On Monday, I shared the five games that I am looking forward to being released this year. Well, today I thought I would share the fire books that I am looking forward to. Let’s take a look!
As with my games post, I do have a few honourable mentions. The first just narrowly missed making the list and the other two are here because it isn’t even confirmed they will release this year. Here are the honourable mentions:
- The Lost Take of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi.
- In Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune.
- The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss.
- The Winds of Winter by George R.R. Martin.
OK, now let’s take a look at my top five books releasing in 2023!
5. The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz.
At the number 5 spot on this list is The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz. In this sci-fi novel, an analyst for the Environmental Rescue Team, Destry, uncovers a city that isn’t supposed to exist whilst on a mission to terraform an Earth-like planet. The decision that Destry then makes will have lasting repercussions that will be felt by her protege, Misha. I haven’t read anything written by Annalle Newitz but the premise of The Terraformers does intrigue me and I would love to pick it up when it releases at the end of the month.
4. Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee.
Switching from sci-fi to fantasy, my next pick is a novella written by Fonda Lee. Untethered Sky is definitely a change from Fonda Lee’s The Green Bone Saga, as it follows a young woman who is determined to get vengeance on the creatures that tore apart her family. In order to do this, she must bond with a roc, a giant legendary bird. I love fantasy novels that have a human/animal partnership and I loved reading Jade City, so I can’t wait to see what Fonda Lee does with this novella when Untethered Sky releases in April.
3. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty.
Sticking with the fantasy, we are taking to the seas with The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi. Amina al-Sirafi is a retired pirate who is content to leave her former life behind, until she is offered one final job that could set her family for life- rescue a former crewmate’s kidnapped daughter. The chance for one last adventure and an opportunity to do good is too hard for Amina to resist but she soon discovers there is more to the job than meets the eye. I loved S. A. Chakraborty’s The Daevabad Trilogy and I will definitely be picking up her latest novel when it releases in March.
2. Starter Villain by John Scalzi.
Speaking about authors whose novels I love, this next pick is Starter Villain by John Scalzi. I was first introduced to John Scalzi with his Old Man’s War and absolutely loved it. So, when I hear he has written a novel about someone who has inherited their mysterious uncle’s supervillain business, I know this is going to be a fun read. Unfortunately, Starter Villain doesn’t get the top spot on my list, just because there aren’t a lot of details about it; however I’m sure we will hear more about it closer to its release in September.
1. Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo.
And at number one, it is Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. This is the second novel in the Alex Stern series and will pick up right where the first novel, Ninth House, left off so I won’t go into the plot summary. However there is a promise of intrigue and mystery, which if Hell Bent is anything like its predecessor, it will make this novel a blast to read. I won’t have long to wait, as Hell Bent releases in January!
And those were my top five novels being released this year! I would love to know what books you are looking forward to, so let me know in the comments below and I’ll talk to you soon!
A Reluctant Hero 