It’s a new year (half way through the first month), and there are so many books that are upcoming or have already been released that are set to make waves. I, for one, am excited to see more diverse reads and new exciting adventures for everyone to enjoy. I can only hope that each year we get to see more and more diverse books because they are so needed. But for now here’s an admittedly small list of my most anticipated books from 2023. Buckle up for a lot of fantasy.
Unseelie – Ivelisse Housman
This one is already out! It was released January 3, 2023. Unfortunately, I still don’t have a copy, but I have faith that I’ll get it soon because everything about this story sounds incredible.
Taken from Goodreads*
“Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her.”
Immediate intrigue. Twin sisters on an adventure, changelings, fae, and an autistic main character. I’ve seen so many great reviews surrounding this book, and I just know this will become a favorite for me. I can’t wait to get this book soon!
Read more about the book here!
Spice Road – Maiya Ibrahim
I learned about this book through social media, and honestly I’m so glad the marketing and outreach worked. Everything about this book sounds like everything I love in a book–magic, monsters, and betrayal. What more can you ask for?
Taken from Goodreads*
“The first book in an epic fantasy series for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal and Elizabeth Lim, set in an Arabian-inspired land. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, seventeen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother whose betrayal is now their greatest threat.”
Releasing January 24, 2023. Keep your eyes peeled for this new exciting fantasy!
Read more about the book here!
Last Sunrise in Eterna – Amparo Ortiz
Puerto Rican elves. Need I say more?
Taken from Goodreads*
“Seventeen-year-old goth Sevim Burgos would love to spend all day watching music videos, but to help support the family she has to scavenge and sell elf corpses to a sketchy university professor. On one of her hunts, Sevim captures the elf prince, Aro, wounded in a Burger King. But it turns out that the elves have been watching Sevim too, and this chance encounter sets their revenge in motion.” […]
Not only do we get a sense that Sevim is one fun character (I’m sensing some snark in there already), but it feels like we’re gonna get fun moments (how does one find an elf prince in a Burger King?) and exciting high stakes! Releasing March 28, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
Always Isn’t Forever – J. C. Cervantes
Ever since I read Flirting With Fate by J. C. Cervantes, I knew I would be reading anything she writes. I’m convinced her words are filled with magic, and it’s light and airy and a breath of fresh air. Of course, I’m expecting to feel that magic touch in this upcoming book.
Taken from Goodreads*
“Best friends and soul mates since they were kids, Hart Augusto and Ruby Armenta were poised to take on senior year together when Hart tragically drowns in a boating accident. Absolutely shattered, Ruby struggles to move on from the person she knows was her forever love. Hart can’t let go of Ruby either…. Due to some divine intervention, he’s offered a second chance. Only it won’t be as simple as bringing him back to life—instead, Hart’s soul is transferred to the body of a local bad boy.” […]
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get my heart shattered by this book. Releasing June 6, 2023.
Read more about this book here!
Immortal Longings – Chloe Gong
After reading the These Violent Delights duology, I will now be reading everything Chloe Gong puts out. (I still have to get Foul Lady Fortune and I’m expecting Last Violent Call too, but let’s focus on her adult debut!) Gong just writes exactly what I like: high stakes adventures, relationships you want to cheer for (platonic or romantic), and just ideas and concepts I didn’t know I needed.
Taken from Goodreads*
“#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games. Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.” […]
After reading this small snippet of the blurb, I already need this book in my life. A retelling, deadly games, and romance. I know this will be the adventure of a lifetime! Releasing July 25, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride – Roshani Chokshi
I’ve only had the opportunity to read one of Roshani Chokshi’s works (The Gilded Wolves), but I already know I can trust that any book she writes is going to be incredible. (And yes, I hope to finish The Gilded Wolves trilogy soon…)
Taken from Goodreads*
“A sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales–the breathtaking adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi.”
This sounds like a gothic dark fairy tale, and I cannot wait to read this! Releasing February 14, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
Vampires of El Norte – Isabel Cañas
Last year, I had the honor of reading the incredible book The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas, and it was in my top three favorite books of 2022. As you can imagine, I’m obviously going to want to read her newest book about vampires set in 1840s Mexico.
Taken from Goodreads*
“As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters—her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead. Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago.” […]
There’s so much tension in just the blurb! I’m so excited for this book and crossing my fingers to be able to get it as soon as it comes out. Releasing August 29, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
Yellowface – R. F. Kuang
Yes, I read Babel. Yes, I’ll also read anything R. F. Kuang writes. (I still need to read The Poppy War though…) After I read the blurb for Yellowface though, I knew I had to read it.
Taken from Goodreads*
“What’s the harm in a pseudonym? New York Times bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American–in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel from R. F. Kuang in the vein of White Ivy and The Other Black Girl.”
I have the sense that this book is not going to be like Babel and what I’ve heard about The Poppy War in terms of writing style. This feels more like a grim satire. (I could be proven wrong of course, this is just my first impression of the blurb). I’m really excited to see how R. F. Kuang executes this concept. Releasing May 16, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
The Foxglove King – Hannah Whitten
I’ve yet to read anything by Hannah Whitten (I have the For the Wolf duology in my TBR), but something about this book in particular feels like something I’ll really enjoy!
Taken from Goodreads*
“In this lush, romantic new epic fantasy series from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Whitten, a young woman’s secret power to raise the dead plunges her into the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King’s royal court. When Lore was thirteen, she escaped a cult in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire. And in the ten years since, she’s lived by one rule: don’t let them find you. Easier said than done, when her death magic ties her to the city.” […]
Anything that is described as lush or romantic is immediately a book I’ll want to read. Add in a sprinkle of royalty, and this book is everything I love. (…I love a lot of things in books, but can you blame me when all of these concepts sound amazing?) Releasing March 7, 2023.
Read more about the book here!
After curating this small list, I can see clearly how much I love the fantasy genre. I do apologize if fantasy isn’t your thing because this list will not be for you. Regardless, maybe you’ll find something that’ll speak to you! I’m super excited for this year in books and I can’t wait to meet so many new characters and go on new adventures.
A's Corner 