This list is my opinion, so take it for as much, or as little, as you like. I am counting any book I read this year, not just new books. Let's go!
This is the first book in a new series (Medium Trouble) by an author I really enjoy....and *surprise!* (haha, not really), I like it also.
Hiro can see ghost and i trying to help them to resolve things and move on, but most especially his foster brother who was murdered. Of course his abilities keep leaving him in compromising positions with regards to the police....which is ....awkward.
Detective Maddox is annoyed by Hiro and is sure that he is responsible in some way for at least some of the deaths he keeps being found near.....then Hiro proves he really can see/hear/interact with ghosts. Now that the serial killer who targeted Hiro's brother is actively killing again, they need to work together to solve the case.....and also hope that Hiro won't be one of the victims.
Winters uses humor, as she tends to do, but this book had less extreme ups and downs and more thoughtful moments. All in all, an auspicious start and cannot wait to read more.
Scales N Spells is a cool series that I read most of this year, started with the first book in late 2020. The series is complete, I think....though there has been talk of adding spinoff series' based on other dragon types; since this one focused on fire dragons, there is room to explore other types.
The series itself is focused on dragons who have been in hiding for hundreds of years after a magical attack and a betrayal which decimated the mage and dragon populations. The first book, Origin, introduces the dragon clan and the king finds his magical mage mate, as well as explains the Jaeggi (bad guys) who are out to kill all dragons and mages. Overall, as the series continues, you find out more and more about the adversaries and things come to a head by the 4th book. I don't know for sure if there are more books, but if there are, it will be interesting to see what new adversary the authors introduce.
This is a brand new book in a brand new series of the same name (and yes, it's the same name as above....the author has been busy!)
Bel Adams needs a familiar and he needs a human due to the complicated nature of his magical abilities. He summons Nico, but Nico isn't sure he knows enough about guarding as he is a soldier and used to attacking. Nico asks his friend (and ex-boyfriend) to come train him for his new duties. Gaven is a Secret Service guard and has lots of experience and agrees to come help. The three of them work well together, but Nico really is best at attacking and Gaven is amazing at guarding; and Bel really likes both of them.....can a mage have two familiars? This is a fun, sweet, romantic adventure that really introduces each character well and shows the differences and strengths of each separately and as a unit. Sherwood also shows a few different scenarios where different aspects of his magic (and thus his familiars) are needed, really giving a good sense of the wide array of possibilities for future books.
This series, Necessary Evils, I have devoured and obsessed over. I really, really like it.
Basic story: A family of 7 sons, all diagnosed with some forms of psychopathy are adopted by a billionaire in order to put their "gifts" to work. How? By ridding the world of evils who are above the law for some reason (think, vigilante justice). Each book in the series follows one son as he finds a man who fascinates him, leading to a relationship and also a bad guy, or group of them, somehow associated with the man they like. Watching each man fall as much in love as he is capable, seeing all the different ways they cope.....fascinating! (Also, the sex scenes are....WAY hot).
3 books written thus far with a short story and a 4th book due out early next year. Obsessed!
The series is: Guild Codex: Spellbound and thus far I have read 4 of the 8. The series revolves around a non-magical girl desperate for a job, who stumbles upon the supernatural world when she takes a bartending job at a private club. Each book shows more growth for the main character and she in turn learns more about the magical world and specifically the three mages she is closest to. This is a really fun series, and for those looking for an adventure story with no sexy parts, this would fit the bill perfectly as she may kiss some of the fellas, but she isn't serious with any of them and the books focus on the world and character building rather than any romantic entanglements.
Touch of Magic is the first of the "Mages of Ravenshire" series, of which there are officially 3 books and various novellas and several spin-off trilogies (or just other books in the same world).
Most humans are oblivious to or simply unaware of magic. Mages and other supernaturals (were-creatures, vampires, fae, etc), stay in their own places in order to be safe and hidden. Sometimes though, living with the rules and prejudices of the hidden world are overwhelming and those supernaturals leave and move to the "regular" world, hiding in plain sight. The first book of this series really hooked me in and Rainbow managed to keep it fun, light and romantic enough to keep me reading. In Touch of Magic, Jain has a terminal illness and is determined to live as best he can with the time he has left. Raphael has left his magical family, tired of their judgement and disappointment in his lack of magical ability. When Raphael meets Jai, he knows they are fated mates, but he is desperate to find a way to heal Jai and convince him magic and fated mates are real.
This book was originally published as part of a collection of twisted fairy tales, but is now a novella out on its own merit. It is a twist on Rumpelstilzkin with a dash of E.A. Poe; and it is awesome
I don't want to spoil it, just know there is a demon who grants wishes (and works at a hair salon), and a raven shifter named Poe who is desperate to save his family.......really well crafted and satisfying to read.
The Murderbot Diaries is an example of a series I am definitely late to the party for, but man, am I glad I found it!
Murderbot is a self-given name for a robotic/cybernetic security specialist who has taken control of their governing console (which means they can make their own decisions, not executing orders they don't agree with). In the first book, All Systems Red, a scientific mission is sabotaged and Murderbot reveals themself and must save the scientists and figure out how it was sabotaged. In the 2nd book, Artificial Condition, Murderbot is trying to find out more regarding a mission that was so catastrophic it appeared in the news, but was erased from all security memories. How they figure things out, and what happened (and what they can find) is fascinating! I cannot wait to read more.
I fell in love with this series last year, and this year the last two books were published bringing everything to a satisfying conclusion....but OH! what a ride!.
If you've followed any of these, you've seen me talking about the Soulbound series, but if you haven't, just know that it's urban fantasy with gods, magic and were-creatures and is a story about redemption, love and making a future with the family you find. SO good. Cannot recommend it enough.
This book is 3rd in the Simply Crafty series, and continues to follow Alex and Micah and their growing relationship as well as the various paranormal adventures they are taken on. In this story Alex's twin brother Lukas goes missing and in his desperate search to find him, Alex finds many things that his brother has been hiding.
Kasey has again written a tense ghostly adventure with a strong foundational relationship growing between Micah and Alex.
Really enjoyed this book.
Killer Crescent is the first of the Rebels & Psychos series, of which there have been two published thus far, and I have quite enjoyed both of them. Basic story: A failed witch discovers hidden werewolf abilities which also unlock her witch magics. Unfortunately she is forced into a school where she must learn to use & control her new powers (or she will be either institutionalized or killed). What the school doesn't know is that she is secretly a psychopath & an assassin, so while she agrees to the school; she is confident she can conquer it.....or just kill everyone and leave if she needs to. As soon as she enters the grounds though, she finds that someone really wants her dead and she can't wait to figure out who it is so she can end them. Along the way, this fun psycho gal meets 6 equally psycho guys, all of whom are her fated mates.....yep, all of them. Together they work to figure out this relationship with so many moving parts, as well as who is out for their adorable psycho's blood...and kill them first.
This is a perfect example of a potato chip book, fun, silly, sexy and an enjoyable read with no deep thinking required
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The Necromancer series has 4 books, but I've only gotten to two thus far. It is set in the 60's but in a world where magic exists and is tightly controlled. Darien thinks he is going insane, so many voices in his head and tattoos just appearing on his body.....as a last ditch effort before committing suicide, he goes to ask a necromancer for help. Silas, the necromancer, realizes that Darien has a hidden talent that has drawn the ghosts to him, and since he has no magical training, they are all possessing him. Silas agrees to help, but as he works with Darien, various magical issues start to crop up suggesting demonic interference....AND on top of everything, Darien and Silas are falling in love. This is a fact which must stay hidden as it is a crime to be gay, and a gay mage sleeping with his apprentice? Well, let's just say, it won't be good.
Thus far this series has a new mystery to figure out, plus the added suspense of internal struggles amongst the magical powers and the growing relationship of the two main characters. I have really enjoyed this, it's different and interesting.
I am kind of obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, and have been since I was a child. So, finding a horror style Alice book made me SOOO happy (especially since it is so well done).
Henry does a great job of incorporating well known characters, yet twisting them into completely new and original forms. In this adventure, Alice is in a madhouse because she came out of the magical part of town covered in blood talking about crazy things.....but she may need the memories when she and the strange but kind man next door escape the hospital during a fire. Unfortunately the Jabberwocky also escapes and is hunting them and all the clues lead back to the rabbit and a tea party she can't remember.
So good! I am waiting for the next book to come in from the library. It's a duology or a strange trio, as the 3rd book is a novella.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but Henry took Peter Pan and remade the story in such an amazing way! Peter Pan is shown in a narcissistic light, very fae and capricious. Captain Hook is a boy, the first lost boy actually....and he believed Peter when he said they would play forever and always be happy. Peter lied, and the closer the Lost Boys get to the truth, the more savage Peter becomes.
A breathtaking yet bloodthirsty book. So good!
Erik & Ben were introduced in Treasure Trail, the first book in the series of the same name. In this book, they find that plans to renovate an historic theater in Cape May, NJ bring in old mob ties from back in the day....but also bring both of them to the attention of the Newark mob, gunning for Ben and the Russian mob who are upset with Erik. Add in a magical curse and a mystery as to how it all ties together, and you get an exciting adventure. I enjoy watching the growing relationship between the two men, and the suspenseful story was very well done. Definitely a keeper!
The Psycop series has 13 books (2 of them collections of short stories) and I flew through them like a hungry caterpillar eating leaves. The last one JUST came out this week, and yes, yes I did read it as fast as possible. Watching Victor, a gay medium (as in talks to ghosts) psychic detective and his journey from being a damaged, fearful addict hiding from his gifts and seeing his healing journey as well as his growing relationship with Jacob, was awesome. Jacob is also a detective, but not psychic (or is he?)....but he hasn't suffered the damage or the abuse Victor has. He provides a strong foundation for Victor to lean into and together they learn more about ghosts, federal agencies, and the scary things in Victor's past. Following along as they help each other, solve crimes and handle the underlying question of what government agency experimented on Victor and others and what they know was enthralling. Price does a great job of writing interesting mysteries, fascinating characters and keeping it all flowing into one cohesive unit. I cannot express how much I adore this series.
There are 8 books so far in the Irons & Works series. It is a series that focuses on a group of gay/bi/pan men who also have emotional and/or physical obstacles to contend with; and each book follows one man's journey in finding a man to love. While each story is separate, the stories of the others you have met previously are continuing to build, finding marriage, children, troubles and how they affect the main character of the particular book you're reading. The title of the series is the name of a tattoo parlor that ties each character together, either because they work there, or get tattooed there, or just are friends with each other in this small town. I love the author showing the various love stories as characters deal with various physical and emotional obstacles. So many books, especially romance stories, only have "normal" healthy people with all their limbs, and no mental health issues; however, Lindsey gives a realistic grounding to the characters as they fall in love AND how their partnership works on all levels. She brings normality and beauty into not being perfect and brings stories into the light that so many make ugly or forbidden. I highly recommend this series.
Sam is a nerdy werewolf, running a tavern/bookstore (can that please be a real thing btw?) She is also traumatized and in danger. The series follows her growing relationship with Clive, master vampire of SF, as well as her learning to handle her trauma and learning more about herself and her history. There are 3 books in the Sam Quinn series thus far, and they are all intense and fun to read.
I finished this very recently and it really touched me as well as impressed me so I wanted to include it here.
Darby is a well-known photographer, hiding from life behind his camera.
Carys Channing is an exclusive escort (i.e. prostitute), who invites Darby to photograph his work and learn more about what he does and why. (To clarify, Carys is independently wealthy, so he is not doing it to survive and can be choosy on his clients. He also has a background knowledge of psychology due to his father's career & mentorship).
Ok, at first glance this doesn't seem special....just a feel good story about an earnest and damaged guy falling for the hooker with a heart of gold....BUT...it isn't just that...why? Because while both men are indeed falling in love, Darby is also learning about Carys' clients, getting to know them and their own issues; even befriending some of them. Darby is seeing the love and the beauty of the relationships Carys has built with them and he values them as much as Carys does. So, while there is the happy ever after, it isn't the one most expect. The two of them just value and love each other and are happy FOR each other. Carys keeps his career, but elects to only handle special clients; but it is his choice and Darby never asks it of him. Darby loves and accepts Carys and more importantly, is happy with his happiness. Here is a definition of exactly what is happening here. Compersion is feeling happiness or joy because of the happiness and/or joy of another person. This book is a beautiful example of two people doing that. Just a beautiful and touching story.
Thus far there is only one of this series, but more are definitely coming! It's a story about a supernatural morgue, a "regular gal" learning about magic and supernaturals and helping to thwart an evil conspiracy. Additionally there is a beginning of a love story between Sophie and the handsome were-fox cop who has been working to solve the murders, which keep showing up in the morgue. This book was intriguing, interesting and different and I cannot wait for the next one!
As far as I know there are only two books in the Litenverse series: Finna and Defekt. I am kind of hoping Cipri writes more......
They both are very different stories but what makes it a series is that they both involve alternate universes and are centered on the Ikea-like furniture store which is one gateway into the multi-verse. Both adventures have an amazing mix of horror and science fiction and honestly, they are just fun. I recommend these to everyone. Seriously.
I am pretty sure I have mentioned this book before, but I will not apologize for bringing it up again. It's one of those titles that the more I read or listen to it (and yes, I bought the book AND the audio), the more I love it. Carriger plays with gender roles and gendered expectations of sexual identity though an alien lens with a main character who comes from a planet with five genders. Seeing the detective trying to solve a mystery, while also solving the riddle of Galoi society and his new boyfriend is interesting and eye-opening. This is such a sweet, funny and overall lovely story that I wish there were more in this universe. Alas, I think I am in the minority of people who have even read it.....nonetheless, I highly recommend it.
Fangs is definitely one of my favorite graphic novels of the year. It is a sweet and funny and romantic tale of love between a werewolf and a vampire. It is very visual, not complicated...but fun and enjoyable.
This book and the two novellas that precede it: Dead Djinn in Cairo and The Haunting of Tram Car 015 are adventurous mystery science fiction tales set in an alternate Cairo in the 1900's. In this world the Djinn and magic are real and have had a huge effect on the shape of the world and colonialism in general. The reason? Local populations had no trouble or issue jumping into and learning about old gods and magic; colonial England did not accept it and thus lost many of it's colonies rather quickly. Fatma el-Sha'arawi is working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. She is well known and respected for her intellect, as well as her love of snappy English style suits usually seen on men.
I was worried that a lesbian main character written by a male would be ....salacious and weird, but Clark focuses on the characters and emotions rather than specific acts of love, and it keeps the story flowing. The character being who she is isn't a random act, but a deliberate choice of character and personality and Clark doesn't shy away from the issues that surround Fatma's sexuality nor does he fetishize it. The relationship with Siti is important for both the story and for character development. I really cannot speak highly enough of this book or of the novellas. So well done! He deserves all the accolades he is currently receiving.
Blood Heir is the first of a new spinoff series to the best-selling Kate Daniels series. Julie is now Aurelia Ryder and is back in Atlanta after 8 years away. She has a new face, new magic and is back in order to eliminate a threat to Kate and the world. She has to hide from her family in order to keep them safe, but it's hard to hide in a place where everyone has known you since you were a child.
This was amazing, and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I love this silly story so much! Yes, it is ridiculous but Klune has a gift for pairing amazingly deep characters with purely hysterical comedic moments making a story that is a combination of action and humor in equal measure. Basic story: A Mage in training must rescue the Prince who has been abducted by a dragon. Along for the adventure is the Prince's fiancee (and Sam's crush) Ryan Foxheart, his best friend, Gary, the gay hornless unicorn and his other best mate, Tiggy, the half giant.
Read it or listen to it; it's fun and exciting and suspenseful and silly.
This book is the lates book in the Jon's Mysteries series (which I adore all of !) This time Jon has to fly to Vegas, which is scary when you kill all electronics you get anywhere near. He is there to defuse a bomb and then stays to help find the bomber. This is also the first story showing a huge disagreement between Jon and his anchor and love, Donovan. Sherwood uses this moment and this mystery to allow for more personal growth for Jon and for growth in the couple's relationship. Truly a job well done and a fun story.
Another book by Sherwood, this one featuring Donovan's brother Brandon. This book lets them go to Scotland and a very haunted inn to help Eli and her two husbands as they try to figure out what is scaring (and eating) the local ghosts. They need to then find a way to defeat it, which is equally overwhelming and definitely a group effort.
The relationship between Mack and Brandon is very different than Donovan and Jon; and Sherwood let's it develop very differently as well. I don't know how she keeps it all straight, but am very glad to read all of them and follow along on their adventures.
Witchbane is the first book, and the name of the series. There are five thus far (hoping for more). I tore through these early this year because they are awesome!
Story: Seth's brother was killed by a monster but no one believed him (he was actually a suspect in the murder for awhile, and sent to a psych unit for his insistence on monsters as the culprit). He is now a monster hunter, because they ARE real and he is determined to save others because no one saved his brother. Seth has discovered that these killings seem to be connected to a ritual that feeds a dark warlock. When he saves Jackson, he is only planning on thwarting the evil....he doesn't plan on losing his heart or gaining a partner.
This is a fun, suspenseful adventure series with a side of romance. What's not to love?
August developed a strange power when he turned 16. He can find people, usually dead but not always. Detective Luke isn't sure about this power, but he knows he wants to protect August. The more they explore the deaths that August is finding, the more things point to a serial killer out for August and anyone close to him.
This was a fun, suspenseful couple of stories (only two that I know of) which share an interesting psychic gift and a cop drama with a bit of a romance.
Potato chip books are awesome!
Can you tell I love a good paranormal story yet? Haha.
Yup. Here's another series (Spectral Files) with three titles all told.
Rain is a disgraced FBI agent after revealing he can see ghosts. He goes back to his hometown to help with a cold case and to get out of the intense spotlight. What actually happens is that he finds himself on a journey towards acceptance of his gift, getting reconnected with his weird family and even finding that his estranged love, Danny may still care.
In this trilogy we follow Rain through his journey towards accepting and using his ghost abilities, relearning how to love and truly finding his place in the world.....all while solving cold cases and chasing violent spectres.
Yup, it's exactly as awesome as it sounds.
Horrorstor is an amazingly creepy story set in a knock-off Ikea with a ghost issue. This is pure horror and gruesome ghosts done amazingly well.
You should check it out.
Trail of Lightning is a post apocalyptic story featuring a Native American main character and written by an indigenous author as well. This was so different from the usual and is not so much a dystopian novel as a "fighting for the future against all the odds" adventure.
I highly recommend this, and really need to read the next in the series.
I listened to this, and highly recommend it if you enjoy audio books. This is first in the Peter Grant series (and FYI, they have now also turned it into a graphic novel series!)
Peter stumbles upon magic and the magical police unit of London and finds himself an apprentice. He needs to learn how to use his powers quickly though, as someone is killing off people by making them crazy and then ripping them to pieces.....magically. Aaronovitch had so many twists and turns that the book kept you on the edge of your seat throughout. This is an original and interesting mystery fantasy adventure. I really do need to read the rest.
Al MacBharris casts spells with magically enchanted ink and talent. He uses his talent to keep the world safe and to hide the existence of magic and other universes. When his apprentice dies, he finds that his apprentice wasn't who he thought he was and also that the small curse he is suffering from (making people hate him the more they hear him) may actually be bigger and more insidious and causing the deaths of those close to him (including all seven of his apprentices). Al sets off to figure out and fix the problems stirred up by his apprentice and hoping to learn more about the curse. Oh, and he also has to save a lot of lives and fix a lot of problems.
This was a really interesting adventure. I like that it featured a sixty year old man who is magical but still real and grounded (aching joints, etc). Hearne excels at adding moments of humor in at random moments while maintaining a breakneck speed towards a finish you won't see coming. This is an exciting beginning to a new series that I am eager to read more of.
I hope you enjoyed these selections. Keep reading & don't forget to support your local library!
Saleena
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