Categories
The Fright Stuff

Horror Fans Just Wanna Have Fun

‘Sup, Scaredy Cats? It’s me, Emily, back with more stuff to keep you scared. Hey, here’s a question. Why is being scared so fun? Maybe it’s the adrenaline. It’s like riding a rollercoaster, right? Or maybe we’re just weirdos. Maybe it’s a little bit of both. If you love being scared and you love having fun, do I have some recs for you. Stay tuned.

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Bookish Goods

horror movie cookbook

Horror Movie Cookbook by Debbie Wubben

What could be more fun than cooking up some recipes inspired by your favorite horror movies? This self-published horror-themed cookbook is limited edition, so make sure to grab yours now! Recipes are all hand drawn and handwritten, using watercolors and ink, and include beverages, appetizers, sides, entrees, desserts, and even pet treats! $49.50.

New Releases

cover of Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase

Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase

Womb City is an Africanfuturist horror novel that’s described as The Handmaid’s Tale meets Get Out. Nelah is trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who monitors her every move using a microchip. When Nelah accidentally kills someone in a car accident, she tries to hide the crime from her husband and the world. But the ghost of her victim won’t let Nelah’s crime remain a secret for long.

Cover of Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Not Quite A Ghost by Anne Ursu

If you’re doing the Book Riot Read Harder challenge this year, maybe add this one to your TBR list for middle grade horror. Or, you know, if you’re not doing the challenge, just add it to your TBR list anyway. When Violet moves into her new house with her new family, she’s excited to have a new stepfather and a new sibling. She’s less excited about having a creepy room up in the attic. Especially when she realizes she might not be alone up there.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

cover of the last final girl

The Last Final Girl by Stephen Graham Jones

You’ll probably see Stephen Graham Jones mentioned a lot in this newsletter because he is such a prolific author, and all of his horror novels are so good. But this one is especially fun, as it’s written like a film script, so you experience this slasher story as if you were watching an over-the-top B horror flick. Lindsay is a homecoming princess who barely escaped a bloody death at the hands of a killer wearing a Michael Jackson mask. Now, Lindsay is assembling a group of final girls to replace her original homecoming court. This time, it won’t just be a fight for survival. This is a fight to become the Last Final Girl.

cover of Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Illustrator Michael Rogalski had a lot of fun with this horror novel, which is designed to look like an IKEA catalogue. This book is about a haunted IKEA-like furniture store called ORSK. To find out what’s going on in their store, a group of employees agree to stay after hours, and…weird stuff happens. The illustrations throughout this one are so great, and they get creepier and creepier as the story goes on.

Have fun being scared, horror fans! See you next week. In the meantime, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams!

Categories
Book Radar

Get A First Look at Casey McQuiston’s “Spiciest” Book Yet and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

Happy Monday, and welcome to another Book Radar. It’s been a cold, rainy month, and it’s supposed to rain here for the rest of January, pretty much nonstop. But it warms me to read books and talk about books with other people who love books. So, thanks for being here. Thanks for reading. And if you ever want to talk to me more about the books you’re reading and what you’re excited to read next, feel free to reach out! In the meantime, let’s talk about more books.

Book Deals and Reveals

the pairing book cover

Today has a first look at Casey McQuiston’s third adult novel, The Pairing, which they say is their “spiciest” book yet: “I think I’ve been building up my confidence as a writer to be able to publish spicy romance without being self-conscious or embarrassed about it.” You can check it out for yourself when it comes out on August 6.

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis’ memoir Scar Tissue has been optioned for a big-screen adaptation. Kiedis will produce the project alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Chili Peppers manager Guy Oseary.

Here’s the cover reveal of A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang! It’s out from St. Martin’s Press in October.

And here’s the cover of Diana Renn’s The Owl Prowl Mystery, designed by C.B. Royal at Fitzroy Books/Regal House. This middle grade eco-mystery hits shelves on August 13.

Elle has shared the cover of Laura van den Berg’s new novel, State of Paradise. This one’s out in July!

Scholastic has announced that an illustrated edition of The Hunger Games is coming out later this year.

The Los Angeles Public Library has become one of the few public libraries in this country with its own press, joining the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library.

Here are 15 book-to-screen adaptations coming in 2024. Add these books to your TBR before these movies/TV shows come out!

We Need Diverse Books has announced this year’s winners and honorees for the Walter Awards.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Prepare Your Shelves!

the tainted cup book cover

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Ray, February 6)

The Tainted Cup is a genre-bending new novel and the first in a new series from Shirley Jackson and Edgar Award-winning author Robert Jackson Bennett. Think classic mystery in the vein of Sherlock Holmes but with a fantasy spin. This one is so fun, so prepare your shelves because it’s coming in early February! So exciting.

Ana Dolabra is an eccentric but extremely talented private investigator who has quite the reputation for being able to uncover the truth behind the most puzzling of crimes. Now, she’s been tasked with solving the case of the mysterious death of a high Imperial officer who dies after a tree erupts from his body.

Joining her on the case is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, an engraver who has been magically altered to have a perfect memory. Ana insists on wearing a blindfold at all times and refuses to leave her home, and so Din becomes her eyes. But as Din and Ana grow closer to uncovering the mystery, Din realizes that the biggest mystery of all is Ana herself.

What I’m Reading This Week

cover of Rouge by Mona Awad, showing a red rose against a black background. a smoky red flame is floating up from the middle of the rose

Rouge by Mona Awad

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Where You End by Abbott Kahler

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

Out There Screaming, edited by Jordan Peele

Bookish Memes

My husband just finished reading a book I read in, like, 2020. And now he wants to talk to me about it. I know I loved this book, but like…this reel feels really relevant to me at the moment.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tabby cat looking up

I’m cat-sitting this week, so you get to see a new cat! What a treat! Here’s Ramona, everyone! She’s a sweet girl who’s really vocal and snuggly. Everyone say hi to Ramona!

Anyhow, that’s all I’ve got for you today. As always, it’s been a pleasure. It means so much to me that you take the time out of your day to do book things with me. Have a lovely week!

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Did Taylor Swift Write ARGYLLE? And More Book Radar!

How goes it, Book Friends?

I’m doing pretty well. Got my hair done today. Got to cuddle some cats. Got to eat some pizza. Can’t complain. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about what really matters. Taylor Swift. Wait…no, it’s books. Of course I meant to say books. Let’s talk about books! (But also a little bit about Taylor Swift.)

Book Deals and Reveals

argylle book cover

Elly Conway, author of the new novel Argylle, which has already been adapted into film, is an author shrouded in mystery. Who is Elly Conway, really? Some people are sure the novel was actually written by Taylor Swift. But Argylle director Matthew Vaughn says it’s not true: “There is an Elly Conway who wrote the book, but it’s not Taylor Swift.” Sorry, Swifties.

Paste revealed the cover and an excerpt from The Hunter’s Gambitthe latest novel from Ciel Pierlot. The novel is out on June 25 from Angry Robot Books.

Isabela Ferrer And Alex Neustaedter have been cast to play young Lily and young Atlas in Sony’s adaptation of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. It Ends With Us is getting a theatrical release on June 21.

OMG, more news for Swifties?? Here’s the cover of Kat McKenna’s Look What You Made Me Do, a look at fandom culture. It’s out from Gallery YA on May 9.

Taiwanese American writer Gracie Marsden will publish Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice with Viking. The publisher described the book as a “dark, historical feminist fantasy novel immersed in Taiwanese mythology” that follows “a woman on a path of revenge and redemption.” A publication date has yet to be set.

Amy James will publish her debut adult romance novel with Avon has part of a two-book deal. A Five-Letter Word for Love is set for a December release.

Bindu Bansinath, staff writer at The Cut, will be publishing her first novel, Men Like Ours, with Bloomsbury. The book will be published in 2026.

These are the 23 most clicked-on books featured on Book Riot in 2023, from fantasy to literary fiction and more.

Here are the books that all the book clubs are reading for January 2024, plus how to join in the discussion.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Can’t Wait for This One!

sacrificial animals book cover

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen (St. Martin’s Press, August 20)

There’s nothing I love more than adding all the new horror novels to my TBR list at the beginning of the year. Especially when a horror novel’s premise sounds as promising as this one does.

This debut novel from Kailee Pederson draws heavily from the author’s own experiences of being adopted from Nanning, China, and growing up in Nebraska on a farm. Pederson’s novel also pulls from Chinese mythology. All of this adds up to one chilling tale of supernatural horror mixed with family drama.

Nick Morrow left his home in Nebraska in the hopes of putting all of his family trauma in the past. But when his abusive father, Carlyle, asks for Nick and his brother Joshua to return to the farm before he dies, neither son can say no. Nick has certain expectations for what returning to Nebraska will mean. But nothing could prepare him for what actually happens there.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“When you age, wrinkles don’t make you older. They make you look more like yourself…Everything comes to the surface eventually.”

The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing…I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

Are you ready for your first Read-A-Thon for 2024? For me, it will be Black-A-Thon, which is in its 5th year this February. Check out all of the details on this great Read-A-Thon, hosted by Jesse on YouTube. Will you be joining me? What are you planning on reading?

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

tuxedo cat on a bed looking sassy

We’re ending today’s newsletter with this pic of Remy looking absolutely sassy on top of his favorite bed. This is basically where he lives at the moment. He’s there right now. He was there this morning. He will be there tomorrow. Is he ok? Who knows? He’s a cat.

And… that’s all, friends! See you Monday!

Emily

Categories
The Fright Stuff

2024 is Already a Good Year for Horror Reading

It’s Monday, which means I’m back, horror fans! It’s time to chat about everything going on in horror at the moment. And I just have to say I’ve already read some really exceptional horror books this year. Which ones, you ask? I will tell you, but first, let’s chat new releases and things.

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Bookish Goods

horror knife bookmarks

4 Pack Horror Character Knife Bookmarks by BxmbshellCreations

Is your year of reading also off to a great start? You know what thing that could make it better? This 4-pack of horror-themed bookmarks featuring famous slashers in the shape of knives. What’s not to love? $18.

New Releases

a place for vanishing book cover

A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

If you love gothic horror, this YA novel is going to be for you. After Libby is diagnosed with bipolar III, she and her family are looking for a fresh start and a little normalcy in their lives. But when they move to their new home, it turns out to be anything but normal. Between the rumors about the disappearances connected to the house and the strange boy who lives next door, Libby knows something is wrong. But her mother refuses to accept anything that would thwart their dreams of a new beginning.

cover of This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer; illustration of a mountain climber hanging from a rock face shaped like a skull

This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer

Wilderness horror fans will want to pick up a copy of Jenny Kiefer’s This Wretched Valley. Dylan, Clay, Sylvia, and Luke are determined to be the first people to climb a newly discovered cliff in the Kentucky wilderness. Seven months later, the climbers’ bodies are discovered. Only Dylan is still missing. What happened to the four friends?

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Black Paradox cover

Black Paradox by Junji Ito

In the first few weeks of 2024, I’ve already read some amazing backlist horror books, including the manga Black Paradox by Junji Ito. In this book, a group of people meet online and make plans to end their lives together. Instead, they open up a portal to another world, and their lives are changed forever.

this thing between us book cover

This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno

Here’s another incredible backlist title you should definitely check out if you haven’t already! This cosmic horror story is a poignant meditation on grief and depression. And it all starts when Thiago and Vera get a strange Alexa-like technology called Itza. At first, the Itza just does weird things, like ordering dildos for the house. But then there are weird scratching sounds in the wall. And Thiago starts having strange nightmares about a door.

I hope your January has been going as well as mine. Enjoy your reading this week, and I’ll see you next Monday. Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Categories
Book Radar

Keanu Reeves Teams Up with China Miéville for Sci-Fi Novel and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Hello, and welcome to another Monday edition of Book Radar. I’m here to bring you all the buzz on all the books. I know I mentioned it in the last newsletter, but wow. It’s really cold here right now. I made a giant pot of soup and have been surviving off of it for the past several days. You want the recipe? Here you go. Enjoy. And now books.

Book Deals and Reveals

the book of elsewhere book cover

Did you see this coming? Keanu Reeves has written a sci-fi novel with China Miéville. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to announce that I’ve partnered with one of my favorite authors, China Miéville, on the novel The Book of Elsewhere,” Reeves shared with GMA in a video announcement. “The series tells the story of an immortal warrior’s fight through the ages, and I love the world of BRZRKR so much that I wanted to explore it further, and I thought one of the best ways to do that is through a novel.” The book comes out in July.

Here’s the cover reveal of The Boy from Two Worlds, Jason Offutt’s sequel to The Girl in the Corn. It’s out from Camcat Books this June.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Netflix is releasing a 14-episode series adaptation of One Day by David Nicholls. One Day premieres February 8.

Random House will publish Lisa Marie Presley’s posthumous memoir in collaboration with Presley’s daughter, actress Riley Keough. The book will be out this October.

Simon & Schuster has acquired the world rights to Bill Maher’s What This Comedian Said Will Shock You. It’s set for a June release.

Here are the most popular books on Goodreads in the last decade, including all sorts of genres and authors.

Zadie Smith, Paul Murray, and Naomi Klein are among the authors who have been shortlisted for the Writers’ Prize, which was formerly known as the Rathbones Folio Prize.

Here it is! Book Riot’s most anticipated books of 2024! Be sure to look for mine in the list. 😉

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Prepare Your Shelves!

the breakup tour book cover

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (Berkley, January 23)

Raise your hand if you love a good second-chance romance! We’ve got a good one coming very soon, so prepare your shelves. Also, I have to shout out this cover because it is a vibe.

Anyway! Singer-songwriter Riley Wynn became an overnight sensation after she released a breakup album featuring a hit single no one can get enough of. But when her ex-husband claims the song is about him, Riley is determined to set the record straight. And so she contacts her old college flame, Max Harcourt, the guy the song is really about.

When Riley asks Max to go public as the real inspiration for the song, he will only agree under one condition. He wants to go on tour with her. As the two travel the country together, they begin to wonder if what was in the past shouldn’t stay in the past. And, well, you know how these things go! Lots of chemistry and fireworks, etc.

What I’m Reading This Week

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight cover

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

Out There Screaming, edited by Jordan Peele

Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

Where You End by Abbott Kahler

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

Bookish Memes

The Golden Globes memes are hitting, and these bookish ones are really, really hitting.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

an orange cat curled up on a blue blanket with a book nearby

My goal this week is to cuddle up with a blanket and a book and a cat, and well…dreams are coming true!

Hopefully, you got some book and cat cuddle time over the weekend as well. If not, hey, it’s Monday, but take a break! You’re allowed!

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

Akwaeke Emezi Reveals New Book Cover and More Book Radar!

Book Radar Friends!

It’s Thursday, and the weather is freaking wild this week! It’s cold outside, and it’s supposed to snow all weekend. I’m excited to maybe cuddle up with a kitty, some books, and a warm cuppa tea. But before we do all of that, we gotta talk book news.

Book Deals and Reveals

little rot book cover

Akwaeke Emezi has a new novel coming out later this year, and a few days ago, they revealed the beautiful cover of their eighth book! Emezi writes, “Little Rot is an absolutely unhinged story set in the underbelly of a Nigerian city.” It’s out on June 18.

Rainbow Rowell is releasing her first adult novel since Landline. Slow Dance is coming in July.

Tor.com has revealed the cover of Paolo Bacigalupi’s new sweeping literary fantasy Navola. It’s out from Knopf on July 9.

Here’s the cover reveal of Wendy Chen’s debut novel Their Divine Fires, which is described as “a gorgeously poetic family saga that begins at the dawn of the Chinese Revolution and spans 100 years to trace the intricate lives of four generations of Chinese and Chinese American women grappling with history, obligations, betrayal, and love in order to come into their own power and learn not just how to survive but flourish.” It’s out on May 7.

Little Golden Book is making a children’s book version of Alien. A is for Alien: An ABC Book will teach children their ABCs using illustrations from the sci-fi horror movie. The book is set to release on July 9, 2024.

Andrew Garfield and Cynthia Erivo have signed on to lead Audible’s audio adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984. Andrew Scott and Tom Hardy will also star. The audio drama is set to release in April.

Speaking of Andrew Garfield, the actor has left Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, Jacob Elordi will take on the role of Frankenstein’s monster.

Skydance has bought the adaptation rights to the Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan in the hopes of turning it into a franchise.

Connect with book lovers all over the world by following 17 of the best bookstores and libraries on TikTok.

Based on trends and data, and including everything from fantasy to romance, these are the next big TikTok books.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Can’t Wait for This One!

one of our kind book cover

One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon (Knopf, June 11)

Nicola Yoon is one of those YA authors that never misses. Everything, Everything? Great. The Sun is Also A Star? I’m not ashamed to say I cried my eyes out. And this is wild, but I only realized a few years back that she’s married to David Yoon. Nicola and David launched a YA romance imprint by and about people of color in 2020. Talk about a power couple!

But Nicola Yoon isn’t going to stop there, because this year, she’s releasing her debut adult novel One of Our Kind. Not only is the cover absolutely gorgeous, but this book sounds incredible. I mean, it’s described as The Stepford Wives meets Get Out. Sign me up.

The story begins with Jasmyn and King Williams moving their family to Liberty, California. In this Black utopia, the Williamses hope to find a community of like-minded people who care just as much as they do about social justice and making the world a better place. Instead, Jasmyn is dismayed to discover that everyone in the community seems more intent on ignoring the outside world.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Women got that feeling about him, that funny one we all get when we know something isn’t right, but we don’t know how to politely extricate ourselves from the situation without escalating the threat of violence or harassment. That is not a skill women are taught, the same way men are not taught that it is okay to leave a woman alone if what she wants is to be left alone.”
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of an orange cat that looks like they're smiling being held

I hate that I’ve had to work so much this week because all I really want to do is cuddle with this cutie! Just look at his little happy face! Maybe this weekend, with the cold weather, I’ll get more cat cuddle time. I hope you get some, too, if you have a cat this cute in your life.

And…that’s it! Stay warm this weekend, friends. January is Januarying!

Emily

Categories
The Fright Stuff

New Year, Same You. But New Frights!

Horror fans, it’s been ages, and I’ve missed you over the holidays. Now 2024 has begun, and while it’s a new year, The Fright Stuff will remain the same newsletter you’ve come to know and love. Get ready for another year of thrills, chills, etc. I know I am!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Bookish Goods

the black cat candle

The Black Cat Candle by EPluribusLtd

As you set your reading goals for the year and settle in for your next read-a-thon, why not light your way with this eerie candle, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat?” And if you want more candles for your Poe-inspired collection, this Etsy store also makes candles inspired by “The Tell Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” “The Gold Bug,” “Annabel Lee,” and “The Masque of the Red Death.” Each handmade candle is $26.

New Releases

rabbit hole book cover

Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody

Rabbit Hole is a debut horror thriller that looks at the dark side of true crime. Theodora “Teddy” Angstrom’s older sister, Angie, went missing 10 years ago, and the case remains unsolved. Now, Teddy finds herself falling down the Reddit rabbit hole, trying to uncover the truth behind what happened to her sister. But will she be able to find Angie? Or will she self-destruct?

cover of The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan; photo of woman kneeling on pillows with a red veil over her head

The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan

This horror fantasy novel takes place in a haunted mansion by the sea, Akbar Manzil. After a painful loss, Sana and her father move into the estate, hoping for a fresh start. But in Akbar Manzil, there is a room that’s been locked for decades, and behind that locked door is a room frozen in time, marred by tragedy.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

cover image of Fever Dream by Samantha Schweblin

Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell

Looking for some quick horror reads to get your reading goals off to a good start? Here are some amazing horror novels in translation that are right around 200 pages. Fever Dream is a mind-bending novel that starts with a woman waking up sick in a hospital bed. A young boy sits at her bedside, and she speaks with him, trying to make sense of what happened to her.

cover image for The Hole

The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun, translated by Sora Kim-Russell

The Hole is another novel of psychological horror. Ogi wakes up from a coma following a car accident that killed his wife and left him paralyzed and disfigured. Now, his mother-in-law is in charge of his care. But as she mourns the loss of her only child, she often neglects to care for Ogi and leaves him alone in his bed. The only thing Ogi has left to remember his wife is her garden in their front yard. So when Ogi sees his mother-in-law digging up the garden his wife had spent so much time cultivating, he is confused. And his mother-in-law, digging bigger and bigger holes in the garden, insists she’s simply finishing what her daughter started.

Happy New Year, everyone! I am excited to share more scary reads with you all year long. Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Categories
Book Radar

Sapphic Astrological Romance Incoming and More Book Radar!

Hi Book Friends!

It’s Monday, which means it’s Book Radar time. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you’re ready to dive into books. I’ve got a lot of stuff to share with you today. Let’s gooooo!

Book Deals and Reveals

looking for a sign book cover

Here’s the cover reveal for Susie Dumond’s sophomore novel Looking for A Sign, perfect for lovers of romance and astrology. This queer romance follows Gray, who’s on a mission to date one person of each zodiac sign to find her perfect match. It’s out on June 11.

And here’s the cover reveal of What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould, featuring an illustration by Peter Strain. It’s out on December 10.

Here’s another exciting cover reveal: Before & After You & Me by Dallas Woodburn. This contemporary YA novel is coming on May 7th from Owl Hollow Press.

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst will become a published author two years after her death. Kryst’s mom, April Simpkins, said that one of her daughter’s dying wishes was getting her book — By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness — published. It will be released on April 23.

Alice Hoffman has announced a new book for young readers. When We Flew Away explores the life of Anne Frank before the diary. It’s out in September.

Here’s an excerpt from The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. This book was just announced as the January 2024 pick for The Today Show‘s “Read With Jenna” book club.

Attention horror lovers! Start your new year off right with a fright and check out these scary reads for January of 2024.

Start your new year with a bang with Book Riot’s January 2024 horoscopes, paired with new books from Kiley Reid, Bora Chung, and more.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Prepare Your Shelves!

kinning book cover

Kinning by Nisi Shawl (Tor Books, January 23)

Nisi Shawl’s acclaimed debut novel Everfair came out in 2016. I think we can all agree that 2016 seems like a gazillion years ago. But the wait for the sequel to Everfair is almost over. Kinning will be out later this month!

Kinning is an alternate history novel that picks up where Everfair left off. The Great War is over, and Everfair has found peace. Now, our heroes are looking to spread the revolutionary message of Everfair to the rest of the world. Everfair is a symbol of hope, equality, and anticolonialism, but can they keep the dream alive? Or will outside forces prevail?

Kinning imagines a utopian Afrofuturistic world and digs deeper into the realm of sci-fi and fantasy than its predecessor. This imaginative novel will definitely have people talking just as much as Everfair did, so make sure to add it to your TBR ASAP!

What I’m Reading This Week

this thing between us book cover

This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno

Black Paradox by Junji Ito

Out There Screaming, ed Jordan Peele

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

Bookish Memes

We all know Ben Affleck loves his Dunkin. Sometimes, too much. Here are some excellent bookish memes featuring Ben Affleck struggling while drinking Dunkin Donuts.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Murray, an orange cat sitting under a Christmas tree and looking up at the camera

The Christmas tree is still up, friends. And I think it has to be until I finish viewing all of my Christmas movies. Still, I think Murray might be judging me a little bit? Also, hey, check it out; we got an Echo for Christmas.

And that’s all I have for you this Monday! I hope you have a wonderful week, and I hope your reading year is off to a good start. Happy New Year!

Emily

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Book Radar

Rebel Wilson’s Memoir Coming Soon and More Book Radar!

Happy New Year, friends!

This is such an exciting time of year. A time to set new goals and start fresh, yes. But more importantly, it’s a time to look forward to all new book releases and the unforgettable reads that will define our upcoming year. What will be the best reads of 2024? Only time will tell. But for now, let’s talk books.

Book Deals and Reveals

rebel rising book cover

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, actor and comedian Rebel Wilson told the publication that writing her new memoir Rebel Rising was a “gut-wrenching” and “emotional” experience. The book is out from Simon & Schuster on April 2.

Reese Witherspoon’s first book club pick of the year is First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. Witherspoon says, “This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”

Good Morning America‘s first book club pick for 2024 is The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan. Read along and join the conversation all month long on GMA’s Instagram account.

Get your TBR list ready. Here’s BookBub’s most anticipated books of 2024.

Vulture has also released their list of most-anticipated 2024 books.

Paste has a list of their most anticipated fantasy releases of 2024.

Here are the new fantasy, science fiction, and horror books out in 2024 that Goodreads users are most excited to read!

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Can’t Wait for This One!

children of anguish and anarchy book cover

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi (Henry Holt and Co, June 25)

It’s almost time! The last book in Tomi Adeyemi’s YA fantasy series is coming out later this year. And dang, this might be my favorite cover of the three. It’s very eerie and mysterious, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

In this third and final book in the Legacy of Orisha series, the monarchy has finally fallen and the maji have risen once more. But that doesn’t mean Zélie’s troubles are over. King Baldyr, the ruler of the Skulls, now aims to harness her powers for his own gain.

If you’ve been following this trilogy, then you know how exciting, thrilling, and truly magical it is. And if you have yet to read these books, then now’s your chance to catch up before the final one comes out in June. Even if you normally aren’t a YA fan (or a fantasy reader), this is the kind of series that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. And the first book in the series, Children of Blood and Bone is set to be adapted into a feature film.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“I always imagined that everyone’s Sunken Place would look different, a manifestation of our own personal horrors.”

— Jordan Peele, Out There Screaming

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing…I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

I love checking out BookTube around this time of year because everyone’s posting their best-of lists and their most anticipated books of the year. Here are some of my favorites:

Enjoy!

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

a photo of a calico cat lying on a towel

If you are a cat parent, then you know that they just go wherever they want, whenever they want. Like, for instance, this morning Cersei decided to curl up next to the coffee maker. Maybe for maximum warmth? Who knows?

With that, our first Book Radar of 2024 comes to an end! Thank you for being here with me, and here’s to an amazing year ahead, friends!

Emily

Categories
Book Radar

2024 is Going to Be a Great Year and More Book Radar!

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to the final Book Radar newsletter of 2023. It’s been a fun year, and I thank you for being here with me for it. Last week, we looked at some of the best books of 2023. Now, as we get close to the New Year, it’s time to look at what we’re looking forward to in 2024. Are you ready?

Book Deals and Reveals

Electric Lit shared an exclusive cover reveal of Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg. The cover was designed by Lynn Buckley. The novel will be published by Hogarth on May 28th, 2024.

Hulu Japan has announced that it is producing a live-action adaptation of Yukito Ayatsuji’s The Decagon House Murders (Jukkakukan no Satsujin). It has not been revealed whether it will be a film or a series, but it will debut in March.

Here’s the cover reveal of Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid. This feminist retelling of Macbeth is set to be released on August 6, 2024.

Here are the biggest TikTok book recommendations of 2023. Surprise: Colleen Hoover didn’t make the cut this year.

From history books to award-winning literary fiction to memoirs, here are the books Barack Obama named as his favorites of 2023.

Surveying the data reported from 19 public libraries across the country, here are the top 10 most popular books in 2023.

New year, new audiobooks! With 2024 just around the corner, here are 10 of Libro.fm’s most pre-ordered books of winter 2024.

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

It’s happening, readers — we’re bringing paperbacks! Whether you (or a reader you know and love) hate carrying around bulky hardcovers, you’re on a budget, you want a wider range of recommendations, or all of the above, you can now get a paperback subscription from TBR, curated just for you by one of our Bibliologists. The holidays are here, and we’ve got three different levels for gifting (to yourself or others) to suit every budget. Get all the details at mytbr.co.

Most Anticipated Books of 2024

the eyes are the best part book cover

The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim — This debut horror novel is at the very top of my TBR list for 2024. After the death of her father, Ji-Won is the one who has to keep her family together. But she can’t stop thinking about eating eyes.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid — If you read Kiley Reid’s debut, Such A Fun Age, you’re probably excited for this January release just as much as I am. Millie Cousins is a college student just hoping to get by. So when visiting professor Agatha Paul offers Millie an interesting research opportunity that pays well, how can she refuse?

The Hunter by Tana French — Every Tana French novel is an absolute must-read for me. There’s no one out there consistently writing mysteries as good as hers. Period. In this sequel to The Searcher, former Chicago police officer Cal Hooper has moved to rural Ireland to retire and build a life with a local woman named Lena. He also forms a bond with teenager Trey Reddy. But then Trey’s father comes back into the picture. And along with him, he brings an English millionaire and a scheme to help the whole town get richer.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay — I’m already expecting this Paul Tremblay novel to be one of my favorites of the year. Yes, expectations are high, but this premise sounds so good. Back in 1993, a group of young filmmakers spent four weeks making an art-house horror film that would become a cult classic despite the fact that it was never released. Now, three decades later, there are talks of a major Hollywood reboot.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé — Here’s a YA novel I can’t wait to read in 2024. Sade Hussein is a high school student who just transferred to the elite and prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school for her junior year. But when Sade’s roommate goes missing, everyone suspects the new girl has something to do with it.

Can’t Wait to Watch in 2024

Here are some book adaptations that I’m super excited to see in 2024!

American Fiction — This one is technically already out, but it gets a wide release in January, which means most of us will get to see it in 2024. This is an adaptation of the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, so if you haven’t read this novel, check it out now before you see the movie!

Heartstopper: Season 3 — This one is self-explanatory, yes? Heartstopper seasons 1 and 2 were absolute delights, and I can’t wait for the third season, which just wrapped filming.

Wicked – Okay, so I haven’t actually read the novel Wicked, but I’m a big musical theater nerd, and I love this musical. Wicked, Part 1 is out in November 2024. It’s a while from now, but I’m marking my calendar all the same.

Bridgerton: Season 3 —The third season of Bridgerton will explore the long-awaited romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Part 1 premiers on Netflix on May 16th, and Part 2 on June 13th.

A Gentleman in Moscow — Here’s another novel I need to read before the adaptation comes out! But I love anything Ewan McGregor does, so I’m totally on board with this one. The series will be available on Showtime at some point in 2024.

And Here’s A Dog Picture!

Here’s something a little bit different. I was dogsitting this week, and I got a cute little pic of these two together. The tall guy is Monty, and the little guy is Sammy.

And yeah, you might notice I was reading Heartstopper: Vol. 5 with the guys. 2023 has been the year of complete Heartstopper obsession for me!

Anyway, that’s all for 2023, friends. See you next year!

Emily