There are a lot of new books coming out every week. With New Release Radar, I’ll help you narrow down the week’s new book releases into the titles you should get excited about. I have six books to recommend this week, including a magical girl graphic novel, a heart-pounding sequel and the perfect summer thriller. Read on!

The Senator’s Wife by Liv Constantine

After a tragic event led to the deaths of their spouses, the horrifying ordeal drew Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery together. Now the two are ready to move on and settle down. As they return to the world of politics, Sloane prepares for a hip replacement due to her lupus. With Sloane and Whit’s busy schedules, hiring a home health aide seems like the best option. At first, Athena is a godsend. But soon, Sloane begins to deteriorate, getting sicker and sicker. Her insecurity quickly turns to paranoia. Why does Athena have so many questions about her charitable foundation and her past? And is something going on between Athena and Whit?

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The Senator’s Wife is a twisty thriller that upends the private lives of powerful people. It has everything you’re looking for in a soapy drama; secrets, lies, politics and maybe even murder. This new book release is a great beach read to start the summer strong.

Magic Has No Borders, edited by Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed

This collection of South Asian folklore, legends and more reimagines traditional stories of old for a modern audience. Edited by Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed, Magic Has No Borders features 14 stories by fabulous writers from the South Asian diaspora. Contributors include Preeti Chhibber, Sabaa Tahir, Naz Kutub and more, and the stories feature heroes and villains, reincarnation and true love.

The Battle Drum by Saara El-Arifi

The cover of The Battle Drum, a new book release

Anoor may be the first blue-blooded ruler of the Wardens’ Empire, but after being accused of a murder she didn’t commit, her reign is thrown into turmoil. To hold onto the throne, she must clear her name and solve the murder alone. Meanwhile, Sylah heads to new lands to help her people from the hurricane threatening her home. The solution, however, may mean sacrificing her old life. And Hassa finds herself holding together the empire’s rebellion almost single-handedly. Each of the three women seeks answers, but what they discover may not be what they want.

The Battle Drum is the thrilling sequel to 2022’s YA fantasy epic, The Final Strife. Saara El-Arifi definitely doesn’t suffer from second-book syndrome here. It’s darker, faster and twistier than its predecessor and expands nicely on everything that came before.

RELATED: Book Review: The Final Strife

Grand Slam Romance by Ollie Hicks

Mickey Monsoon and the Belle City Broads are ready to sweep their softball league this season. The only problem? The return of Astra Maxima to the Gaiety Gals, the Broads’ fiercest rival. Years ago, the two dated until Astra dumped Mickey to become a softball star at a private girls’ school in Switzerland. Astra wants to get back together, but Mickey wants revenge for their broken heart.

I love the description of Grand Slam Romance as “a queer graphic novel where the balls are fast, the smooches are spicy, and the girls … magical.” It’s a super fun combination of genres, making for the perfect quick read for graphic novel lovers.

Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee

Sir Kay and his fellow knights wake from their slumber whenever Britain is in dire need. They’ve fought at Waterloo and Hastings and in both World Wars. However, this time, Kay awakens to a more divided realm than ever. The seas have risen, half of Britain’s been sold to foreign powers and there are dragon sightings for the first time in centuries. Worst of all, Kay may not be the only ancient thing crawling out of the ground.

Perilous Times has quickly become one of my most anticipated new book releases. It’s an Arthurian retelling perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett. Check out Thomas D. Lee’s debut if you want a deadpan-funny and surprisingly touching fantasy adventure.

RELATED: GGA’s 7 Best Fantasy Books of 2022

Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda

The cover of Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda

Florence “Florida” Baum isn’t as innocent as she claims to be, or at least that’s what her ex-cellmate Diosmary Sandoval believes. Dios knows about Florida’s past and the darkness within her. And unlike everyone else, she wants her to unleash it.

The official blurb for Sing Her Down describes it as No Country for Old Men meets Killing Eve. What more could you ask for? Ivy Pochoda’s new release is a gritty, feminist Western thriller you won’t want to miss.

You can check out these new book releases at Bookshop.org or your local bookstore. What May 23 new release are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and tune in next week to grow your TBR.

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