Writing with clarity and purpose, Quintyn reports on the state of play in PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), elective enhancements, the power of CRISPR gene-editing tools, and more, summarizing new developments and causes for concern in prose an interested lay reader can follow. The stakes are high, as Quintyn establishes with challenging questions about these technologies: Do we understand the short and long-term evolutionary effects of genetic engineering? What happens to a society, he asks, where “only the rich have access to genetic enhancements”?
Quintyn’s at his most persuasive when urging scientists (and regulators) to remember all that’s uncertain about how genes interact with each other. The well-intended altering one element of a complex system (say, eradicating malaria by altering the gene drive of mosquitoes) might impact the rest of that system. Especially upsetting: His linking of the forced sterilization techniques of earlier eugenicists to the future possibility of forced genetic modification. It’s impossible to discern, from The New Eugenics, whether such scenarios are likely, but Quintyn demonstrates that the warnings must be sounded.
Takeaway: This survey of the present and future of genetic engineering sounds a powerful, persuasive alarm to science-minded readers.
Great for fans of: Jamie Metzl’s Hacking Darwin, Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg’s A Crack in Creation.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-

Rutherford gives each character a colorful past and loyalties that could make anyone the culprit, building The Eighth Master into an engrossing whodunit that will keep readers guessing. This clever mystery’s occasional focus on architecture might hinder some readers’ interest, though, especially Neil’s occasional lectures. Despite Rutherford’s love of the subject, the architectural detail that slows down the first 50 pages ultimately doesn’t factor much into the investigation, as the mystery hinges on what’s inside the chateau rather than the chateau itself.
Nevertheless, Rutherford has crafted a lengthy but captivating mystery that checks off all the boxes for the genre, offering a relentless investigation and exciting twists and turns. Like a boulder rolling down the hill faster and faster, the storytelling becomes more urgent and exciting as the investigation continues. The revelations are both surprising and fulfilling, as Rutherford demonstrates mastery of the genre with clues that play fair, a couple of legitimate shocks, and a satisfying ending that clears up all the essential questions. Murder mystery fans, especially the architectural enthusiasts and art lovers among them, will enjoy how The Eighth Master touches on all these subjects to expose the excesses of humanity’s Icarus-like greed.
Takeaway: This memorable whodunit, fascinated with art and architecture, will dazzle fans of the genre.
Great for fans of: Donna Leon’s Transient Desires, Clare Chase’s Mystery on Hidden Lane.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: A
Intertwined with Demetrius’s experiences are occasional chapters telling the story of his mother, Olivia, detailing her cruel upbringing and roiling mind. Cracks of Light is raw and frank by design: Even advanced readers will likely be challenged by harrowing events such as a convenience store shooting or incidents of incest, and sensitive and younger readers should probably avoid the novel. Although the voice, focus, and narrative are strong, the sequel hinted at in an epilogue would benefit from more rigorous editing.
Despite the heavy themes, a welcome colloquial lyricism and humor come through Demetrius’s voice, which is that of an honest, level-headed, and superhero-loving boy typical of fourth grade. Reedburg’s dialogue often soars, and the narrative device of the Light and impervious young voice of Demetrius lift Cracks of Light, resulting in a singular urban novel, about a boy seeking refuge and strength in fantasy, that will appeal to young adults already exposed to adult language and content
Takeaway: This raw YA coming-of-age story finds a young boy’s hard upbringing lightened by fantasy.
Great for fans of: Lamar Giles’s Let Me Be a Man, Ibi Zoboi’s anthology Black Enough.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-
A wealth of fascinating anecdotes accompanies the overarching details of the operation. Mueller’s account emphasizes a crucial truth: No matter how an operation is planned by the officers, it's up to the courage of the soldiers to carry them out. He illustrates this with stories of bravery and ingenuity from soldiers and civilians, including the Dutch resistance fighter cutting wires to a bridge that the Germans were going to destroy, the soldiers who escape a hospital prison on foot, and the farmer who talks Germans out of using a bridge by telling them it’s too fragile. Mueller's judgment at times is harsh, especially on the British officers whose arrogant planning failures led directly to the deaths of thousands.
The book’s practical purpose makes it a tough straight-ahead read, even for armchair historians. Instead, it’s intended as a field guide, and as such it’s jammed with invaluable details that would illuminate a traveler's experience. The exercise of reading these accounts where they actually occurred supports Mueller's idea that war is always a traumatic local experience dependent on the actions of individuals. When those individuals are betrayed by bad planning, the sacrifices become even more tragic.
Takeaway: Readers interested in the minutia of military operations will be fascinated by this guide’s thoroughness.
Great for fans of: Cornelius Ryan's A Bridge Too Far, John Buckley's Operation Market Garden: The Campaign For the Low Countries 1944: Seventy Years On.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Tony’s travels expose him to cultural delights and spin him into the orbits of fellow voyagers and generous, gregarious locals. Valletta’s loving attention to detail brings Tony’s, destinations to life, and the people Tony encounters are true examples of humanity–from the woman who pays for his hotel stay one evening to the Irish gents with whom he shares a meal, a pint, and local tall tales of flying saucers (“While they were talkin’ the spaceman asked if it were true that the Irish believe in wife-swapping.”)
The novel functions more as a travelogue than a cohesive story, with little in the way of plot or narrative momentum. The dialogue at times is stilted, and readers will be left wondering about unresolved story points, such as Tony’s relationship with his father and the next steps in his relationship with Meaghan, the barkeep he meets in Donegal. On the positive, Valletta offers engaging details about his travels, from curious train bathrooms to camping in Irish rainstorms, and readers will be easily pulled into Tony’s musings on family dynamics, the ins and outs of depression, and the simple acts of human kindness that can transform lives.
Takeaway: This European travelogue follows one American’s journey toward romance.
Great for fans of: Kristin Newman’s What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding, Rob Spillman’s All Tomorrow’s Parties.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B

Polished and sharply written, The Wayward Haunt grabs readers’ attention from the opening line of its prologue (“Ghosts haunt dreams”) and doesn’t let go until its thrilling conclusion. Case blends humor and intrigue in her literary debut to great effect, creating a protagonist that readers will root for from start to finish. Thriller lovers and romance fans alike will find much to love in this paranormal adventure, from the supernatural battles that Zaya must fight, to her alliance with Captain Jad Arden, who simultaneously infuriates and intrigues her.
Despite its designation as “YA,” The Wayward Haunt is written with maturity and depth that will appeal to fantasy-minded readers of any age. Equal parts spooky and engrossing, Zaya’s adventure verges on epic, with plenty of magic, war, drama, and darkness. Readers will be thrilled to learn that a sequel is currently in the works.
Takeaway: Mysteries and magic abound in this stellar YA fantasy debut.
Great for fans of: Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
While he celebrates the generative possibilities of the Cognitive-Cloud, Goldberg also warns that “much of what we do and imagine is the invention of our mind” and notes the dangers of not recognizing that we can be “prisoners” of our clouds. He embraces the complexity of his subject, and there’s much that’s fascinating and challenging in his abundant details and wide survey of topics. The material can also overwhelm, though, and some readers will struggle to synthesize all the information and connect it to Goldberg’s ideas on cognition and complexity. In addition to his broad scope, Goldberg’s writing style amplifies the intricacy of his subject, as he shifts topics quickly and frequently circles back to previous points. Some readers will revel in the kaleidoscope of facts that he presents, while others will wish for a more focused discussion.
Goldberg presents a steady stream of intriguing facts and thought-provoking quotations. His analysis of the Cognitive-Cloud’s impact on frontiers like Artificial Intelligence, cryptocurrency, and climate change offers a fascinating peek at our future. Readers who are up for the challenge will be rewarded by this exciting and in-depth examination of our species’ past and its potential.
Takeaway: Goldberg’s wide-ranging commentary on humanity’s next steps offers abundant food for thought for the intellectually curious.
Great for fans of: Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing To Our Brains, Maryanne Wolf’s Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain, Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: B+
Editing: C
Marketing copy: B
Ferguson celebrates Jackie’s accomplishments with an infectious enthusiasm that encourages readers (especially Black girls) to identify with the protagonist and feel like winners. Illustrator Alisa Aryutova has made Jackie a joyous dynamo with endearing geek-chic aplomb. But Ferguson’s point about good sportsmanship (“Work hard, give your best, and do all you can do./That’s what matters most, and this Jackie knew!”) is somewhat blunted by only appearing at the story’s conclusion. An earlier glimpse of Jackie’s healthy attitude toward competition would show young readers how she’s able to recover from a painful disappointment and quickly get herself back on the right track.
Aryutova’s energetic illustrations are vivid color blocks with bold lines and textures, and she employs glowing gold on every page (including the end papers) in a nod to Jackie’s shiny trophies. The most emotional drawing is a textless spread that shows a hunched-over Jackie expressing in body language what her mind cannot yet process. With this pause in the narration, Jackie Wins Them All offers emotional catharsis by showing a successful athlete facing an upset. It will resonate with young readers ready to challenge themselves, reminding them that good sportsmanship--and always putting your best foot forward-- keeps them in the race.
Takeaway: Young readers will be inspired by this lively achiever who’s reminded that winning isn’t guaranteed.
Great for fans of: Brian Pinkney’s JoJo’s Flying Side Kick, Sharon Bell Mathis’s Running Girl: The Diary of Ebonee Rose, Addie Boswell’s The Rain Stomper.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: C+
Rita tells her story four separate times, with each fresh revision a response to advice from a teacher to incorporate new details such as dialogue, description, and action. Rita’s final draft features bright, lively illustrations and a fleshed-out story that underscores the book’s central message: that practice is essential to success. It also suggests that Rita’s own burgeoning skill just might be writing and storytelling, which kids will recognize in themselves, too, as they work with their parents or a teacher to add details to their own stories. Fitzpatrick invites readers to copy the opening sections of the book–Rita’s first drafts–to allow children to color the pictures and add their own words in the same way that Rita eventually does.
Rita serves as a relatable and indomitable protagonist, revealing her disappointment over not being as good as her friends at singing and gymnastics but never letting it get the best of her. Her resilience demonstrates not only that failure is a part of life, even in a world that tends to worship superstars, but that it’s okay and even admirable to be supportive of other people. Most importantly, the book reminds kids never to give up, even if success doesn’t happen immediately.
Takeaway: This innovative storybook teaches young readers that everyone has a special gift or talent, but that sometimes it needs to be nurtured.
Great for fans of: Barney Saltzberg’s Beautiful Oops, Ashley Spires’s The Most Magnificent Thing.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: B+
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Much of this work is a summary of, or direct quotes from, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Koran. While McCabe’s analysis of these texts and their historical background is cogent and absorbing, the often lengthy quotations themselves might frustrate lay readers. The most engaging sections center on McCabe’s own words, such as her succinct and illuminating recounting of the Nicene Creed and the key players involved. For the purposes of this exploration, McCabe treats all of these “revealed” texts as inviolably true and uncorrupted by millenia of translations, limiting the work’s utility for those who favor a more clinical approach to religious history. Others will balk at the premise: treating Mohammed as a true prophet in the Judeo-Christian religion. But her detailed explanation of each tradition is perfect for believers eager to expand their worldview.
While McCabe emphasizes the similarities in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (the sovereignty of God, codes of ethics), in the concluding chapter she acknowledges the immutable differences in the text of the various Revelations. But McCabe’s respectful treatment and analysis of the three religions is interesting on its own as she examines how religious traditions build upon earlier groundwork.
Takeaway: This measured look at the foundational texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will appeal to believers eager to understand the origins of their faith.
Great for fans of: Ahmed Deedat’s The Choice: Islam and Christianity, David B. Burrell’s Towards a Jewish-Christian-Muslim Theology.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
Kopecky offers plenty of wonky baseball stats and lamentations over missed opportunities for the game’s greats, such as Nelson Cruz and Mike Trout. He also places the sport in its larger context in an evolving and volatile world, acknowledging that the 2020 season was exceptional because players began to show unity on issues of racial inequality and injustice, and noting that several Giants players knelt during a “rousing gospel version of the [national] anthem.” At times, he questions whether the season should have been played at all during a public health crisis. Baseball, he philosophizes, could be considered “just a form of entertainment,” though it also provides “a needed psychological boost at a time when many are coping with the stresses occasioned by the pandemic and its consequences.”
Kopecky writes with a passion for the sport cultivated over many decades, as well as deep knowledge of the game’s complex statistics, sabermetrics, and unwritten rules. His book provides a thorough account of perhaps the strangest season in baseball’s 150-year history, one that fans will find both meaningful and enduring, particularly after the pandemic has ended and life has returned to something resembling normal.
Takeaway: Conversational, philosophical observations of the pandemic-shortened baseball season of 2020.
Great for fans of: Roger Angell; Stewart O’Nan and Stephen King’s Faithful.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Equal parts love story, business history, and how-to guide, this debut covers a lot of ground. Polajnar takes a unique approach to biography: Danny, the fictional protagonist, is a stand-in for the reader, more a vessel for the Login’s life lessons than a well-crafted character. His failures (such as his bungling of an interview with the Logins’ son) are difficult to care about–he’s a 2D character in a 3D world. Polajnar strives to fit everything into one story—the history of Outfit7, the account of its early development, and the enduring message of the company— but the fictional material overshadows the most interesting subject matter here: the entrepreneurs, the specifics of their day-to-day, and their search for meaning and success.
Polajnar draws from the Logins' unique approach to leadership valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and others looking for a change. This unusual biography touches on everything it takes to run a profitable company while also exploring why someone would want to start a business in the first place. (The Logins founded Outfit7, for example, to fund philanthropic environmental projects.) This is not just a business history, but a spiritual guide, and will appeal to self-starters looking to redefine success.
Takeaway: This unique biography, part business history and part self-help guide, advocates a more fulfilling life beyond monetary success.
Great for fans of: John Strelecky’s The Big Five For Life, James R. Nowlin’s The Purposeful Millionaire.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: C+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Both native Australians, Lawless and Bell offer readers a pitch-perfect immersion in their milieu, presenting a nuanced view of the nation and its people, refreshingly free from stereotypes. Furey's own prejudices come to the forefront when a trip to an Aboriginal neighborhood highlights Australian racism, and again when he meets the American commanding officer with his Southern accent: "…they draw out their vowels, like what they have to say is somehow more important than anything anyone else has to say." Although the novel’s episodic approach and lack of a strong central narrative blunts the force of its conclusion, the individual stories never fail to engage.
The most richly drawn character is Furey himself, scarred by his World War I experience and full of contradictions. He’s still deeply devoted to his late wife yet cranky around almost everyone else, especially the town gossip, whom he loathes. Despite being a Catholic, Furey hints at a mournful respect for an abortionist who offered her service to desperate women. The final mystery is a heartbreaking tale of forbidden love. "There is no redemption, and no one is saved," concludes Furey, but he has, in fact, spent the whole book saving himself, even as a final twist calls into question his reliability as a narrator. Readers will no doubt be pondering the good and bad choices the downtrodden characters make long after finishing the book.
Takeaway: Fans of classic police procedurals will revel in the crisp storytelling, fresh setting, and emotionally damaged sleuth.
Great for fans of: Ian Rankin, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+
Collison’s imaginative plot about the dystopian state of affairs in New Wild West health care will seem downright plausible to contemporary readers. The details ring true, especially about the burdens placed on nurses, which isn’t surprising considering Collison worked as a registered nurse herself for over a decade, specializing in emergency and critical care. Her characters are memorable, especially the crooked sheriff in town, who resembles a recent occupant of the Oval Office right down to the pejorative and racist names he applies to the virus, his false bravado about his health, and his thirst for retribution. Witty dialogue provokes chuckles in many places, and the milieu, which combines western tropes with the American present of NDAs and online college classes.
However, odd typography choice unnecessarily detracts from the serial’s unusual pleasures, as do many of the willfully peculiar character names (such as Balmy Wether, Stormy Wether, Calamity, and Big Dick in particular.) Sentences like scattering atoms sometimes make following the narrative difficult. As this is a serial story, the entire plot isn’t contained within these pages — leaving readers who haven’t read the previous entries struggling to keep up. Fans of Collison who have been keeping up with the serial will enjoy this episode; those who haven’t are likely to be confused.
Takeaway: This western serial’s sly take on the events of the day will engage fans of satiric storytelling, but is best read from the series’ start.
Great for fans of: George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Terry Pratchett, Al Capp.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B
Rowe weaves a compelling tale of the impact of childhood trauma on adulthood, and both Elena’s sexual assault and the loss of her mother reverberate through her adult life. Elena’s story is raw and unflinching, and She Remembered tracks her father’s remarriage, her own damaging romantic relationships (including dating Robert, a man her father’s age), and her stormy bond with her mother. It is only when Luke re-enters her life that a happy future seems possible, but he’s guarding his own secrets–secrets that could threaten everything Elena thinks about him and their past. Rowe does not offer easy solutions to handling trauma, and she effectively explores themes of attachment and alliance as she dramatizes a toxic mother-daughter relationship.
Memory fascinates Rowe, at times to the detriment of the storytelling. Much of the narrative takes the form of a recollection: Almost every chapter opens with “She remembered.” This slows the pace, and the choice not to offer the perspective of the present-day Elena who is actually reminiscing distances the reader from the protagonist. Readers will be disappointed to miss the impact of Elena’s memories on her present life, and some may find the resolution too convenient, but overall the involving plot and all-too-real turmoil will keep them engaged.
Takeaway: Readers interested in the long-term impacts of trauma and the nature of memory will find plenty of value in this novel.
Great for fans of: Kate Atkinson, Anne Enright’s The Green Road.
Production grades
Cover: C
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B
While the novel’s opening promises elements of mystery (Aiden’s pompous military advisor Colonel Aminu warns him not to trust anybody, even his own crew), the rest of the book is an epic space adventure written in the hard SF mode. The plot operates on a grand scale, featuring interplanetary jumping, rogue space pirates, and warring government factions. But, like its predecessor, Sun Wolf really shines on the micro level. Aiden is a likeable, honorable protagonist who commands a diverse crew of scrappy, well-intentioned individuals. With a team of nine (and counting), not everyone gets a chance to develop, but the well-crafted character dynamics add a personal touch to the wide-ranging storyline.
Actions, weapons, and scientific concepts are explained in-depth throughout, and the plot often feels secondary to the workings of the universe itself. It is not enough to have a ship travel at 92 percent light speed—the mechanisms by which it does so are explained and re-explained. The exposition can sometimes bog down the narrative, but Jeffrey gives lovers of the genre interesting perspectives on his concepts. Adventure fans and tech aficionados alike will appreciate this cosmic escapade.
Takeaway: This detailed space opera with a touch of mystery will appeal to those interested in the science of interplanetary adventure.
Great for fans of: Peter Watts’s Blindsight, Robert Charles Wilson’s Spin.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
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