April is here, and along with all the showers and flowers, it’s bringing plenty of new books featuring apocalyptic survivors, outer-space explorers, fantastical romantics, haunted-house dwellers, and so much more.
April 1
Whispers of Ink and Starlight by Garrett Curbow
“Nelle’s life has been carefully scripted by her creator and captor, the reclusive author Wallace Quill. Born from ink and imagination, every breath she takes is dictated by his pen. But on a star-studded Fourth of July night, she meets James―a young man with dreams as vivid as the fireworks above them—and suddenly, the unwritten becomes possible.” (April 1)
April 7
The Alchemary by Rachel Vincent
“Neither amnesia nor the brothers trying to steer her fate will stop Amber Fallbrook from uncovering the truth about herself, the Alchemary, and the legend of the Philosopher’s Stone.” (April 7)
Aviary by Maria Dong
“A young woman undertakes a terrifying journey—and a terrifying transformation—in this genre-blending speculative suspense novel set in South Korea and the U.S., which mixes fantasy, gothic vibes, and queer longing, with a shot of feminist body horror.” (April 7)
Blood Trail by Matt and Harrison Query
The latest from the brother-author duo: “A poacher-turned-game-warden is on the hunt for a bloodthirsty cult in this unnerving thriller.” (April 7)
Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross
The Fire That Binds romantasy trilogy continues as “the fate of a powerful witch who can control men with one taste of their blood and a fierce dragon collide.” (April 7)
Bodies of Work by Clay McLeod Chapman
“A murderous artist is haunted by the spirits of those he has killed in this surreal and chilling supernatural revenge novella.” (April 7)
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
“Rainy March is a proud, third-generation Book Witch, sworn to defend works of fiction from all foes real and imaginary. With her magical umbrella and feline familiar, she jumps in and out of novels to fix malicious alterations and rogue heroes.” Trouble brews when she’s forced to break a Book Witch rule and engage with a character she’s long been in love with. (April 7)
The Demon King by Peter V. Brett
The Nightfall Saga epic fantasy series ends as “the Demon King has escaped in search of a new queen to restart his dark hive, and has found signs of one on a distant shore. But pursuing him are humanity’s best hopes: Olive Paper and Darin Bales, whose legendary parents brought demonkind low once before.” (April 7)
The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
“Guided by her conviction that for humanity to go forward we must know our cosmic past and drawing on poetry and popular culture, cosmologist and particle physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein renders accessible some of the most abstract concepts of theoretical physics to tell fascinating stories about the history and fundamental nature of our universe.” (April 7)
The Gravewood by Kelly Andrew
“Shea Parker has lived her entire life in the shadow of the Gravewood, an impassable forest that’s cut off her town from the rest of the world, where she’s forced to carefully ration her hearing aid batteries.” When her supply runs dangerously low, she must strike a risky bargain with the leader of the local vampire gang. (April 7)
Honey in Her Veins by Ruth McKell
“This cottagecore fantasy follows a man with a monster in his head as he reunites with his first love in order to find mythical honey in the woods of Appalachia.” (April 7)
Kiss, Marry, Kill by Lori Gold
“When three best friends and founders of a health and wellness app on the verge of hitting the big time play a spin on the game of ‘kiss, marry, kill’ at their company’s summer outing, they wake up the next morning in an alternate universe to discover they’ve each done just that.” (April 7)
Mrs. Jekyll by Emma Glass
“A brilliant, feminist retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s evergreen classic, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, in which a woman gives in to the murderous and sensual force that awakens within her as she battles breast cancer.” (April 7)
The Museum of Unusual Occurence by Erica Wright
“Rational and cynical Aly Orlean’s life in her psychic hometown of Wyndale, Florida couldn’t be more hectic. It’s all about running her business, raising a teenage sister, sending out holiday greetings―and her new task: finding a killer. For her Museum of Unusual Occurrence not only houses odd curiosities but now has a brand-new display: the body of Rose Dempsey, a local 20-year-old, set up in one of the exhibits as if she has been ritually sacrificed.” (April 7)
My Dear You: Stories by Rachel Khong
“These stories go deep beneath the surface, touching on the particular awkwardness of dating in your 30s and asking: what does it mean to be an Asian woman in America? Or an American? Or a human? Along the way, the characters stop to consider interventions from the supernatural, the earthly, the robotic, and the immortal.” (April 7)
Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness
The author of Chaos Walking returns to that setting with the first book of a new trilogy: “It’s been 20 years since the monstrous war that almost tore New World apart, and there’s a new generation on the planet. Todd and Viola’s sons Ben and Max have known only peace growing up on the family farm outside a bustling human settlement. They dream of the usual things, like school and adventure, until the nightmares begin.” (April 7)
The Rise of the Celestials by Kritika H. Rao
“A stunning tale of love, seduction, and betrayal in this enchanting and romantic conclusion to the Divine Dancers duology that started with The Legend of Meneka.” (April 7)
Shattered Glory by Seth Ring
“From bestselling LitRPG author Seth Ring—creator of the Titan series and Battle Mage Farmer—comes the next thrilling escapade in an epic series of alien contact, fast-paced military action, and superhuman adventure.” (April 7)
Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox
The Shattered Crowns romantasy trilogy begins as “brutal trials bring together a grieving fae warrior with shadow magic and a human knight out for revenge.” (April 7)
Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos by Seanan McGuire
A new Magic: The Gathering novel from the Hugo- and Nebula-winning author: “Strixhaven University welcomes you. Begin your magical studies on a faraway plane, encountering new friends, mysteries, and dangers, in this fantastical dark academia.” (April 7)
The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu
“The exhilarating debut science fiction novel from Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author John Chu channels unhinged physics, generational trauma, and the comfort of really good dim sum. This isn’t your usual jaunt through quantum physics.” (April 7)
What We Are Seeking by Cameron Reed
“On the planet Scythia, plants give birth to insects and trees can drag you to your death. John Maraintha has been abandoned here, light-years from the peaceful forests that he loves … He must find some way to make a life here. But on Scythia, survival means transformation—and not everyone is willing to change.” (April 7)
The Wicked Sea by Jordan Stephanie Gray
“In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life.” (April 7)
Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
“A dark, bloody epic fantasy reimagining of The Little Mermaid that goes far beyond the fairy tale to explore family legacy, war, and what we will sacrifice for vengeance.” (April 7)
Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein
“Addictively readable and ridiculously entertaining, Your Behavior Will Be Monitored is a page-turning, hilarious romp through the promise and perils of an AI-driven future that we probably deserve.” (April 7)
April 14
Daughter of the Wind by Nora Carmody
“Darkness lurks in the shadows as a betrothed princess wrestles with a dangerous new magic that threatens her bond with her beloved horse—and a forbidden love for the enemy sworn to protect her.” (April 14)
A Deal With the Elf King by Elise Kova
“Fall in love with the Elf King in this enchanting installment of the Married to Magic novels—swoonworthy, escapist standalone reads that combine wondrous fantasy worlds with slow-burn romance.” (April 14)
The Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey
The Captive’s War space opera trilogy from the author of The Expanse series continues. The alien Carryx empire continues to press its human slaves into the service of its war machine—as an agent of their enemy, the Swarm, infiltrates with a plan to bring down their horrifying regime. (April 14)
Invasive Species by Ellery Adams
“The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they’ll have to do it in a world full of monsters.” (April 14)
The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe
“In this spellbinding fantasy debut set in a future where language magic reigns, a young Hawaiian woman must solve a murder to clear her name.” (April 14)
Morsel by Carter Keane
“A delicious folk horror debut about learning to bite back when the world is determined to eat you alive.” (April 14)
Paranormal Payback edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie L. Hughes
“A superstar lineup is included in this urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from Jim Butcher, Holly Black, Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, and more.”
Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe
“A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost—or found—themselves in a bookshop.” (April 14)
The Take by Kelly Yang
“Maggie Wang, a broke young Asian American writer, needs a lifeline. Ingrid Parker, a veteran white Hollywood producer with her career on the edge, offers an irresistible deal: $3 million for 10 experimental medical sessions to reverse her aging, using Maggie as a transfusion partner, and mentorship. What starts as a professional transaction exchanging blood quickly becomes a complex psychological dance.” (April 14)
These Familiar Walls by C.J. Dotson
This horror tale follows Amber, whose creepy childhood friend resurfaces as an adult and kills Amber’s parents in their home before dying there himself. When Amber inherits the house, she discovers the place is haunted by more than recent tragedy and just bad memories. (April 14)
They Made Us Blood and Fury by Cheryl Ntumy
“Evil spreads throughout the Kingdom, and the one woman who can save them may be the key to their survival … or their destruction.” (April 14)
West of Wicked by Nikki St. Crowe
The new Great and Terrible Land series begins with this dark fantasy spin on The Wizard of Oz. (April 14)
April 21
Anti-State by Allen Stroud
The latest from the hard sci-fi author is “a standalone story set in the Fractal series world.” (April 21)
The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire by India Holton
“Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they’re forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.” Magical mayhem ensues. (April 21)
Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren J.A. Bear
“Experience the myth and magic of antiquity’s most alluring—and provocative—goddess as never witnessed before, in this gorgeously rendered, unflinching, and deeply vulnerable retelling.” (April 21)
Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari
“A lush historical fantasy that reimagines the Portuguese attacks on South India in the 1500s and the fierce real-life queen’s story, Burn the Sea is an electrifying exaltation of female power and the value of freedom.” (April 21)
The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer
“A supernatural horror about a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist, only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.” (April 21)
City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards
The previously self-released BookTok hit about “a human struggling to survive in a city that caters to the needs of vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures” gets a new hardback with additional art and “an exclusive bonus scene” (April 21)
Double Shadow by Andrew Ludington
“In this thrilling installment of the Splinter Effect series, time-traveling archaeologist Rabbit Ward returns to the past to help save his former adversary and track down a murderous thief in first century Jerusalem.” (April 21)
Honor & Heresy by Max Francis
“Instagram sensation Max Francis makes his highly anticipated debut with this atmospheric, gothic, dark academic fantasy of two scholars racing each other to find answers to an invasion in a haunted library.” (April 21)
The Language of Liars by S.L. Huang
“A story of secrets, body jumping, and the power of language.” (April 21)
Love Galaxy by Sierra Branham
“A romantic science fiction thriller in which a young woman from a dead-end planet gets cast on a reality TV show to compete for the hand of the prince—or princess. But not everyone is there for the right reasons.” (April 21)
The Many by Sylvain Neuvel
“The minds of five normal people merge in a beautiful, unnerving first contact story where the strangest thing humanity has to face is each other.” (April 21)
Monsters in the Archive: My Year of Fear with Stephen King by Caroline Bicks
“A fascinating, first-of-its-kind exploration of Stephen King and his most iconic early books, based on groundbreaking research and interviews with King—all conducted by the first scholar to be given extended access to his private archives.” (April 21)
Odessa by Gabrielle Sher
“In a powerfully imagined Russia at the height of the pogroms, a grief-stricken family turn to ancient magic to bring their daughter back from the grave.” (April 21)
Paradox by Douglas Preston and Aletheia Preston
“When a reclusive man is found dead under grisly circumstances in the Colorado wilderness, CBI Agent Frankie Cash and Eagle County Sheriff Jim Colcord (Extinction) team up again on their most enigmatic and dangerous case yet. Their investigation uncovers a trail of bizarre killings, baffling money transfers, and a fanatical secret society.” (April 21)
Permanence by Sophie Mackintosh
“How much would you sacrifice for a life you never thought possible? And how long can you stay in paradise before the cracks start to show? An exploration of desire, novelty, and choice, Permanence explores the tantalizing quandary of what, if anything, can withstand the daily toll of ‘forever.’” (April 21)
The Photonic Effect by Mike Chen
“A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure.” (April 21)
Rabbit Test and Other Stories by Samantha Mills
“These riveting stories range effortlessly from fantasy and science fiction to literary fiction, from the here and now all the way into the farthest reaches of space. The central tale of the collection is Mills’ pivotal Nebula, Locus, and Sturgeon Award-winning story ‘Rabbit Test,’ which interrogates the past, present, and future of abortion rights.” (April 21)
Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan
“Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.” (April 21)
Underlake by Erin L. McCoy
“When a mother claims her missing daughter is alive beneath a lake in a flooded valley, a marine biologist descends into a hidden underwater settlement where those who refused to leave have built a sealed-off world—and where the consequences of that choice are beginning to surface.” (April 21)
The Witch and the Huntress by Luna McNamara
“Two of Greek mythology’s most complex and powerful women—Medea and Atalanta—join forces on Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece in this suspenseful, sapphic reimagining.” (April 21)
Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens
“A reclusive witch who fled the burden of her bloodline rises to be the greatest among them in this lush and haunting fantasy debut.” (April 21)
April 28
An Arcane Study of Stars by Sydney J. Shields
“A historical dark academia fantasy filled with ancient secret societies, a swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance, and dangerous deals made after dark.” (April 28)
Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter
“A debut high-stakes fantasy romance trilogy set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between rival witches and dragon riders as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms.” (April 28)
Certainty by John Twelve Hawks
“A wise, orphaned 10-year-old girl goes on the run with only her trusty ‘Interactive Toy’ to guide her toward New York City, where a dark landscape, and perhaps a hidden hero, await her.” (April 28)
Dark Is When the Devil Comes by Daisy Pearce
“After a painful divorce, Hazel’s return to the foreboding town of Idless tangles her in a web of familial secrets and lurking dangers within the eerie and mysterious woods, unraveling fragile bonds and ominous threats.” (April 28)
Doctor Who: 1,002 Nights in Time and Space: Folktales Rescued From Around the Whoniverse by Steve Cole and Paul Magrs
“Experience Doctor Who‘s adventures across time and space like never before with this beautifully illustrated collection of folk tales from around the Whoniverse.” (April 28)
If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Cho-yeop, translated by Anton Hur
“From Korean science fiction author Kim Cho-yeop, a stunning and poignant collection of literary speculative fiction stories that explore the complexities of identity, love, death, and the search for life’s meaning.” (April 28)
Lightning Runes by Harry Turtledove
“Hardboiled noir meets urban fantasy in a post-WWII Los Angeles where vampires, zombies, and demons are part of the social fabric.” (April 28)
Ode to the Half-Broken by Suzanne Palmer
“In the abandoned New York Botanical Gardens, 40 years after the world nearly ended, a worn-out robot is attacked, and realizes old evils are stirring.” (April 28)
Parallax by Jeremy Robinson
“Silas has a secret he can’t explain in this labyrinthian sci-fi novel, in which reality bends―and destiny hangs by a thread.” (April 28)
Project V by Park Seolyeon, translated by Gene Png
“STEMinist mecha fantasy meets reality television in this high-stakes novel from the author of A Magical Girl Retires—a wildly imaginative tale of sibling bonds, unexpected friendship, and an existential quest to understand what it means to be human.” (April 28)
A River From the Sky by Ai Jiang
“From the Nebula and Bram Stoker Award-winning author comes the lyrical and moving science-fantasy follow-up to A Palace Near the Wind, as Lufeng and her sister Sangshu fight to protect their culture and their world.” (April 28)
Sanctuary by James Cleary
“Climate disasters have crippled the United States. Billionaire John Brandt anticipated this and channeled his money, power, and influence into being prepared for the great unraveling. Now Brandt, his family, and his security team must retreat to Sanctuary, their underground bunker—a vast luxury mansion beneath the parched earth of the Nebraskan Great Plains. But they are not alone. Above ground a group of raiders are desperate to survive and will use any means possible to accomplish that goal.” (April 28)
The Sea Spinner by Julie Johnson
“Blazing with reawakened magic, a young woman challenges the tides of fate in this highly anticipated sequel to The Wind Weaver.” (April 28)
We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune
“Husbands Don and Rodney have lived a good long life. Together they’ve experienced the highest highs of love and family, and lows so low that they felt like the end of the world. Now, the world is ending for real. A rogue black hole is coming for Earth and in a month everything and everyone they’ve ever known will be gone. They’re in a race against the clock to make it from Maine to Washington State to take care of some unfinished business before it’s all over.” (April 28)
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