The school I work was doing a Scholastic Book Fair and the trailer was really intriguing to my students. A young, bullied protagonist opts for remote learning to a rural school in Alaska where the attendance is just 13 students. When she gets the opportunity to travel to the state to meet her new friends, she discovers an abandoned school and gravestones listing all 13 of her classmates! What is happening in this paranormal, horror middle reader!

A horror political satire that is going to appeal to a certain demographic. A bizarre media source transforms closed-minded individuals and their audience into possessed violent zombies. Those trying to escape the chaos are pitted against this cult of monsters until society and civilization eventually deteriorate. A good premise, but the repetition of prose could have been tweaked and requires more editing.

This was fun, especially with the trend of romantasy being big now! A reinterpretatoon of the Arthurian legend as a naive, young Kansas girl struggling with her mental health is whisked away to the enchanted kingdom of Avalon. As she is held captive by the tyrannical 'dark prince', Mordred, she must discover her inner mystical gifts to liberate the land while battling her own feelings for her enemy in this first book of the Iron Crystal series.

Enemies to lovers trope as a high school teacher returns to her small town and still hasn't dealt with her feelings for her unrequited, bearded childhood crush. After a faux pas pairs her with her crush's loathsome twin brother, a comical courtship ensues as the pair navigate small town politics and personal ambitions in this steamy rom-com.

Based on the historical haunts and ghosts of Japan, this horror manga of gore and shocking imagery demonstrates the sins of man cursed by vanity, selfishness, greed, corruption, and cruelty. A morality story of karmic retribution taking place around Kyoto as the backdrop.

Thoroughly researched from articles, bios, essays, and her own personal memoir with Andrew Morton, this new take on the late Princess Diana Spencer explores everything, including her aristocratic background, her upper middle class upbringing and her relatability that made her the 'people's princess'. Growing up humble and down to earth, the book looks at her path to navigating a world of rigid expectations and the royal legacy she left behind.

Spokane, WA author, Jess Walters, returns with his latest concerning family ties and politics. A senior recluse living off the grid is forced to take in his grandchildren after his estranged, flaky daughter drops them off on his doorstep. Adding to this complication is his conspiracy zealot son-in-law and his extremist religious allies that are trying to take the children across state lines to Idaho reflecting our tough political climate.

Surrealist gaucho novel translated from Spanish and Portuguese. A dystopian future where extreme climactic changes creates a bleak planet where capitalism and the wealthy exploit the impoverished and suffering mainly in Argentina. From this horrible society, a mutant hybrid mosquito human is born known as Dengue Boy, a non-binary humanoid will rebel and will eat the rich with disease . A satire on politics, class, and environmentalism.

Ali Hazelwood is either hit or miss with me and Deep End is no different. Competitive college aquatic sports athletes end up in a torrid romance. Unfortunately, the female MC is unlikable and the promise of kink exploration never happens. It's all talk but no delivery and it's your basic vanilla flavoring. Also, the revelation at the end just irritated the heck out of me. Just an okay spicy romance read!

This book is bonkers! A mixture of body horror, cosmic chaos, and extreme horror. A junkie houses an evil entity known as The Divine Flesh that wants to bring about chaos. A visceral read of gore and grotesqueness that is metaphor for addiction and mental health that is both surreal and has elements of magical realism. Be aware there are plenty of trigger warnings in this title.

Remember the 80's film Mannequin with Kim Cattall? Yeah, this gives off this same vibes. A divorced, nerdy museum conservator in Chicago breaks a curse and sets free a medieval knight in armor from being a statue. Now, a fish out of water, the warrior must adapt to the modern world while wooing the woman who released him from an evil spell in this light and spicy rom-com.

Jude Deveraux is your classic historical romance author that is synonymous with the genre so the reissue of this time traveling title from the late 80's appealed to me. Sadly, this does not hold up. Instead of a strong female protagonist with a masculine name Dougless, we're treated to a whiny main character and a long winded plot line of a knight and ingenue.. In addition, the ending is terrible and convoluted. Hard pass on this one!

Inspired by serial murderess Giulia Tofana whose poison Aqua Tofana was utilized by 17th century women to rid themselves of abusive and dangerous men in Rome, this is a feminist historical fiction retelling of a women's liberation during the European Renaissance period. From her early teachings by her mother to building a network of accomplices, Tofana was a woman feared by the patriarchy and the corrupt Church.

Prepare for cuteness overload!!! Hakumei and Mikochi are teeny tiny, itty bitty, eensie weensie impish creatures living in an enchanted woodland forest where they live their daily lives from performing in town festivals, farming, preparing for winter, and riding beetles to and from in every adventure. They're so adorable, you want to have plushies made out them! For fans of farming games like Stardew Valley or Farmville in this manga!

Underneath this humorous memoir is a subtext of abuse and dysfunction. The matriarch of 'Dirtbag Queen' is Renay Corren, a non-practicing Jewish, chainsmoking, alcoholic, plus-size single mom raising six kids in impoverished southern community. Between her questionable life choices and her taste in partners, her son Andy always looks at the silver lining as he deals with his burgeoning sexuality and life decisions in this okay, slow paced read.

A new insight into the complicated and sibling -like bond between songwriting icons John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Author Ian Leslie uses their song list to paint a history that reflects their rise as struggling musicians to becoming the band known as The Beatles, detailing with documentation, journals, and interviews to showcase the difficult but loving relationship between the two including the breakup aftermath & impact of John's death.

Since my first introduction to Everett's earlier spy spoof Dr. No, which was just as brilliantly written, I'm so happy I finally got around to reading James. A more in-depth characterization of the supporting player to Huck Finn, James gives a more compelling story of slavery as told through the perspective of the protagonist. Here, Everett gives a better view of the Jim Crow era no shying away from bigotry, racism and violence. A must read!!

An adorable, teen rom-com. Out and proud, Joaquin is thrown a queer quince by his supportive father and sister. Much to the chagrin of his homophobic mother, rumors surface of a possible boyfriend leading him to a fake dating situation with his longtime crush until their agreement leads to real feelings in this charming young adult title.

A spicy rom-com set in the Scottish highlands of loch ness. Keyanna 'Key' MacKay returns to her ancestral home after her father's death to reconnect with her paternal relatives. A chance encounter with the rugged local, Lachlan, leads to secrets uncovered and a mystical connection to the legendary cryptid Nessie. It definitely fits the trope of shifter/monster romance.😉😅🤣

A M/M spicy rom-com that plays on the mythos of the holiday themed season. Rebellious 'Cole' Claus refuses to bow down to the old ways of a corporate, elitist Christmas tradition that is being instilled by the reigning Santa Claus, his father. With an arranged marriage to his BFF, an Easter royal, and all these PR nonsense, he finds a growing connection to his rival, Hex, the prince of Halloween. Think Red, White & Royal Blue but holiday themed!

A feat of lyrical beauty. Set during Elizabethean England, Alexander 'Sander' Cooke is young actor earning acclaim in both male and female roles while being a major player for Shakespeare. His partner is the outspoken Joan, a budding feminist who challenges the patriarchy. As their actions catch the attention of Francis Bacon and the queen, both are looped into political espionage and treason.

A romantasy novel of sexyal freedom and healing set during the 80's AIDS epidemic. Two gay friends, one of whom lost his lover to the disease, head off the annual decadence of the Fire Island celebration. There, they encounter the Disco Witches Coven who need assistance in ridding a threat of evil at the party. Enter hunky mythical creatures, the supernatural, and some queer pop culture and you have a fun gay magical realism story!

An epic cultural novel of classism, politics and gender roles. 1800's China, young Lotus Flower is forced into having her feet bound in order to land a wealthy husband. Instead, she sold as a servant to the ambitious heiress, Linjing, whose petty rivalry with her causes her family's downfall. Both forced into the strict, conservative Celibate Sisterhood, the pair will need each other to survive. For fans of Pachinko and Island of Sea Women.

All right hunties, let's kiki, spill the tea, and throw some shade in this UK drag queen mystery. When mild mannered queen, Misty Divine's drag mother, Lady Lady, does a literal death drop, it's up to this girl to solve the crime. Expect the wigs, boas, heels, and sequins to go flying in this hilarious, camp mystery as the characters werk and slay the investigation. Yaaaaas queen!

Demons, werewolves, and now aliens...Oh my! This was a fun, campy read as a wildlife biologist, a POC protagonist (score!), gets kidnapped by aliens and goes on an intergalactic adventure with some hunky, anthropomorphic extraterrestrials. Expect plenty of spice as this becomes Lara Croft meets Ruby Dixon!

A nice, quick page turner with an unreliable narrator. A woman is hired as a housekeeper for a wealthy family as things go off rails as secrets and lies are exposed on this psychological thriller.

Indie author Ben Alderson known for his spicy M/M romance finally gets a trad imprint deal! In his universe, a civil war brews between humans and the Fey leading to a halfling Robin Vale to be thrust in a realm of magic, government plotting, and political intrigue. Furthering this complication is his growing attraction to his Fey bodyguard Erix who helps realize his true heritage in this queer romantasy of A Court of Thorn and Roses.

This is such an emotional investment and if you enjoy Wally Lamb, this is another gut punch of family dynamics, trauma, and human empathy. A struggling father and husband allows his reckless behavior to end in tragedy which results in a prison sentence. While there, he realizes the brutal realization of the penal system as he seeks atonement and redemption for his actions. Another literary gem of thr human experience.

Beautiful prose gets lost in the translation in this literary novel set during the Anglo-Saxon period. A Viking brother and sister involved in a taboo situation (think Jamie and Cersi Lannister) has their connection threatened when sis is trained to be a village shaman and bro takes a spouse after a battle expedition. Cut to some confusing folklore and Norse mythology, and the plot becomes convoluted and confusing. Meh, for me.

An omnibus classic that combines two novels into one and was inspired by real-life people that author Isherwood encountered. In Mr Norris Changes Trains, a British expatriate meets an enigmatic man named Norris who is concealing secrets. In Goodbye to Berlin, the reader is introduced to a cast of Bohemian characters who would later influence the musical Cabaret.

Based on the popular webtoon, two mermen, Kappa and Prince Siren, rebel against their respective destinies and try to save the kingdom while trying not to fall in love. A cute, queet romantasy graphic novel.

There was so much buzz surrounding this title that I've been putting it off until now! Based on the life of the real colonial midwife, Martha Ballard, this historical fiction novel takes place in late 1700's Maine. When a body is fished from the icy river, Ballard is called upon for her medical expertise and journals exposing corruption and a sexual assault cover-up of its residents. Compelling read of feminism and women's health at the time.

The scariest thing about Andrew Joseph White's work is how real and gritty real life can be. In a highly politicized mining town in Appalachia, a trans teen must combat the heavy violence, governing corruption, and extremist views plaguing the community and long standing historical feud between the struggling and the wealthy. Guiding him is an ancestral spirit that will force him to face his deepest fears in this teen/YA novel

Indigenous representation is showcased here as a Native former detective turned tribal marshal searches for a missing rez college girl as well as many murdered women in the area. Aiding her is the mythical creature of folklore, the 'Deer Woman', who speaks for marginalized and forgotten. A commentary on the treatment of indigenous victims in this cultural crime thriller.

The New York Review of Books usually hits it out of the park with their reprints and this novel by late author John McGahern is no exception. Set in Ireland during the 70's, a struggling writer publishes erotica to make ends meet while caring for his ailing aunt. Enter a one sided affair with an older woman and our protagonist drowns himself in drink as he reflects on his life in this literary book of love, loss, and longing.

I was a big family of Suburban Hell and author Kilmer once again follows up with another comedy horror. A family road trip leads to a comical, surreal curse when they're plagued by a supernatural force. Just pure fun!

This had the potential to be a really great comedy horror set in the 80's, but fell flat. A group of boys are forced to sell newspaper subscriptions at might in their small town of Hampton Heights and encounter cryptids, monsters, the supernatural, and even witches. It's Stranger Things meets the Monster Squad, but the execution was off, and the humor was dull as dirt. Could not finish.

Despite the romanticized atmosphere of the television miniseries, the novel fleshes out the historical elements of a pre-Cold War world. A fresh college grad becomes employed in a government position to fight the 'Red Scare'. Meeting another official, he engages in a long queer affair that brings about themes of McCarthyism, Communism, lavender marriages, class, and gay rights in this literary novel.

A funny debut mystery series that encompasses Murder She Wrote with Scooby-Doo. A reluctant medium aided by the ghost of her murdered BFF tries to solve a murder mystery at a seance event. Also helping her is a possible love interest and a non binary character making this a unique read in the genre.

An indigenous spicy rom com with cultural representation? Say no more! Ember hides her tribal heritage to land an accounting job at a company. As she deals with jealous, backstabbing coworkers, she meets a hunky fellow Native IT guy who throws her career and love life for a loop in this romantic comedy.

A quirky comedy of a bestselling author and single mom who is visited by a guardian angel from her past who helps her get her life back on track while warning about a possible Apocalypse. Add in a possible new love interest and sea monsters and you have Chuck Palahnuik (minus the raunchiness) meets Christopher Moore.

Take a fanfic of Gaston Laroux's The Phantom of the Opera and mix in Dante's Divine Comedy and you have a spicy dark romantasy that is an epic brain candy. A New Orleans magic user investigates the murder of her mother and the disappearance of her sister in the deadly supernatural contest known as Phantasma. As she endures Hunger/Squid Games challenges, she gains the aid of a mysterious stranger who awakens her sexuality and power.

This read touches too close to home! As a former teacher turned special ed classroom aide, the book banning censorship thing is ridiculous! Told from teachers, educators, and librarians, it details the jumpstart of what it is detailed "lewd and obscene" to hateful rhetoric like anti-LGBTQ+, anti-POC literature, anti-cultural or religious groups and marginalized individuals made by bigoted organizations. Everyone should read what you want!

Based on the quote coined by General Pratt, "Kill the Indian in him, to save the man," the historical fiction novel details the forced identity removal of Native Americans after the tribal massacre like Wounded Knee. Told through several characters, mythology and folklore combine as they experience a cultural genocide being forced into reservation schools and the impact of losing their heritage in this gross display of American colonialism.

A cute manga of a department store that caters to anthropomorphic shoppers. New employee Akino must deal with entitled customers, picky extinct animals, toxic employees, and bad managers as she provides outstanding customer service. A metaphor for the retail industry perhaps? Either way, just a fun read!

An old-fashioned, scary story telling style as seen through the eyes of an eight year old girl named Bela. Unfortunately, Bela and her family are haunted by a malevolent entity referred to as 'Other Mommy' and what 'Other Mommy' wants, 'Other Mommy' gets. Don't read this at night because the goosebumps stir up!

A feminist interpretation of the notorious Hungarian serial killer Erzebeth Bathory, the Blood Countess, as told by a naive, young maid. Obviously, the references of her murders are mentioned, but done offstage, and her cruel personality is shown. However, the novel looks at the political turmoil happening around her estate, her detractors wanting her downfall, an epidemic plaguing the countryside, and her sadistic minions doing her bidding.

I'm sure we've heard about the urban legend of Go Ask Alice allegedly being true by an author going by the pen name Anonymous. Well, it turns out to be all a great big lie! Anonymous is actually a fraudster writer, Beatrice Sparks, an alleged psychoanalyst from the Mormon church embellished stories of troubled teens to push a moral agenda as cautionary tales. Here, the book examines her exploitation of real teens for profit and exposes her!

A Quentin Tarantino film come to life in novel form. An all girl rock band moonlight as deadly vigilantes as they track a dangerous serial killer. However, they run afoul of the local mob boss leading to a bloody confrontation, guns blazing, and explosions in this action packed crime thriller.

One of the most unique literary fantasies released in 2024. A combination of Medieval history, folklore, religious references, and myth blended with existential themes. Basically, the setting is an enormous citadel ruled by a matriarchal society that is subdivided by various boundaries that is inhabited by various classes of humans and enchanted creatures. However, internal conflicts and governing tensions fail to see the looming threat coming.