For many summer is a time to both rest and play, to take a break from the mundane and delve into the dreams we’ve pushed aside for another time. While you were busy during the other seasons, authors were working behind the scenes to bring your next adventure to life. Below you will find five fantastical book recommendations new to the market as of this summer.
Witch King by Martha Wells – May 30, 2023
Kai has been assassinated and wakes to find himself in a water trap where a mage tries to harness his magic for selfish reasons. Kai is left wondering how long it has been since he was killed, what has changed in the world around him, and what he is going to do to this mage who clearly doesn’t know who he’s dealing with.
Follow Kai as he regains his consciousness, deals with the growing strength of the Rising World Coalition, and tries to pull his allies and pain magic back together.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – May 2, 2023
With the number of deaths from the war rising, leadership under question, and her commander general mother forcing her to become a dragon rider, Violet Sorrengail finds herself struggling to make it through each day. Violet’s weak disposition and reluctance to enter the elite war college leaves her vulnerable to the dragons seeking to bond themselves with strong warriors. Violet finds danger behind the eyes of every student, leader, and dragon willing to kill her for her place as possible future dragon rider and daughter of the general. Pick up Fourth Wing to find out how Violet fares in Navarre’s most cut-throat college.
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero-Lacruz – July 25, 2023
Reina and Eva Kesare are both willing to fight for a sense of belonging. Reina finds a glimmer of hope in an invitation from a grandmother she has never known, but she must make a dangerous journey in which prayer might not be enough to save her. Luckily her dark sorceress grandmother appears at the right moment and bonds Reina’s livelihood with her magic to save her. Now Reina has to fight for her grandmother’s lasting favor in order to stay alive, even if it means listening to the ancient god who whispers to her.
Eva has always been the stain on her family’s pride, being illegitimate and of mixed heritage. She has always tried to shrink herself to make her family proud, but now she struggles with the magic calling out to her, a sign from the dark god that offers her a chance at power she has never received.
Join Reina and Eva on their paths towards transformation and power.
Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long – July 11, 2023
Mary Firth the Stormsinger and Samuel Rosser the pirate hunter join forces to take down the pirate lord Silvanus Lirr. Lirr has captured Mary for her abilities but she has teamed up with Samuel for protection and to finally put Lirr in the grave. Little do they know that their agendas aren’t as simple as they seem. Mary faces the spectral creatures from her homeland and Samuel is on the brink of madness in need of a talisman Mary stole from Lirr. Join Mary and Samuel as they face the winter seas and fight powers older and stronger than the pirates.
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara – May 25, 2023
In this reimagining of Greek mythology the god of desire is cursed with love for a mortal woman, and if she lays eyes upon him, they will be separated forever. Psyche is princess of Mycenae and prophesized to defeat an infamous monster who frightens the gods. She raises herself as a rebel against the expectations of femininity, learning blade and bow to rise to this foreseen challenge.
Psyche finds herself in trouble with Aphrodite and she needs Eros to send a curse but by some mistake he ends up cursing himself, and falling for Psyche. Forbidden love between god and mortal brews as the Trojan War spurs on, forcing the two to face conflicts they never could have imagined.
Final Thoughts
There are many exciting release dates coming this summer! I hope you are able to find a book that lets you wander through fantastical adventures and new worlds this season. Stay cool and stay curious!