruthless monster she's been bred to be. And when Silver discovers that his actions are fueling the violence that Mance wants to prevent, he'll have to choose between his ambition and the girl he’s falling for.” - taken from Goodreads.

Mancella just wants out from under her father’s control. Forced to slaughter animals against her will to harness their powers, she is trying to find a way to save their realm before she becomes just like her father. When she begins to place her trust and heart with the one person who is working against her, can she change the situation before it is too late?

Silver is ready to change his future after the destruction wrought by Mancella’s father to his life. Working against Mancella with a secretive supporter, Silver soon realizes that he and Mancella both want the same thing. Can the two come to an agreement and work together before it is too late?

Book two is TBA.

Visit D.L. Taylor’s website.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn (Legendborn Cycle book 3)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Legendborn and Bloodmarked, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first book.

Check out Simon Teen if you need a refresher of the first book.

Check out Simon Teen if you need a recap of the second book. 

“Severed from the Legendborn. Oathbound to a monster.

Bree Matthews is alone. She exiled herself from the Legendborn Order, cut her ancestral connections, and turned away from the friends who can’t understand the impossible cost of her powers. This is the only way to keep herself—and those she loves—safe.

But Bree’s decision has come with a terrible price: an unbreakable bargain with the Shadow King himself, a shapeshifter who can move between humanity, the demon underworld, and the Legendborn secret society. In exchange for training to wield her unprecedented abilities, Bree has put her future in the Shadow King’s hands—and unwittingly bound herself to do his bidding as his new protégé.

Meanwhile, the other Scions must face war with their Round Table fractured, leaderless, and missing its Kingsmage, as Selwyn has also disappeared. When Nick is detained by the Order’s Merlins, he invokes an ancient law that requires the High Council of Regents to convene at the Northern Keep and grant him an audience. No one knows what he will demand of them...or what secrets he has kept hidden from the Table.

As a string of mysterious kidnappings escalates and Merlins are found dead, it becomes clear that no matter how hard Bree runs from who she is, the past will always find her.” - taken from Goodreads.

Several new characters are introduced and some secrets are uncovered in this massive tome that I thought was the conclusion to this series. Nope, with that ending, book four is on the horizon.

Book four is to be determined.

Visit Tracy Deonn’s website

Powerless by Lauren Roberts (Powerless trilogy book 1)

 

“She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting.

He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be.

Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.

The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.

Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.

When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is—completely Ordinary.” - taken from Goodreads.

I LOVED this book that reminded me of a mashup between Throne of Glass and The Hunger Games. Paeydn is just trying to survive in the Loot. Unknowingly saving Prince Kai brings her to the attention of the kingdom and a place in the Purging Trials. As an illegal Ordinary, her secret is in danger of being exposed, especially by the most powerful Elite in the kingdom, the very prince she saved. As the Trials continue, Paeydn and Kai are continually thrown together and find their feelings becoming more complicated. With a few twists and uncovered secrets at the end, readers will be ready to read the next book.

I actually read Powerless as a tandem read with the novella Powerful. 

Book two, Reckless, is now out.

Visit Lauren Roberts’ website.

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace (Belladonna book 3)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Belladonna and Foxglove, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first book.

“Blythe Hawthorne has never let anyone tell her what to do—not society, not her overprotective father, and certainly not the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. In fact, she’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that her life in his palace is anything but a fairytale. But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite…and to discover the truth about who she really is.” - taken from Goodreads.

The last book in this trilogy tells the story of Blythe and the deal she made with Fate. Trying to make the best of the situation, Blythe finds herself drawn to Aris as a haunting realization starts to occur to her. Signa and Death do play minor roles in this book. The ending was a huge surprise to me and felt a bit rushed but overall was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Visit Adalyn Grace’s website.

Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto (House of the Dead book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Bonesmith, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Wren is still reeling from the revelation that the mother she thought was dead is actually the Corpse Queen, a ghostsmith with the terrifying power to control the undead. It was Wren’s own mother who created the iron revenants—an army of near unbeatable undead soldiers. When the iron revenants attack, no one in the Dominions will have the strength to stand in their way.

Now Wren, Leo, and Julian find themselves once more in the Breach, this time on the run from Wren’s father, who is determined to secure more power for himself and the House of Bone. The three are desperate to stop the upcoming war, but working together is easier said than done with Julian still furious about Wren double-crossing him. And to make matters worse, Wren is plagued by powerful new abilities that force her to reassess everything she knows about being a bonesmith.

When Wren’s long-lost twin brother shows up and vows to help her destroy the well of magic that feeds the iron revenants, she must decide if trusting him is worth potentially playing right into their mother’s hands.

After all, the dead might be dangerous, but it’s the living who can betray you.” - taken from Goodreads.

Wren and Julian try to fight their growing attraction to one another while discovering life-altering secrets that threaten to destroy what's left of their home while trying desperately to save it. With the help of a few friends along the way, can Wren dismantle the well of magic and restore balance back to her world? A fantastic conclusion to this duology.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto’s website.

Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto (House of the Dead book 1)

“Ready your blade. Defeat the undead.

In the Dominions, the dead linger, violent and unpredictable, unless a bonesmith severs the ghost from its earthly remains. For bonesmith Wren, becoming a valkyr—a ghost-fighting warrior—is a chance to solidify her place in the noble House of Bone and impress her frequently absent father. But when sabotage causes Wren to fail her qualifying trial, she is banished to the Border Wall, the last line of defense against a wasteland called the Breach where the vicious dead roam unchecked.

Determined to reclaim her family’s respect, Wren gets her chance when a House of Gold prince is kidnapped and taken beyond the Wall. To prove she has what it takes to be a valkyr, Wren vows to cross the Breach and rescue the prince. But to do so, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with one of the kidnappers—a fierce ironsmith called Julian from the exiled House of Iron, the very people who caused the Breach in the first place…and the House of Bone’s sworn enemy.

As they travel, Wren and Julian spend as much time fighting each other as they do the undead, but when they discover there’s more behind the kidnapping than either of them knew, they’ll need to work together to combat the real danger: a dark alliance that is brewing between the living and the undead. - taken from Goodreads.

This book is what happens when unbeknownst to them, two sworn enemies must come together to say the kidnap Prince and discover along the way that everything they believed in was untrue. Determined to win back her place and her family, Ren must forge an alliance with Julian in order to rescue Prince Leo. It doesn't take too long before things heat up between the two of them as they uncover secrets that threaten to topple everything they were led to believe. With an incredible cliffhanger ending, readers will be clamoring for the next book.

This series concludes with Ghostsmith due out on August 13, 2024.

Visit Nicki Pau Preto’s website.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le (The Last Bloodcarver book 1)

“Nhika is a bloodcarver. A cold-hearted, ruthless being who can alter human biology with just a touch. In the industrial city of Theumas, she is seen not as a healer, but a monster that kills for pleasure.

When Nhika is caught using her bloodcarving abilities during a sham medical appointment, she's captured by underground thugs and sold to an aristocratic family to heal the last witness of their father’s murder.

But as Nhika delves deeper into their investigation amidst the glitz of Theumas’ wealthiest district, she begins to notice parallels between this job and her own dark past. And when she meets an alluring yet entitled physician's aide, Ven Kochin, she’s forced to question the true intent behind this murder. In a society that outcasts her, Kochin seems drawn to her...though he takes every chance he gets to push her out of his opulent world.

When Nhika discovers that Kochin is not who he claims to be, and that there is an evil dwelling in Theumas that runs much deeper than the murder of one man, she must decide where her heart, and her allegiance, truly lie. And -- if she's willing to become the dreaded bloodcarver Theumas fears -- to save herself and the ones she's vowed to protect.” - taken from Goodreads.

Nhika is known as a bloodcarver but she prefers the term heartsooth. Basically she is able to alter human anatomy through touch. Purchased by a wealthy family to heal the last living witness to the murder of their patriarch, she soon discovers that she is in more trouble than she ever thought. Finding help from the one person Nhika never suspected or trusted, can she help solve a murder before she becomes the next victim? Readers will be eagerly anticipating the final book after that jaw dropping ending.

Book two, His Mortal Demise, is out March 18. 2024.

Visit Vanessa Le’s website.

Never a Hero by Vanessa Len (Monsters book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Never a Monster, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick.

But her success has come at a terrible cost.

She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.

When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in.

As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.

Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.” - taken from Goodreads.

Joan changed the timeline and now nothing is the same. Neither Nick nor Aaron know who she is or what she has done. Only a few remember what happened in the previous timeline and someone is out to get Joan and the power she has but doesn't understand. With few to help her navigate the world of Monsters, Joan is determined to make things right. But what she soon finds out is that there is someone more powerful who is trying to right the timeline to what they think it should be. Who is Joan up against and what does she discover? 

Book three is expected in 2024.

Visit Vanessa Len’s website.

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams (The Forge & Fracture Saga book 1)

 

“Sixteen-year-old Joan Sands is a gifted craftswoman who creates and upkeeps the stage blades for William Shakespeare’s acting company, The King’s Men. Joan’s skill with her blades comes from a magical ability to control metal—an ability gifted by her Head Orisha, Ogun. Because her whole family is Orisha-blessed, the Sands family have always kept tabs on the Fae presence in London. Usually that doesn’t involve much except noting the faint glow around a Fae’s body as they try to blend in with London society, but lately, there has been an uptick in brutal Fae attacks. After Joan wounds a powerful Fae and saves the son of a cruel Lord, she is drawn into political intrigue in the human and Fae worlds.” - taken from Goodreads.

A historical fantasy that centers around the reign of King James I, it is up to Joan and her friends to stop the wayward Fae from taking over London before it is too late.

Book two, Saint-Seducing Gold, is due out April 30, 2024.

Visit Brittany N. Williams’ website.

Debating Darcy by Sayantani Dasgupta

 

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that Leela Bose plays to win.

A life-long speech competitor, Leela loves nothing more than crushing the competition, all while wearing a smile. But when she meets the incorrigible Firoze Darcy, a debater from an elitist private school, Leela can’t stand him. Unfortunately, he’ll be competing in the state league, so their paths are set to collide.

But why attempt to tolerate Firoze when Leela can one-up him? The situation is more complicated than Leela anticipated, though, and her participation in the tournament reveals that she might have tragically misjudged the debaters -- including Firoze Darcy -- and more than just her own winning streak is at stake…her heart is, too.” - taken from Goodreads.

I'm probably one of the few people who hasn't either read or watched Pride and Prejudice, but I'm quite familiar with the characters and plot. In this modern day spin on Jane Austen's classic, the story is set around a high school forensics circuit. A charming story where “Elizabeth”, Leela Bose, must overcome her past experiences with racism, Leela is Bengali, and see beyond her own prejudices, to see the real Firoze Darcy. 

Visit Sayantani Dasgupta’s website.

Ballad and Dagger by Daniel Jose Older (Outlaw Saints book 1)

 

“Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York.

While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo--now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)--is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago.

But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew.

Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself--a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland.” - taken from Goodreads.

San Madrigal is the Atlantis of the Caribbean. After it suddenly sank, the mismatched group of refugees settled in the Little Madrigal community in Brooklyn. When a long held secret has no choice but to be revealed, Mateo Matisse's life is turned upside down. Enter Chela Hidalgo who has a secret of her own. When the some of the residents believe that the island of San Madrigal can be raised, Mateo finds himself at the very heart of the plot. Who can he trust and who will betray him? 

Book two is expected in May 2023.

Visit Daniel Jose Older’s website.

Only a Monster by Vanessa Len (Monsters book 1)

“It should have been the perfect summer. Sent to stay with her late mother’s eccentric family in London, sixteen-year-old Joan is determined to enjoy herself. She loves her nerdy job at the historic Holland House, and when her super cute co-worker Nick asks her on a date, it feels like everything is falling into place.

But she soon learns the truth. Her family aren’t just eccentric: they’re monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers. And Nick isn’t just a cute boy: he’s a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to bring them down.

As she battles Nick, Joan is forced to work with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family that hates her own. She’ll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . .

. . . she is not the hero” - taken from Goodreads.com

This was an incredible start to a planned trilogy. Summer is going great for Joan, especially when her cute coworker Nick asks her out on a date. But the day doesn't begin as she hoped when a strange occurrence finds that Joan has traveled forward in time and missed her date. Arriving back at home, her grandmother tells her the truth about the family. They are monsters with the ability to steal time from humans to travel in time. Shocked by this news, Joan is warned never to tell anyone the truth about herself. 

Wanting to explain to Nick why it seems she stood him up, they are interrupted by the sudden arrival of a rival monster family. Trying to save them both, Joan finds herself in the middle when Nick reveals that he is the fabled hero whose destiny is to kill all monsters. With her family dead, Joan is determined to change the timeline to save her family and stop Nick. 

Book two will be published in 2023.

Visit Vanessa Len’s website.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

 

“Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually.

As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything--including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he's only just met.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it's that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?” - taken from Goodreads.com

This book started out super slow for me in that I wasn’t quite sure why Evie is given the power and tremendous responsibility of seeing the lifespan of the relationships of couples she sees kissing. Once she and X really hit it off and things around her house become clearer, the story really took off only to break my heart into a million pieces at the end.

Visit Nicola Yoon’s website.

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me book 6)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first five books in the Shatter Me series, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first four books in the series.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first five books in the series.

“Hello, World. You Won’t Forget Me.”

"Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on."- taken from Goodreads.com

Wow! When an end to what was originally built as a trilogy but continued the story of Juliet Farrar’s over six books. I was a fan from the beginning and I enjoyed seeing where her story took her. after the cliffhanger ending from book five, this final installment is told from Juliet / Ella and Kenji. Action-packed throughout the book, long time fans will be eager to see how the story ends. 

Visit Tahereh Mafi’s website.