Told through the narratives of Belle, Sophia, and Seth, Titan’s Tears conjures a near-future where miraculous breakthroughs, like deliverybots and cloned mammoths, quickly are regarded as mundane. The story builds to a crescendo with climatic tension and a plot line that intricately weaves each character’s lives together, eventually bringing them to Eccleston’s remote island of ancient beasts, bleeding-edge wonders, and literal “murder-machines.” The mysteries and suspense entice, while Lester digs deeper than simple thrills, capturing the textures of life in this future.
Especially provocative: through journal entries, readers learn more about Sophia as she reflects on curing diseases such as Parkinson's, her heart-breaking relationship with a previous business partner, Lucas, and her vision for a brand new beginning. Lester deftly ties it all together into a layered, eerie puzzle. Fans of ensemble narratives and thoughtful thrillers with truly jolting twists will relish this trio’s journey into a stranger, newer world—and this novel that, as it looks forward, playfully engages with some SF classics of the past.
Takeaway: Eerie, deftly envisioned near-future thriller of life in the singularity.
Comparable Titles: Nick Harkaway, Charles Stross.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Complicating matters, of course, are the horrors of slavery. Rhiannon’s interventions when slaves face cruel punishments tend to make matters worse, she exhibits grace for Albert’s out-of-wedlock son and his enslaved mother, and as hints of a revolt rock Jamaica as surely as the earthquakes, Rhiannon’s feelings for Fain Hill are complicated, and not just because of the centipedes. Liam, meanwhile, is soon en route to Jamaica as chaperone to a prickly young woman (“Even her curls appeared tightly wound,” Graham writes). His real mission, of course,is to see Rhiannon. One delicious twist: rather than find the young man, an abolitionist, a threat, Albert hires him on.
Graham spins the tale with brisk, engaging prose, palpable longing, and a strong sense of intrigue and gathering dread. The novel builds to inevitable but surprising tragedies but also a satisfying ending that does not diminish the weight of the history. Like Rhiannon, Graham abounds in grace, with even that tightly wound young woman proving, in the end, a compelling and nuanced creation.
Takeaway:Humane historical novel of love, law, and the horrors of slavery in the Americas.
Comparable Titles: Natasha Boyd’s The Indigo Girl, Sarah Lark’s Island of a Thousand Springs.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Scott creates fast-paced action that volleys between efforts to save Earth, protect the lives of the crew from various unforeseen perils, and, for Zalen, understand an android’s place within human society. Scott employs this repetitive pattern to build empathy between readers and the Andronaut by providing Zaylen ample nail-biting opportunities to prove his importance to humanity. Shocking twists keep readers engaged while Scott quickly escalates the tension between humans and AI. On the page, a palpable divide grows with some characters embracing the impressive tech abilities presented by Zaylen and others expressing their fearful and suspicious concerns of the Andronaut’s enhanced skills. Zaylen serves as a compelling catalyst to incisive and in-depth debates revolving around the complexities of machines’ integration into civilization.
Scott’s passion regarding innovative technological advancements shines through the narrative and sparks meaningful questions readers will feel compelled to investigate long after the final page. Several intriguing topics are explored such as will humanity eventually be replaced by androids and what if androids develop the ability to reject their code and go rogue? Readers interested in exploring the role of AI integrating with humanity will enjoy this compelling story.
Takeaway: A provocative adventure diving into AI’s role in human civilization.
Comparable Titles: Tony Laplume’s Sapo Saga, Martha Wells’s Murderbot Diaries.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Sarah exemplifies the emotional turmoil many feel when facing discontent in the workplace as Jones delves into self-doubt, the fear of starting over, and being complacent in a dead-end job. With wit, snark, and a striking sense of all-too-real realism, Jones writes a relatable and personable narrative about being pigeon-holed and feeling stuck with work that is no longer fulfilling or providing the space or opportunity for advancement. Exploring toxic work cultures, micromanagers, and workplace favoritism, The War on Sarah Morris is punchy and pained, outraged and comic, offering much that readers—especially women working in troubled industries—will find resonant. While set in 2011, the novel feels pointedly of the moment.
Jones convincingly captures the inner workings of a publisher and the ever-increasing responsibilities that fall onto lower level staffers, plus the indignities of a job search, from “biographical resumes” to pop-quiz writing assignments in job interviews. In this, Jones blends the engagingly dishy with sharp-elbowed analysis of power dynamics. Readers who have ever worked under tyrannical managers or for companies who only care about how much money is coming in will be impacted and feel a personal connection to Sarah's struggle.
Takeaway: Sharp-elbowed novel of a woman facing a job hunt after 20 years in publishing.
Comparable Titles: Lisa Owens’s Not Working, Liz Talley's Adulting.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Thoroughly realistic in its representation of new-college student challenges, this cautionary tale depicts the temptations of parties and romance, which distract Gabby from her academic goals. Luckily, her modern, laid-back faith strengthens her. Voices of reason come in the forms of rock-song lyrics and a radio DJ, as well as her sister, who steady Gabby when she most needs direction. The Christian element does not slow the pace or dominate the narrative, and it’s unlikely to deter secular readers, as many of the novel’s resonant gems of wisdom belong to no one tradition. Gabby embodies the classic picture of a college girl, sporting crop tops and drinking with the opposite sex. Love scenes remain implicit.
An action-packed prologue hooks the reader and offers a sneak peek at how Gabby and Griffin meet. First-person point-of-view in present tense lends an active voice to quieter passages and showcases Gabby’s diamond-in-the-rough, courageous character. Likewise, the conversational writing style promotes a sense of intimacy between protagonist and reader. Poetic prose matches swoon-worthy characters, like the bad boy with “a laugh that makes his whiskey-colored eyes bloom to sunburst.” Burning Hope’s satisfying narrative and characters will uplift fans of contemporary, sweet love stories.
Takeaway: Warm, realistic, uplifting romance with nuanced messages of faith.
Comparable Titles: Jessica Park’s Flat-Out Love, Jill Penrod’s Girls Aglow series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Inventive and unsettling scenes like that power Dreaming Under an Electric Moon, a fast-paced, impossible-to-predict ride starring two sharp-witted FBI agents each equipped with their own special set of skills. Powers pushes the narrative forward with surprising action, laugh-out-loud banter, and a tense storyline that takes full advantage of its future setting. Teaming up with software expert Ernestine Paul and her "black market guy", Garrett, the agents and their assembled team search both virtually online and multiple real-world locations to find Edward Blunt, the mysterious and supposedly dead creator of the vU, the virtual-reality "universe," in the hopes that he can help them stop Moloch, who is gathering countless drones.
In their race to save humanity, the team encounters characters from vNovels, aliens, ghoul-clowns, and Moloch himself in multiple hosts, creating a creepy level of distrust and uncertainty over who is an ally and who is the enemy. Blending shoe-leather procedural work, bursts of crisp but wild action, a viral update on super villainy, and a concluding reminder of the temptations of abusing cheat codes, this tech-run-amok plot will please fans of stories of investigating disturbing VR futures.
Takeaway: Inventive SF crime thriller pitting feds against “the king of the mindhackers.”
Comparable Titles: Caitlin Starling's The Luminous Dead Simon Jimenez's The Vanished Birds.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
The Connection Playbook advises not only on how to become the person one wants to be, seeing those one cares about through the “lens of love” and communicating with intent and clarity, but also how to avoid perpetuating unhealthy cycles. “If we’re not conscious of what lies behind our triggers, we can turn into the very people we try our best not to be,” Chaleff notes. To that end, Chaleff offers original strategies, techniques, and clarifying examples exploring how to face challenging moments in relationships—like flashpoint interactions that could lead to conflict—with grace and empathy. Relevant and practical exercises are found at the end of each chapter, reinforcing concepts like viewing mistakes as “moments to create connection.”
This warm, illuminating guide is a toolbox for building relationships, enhancing professional connections, and simply understanding more of the world around you–and understanding your own triggers, defensiveness, and responsibilities in relationships as well. Chaleff persuasively argues that “if we can’t see how we create barriers between ourselves and others, we have no way of dealing with those barriers.” With clear eyes and an open heart, The Connection Playbook deftly demonstrates how to create healthy attachment styles at a time when people feel increasingly distant.
Takeaway: Original, informative guide to building relationships on trust and respect.
Comparable Titles: David Bradford and Carole Robin’s Connect, Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas’s When Sorry Isn’t Enough.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Salvation Taverns offers a classic quest narrative, complete with a party of do-gooders, accumulated over chapters, pursued by strange creatures and elite soldiers (here, Spytes and the Scarlet Bans) and facing overwhelming odds, in this case an empire that bans books and demands citizens wear metal sleeves denoting each individual’s trade and standing. But Goldsmith balances the escapes, travels, friend-making, and betrayals with the tales of the Rooke, who in each chapter visits a tavern (The Dragon’s Toenail; The Glittering Raptor) and unspools a yarn. These awaken something in the listeners, reveal urgent backstory, and give Goldsmith opportunity to play in a host of fantasy subgenres.
The stories feature demons, pirates, purple foxes, and a host of figures of legend. Their narratives often are connected, with characters making multiple appearances. Before the Rooke regales a tavern, Goldsmith often devotes a perspective section to new characters who will become embroiled in the cause. This fills out the cast and world, but—combined with the storytelling—comes at the expense of narrative momentum. But Goldsmith’s fantasy asks readers to dig in deeper than most page-turners: it’s about gathering, sharing a tale, and making one’s own magic in the world.
Takeaway: Fantasy of storytelling deftly blending the epic and the cozy.
Comparable Titles: Ellen Kushner’s Thomas the Rhymer, Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Springett immerses readers in Shenandoah Valley's everyday life as Matthew returns to his brother’s castle on his horse for his niece's “name day,” but also in engaging political intrigue rooted in the flaws and future of humanity itself. The narrative gains momentum when assailants wielding banned Outer Rings weaponry target Matthew’s brother-in-law, exposing a conspiracy involving Earth’s Ambassador, the AI Statera, and a mysterious group called the Destiny Project. Forced to journey to the Alliance's capital, Copernicus, on the Moon. Stone survives attacks on the embassy and its Diplomatic Dome, where ambassadors from across humanity soon convene to face the danger. There Stone unearths a grand conspiracy.
Matthew encounters a host of interesting characters, establishing the richness of this future. The thoughtful story of diplomacy and secret machinations often leans on conversations rather than action, an approach that Springett executes with suspense. This vision of humanity’s future is smart and surprising, but always plausible and even revealing of who we’ve always been—and likely always will be. The conclusion this all builds to is a touch less exciting than the hints at what’s to come in the next installment.
Takeaway: Smart space opera pitting the warden of the Shenandoah Valley vs. a system-spanning conspiracy.
Comparable Titles: S.B. Divya’s Machinehood, James S.A. Corey
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Chief among that staff is Richard Earning, whose resonant name and love of Dickens suggests something of LaPierre’s ambitions and approach. After the senior Hardich dies, his offspring Xavier and Augusta become the chief investors in Enigma, and Xavier, taking an interest in the company despite his lack of experience, spends much time with Richard, spouting vagaries about taking Enigma “to the next level.” Richard meets and soon falls for Augusta, a grad student whose progressive sloganeering doesn’t disguise her cynicism. “We’re self-interested,” she confesses, in a discussion of humanity itself. “I see how we all use each other for our own ends.”
Humanist Richard, though, believes in happy endings, but LaPierre is savvier than that, as Richard’s love yields painful dividends. Meanwhile, LaPierre, a Dickens fan himself, spins an intriguing subplot involving the executor of the Hardich estate and the young woman he feels obliged to assist—and to warn away from Xavier. Entertaining despite a protracted length and a tendency toward rumination, The Equity of Love is precise in its characterization, alive with memorable dialogue, animated with moral purpose, and jolting in its revelations and reversals.
Takeaway: Engaging Dickensian novel of an Ontario software company.
Comparable Titles: Susan Rieger’s The Heirs, Sharon English’s Night in the World.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
What’s amazing about Douhadji is his refusal to be broken by the circumstances of his upbringing, thus making the title apt. His attitude of seeing the positive side of any situation and his determination to overcome limiting circumstances and excel are indeed inspiring. Douhadji’s father, though physically and emotionally abusive, is also always supportive of his academic dreams, a complexity that Douhadji explores. It is also amazing how, even in his darkest moments, young Douhadji finds inspiration in books. In a moving incident, his friend, though unable to provide him food, gives him a book, and it is while reading this gift Douhadji experiences a life-changing incident that frees him from hunger.
Throughout the narrative, Douhadji pauses to generalize and draw lessons from his experiences, no matter how grueling they are. Sometimes this does sound clichéd, a danger that the author acknowledges but doesn’t always avoid. Still, his attitude of gratitude, cheerfulness, diligence, and determination to move forward to live a purposeful life, together with his risk taking and positive use of criticism, makes him an excellent self-help coach. These, combined with the uniqueness of his experience go a long way in shaping this memoir into an immersive and inspiring one.
Takeaway: Deeply engaging memoir of overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams.
Comparable Titles: Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, Chris Gardner’s The Pursuit of Happyness.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Each story holds clear but also subtle messages and spiritual lessons for readers to interpret and glean their own understanding and pause to reflect on its underlying meaning. McKenzie spins an eclectic batch of tales that are insightful, revealing, and at times enigmatic. Juxtaposing ideas such as life and death, self and identity, and even teacher and student, Hair on Fire is a thought-provoking offering that centers the transcendent nature of consciousness and makes the case that, despite our short life spans, it never truly dies. Each story, though brief, brings its characters and its plot "full circle"—much like, as McKenzie’s “A Ghost Story” suggests, our consciousness itself.
McKenzie's storytelling is inviting and positive, even when exploring the heavy topic of death, which McKenzie assures readers is not the end of consciousness. Whether through exploring reincarnation, spiritual entities, or spiritual realms, each story suggests the possibility of life thriving long after the body stops. Seekers will relish this.
Takeaway: Inspiring spiritual stories of life, consciousness, and awakenings.
Comparable Titles: William Buhlman and Susan Buhlman's Beyond the Astral, Paulo Coelho's Veronika Decides to Die.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Set in Tune Town, a burg boasting colorful characters like Stan the Muscle Man and the President of Earl & Roth Enterprises, Guinness the Good Girl will keep young readers—and especially dog lovers—engaged, even as author Gillmann, making his debut, works in valuable lessons about the responsibilities that come along with pet ownership, naturally, but also the importance of education, saving money, and earning the things we want in life. Guinness creates a little chaos at home but eventually performs heroics around town, proving to be "the good girl" Dottie knew she would from the start.
Penny Weber’s illustrations capture the essence of a playful Dalmatian, capturing Guinness and her spots in a host of cute, comical, and exciting poses, each spirited and precise, although some of the human faces are less convincing. With educational facts about Dalmatians such as their heart shaped noses and how they are born without their spots, young readers will grow to love Guinness and look forward to future books in this projected series.
Takeaway: Adorable adventures between a smart young girl and her Dalmatian.
Comparable Titles: Amanda McCardie’s Our Very Own Dog, Alexandra Day's Good Dog, Carl.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Welcomed with great fanfare, the Kings soak in the knowledge of the culture and the teachings of Gandhi. Filled with inspiring quotes from Gandhi (such as "nonviolence is a weapon of the strong") and eye-pleasing, easy-to-follow mixed-media artwork putting the Kings in vibrant tableaus suggesting geographical locations and cultures of the subcontinent, Dr. King Goes to India is a touching narrative rooted in deep respect for both leaders’ philosophies and the vital connection between colonial India and the segregation and Jim Crow laws of the American South.
Reese’s book highlights the importance of global community and acceptance amongst different cultures in clear and inviting prose, though the text at times can be challenging to read against the colorful backgrounds. Still, young readers will learn about two positive leaders who impacted their community through peaceful movements and insightful messages. In this engaging resource for young minds to learn about diversity, India and its rich history, King’s legacy, and the power of cross-cultural connections, Reese (author of Black Artists Rock) admirably showcases Gandhi and King's reach and impact as two worlds collide to pay respect and honor each other.
Takeaway: Gorgeous children's book of two iconic leaders from different cultures.
Comparable Titles: Shane W. Evans's We March, Brad Meltzer's I Am Brave.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Jerickson injects this brisk farce with a paranoid android, doppelgangers, a neuro-positronic initializer Mind Helmet to boost brain power, luck waves emanating through the galaxy, and Quasi-Investment Dollars (QuID). Interspersed throughout the book are comical extracts from the multi-volume History of the Multiverse explaining this uncanny world, including elements like “I-Drives” and “Planet Hubs,” which, on some “Planets of Little Interest” (PoLIs), were great stone circles whose original use was forgotten over millenia and mistaken by locals for “a clock, or something. Or somewhere to kill things for God.” Barton and his motley crew, including engineer Hong, who is stuck inside the ductwork, must find and return the missing droid before Orion Spatial’s Supreme Manager EMM erases the Tite from existence by blowing up the entire universe.
This tropey romp through multiple dimensions and outrageously bizarre aliens and tech delights with action and heart. Readers of classical science fiction and fans of humor will have much to smile about, and will hope for more rowdy adventures in Jerickson’s Multiverse.
Takeaway: Hilarious SF adventure with silly aliens, rogue cyborgs, and interdimensional fun.
Comparable Titles: Douglas Adams; Charles Yu’s How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Readers interested in starting their own garden will relish Puchalski’s practical advice; from how to check growing zones to avoiding rot in certain crops to the growing phases of rhubarb, he transports readers into a lush atmosphere of sunshine, soil, and sustenance. A top 10 list of dramatic plants for home gardeners (coneflower and lavender steal the show), unique recipes—such as elderflower liqueur or rhubarb syrup—and access to Puchalski’s regularly updated garden tracking page with farming spreadsheets and more give this journal serious clout. Photographs sprinkled throughout add personality, particularly those of Puchalski’s landscape progress and crop growth.
Beyond the practical advice, Puchalski writes with an easy humor that will delight readers as he reflects on lessons learned during the pandemic (“Seeds make great roommates during a global pandemic. They stick to their room, never use all the hot water, and if you maintain your relationship with them, make excellent company in the kitchen.” he claims). Even though the journal is based in Pittsburgh—from the growing season to the concrete garden to the steep hills—it will resonate with gardeners worldwide.
Takeaway: Charming journal devoted to the joys of city gardening.
Comparable Titles: Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates’s Paradise Lot, Page Dickey’s Uprooted.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-