December is full of gifts... namely new releases and many debut novels! At The Crafty Bookstore we want to help recommend a broad range of reads to not only challenge you to try new genres but also books we think will live up to the hype! These novels are in no particular order in terms of ranking but this month we are going to start with the debut authors because we all love when new voices take that first step into the world!
Between Roses and Evergreens by Liliana Longoria
This debut romantasy will steal you away with fae, beautiful world building, magic and giftings, and loads of secrets that just keep unfolding. Add in the reluctant allies to love interests, and there is much more to come in the sequel. The main character embarks on an unexpected mission, but is forced into forming a whole new plan as truths come to light. One of our Owner's was able to ARC read this book, and is very excited for its' release and of its' subsequent novels!
Untethered by Gloria Bottleman
This gothic fantasy debut, set to be part of a duology, will send you straight into a dark and dreary world with a main character stuck with a cruel past and a crueler present. All while unearthing a deathly mystery that is spreading rapidly. You'll be entranced by the mystery and romantic tension between the main character and the unexpected helper she gains, and the nagging need to know what is behind this cruel death. One of our Owner's was also able to read this book as an ARC!
In the Light of the Crystal Dawn by Cary Ash
The debut fantasy mixes the contemporary world with a hidden realm of angels and demons sure to send you for a wild ride. When life goes from ordinary to another world, the main character is left with questions and as the truth unfolds there is something much greater and scarier at play that threatens everything. One of our Owner's was able to read this novel as an ARC also and this novel is just the beginning of a series.
Broken Tides by A.M. Denelsbeck
An apocalyptic setting that plunges the reader and main character into a world of survival and pirates? This debut takes fantasy and tosses it into a realm like Waterworld and Pirates of the Caribbean. ARC readers, which one of our Owners was one of, describe it as descriptive, with tension and romance and character development they could feel the pains of.
The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall
While Hall is not new to the author game, she is making her debut in the romantasy world. Her novel promises monsters, witty banter, reluctant allies to lovers, and so many unexpected plot twists she clearly didn't leave her suspense skills behind on this one. ARC readers described it as new and refreshing and a unique perspective including memory loss as a major plot component.
Trouble Island by Sharon Short
This multi-novel author took a step away from cozy mysteries and dove into the world of historical suspense. This debut in the genre is inspired by a real island and bits from the authors' real family history, what could be more intriguing. Well let's add in it has gangsters, money, rivalries, secrets, and a murder, oh and we can't forget a storm.
Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson
Let's be honest this one hardly needs much described, because it is book five in the Stormlight Archive series and frankly Sanderson has a cult following, and for good reason! This book promises a continuation of the epic fantasy of the battle between good and evil, and the lengths the main characters must go to in order to bring about some form of freedom and salvation will be tested.
The Party by Natasha Preston
Tension, build up, and secrets are what make Preston novels a staple in the YA Thriller genre, not to mention her cliffhangers are to die for! Get it, cause sometimes someone does at the end and sometime you do because it finished you off instead? Well anyway, The Party offers just that a party among teenagers at a castle, but things go wrong, someone ends up dead and the rest is chaos as it unfolds! While there are mixed reviews on this from ARC readers, lovers of Preston's style all seemed to agree it was another top notch delivery.
A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon
The sequel to The Hurricane Wars has arrived, and the first in the series had many readers drooling over the romantasy with a magical realm of light and dark literally clashing. Hopes are high for this follow-up that reports more scheming, more romance and tension, and more betrayal with high ratings from ARC readers. We think this one will not only follow-up well but will live up to it's hype as a sequel.
Havoc by Christopher Bollen
Few things in a psychological thriller are creepier than a child and Bollen has one square in the mix of this novel. But an elderly woman and the child go head to head and frankly that just has to draw you in. ARC readers described it as dark, twisty, and unexpected, claiming it did not disappoint and they did not see what was coming in this battle of the ages.
We hope you get the chance to read one or more of these novels, and we love to hear what you guys think too! Remember a TCB blog rec is a square each month on book bingo, so use a novel from this list or previous ones to cross off that challenge with ease!
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