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. This week, I have eight books to share, including an unexpected sequel and a few impressive debuts. Read on.
This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher
A decade after their realm-saving quest, former heroes Beatrice, Elowen, Clare and Galwell haven’t spoken, each haunted by the aftermath of their victory. An invitation to the queen of Mythria’s wedding, however, forces them to reunite. Clare still harbors feelings for Beatrice, while Beatrice grapples with guilt, and Elowen must confront her old flame, Vandra. As dark forces from their past resurface, threatening the land once again, the group must rekindle their old strength and face both the enemies of Mythria and the wounds of their past. But will this time bring closure—or something closer to happily ever after?
With enchanted swords and magical games of truth or dare, This Will Be Fun is a charming, cozy romantasy quest. E.B. Asher combines elements of The Princess Bride and People We Meet on Vacation into a sweet mix of comedy and romance.
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Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
A year after all the white people in America mysteriously walked into the nearest body of water, Charles Brunton, a Black man and former prisoner, is now a professor at Howard University. Soon after, he gets a call from his estranged daughter. Traumatized after watching her white mother and step-family drown themselves, 19-year-old Sidney has been isolated in Wisconsin for a year. Together, the two embark on a journey to Alabama, seeking family and answers in a radically changed world.
Cebo Campbell’s new book release examines trauma, community and the meaning of being Black in a society reshaped by rapid change. Sky Full of Elephants asks hard questions and encourages readers to sit with their discomfort on this journey of healing and self-discovery.
Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
Thrift fashionista Dez Lane agrees to attend a family reunion with her boyfriend, Patrick Ruskin, in hopes of one thing: securing an internship with his fashion editor mother. At the luxurious island mansion, everything is picture-perfect. Soon, however, Dez discovers the Ruskin family has exploited their servants for decades. With nothing to lose, the servants revolt and Dex and Patrick are forced to flee. As violence unfolds and she learns the servants’ stories, Dez begins to question her ambitions and whether the woman she once hoped to impress deserves to survive at all.
Guillotine reads like a horror thriller, with visceral kills and an aesthetically over-the-top setting. Combining elements of films like The Menu and Ready or Not, it’s an exciting “eat-the-rich” novel and a perfect revenge story.
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Vilest Things by Chloe Gong
After winning San-Er’s deadly games and killing her tyrant uncle, Calla Tuoleimi serves as royal advisor for the new ruler, August Shenzhi. But only Calla knows it’s not really August—Anton Makusa, furious over Calla’s betrayal, has taken over his body. When Anton’s first love, Otta Avia, awakens from a coma with a secret that could topple the monarchy, chaos ensues. Calla and Anton must set aside their differences and journey to the kingdom’s edges to prevent anarchy, even if their empire may be better off in flames.
With intriguing world-building and complex, interesting characters, Chloe Gong’s new book release has everything her fans have come to expect. Vilest Things is a sequel full of twists and turns, betrayals and longing romance that will leave you hungry for the finale.
Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
Erin and Max, two trans teens on a road trip to California, are seeking different things—Max hopes to transition, while Erin wants answers about their breakup two years ago. But when they end up stranded and separated in eerie rural woods, survival becomes their priority. With a creature lurking that feeds on girls and locals hunting for a female sacrifice, Erin and Max must reunite, confront their fears, and face the dangers around them, as well as the unresolved issues between them.
Old Wounds is perfect for fans of Andrew Joseph White, with a few elements of Midsommar thrown in. Logan-Ashley Kisner’s debut is a hard read, but at the same time, it’s a heartfelt and honest depiction of the trans experience.
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Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
Arthur Parnassus, master of a magical orphanage on Marsyas Island, lives a good life with his partner, Linus Baker, and their close-knit group of magical children. As Arthur prepares to adopt the children he cares for, his troubled past resurfaces when he’s summoned to make a public statement about his history. Faced with this challenge, Arthur must protect his family and their future. Meanwhile, a new magical child arrives, calling himself a “monster,” threatening the delicate balance of their home. Arthur must decide if their family will grow stronger or fall apart.
T.J. Klune’s new book release is the sequel no one saw coming. Somewhere Beyond the Sea tells Arthur’s story and, like its predecessor, is full of heart and hope.
The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow
Binsa, a “living goddess” ruling from the Scarlet Throne, harbors a dark secret. Instead of channeling divine wisdom, she is possessed by a demon. As her priests grow suspicious and choose a new girl, Medha, to replace her, Binsa strikes a dangerous deal with her demon. She’ll sacrifice human lives to magnify his power and hold onto her reign. Desperate to avoid returning to a life of obscurity, Binsa must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to lose in her quest for control.
The Scarlet Throne is a character-driven dark fantasy with a villainous heroine, cut-throat priests and political intrigue. Set in a Tibetan-inspired world, Amy Leow’s debut is a thrilling tale of power and corruption.
Countess by Suzan Palumbo
Virika Sameroo, a dedicated first lieutenant in the Æerbot Empire’s merchant marine, finds her life upended when her captain dies under suspicious circumstances. Accused of murder and treason, Virika is imprisoned despite her loyalty. Setting out on a quest for vengeance, she vows to expose the empire’s corruption and fight for her people’s future, all while facing the harsh realities of her wrongful conviction.
Drawing inspiration from The Count of Monte Cristo, Suzan Palumbo’s new novella is a queer, Caribbean sci-fi story. Deeply anti-colonial, Countess is a space opera of injustice and revenge that savors every word.
You can check out these new book releases at Bookshop.org or your local bookstore. What September 10 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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