The Bookish Mindset

Each year always brings about new great releases and this one is no different. Here are some of my favourites so far of the year, with a couple that are out over the next few months!

Jaded – Ela Lee. Oh where to start with this book? A heart-wrenching but necessary read of sexual assault in the workplace and toxic relationships. An incredible debut and easy five stars from me.

The Principle of Moments – Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson. Another amazing debut, but this time in the sci-fi genre. This one is for anyone that loves a space saga and absolutely for fans of Star Wars. The first in the trilogy and I’m itching to get my hands on the next one.

The Eternal Ones – Namina Forna. If you’ve been around here a while you’ll know I’m obsessed with this series and I was absolutely not ready for it to end (I bawled). This is YA fantasy trilogy, with badass women at the centre, fighting against the patriarchal world they live in. Cannot recommend this series enough.

The Glass Cliff – Sophie Williams. Our first non-fiction of the list and this one is a corker. If you’ve loved Williams’ other work then absolutely pick this one up. The Glass Cliff asks the question what happens once you’ve smashed through the glass ceiling? A must read if you’re in corporate.

The Last Bloodcarver – Vanessa Le. The first in a duology, this Vietnamese inspired YA fantasy really intrigued me. Bloodcarver is a dying art – the art of controlling blood in others bodies is a specialist skill. A clever debut and I’ll definitely be picking up the second.

Midnight Ruin – Katee Robert. Another firm favourite over here. This is number six of the ten book series and honestly, the best way to describe it is filthy fun with a sprinkle of drama.

A Tempest of Tea – Hafsah Faizal. Another very easy favourite for me – any book set in a tea shop will always score high and this is no different. Think vampires (and some werewolves) and a beautiful tea shop. Just go and buy it and thank me later.

Faebound – Saara El-Arifi. Another duology but this time it’s an adult romantasy. I’m not always a romantasy fan, I can happily keep them separated, but I really enjoyed this and will absolutely be picking up the next one.

The Chain – Chimene Suleyman. Another necessary read and this time it’s a memoir. Suleyman found herself in a relationship with a man that is toxic to say the least. As she tries to understand it’s abrupt ending, she begins to unravel the chain of women he has hurt.

Allow Me To Introduce Myself – Onyi Nwabineli (due May 2024). I was a huge fan of Nwabineli’s debut Someday, Maybe so I was really glad to enjoy this one too. What’s the impact to the children who are paraded over social media by their parents in the chase of stardom? This book asks that and more. Make sure you pre-order this one!

For Such A Time As This – Shani Akilah (due June 2024). Another to pre-order and one of the best debuts I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long while. This is a set of short stories around of group of friends in London, looking at the love and friendship between them. This will be huge, get this on order now!

Monstrum – Lottie Mills (due May 2024). From the BBC Young Writer of the year 2021 comes her debut collection of short stories. Brilliantly crafted creepy tales about those outcasted by our unforgiving society.

Blessings – Chukwuebuka Ibeh. A beautiful book guaranteed to break your heart. This is one of those literary fictions that will haunt you in the most beautiful way. Obiefuna is sent away to boarding school when his father learns of his attraction to boys. A must read.

Remember, Remember – Elle Machray. A brilliant story of rebellion and treason and I am so excited to hear what Machray does next. Their debut is a clever retelling around the Gunpowder Plot but it’s so much more than that. Queer love, riots and plotting, this book has it all.

Phew, what a list! If you’re looking for more new releases then you should check out my patreon page – each month there’s a brand new list of new releases. It covers a wide range of genres, focusing on marginalised voices and debut authors.

Make sure you leave a comment below if any of these catch your eye!

You can find all these recs and more in my Bookshop.org store here.

Last updated 30/04/2024