While Wimsett immerses the reader in the world of Carandir, thoughtfully including maps of the kingdom and a glossary of the trading language, readers may be overwhelmed by the many characters (some of whom have extremely similar names, like Deh and Dek) and story lines. No single plotline gets the attention it deserves, and emotional investment may suffer as a result. In key moments, it can be difficult to keep track of who is who, lessening the intended weight of the story. (Reading the first installment might help.)
The book works best when characters have clear goals. Ryckair’s journey with the Zerites is one of the most enjoyable sections to read. Sif and Tarawee, his Zerite guides disguised as humans, inject some much-needed humor into the story, and the group suffers relatable setbacks and successes. While the author takes on a lot of information and detail at once, the world he creates is engrossing. Fantasy readers will appreciate the dedication to detail.
Takeaway: This immersive tale combines palace intrigue, military coups, and sorcery—perfect for fantasy fans with a political bent.
Great for fans of: Frank Herbert’s Dune, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings.
Production grades
Cover: C+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: C+
Readers must suspend disbelief to fully appreciate this thriller. Juanita too-readily divulges highly sensitive information, including the inner workings of her business, to Emelia. Dick also acts questionably. After he’s summoned to meet with the captain about Greg’s murder, he pauses to take a shower and change clothing, a shocking delay considering the situation. Exposition is often repeated, slowing the pace despite a whirlwind plot and large ensemble cast filled with FBI agents and criminals. The frequent objectification of women (including by other women, as when Emelia eyes the “boobies” of “circle of dykes” at a party) a missed opportunity, undermining the promise of strong heroines and multidimensional women villains.
Rupp’s extensive world travel shines on the page. The truly varied assortment of settings includes Berlin, Monaco, and North Carolina. As each new locale is described, readers will find it easy to picture the characters there. His background in the commercial insurance industry paves the way for a sophisticated insurance scheme that keeps the pages turning as layer after layer is uncovered. Armchair travelers will get the most from this cruise through bloody waters.
Takeaway: Fans of financial thrillers and literary vacations will enjoy this tale of crime and scheming on a cruise ship.
Great for fans of Catherine Ryan Howard’s Distress Signals.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: A
Rather than delving deeply into character motivations and the social context of Shar, this story focuses on plot, which proceeds according to schedule. The premise of Shar is fascinating, and readers may wish there was more information about the city, its people, and its relationships with humans.
Readers will warm to the teenage spunk of energetic and tough Keira, who vows to find a way back to Earth with Daniel. Archon, too, is a complex character, doing his duty as a scientist but unable to ignore the cruelty and paranoia of the city’s leaders, the Guardians. Young readers will enjoy the enchanted ice city, handsome characters, and magical charms of this thrilling YA fantasy.
Takeaway: This magical adventure will satisfy YA fantasy readers who enjoy spunky heroines and fairytale charm.
Great for fans of: Robert J. Crane’s The Girl in the Box series, Skye Malone’s Awakened Fate series.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-

A couple of plot twists feel slightly contrived, and some readers might find the book’s ambiguity frustrating, especially regarding the event that led the survivors to their current situation. This mystery is as intriguing as it is challenging, however, and the book’s conclusion leaves open the possibility of a sequel that could contain more answers. Fluid, self-aware prose and sharp characterization keep the reader entranced. The Maenads can seem like caricatures, but when men are introduced, their shortcomings are depicted with equal wryness, and descriptions of their “flat bellies, and heavily muscled glutes, and thighs that led down to wiry calves” subtly parody the male gaze. Every character is both strong and deeply flawed.
Though the novel’s themes resonate with earlier works of feminist science fiction, Moore’s work is unusual in that it critiques misandry as well as misogyny and depicts a world without men as a horror, not a utopia. She deploys vivid descriptions of violence only when absolutely necessary to drive that horror home while implicitly critiquing books that relish violence against women. Dark but with a glimmer of hope, this gripping work earns its place on the shelf of any post-apocalyptic fiction fan.
Takeaway: This bloody post-apocalyptic thriller critiques gender ideology extremes and will fascinate any connoisseur of feminist science fiction.
Great for fans of Elizabeth Hand’s “The Bacchae,” Naomi Alderman, Margaret Atwood.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Finding Magdalena introduced Maggie as a teenager in a harrowing tale of love and loss. Now readers get to appreciate Maggie as an adult: agent, singer, mother, and wife. The dialogue can sometimes be stilted or trite (“I need to remember that a lot of women don’t even get one baby”), but the emotions underneath it are real. Domestic issues including fertility problems, jealousy, and mental illness intertwine and juxtapose with dangerous enemies including the mysterious group known as the Brotherhood, and loved ones become collateral damage when covert operations go terribly wrong, showing the tragic humanity in the espionage world.
Condon’s wonderful heroine is a survivor above all else. The story boasts a rare mix of daring spycraft and the domestic life of an extended family, though this sometimes leads to uneven pacing and an overextended plot. There’s much to enjoy as Maggie outwits kidnappers and Russian operatives while facing her own fears and demons. Both new and returning readers will appreciate the promise of this unique series and be eager to follow Maggie wherever her dangerous, fulfilling life takes her next.
Takeaway: A tough heroine with strong family ties brings adventures galore to thriller readers wishing their ordinary lives could be just a little more exciting.
Great for fans of David Baldacci’s King & Maxwell series, Dan Fesperman’s Safe Houses.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B+
Dale crafts a world of ruthless characters who unfortunately lack the necessary interiority to engage the reader’s sympathies. Danny and Jocelyn’s relationship is treated somewhat as a romance, but it’s tumultuous and occasionally violent, and readers may find it hard to cheer the lovers on. Moments that provide insight into Jocelyn’s motives (such as needing money to send her younger sisters to college) are welcome but rare. Nearly every character is a murderer, a backstabber, or an abuser, and the protagonists employ disturbing racist language. However, the willingness of many characters to betray one another or change sides adds memorable twists and strengthens the plot.
Keeping track of who’s who is difficult in this sprawling story, which spans multiple generations with interrelated narratives and tangled backstories. It’s peppered with flashbacks, memories, and lengthy monologues about the past, and is most compelling when the characters’ histories tie into their present-day actions. The plot itself is frequently gripping, and fans of the mob genre will appreciate the scenes of bloody action.This thriller will hook readers looking for a twisty story full of characters they’ll love to hate.
Takeaway: Family drama, violence, and a femme fatale make this thriller appealing to fans of mafia stories.
Great for fans of Dennis Lehane’s Live by Night, James Patterson’s Don’t Blink.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: -
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B+

Menuhin has a firm grasp of the English country house mystery: from page one, readers meet the idle rich, too busy tying a fishing fly to realize there’s a dead body on the doorstep. Also present are loyal, daffy servants; a lovelorn butler appears in a scene reminiscent of P.G. Wodehouse. Though Melrose Court is well-populated, the author drapes each character with enough amusing offbeat traits to make sure they stand out, as with cousin-by-marriage Gertrude, an unapologetic kleptomaniac with an alarming knowledge of explosives. There’s a slight stumble toward the end with a rushed introduction of new information, but overall the plot zips along and the cast always entertains.
Though largely comic, this mystery contains some somber scenes that lend depth to the story and anchor it firmly in its time and place, as when Lennox remembers his service in the Great War. The aristocratic Russians fail to grasp that working-class English are not Russian peasants and that their grotesquely lavish world is gone forever. The vibrant characters and meticulously detailed period setting will keep readers smiling and even chuckling all the way to the surprising but wholly believable conclusion. This is a wonderful example of its genre, and readers will eagerly look forward to more from Lennox and his eccentric family.
Takeaway: Fans of English interwar mysteries will delight in this whodunit, which is replete with eccentric gentry and servants, a drafty manor house, and plenty of witty exchanges.
Great for fans of Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey series, Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: -
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B

Ton emphasizes the power of networking in chapters fully updated for the 2020 reality of virtual get-togethers. His suggestions range from the technical (digital Zoom backgrounds “will detract from your image, and if the lighting isn’t perfect, you will look like James T. Kirk transporting to the Enterprise during a power glitch”) to the interpersonal (“look at the camera... like you would look in someone’s eyes in a face-to-face meeting”). Ton proposes asking key questions at networking encounters and includes several examples of direct queries to utilize in both online and offline settings, teaching readers to take goal-oriented action.
This compact guide wastes no energy on filler and convinces readers of the urgency of more demanding self-investigation. Journaling is one of several instruments offered to help applicants obtain their dream jobs. Rather than selling readers a one-size-fits-some system, Ton’s guide stands out and accommodates individuality by instructing readers to sell themselves. Any white-collar job-seeker who’s willing to put some thought and effort into identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal work situation will find this an invaluable aid.
Takeaway: This no-nonsense guide will help any white-collar job-seeker unlock their dream career through self-examination, networking, and staying focused.
Great for fans of Richard Nelson Bolles’s What Color Is Your Parachute?, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’s Designing Your Life.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

This amusing and entertaining story brings endangered species to life through thrilling escapades interspersed with more serious messages on balancing independence with security. Sulima’s vibrant, nuanced artwork adds depth to the experience, inviting the reader in to bounce joyfully through brightly painted landscapes full of imaginative details. Tatchell’s focus on the characters’ vulnerability illuminates their tenacity and spirit, endearing their curious and restless natures to readers. The singsong iambic verse (“I’d LOVE to play with you outside! This day can never end!”) is easy to read aloud and will delight young ones and parents alike.
The story’s subtle critique of human trafficking of endangered species is balanced by winsome art and enjoyable text. Young fans will fall in love with the main characters’ inquisitiveness about the world surrounding them, while adults will appreciate the lessons on exploring independence safely, helping others, and always coming home. Tatchell’s charming storytelling and Sulima’s gorgeous renditions of the Kenyan landscape and its inhabitants will earn this lovely picture book a spot on any shelf.
Takeaway: Lovable characters and beautiful art will entice readers of all ages into this story about seeking independence while appreciating the refuge of home.
Great for fans of Audrey Penn’s The Kissing Hand, Bob Darroch’s Little Kiwi Is Scared of the Dark.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A+
Illustrations: A+
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Curious readers will welcome the blend of recollection and travel tips, and Connor highlights the strain of the walk while emphasizing its accessibility for people of varying abilities. Her section on myths about the Camino experience (such as “a true pilgrim walks the whole way”) and her honest discussion of nondescript trail sections, near-impassable shale, and disappointingly closed churches prepare those planning this trip for a realistic, rather than idealized, journey. Connor encourages readers with her stories of personal realizations and spiritual encounters.
In the journal section, line-drawn maps do not contain a scale or distance and are more evocative than practical, but crisp, well-reproduced black-and-white photographs evoke a sense of place for key moments of the journey. Would-be pilgrims will need other resources to fully plan their trips, but this is a good entry point to understand how the route feels and what it requires. This taste of the Camino will spark interest in completing the long trek while highlighting its challenges.
Takeaway: Fans of armchair travel or those exploring their own interest in walking the Camino de Santiago will get a lot from this down-to-earth guide and memoir.
Great for fans of Rolf Potts’s Vagabonding, Rosemary Mahoney’s The Singular Pilgrim.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-
Hal, Johnny, and Gracie are the most developed characters; the others can feel slightly flat. As Johnny and other players threaten violence, readers will admire how Hal maintains integrity by rarely picking a fight and always thinking of his wife’s safety first. Though this distinct moral compass can seem slightly exaggerated, it leaves readers reassured that Hal would never intentionally harm Rube. Hal is an honorable man whose chivalry is emphasized through his respectful treatment of Gracie and Hannah McGuire, a Boston nurse he befriends. His bashful awe of the two women’s beauty is a little reductive but sweetly innocent, and gives readers another reason to root for him.
Hutchinson echoes film noir and hard-boiled crime novels through ominous foreshadowing and chapter-ending cliff-hangers. Readers observe Johnny’s moves where Hal doesn’t, creating a larger sense of danger for the protagonist. It’s exhilarating to follow Hal and Gracie through the historic streets of Boston, New York, and St. Louis as they try to deduce who is truly after them and sort the good guys from the bad guys in the intense world of pre-regulation baseball. Crime fans and baseball fanatics alike will be enthralled by this retro tale of love and revenge.
Takeaway: Historically accurate details of pre-regulation baseball and nail-biting suspense will captivate crime and sports fans.
Great for fans of Eliot Asinof’s Eight Men Out, Darryl Brock’s If I Never Get Back, David Halberstam’s Summer of ’49, W.P. Kinsella.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+

Hutchinson strives for historical accuracy in his setting and language but modernizes his characters’ politics. Though the narrative focuses on a damsel in distress, Cora is a fully fleshed-out and profound character. The chapters switch perspectives, so Cora never feels like an afterthought in her own story; she and Quint have fully separate reactions to (and feelings about) specific situations. Hutchinson hits on the important hallmarks of a traditional western, setting Quint and Cora firmly in a world of clear rights and wrongs, but he still manages to imbue the narrative with appealing sensitivity.
There are a few extraneous characters and side plots. One, involving Cora’s father and Julius abusing railroad workers, feels particularly sadistic and out of place, especially since it never factors into the end of the story. However, for the most part the narrative is lean, fast-moving, and well-structured. Though the bulk of the action takes place in a courthouse, the dialogue and setting feel distinctly western and the tension is as high as in a shootout. Hutchinson brings the western up to date without losing any of the genre’s historical charm in a gripping story with broad appeal.
Takeaway: This historical western with a thoughtful modern sensibility will enthrall both longtime genre fans and new readers.
Great for fans of Zane Grey’s The Lone Star Ranger, Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove Series.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-

The positive and encouraging text is warm and sincere without being overly sentimental. Wong doesn't shy away from abstract concepts such as resilience, faith, and prosperity, but the rich colors and picturesque details of the images help to make their meaning clear, though young children may press for further explanations. The final page of facts about the historical characters and trivia about the different breeds of dog (and one cat) depicted throughout the book will encourage rereading and help the work hold children’s interest as they grow.
Gently encouraging readers to cherish their luck, seek tranquility, and hope for the best, Wong elevates kindness and quiet joy over material success, a valuable message for many parents as well as for children. Baratashvili takes care to include a variety of ethnicities and a girl in a wheelchair, helping children to see themselves in the book and believe that these wishes really are meant for them. The wide-ranging affirmations and lovely artwork make this an excellent baby shower gift or a whimsical graduation present. Both adults and children will find this bedtime read worth returning to again and again.
Takeaway: This enchanting and encouraging picture book will capture the imagination of developing readers and the adults who want only the best for them.
Great for fans of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Litchenheld’s I Wish You More, Marianne Richmond’s Be Brave Little One, Lisa Mantchev and Jessica Courtney-Tickle’s The Perfectly Perfect Wish.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: C
The large cast of characters is headlined by these four ladies, whose stories are drastically different but all center on love and romantic relationships. This installment resumes where the action stopped in the first book’s cliff-hanger ending, immediately thrusting readers into the fast-paced plot. New readers may initially struggle to understand the overlapping, complex plotlines and keep track of the numerous characters and their various motivations. The powerful bond among the friends, and their resilience, surpasses the cluttered plot to create a romantic drama that underscores the importance of maintaining supportive friendships and the healing power of love.
Saleh writes passionately about Dom and Tad’s difficulties, poignantly depicting the impact of terminal illnesses on relationships. Although the book includes murder, sexual assault, bullying, and elements of mystery, at its heart it’s a love story. Elegantly written sex scenes provide breaks in the story’s rapid pace while highlighting the romantic bonds between partners. This emotionally affecting page-turner is a must for any hopeless romantic who prefers a touch of angst with their happily ever after.
Takeaway: Fans of romance and women’s fiction will enjoy this dramatic, passionate story of love and redemption.
Great for fans of Robyn Carr, A.C. Arthur, Terry McMillan.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: -
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
McDougall entices readers into a world where magical beings hide in the shadows, fearing persecution and exploitation by humans. Hallows is a complex society with political structures, social hierarchies, and a rich but bitter history. As Sasha settles in, vivid descriptions paint both the town and its inhabitants clearly in the imagination. A violent murder just outside city limits introduces an element of intrigue and keeps readers guessing as to the true nature of the threats to Hallows and Sasha.
Jake and Sasha share an intense physical attraction, but the reader’s impression of their compatibility suffers from a lack of depth in their personal interactions. In the context of Sasha’s traumatic previous relationships, the absence of a developed trust base sets off warning bells in the mild power play flavoring the sex scenes. However, there is a satisfying sense of growth in the bonds Sasha forms with her newfound friends and the way the magic of Hallows awakens secrets from her childhood. McDougall’s well-formed magical world will hold the reader’s interest as the mystery and romance unfold.
Takeaway: Paranormal romance readers who relish suspenseful plotting and alpha male heroes will enjoy this tale of self-discovery.
Great for fans of Carol Van Natta’s Shifter Mate Magic, Sedona Venez’s Taming the Beast.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: -
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Blackstone weaves the characters’ complex journeys into a broad view of the hunt for soulblades and the consequences that arise when they are found. The novel is ostensibly titled after Tyr, who opens the story with his quest to find a soulblade and be knighted, but all the central characters wind up as bladeseekers in a way, and the interlocking effects of their actions strengthen the overall narrative. Most compelling is the unnamed character whose backstory and character development unfold slowly, and the many unanswered questions about her will leave readers craving the next installment.
The story is dark at times, especially with some of the battle deaths. The setting is vividly rendered with crisp depictions of bold landscapes and dangerous weather. Readers will glimpse each character’s motivation and loyalties through the articulation of their internal thoughts and conflicts, with unexpected players generating the biggest impact in the end. Blackstone succeeds in fully fleshing out characters and building a sinister world of magic with dire consequences. Full of combat, quests, and soul-searching, this thoughtful fantasy asks readers to question both history and destiny.
Takeaway: This action-packed and thoughtful fantasy quest story will enchant readers with its charming characters and surprising revelations.
Great for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows, Rick Riordan.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: -
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
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